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Reader Recipe: Greek Penne and Chicken

YumSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:00:31 -0700

Audreystar says she's been on a Greek cooking kick lately, and she's not alone. I've also been somewhat fixated on feta cheese recently, and this Mediterranean mix of chicken, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and feta looks incredibly yummy.

I love that she found the recipe while looking for a way to use up her surplus of fresh parsley! Leftover herbs are always inspiring my dinners, too. This dish looks like a fast and easy weeknight meal, so to get her recipe plus step-by-step photos, read more.

Submitted by TeamSugar Member audreystar

Greek Penne and Chicken
Greek Penne and Chicken

I had some leftover fresh parsley I needed to use up and googled this recipe. It sounded so yummy and boy was it!

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta (You might want to use less than 16 oz., say between 8 & 16)
1 1/2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces (I cheated and got the pregrilled, bagged chicken to save time)
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts in water (or the canned marinated artichoke for more flavor)
1 tomato, chopped (with the tomato scare and my laziness I got the canned tomatoes instead)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Directions

In a large pot with boiling salted water cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat melt butter, add onion and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Add chopped chicken and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Drain and chop artichoke hearts and add them, chopped tomato, feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, dried oregano, and drained penne pasta to the large skillet. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Not my hands, my hubby's, didn't want you to think I had "Man Hands"
Season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve warm.

I served mine on a plate with a side Mediterranean Mix salad and two pieces of toasted Rye Garlic Bread.

Up close and personal!

You guys, this was SOOOOOOO good. I have been on a Greek cooking kick lately, have you noticed?

Next time I will be using a little less pasta. On the link of the recipe above some people reviewed it and said they would use the marinated artichoke hearts instead of the plain because it would add more flavor but I thought this had lots of flavor.

I will DEFINITELY make this again. I couldn't get enough of it.

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Where's The Beef?

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:03:45 -0800

It turns out that January is a big month for hamburgers. Not only is January the month that the word hamburger first appeared in print, but it's also the month when Wendy's famous "Where's the beef?" commercials began. Twenty-three years ago little ol' Clara Peller received a burger with a massive bun causing her to ask "Where's the beef?"

You can checkout the commercial over at GiggleSugar, or you can indulge with the secret recipe for a juicy Wendy's Original Burger. read more

Wendy's Original Burger
From Secret Restaurant Recipes

Serving Size: 1

1/4 pound ground chuck
1 plain jumbo-sized sandwich bun -- (potato kind)

=== CONDIMENTS ===
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Heinz ketchup
Mustard -- as needed
3 slices Heinz genuine dill pickle - (thin slices)
2 iceberg lettuce leaves - (to 3)
2 white onion rings - (to 3)
1 tomato slice
Cheese -- (optional)

Cooking Directions:
Using waxed paper, form the 1/4 pound of beef into a 4-inch square patty.
Refrigerate until you're ready to cook.

Pre-heat an electric griddle to 375 to 400 degrees. After it's ready, toast the bun faces lightly...about 30 seconds. Don't brown as much as the McDonald's or Burger King buns. Set the bun(s) aside.

Cook the fresh or thawed burger patty about 3 minutes on the pre-heated griddle, salting the top immediately after laying it down. After 3 minutes, turn the patty over, salt again, and cook for 3 more minutes.

While the burger is cooking, dress your toasted top bun in the following order: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Heinz ketchup; 3 thin slices Heinz genuine dills; 2 to 3 rings of fresh sliced white onion; 1 tomato slice; 2 to 3 iceberg lettuce leaves; 5 to 6 squirts of yellow mustard, evenly spaced.

After the meat is finished cooking, drain the excess fat by tilting to the side and applying pressure with your free hand. Place the patty on top of the dressed bun, and add the toasted bottom bun.

Turn right side up, and eat -- or wrap in a 12- by 12-inch sheet of foil and allow to sit in a warm place 3 to 5 minutes before eating.

This recipe yields 1 burger.

Comments: If you'd like the classic Wendy's double, cook two patties, and dress the bun the same. If adding cheese, use only "real" American cheese and place it on top of the dressed bun prior to adding the cooked beef. Double cheese? Do the same.

For Wendy's classic bacon cheese burger, cook the burger and dress the bun as directed above. For the bacon, use Oscar-Mayer Ready-Made pre-cooked bacon. Simply microwave 2 slices for about 30 seconds, and add to your burger between the cheese and the beef patty.

