Balsamic Braised Short Ribs SLOW-COOKER [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

SLOW-COOKER
BALSAMIC BRAISED SHORT RIBS

2 Tblsp Savory Spice Blend [2 T Rosemary, 1/2 T Sea Salt, 1 T Garlic Powder, 1 T Onion Powder, 1/2 T Paprika, 1 tsp Black Pepper]
2-3 lbs of bone-in beef short ribs
1 Tblsp coconut oil
1 15-oz can plain tomato sauce
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 whole dried dates
6 cloves garlic, smashed

• Rub the Spice Blend into the short ribs.
• Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the short ribs 1-2 min per side or until they are slightly browned.
• Place the short ribs, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, dates, and garlic in a slow-cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender enough to fall apart with a fork.
• Shred the meat off the bones and serve while warm.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Balsamic Steak with Fruit & Gorgonzola

BALSAMIC STEAK

with FRUIT & GORGONZOLA

(low calorie: about 222 per serving)

1-1/2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and cut into six 4-oz filets [or use a pre-cut lean beef steak]
1 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
1 Tblsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tblso strawberry jam
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
6 Tblsp Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
2 Tblsp fresh basil, minced

• Season filets with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a saute pan over medium-high. Add filets; sear 2-3 minutes per side for medium. Transfer filets to plate; tent with foil.
• Add vinegar to the pan; cook until liquid is reduced by half, 5 minutes. Whisk in jam; stir to dissolve.
• Serve steaks with balsamic sauce, strawberries, and Gorgonzola; garnish with basil.

recipe directly from CuisineLite, Spring 2013 edition

Chicken w/ Blueberry Sauce & Blue Cheese

SAUTEED CHICKEN 

with BLUEBERRY SAUCE & BLUE CHEESE

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves
1 Tblsp olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tblsp shallots, minced
1/4 cup dry Maderia or sherry
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 Tblsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tsp crumbled blue cheese

• Pound each piece of chicken between plastic wrap to a thickness of 1/2 inch using a meat mallet. After pounding, cut each chicken breast into 2 pieces. 
• Heat 2 tsp oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Saute chicken on both sides until cooked through, 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; tent with foil.
• Saute shallots in pan with 1 tsp oil over high heat, 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with Madeira, cooking until liquid is nearly evaporated.
• Add blueberries; simmer until berries start to burst, about 2 minutes. Add broth, vinegar, brown sugar, pepper flakes, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt.
• Crush blueberries with a potato masher; simmer 2 minutes.
• Place 2 chicken pieces on each plate. Top servings with blueberry sauce; garnish with blue cheese.

recipe directly from Cuisine Lite Spring 2013 magazine

Elegant Holiday: Cherry-Pecan Brie

For the Introduction to this series of recipes, click HERE

CHERRY-PECAN BRIE

1/3 cup cherry preserves
1 Tblsp balsamic vinegar
1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1 (16oz) warm Brie round with rind removed from top
Garnish: toasted pecans
Assorted crackers

• Stir together cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, pepper and salt in a bowl. Drizzle over Brie. Top with chopped toasted pecans. Serve with crackers.

"An Elegant Holiday Dinner"

from Southern Living's 

"Cooking for Christmas"
Cherry-Pecan Brie
Tossed Greens-and-Grapes Salad
Easy Asiago-Olive Rolls
Pancetta-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Whipped Horseradish Cream
Crispy Potatoes with Fennel
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake