Cavey’s Chicken Ziti

Been so long sice I answered the bell for a new recipe, I’m feeling a lot like Ferris Bueller … “Caveman? Caveman? Caveman?”. But, I am coming out of my self-imposed hiatus with a true winner – my baked chicken ziti. Super easy to make; incredibly delicious; freezable for future meals; and, with Fall setting in, it is a meal that will stick to any Neanderthal’s ribs. What else could you want? For those that replied, “You to make it for me.”, dinner is at 6:30pm. 😉

INGREDIENTS

6 Cups Cavey’s Italian Sauce
1 Pound Ziti
2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
6-7 Slices Provolone Cheese
2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1.5 TBS Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1.5 TBS Dried Italian Herbs
1 TBS Minced Garlic
1 TBS Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

Prepare 6 ups worth of Cavey’s Italian Sauce and set aside. Shred mozzarella cheese and set aside.

Cook the Ziti according to directions on package. Be sure to cook it “a la denté” … slightly underdone, as it will continue to cooking when we get to the baking stage. Drain well.
NOTE: If you can’t find Ziti, Penné, Rigatoni, or other short pasta tubes will work just fine.

Return Ziti to pot, add 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup of the Italian sauce, and gently stir in evenly. Set aside.

Cut chicken into large bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, warm olive oil, quickly sauté garlic, add chicken, Italian herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until almost done.
NOTE: Don’t overcook or it will get dry during baking.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup of the Italian sauce and continue to sauté for another minute. Then, remove from heat and set aside.
HINT: Once you have your sauce simmering, most of the remaining steps above can be done simultaneously. It’s a real time saver!

Take a large, deep baking dish butter it well. Place a layer of half the pasta evenly into the dish. Evenly distribute half the cooked chicken and cover with half the remaining sauce. Completely cover with slices of Provolone cheese.

Now, evenly distribute the remainder of the pasta, chicken and sauce (in that order). Cover with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Preheat oven to 350°, cover baking dish, and place into oven for 20 minutes. Then, uncover baking dish and place back into the oven for another 10 minutes.

Remove from oven when cheese begins to bubble and the edges are golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes (Yes, I realize it’s difficult to not just dig in. But, you need to let it set up).

Spoon into plates and serve with garlic bread and a salad. YUMMMMMMMMM!

HINT: For a vegetarian version, just remove the chicken from the equation, or add Gardein meatless chicken strips, instead.
HINT #2: This is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can either refrigerate it unbaked for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover it well.

Prep Time = 45 minutes
Cooking Time = 30 minutes
Serves 6-8

©2017 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Cavey Gravy

Okay … beat me, whip me, make me write bad checks! It’s been so long since my last recipe here that I’m sure entire species have had the opportunity to evolve. I promise to have more coming in the near future. No … REALLY! 😉 For now, I’m back just in time to share my famous gravy recipe – a must for any Turkey-Day table. Best thing is that you can make this base ahead of time and then just reheat and add some turkey drippings on the big day.

INGREDIENTS

1 Turkey Neck and Giblets
4 Cups Vegetable Broth
2 Carrots Sticks – Peeled and Quartered
2 Celery Stalks – Quartered
3 Garlic Cloves – Sliced
1/2 Sweet Onion – Rough Chopped
1/2 Cup Mushrooms – Sliced
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

In large saucepan, heat oil and garlic slices. Then, add turkey neck, giblets, salt, and pepper.

Brown neck and giblets. When you flip them to brown the other side, add carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms.

When neck and giblets are fully browned, and onions begin to get translucent, add stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 90 minutes covered.

When done, strain broth into suitable container and set aside. Also reserve 1/3 of each type of veggie. Remove neck and shred as much meat as possible off of it with two forks. Chop up liver into small pieces. Discard gizzard, heart, and remainder of neck.

Place reserved veggies, neck and liver meat, and reserved broth into blender or processor on “high” until ingredients are completely liquified.

This is your gravy base. It should have the color of dull mustard and should have the consistency of a milkshake. Place into an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.

When you are ready to make your gravy, remove the base from the fridge about 20 minutes prior. Return to large saucepan, cover and heat over a low flame. Take drippings from turkey roasting pan (after having skimmed off the fat) and stir into base. BOOM … you have gravy!

Pour liberally over turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and anything else you desire (careful, though … it’s hot 😉 ). Most importantly, have a great Holiday with friends and family, being sure to give thanks for moments like these.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Prep Time = 20 minutes
Cook Time = 105 minutes
Serves 12-16

©2013 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Oven-Baked Cave Chips

This recipe was honored with a FoodBuzz Top 9!

Finally! A chance to share a recipe or two!! And, this one is yummy, yummy, in my tummy!!! Nothing better than homemade potato chips … especially when they are made in a somewhat healthy way. Best of all, they are easy as can be to make.