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Announcing Our Thanksgiving Recipe Challenge!

partysugar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:00:34 -0800

Calling all home cooks: Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we want you to share your tried and trusted recipes in the community. Just join the Kitchen Goddess group and go hog wild! Does your giblet gravy get rave reviews? Do people fight over the last of your sweet potato casserole? Is everyone always asking for the secret to your green beans? Now's your chance to show us what you've got. Upload your recipes along with a photo and a brief description of the dish to the Kitchen Goddess group. All month long, we'll be selecting our favorite recipes and featuring them here on YumSugar. Imagine the satisfaction you'll have on Thanksgiving dinner when you sister-in-law says, "this stuffing is the best I've ever tasted," and you coolly reply, "I know. It was featured on YumSugar. I'll send you the link to the recipe." So what are you waiting for? Start typing up those recipes now! To learn how to post recipes, check out this guide.

Desperate Housewives Rundown, "Careful the Things You Say"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:30:07 -0800

It's another typical week on Wisteria Lane in the latest episode of Desperate Housewives. It's not the most scandalous episode thus far, but there are still plenty of lies, secrets, betrayals -and it all ends up with Susan behind bars.

To discuss what else went down with the ladies, just read more.

Susan: After Angie's warning, Susan is now dedicated to making sure Katherine is investigated for Julie's attack. Unfortunately the cops seem less interested with Susan than with their sandwiches and pickles, but a female officer named Debbie offers to take the case. Of course, nothing is ever that simple with Susan, and it turns out that she made Denise's life hell back in high school by giving her the nickname of "Moose." Naturally, Moose still wants revenge and she gets it - by throwing Susan behind bars for shooting Katherine.

Lynette: Lynette's pregnancy is put on the back burner this week, and instead she finds herself deeper in the midst of Julie and Nick's drama. She tries to tell Nick to back of Susan's daughter, but when Nick threatens Lynette, she decides it's time to go to the police - against Julie's will. I was glad that she didn't let Nick scare her into silence with Tom, but I still think Susan won't be pleased when she discovers that Lynette has kept another secret from her.

Gaby: Gaby's life as a tutor quickly comes to an end. When Juanita refuses to learn from her mom, their new housekeeper Ivana steps in to help. Gaby is thrilled with her new life that doesn't involve teaching or scrubbing floors, though it's pretty amazing when Gaby has to do a few chores to get Ivana out of a bind. In the end she explains to Carlos that tutoring is ruining her relationship with Juanita, and Carlos lets her off the hook. Meanwhile, where are Celia and Ana? Suddenly behaving like perfect little angels?

Bree: Bree is put into an awkward situation when a dinner date with the Bolens turns out to be an audition for Angie to take Katherine's spot with Bree's catering company. Clearly put off with Angie's demeanor, Bree blows her off - until a client comes in wanting some old-fashioned Italian food. Bree tries to manipulate Angie into giving up the recipes, but Angie finds Bree out. The ladies learn they have more in common than they thought, and Bree agrees to give Angie a job. I'm enjoying this new partnership, especially since Bree is so uncomfortable around Angie. Meanwhile, Orson continues to try to unravel Bree's lie about the brooch, but doesn't make much progress.

Angie: I have to say that I kinda fell in love with Angie this week. Though she's clearly the hardass of Wisteria Lane, she seems genuinely sweet trying to impress Bree with her cooking skills and offering Lynette a glass of wine. She even takes Nick back after admitting that she knew about his affair with Julie all along - though not without a swift punch in the face first. She may have a checkered past, but Angie seems to be able to take care of herself just fine.

Did you like this week's episode? Are you starting to root for Angie or do you still think she can't be trusted?

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:30:12 -0800

This week's CW drama block may have its share of cool guest stars like N.E.R.D. and Samantha Ronson, but, on the whole, it's a total mess. On the one hand, you've got the unstable girls of 90210 having emotional breakdowns at the drop of a hat; on the other, the Melrose Place residents are busy sneaking around to cover up their crimes. Personally, I was a bit annoyed by all the over-the-topness - especially you, Annie. Oh, and you, Ivy. But hey, at least it gives us a few surprising moments.

Ready to dissect each show and decide which packed more punch? (Warning: major spoilers!) Take a peek at my arguments and then weigh in with your own when you read more.

90210 point: Sasha is officially a nut job. First she tells Dixon that she's pregnant, but when Debbie gets wind of it, she questions Sasha even further to catch her in her baby lies. But the best part? When Debbie says the line, "It starts with you're not pregnant, and it ends with stay away from my son." Oh, snap! Congrats Debbie, you just went up a notch on the list of cool TV moms. Sasha backs off, telling Dixon she had a "miscarriage."
Melrose Place counterpoint: Did David kill Sydney? They sure try to make it seem that way. David tells Ella that he was blackout drunk that night after finding out that Syd was sleeping with his father - and then he has a flashback where he wakes up with blood all over himself and a knife in his hand. I gasped a little over the big reveal, but I'm not entirely convinced that David wasn't set up by someone else.

