I'm always surprised at the varied recipes in my email's inbox that I get from Diabetic Gourmet. If you haven't gotten onto their emailing list (especially if you or a loved one are diabetic), you should. Not only do they have yummy recipes that even us non-diabetics can enjoy, they occasionally have information for diabetics. And now for the recipes. Enjoy!
APPLE AND SQUASH BAKE
The direct link for this recipe is http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1121.shtml. The recipe starts off, "This recipe combines all the best fall flavors and makes a great alternative to the candied yams often served for Thanksgiving dinner." Yield: 8 servings, serving size: 3/4 cup squash and apple bake.
Ingredients
1/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1 teaspoon molasses
1/4 cup light butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
2 pounds butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into
1/2 inch slices
2 large apples - cored, and cut into 1/2 inch slices
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, stir together Splenda Granulated Sweetener, molasses, butter, flour, salt, and mace. Arrange squash in an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with slices of apple, then sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until squash is tender.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 120; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 340 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Fat: 3.5 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g
STUFFED PEPPERS
Servings: 8
Source: The New American Heart Association Cookbook
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/238.shtml
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers, any color or combination
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 medium crookneck squash, diced (about 2 cups)
1 medium zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup diced onion (1 medium)
2 medium cloves garlic, minced, or 1 tsp bottled minced garlic
2 cups cooked brown rice (1/2 to 2/3 cup uncooked)
1/2 cup grated fat-free or low-fat Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts (2 ounces)
1 cup no-salt-added tomato juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise, removing stems, ribs, and seeds. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom. Saute tomatoes, crookneck squash, zucchini, onion, and garlic until zucchini is tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Don't overcook.
In a medium bowl, combine rice, cheese, and water chestnuts. Gently stir into skillet. Stuff pepper halves with vegetable mixture. Place in 9-inch round or square casserole dish, then carefully pour tomato juice around peppers. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 119; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 68 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Low-Fat Milk, 2 Vegetable
ITALIAN SPINACH PIE
Makes: 8 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/627.shtml
Ingredients
1 container (16 oz.) Breakstone'S or Knudsen 2% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1 cup Kraft Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 jar (7 oz.) roasted red peppers, well drained, chopped
1/3 cup Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F.
Mix all ingredients until well blended. Pour into greased 9-inch pie plate. Bake 40 min. or until center is set.
Options: Substitute 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers for the roasted peppers.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Protein: 15 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 450 mg; Cholesterol: 125 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable + 2 Lean Meat
GRANNY SMITH'S APPLE CRISP
This can be found online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1123.shtml. The recipe states, "A perfect warm dessert to serve a cool autumn day." Yields 8 servings; serving size is 3/4 cup crisp.
Ingredients
1 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice
5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.
Make Filling: whisk together Splenda Granulated Sweetener, cinnamon, orange zest and orange juice in a large bowl; add apples and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to prepared pan; set aside.
Make Topping: stir together oats, Splenda Granulated Sweetener, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; cut butter in with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly. Stir in cereal and walnuts. Spoon topping over apples.
Bake 45 minutes or until topping is lightly browned. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 160; Calories from Fat: 80; Protein: 3 g; Sodium: 45 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
FETTUCCINE SALAD WITH ROASTED GARLIC, ONIONS, PEPPERS
Serves: 8
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/22.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/495.shtml
Ingredients2 bulbs garlic
Olive oil cooking spray
3 medium onions, cut into wedges
2 large red bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces fettuccine, cooked, warm
Directions
Cut a scant 1/2 inch off tops of garlic bulbs, exposing ends of cloves. Wrap garlic heads loosely in aluminum foil. Spray jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Arrange garlic, onions, and bell peppers on pan.
Bake vegetables, uncovered, at 400 degrees until garlic is very soft and vegetables are tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
Cool garlic slightly; squeeze pulp into small bowl. Stir in oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spoon garlic mixture over pasta and toss; add onions and peppers and toss. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 151; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 4.5 g; Sodium: 184 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 24.4 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Vegetable, 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Fat
MUSHROOM MEATLOAF
Yields 8 servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds 95-percent-lean ground beef or ground turkey
2 cups very finely chopped fresh mushrooms
3/4 cup very finely chopped onion
3/4 cup quick-cooking (1-minute) oats
8-ounce can tomato sauce with roasted garlic or Italian herbs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fat-free egg substitute
1/4 cup very finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Place all of the ingredients except for 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a large bowl, and mix well.
Coat a 9-by-5-inch meatloaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture into the pan to form a loaf.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Spread the remaining tomato sauce over the meatloaf and bake for 30 additional minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink inside and a meat thermometer reads at least 160 degrees.
Remove the loaf from the oven, and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Sodium: 399 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Fat: 4.4 g; Saturated Fat: 1.6 g; Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 3 Low-Fat Meat, 1 Vegetable
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Soup - repost
Rerun of July 2's post.
Even on the busiest of week nights, we still need to eat. Here are some yummy – and relatively quick and easy – meals to fix. With the soup, you can always add a salad, sandwich and dessert, and you're ready to go. Enjoy!
POTATO AND ONION SOUP
This is from Roadfood.com. The send out emails periodically which are almost always interesting. This recipe, from Harry Caray's, starts off, “Cooking potatoes in beef stock gives the starchy vegetable a savor that all carnivores will appreciate. A sprinkle of Parmesan on each serving adds just the right zip.”
Preparation Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups peeled and sliced Spanish onions
3-1/2 cups homemade beef stock or equivalent amount of canned, low salt beef broth
3 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan and add the olive oil.
Add the onions and sauté until they become clear and turn a light brown. Set aside.
In a large stock pot, bring the beef stock to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the diced potatoes. Simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are soft.
Add the onions to the stock pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Salt and pepper the soup to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese on top and serve.
CROCKPOT VEGETABLE MINESTRONE Linda Larsen, About.com's Busy Cooks guide, writes, “This hearty recipe has a very complex flavor. One of the more surprising parts of the recipe is that pasta cooks right in the crockpot.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 hours; Total Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable broth or stock
4 cups tomato juice
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in a 4-5 quart crockpot. Cover crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender. Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 15-25 minutes until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 12 servings
CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP: TART, TANGY, TINGLY
This comes from Kevin D. Weeks, About.com's former Cooking for 2 guide. He wrote, “I know people who say "Ech!" when I mention chilled soups. The idea of eating cold soup simply offends their sense of "rightness" - soup should be hot and savory, something for a cold January day. But a chilled soup, enjoyed on the patio on a hot summer day while the grill is roasting a few steaks is almost the apotheosis of good times in the summer time. Slightly spicy with a nice lilt of curry and a refreshing tartness from the buttermilk, yogurt, and lime, this soup is wonderfully cool and refreshing soup served with grilled fish. Serves 2.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 10-inch cucumbers; peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 sm. shallot; finely chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh mint; finely chopped
1/2 tsp. curry powder
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
Preparation:
Place cucumbers, scallions, mint, and lime juice in a food processor.
Pulse four or five times, scraping down sides once, then and process until finely chopped - about one minute longer.
Scrape down sides and add remaining ingredients and process another minute. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Chill for at least 4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings again before serving.
CORN CHOWDER WITH PINK POTATOES & CREAM
This wonderful recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If you get onto their emailing list, which I highly recommend, they'll send you a recipe a month.
The recipe starts off, “This soup is a perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of ripe corn. It can be made quickly and is light enough to enjoy on a warm summer evening.” It serves 4-6.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely diced
8 to 10 cups water
Kosher salt
4 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut in half crosswise
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 medium red new potatoes, washed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Pour the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add onion. Cover pot and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat to sweat the onion, stirring occasionally. The onions will become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 1 minute, or until garlic smells sweet but is not brown.
Add 8 cups of the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil. Carefully drop in the ears of corn and cook until kernels are tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove corn and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Remove kernels from the cobs with a knife, then place the cobs and half of the kernels back in the soup pot. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, then remove the cobs and discard. Add the heavy cream, potatoes, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender, adding more water as needed (about 15 minutes). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the remaining kernels of corn just before serving.
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, sour cream, and lime juice. Mix well and drizzle over steaming bowls of soup. Feel free to add your own garnish.
CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP
Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup onions, diced small
1 cup carrots, diced small
1 cup celery, diced small
1/4 cup leeks, diced small
1/2 cup fennel, diced small
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
2/3 cup French green lentils*
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.
Preparation:
Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.
Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet
Yield: 6 servings
Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml
Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
Even on the busiest of week nights, we still need to eat. Here are some yummy – and relatively quick and easy – meals to fix. With the soup, you can always add a salad, sandwich and dessert, and you're ready to go. Enjoy!
POTATO AND ONION SOUP
This is from Roadfood.com. The send out emails periodically which are almost always interesting. This recipe, from Harry Caray's, starts off, “Cooking potatoes in beef stock gives the starchy vegetable a savor that all carnivores will appreciate. A sprinkle of Parmesan on each serving adds just the right zip.”
Preparation Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups peeled and sliced Spanish onions
3-1/2 cups homemade beef stock or equivalent amount of canned, low salt beef broth
3 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan and add the olive oil.
Add the onions and sauté until they become clear and turn a light brown. Set aside.
In a large stock pot, bring the beef stock to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the diced potatoes. Simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are soft.
Add the onions to the stock pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Salt and pepper the soup to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese on top and serve.
CROCKPOT VEGETABLE MINESTRONE Linda Larsen, About.com's Busy Cooks guide, writes, “This hearty recipe has a very complex flavor. One of the more surprising parts of the recipe is that pasta cooks right in the crockpot.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 hours; Total Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable broth or stock
4 cups tomato juice
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in a 4-5 quart crockpot. Cover crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender. Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 15-25 minutes until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 12 servings
CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP: TART, TANGY, TINGLY
This comes from Kevin D. Weeks, About.com's former Cooking for 2 guide. He wrote, “I know people who say "Ech!" when I mention chilled soups. The idea of eating cold soup simply offends their sense of "rightness" - soup should be hot and savory, something for a cold January day. But a chilled soup, enjoyed on the patio on a hot summer day while the grill is roasting a few steaks is almost the apotheosis of good times in the summer time. Slightly spicy with a nice lilt of curry and a refreshing tartness from the buttermilk, yogurt, and lime, this soup is wonderfully cool and refreshing soup served with grilled fish. Serves 2.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 10-inch cucumbers; peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 sm. shallot; finely chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh mint; finely chopped
1/2 tsp. curry powder
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
Preparation:
Place cucumbers, scallions, mint, and lime juice in a food processor.
Pulse four or five times, scraping down sides once, then and process until finely chopped - about one minute longer.
Scrape down sides and add remaining ingredients and process another minute. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Chill for at least 4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings again before serving.
CORN CHOWDER WITH PINK POTATOES & CREAM
This wonderful recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If you get onto their emailing list, which I highly recommend, they'll send you a recipe a month.
The recipe starts off, “This soup is a perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of ripe corn. It can be made quickly and is light enough to enjoy on a warm summer evening.” It serves 4-6.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely diced
8 to 10 cups water
Kosher salt
4 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut in half crosswise
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 medium red new potatoes, washed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Pour the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add onion. Cover pot and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat to sweat the onion, stirring occasionally. The onions will become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 1 minute, or until garlic smells sweet but is not brown.
Add 8 cups of the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil. Carefully drop in the ears of corn and cook until kernels are tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove corn and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Remove kernels from the cobs with a knife, then place the cobs and half of the kernels back in the soup pot. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, then remove the cobs and discard. Add the heavy cream, potatoes, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender, adding more water as needed (about 15 minutes). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the remaining kernels of corn just before serving.
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, sour cream, and lime juice. Mix well and drizzle over steaming bowls of soup. Feel free to add your own garnish.
CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP
Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup onions, diced small
1 cup carrots, diced small
1 cup celery, diced small
1/4 cup leeks, diced small
1/2 cup fennel, diced small
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
2/3 cup French green lentils*
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.
Preparation:
Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.
Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet
Yield: 6 servings
Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml
Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Summer Delights
It seems that each season has things that seem right for it: Winter tends to require warmer clothing and hot meals, such as stews, soups and chilis, while summer requires lighter clothes and food. Here are some warm weather foods that feel right for summer. Enjoy!
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking's guide. She wrote, “Sorbet is the perfect dessert for hot sunny days. This strawberry sorbet is made with fresh in-season strawberries, but when strawberries are out of season, it's best to use frozen ones. If you have an ice cream maker, simply pour the prepared mixture into your can and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Alas, I have no ice cream maker, so my method involves a second use of a blender or food processor to ensure a smooth sorbet.” Serves 6.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
2 lbs strawberries (about 5 cups)
2 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation:
Stir sugar and water together in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Bring sugar and water syrup to a boil, then remove from heat.
Allow to cool in pan for a 1/2 hour (the syrup is extremely hot) before transferring to a 1 cup container and chilling it in the refrigerator.
While the syrup is cooling, hull strawberries and place them in a food processor or blender. Blend strawberries to a puree, then pour through a sieve into a medium size bowl. Add lemon juice, and stir well.
Refrigerate puree until syrup has chilled – about 1 hour.
Combine chilled syrup and strawberry puree, then transfer to an 8-inch metal baking pan (stainless steel is best).
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 3-4 hours. Remove sorbet from freezer and puree once more in a food processor or blender. Return strawberry puree mixture to metal pan, cover and freeze for a further 3-4 hours.
Per Serving: Calories 141, Calories from Fat 5, Total Fat 0.6g, (Sat 0g), Cholesterol 0g, Sodium 3mg, Carbohydrate 33.2g, Fiber 3.5g, Protein 0.9g
YOGURT PARFAIT BREAKFAST POPSICLES
This one comes from one of my favorite emailing sites, thekitchn. If you haven't already signed up for the great emails from thekitchn or it's brother site, Apartment Therapy, you're missing some really cool stuff.
You can view this recipe online here, along with photos of these incredible breakfast popsicles and everything that Faith Durand has to say about these. Serves 6.
1 1/2 pints strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (around 3 cups chopped)
1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
3/4 cups granola
Combine the strawberries and sugar (or honey) in a small saucepan and stir gently to combine. Let the berries macerate on the counter for at least 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and syrupy.
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a r. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries are thick and jammy. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. You should have about 1 cup of jammy fruit. (At this point, the strawberries can be refrigerated for up to a week.)
When ready to assemble the popsicles, whisk together the yogurt, 1/4 cup of the milk, and 2 tablespoons of honey. The yogurt should be thick, but pourable (roughly the consistency of regular yogurt). If needed, whisk in a little more milk. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Scoop out 1/4 cup of the yogurt mixture and stir it into the granola. This will help the granola freeze into the popsicles.
Arrange 6 popsicle molds (1/2 cup capacity) on your work surface. Pour a generous spoonful of yogurt into the bottom of each mold. Add a scoop of granola and then a spoonful or two of strawberries. Continue layering yogurt, granola, and strawberries until the molds are filled. Tap the molds lightly agains the counter or use a popsicle stick to work out any air bubbles between the layers.
Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and place the popsicles in the freezer. Freeze until solid, at least 6 hours.
To unmold, run the popsicle molds under hot running water for a few seconds and gently easy the popsicles out of the molds. Popsicles will keep in the freezer for several weeks.
Recipe Notes
You can substitute 1 1/4 cups of regular yogurt for the Greek yogurt. As long as it's pourable, there's no need to thin the yogurt any further.
The strawberries can be replaced with an equal amount of any other fruit.
You can also substitute 1 cup any flavor of jam or fruit preserves for the berries. Skip the jam-making step and proceed with assembling the popsicles.
GINGER-PEACH SORBET
This is from page 46 of the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe states, “Fresh peaches, lightly cooked with a bit of sugar and fresh, spicy ginger, play double duty. Pulse the frozen cubes in the food processor with a splash of Prosecco and you have a light, flaky sorbet. Thaw the cubes, omit the prosecco, and use the mixture as a topper for ice cream or angel food cake.” Serves 6.
6 very ripe medium peaches (3 lb.)
1/4 cup sugar
4 1/4-inch-thick coins fresh ginger
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
6 Tbs. Prosecco or white wine
Score X on bottom of each peach. Place in bowl, and cover with boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Remove skins and pits, and chop.
Bring peaches, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes, or until peaches are soft.
Remove ginger, transfer peach mixture to food processor, and blend until smooth. Cool.
Pour cooled sauce into 6 1/2-cup silicone molds or muffin pan cups. Press plastic wrap over surface of molds to seal out air. Freeze 4 hours, or until completely solid, then transfer to freezer bag to store.
To make sorbet: Pulse frozen cubes and Prosecco in food processor until smooth. Transfer to freezer-safe container, and freeze until ready to serve.
nutritional information Per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 121; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: less than 1 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 25 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
FROZEN STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
This comes from Tyler Florence of the Food Network. Easy, yummy...Works in my world! Total Time: 50 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 5 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy. To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 gallon good-quality strawberry ice cream
1 1/2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 store-bought cheesecake (8 or 9 inch), room temperature
1 pint strawberries, hulled and cut into pieces
1/2 lemon, juiced
Directions
Set the ice cream out at room temperature to soften for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, use a fork to mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture over the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with your fingers; then press all over with the flat bottom of a glass to get the crust really well pressed together and compact. Set aside.
When the ice cream has softened, cream it in a mixer with a paddle attachment (or by hand in a bowl with a wooden spoon) until soft and creamy, but not melted. Break the cheesecake into pieces and beat or fold it into the ice cream. Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Put that in the freezer to set.
Now combine the strawberries, the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and the lemon juice in non-reactive saucepan and warm over medium heat just until the strawberries begin to break down and give off their juice, 3 to 5 minutes. Stick that into the refrigerator to chill.
When you're ready to serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and put the frozen cheesecake on a cake plate. Spoon the strawberries over the top and serve.
FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER BITES
This recipe comes from Patrick and Gina Neely of the Food Network's Down Here with the Neelys fame. If these aren't absolutely yummy and simple, I'm not sure what is.
Total Time: 1 hr 55 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr 30 min; Cook: 5 min; Yield: 20 bites; Level: Easy
Ingredients1 (18-ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Directions
Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the peanut butter and confectioners' sugar together until smooth and stiff. Beat in the vanilla extract. Shape the peanut butter mixture into 20 (1-inch) balls and place on a waxed paper-lined sheet tray. Place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour.
Add chopped chocolate to a small bowl set over gently simmering water. Stir to melt. Remove chocolate from heat. With 2 forks, carefully dip the chilled peanut butter balls 1/2 way into the chocolate, let excess drip off, and lay onto the waxed paper-lined sheet tray.
With a fork, swirl some decorative chocolate across the top of each bite. Place in the refrigerator for the chocolate to set and the peanut butter to solidify, about 30 minutes.
Cook's Note: If it's a hot and humid day outside dust your hands with confectioners' sugar before rolling the balls. This will make it less sticky.
BLUEBERRY PIE
Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com's Desserts and Baking guide, writes, “Baked Blueberry Pie was one of my father's favorite pies.” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes
Ingredients:
9-inch double pie crust
3 pints blueberries
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4-cup flour
1/2 cup sugar, plus
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
milk
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place cookie sheet in oven. Line 9-inch glass pie plate with bottom crust.
Combine blueberries, lemon juice, flour sugar and cinnamon or nutmeg. Place in pie plate. Sprinkle butter pieces over blueberry mixture. Place other crust on top. Seal crust edges. With a knife cut vents in top of crust. Lightly paint top of crust with milk. Sprinkle additional sugar on top.
Bake for 20 minutes on top of cookie sheet. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F. and bake for 30 to 40 more minutes or until juice is bubbling. Cool on wire rack. Serve with whipped or ice cream.
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking's guide. She wrote, “Sorbet is the perfect dessert for hot sunny days. This strawberry sorbet is made with fresh in-season strawberries, but when strawberries are out of season, it's best to use frozen ones. If you have an ice cream maker, simply pour the prepared mixture into your can and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Alas, I have no ice cream maker, so my method involves a second use of a blender or food processor to ensure a smooth sorbet.” Serves 6.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
2 lbs strawberries (about 5 cups)
2 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation:
Stir sugar and water together in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Bring sugar and water syrup to a boil, then remove from heat.
Allow to cool in pan for a 1/2 hour (the syrup is extremely hot) before transferring to a 1 cup container and chilling it in the refrigerator.
While the syrup is cooling, hull strawberries and place them in a food processor or blender. Blend strawberries to a puree, then pour through a sieve into a medium size bowl. Add lemon juice, and stir well.
Refrigerate puree until syrup has chilled – about 1 hour.
Combine chilled syrup and strawberry puree, then transfer to an 8-inch metal baking pan (stainless steel is best).
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 3-4 hours. Remove sorbet from freezer and puree once more in a food processor or blender. Return strawberry puree mixture to metal pan, cover and freeze for a further 3-4 hours.
Per Serving: Calories 141, Calories from Fat 5, Total Fat 0.6g, (Sat 0g), Cholesterol 0g, Sodium 3mg, Carbohydrate 33.2g, Fiber 3.5g, Protein 0.9g
YOGURT PARFAIT BREAKFAST POPSICLES
This one comes from one of my favorite emailing sites, thekitchn. If you haven't already signed up for the great emails from thekitchn or it's brother site, Apartment Therapy, you're missing some really cool stuff.
You can view this recipe online here, along with photos of these incredible breakfast popsicles and everything that Faith Durand has to say about these. Serves 6.
1 1/2 pints strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (around 3 cups chopped)
1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
3/4 cups granola
Combine the strawberries and sugar (or honey) in a small saucepan and stir gently to combine. Let the berries macerate on the counter for at least 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and syrupy.
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a r. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries are thick and jammy. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. You should have about 1 cup of jammy fruit. (At this point, the strawberries can be refrigerated for up to a week.)
When ready to assemble the popsicles, whisk together the yogurt, 1/4 cup of the milk, and 2 tablespoons of honey. The yogurt should be thick, but pourable (roughly the consistency of regular yogurt). If needed, whisk in a little more milk. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Scoop out 1/4 cup of the yogurt mixture and stir it into the granola. This will help the granola freeze into the popsicles.
Arrange 6 popsicle molds (1/2 cup capacity) on your work surface. Pour a generous spoonful of yogurt into the bottom of each mold. Add a scoop of granola and then a spoonful or two of strawberries. Continue layering yogurt, granola, and strawberries until the molds are filled. Tap the molds lightly agains the counter or use a popsicle stick to work out any air bubbles between the layers.
Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and place the popsicles in the freezer. Freeze until solid, at least 6 hours.
To unmold, run the popsicle molds under hot running water for a few seconds and gently easy the popsicles out of the molds. Popsicles will keep in the freezer for several weeks.
Recipe Notes
You can substitute 1 1/4 cups of regular yogurt for the Greek yogurt. As long as it's pourable, there's no need to thin the yogurt any further.
The strawberries can be replaced with an equal amount of any other fruit.
You can also substitute 1 cup any flavor of jam or fruit preserves for the berries. Skip the jam-making step and proceed with assembling the popsicles.
GINGER-PEACH SORBET
This is from page 46 of the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe states, “Fresh peaches, lightly cooked with a bit of sugar and fresh, spicy ginger, play double duty. Pulse the frozen cubes in the food processor with a splash of Prosecco and you have a light, flaky sorbet. Thaw the cubes, omit the prosecco, and use the mixture as a topper for ice cream or angel food cake.” Serves 6.
6 very ripe medium peaches (3 lb.)
1/4 cup sugar
4 1/4-inch-thick coins fresh ginger
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
6 Tbs. Prosecco or white wine
Score X on bottom of each peach. Place in bowl, and cover with boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Remove skins and pits, and chop.
Bring peaches, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes, or until peaches are soft.
Remove ginger, transfer peach mixture to food processor, and blend until smooth. Cool.
Pour cooled sauce into 6 1/2-cup silicone molds or muffin pan cups. Press plastic wrap over surface of molds to seal out air. Freeze 4 hours, or until completely solid, then transfer to freezer bag to store.
To make sorbet: Pulse frozen cubes and Prosecco in food processor until smooth. Transfer to freezer-safe container, and freeze until ready to serve.
nutritional information Per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 121; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: less than 1 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 25 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
FROZEN STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
This comes from Tyler Florence of the Food Network. Easy, yummy...Works in my world! Total Time: 50 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 5 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy. To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 gallon good-quality strawberry ice cream
1 1/2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 store-bought cheesecake (8 or 9 inch), room temperature
1 pint strawberries, hulled and cut into pieces
1/2 lemon, juiced
Directions
Set the ice cream out at room temperature to soften for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, use a fork to mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture over the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with your fingers; then press all over with the flat bottom of a glass to get the crust really well pressed together and compact. Set aside.
When the ice cream has softened, cream it in a mixer with a paddle attachment (or by hand in a bowl with a wooden spoon) until soft and creamy, but not melted. Break the cheesecake into pieces and beat or fold it into the ice cream. Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Put that in the freezer to set.
Now combine the strawberries, the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and the lemon juice in non-reactive saucepan and warm over medium heat just until the strawberries begin to break down and give off their juice, 3 to 5 minutes. Stick that into the refrigerator to chill.
When you're ready to serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and put the frozen cheesecake on a cake plate. Spoon the strawberries over the top and serve.
FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER BITES
This recipe comes from Patrick and Gina Neely of the Food Network's Down Here with the Neelys fame. If these aren't absolutely yummy and simple, I'm not sure what is.
Total Time: 1 hr 55 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr 30 min; Cook: 5 min; Yield: 20 bites; Level: Easy
Ingredients1 (18-ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Directions
Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the peanut butter and confectioners' sugar together until smooth and stiff. Beat in the vanilla extract. Shape the peanut butter mixture into 20 (1-inch) balls and place on a waxed paper-lined sheet tray. Place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour.
Add chopped chocolate to a small bowl set over gently simmering water. Stir to melt. Remove chocolate from heat. With 2 forks, carefully dip the chilled peanut butter balls 1/2 way into the chocolate, let excess drip off, and lay onto the waxed paper-lined sheet tray.
With a fork, swirl some decorative chocolate across the top of each bite. Place in the refrigerator for the chocolate to set and the peanut butter to solidify, about 30 minutes.
Cook's Note: If it's a hot and humid day outside dust your hands with confectioners' sugar before rolling the balls. This will make it less sticky.
BLUEBERRY PIE
Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com's Desserts and Baking guide, writes, “Baked Blueberry Pie was one of my father's favorite pies.” Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes
Ingredients:
9-inch double pie crust
3 pints blueberries
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4-cup flour
1/2 cup sugar, plus
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
milk
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place cookie sheet in oven. Line 9-inch glass pie plate with bottom crust.
Combine blueberries, lemon juice, flour sugar and cinnamon or nutmeg. Place in pie plate. Sprinkle butter pieces over blueberry mixture. Place other crust on top. Seal crust edges. With a knife cut vents in top of crust. Lightly paint top of crust with milk. Sprinkle additional sugar on top.
Bake for 20 minutes on top of cookie sheet. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F. and bake for 30 to 40 more minutes or until juice is bubbling. Cool on wire rack. Serve with whipped or ice cream.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Meatless Mondays
I know that some people find it strange, but I actually have an easier time figuring out to eat when meat is not involved. Somehow, it seems to open up more options. At least that's how I feel about food. That said, for those who are vegetarian, or simply trying to go meatless one day a week, here are more meatless recipes to try. Enjoy!
BLACK BEAN-QUINOA BURGERS
This comes from the July/August 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 60. By the way, Vegetarian Times has an emailing list you can subscribe to for fantastic vegetarian recipes. I highly recommend it.
This recipe serves 8, and begins, “Here's a delicious veggie burger you can whip up from scratch. Any steak seasoning (which is just a combination of herbs and spices) will work to give the patties a rich, hearty flavor. Stash a few in the freezer for busy weeknight meals. For super-easy cookouts, bake the patties ahead, then reheat them on the grill. Serve with your favorite burger fixings.”
1/2 cup quinoa
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped (1/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
2 tsp. dried steak seasoning
8 whole-grain hamburger buns
Stir together quinoa and 1 1/2 cups water in small saucepan, and season with salt, if desired. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. (You should have 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa.)
Meanwhile, place onion and sun-dried tomatoes in medium nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat. (The oil left on the tomatoes should be enough to sauté the onion.) Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion has softened. Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, garlic, steak seasoning, and 1 1/2 cups water. Simmer 9 to 11 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.
Transfer bean-onion mixture to food processor, add 3/4 cup cooked quinoa, and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl, and stir in remaining 3/4 cup quinoa and remaining 3/4 cup black beans. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F, and generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Shape bean mixture into 8 patties (1/2 cup each), and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until patties are crisp on top. Flip patties with spatula, and bake 10 minutes more, or until both sides are crisp and brown. Serve on buns.
nutritional information Per Burger: Calories: 215; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 40 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 438 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 5 g; Vegan
SUMMER VEGGIE KEBABS WITH FRESH CORN RELISH
This is from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. The recipe serves 4, and can be made in 30 minutes or less. It starts out, “Easy-to-assemble vegetable kebabs are paired with a lightly sautéed corn relish for a dish that can be served either as an appetizer or as an entrée when placed atop couscous or another quick-cooking grain. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the vegetables are about the same size.”
Corn Relish
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium yellow tomato, diced (2/3 cup)
1 large ear corn, kernels removed (1 1/3 cups kernels)
1 1/2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder
2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil
Kebabs
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar
3/4 tsp. dry mustard powder, divided
1 small yellow bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut into 12 square pieces
1 medium zucchini, halved and cut into 12 slices
1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 chunks
12 whole cremini mushrooms
12 grape or cherry tomatoes
Coat grill grate or grill pan with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
To make Corn Relish: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add tomato, cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until tomato is breaking down. Add corn kernels, and cook 2 minutes, or until corn is tender. Stir in vinegar and mustard powder, and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Mix in basil; season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To make Kebabs: whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard powder in small bowl.
Thread each of 12 skewers with 1 bell pepper square, 1 zucchini slice, 1 red onion chunk, 1 mushroom, and 1 tomato. Place skewers on large platter, and brush with vinaigrette mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Grill skewers 6 to 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and browned on all sides. Serve with Corn Relish.
nutritional information Per Serving (3 kebabs and 1/2 cup relish): Calories: 247; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
BAKED TOFU WITH ASIAN GLAZE
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “A simple vegetarian and vegan baked tofu recipe suitable for an appetizer, or to add to cooked noodles or vegetable stir-fry. Tofu is marinated and then baked in a sweet and sour miso-based Asian barbecue sauce with maple syrup, sesame oil, black pepper and sherry. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe courtesy of the Soy Foods council.
Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) package extra–firm tofu, drained and well-pressed
1 tablespoon miso
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
3 green onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoon sherry
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
Cut the tofu into chunks and place in a wide shallow dish or bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the miso and remaining ingredients and whisk well until combined. Pour over tofu and gently mix to ensure that the tofu is coated well. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least two hours and up to 8 hours.
When you're ready to bake the tofu, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Drain the tofu, reserving the extra marinade. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the extra sauce, until tofu is lightly browned and lightly crisped.
Serve your Asian-glazed tofu over noodles for an entree, with toothpicks as an appetizer, or add it to your favorite vegetable stir-fry.
Nutritional information, per serving: Calories: 26; Total fat: 1 g; Protein: 39g; Carbs: 24.7g; Iron: 1.4mg; Calcium: 20mg
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
EGG AND VEGGIE SALAD WITH DILL GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
This is from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. Serves 4, in 30 minutes or less. Recipe starts out, “Look for French breakfast or watermelon radishes to add color and interest to this salad. Don’t be tempted to make the dressing in just one step; only part of the yogurt is puréed with seasonings, then stirred into the remaining yogurt to achieve the right consistency.
5 large eggs
10 small purple potatoes, halved lengthwise (14 oz.)
16 medium orange cauliflower florets
4 Persian cucumbers
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 bunch large radishes, sliced or quartered, radish leaves reserved, optional
Set large vegetable steamer rack in pot over boiling water. Place eggs on rack; surround with potatoes. Cover pan, and steam 10 minutes. Scatter cauliflower over potatoes. Cover, and steam 3 to 4 minutes more, or until vegetables are just tender and eggs are hard-boiled.
Meanwhile, cut 1-inch piece from 1 cucumber. Peel, and place piece in blender. Add 1/3 cup dill, 1/4 cup yogurt, oil, and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Purée in blender until smooth. Place remaining 1/2 cup yogurt in medium bowl. Stir purée from blender into yogurt until smooth.
Slice remaining cucumbers thickly on diagonal.
Peel eggs under cold running water. Quarter eggs.
Divide radish leaves (if using) among plates. Top with eggs, potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and radishes. Drizzle each salad with dressing. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbs. chopped dill.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 288; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 123 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
COOL WHIP PIE
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “You can 'whip' together this easy Cool Whip pie in five minutes and it lasts for several days in the freezer. If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert or no-bake pie recipe, this quick and easy Cool Whip pie is the one to try! This is one of my favorite dessert recipes ever, since it's so unbelievably quick, easy, delicious, and not too fattening.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz (one small container) Cool Whip
18 oz (three individual servings) yogurt, any flavor
1 ready made pie crust
Preparation:
Thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth. Pour into pie crust and freeze until firm. Remove from freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit if desired and enjoy!
