Jess chill and eat some Chili

I Jess made the most awesome Chili and of course I wanted to share this with you as we approach Saturdays & Sunday's with non-stop BASKETBALL!! That's right #MarchMadness! Let me Jess Say I attend Super Bowl parties jess for the food and it's pretty true about march madness until about the final four! Ha, I enjoy basketball, but I can't keep up hey--I'm Jess Being Honest! 

So here's my chili recipe which can be made w/ ground turkey or ground beef, as you continue your healthy food journey Jess add this to the menu! 

Jess what you need:

1Lb lean 80% or greater Ground Beef or Ground Turkey

1 can of black beans

1 can of kidney beans 

2 cans of hot chilli beans (we Jess like it spicy)

1 can of tomatoe paste

2 cans of tomatoe sauce 

Red Onion diced

1 clove of Garlic 

1/2 green pepper diced

Seasonings: sea salt, cumin, pepper, garlic salt, paprika

Optional spicy additions

1 pack of McCormick Chili Seasoning

1/2 of a jalepeno diced in small pieces

1/2 tbsp of jerk seasoning 

In a medium sauce pan with olive oil throw in your onions & green peppers  once they've turned translucent throw in about half of your diced garlic. Remove your veggies place them to the side. In the same pan, begin to brown your meat and season your meat with: cumin, pepper, salt, and garlic salt --do it Jess how you'd usually season ground beef. 

While your meat is cooking, in a separate pot you can begin opening your cans; Jess be sure to drain your kidney and black beans. After draining, add those and the other cans of chilli beans. Dump your veggies in and add your tomato sauce. At this point, I suggest adding the remaining garlic that wasn't cooked and 1 packet of the McCormick Chili seasoning (optional if you need a super chili taste which I get from Cumin ) and any other additional seasonings (cumin, salt,etc..). I hope you haven't burned your meat whoops lol Well take your meat and drain off any excessive grease and add it to the big pot! At this point if you'd like add your additional spices and for those that for your chili to have a thick/hearty texture go ahead and add your one can of paste along a swirl of water to the can( don't act like you've never seen your momma and them do this part) --#JessSayin! So now that everything is in the big pot let it simmer on low for about 20-30minutes this allows for all the ingredients to get to know each other! Feel free to add sour cream, cheese, or even bacon if you're not dieting! Don't forget to share, like, and comment!

~Enjoy

Jess Chef'n 

Apple Crisp Cupcakes

What's better than apple pie? I'm glad you asked, Apple Crisp Cupcakes! Yes. I know. I Jess want to continue to support the healthy movements of 2016. So I was going to a brunch with my Sorors and some of them are super dieting right now and I didn't want to be the "un-sisterly Soror" to bring in the scrumptious desert that everyone hated to eat because of its calorific power, so I jess went ahead and remixed a few recipes. Now while the recipe contains sugar, remembers its also always about portion control.. Jess let me know what you think!

Jess what you need:
 3 Granny Smith apples (jess slice them up)
1 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of oatmeal or Two packages of your favorite instant oatmeal  (Jess in case your curious, I used the Cranberry, Apple, and Oatmeal instant Blend)
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
 2 slices of lemon
1/3 cup of sugar
3 taps of butter
Cupcake foils/ papers
Cupcake Tin (8-12 cupcake tin)
Preheat oven to 350

Ok.. after the apples have been sliced, in a large bowl.. pour in orange juice, squeeze the two lemon slices, pour in the WHITE sugar only, and one tap of butter. Mix all of this goodness together. In another bowl take the brown sugar, oatmeal, and remaining butter to the side...After mixing everything all that together.. Jess take your cupcake foils/papers and place them in the cupcake tin. Place the apple mixture in each tin. After each tin has been filled, take the oatmeal, butter and brown sugar mixture and sprinkle it on top of each cupcake tin! Jess Sprinkle away! Once you've topped each tin with the oatmeal sugar mixture bake in the oven about 10-15mins or until the apples are soft and the brown sugar has caramelized!!

Soo I was in a rush and didn't take a picture after they were done..But I got a text from a Soror's BF who came over after we left and he ate all of them! LOL [ I'm Jess Sayin' they must be good]

Enjoy, Share, Like, and Comment!
~Jess Chef'n!