90210 point: Annie is getting in way over her head with Jasper, and unfortunately, she seems much too insecure to dig herself out. When Navid hears that Jasper is a dealer, he tells Annie and she confronts Jasper about it. Jasper wigs out, making Annie cry and beg forgiveness. Later, we see Jasper selling drugs to someone, so we know the rumors are true. For more on his buyer, keep reading.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Jonah makes out with Kendra, the hot movie producer, literally within the first five minutes of the episode. (That didn't take long.) He stops things from going further, but when he comes clean to Riley, he gets on her case again for her kiss with Auggie. She apologizes profusely, but the damage has already been done. By the end of the episode, I was thinking, Wait, did they actually just break up?! I don't think so, but if you stuck around for next week's promo, things do not look good for the engaged couple.

90210 point: Jen is back, throwing around her prima donna wicked attitude. She walks in on Ryan during his date with the bartender from the previous episode and goes into attack mode with the verbal jabs. ("You look older closer up.") Ryan is actually turned on by her jealousy, and the two become exclusive. But what I can't understand is why, after he knows that she lies, does he actually trust her story about Liam coming on to her? He totally buys it!
Melrose Place counterpoint: Auggie finally gives his a-hole boss Marcello a piece of his mind, er, fists. Marcello passes off one of Auggie's recipes as his own, and then he makes a few lewd comments about Riley - and you know how Auggie feels about Riley. He starts swinging, knocking Marcello out. Back at the apartment later, Violet shows up, and in a moment of what I can only blame on Auggie's emotional distress, the two finally knock boots. I'm guessing this means we'll be seeing Violet's worst kind of crazy very soon (right before she and Auggie say sayonara).

90210 point: Adrianna is inching closer to her previous life of drug use. It starts when she plays a song asking for Navid's forgiveness. (So cheesy!) He turns her down, so she continues sulking in bed, sobbing. Silver and Naomi want her to go to a meeting so she can stay clean, and with due concern - at the end of the episode, we see her buying from none other than Jasper.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Ella's squeaky-clean client, Jessie, is hospitalized with major cocaine in his system, so she begs Lauren to write a fake report citing an allergy as the cause of his stay. Lauren refuses. (Anyone else confused about why Lauren continues to take the high road, despite her side prostitution gig?) Ella then discovers a wad of cash in Lauren's room and realizes her Pretty Woman secret. Of course Lauren denies the accusations, but no matter - Ella decides to let her star take the fall anyway and promises to never question Lauren again.

90210 had way more melodramatic outbursts, but those ladies were so crazy that it kind of turned me off. (You girls give women a bad name. Even Violet seemed normal this week compared to you.) So I'm giving this week to Melrose by default: I was genuinely shocked at David's bloody flashback and the fact that Jonah has suddenly broken out of his perfect-fiance persona. I expect scandal from someone like Auggie or Ella, but from Jonah? Come on!

Do you disagree? Were you actually loving all of the melodrama on 90210?

Don't forget that you can also keep the conversation going over in the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community. Check it out!

Photos courtesy of The CW

Do You Believe in Keeping Family Recipes a Secret?

partysugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:50:12 -0700

House Rundown, "Instant Karma"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 -0700

This week's House continued to stick to the tried-and-true show recipe, and our favorite doctor was there pulling the strings - even if he isn't technically in charge. The episode answered one or two of my previous questions, and while the writers quickly tied up the dilemma involving last week's death of the dictator (breathe a collected sigh of relief), I highly doubt that Chase and Foreman's shared secret is just going to be swept under the rug for good.

I'm curious to see how everything plays out, but for now, take a look at my questions (some spoilers!) from this week's episode and share your thoughts when you read more.