BLACK BEAN-QUINOA BURGERS
This comes from the July/August 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 60. By the way, Vegetarian Times has an emailing list you can subscribe to for fantastic vegetarian recipes. I highly recommend it.
This recipe serves 8, and begins, “Here's a delicious veggie burger you can whip up from scratch. Any steak seasoning (which is just a combination of herbs and spices) will work to give the patties a rich, hearty flavor. Stash a few in the freezer for busy weeknight meals. For super-easy cookouts, bake the patties ahead, then reheat them on the grill. Serve with your favorite burger fixings.”
1/2 cup quinoa
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped (1/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
2 tsp. dried steak seasoning
8 whole-grain hamburger buns
Stir together quinoa and 1 1/2 cups water in small saucepan, and season with salt, if desired. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. (You should have 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa.)
Meanwhile, place onion and sun-dried tomatoes in medium nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat. (The oil left on the tomatoes should be enough to sauté the onion.) Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion has softened. Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, garlic, steak seasoning, and 1 1/2 cups water. Simmer 9 to 11 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.
Transfer bean-onion mixture to food processor, add 3/4 cup cooked quinoa, and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl, and stir in remaining 3/4 cup quinoa and remaining 3/4 cup black beans. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F, and generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Shape bean mixture into 8 patties (1/2 cup each), and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until patties are crisp on top. Flip patties with spatula, and bake 10 minutes more, or until both sides are crisp and brown. Serve on buns.
nutritional information Per Burger: Calories: 215; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 40 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 438 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 5 g; Vegan
SUMMER VEGGIE KEBABS WITH FRESH CORN RELISH
This is from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. The recipe serves 4, and can be made in 30 minutes or less. It starts out, “Easy-to-assemble vegetable kebabs are paired with a lightly sautéed corn relish for a dish that can be served either as an appetizer or as an entrée when placed atop couscous or another quick-cooking grain. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the vegetables are about the same size.”
Corn Relish
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium yellow tomato, diced (2/3 cup)
1 large ear corn, kernels removed (1 1/3 cups kernels)
1 1/2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder
2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil
Kebabs
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar
3/4 tsp. dry mustard powder, divided
1 small yellow bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut into 12 square pieces
1 medium zucchini, halved and cut into 12 slices
1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 chunks
12 whole cremini mushrooms
12 grape or cherry tomatoes
Coat grill grate or grill pan with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
To make Corn Relish: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add tomato, cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until tomato is breaking down. Add corn kernels, and cook 2 minutes, or until corn is tender. Stir in vinegar and mustard powder, and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Mix in basil; season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To make Kebabs: whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard powder in small bowl.
Thread each of 12 skewers with 1 bell pepper square, 1 zucchini slice, 1 red onion chunk, 1 mushroom, and 1 tomato. Place skewers on large platter, and brush with vinaigrette mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Grill skewers 6 to 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and browned on all sides. Serve with Corn Relish.
nutritional information Per Serving (3 kebabs and 1/2 cup relish): Calories: 247; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
BAKED TOFU WITH ASIAN GLAZE
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “A simple vegetarian and vegan baked tofu recipe suitable for an appetizer, or to add to cooked noodles or vegetable stir-fry. Tofu is marinated and then baked in a sweet and sour miso-based Asian barbecue sauce with maple syrup, sesame oil, black pepper and sherry. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe courtesy of the Soy Foods council.
Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) package extra–firm tofu, drained and well-pressed
1 tablespoon miso
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
3 green onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoon sherry
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
Cut the tofu into chunks and place in a wide shallow dish or bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the miso and remaining ingredients and whisk well until combined. Pour over tofu and gently mix to ensure that the tofu is coated well. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least two hours and up to 8 hours.
When you're ready to bake the tofu, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Drain the tofu, reserving the extra marinade. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the extra sauce, until tofu is lightly browned and lightly crisped.
Serve your Asian-glazed tofu over noodles for an entree, with toothpicks as an appetizer, or add it to your favorite vegetable stir-fry.
Nutritional information, per serving: Calories: 26; Total fat: 1 g; Protein: 39g; Carbs: 24.7g; Iron: 1.4mg; Calcium: 20mg
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
EGG AND VEGGIE SALAD WITH DILL GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
This is from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. Serves 4, in 30 minutes or less. Recipe starts out, “Look for French breakfast or watermelon radishes to add color and interest to this salad. Don’t be tempted to make the dressing in just one step; only part of the yogurt is puréed with seasonings, then stirred into the remaining yogurt to achieve the right consistency.
5 large eggs
10 small purple potatoes, halved lengthwise (14 oz.)
16 medium orange cauliflower florets
4 Persian cucumbers
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 bunch large radishes, sliced or quartered, radish leaves reserved, optional
Set large vegetable steamer rack in pot over boiling water. Place eggs on rack; surround with potatoes. Cover pan, and steam 10 minutes. Scatter cauliflower over potatoes. Cover, and steam 3 to 4 minutes more, or until vegetables are just tender and eggs are hard-boiled.
Meanwhile, cut 1-inch piece from 1 cucumber. Peel, and place piece in blender. Add 1/3 cup dill, 1/4 cup yogurt, oil, and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Purée in blender until smooth. Place remaining 1/2 cup yogurt in medium bowl. Stir purée from blender into yogurt until smooth.
Slice remaining cucumbers thickly on diagonal.
Peel eggs under cold running water. Quarter eggs.
Divide radish leaves (if using) among plates. Top with eggs, potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and radishes. Drizzle each salad with dressing. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbs. chopped dill.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 288; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 123 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
COOL WHIP PIE
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “You can 'whip' together this easy Cool Whip pie in five minutes and it lasts for several days in the freezer. If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert or no-bake pie recipe, this quick and easy Cool Whip pie is the one to try! This is one of my favorite dessert recipes ever, since it's so unbelievably quick, easy, delicious, and not too fattening.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz (one small container) Cool Whip
18 oz (three individual servings) yogurt, any flavor
1 ready made pie crust
Preparation:
Thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth. Pour into pie crust and freeze until firm. Remove from freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit if desired and enjoy!
Friday, July 25, 2014
Weekend Meals
Oh, boy, it's Friday! The start of another weekend! Of course, we're going to want to eat, so here are a few things to try out. Enjoy!
HUMMUS
This makes a great, quick anytime snack, especially weekends, when we occasionally entertain, watch sports (either our kids' or friends' sporting events, on TV) or want something extra to bring to the beach or on a picnic. Great for chips, tortillas, or on pita bread.
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/659.shtml
Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/11.shtml
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained, reserve 1 tablespoon liquid
3-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons olive oil
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients into a blender until smooth, using 1 tablespoon chickpea liquid if necessary to make a smooth spread.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 49; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 33 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Carbohydrate
RASPBSERRY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE BARS
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com's Home Cooking guide, writes, “These rich bar cookies use two flavors of chocolate. Fast and easy to make due to the cake mix. Tried and true recipe brings raves." Prep Time: 15 minutes; cook time: 45 minutes; Yield: 24 to 36 cookie bars, depending on cut size
Ingredients:
Bottom:
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 egg, at room temperature
8 Tablespoons butter, melted, but at room temperature (1 stick)
1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate devil's food cake mix
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup raspberry-flavored chocolate chips
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick foil.
For the Bottom:Cream 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 egg, and butter together on low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Blend in cake mix by hand until combined. It will be very thick (and give your arm a workout!), but piable like a soft dough. Using a spatula, press evenly into the bottom of the foiled pan. Evenly sprinkle on chocolate chips and press lightly into the batter with a spatula, but do not bury them.
For the Topping:
Place cream cheese, 2 eggs, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Begin mixing on low speed until sugar is incorporated. Increase to medium speed and beat until smooth, at least 3 minutes or longer if need be. Spread evenly over bottom layer. Sprinkle on raspberry chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Carefully remove from pan, peel off foil, and cut into squares to serve.
Note: If you cannot find raspberry-flavored chocolate chips, substitute any other flavor or plain chips. Feel free to experiment using other flavored cake mixes.
