Versatile Meat Coating Recipes

VERSATILE COATING MIX

Steps:

• Combine the first 10 ingredients in a bowl; cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or freeze for up to 6 months. Yield: 6 batches (3 cups total). , To prepare chicken: Place 1/2 cup coating mix in shallow bowl or large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and toss to coat. Place in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 40-45 minutes or until juices run clear.

VERSATILE BEEF MIX

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Divide into four portions; place in freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using., Versatile Beef Mix may be used to prepare the following recipes: Easy Meatball Stew, Easy Spaghetti with Meatballs, Microwave Meat Loaf and Bacon Salisbury Steak

CARAMEL COATING

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with cold water, and set aside. Place sugar and distilled water in a medium saucepan set over low heat; stir, dissolving sugar. Increase heat to medium high; bring sugar to a boil. Using a ladle, remove any scum that surfaces. Add corn syrup, and return to a boil.
• Dip a pastry brush in water, and wash down the sides of the pan. Continue cooking sugar until light golden brown in color and a candy thermometer registers 340 degrees, about 18 minutes. Place the pan in cold water 5 seconds. Remove the pan from water, and let the sugar thicken slightly, about 5 minutes, before using. If caramel starts to harden while working, set over low heat for a few minutes.

ALL DAY VERSATILE SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large pot saute onion, garlic, oregano and basil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the neck bones and let simmer with the lid on until the onions are transparent. Note: if using ground beef cook with onion mixture.
• Once onions are clear, add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, tomato paste and water. If using meat in your recipe add at this time. Cover and simmer for several hours.
• Before serving, remove neck bones and discard.

CORNMEAL COATING

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine milk and lemon juice. Add cod fillets, and marinate 5 minutes. Heat oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat.
• In a shallow bowl, mix together cornmeal and flour. Season with paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, thyme and cayenne pepper. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture.
• Fry cod fillets in hot oil until golden brown.

CHICKEN COATING

Steps:

• Measure all ingredients into bowl.
• Stir thoroughly.
• To use, moisten chicken parts with water and dip in coating.
• Or place coating in plastic bag, and shake to coat.
• Arrange chicken on ungreased baking tray.
• Bake 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until tender and juices run clear.
• Makes enough to coat about 3 1/2 pounds.

SEASONED CORN MEAL COATING FOR FISH OR CHICKEN

Steps:

• For Pan Fried Fish: 4 servings.
• Coat 1 lb fresh or frozen fish fillets, thawed, in combined dry ingredients.
• Dip in milk; coat again in dry ingredients. Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in large skillet over medium heat.
• Fry 2-3 minute per side or till fish flakes easily with fork.
• Oven Fried Chicken: 6 servings.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Dip 2 1/2 to 3 lb. cut-up broiler fryer chicken in milk.
• Coat in combined dry ingredients; place chicken, skin-side up, on a 15 x 10" jelly roll pan; lightly brush with 3 tablespoons melted butter.
• Bake 50-55 minute or till juices run clear when chicken is pierced with fork.

CORNMEAL COATING

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl or pie plate. Adjust seasoning, if desired.