Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Port Wine Cheese

2 turkey thighs - rinsed and excess fat removed (retain outer skin)
8 oz Port Wine Spreadable Cheese (I used Kaukauna)
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon sage seasoning
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
dashes of salt and black pepper
dashes of parsley flakes
1 Bay Leaf


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Gently move your hand between the turkey skin and meat to loosen skin, but don't remove it.  Spread 1/2 of port wine cheese under each turkey thigh.

Using a pastry brush, add 1 tablespoon of butter to each turkey thigh.  Add sage, poultry seasoning, parsley flakes and dashes of salt and black pepper to both sides.  Place in a baking dish and add the bay leaf to the dish.

Bake covered for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking an additional 15 minutes.

Serves 4 to 5.

(1983)

"A Christmas Story" is one of my all-time favorite holiday films. It is so popular, that every year a cable station runs it 24 hours straight. Our star is poor little Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley), a kid growing up in the mid-west in the 1940's. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun, but everyone tells him "you'll shoot your eye out!" Lots of great characters, including his wacky parents played by Darrin McGavin and Melinda Dillion. This film will put a smile on your face, because it was a time of sweet innocents.

In the movie's final scenes, the family's Christmas turkey is ruined by a pack of hungry dogs. Turkey is the Dad's favorite meal, so we were inspired to bring you our recipe for an easy to prepare turkey dish that can be ready in a couple of hours and not an all-day event.  Our recipe for Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Port Wine Cheese is a new twist on an old holiday favorite. Great flavors and pure joy in every bite.

Enjoy the clip of "A Christmas Story."

The Best Lobster Bisque for Two

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Lobster Stock Ingredients:

3 cups chicken broth

1 lobster tail shell (retain lobster meat to be used later)

1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup onion, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup sliced carrots

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves

2 tomatoes, chopped in half

2 Tbs. Sherry

Dashes of black pepper

--------------------------------

2 Tbs. butter

2 Tbs. flour

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 shallots, minced

1/2 cup white wine

meat of 1 lobster tail, chopped into large chunks

1/4 cup Half and Half

Dashes lemon pepper

Dashes hot sauce

Optional: chopped fresh chives



Bring lobster stock ingredients to a boil in a pot. Lower heat and let simmer 50 minutes.  Strain, retaining the liquid.

Over medium high heat, melt butter in a large sauce pan. Add flour and stir well until it becomes slightly darkened. Stir in garlic, shallots and white wine. After well combined, stir in and Half and Half and lobster. Increase heat to a boil.

Stir in Lobster stock, stirring until smooth. Lower heat and let simmer 8 minutes. Season with dashes of lemon pepper and hot sauce. Optional, top serving with chopped chives.

Serves 2.

"Splash" was a hit film in 1984.  Tom Hanks plays Allen, a guy who falls head over "fins" in love with a mermaid.  Daryl Hannah is Madison, the mermaid who is a normal girl out of the water, but reveals her fish tail when wet. Talented Director Ron Howard (yes, Opey) unites these two unlikely lovers while giving us plenty of hearty laughs.  One of the most memorable scenes takes place in a restaurant when Madison and Allen are on a date.  Madison eats her lobster in a very unusual way. Great scene, loved it!

Our lobster bisque recipe is a perfect 10 on the flavor scale and is the perfect meal for two.  This recipe isn't for lovers only, but love always makes food taste better!

Cubed Steak and Gravy

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5 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1/2 onion, sliced
1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1 lb. cubed steak

Gravy:
3 Tbs. butter
1 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs. flour
1 1/2 c. water

Combine flour, black pepper and  seasoned salt on a large plate.  Coat cubed steaks in flour and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium high heat.  Add onions and saute until soft and lightly browned.  Remove onions from skillet, reserving oil.

Add 3 tablespoon of additional oil to skillet.  Add cubed steaks and let cook until brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.  Remove from pan. 