INGREDIENTS

2 Russet Potaotes
2 Cups Water
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Teaspoons Salt
Seasonings to taste

RECIPE

Scrub potatoes well and rinse with cool water. LEAVE THE SKIN ON!

Cut potatoes in half, crosswise. Slice thinly with food processor and slicing disk.
HINT #1: You can use a mandolin, or even a sharp knife, to carefully slice the chips as thinly as possible by hand. But, when someone like the Cave-in-laws give you a food processor for a gift, this is a great recipe to break it out for! Plus, it makes life a whole lot easier!! Be sure to put the flat cut side of the tater down into the processor for more uniform slices.

Place water and salt into a large bowl and whisk until salt is dissolved. Place potato slices into the saltwater and let sit for 20 minutes. Then, drain well in a colander.

When potatoes are completely drained, place back into large bowl, add olive oil, and toss gently until all slices are evenly coated.

Preheat oven to 450°. Lightly coat two cookie sheets with non-stick spray. Arrange slices in a single layer on the cookie sheets. Place into oven for 12-15 minutes (depending on your oven and altitude).

When chips are golden brown and crispy, remove from oven. Immediately place into a bowl and lightly season to taste, toss gently.
HINT #2: If chips haven’t cooked evenly, remove the browned ones and return the rest to the oven for another couple of minutes until done.
HINT #3: For these, I used Garlic Salt for seasoning. But, you are only limited by your imagination as to what you can use. Dried Italian Herbs, Onion Powder, Parmesan Cheese, Cayenne Pepper, even the cheese seasoning from a box of mac & cheese will work well on these.

Serve as a side dish to your favorite sandwich, hamburger, hot dog, or just as a delicious snack. Enjoy!

Prep Time = 30 minutes
Cooking Time = 12-15 Minutes
Serves 4

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at https://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Hummus

Wherever you travel in the Mediterranean, from Lebanon, to Israel, to Turkey and beyond, Hummus seems to be a mainstay as a side dish and/or appetizer. For good reason … it’s gooooooooood! And so easy to make, as well. So, it only seems fitting that we wrap up our weeklong epicurean excursion to the Middle East with this Caveman’s version of a classic regional dish.

INGREDIENTS

1 16 Ounce Can of Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
3 Garlic Cloves
3 Tbsp Tahini Paste
3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Garbanzo Bean Juice
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Fresh Chopped Italian Leaf Parsley

RECIPE

Drain garbanzo beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the canning juice.

Squeeze and strain the juice from a fresh lemon until you have 3 tablespoons worth. About half a lemon usually does the trick.
HINT: Again, I can’t stress enough how using Meyer’s Lemons in these recipes makes such a huge difference. Use them if at all possible.

Crush Garlic.

Place all ingredients, EXCEPT PARSLEY, into food processor.

Process on high setting for about 2-3 minutes, until mixture is creamy and semi-smooth.
HINT #2: This will never get as smooth as the Tahina Sauce. So, don’t over process it trying to get it to that consistency. A very slight grainy appearance is expected.

To properly plate when done, with a rubber spatula scoop out enough to more than cover the area of the serving plate. Smooth out the Hummus, kind of making a wheel shape out of the hummus. Be sure to leave a little round reservoir in the middle of the “wheel”.

Pour a little Olive Oil into the center reservoir. Then, dust dish with Paprika.

Finally, top hummus with finely chopped parsley and serve along side your favorite Mediterranean dish. Pictured here with Falafel, Pita Bread, Tahina Sauce, Caveraeli Salad, and Harif.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our culinary journey over the past week. We’ll be adding more recipes to this regional list in the coming weeks, including my promised Falafel recipe … I still need to try one more tweek before it is ready for public consumption.

Prep Time = 15 Minutes
Cooking Time = n/a
Serves 4-6

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Harif (Yemenite Hot Sauce)

If you know me, you know that I love my hot sauce. From pepper sauces, to chili oils, to curries, I pretty much like ’em all! So, it should be no surprise that a Middle Eastern variety makes a showing in this continuing tasty trip. This sauce (pronounced ha-REEF) also works great with Mexican, Asian, and seafood, besides the usual dishes it traditionally accompanies. Best of all, it is sooooooo easy to make!

INGREDIENTS

5 Large Jalapeno Peppers
3 Garlic Cloves
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Cilantro
1/4 Tsp Salt

RECIPE

Vein and seed jalapenos.

Chop cilantro.

Crush Garlic.

Place all ingredients into food processor.

Process on high for 1-3 minutes, until mixture becomes a coarse sauce.

Serve with any regional dish. Pictured here with Falafel, Hummus, Tahina, Caveraeli Salad, and Pita Bread.

