Orzo Salad

1 C Orzo prepared per packaged and cooled

1 T Capers

1 Tomato seeded and chopped

Salad Dressing.  I like Garlic Expressions. Have used Italian or just oil and vinegar in a pinch. 

Combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Ravioli with Tomato Butter sauce

14.5 oz can diced Tomato. I like Huntz Fire Roasted. 

3 T butter

1 T Red Wine Vinegar

1 large clove Garlic minced

3/4 T Italian Seasoning

1 t salt

Bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce to a simmer for 30+ minutes stirring occasionally. Crush tomatoes at end.

1 tray prepared Ravioli. Italian sausage variety for the above sauce is very good. 

On high, Heat 2 T butter and a healthy turn of EVOO. In two batches, lightly brown Raviolis - two + minutes. - plate and set aside.  Set heat to high. Add 1/4 cup water to pan and return Raviolis. Cover and steam for two + minutes.  

Remove Raviolis to a large plate. Pour sauce over Ravioli. Sprinkle with Parmesian cheese and Basil.

Enjoy with a salad and red wine.   

Beef and bean stir fry

2 T sugar

3 T soy sauce

2 T lime juice

Pinch crushed red pepper

2 garlic cloves minced

2 T peanut oil

1 Sirloin steak, sliced thinly across grain. 

Green beans

1 red pepper, cut into strips

1 t corn starch

1 cup cooked rice

Combine first six ingredients and steak in a plastic bag.  Allow to marinate 15+ minutes. 

Remove steak and whisk cornstarch into reserved marinade. 

Stir fry steak in 1 T oil. 

Remove steak and stir fry green beans and bell pepper. 

Add marinade to vegetables and fry to thicken. 

Add steak to vegetables to reheat. 

Serve over rice. 

Beer Braised Brisket

6 cloves garlic

2 T brown sugar

2 T Dijon mustard

2 T EVOO

1 T pepper

1 T cumin

1 T paprika

1 t cayenne pepper

1/4 cup kosher salt

Combine ingredients in food processor to make a paste.   Rub on brisket. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Bring to room temp before continuing. 

2 onions thinly sliced

12 oz lager

Scatter onions in large roasting pan. 

Set brisket in pan fat side up.  

Add beer to pan and cover with foil.   

Braise in a 325 oven for 5-6 hours. 

Remove foil and brown brisket under broiler 5-10 minutes. 

Allow Brisket to rest for 30 minutes before slicing. 

Serve with onions and pan drippings. You may want to reduce drippings by boiling for several minutes. 

 

Beef Brisket - Texan

1 Brisket

2 t Liquid Smoke

Spread Liquid Smoke over the Brisket. 

2 T oil

2 T minced garlic

2 T chili powder

2 T Thyme

2 T Oregano

10 shakes of Tobasco

1 T pepper

Mix to make a paste and then spread over Brisket. 

Sear Brisket 5+ minutes both sides.  Alternatively, do this on the grill. 

Wrap Brisket in 4 layers of foil. 

Bake in a large pan for one hour at 350. 

Reduce heat to 225 and continue to bake for 4+ hours. 

Allow Brisket to rest for 30 minutes before slicing. 

Serve with pan drippings. You may want to reduce drippings by boiling for several minutes.
Aim for 160.