EGG AND VEGGIE SALAD WITH DILL GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
This is from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. Serves 4, in 30 minutes or less. Recipe starts out, “Look for French breakfast or watermelon radishes to add color and interest to this salad. Don’t be tempted to make the dressing in just one step; only part of the yogurt is puréed with seasonings, then stirred into the remaining yogurt to achieve the right consistency.
5 large eggs
10 small purple potatoes, halved lengthwise (14 oz.)
16 medium orange cauliflower florets
4 Persian cucumbers
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 bunch large radishes, sliced or quartered, radish leaves reserved, optional
Set large vegetable steamer rack in pot over boiling water. Place eggs on rack; surround with potatoes. Cover pan, and steam 10 minutes. Scatter cauliflower over potatoes. Cover, and steam 3 to 4 minutes more, or until vegetables are just tender and eggs are hard-boiled.
Meanwhile, cut 1-inch piece from 1 cucumber. Peel, and place piece in blender. Add 1/3 cup dill, 1/4 cup yogurt, oil, and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Purée in blender until smooth. Place remaining 1/2 cup yogurt in medium bowl. Stir purée from blender into yogurt until smooth.
Slice remaining cucumbers thickly on diagonal.
Peel eggs under cold running water. Quarter eggs.
Divide radish leaves (if using) among plates. Top with eggs, potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and radishes. Drizzle each salad with dressing. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbs. chopped dill.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 288; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 123 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
“BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD
This is also from Kathy Kingsley, American Food guide, who writes, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 finely grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Preparation:
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
COOL WHIP PIE
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “You can 'whip' together this easy Cool Whip pie in five minutes and it lasts for several days in the freezer. If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert or no-bake pie recipe, this quick and easy Cool Whip pie is the one to try! This is one of my favorite dessert recipes ever, since it's so unbelievably quick, easy, delicious, and not too fattening.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz (one small container) Cool Whip
18 oz (three individual servings) yogurt, any flavor
1 ready made pie crust
Preparation:
Thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth. Pour into pie crust and freeze until firm. Remove from freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit if desired and enjoy!
BERRY MERINGUE TART
This comes from Lindsey Goodwin, About.com's Coffee/Tea guide. Lindsey writes, “Recently, I was faced with a dilemma that I was very grateful for: a surplus of freshly picked red currants. I had picked a bucketful, eaten a few handfuls, set aside plenty of juicy berries for my morning porridge... and I still had lots left. I'm not skilled at making homemade berry preserves and my freezer is beyond full. So, what to do with all these extra berries?
”Then I thought, 'What would taste amazing with coffee or tea?' and the words 'berry tart' came to mind. I ended up whipping up a tart with a baked meringue-berry topping, and it was so absurdly good that I just had to share it here. You can use your own surplus of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, huckleberries, black currants, cherries or even cranberries). Just be sure to decrease the amount of sugar in the meringue a bit for sweeter berries. (Keep it as is for more tart berries, like currants and cranberries.)” To view this on Lindsey's page, click here.
Serves 10. Ready in under 2 hours, with about 25 minutes of actual work. Totally worth it!
Tart Ingredients
1 1/2 cups plain flour (Spoon the flour into the measuring cup to measure.)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup superfine sugar (known in some places as "caster sugar")
2 egg yolks (Be sure to keep the whites for the meringue.)
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest or 3/4 teaspoon dried lemon zest (optional)
up to 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Berry Meringue Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar, or a little less for sweeter berries (like strawberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries)
2 teaspoons corn flour, cornstarch or potato starch
2 cups berries (Slice them first if they're large berries, like large strawberries or blackberries. Otherwise, you end up with a cup of berries and a cup of empty space!)
How to Make a Berry Meringue Tart
First, you're going to make the pastry. As it's baking, you can start on the meringue.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
Mix in butter, sugar, egg yolks and lemon zest until mixture forms dough. You can use a spoon, a handheld beater or your hands. (Lesley wrote, “I used all three just for giggles.”)
Let the dough rest, covered, in cool place for 30 minutes.
Before the dough is done with its little nap, preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Roll out dough into a circle and put into a 6-8" springform tin. (Don't have a rolling pin? Use a glass bottle with a flat edge. Don't have a springform pan? Line a square or rectangular pan of similar size with two pieces of parchment paper that are perpendicular to each other and that hang over the sides of the pan. With another set of hands, you'll be able to grab the four edges and life the tart out of the pan safely after it's done.)
Bake in oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
When it's almost done baking (about 8-10 minutes to go), you can start the berry meringue topping. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff.
Gradually stir in sugar and cornflour, then beat for 5 more minutes.
Fold berries into mixture.
Remove the partially baked tart when the time's up, and pour the meringue over the tart.
Bake for 20-35 minutes, until top is golden on the peaks. Start checking it every couple minutes starting 20 minutes in. If your oven light is really yellow, you may need to pull the tart out to tell if the meringue is golden on the peaks or not.
Serve hot or cold, preferably with coffee or tea!
HUMMUS
This makes a great, quick anytime snack, especially weekends, when we occasionally entertain, watch sports (either our kids' or friends' sporting events, on TV) or want something extra to bring to the beach or on a picnic. Great for chips, tortillas, or on pita bread.
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/659.shtml
Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/11.shtml
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained, reserve 1 tablespoon liquid
3-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons olive oil
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients into a blender until smooth, using 1 tablespoon chickpea liquid if necessary to make a smooth spread.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 49; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 33 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Carbohydrate
RASPBSERRY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE BARS
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com's Home Cooking guide, writes, “These rich bar cookies use two flavors of chocolate. Fast and easy to make due to the cake mix. Tried and true recipe brings raves." Prep Time: 15 minutes; cook time: 45 minutes; Yield: 24 to 36 cookie bars, depending on cut size
Ingredients:
Bottom:
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 egg, at room temperature
8 Tablespoons butter, melted, but at room temperature (1 stick)
1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate devil's food cake mix
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup raspberry-flavored chocolate chips
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick foil.
For the Bottom:Cream 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 egg, and butter together on low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Blend in cake mix by hand until combined. It will be very thick (and give your arm a workout!), but piable like a soft dough. Using a spatula, press evenly into the bottom of the foiled pan. Evenly sprinkle on chocolate chips and press lightly into the batter with a spatula, but do not bury them.
For the Topping:
Place cream cheese, 2 eggs, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Begin mixing on low speed until sugar is incorporated. Increase to medium speed and beat until smooth, at least 3 minutes or longer if need be. Spread evenly over bottom layer. Sprinkle on raspberry chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Carefully remove from pan, peel off foil, and cut into squares to serve.
Note: If you cannot find raspberry-flavored chocolate chips, substitute any other flavor or plain chips. Feel free to experiment using other flavored cake mixes.
EGG AND VEGGIE SALAD WITH DILL GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
This is from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. Serves 4, in 30 minutes or less. Recipe starts out, “Look for French breakfast or watermelon radishes to add color and interest to this salad. Don’t be tempted to make the dressing in just one step; only part of the yogurt is puréed with seasonings, then stirred into the remaining yogurt to achieve the right consistency.
5 large eggs
10 small purple potatoes, halved lengthwise (14 oz.)
16 medium orange cauliflower florets
4 Persian cucumbers
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 bunch large radishes, sliced or quartered, radish leaves reserved, optional
Set large vegetable steamer rack in pot over boiling water. Place eggs on rack; surround with potatoes. Cover pan, and steam 10 minutes. Scatter cauliflower over potatoes. Cover, and steam 3 to 4 minutes more, or until vegetables are just tender and eggs are hard-boiled.
Meanwhile, cut 1-inch piece from 1 cucumber. Peel, and place piece in blender. Add 1/3 cup dill, 1/4 cup yogurt, oil, and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Purée in blender until smooth. Place remaining 1/2 cup yogurt in medium bowl. Stir purée from blender into yogurt until smooth.
Slice remaining cucumbers thickly on diagonal.
Peel eggs under cold running water. Quarter eggs.
Divide radish leaves (if using) among plates. Top with eggs, potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and radishes. Drizzle each salad with dressing. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbs. chopped dill.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 288; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 123 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
“BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD
This is also from Kathy Kingsley, American Food guide, who writes, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 finely grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Preparation:
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
COOL WHIP PIE
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “You can 'whip' together this easy Cool Whip pie in five minutes and it lasts for several days in the freezer. If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert or no-bake pie recipe, this quick and easy Cool Whip pie is the one to try! This is one of my favorite dessert recipes ever, since it's so unbelievably quick, easy, delicious, and not too fattening.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz (one small container) Cool Whip
18 oz (three individual servings) yogurt, any flavor
1 ready made pie crust
Preparation:
Thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth. Pour into pie crust and freeze until firm. Remove from freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit if desired and enjoy!