To make the gravy:  melt butter in the skillet.  Stir in flour, seasoned salt and black pepper.  Cook until medium brown.  Add water, stirring until well combined.  Reduce heat to medium and let simmer until thickened.  Return onions and steak to skillet and let cook until steak is heated through.  Delicous with rice or potatoes.  

Serves 4.

Reel Good Recipes is shining its spotlight on gifted Artist Ice Cube. He is a Rapper, Actor, Director, Writer, and the list goes on. Our recipe for a delicious Cubed Steak and Gravy is in honor of of Ice Cube.  Enjoy the clip below from one of his funniest films, "Friday."

Mama's Best Sweet Potato Pie

The perfect sweet potato pie for your Holiday meals!

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8 cups sweet potatoes (about 5 medium sweet potatoes), cut into 2" pieces
12 cups water

1 stick butter
1 -1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 - 15 oz . package Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust (2 crusts)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large pot, boil potatoes in water until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain. Pour sweet potatoes into electric mixing bowl. Add butter to sweet potatoes and mix on high speed until creamy.

Reduce mixer to medium speed. Add sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and lemon extracts, cinnamon and salt. Increase mixer to high speed. Mix until creamy and smooth. Unroll pie crust onto 2 pie plates. Pour 1/2 mixture into each pie shell.

Bake 50 - 60 minutes or until firm in center and crust is golden brown.

Makes 2 pies; Serves 16-20.

(2000)

"Whats Cooking" is a special little film about four families during Thanksgiving. Each one has their own set of family drama and laughs. I waited for months to spotlight this film. With an ensemble cast of fascinating characters, this film is perfect for Thanksgiving.

This "Mama's Best Sweet Potato Pie" is my Mother's recipe. She made the best sweet potato pie I have ever tasted (and I have tasted quite a few). My Mom put lots of love into her cooking, and of all her recipes, this is one of my favorites. The sweet potato is the star of this pie, with just a hint of vanilla, lemon and cinnamon flavors. "Whats Cooking" at its heart is a movie about love in families, and Mama's sweet potato pie is all goodness and love!

Holiday Fresh Greens with Smoked Turkey

2 pounds fresh Mustard Greens (Collards or Kale can be used) - washed and rinsed twice, stems removed

1 to 1 -1/2 pounds Smoked Turkey (legs, necks or wings)

1 Tablespoon sugar

Place smoked turkey in 5 cups water in a large pot. Turn heat up to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour. Remove smoked turkey and cut into slices or chucks. Place 1 cup of the smoked turkey back into the pot.

Turn up heat to a boil, add greens and sugar. After boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Drain, retaining 4 tablespoons of greens liquid (pot liquor) for saute pan.

In a saute pan add:
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tablespoon jalapeno pepper, chopped (from jar)
2 Tablespoons jalapeno pepper juice (from jar)
1 green onion, chopped
3 Tablespoons red bell pepper, chopped
Dashes of salt and black pepper

Saute for 3 minutes. Add drained greens, smoked turkey and 4 tablespoons of pot liquor to saute pan. Stir well. Turn off heat.

Optional, chop cooked Greens before serving.

Serves 6.

(1987)

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is one of my favorite Thanksgiving films, starring the late and great John Candy as Del, and Steve Martin as Neal. These "wild and crazy" guys are trying to get home for Thanksgiving, but a Midwest snow storm puts them on a route to detour hell. This film is usually run during Thanksgiving, so please do yourself a huge favor and check it out. We have provided the film trailer, which will give you a taste of the fun!

Holiday Fresh Greens is a soulful and delicious version of the vegetables I grew up with. Greens are vitamin enriched with 0 Fat. This vegetable will be a holiday favorite sidedish for everyone. "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" last scene shows Del finally making it home for a beautiful holiday dinner with his family. This reminded me of my family's Thanksgiving dinners. My mom always made everything taste so good, even the vegetables!