Jess Skrimp & Grits

Yo What's Poppin'! There have been plenty of Saturday mornings when I wake up and jess want a nice southern dish.. So one day I explored a couple of  recipes.. obviously because I'm jess that great, I was able to put together my own "Jess Skrimp and Grits". This is an awesome dish to cook for a large group as well as a creative dish to bring to brunch.

Jess What You Need:
Skrimps [Jess one frozen or fresh bag]
Garlic Salt
 Parsley
Old Bay Cajun Seasoning
Pepper
Sea Salt 
1 cup of Instant Grits
4 tablespoons Butter
3 cups of water
1/2 Chicken Bouillon Cube
Cheese
4-6 strips of bacon [Jess fry and crumble]

Jess fry some bacon..put it to the side...Now jess take those skrimps and clean them. Wash em' Defrost them..whatever needs to be done. Pull off the tails at cleaning. This is jess a recommendation, but it makes for a much better meal [Jess Sayin]. After cleaning, LIGHTLY season with garlic salt,old bay cajun seasoning, parsley, pepper, and sea salt.. Take a skillet and heat it up with about 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the skillet is hot throw the skrimps in the heated skillet.  While these are cooking go ahead and take another pot to start your grits. You'll need 3 cups of water, half of a chicken bouillon cube let this begin to boil. Once the "chicken broth" mixture is at a rolling boil add in your 1 cup of grits. I hope you were watching those skrimps! They should be done by now [10 mins or less]..  Once your grits are done, throw some cheese, and butter on them bad daddies! Take that bacon and crumble it. Plate your meal and garnish with bacon [Duh!] So tell me what you think! Like, Share, and Comment..

~Enjoy!
Jess Chef'n.

Jess My Seafood Boil

Holy Crab Legs!

So I made my own crab boil seasoning and also created a butter garlic drizzle!
It was so good and also so easy to make. I made it because we bought a shit ton of these for a good price and I was jess trying to get creative.

  I really recommend thinking about how you like your crab to be seasoned and also possibly the crabs a little seasoning ahead of time so that the flavor really sticks. Making sure they are thawed is a good idea but its not really necessary.

Try it for yourselves and let me know what you guys think about it!


 Jess what you need:
2LBS of thawed or close to thawed crab legs
1 Garlic Cloves
3 stems Parsley
3 pats of Butter
2 Bay Leaves
1 teaspoon of Old Bays Seasoning
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 tablespoon Red Cayenne Pepper (we like the spice)
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
Garlic Salt
 4-6 cups of water depending on your pot
13 x 18 Long Pan
Skillet


In a large pot, boil 4-6 cups of water. (20 minutes) depending on your stove type. Bring to a boil. Once its boiling: add bay leaves, old bays, cumin, cayenne pepper, sea salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Essentially your water should look deep red. Once the water is rolling with boil, add your crab legs.
Once your crab legs have boiled for about 10 minutes.

While your crab is boiling preheat oven to broiler setting (LOW).
As crab is boiling. In a skillet add 2-3 pats of butter, garlic chopped up, and parsley. Once the garlic is starting to brow remove from heat. Be sure not to keep crab in the water after 15 minutes, you don't want to over cook your crab legs! 
Remove crab from pot into your long pan. Once you've got them in the pan. Drizzle your butter all over them. Put them in the broiler for 3-4 minutes.

ENJOY!!!Let me know what you guys think of Jess My Seafood Boil-- let me know what changes if any you made!

-Jess Chef'n

Jess Sick & Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

..I clearly wrote this blog during the summer time [Jess Sayin] and I'm not changing the context.. So jess imagine I wrote it on a snowy Chicago winter day LOL..However, this recipe was very clutch during a summer cold..Enjoy it either way!!! I'm Jess Chef'n!

  So the other day on a HOT 90 degree day Bae was sickmean coughing over everything and jess scaring me! So I googled a couple of recipes, I've made soup before but I think its important if I'm going to be cooking soup in the middle of the summer, it needs to be healing! [HALLELUJAH]...Don't mind me I Jess be praising the Lord! I think it is also important to be sure to put ingredients in the soup that are fresh and clear liquid as those are all suggestions and are "google-accurate" ways to cure a cold...!! [Jess Sayin]do your research; I also didn't want to spend too much time in the kitchen because I had other things to do! So below "Jess Sick & Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup" which is all cooked in One Pot.