BERRY MERINGUE TART
This comes from Lindsey Goodwin, About.com's Coffee/Tea guide. Lindsey writes, “Recently, I was faced with a dilemma that I was very grateful for: a surplus of freshly picked red currants. I had picked a bucketful, eaten a few handfuls, set aside plenty of juicy berries for my morning porridge... and I still had lots left. I'm not skilled at making homemade berry preserves and my freezer is beyond full. So, what to do with all these extra berries?
”Then I thought, 'What would taste amazing with coffee or tea?' and the words 'berry tart' came to mind. I ended up whipping up a tart with a baked meringue-berry topping, and it was so absurdly good that I just had to share it here. You can use your own surplus of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, huckleberries, black currants, cherries or even cranberries). Just be sure to decrease the amount of sugar in the meringue a bit for sweeter berries. (Keep it as is for more tart berries, like currants and cranberries.)” To view this on Lindsey's page, click here.
Serves 10. Ready in under 2 hours, with about 25 minutes of actual work. Totally worth it!
Tart Ingredients
1 1/2 cups plain flour (Spoon the flour into the measuring cup to measure.)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup superfine sugar (known in some places as "caster sugar")
2 egg yolks (Be sure to keep the whites for the meringue.)
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest or 3/4 teaspoon dried lemon zest (optional)
up to 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Berry Meringue Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar, or a little less for sweeter berries (like strawberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries)
2 teaspoons corn flour, cornstarch or potato starch
2 cups berries (Slice them first if they're large berries, like large strawberries or blackberries. Otherwise, you end up with a cup of berries and a cup of empty space!)
How to Make a Berry Meringue Tart
First, you're going to make the pastry. As it's baking, you can start on the meringue.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
Mix in butter, sugar, egg yolks and lemon zest until mixture forms dough. You can use a spoon, a handheld beater or your hands. (Lesley wrote, “I used all three just for giggles.”)
Let the dough rest, covered, in cool place for 30 minutes.
Before the dough is done with its little nap, preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Roll out dough into a circle and put into a 6-8" springform tin. (Don't have a rolling pin? Use a glass bottle with a flat edge. Don't have a springform pan? Line a square or rectangular pan of similar size with two pieces of parchment paper that are perpendicular to each other and that hang over the sides of the pan. With another set of hands, you'll be able to grab the four edges and life the tart out of the pan safely after it's done.)
Bake in oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
When it's almost done baking (about 8-10 minutes to go), you can start the berry meringue topping. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff.
Gradually stir in sugar and cornflour, then beat for 5 more minutes.
Fold berries into mixture.
Remove the partially baked tart when the time's up, and pour the meringue over the tart.
Bake for 20-35 minutes, until top is golden on the peaks. Start checking it every couple minutes starting 20 minutes in. If your oven light is really yellow, you may need to pull the tart out to tell if the meringue is golden on the peaks or not.
Serve hot or cold, preferably with coffee or tea!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Diabetic Delights
Here's another Thursday batch of diabetic delights. Enjoy!
STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIES
Found online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1109.shtml
A thick, refreshing drink made easily and quickly in a blender. It has 5 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbs and only 80 calories per serving. Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup fat-free milk
6 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated
3 cups frozen unsweetened whole strawberries
1 cup ice cubes
* May substitute 9 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Combine yogurt, milk and Equal in blender or food processor; cover. With blender running, add berries, a few at a time, through opening in lid. Process until smooth. Add ice cubes, one at a time, through opening in lid, blending until slushy. Pour into glasses. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 80; Protein: 5 g; Sodium: 60 mg; Cholesterol: 2 mg; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 fruit
MELON BANANA SORBET
The recipe starts off, “Here's a frozen treat to keep on hand for hot days.”
Yield: 8 servings; Serving Size: 2/3 cup; Source: Splenda; View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1232.shtml
Ingredients
1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1 banana, sliced
1/4 cup Splenda Sugar Blend
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 teaspoons creme de menthe liqueur
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients.
Process until smooth, then scrape into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturers directions. Or scrape into a shallow metal pan, cover, and freeze 4 to 6 hours.
Break mixture into chunks and pulse 10 to 20 seconds in food processor or just until no longer chunky and somewhat creamy in texture. Freeze up to 1 month. Pulse briefly in food processor just before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 10 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g
BLUEBERRY MELON FREEZE
Yield: 8 servings; Serving Size: 3/4 cup freeze, 1/4 cup; Source: Splenda; View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1234.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups honeydew melon chunks
4 teaspoons fresh mint leaves + additional for garnish
32 ounces fat-free plain Greek-style yogurt
6 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
2 cups blueberries
Directions
Place melon, mint, 2 cups yogurt, and 2 tablespoons Splenda Granulated Sweetener into blender and puree until smooth. Transfer puree to plastic container. Repeat with blueberries, remaining 2 cups yogurt, and remaining 4 tablespoons Splenda Granulated Sweetener. Transfer to a different plastic container.
Cover both containers of puree with lids and freeze for 2 hours, stirring each every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
Remove from freezer a few minutes before serving. Spoon mounds of each frozen puree into glass dessert cups or wine glasses and garnish with mint leaves. (If purees are too firm to serve, microwave about 10 seconds on medium power to soften slightly.)
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Protein: 10 g; Sodium: 50 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g
PUMPKIN POLKA DOT COOKIES
Yield: Makes about 4 dozen. Serving size: 1 cookie
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/879.shtml
Source: Equal
Ingredients
1/2 cup stick butter, softened
1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful*
3 tablespoons light molasses
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Beat butter, Equal and molasses until well combined. Mix in pumpkin, egg and vanilla until blended. Gradually stir in combined flour, baking powder, spices, baking soda and salt until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto sprayed baking sheets. Bake in preheated 350F oven 11 to 13 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool completely on wire rack.
Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 57; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 51 mg; Cholesterol: 9 mg; Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat
INDIVIDUAL MINIATURE CHEESECAKES
Makes: 10 Servings
Source: The Best Diabetes Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/25.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/517.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup 5% ricotta cheese
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 medium egg
1/4 cup light sour cream
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 vanilla extract
Fruit Puree (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line 10 muffin cups with muffin paper cups.
In a food processor, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese and sugar; puree until smooth. Beat in egg. Blend in sour cream, cornstarch and vanilla until well mixed. Divide batter among muffin cups.
Set muffin tin in larger pan; pour in enough hot water to come half way up sides. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from water bath; cool on wire rack. Chill.
Serve with fruit puree, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 127; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 268 mg; Cholesterol: 42 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g: Exchanges: 2/3 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Meat, 1 Fat
STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
Yield: 8 servings
Source: Splenda
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1000.shtml
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie
3 cups 1-inch rhubarb pieces or 1 package (16-ounces) frozen unsweetened rhubarb, thawed, undrained
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups sliced strawberries
1-2/3 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* May substitute 40 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Pierce bottom and side of pastry with fork. Bake in preheated 375F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until pastry is golden. Cool on wire rack.
Cook rhubarb in large covered saucepan over medium heat 5 minutes or until rhubarb releases liquid. Combine water, flour, cornstarch and lemon juice. Stir into rhubarb. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened and rhubarb is almost tender, stirring frequently. Stir in strawberries. Cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Stir Equal and nutmeg into fruit mixture. Spoon into baked crust. Bake in 350F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly. Cover edge of crust with aluminum foil if browning too quickly. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 175; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 64 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat
STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIES
Found online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1109.shtml
A thick, refreshing drink made easily and quickly in a blender. It has 5 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbs and only 80 calories per serving. Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup fat-free milk
6 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated
3 cups frozen unsweetened whole strawberries
1 cup ice cubes
* May substitute 9 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Combine yogurt, milk and Equal in blender or food processor; cover. With blender running, add berries, a few at a time, through opening in lid. Process until smooth. Add ice cubes, one at a time, through opening in lid, blending until slushy. Pour into glasses. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 80; Protein: 5 g; Sodium: 60 mg; Cholesterol: 2 mg; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 fruit
MELON BANANA SORBET
The recipe starts off, “Here's a frozen treat to keep on hand for hot days.”
