Jamie Lou's Carnitas

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. - Revelation 2:5

1 Smithfield pork shoulder seasoned carnitas, found at Publix

1 onion, sliced and sautéed 

1/2 c water

1/2 t Garlic 

A few turns cracked black Pepper

1/4 c Cilantro 

1/2 t Onion powder

Place sautéed onions on top along with seasoning.

Add water.

Crock pot on high for 1 hour then low for 7 hours.

Serve on warm flour tortillas with cheese, fresh cilantro and creme fraiche or sour cream.

Bush's Cocina Latina Refried beans and Potatoes Bravas, a Publix recipe, are a great accompaniment.

Bacon Minestrone Soup

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 

16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."  - Psalm 91:15-16

3 strips bacon, diced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 onion, chopped

3 large carrots, chopped 1/8 inch half chunks

3 T chicken base seasoning 

Stir fry the above ingredients in a cast iron Dutch oven.

When veggies are soft add the following ingredients.

1 qt. Water

1 ear of corn, shaved

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 

1 T tarragon

1/2 t rosemary 

1/2 t basil

1/2 t cilantro 

3 bay leaves

1/2 t garlic granules

A few twists of smoked salt

A few turns of Cracked black pepper

Simmer 20 minutes and add 1 c uncooked ziti noodles and simmer an additional 12 minutes. 

Serve with cornbread. 

Buttermilk Mascarpone Sausage Balls

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:34-35

1 lb. sausage, chunked

3 T buttermilk

2 T mascarpone 

1 t dried Tarragon 

1-1/4 c Pioneer buttermilk biscuit mix

1-1/4 c cheeses blend( I use half Hoop cheese and half smoked Gruyere)

Mix in food processor.

The texture is gooey.

When baked they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Form balls, about the size of a quarter.

Bake on parchment in preheated 400 degree oven for 22 minutes.

Knock Your Socks Off Tuna

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 

5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 

6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. - Revelation 1:4-6

2 cans Albacore tuna, drained

1 small lime, juiced and stirred into tuna

1/2 c Cream

1/2 c water

1 c cooked Egg noodles

Add the cream, water and noodles to tuna.

Set aside.

3 T clarified butter

1/2 c Trader Joe's 3 cheese Italian blend

1/2 t Garlic granules 

3 button Mushrooms

1/2 Onion, chopped

1/2 Leek, chopped

1/2 bag rice carrots corn peas Streamables

Smoked salt, to taste

Cracked black pepper, to taste

Topping

1/4 c Trader Joe's 3 cheese Italian blend

1/4 canned onion rings, crushed in hand

1/4 c panko bread crumbs

Place butter in skillet and sauté the onion, leeks, mushrooms, add veggie mix and seasonings.

Add veggie mixture to tuna mixture.

Top with topping and bake preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Watch, you may have to cover with foil after 15 minutes to prevent over browning.

Cheater Chicken Gravy Biscuits

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live." - Ezekiel 18:32

I'm sharing this recipe because it's a time saver for busy mom's!

No cooking fried chicken, just buy it!

This can be a breakfast, lunch or dinner dish.

You can use Chicken fingers or a breast from a deli.

The amount of chicken depends on how large a crowd you are serving.

I've have used Publix, Zaxby's, Chick Fil A or Walmart. 

I use Mary B's buttermilk biscuits because they taste like scratch biscuits.

This amount will serve 2.

4 Chicken fingers or a whole fried breast, cut into bite size pieces

1 c Milk

3 T Heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 t Garlic granules 

3 T Flour

3 T Olive oil

Place oil in a large skillet and heat.

Add chicken, it should sizzle.

Begin to fry, sprinkle seasonings over chicken.

Add the flour over the chicken as it fries.

You might have to add more oil if the flour is still dry. 

You want the grease to absorb the flour.

Add the wet ingredients, stirring to incorporate. 

The gravy should begin to thicken pretty quickly.

Taste and adjust seasonings for your taste.