Holiday Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze

2 sticks butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, beaten, room temperature
3/4 cup sweet potatoes, well mashed
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
4 tsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Walnuts for garnish (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10" Bundt pan. Set aside.

In an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugars for 4 minutes. Add eggs, 1/3rd at a time, mixing well between additions.

Reduce mixer to medium speed. Add sweet potatoes and mix until well combined.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Reduce mixer to low speed. Add flour mixture and milk in thirds, mixing well between additions. Add vanilla extract.

Pour cake batter into Bundt pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tester inserted into center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes before inverting.

To make the glaze: In a medium sized bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. After cake has cooled completely, drizzle glaze over cake. Garnish with walnuts, if desired.

Serves 12.

(1995)

Happy Thanksgiving! Reel Good Recipes is excited to bring you holiday recipes and films during this joyous season. We are kicking off the holiday season with the film "Home for the Holidays." It's a must-see for those of us who like to see other people's family drama on Thanksgiving. Holly Hunter stars as Claudia, a woman having a string of bad luck who is making her way home for Thanksgiving to see her dysfunctional family (are there any other kind?). Robert Downey Jr. plays Tommy, Claudia's gay brother. There's also a host of other fun and crazy family members. Check out this film. It's worth every crazy minute.

Our recipe for Holiday Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze is perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This moist, buttery, pound cake is all about the subtle flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon and vanilla. The "Home for the Holidays" dinner table would have been a lot happier if they had served our Holiday Sweet Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze. I'm sure it would have cut down on the family fighting because their mouths would have been busy enjoying our pound cake!

Spicy Cajun Fish Fillets

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 jalapeno pepper, chopped, seeds removed
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
Dash of salt
2 Cod fish fillets (4 to 6 ounces each)
Optional, 1 teaspoon capers

In a saute pan over medium high heat, add oil, Cajun seasoning, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, lemon pepper, parsley, garlic and salt. Stir until hot, about 2 minutes.

Add fish to pan, turning to coat with spices on both sides. Cover and cook 5 minutes.

Remove cover and add capers, if desired. Cover and cook an additional 3 minutes.

Serves 2.

(2009)

The movie, "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" is in limited release now and opens in theatres Nationwide this Friday. Nicholas Cage stars as drug addicted police lieutenant Terence McDonagh. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina he is a deeply intuitive and fearless detective reigning over New Orleans. The prostitute he loves is Frankie (Eva Mende), and New Orleans is the back-drop of their complicated, tumultuous life together.

Spicy Cajun Fish Fillets is so easy to make. It's light, healthy, and full of spicy New Orleans flavor. Our featured film "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" is set in this amazing city full of colorful people and legendary food dishes. We have served up a spicy (not hot) Cod Fish Fillet that will make your taste buds sing. Enjoy a taste of New Orleans without leaving your home.

Blondies Deluxe with Chocolate Chips Toffee and Nuts

1 stick butter, melted
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 -1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 - 8oz. package Heath milk chocolate toffee baking bits
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 9" X 9" baking pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Mix melted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract. Reduce mixer to slow speed. Add flour, cinnamon and salt until well combined. Add toffee chips and nuts. Pour into pan and top with chocolate chips. Bake 30 - 35 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes.

Great with vanilla ice cream!

Serves 12.

(2001)

Don't try those old "dumb blonde" jokes here, because Reese Witherspoon as Elle in "Legally Blonde" will show you "the reel deal." Elle is a blonde sorority queen who was dumped by her jackass boyfriend, because he is going to Harvard and she is "too blonde." This film is a two "blonde ponytails up" for all the golden haired Divas who have been disrespected. Now, Elle has evened out the score!

The brown sugar in blondies gives them a distinctive molasses flavor. They're a chewy, rich and indulgent dessert. Our recipe for Blondies Deluxe with Chocolate Chips, Toffee and Nuts was inspired by "Legally Blonde" because our blondie bars and Elle are blonde on the outside and full of goodness on the inside. These blondies are so good, they should be illegal, but lucky for us, they're not!