Tomorrow we end our journey with the quintessential Mediterranean dish … Hummus!

Prep Time = 12 Minutes
Cooking Time = n/a
Makes about 1 Cup

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Tahina Sauce

We continue our culinary journey to the Middle East with the sauce derived directly from the Tahini Paste we learned to make yesterday. This is a great sauce to put on top of Falafel, Kabobs, Salads or just as a dip for Pita Bread. The great thing about Middle Eastern food is that it all just seems to go together so well.

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Tahini Paste
3/4 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice (2-3 lemons)
3 Cloves Garlic, crushed
1/2 Tsp Salt
2 Tbsp Italian Broadleaf Parsley, finely chopped

RECIPE

Squeeze the juice from 2 to 3 lemons, through a strainer. You’ll need about 1/2 a cup. Set aside.

Peel, then crush three cloves of garlic. Set aside.
NOTE: If you are going to use a blender or food processor for this recipe there is no need to break out a garlic press. Just take the side of your chef’s knife and apply pressure with your palm until it gives way.

Pour 1 cup of prepared Tahini Paste into food processor.

Add garlic and lemon juice to paste.

Puree until white and creamy on high setting.

Now, with the processor on a low setting, add salt 1/4 teaspoon at a time and slowly add water a 1/4 cup at a time.

Sauce is ready when white, creamy, smooth, and tangy to the taste. You can add more salt of lemon juice if needed, but it should be good to go as is. You can serve immediately, but I think it’s best after it’s been refrigerated for several hours in an airtight container. Should last about a week.

When you are ready to plate this sauce, drizzle some Olive Oil on top, dust with Paprika, and scatter some chopped parsley over it.

SIDE NOTE: I’m sure many of you are saying to yourselves, “Great, Cave! You’ve given us a paste and a sauce made from the paste … now what?!?!”. Can’t say that I blame you, but I have to give you all the base recipes so that by the end of this epicurean excursion you’ll be able to make everything you see here, save for the pita bread and the falafel, for a Middle Eastern feast.
Why no bread? Well, I just leave the baking to the Cavewoman. As for the falafel, I’m not totally happy with my recipe yet so it’s just not ready to share yet. But, I think I may have discovered the magic ingredient … if it works again I’ll share it immediately.

Tomorrow, Israeli Salad!

Prep Time = 15 Minutes
Cooking Time = n/a
Makes 2 Cups

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Tahini Paste

This is the first, and perhaps most crucial, recipe of our week long culinary journey to the Middle East. You probably won’t want to eat it straight. But, if you are going to make just about any of the regional dishes, from Hummus to Falafel to Baba Ghannouj, you will need this simple little preparation as an ingredient. The good news is that you can make it ahead of time and it should last up to three weeks in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

3 Cups Raw Sesame Seeds
1 Cup Olive Oil

RECIPE

Preheat oven to 350. Spread sesame seeds evenly on large baking pan with raised sides.

Place baking pan into oven to toast very lightly. You don’t want them starting to to turn brown. Be sure to toss and stir them often until done. Let cool for 15 minutes.

Prepare one cup of olive oil. I like to use Extra Virgin (insert joke here ;)), but regular works, too. Just stay away from using the “Light” or “Extra Light” varieties for this application.

Place cooled seeds into food processor. Add oil evenly.

Puree on high for 3-5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides with a rubber spatula. You don’t want any whole seeds left.

When smooth and creamy, pour into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready for use.

NOTE: There has always been a bit of confusion over the terms “Tahini” and “Tahina”. Some folks use them interchangeably … but they would be wrong. 😉 The way it was explained to me years ago by an Israeli chef, Tahin-EE is the paste which we are making here. Tahin-AH is the smooth, creamy, delicious sauce you pour over falafels, salads, kabobs, and more. Guess what’s on the menu for tomorrow?!?

Prep Time = 30 Minutes
Cooking Time = 5-10 Minutes
Makes 2 1/4 Cups

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Cavinaigrette

A great, light dressing with an Italian flair. Makes a good marinade, too.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar (preferably aged)
1/2 Tbsp. Chopped Garlic
1 tsp. Red Wine (or more to taste)
1 tsp. World Spice Merchants “Italian Herbs” (or any dried Italian herb blend)
1 tsp. Teriyaki Sauce
1 tsp. Molassas
1/2 tsp. Sugar (or more to taste)

RECIPE

Mix all ingredients well in a small bowl. Toss into your favorite salad, drizzle on a sub sandwich, or marinate some chicken or fish in it before grilling.

HINT: Make this at least 20 minutes before use so that the herbs get fully rehydrated.

Prep Time = 5 minutes
Cook Time = n/a
Serves 4-6

©2009 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at https://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.