2 skinless Chicken Breasts
 Vegetables of your choice
Onions
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Parsley
Italian Seasonings
Basil
16 oz. Chicken Broth
6 cups of water
Teaspoon Jerk Rub Seasoning [Walker woods is my preference]
1 Cup Multi-colored rotini pasta [Jess my preference]

Now first, wash your hands [Jess Sayin] cleanliness is important here people. Season your chicken lightly salt and pepper put it to the side. In a large pot add 6 cups of water, 16oz chicken broth,garlic and onion, vegetables of choice, teaspoon of jerk rub,parsley, Italian seasonings, basil, and add chicken breast[whole]..once you start to smell the delectableness[15-20 minutes], take the chicken breast out and begin to shred the chicken [shredding literally pull the chicken apart] now.. some pieces may not be done and that is OK. After you've shredded your chicken throw it in the still boiling cooking chicken broth with all of the other ingredients. Let it cook for about 10 more minutes. After that, place your cup of rotini  pasta into the pot with the now delicious-smelling pot. The noodles will begin to cook and soften in about 8-10minutes. Once those are soft enough for your sick person to enjoy! Serve!!! [Jess Delicious] 
Obviously, I want you all to serve cooked food--be sure that your chicken is done if its very raw when shredding its ok to throw it back in the pan for further cooking. 
Let me know how "Jess Sick and Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup" helps your patient! Enjoy, Comment, and Share and let me know what you did differently!

 -Jess Chef'n

Jess Fry Those Salmon Croquettes!

Oh Hey! I hope y'all have been eating good! I know I have...I'm Jess Sayin' . Tonight lets get a little fancy and have some healthy fried foods. Yes, I said Healthy and Fried in the same sentence.

 I'm Jess Fry'n some Salmon Croquettes, A Spicy Red Cabbage & Jess Plain White Rice! So, what do you guys think, interested? Now I'm usually one that is against canned fishes..its odd but I've tried this very recipe with fresh salmon and it wasn't as satisfying..I'm Jess being honest... You are free to try it but its a lot of work to not get the best results of a homemade southern style croquette. 


Jess Fry Those Salmon Croquettes! 
Coconut Oil (Yes to jess fry those croquettes)
2-3 cans Salmon (I use Chicken of The Sea Pink Salmon)
2 Eggs
Bread Crumbs (OR just use the bread in your kitchen..Jess Sayin)
Lemon
Onions (jess minced)
Green Pepper( jess minced)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt
Yellow Corn Meal (Jess to coat the salmon patties)
Mixing bowls

**The cans of salmon needs to be De-boned, and DE-skinned. once all the icky stuff has been removed put all the pink salmon in the mixing bowl**. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic salt, add the green pepper, and onion.To remove the "fishy" taste I always squeeze three or so lemon wedges to my mixture as well. Crack the egg and add the breadcrumbs! Take them hands and mix it alllll together!! Once its all mixed together create a patty. On a separate plate, sprinkle the corn meal just to cover the patty so it can be fried. Jess fry the patties in coconut oil I say about a three tablespoons in a skillet and jess throw the patties in and fry until they are golden brown.

Comment, Enjoy, and Jess Share..Let me know what you think!!!
~Jess Chef'n

Jess-A-Sweet-Honey Salmon

What's Poppin' y'all!! This jess might have been the easiest recipe I ever made. It took me about 30minutes to prepare. Here we have, Honey Limed Salmon ...with veggies and a brown rice medley.

Salmon
4 Tablespoons of honey
4 Tablespoon of Butter/margarine
Sea Salt
Pepper
Garlic
1/4 cup Lime Juice
Flour
 Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.

First over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of the butter/or margarine once it has melted in the skillet jess add 3 tablespoons of honey, garlic, and lime juice and let it sizzle until it gets a little brown  [Jess about 1-3minutes].As that is sizzling, hopefully i don't have to say this but jess in case be sure to wash the salmon [Jess Sayin] common sense ain't common. Season the salmon with sea salt and pepper to your liking, after seasoning take a teaspoon of flour and sprinkle it on the salmon. After you've done this, take the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey and drizzle it on the salmon. Take the salmon to the skillet with heated honey mixture and cook for jess about 1-3 minutes once the salmon has been submerged into the warm mixture and browned remove and put in the oven for about 20 minutes. Once it is done pair with what you love, I choose a brown rice medley [Shout-out to Uncle Ben] and a vegetable medley [Jess Yummy]
Enjoy!! Don't forget to comment and let me know how you liked it!!

-Jess Chef'n

Salsa Verde Skrimps

 Yo! What's poppin'! How is everyone's healthy eating journey going? Lets Jess keep eating healthy!

