Big Weather's Big Recipe: Zucchini Bread

Today, I want to share some delicious recipes with you. These recipes are brought to you by Big Weather, a renowned chef from Raleigh-Durham. He has perfected the art of creating mouthwatering dishes, and I’m excited to share them with you.

  1. Garden Fresh Salsa

Garden Fresh Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Chop the tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and garlic.
  2. In a bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients.
  3. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

How to prepare: This garden fresh salsa is the perfect accompaniment to tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos. The fresh ingredients add a burst of flavor to any dish, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

  1. Nancy’s Cinnamon Rolls

Nancy’s Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Mix well.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and remaining flour. Stir until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
  7. Spread softened butter over the dough.
  8. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough. Add chopped pecans if desired.
  9. Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 rolls.
  10. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  11. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing.
  13. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.

How to prepare: Nancy’s cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that will fill your home with a warm and comforting aroma. These fluffy rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a special dessert.

Preparation time: 2 hours

  1. Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, and thyme.
  3. Add the seasoned pork chops to the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.

How to prepare: These slow cooker pork chops are incredibly tender and full of flavor. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve them with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Preparation time: 6-8 hours

  1. Cornflake Chicken

Cornflake Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, then coat it with the cornflake mixture.
  4. Place the coated chicken breasts in the greased baking dish.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

How to prepare: This cornflake chicken is a crispy and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The cornflake crust adds a delightful crunch to the tender chicken. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

  1. Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the grated zucchini to the wet ingredients.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
  7. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to prepare: Zucchini bread is a delicious and moist treat that is perfect for any time of the day. The addition of grated zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and makes the bread incredibly soft. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

Preparation time: 1 hour

  1. The Big Sandwich

The Big Sandwich

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 8 slices turkey breast
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 tomato slices
  • 8 pickle slices

Instructions:

  1. Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
  2. Spread mayonnaise on one half of the bread and Dijon mustard on the other half.
  3. Layer ham, turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on one side of the bread.
  4. Place the other half of the bread on top.
  5. Press down firmly to secure the sandwich.
  6. Cut the sandwich into desired portions.

How to prepare: The big sandwich is a classic favorite that is perfect for picnics or a satisfying lunch at home. Packed with layers of ham, turkey, cheese, and fresh vegetables, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your hunger.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

  1. 4 Ingredient Sloppy Joes

4 Ingredient Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet.
  3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors meld together.
  5. Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns.

How to prepare: These 4 ingredient sloppy joes are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar creates a tangy and sweet filling that is simply irresistible.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

  1. Grandpa B’s Cucumber Salad

Grandpa B’s Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 large cucumbers
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl.
  4. Toss the ingredients well to coat them with the dressing.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How to prepare: Grandpa B’s cucumber salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or sandwiches. The crisp cucumbers and zesty dressing make this salad a summer favorite.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

  1. Spicy Beans and Rice

Spicy Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice