Beer Battered Fish

Back in March my husband and I took at trip to Seattle. It was our first trip without kids and it was FANTASTIC (and secretly, I can't wait to do it again). You can't go to a coast state and not eat some sort of seafood. We were on Pier 57 (I think) and they had a place called the Oyster Bar. We had seen people eating this fish and chips the previous day and they looked to die for. Being preggers I was a little nervous (cuz seafood doesn't always settle well, usually shellfish more so). We ordered us some fish and chips and they tasted just as good as they looked. Ever since then I have craved good fish and chips. I did a little searching and found this recipe and needless to say we all had 3 pieces of fish!

2 lbs frozen cod, thawed (ours was just fresh not frozen)
1 c. flour, plus*
1/2 c. flour, to dredge
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp paprika
cayenne, to taste
2 (12 oz) cans cold fresh beer*
oil, for frying

Stir together flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne. Stir in enough beer to make batter just thick enough to coat a spoon. Somewhere between 1-2 cans.

Set batter aside while you heat your deep fryer to 375.

Cut the cod into strips or big chunks, however you like it. Lightly coat fish in flour shaking off excess.

When oil is heated, dip fish in batter then fry fillets 2-3 at a time until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve w/ fries and tartar sauce.


*I did 3/4 c, flour and 1/4 c. cornstarch
*We used gingerale instead of beer


Tartar Sauce

1 c. mayo
1 Tbsp sweet relish*
1 Tbsp minced onion
salt & pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Mix everything together and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

*I used dill relish and did 2 Tbsp
*I only did 1 Tbsp lemon juice 

Ham & Pineapple Sandwich's

I can't take credit for this recipe. We were just at my parents house this weekend and we had them for dinner. This pregnant momma loved them and probably could have eaten 3 of them.

Sliced ham
sliced pineapple
bbq sauce
cream cheese
rolls

Heat the ham & pineapple. Spread cream cheese on bread. Layer ham and pineapple and drizzle bbq sauce on the top. Close up your sandwich and enjoy! It's super easy and super yummy.

*word to the wise* don't skimp on the cream cheese :) 

My pulled out of the air chicken recipe...

For Cinco de Meyo I knew we need some spanish type of food. I had been craving chicken and cream cheese (the joys of being preggers) but I knew I needed more than just that. So here is what I came up with...
2 chicken breasts
salsa, to taste
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz can diced green chilies
chili powder (depends on how spicy you like it)

Season chicken with  chili powder. Cook on low 4-5 hours. Shred chicken. Add salsa and cream cheese and green chilies. Cook about 30 min or til heated through.

Serve in tortillas with sour cream, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.

*Next time I want to add a can of drained black beans to the crockpot just for extra flavor and substance.

**My husband always likes my cooking but this meal he complemented me 5 times!!! So it's a keeper in our house.

Dill Pickle Dip

I grew up on Nalley's Dill Pickle Dip. We loved that stuff! My husband thinks I'm a little crazy for it but that's okay. We always have Dill Pickle Dip at Christmas, it's tradition. Well this past Christmas (2011) we found out that Nalley is no longer making their dips. This saddened my family greatly. I didn't let it stop me though. I knew there had to be a way to make your own. So I found a recipe that is very similar in looks, flavor, and all to the Nalley brand dip.

1 pint sour cream
8 dill pickles, chopped
1/4 c. pickle juice
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp mayo

Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

*I used a little more juice than what it calls for. I started with less than a 1/4 c. and just kept tasting and added till I liked it. My sister who is a picky eater even approved!

Homemade Gravy

1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1/4 c. flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 c. turkey or chicken stock, heated
1 Tbsp heavy cream

In lg saute pan, cook butter and onions 12-15 min, until onions are lightly browned. Sprinkle flour into pan and whisk in, add salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 min. Add stock and cook uncovered 4-5 min, until thickened. Add the cream and serve.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Chicken:
4 lg. chicken breasts
1 sleeve Ritz, crushed
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 c. milk
3 c. cheese, shredded
1 tsp dried parsley

Cut chicken to desired size. Dip in milk, then cheese, then Ritz. Place in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with parsley. Cover and Bake at 400 for 35 min. Remove foil and bake 10 more min or til browned.

Sauce:
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 Tbsp sour cream
2 Tbsp butter

Mix sauce ingredients in sm pan. Heat through. Serve over chicken.

Orange Chicken

3 lg. egg whites
1 c. cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 c. peanut oil
4-6 chicken breasts, chunked

Combine cornstarch, baking soda, cayenne in a lg ziploc bag. Mix well. In a med. bowl mix egg whites. Dip chicken in egg then toss in the cornstarch mix. Remove and fry in oil 5-10 min or until browned and cooked.

Serve with your favorite orange sauce