So I had some left over Chipotle Salsa Verde so I made some Skrimps Con Verde.. Easiest dish ever.. It literally took me 15 minutes or less to make this! All you need is Skrimps, Butter, and Salsa Verde in a hot skillet.. a super yummy healthy delights. This is also something you can throw over brown rice, cabbage, or spinach salad and/or romaine lettuce. I hope that you add this on your "Jess Try it" list!

Salsa Verde Skrimps
 Butter
Garlic
Shrimps (thawed and cleaned)
Chipotle Salsa Verde (I've used store bought La Victoria medium) 
Hot Skillet

 Comment, Share, and Jess Enjoy!
~I'm Jess Chef'n

Jess Stuff The Pepper ..You CHICKEN

Yo Whats Poppin!! As you continue to eat healthy consider my "Jess Stuff The Pepper"

I'm Jess Sayin' its so easy and so delicious, in this particular recipe I'm about to share, I made it with Chicken, I know Stuffed peppers are traditionally with Beef..but don't be shy explore your pallet and Jess stuff the pepper with Chicken!! Stuffed Peppers take a little bit of time, but its something you can prep perhaps on a Sunday and cook any day of the week. Jess take a look at how I do it, and let me know when you try it! Comment and let me know how it goes!

Jess Stuff the Pepper 

Salt

Pepper

Onion

Garlic 

Green Peppers (or whatever peppers you like)

2 cans Tomato Sauce (I use a 32 oz can)

Chicken Breast (jess season it, cook it in like 1/3 of water, and shred it)

1 Cup of Jasmine Rice (jess cook it how u make rice DUH)

2 Cups of Water (jess in case you don't know how to make rice--you'll need water to do so)

Preheat oven 350

Jess put maybe a 1/3 cup of water in a skillet, as it boils season your chicken, i've added the seasoning I used above. Be sure to start cooking your rice; I like jasmine rice, I've read that it is healthier than regular white rice and has some benefits, it also cooks faster than Uncle Bens:: I'm Jess Sayin maybe try something new.

  Once the chicken is done, CHILL you can't pull apart scolding hot chicken trust me I've tried and its pretty damn HOT.. SO let it sit for just about 5 minutes or so..

 Once you've drained the rice of your choice, put it back in the pot and then dump the tomato sauce and mix it together. Once you've shredded the chicken also add the chicken to the mixture.

Now wash the green peppers, you have to cut the top off of the pepper and take the seeds out, once you've cleaned and filled the pepper .. Take the extra sauce and cheese to top all the filled peppers. Let them bake for about 25-30 minutes and the cheese should have melted by this point. Please Comment, Share, and Jess Enjoy the Stuffed Peppers!

~I'm Jess Chef'n

Jess Eat Healthy..New Year New Food!

Yo Whats up! Happy New Year or Whatever!
 Are you looking for YUMMY healthy options as you start your new year resolution to be in shape? Eat at home more? Cook meals? Eat better? Well have no fear Jess Chef'n is here! Try my easy Chicken & Sweet Potato Bake. Healthy eating is cool..and we are
back to eating healthy too; however, I was too tired to be bothered and wanted to be sure to get some work done while cooking! So I Jess threw it all in the oven cut up sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, lightly seasoned some chicken breast with your favorite spices and in the oven to bake for about 30-45minutes depends on the type of meat you use and how big/thick it is...  Then I gathered an organic medley of spinach and red cabbage --sauteed it in onion and garlic with olive oil.. Boom a very quick meal with natural flavors. I'm jess sayin you have the decision to make healthy choices. Its all about portion control as well.. I'm Jess Sayin! See all the ingredients in a list for your grocery list. Please let me know when you try it! ~I'm Jess Chef'n

Jess my Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Bake-
Boneless Chicken Breast
Salt (Jess how you like it)
Pepper (Jess how you like it)
Garlic salt (Jess how you like it) 
Jerk Seasoning (Jess because we like to keep it spicy)
1 Garlic Clove
2 Sweet Potatoes (Jess chop them into slices)
1/2 of a Chopped Onion
Red Cabbage (I used a 1/2 head of cabbage, but jess adjust for your family/portion)
2 cups of Organic Medley Spinach
Olive Oil
Oven on 375-400 (I'm Jess estimating not too sure but pretty sure this gets chicken done in 40mins [Haha hey..] ..I'm Jess Being Honest!! )