Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty - Lentil Soup

Hearty Dish Full of fresh vegetables… this week delicious delight from Smarty Marty.. is Lentil Soup… So before we get started lets gather up the necessary ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups dry lentils

• 8 cups water

• 1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

• salt to taste

Directions:

In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes. Watch Now

1. Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - allrecipes.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Hearty Clam Chowder

As the cool winter breeze covers a large portion of the US Smarty Marty brings a Hearty Clam Chowder as our Delicious Delight on a Tuesday! Let’s get ready to put together all the necessary ingredients for this.

4 slices bacon, diced

• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• ground black pepper to taste

• 3 cups half-and-half

• 3 tablespoons butter

Directions:

Place diced bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp; add onions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.

1. Pour in half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil.

2. Pour in half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - allrecipes.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Pumpkin Soup!

Happy Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Foodie Tuesday is here with a delightful Holiday Dish! Impress your family and friends with this easy breezy pumpkin Soup

First things First…. Gather up the necessary ingredients:

• 6 cups chicken stock

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 4 cups pumpkin puree

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 5 whole black peppercorns

Directions:

Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.

1. Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender.

2. Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve it up in style!

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.allrecipes.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Cheese Cake Delight

This week Foodie Tuesday is all about that sweet tooth! Smarty Marty pulls out the ingredients to create a delicious yummy for your tummy basic cheesecake… So get ready to delight your family and friends with a little something they will enjoy! Cheesecake! Let’s get ready with the necessary ingredients.

Ingredients Listing :

Crust:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Pinch fine salt

Filling:

2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 1/4 cups sour cream

6 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon vanilla paste (see Cook's Note) or extract

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Topping:

3/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

Berries, optional

---

Directions

1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.

2. For the crust: Melt the butter, covered in the microwave, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, or a saucepan. Brush a 9-inch springform pan with some of the butter. Stir the remaining butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom of the pan, taking care to get the crust evenly into the edges. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool. Wrap the bottom and up the sides of the pan with foil and put in a roasting pan.

3. For the filling: Beat the cream cheese on medium speed with a hand-held mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat just until light and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed. Slowly beat in the sour cream, then eggs, vanilla and both citrus zests; take care not to over whip. Pour into the cooled crust.

4. Bring a medium saucepan or kettle of water to a boil. Gently place the roasting pan in the oven (don't pull the rack out of the oven). Pour in enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes---the outside of the cake will set but the center will still be loose.

5. For the topping: Stir together the sour cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cooked cheesecake and return to the oven for 5 minutes. Turn the oven off, cook the cheesecake in the residual heat in the oven for about 1 hour. This gentle finish minimizes the risk of the dreaded crack in your cheesecake.

6. Remove cheesecake from the roasting pan to a rack. Run a knife around the edges and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.

7. Bring cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Remove the springform ring. Dip a knife in warm water, wipe dry before slicing each piece. Serve with berries, if desired.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.foodnetwork.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Chicken Souvlaki

This week’s Foodie Tuesday meal idea for you is Mediterranean styled dish using Chicken… To get started cooking up this delicious delight we need to gather up the necessary ingredients.

INGREDIENTs

• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt

• 3 plum tomatoes, quartered

• 1/2 small red onion, cut 3/4 inch thick, and separated into slices

• 4 whole-wheat pitas

• Garnish: oregano leaves

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together lemon zest, 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice, half the garlic, the oregano, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add chicken, and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 45 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, stir together remaining lemon juice and garlic, the cucumber, yogurt, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

3. Heat grill to medium-high. Thread chicken, tomatoes, and onion onto 4 metal skewers. Brush with remaining 2 teaspoons oil, and season with pepper.

4. Grill skewers, turning, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Grill pitas until charred, about 2 minutes per side.

5. Serve skewers with charred pitas and cucumber-yogurt sauce. Garnish with oregano leaves.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.marthastewart.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Stuffed Turkey Roll

This week Foodie Delight is staying in line with the holiday spirit… Looking to do something different with Turkey as the main dish. This week Smarty Marty is bring to us a Stuffed Turkey Roll. First things first… we need to gather up the necessary ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 1/4 cup chopped onion

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage

• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

• 2 cups seasoned stuffing cubes

• 2 bacon strips, halved

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the egg, oats, salt and pepper. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Pat into a 12x9-in. rectangle on a piece of heavy-duty foil; set aside.

• In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in butter until tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in water, sage and thyme. Add stuffing; stir until well coated. Spoon over turkey to within 1 in. of edges. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a short side and peeling away foil while rolling.

• Place loaf, seam side down, in a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Place bacon strips over top. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 60-70 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and a thermometer reads 165°.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.tasteofhome.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Smarty Marty- Cornish Hen Dinner

Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner so this week Smarty Marty is serving up an dinner idea that’s an alternative to the traditional turkey. This week’s delicious delight is Cornish Hen Dinner Idea. So first things first we are gathering up the necessary ingredients to prepare a classic and delightful meal!

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)

• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice

• 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon browning sauce, optional

Directions

• Place hens on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Combine the apple juice, soy sauce and browning sauce if desired; pour over hens.

• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan juices.

add a couple of delicious sides such as stuffing, green beans yams and some gravy and just like that you have a meal to serve to your family and friends.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.tasteofhome.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Spaghetti Dinner!

Hi Folks this week delicious delights from our Foodie Tuesday inspiration is vegan spaghetti This dish is a perfect and quick and easy filling meal. Let’s get started by gathering up the necessary ingredients.

Cheese Crisps

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 tablespoons canola oil

• 1 jar (26 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce

• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, undrained

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onion, celery and garlic powder in oil until tender. Add the spaghetti sauce, beans, tomatoes, sugar, salt, oregano and bay leaf.

• Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Drain spaghetti; top with sauce and cheese.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.tasteofhome.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Turkey Meatloaf

Hi Folks! Welcome back to another foodie Tuesday recipe idea from our favorite inspiration recipe idea creator Smarty Marty! Well she is back with this classic with a change. As the weather in different parts of the country is changing , she has created a more filling dish that gives you comfort after one serving. Turkey Meatloaf is this week dish of the week! So let’s get started with the ingredients you will need to create this meal

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey

• 3/4 cup crushed buttery round crackers

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 egg

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a jelly roll pan.

1. Mix ground turkey, buttery round cracker crumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, garlic, and black pepper in a bowl; shape into a loaf and place on the prepared jelly roll pan.

2. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl; set aside.

3. Bake meatloaf in preheated oven for 30 minutes; remove from oven and drain liquids. Top meatloaf with ketchup topping. Return loaf to oven and continue baking until no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.allrecipes.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday- Kale & Smoked Turkey

This week Foodie Tuesday Smarty Marty is discovering her Southern roots with this classic Kale & Smoked Turkey. Let's Begin by gathering up the necessary ingredients

INGREDIENTS

 

• 1–11/4-pound smoked turkey wing or fresh turkey wing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cups thinly sliced onions

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Fine sea salt, freshly ground pepper

• 1 pound turnips, peeled, cut into 1' cubes

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 16 cups (firmly packed) coarsely torn kale leaves (from about 1 lb.; center stems removed)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

RECIPE PREPARATION

• Place turkey wing in a large pot. Add 12 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until turkey is tender, about 1 hour. Drain, reserving 4 cups broth. Let wing cool. Coarsely shred meat, discarding skin and bones.

• Heat oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add onions and pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Saut é until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add turnips, garlic, and 2 cups reserved turkey-wing broth. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Add kale. Cook, stirring often and adding broth by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, until turnips are tender and kale is wilted, about 10 minutes. Stir in reserved turkey meat. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle vinegar over; add butter and stir until butter melts.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - www.bonappetit.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Jerk Cornish Hen

A little jerk in your life... well Jerk Cornish Hen that is.. This week food ideas from Smarty Marty is a deliciously prepared Jerk Cornish Hen... So before we get started we need to gather the following ingredients: 

1 large bunch scallions, roughly chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, quartered and seeded
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger
• 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 1 Scotch bonnet chile pepper, stemmed (remove seeds to tame heat)
• Kosher salt
• 4 Cornish game hens (1 1/2 to 2 pounds each), cut in half
• Freshly ground pepper

Combine the scallions, bell pepper, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, thyme, allspice, ginger, brown sugar, chile pepper and 1 tablespoon salt in a food processor; pulse to make a thick sauce. Refrigerate 1/4 cup for serving.

Season the hens all over with salt and pepper; poke a few holes into the bone side. Rub 1 cup of the jerk sauce all over the hens in a large bowl or pan. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

Preheat a grill to medium; prepare for direct and indirect grilling: On a charcoal grill, bank the coals on one side. For a gas grill, turn off one of the burners after preheating. Remove the hens from the marinade, letting any excess drip off; place skin-side up on the cooler side of the grill (position the legs closer to the fire). Cover and cook until the hens are golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Baste the hens with any extra jerk sauce, then turn them over to the direct-heat side of the grill; cook, uncovered, until the skin is dark brown and the meat is cooked through but still moist, 5 to 10 more minutes. (A thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 160 degrees.) Set the hens aside for 5 minutes, then serve with the reserved jerk sauce.

