Bring to room temperature Let the meat reach room temperature before cooking. This helps it stay juicy.
Pan sear For pan searing, start over high heat, then reduce to low heat and add butter.
Use a meat thermometer For medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of 128°F.
Rest after cooking Remove from heat and let it sit for 5–7 minutes to redistribute the juices.
Cut against the grain This breaks up the fibers of muscle, making the meat easier to chew.
Coat with oil Use virgin olive oil, truffle oil, or another light oil to enhance flavor and help with browning.
Use a tenderizer Apply a marinade that contains an acidic component like vinegar or lemon juice.
Super Smoked Chicken What to get:
1 Ardent Acres chicken, 4-6 lbs.
Olive oil
1/2 cup honey
1 orange, peeled and wedged
3-5 fl. oz. bourbon
1 can-type roasting stand, don't use a beer can, see pic below
What to do:
Get the smoker going. You can use a Weber type charcoal grill with the snake method as well. You're shooting for 225F. Some applewood chunks can be added.
Wash the chicken, pat dry with a towel, set aside.
In can-type roasting stand, combine honey, bourbon, and orange slices. Place stand in smoker. You can put a drip pan underneath.
Coat chicken with olive oil. It doesn't have to be dripping.
Place chicken on can-type roasting stand, in smoker. The stand cylinder is placed inside the chicken cavity, holding the bird upright.
Smoke for about 4 hours or until an internal temperature of 165F is reached.
Remove chicken from smoker, cover with foil and a towel, let rest of 15-20 minutes before carving.
Mighty Meatloaf What to get:
2 lbs. Ardent Acres ground beef
2 eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (we like to crush garlic herb croutons)
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped (fresh or dried)
1 teaspoon pepper, ground
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 onion, diced
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
What to do:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the onions and butter in a pan until tender. Allow to cool.
In a large bowl, mix beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, parsley, pepper, salt, Italian seasoning and onions.
Use meat mixture to form a loaf, roughly 8"x4" and place on a buttered baking pan (not a loaf pan). Bake for 40 minutes.
Combine ketchup and brown sugar. Spread on meatloaf and cook for 10 additional minutes or until meatloaf is 160 degrees inside.
Let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes and serve.
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls What to get:
1 lb Ardent Acres ground beef
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil (olive oil works too)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups hot cooked brown rice
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
What to do:
Cook beef in a large skillet with garlic, breaking it into crumbles, over medium heat until no longer pink.
In a small bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Pour mixture over beef and let simmer 2-4 minutes.
Serve over hot rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. We like to add snow peapods, carrots, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts.
Quick Chili What to get:
2 lbs. Ardent Acres Ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
3 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can black beans
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon black pepper, ground
What to do:
Brown the beef and onions in a large pot.
Combine all ingredients in pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
Really Great Rub What to get:
1/4 cup sea salt
1/4 cup smoked paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
6 teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons onion powder
4 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
What to do: Mix all ingredients and rub into Ardent Acres beef or chicken. Store the leftovers in an airtight container.
Amazing Roast Marinade What to get:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup minced green onions
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (dried is fine)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
What to do:
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Submerge Ardent Acres beef roast in mixture and allow to marinate overnight. Flip meat in marinade now and then to ensure even coverage.