Vegetable Soup in Sourdough Bread Bowl

1 cup red potatoes, diced into small cubes

3/4 cup Leeks, thinly sliced (cut off top, use white and middle portion of green leaves)

1/2 cup carrots (Sweet Petites or Baby carrots)

2 garlic cloves, mined

1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, chopped

6 cups chicken stock or broth

Dashes of black pepper

4 small to medium Sourdough Bread rounds

Cut a round hole into top of bread. Remove and hollow out inside of bread bowl, leaving a generous amount of bread on bottom and sides. Set aside.

Bring potatoes, leeks, carrots, garlic, jalapeno peppers, chicken broth and black pepper to a boil in a medium sized pot. Lower heat and let simmer 20 minutes.

Fill bread bowls with soup. Serve immediately.

Optional: For an even lighter dish, you can serve without bread in a soup bowl.

(1994)

Yabadabadoo! "The Flintstones" was one of my favorite cartoons as a kid, and I was thrilled when it was made into a non-animated movie. John Goodman and Rick Moranis were perfectly casts as Fred and Barney. Also starring Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O'Donnell, Elizabeth Taylor and the super hot diva Halle Barry. I really enjoyed the look of their prehistoric town of Bedrock. Stone houses, dinosaurs as pets, big food, you name it, everything in Bedrock was larger than life. I still remember the cartoon's theme song, do you?

Our recipe for Vegetable Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl is all about good food with full flavors. The Sourdough bread reminded me of the food in the Flintstones; big, bold, impressive and its' the perfect way to serve our vegetable soup. Make some for your next dinner party and your guest will love you for it.

Best Slow Cooker Chicken Ever!

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1 whole 3 pound chicken, cleaned with excess fat removed

1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base mixed with 1 cup water

1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Season All

1 teaspoon spice blend (I like Trader Joe's 21 Season Salute)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Add Better than Bouillon and water to slow cooker. Cover both sides of chicken with remaining ingredients. Place chicken in slow cooker and cook on high speed for 4 hours.

Remove from slow cooker and serve on serving place with (optional) red potatoes

Optional, add 6 red potato halves to chicken.

Serves 5 to 6

(1999)

The Academy Awarding winning film "The Matrix"stars Keanu Reeves as "Neo" and Laurence Fishburne as "Morpheus". "The Matrix" is the story of a computer hacker who searches for the truth behind the world known as the Matrix. If you like action films, and I do, "The Matrix" is the top of the line. The slow motion sequences alone are priceless.

Our recipe for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Ever is super easy, super moist, and super delicious. The slow cooker does all the work. "The Matrix'" has several breathtaking slow motion scenes that inspired our chicken recipe. It showed us that slow is sometimes the only way to go.
Enjoy!

Courtesy of Chef Estella (Curley) Johnson

Sparkling White Grape and Pomegranate Party Punch

12 ounces Pomegranate (POM) Wonderful 100 % Juice. Fill a standard ice tray with juice and freeze.

2 - 25.4 fl. oz. Welch's Sparkling White Grape Juice (non-alcoholic) bottles - chilled

1/2 lemon, thinly sliced

1/2 lime, thinly sliced

Add sparkling white grape juice, lemon and lime slices to punch bowl. Add POM ice cubes. Stir.

Serves 10.

(1990)

The movie, "House Party", starring the super rap duo, "Kid 'N Play" is all about teenagers having a good time. This movie brought us the dance move "the Kid and Play" and Kid's signature high-top fade haircut. Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin starred in this film and the three sequels that followed. The House Party films also feature future movie and TV stars Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Queen Latifa, and Bernie Mac.

Our recipe for Sparking White Grape and Pomegranate Party Punch is just in time for all your holiday parties. Its totally delicious and refreshing, plus all the health benefits of Pomegranate juice. Please visit the POM Wonderful website for more information.

http://pomwonderful.com/products/

Taco Pie Extremo

In a large skillet, cook the following 10 ingredients over medium high heat for 7 minutes, stirring constantly. Drain and set aside.

1/4 cup green onion, chopped

1/4 pound ground beef

1/4 pound ground spicy sausage

6 small white mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon Taco seasoning
Dashes black pepper
_________________________

1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust (1/2 package)
1 -14.5 oz. can stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 -16 oz. can refried beans
1 cup Mexi-Style Cheddar Jack Cheese, shredded

1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Unfold pie crust and press into 9" pie pan, leaving edges up (do not press down edges). Prick bottom and sides with a folk (to vent). Bake 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Layer in pie crust: meat mixture, refried beans and tomatoes. Sprinkle top with cheese and parsley.

Bake 25 minutes on cookie sheet at 350 degrees until lightly golden.

Optional, serve with sour cream, lettuce, black olives and/or jalapeno peppers.

Serves 10.

While on vacation in Mexico, a cute little pampered chihuahua named Chloe (voice of Drew Barrymore) finds herself in the adventure of a lifetime. Our feature film, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" is a must-see for animal lovers. Their antics take us on a beautiful tour through Mexico with lovable and not so lovable animals along the way.

Our recipe for Taco Pie Extremo was inspired by the Mexican restaurants along Chloe's travels. Just the right amount of spices, meat, vegetables and cheese, all baked up in a flaky delicious pie crust. Our Taco Pie is "the Extremo"!

Carrot Flax Healthy Muffins

1 -1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 -1/2 cups ground flax seed
2/3 cup finely packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 -1/2 cups carrots, finely shredded
1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup nuts (optional)
3/4 cup vanilla soy milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line muffin tin with baking cups, if desired. Spray muffin tin or liners with non-stick spray.

Mix flour, flax seed, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in carrots, raisins, white chocolate chips and nuts. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, soy milk and vanilla extract.

Pour wet ingredients into dry. Mix until moistened (do not over mix).

Fill muffin cups 3/4 cup full.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes.

Makes 15 to 18 muffins.

Bugs Bunny, That Wacky Wabbit (2005)

Bugs Bunny is a classic cartoon character who has promoted eating healthy carrots for years. Our Recipe for Carrot Flax Healthy Muffins include fresh carrots and Flax Seed. Please visit http://www.healthcastle.com/flax.shtml for information about the health benefits of Flax Seed.

Our muffins are full flavored and super moist. Served with a sliced apple, it's the perfect way to start your day.

Cheesecake Supreme with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Sauce

Graham Cracker Crust
16 Nabisco Honey Graham Crackers (1 package), crushed
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
Dash of cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine all ingredients above in a bowl. Press firmly into a 9" round springform pan.

Bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Set aside.

Cream Cheese Filling
Using an electric mixer, mix the following ingredients on high speed about 5 minutes or until smooth and creamy:
2 - 8 oz. packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, 1/3 rd Less Fat, softened
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 3 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pour cream cheese mixture into graham cracker crust. Even out and bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool at least 30 minutes.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Sauce
Place the following ingredients into a blender and blend on high speed for 30 seconds:
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips
2 Tablespoons premium peanut butter
1/4th of a banana

After blending, pour chocolate mixture into a sauce pan over medium high heat. Stir constantly until well blended, about 3 minutes.

Immediately pour chocolate and peanut butter sauce over cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 3 hours (longer if time permits).

Optional: Top with about 12 fresh strawberries (halved, sweetened with 1 Tablespoon sugar)or/and dust with powdered sugar.

Serves 10 to 12

(2000)

The film, "Chocolat" is set in 1960 in France. Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter move to a little town and open a chocolate shop. Oh yes, the magic of chocolate, especially in the hands of a woman so talented. Not everyone is happy about the chocolate shop, or Vianne for that matter. "Chocolat" was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and 3 Golden Globes. This film is visually beautiful and so fulfilling to the spirit.

