Paula's Sexy Oxtails or Short Ribs

This is a MUST TRY!

I’m currently reading Paula Deen’s Memoir and she’s so sweet to include some recipes! I made this the other night with beef short ribs and honestly, I think I had 3 helpings!!

Sprinkle house seasoning over the short ribs and lay them in a big casserole dish. Sprinkle them with soy sauce – not drown them, just toss them. Cover them with sliced onions and a bay leave or 2, about a cup of water, and tightly cover with foil. Put in a 325 oven for 3 hours. When it’s ready, serve over buttered rice. (I had never tried buttered rice before I made this and - do it! It’s sooooo good!) You will love this simple and boldly flavorful dish!

House Seasoning: 1 c. salt, ¼ c. black pepper, ¼ c. garlic powder mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Mommy Girl's Spanish Rice

1 c. rice
2 T vegetable oil
1 T butter
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 c. chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1 large clove of garlic
1/2 c. tomato sauce

In a large skillet heat the oil and butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook untikl brown, about 3 minutes. Add 1 c. chicken stock and turn heat to medium. Cook until liquid is almost gone (about 5 minutes). Add additional cup of chicken stock, bay leaf and with the back of a large knive, crack the garlic clove and add it too. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. Check after 5 minutes and add a little more liquid if needed (water). Add 1/2 c. tomato sauce. Keep covered, simmering until done. Check and add water as needed.

Sausage & Rice

I found a great recipe for toasted rice. Toast 2 cups of rice in 4 Tbs. of butter until brown (about 5 min.). Add 2 c. chicken stock and 2 c. water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 more minutes. I added sautéed onions and bell peppers.
We grilled up some jalapeño sausage from Trader’s and some apple gouda sausage from Costco that the kids love. It is preservative, nitrite, and nitrate free.

Dirty Rice

Fat Tuesday is next Tuesday, the 8th, so here is a little early Mardi Gras recipe!!

Arroz Con Pollo

Our dear friend Gretchen made this meal for us and it is amazing! I recommend using leftovers for burritos.

1 cup uncooked rice
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn (1 cup frozen)
6 (4oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup salsa
1 cup marinara sauce
½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
½ cup scallions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup shredded cheese

Spray 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread the rice over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the beans, corn, and chicken over the rice and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Poor chicken broth over mixture. Set aside. In a large bowl combine the rest of the ingredients minus the cheese. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle with cheese.

For dinner tonight... Preheat the oven to 350 F (175C). Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
If you make a double and want to freeze half... Before baking, cover the dish with foil. Label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking as directed above.