Spice it UP

Here are a few of my favorite spins on dressing up proteins ( chicken, pork, lamb, and some fish) 

MEXICAN- rub the meat with toasted cumin, oregano, minced garlic, and hot or mild chiles( finely chopped) 
You can roast or broil in oven or tinfoil packet it and put on the grill . Add a little fresh salsa & salad with it 

CARIBBEAN-rub your meat with a little EVOO then season with allspice,ginger(finely chopped), mince garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook your meat in a saute pan , flipping when needed so you get a good sear on it. squeeze a little lime juice over the cooked meat and it goes great with rice or black beans. 

INDIAN-Cut your meat into cubes and toss in with a mixture of curry powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and cinniamon. Saute cook your meat for a few mins then add some coconut milk to make a sauce. Serve over rice and try making a fresh fruit chutney to go with it. I can post a great mix for one if anyone wants it 

ASIAN-cut your meat in 1/2 thick strips and stir-fry it with snow peas, julienne cut red peppers and onions.Season with soy sauce and garlic . Serve up with rice or a Asian noodle ( try Rice Vermicelli, Cellophane-Mung bean) 

GREEK-Drizzle meat with a mixture of lemon juice, EVOO, garlic and oregano. Makes for a great roasted dinner or grill over med heat. make a cucumber & tomato salad to top your meat and goes good with a sprinkle of feta cheese. 

Homemade Red Sauce

I like using a more smooth red sauce when making spaghetti or small pasta dishes. 

I like to let this simmer in the crockpot for a few hours. Then I jar it and share with friends or just put it in the fridge. I have put in zip lock bags and put in the freezer , then just thaw it out when needed. 

2 tbsp EVOO 
1/2 c chopped onion 
1/4 tsp minced garlic 
1/3 c red wine vinegar 
1/4 tsp thyme 
1/4 tsp basil ( i like using fresh when I can) 
1/2 tsp oregano 
1/2 tsp salt 
2 tbsp parsley 
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce 
1/4 tsp pepper 
2 tbsp honey 
3 cans of canned tomatoes ( I have tried the different cans that have added herbs) I tend to get the diced up ones too 
3 6 1/2 oz cans tomato paste ( I say this many due to the texture u may want) 

Heat your oil and saute your onions and garlic ( dont burn them) 
Add everything else into your crockpot with your onions and garlic.. then simmer for an hr or two.