Food Preparation and Styling By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By: /www.foodnetwork.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday By Smarty Marty- Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Looking for something unique to cook this week Smarty Marty has you covered with these delicious delights using 3 fresh Zucchini! This will be sure to smell your kitchen up with a fresh aroma and leave you with a smile on your face after dinner! 

This week delicious delights is  Stuffed Zucchini Boats! 

We first need to gather up the ingredients needed for this dish. 

What you will need: 

3 zucchini
1 pound Italian ground turkey
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, minced
1 med onion
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese



Recipe inspired by Allrecipes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Trim stems from zucchini and slice lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and put in bowl. Mix seeds with ground turkey, garlic, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. Stuff squash with ground turkey mixture and place in 9x13 inch baking pan. Pour sauce over squash and cover pan with foil.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until ground turkey is cooked. Remove foil and cover with mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted.

Food Prepared and Styled By Smarty Marty 

Recipe by Allrecipes.com 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Scallops with Roasted Garlic

Happy Fat Tuesday All!!! For this week Foodie Tuesday Delight we are sharing Seared Scallops with Roasted Garlic and Fresh Green Beans 

Before we get started you need the following Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 head garlic, cut in half
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
• 1/2 pound sea scallops
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions :

• Prep  15 m

• Cook 45 m

• Ready In  1 h

1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Spoon 3 tablespoons olive oil over the cut sides of the garlic head; wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
3. Roast in the preheated oven until the garlic is soft, about 30 minutes; set aside until cool enough to handle.
4. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a saucepan; pour the chicken stock into the saucepan and use a fork to mash the garlic into the stock. Cook the stock over high heat until the liquid is reduced in volume by half, about 10 minutes. Stir the cream into the stock and remove from heat; set aside.
5. Melt the butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper; sear in the hot butter and oil mixture until opaque, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat immediately.
6. Stir the lemon juice into the cream sauce; spoon immediately onto 2 plates. Arrange the scallops on the plates. Garnish with the parsley to serve.

Food Styling and Preparations By Smarty Marty 

Recipe Courtesy of  Allrecipes.com 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

We are excited to bring you this cheesy delight! Smarty Marty take on Macaroni and Cheese is sure to delight your family with this quick delicious sensation . 

What you'll need for this dish : 

Creamy Mac & Cheese

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted n white pepper
3 cups milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.

Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.

Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.

Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Recipe By Chef John 

Styling and Food Preparation By: Smarty Marty 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Chicken Marsala

Peace & Blessing for a New Year! We are now in 2018! Can you believe it.. Well for the 1st Foodie Tuesday of the year we have Smarty Marty take on Chicken Marsala! 

Chicken Marsala with mushrooms over garlic mashed potatoes

1st things first lets gather up the needed ingredients: 

For this dish we will need the following 

• 4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• All-purpose flour, for dredging
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
• 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

How to cook & Prepare : 

Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.

Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.

Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Food Recipe & Directions By - The Food Network

Meal prepared & Styled By Smarty Marty 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Turkey Sausage & Sauerkraut

This week specialty Dinner Idea from Smarty Marty is her take on Turkey Sausage and Sauerkraut!  This ingredient list will serve 4 and it's approximately 50 mins. 

Mashed Potatoe was placed on the side with garnishments. 

Ingredient Listing: 

•  tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds hot or mild (or a combination) Italian turkey sausages (about 6 sausages) 
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds 
• 1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, quartered and thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon fronds for garnish 
• 1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced 
• 1 pound sauerkraut, drained well 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, turning often, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. ...
2. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. ...
3. Add broth, vinegar and mustard.

Recipe By : Food Network 

Food Styling & Photography By: Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Beef Short Ribs

This week foodie Tuesday meal idea by Smarty Smarty is Beef Short Ribs with mashed potatoes, aparagus and steamed carrots  

1st Things first gather the ingredients you will need for this meal 

Ingredients

4 pounds boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch long pieces.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2/3 cup light brown sugar.

1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

1 tablespoon white vinegar.

1/2 teaspoon dried ground thyme.

2/3 cup ketchup.

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions for cooking the short ribs 

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Arrange the short ribs in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper, to taste. In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients and stir to incorporate. Pour the sauce over ribs and toss well, coating all the pieces. Cover with aluminum foil and roast until cooked through and tender, about 3 hours. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to brown the top. Transfer to a serving platter and serve.

Meal cooked and styled by Smarty Marty

Recipe by - Food Network