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No Fuss Marinade for any Meat
Basic Marinade:
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves
One recipe will cover:
4 to 6 (1-inch) thick filet steaks, 6 ounces each
4 strip steaks, 12 ounces each
4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast, 6 to 8 ounces each
4 center cut pork loin chops, 8 ounces each, 1 inch thick
Basic Pan Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped shallot or onion
4 mushrooms, crimini or button, finely chopped, optional
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef or chicken stock (if you are making chicken use chicken stock)
Combine marinade ingredients in the bottom of a shallow dish. Season
meat of choice with salt and pepper and set meat into marinade and turn
to coat. Allow meat to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add marinated meat to
the pan and cook 5 or 6 minutes on each side. Remove meat from the pan
to a warm platter. Add butter to the skillet, chopped shallot or onion
and mushroom bits (optional) then sauté for 3 minutes over medium
heat. Add flour to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Whisk in stock and reduce for another minute. Pour pan gravy over the
meat and ser
Orzo with Cheese:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans (14 ounces) chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups orzo pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano or Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Preheat an 8 inch pot with a tight fitting cover over moderate heat.
Add oil, onion and garlic and sauté for 2 or 3 minutes (until
onions are clear). Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir in
orzo and return broth to a boil.
Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally,
or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender. Remove lid and stir in
cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
For added flavor, your favorite fresh herbs may also be stirred into
the orzo.
Serve with a garden salad and you have a meal in no time.
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