Our recipe for Cheesecake Supreme with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Sauce was inspired by Vianne's delectable chocolates that lifted the town folk's spirits. This creamy and delicious cheesecake is topped with a chocolate sauce that is second to none. Thanks for visiting and please enjoy the clip of "Chocolat."

Chinese Noodles with Pork

Spicy Kung Fu Noodles with Pork

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium high heat. Add the following ingredients:
1/4 cup green onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/3 cup roasted red pepper, chopped (from jar)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 pork chop, cut into bite sized pieces (large Pork Loin Blade Chop or End Cut)
Dashes of salt and black pepper

Stir fry ingredients for about 4 minutes, then add:
1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 cups cooked noodles, such as spaghetti or lo-mein
2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
1/3 cup water

Stir fry an additional 2 minutes.

Serve on platter with a sprig of fresh parsley (optional).

Serves 3 to 4.

"Kung Fu Panda", featuring the voice of funnyman Jack Black, is an award winning animated film. This movie is not just for the kiddies folks - it has tons of laughs for everyone. Our favorite panda, Po, is working long and hard at his family's noodle shop, but he dreams of being a great Kung Fu warrior. When he is chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, the "reel" fun begins! Our recipe for Chinese Noodles with Pork could have been a top seller on Po's noodle cart. With its' Asian flavors, tender pork and yummy noodles, this recipe will have you "Kung Fu Fighting" for more!

Healthy Chicken Breast Tenderloins with Light Zesty Sauce

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10 chicken tenderloins (skinless and boneless), rinsed, patted dry with paper towel, add dashes of salt and pepper

Flavored Olive Oil:

4 Tablespoons olive oil
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 garlic cloves, sliced in half

Light Zesty Sauce:
1 celery stalk, diced into small cubes
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon butter
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne}
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons Light Feta Cheese Crumbles
1/2 cup low-fat milk

In a large skillet, heat flavored olive oil ingredients over low heat. Stir in rosemary and garlic. Let cook 3 minutes. Remove rosemary and garlic. Increase heat to medium and add chicken breast tenderloins. Cook 4 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan. Set-aside.

Use a clean skillet and add sauce ingredients to medium-high. Stir constantly with a spatula. Lower heat and let simmer 2 minutes. Return chicken to pan and coat with the sauce.

Serves 4 to 5.

(2007)

Love will make us do some crazy things. In the hilarious comedy, "Run Fat Boy Run", Simon (Dennis Doyle) wants to win back his love Elizabeth (Thandie Newton) who he left standing at the alter. And she was pregnant! Jealous of his Ex's new finance, who is a jogger and real health nut, Simon is determined to get into shape and beat the finance in a marathon to win his woman back.

Our recipe for Healthy Chicken Breast Tenderloins has all the taste of a gourmet dish without the high calorie count. Totally nutritious and satisfying, this healthy quick and easy chicken dish is a win-win for all of us!

North Carolina Barbecue Pork Roast

 
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1 Pork Shoulder Blade Roast
Apple cider vinegar (use 1/4 cup per pound)
Crushed red pepper flakes (use 1/4 teaspoon per pound)
Coleslaw, french bread or sandwich rolls dashes of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix vinegar and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Place pork roast on oven rack with attached drain pan. Baste roast with vinegar and pepper. Add dashes of salt. Bake uncovered, basting roast every 30 minutes with remanding vinegar and pepper. Cook about 35 minutes per pound. Remove from oven.

Cut about 1 pound off your pork roast. Place on a cutting board. Using two sharp knifes, chop and shred the meat.

Chopped and shredded Pork Roast

Preheat non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped meat and 5 Tablespoons vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Stir fry 3 minutes.

Barbecue Sandwich Topped with Coleslaw

Serve on sandwich rolls or french bread. Delicious with coleslaw. 1 pound of chopped barbecue serves 4

(1985)

“The Color Purple” is a beautiful film based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer-Prize winning novel. Directed by Stephen Spielberg, it stars Whoopie Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. “The Color Purple” was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, but did not win any. This movie was ROBBED because of politics and a lot of other ugly things. The Best Picture Oscar went to “Out of Africa.” WHAT! What do you think? We welcome your comments.

This movie has beautiful Cinematography, great music and Oscar nominated performances from Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey. The video below is of the dining room scene when Celie finally breaks from Mister and how the total family dynamic changed that day.

The Color Purple is set in North Carolina, and you better believe Celie and Mister enjoyed some barbecue. They probably served it up at the “Jook Joint.” Our Guest Chef Estella (Curley) Johnson is from the heart of North Carolina, and this is a recipe that goes back decades. You will never look at barbecue the same way again. We are sharing with you the “reel” deal!

Recipe courtesy of Guest Chef Estella (Curley) Johnson

Apple Crumb Pie, Cafe Special

4 Tablespoons butter

8 cups apples, cut into small pieces

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup maple syrup

4 Tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie crust

Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup flour

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, lemon juice, brown and white sugars, maple syrup, salt, and flour. Stir constantly until apples are tender and sauce is thick. Set aside, uncovered until cool.

In a large bowl, combine crumb topping ingredients. Mix with your fingers until crumbly. Unroll pie crust into a 13" X 9" pan. Pour apples into the pan and cover with crumb topping. Let bake 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Delicious with ice cream!

Serves 12.

(1987)

"Out of Rosenheim" aka "Bagdad Cafe" is a film that shows us how one person can affect a whole community. The Bagdad Cafe is in the California desert and the middle of nowhere U.S.A. Brenda (CCH Pounder) is the owner and operator of this run down diner. Jasmin (Marianne Sagebrecht) is a tourist who appears at the right place and at the right time. These ladies create magic for the cafe and uplift what was a sea of dirt and despair to smiling faces and hopeful laughter.

This is just the kind of place where our "Cafe Special" Apple Crumb Pie would be every customer's favorite. You can take your family and friend's orders in your home and serve them a "reel" good, old-school, diner dessert. Please check out the video we posted of the beautiful and chilling theme song of this film, "I Am Calling You."

Ultimate Philly Cheese Steak with ReelAwesome Sauce

ReelAwesome Sauce
Mix the following 7 ingredients in a bowl and set-aside:
1/3 cup light mayo
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 roasted garlic cloves, minced (roast at 350 degrees for 15 minutes)
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tablespoons roasted red peppers, chopped (from jar)
1 Tablespoon jalapeno pepper, chopped (from jar)
Dash of salt and black pepper

1 -1/2 pounds boneless rib-eye steak, thinly sliced (rinsed and patted dry, add dashes of salt and black pepper)

1/3 cup onion, thinly sliced

4 Kraft Velveeta Cheese Slices

2 - 8 inch soft sub rolls

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons softened butter

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add steak, then and onions to the skillet. Cook 4 minutes on each side. While still in the pan, divide steak into two equal parts and top each with 2 slices of cheese. Allow cheese to melt. Stir onions in the side in pan. Remove from heat.

Spread 1 teaspoon of butter inside each sub roll. Heat roll in a pan over medium high heat for 40 seconds on each side. Remove from heat.

Open rolls and add ReelAwesome Sauce to both sides. Place steak and cheese onto each roll. Top with onions.

Serves 2 to 4.

Tom Hanks won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1994 for "Philadelphia", a controversial film about a gay Lawyer with AIDS who is fired from his firm. His law partners are homophobic and so is his own lawyer, played by the fabulous Denzel Washington. After the dust clears and all the ugliness of prejudice is laid out on the court room tables, the people of "Philadelphia" and the world learn a valuable lesson. Music icon Bruce Springsteen's haunting Original Song "The Streets of Philadelphia" won the Oscar for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture.

