Microwave White Chicken Chili

Colder weather means its a perfect time to start cooking up some chili. Here's a great recipe I found for some white chicken chili.

Ingredients:
3 whole heads garlic (about 48 cloves), unpeeled (this may seem like a lot but "roasting" them in the microwave lends a mild, mellow taste)

¾ tsp salt, divided
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 poblano peppers
1 medium onion
1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp Southwestern Seasoning Mix
2 cans (15.5 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained
1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde
 
1. Using (5-in.) Santoku Knife, slice about 1/4 in. off the pointed top of garlic heads to expose

cloves. Place garlic cut side up in Classic Batter Bowl. Sprinkle garlic with 1/4 tsp of the salt and
drizzle with 2 tbsp of the oil. Cover batter bowl with lid; microwave on HIGH 3 minutes or until
garlic is soft. Set aside to cool.

2. Meanwhile, finely dice peppers using Santoku Knife. Chop onion using Food Chopper. Combine
peppers and onion in Deep Covered Baker. Trim and finely dice chicken using Boning Knife.
Add chicken, seasoning mix, remaining 1 tbsp oil and remaining 1/2 tsp salt to baker; mix well
using Master Scraper. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 4 minutes; stir to separate chicken. Cover;
microwave an additional 4-6 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

3. Meanwhile, gently squeeze cooled garlic from heads into batter bowl (discard skins); mash using
Mix ‘N Masher. Add beans and salsa to batter bowl. Transfer bean mixture to baker; mix well.
Microwave, covered, on HIGH 5-7 minutes or until chili is heated through.

Yield: 8 servings (8 cups)

Cheesy meat loaf and potato wedges

Last night, I used two of my favorite items to make a meal that everyone loved. In fact, there weren't even any leftovers.

I baked a cheesy meat loaf in the Deep Covered Baker, aka the Magic Pot, and I used my Large Bar Pan to roast some potato wedges.

To prepare the meat loaf, I mixed the beef with egg, shredded cheese and onion. After baking for about an hour, I put a bit of ketchup on top and baked for a few more minutes. You can also make meat loaf in the microwave using the Deep Covered Baker in about 15 minutes.

I cut several potatoes into wedges, tossed them in oil and then sprinkled them with salt and garlic powder. I baked them for 30 minutes.

Pork Tenderloin in 15 minutes?

Yes, it's true. One of my favorite dishes to prepare at cooking shows is a juicy pork tenderloin - done in 15 minutes in the microwave.

Before I get into the details, I have to tell you that the secret is something we've dubbed "The Magic Pot." Officially, it's the Deep Covered Baker, but whatever you want to call it, it's the best investment I've made in my kitchen in years.

The Deep Covered Baker is made of stoneware. Like our other stoneware pieces, it can be used in the oven, microwave and freezer. And it's easy to clean.
So back to the tenderloin. Prepare it by brushing it with oil and a rub of your choice, garnish with onions and potatoes or leave it by itself, put it in the microwave on high for 10-12 minutes, take it out and let it sit for 10 minutes - the amazing thing is the meat continues to cook once it's been removed from the microwave.

Voila! A tasty, healthy meal with meat and veggies in less than half an hour.

That's one great recipe with the Deep Covered Baker. I've got dozens more I'll share with you in upcoming posts.