Foreman brings up a good point, when will House get back his license? I'm interested to see how long they drag it out for, although I do kind of like to see him play the annoying backseat driver to poor Foreman.
Why isn't Chase a little more nervous about the M&M presentation at the beginning? He seems a bit too cocky about getting away scot-free.
Thirteen! Man, I love seeing her and House spar. Wilson is right - she's the only one who doesn't get sucked into the "House vortex." I know she's boarding a plane at the end, but I think she'll be back, don't you? Once Jennifer Morrison leaves, it would be strange to have just Chase and Foreman debate the odd medical scenarios.
Speaking of Cameron's departure, it definitely seems like the writers are going to use Chase's secret to cause a rift in their relationship. First, they keep showing her alone in bed night after night, but then she asks him what was going on, and he continues to dig himself even deeper into the lie. When she does learn the truth - I'm thinking soon - there's going to be a huge blow-up.
Why is it that House's pervy comments always make me laugh?! I love this one that he said to Thirteen: "I wasn't talking to you; I was spying on the MILF in the running shorts." Ha!
I think this episode really shows a softer side to House. It started when he tells Foreman, "You're going to be a good boss, Boss." Awww, is that an actual tender moment from the crotchety doctor?! And then he goes on to save Chase and Foreman from their M&M review, and he tries to bring back Thirteen? House may say his heart is "three sizes to small," but he is spreading good will all over the hospital - well, good will for House at least.
Anyone else find the "Midas" dad kind of annoying? I don't dig his cocky attitude, and I was actually more interested in how things were playing out between the doctors than the actual medical case in this episode.
Here's a real philosophical question for you: Do you think that in some karmic way, that the father getting rid of his fortune really does help his son? House seems to be deep in thought over it at the end of the episode - or maybe he's questioning taking over the team again?
I love the moment where Chase tells House that he will always be in the guy in charge, but perhaps House is doubting his leadership. He does tell Cuddy that the combination of puzzles and power proved to be a bad mix for him. Still, I'm ready to see him running the place again, even if he pretty much already does.

What'd you think of the episode? Do you think House may be turning into a softie? Will he take over the reins from Foreman? And how will Thirteen finally make her return (if she does)? I want to hear all your hypotheses!

If this didn't satisfy your House hunger, head over to the House Group in the BuzzSugar Community to keep the conversation going!

Photo courtesy of Fox

How to Quickly Clean a Whisk

partysugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:50:56 -0700

For years I hated when a recipe required whisking. Not because it hurt my wrist, but because cleaning the whisk was such a pain. Until one day, while doing the dishes, I had a light bulb moment. The dirty whisk was sitting in a small bowl filled with soapy hot water. Without thinking I quickly swirled the whisk, whisking the soapy water. In seconds, I realized the whisking had whisked all the sauce off, and voila! The whisk was so clean I could make another custard or béchamel sauce. Now I always whisk my whisk until it's clean.

Do you have any secret no-brainer tips for cleaning everyday kitchen tools? Share with us below!

Neapolitan-Style Mac and Cheese Is Dangerously Addictive

YumSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:30:49 -0700

I don't take advantage of them too often, but lazy Saturdays are the best. Not only because I'm at home enjoying doing nothing, but also because my favorite shows on KQED, San Francisco's public television station, all happen to be on: Check, Please!, Made in Spain, Lidia's Italy, and Secrets of a Chef.

Recently the boy and I were watching an episode of Lidia's Italy in which she prepares a Neapolitan version of mac and cheese. Her recipe called for ditalini in lieu of macaroni, smoked provola instead of American or cheddar, and bacon, potatoes, and diced tomato. We sat there in captivation, practically smelling the sizzle of smoked bacon vaporizing in our living room.

We were so tantalized that we drove to the grocery store to make it immediately, with the notes I'd taken while watching the show as our guide. It tasted just as good as we'd hoped. Later, I got my hands on the book for the written recipe. Want it? Read more.

Fasy & Easy Dinner: Turkey Burgers With Mustard Sauce

partysugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:09 -0700

One can never have too many turkey burger recipes: they're simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. The secret ingredient in this variation is honey mustard. It not only flavors the patties, but when combined with mayonnaise, it makes for a creamy sauce that slathers the bun. Although the recipe tops the burgers with avocado and tomato slices, you could throw in a number of typical add-ons from caramelized red onions to Muenster cheese. Place this burger in your recipe collection when you read more.

Turkey Burgers With Mustard Sauce
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

5 Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns
1 lb. uncooked raw turkey
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 Tsp. honey mustard
1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper
1 Tsp. olive or vegetable oil
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1 medium tomato, sliced
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Directions

For bread crumbs, in blender or food processor coarsely process one roll.
In large bowl combine turkey, egg, 1 cup of the crumbs, 1 tablespoon of the mustard, and the salt and pepper. Shape turkey mixture into four patties.
In extra-large nonstick skillet cook turkey patties in hot oil over medium heat for 12 minutes, turning once, or until no longer pink (165 degrees F).
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Spread some sauce on remaining four rolls. Layer turkey patty, tomato, avocado, a dollop of sauce, and roll top.

Serves 4.

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