Our recipe for the Ultimate Philly Cheese Steak is another "Two Spoons Up" recipe. I spent some time in the streets of Philadelphia when my daughter attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Their cheese steak is world famous and Reel Good Recipes has done "the City of Brotherly Love" proud!

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

4 medium sized sweet potatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
3 Tablespoons pure honey

Non-stick spray for baking

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Rinse and pat dry. Place in mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt and parsley flakes.

Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray. Spread sweet potatoes onto baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle pure honey over sweet potatoes. Return to oven and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and place in serving dish.

Serves 6.

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

The award winning movie, "The Secret Life of Bees" tells the story of 14 year old Lily (Dakota Fanning) and her tragic life in South Carolina in 1964. This film also stars Jennifer Hudon as Rosaleen and Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo as the Boatwright sisters who are beekeepers. This is a bittersweet film that takes you through the lives of these beautiful ladies. Our recipe for Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes is an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of potassium, vitamin C, B6, riboflavin, copper, pantothetic acid and folic acid. And, they are delicious Honey! Using pure honey adds just the right touch of sweetness. Your family and friends will appreciate this healthy and delicious sidedish!

Stuffed Mexican Poblano Peppers

2 large poblano peppers, sliced in half, lenghwise, seeds and vein removed (Please note, Poblano Peppers are mild)

Filling:
1/4 pound ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 cup Avocado, chopped
1/3 cup cooked white rice
1 teaspoon onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon season salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese for topping

Preheat oven broiler. Place peppers in a baking dish and broil about 5 minutes or until charred. Remove the now loose skin with a knife (Careful, they're hot). Lightly salt. Set aside.

Cook the filling ingredients over medium high heat for 5 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink. Drain, set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Fill each poblano pepper with cooked filling. Top with 1 -1/2 tablespoon of cheese. Let cook for 3 minutes in oven or until cheese melts.

Serves 4.

(2001)

"The Mexican" can be summed up in two words, Brad and Julia. Yes, these two mega superstars can do no wrong. This film doesn't take itself too seriously. Our stars are on an adventure through Mexico. Somewhere along their crazy ride, they sent Reel Good Recipes the inspiration for our recipe Stuffed Mexican Poblano Peppers. It's a beautiful appetizer with just the right favor combinations and is festive to the eyes. I recommend you put Brad and Julia's "The Mexican" in your DVD player and prepare our easy to make Stuffed Mexican Poblano Peppers. For a lazy weekend at home, they both will put a smile on your face.

Easy Rocky Road S'mores Bars

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 stick butter, melted

1 12 oz package Nestle's milk chocolate chips

1 -1/2 cup nuts (your preference)

1 -1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a 9" X 9" pan. Bake 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

Over low heat, melt milk chocolate chips, stirring constantly until smooth. Set aside 1/4 cup for drizzle. Pour melted chocolate over graham cracker crust. Top with marshmallows.

Toast nuts on a baking pan in a 350 degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes, turning once. When nuts have cooled, crumble over chocolate and marshmallows.

Drizzle remaining chocolate over the top.

Let cool and enjoy!

Serves 12-16.

(2003)

In the hillarious movie, "School of Rock", funnyman Jack Black stars as "Dewey", a loveable slacker who is depressed because he was fired from his band. He lands a lucrative new gig at a private school by impersonating his friend, a 4th grade substitute teacher. Dewey teaches the kids all about Rock 'N' Roll and "Sticking it to the Man". He and the kids form a new band and face-off against Dewey's old band at the big "Battle of the Bands" concert. Like Dewey, our Rocky Road S'mores Bars Rock! This quick and easy recipe takes s'mores to a whole new level with its buttery graham cracker crust, creamy milk chocolate, gooey marshmallows and toasted nuts. This dessert will bring out the "rocker" in you!