Yield: 8 servings; Serving Size: 2/3 cup; Source: Splenda; View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1232.shtml
Ingredients
1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1 banana, sliced
1/4 cup Splenda Sugar Blend
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 teaspoons creme de menthe liqueur
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients.
Process until smooth, then scrape into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturers directions. Or scrape into a shallow metal pan, cover, and freeze 4 to 6 hours.
Break mixture into chunks and pulse 10 to 20 seconds in food processor or just until no longer chunky and somewhat creamy in texture. Freeze up to 1 month. Pulse briefly in food processor just before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 10 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g
BLUEBERRY MELON FREEZE
Yield: 8 servings; Serving Size: 3/4 cup freeze, 1/4 cup; Source: Splenda; View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1234.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups honeydew melon chunks
4 teaspoons fresh mint leaves + additional for garnish
32 ounces fat-free plain Greek-style yogurt
6 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
2 cups blueberries
Directions
Place melon, mint, 2 cups yogurt, and 2 tablespoons Splenda Granulated Sweetener into blender and puree until smooth. Transfer puree to plastic container. Repeat with blueberries, remaining 2 cups yogurt, and remaining 4 tablespoons Splenda Granulated Sweetener. Transfer to a different plastic container.
Cover both containers of puree with lids and freeze for 2 hours, stirring each every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
Remove from freezer a few minutes before serving. Spoon mounds of each frozen puree into glass dessert cups or wine glasses and garnish with mint leaves. (If purees are too firm to serve, microwave about 10 seconds on medium power to soften slightly.)
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Protein: 10 g; Sodium: 50 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g
PUMPKIN POLKA DOT COOKIES
Yield: Makes about 4 dozen. Serving size: 1 cookie
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/879.shtml
Source: Equal
Ingredients
1/2 cup stick butter, softened
1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful*
3 tablespoons light molasses
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Beat butter, Equal and molasses until well combined. Mix in pumpkin, egg and vanilla until blended. Gradually stir in combined flour, baking powder, spices, baking soda and salt until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto sprayed baking sheets. Bake in preheated 350F oven 11 to 13 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool completely on wire rack.
Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 57; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 51 mg; Cholesterol: 9 mg; Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat
INDIVIDUAL MINIATURE CHEESECAKES
Makes: 10 Servings
Source: The Best Diabetes Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/25.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/517.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup 5% ricotta cheese
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 medium egg
1/4 cup light sour cream
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 vanilla extract
Fruit Puree (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line 10 muffin cups with muffin paper cups.
In a food processor, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese and sugar; puree until smooth. Beat in egg. Blend in sour cream, cornstarch and vanilla until well mixed. Divide batter among muffin cups.
Set muffin tin in larger pan; pour in enough hot water to come half way up sides. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from water bath; cool on wire rack. Chill.
Serve with fruit puree, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 127; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 268 mg; Cholesterol: 42 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g: Exchanges: 2/3 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Meat, 1 Fat
STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
Yield: 8 servings
Source: Splenda
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1000.shtml
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie
3 cups 1-inch rhubarb pieces or 1 package (16-ounces) frozen unsweetened rhubarb, thawed, undrained
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups sliced strawberries
1-2/3 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* May substitute 40 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Pierce bottom and side of pastry with fork. Bake in preheated 375F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until pastry is golden. Cool on wire rack.
Cook rhubarb in large covered saucepan over medium heat 5 minutes or until rhubarb releases liquid. Combine water, flour, cornstarch and lemon juice. Stir into rhubarb. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened and rhubarb is almost tender, stirring frequently. Stir in strawberries. Cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Stir Equal and nutmeg into fruit mixture. Spoon into baked crust. Bake in 350F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly. Cover edge of crust with aluminum foil if browning too quickly. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 175; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 64 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Homemade Bread!
I absolutely love homemade bread. What's not to love? It makes the house or apartment smell wonderful, tastes great, and is fun to make. Here's to more bread recipes. Enjoy!
MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live, although the episodes can still be found here. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. This recipe yields 1 loaf.
Ingredients:
1 package FLEISCHMANN'S Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
For decoration: tubes of colored frosting, candies, gumdrops, licorice, etc.
Directions:
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand about 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Combine milk, peanut butter, sugar and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Let cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until flour is thoroughly incorporated.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed to keep dough manageable. Rinse and dry bowl, then lightly oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Roll dough into a rope about 24 inches long. Form rope into a large S shape on a lightly greased 18x12-inch baking sheet. Using a butter knife or dough scraper, chop rope into 3-inch sections, but do not separate completely. Cover with a cloth and let rise about 30 minutes. (The caterpillar will magically grow back together during rising and baking.)
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaf 25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cooled loaf with frosting and gumdrops or other candy. Poke holes in the sides with a wooden pick and insert sections of licorice for legs.
Note: Decorating gel doesn't work as well as frosting as a glue for the candy decorations, so make sure you pick up the right tube at the store. Any candies will work to make spots for the caterpillar's sections. Thin red licorice makes the perfect legs and antennae, unless you know your youngsters prefer the flavor of black licorice.
OLD-FASHIONED BUTTERMILK BISCUITS WITH FRESH PRESERVES
This comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. The recipe states, “You can't go wrong with these biscuits. They're terrific straight from the oven, and they also freeze incredibly well. For a fast breakfast treat, pop a frozen biscuit in a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes.” It makes 6 biscuits.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon dried yeast 3 cups Pastry Flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
Egg wash made with 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water Coarse raw sugar
1/2 cup fresh preserves
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Mix with a whisk to dissolve yeast, then let sit for 5 minutes while yeast blooms.
Sift flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Toss with your hands to combine. Drop pieces of shortening into bowl. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in shortening until it’s evenly distributed and the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Add the yeast water and buttermilk and mix with a wooden spoon just until dough comes together. Take care not to overmix.
Coat your hands with flour and pull dough from bowl onto a floured work surface. Pat dough into a rectangle, approximately 9 x 5 inches, positioning dough so that a long side is facing you. The dough will be sticky at first, so keep flouring your hands and the work surface as needed. To achieve the flaky, layered texture of these biscuits, it’s important to give the dough a series of tri-folds: Fold the dough into thirds, as you would a letter, folding the left third over the center third first and then folding the right third on top. Sprinkle the work surface with a little more flour and flatten the folded dough into another 9 x 5-inch rectangle. Follow the same folding and flattening procedure 2 more times (for a total of 3 tri-folds), ending with a rectangle 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
Cut dough into 6 equal (2-1/2 x 3-inch) rectangles and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush biscuits with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse raw sugar. Bake on center rack of oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bottom. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then dent the top of each biscuit with a spoon. Top with heaping dollops of your favorite preserves.
SPICY RAISIN WHOLE WHEAT BREAD WITH COCONUT OIL
Elizabeth Yetter, About.com's Bread Baking guide, writes, “Coconut oil is a great alternative to butter, margarine, and shortening. It also gives a gentle coconut flavor to breads.” Yields 1 loaf; Prep Time: 2 hours; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup coconut
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup raisins
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups bread flour, about
Preparation:
In medium bowl, mix buttermilk and yeast. Add egg, coconut oil, brown sugar, and salt. Stir. Mix in cinnamon, raisins, and whole wheat flour. Add 1 cup of bread flour and mix well. Slowly add in remaining bread flour, enough flour to make a dough that follows the spoon around the bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is soft and smooth to the touch. Place dough in medium greased bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so that the top is also lightly greased. Cover with clean cloth and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and knead for 4 minutes or until the bubbles are out of the bread. Shape dough into small round loaf. Place on greased baking sheet or small pizza pan. Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake loaf at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Remove loaf from sheet and let cool on rack.
HONEY MOLASSES RAISIN WHEAT BREAD
Another offering from About.com's Elizabeth Yetter, who writes, “Molasses has a very potent flavor, but when added to bread dough, it makes the bread absolutely delicious.” Yields 1 loaf; Prep Time: 2 hours; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup water, room temperature
2-1/4 tsp (1 packet or .25 ounces) active dry yeast
1 cup milk, room temperature
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp molasses
1 Tbsp soft butter or margarine
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup shredded wheat, crumbled
3 cups bread flour, about
Preparation:
In a medium bowl, mix water and yeast. Add milk, honey, molasses, butter, and salt. Stir. Mix in shredded wheat. Add 2 cups of bread flour and mix well. Slowly add in remaining flour, enough flour to make a dough that follows the spoon around the bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is soft and smooth to the touch. Place dough in large greased bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so that the top is also lightly greased. Cover with clean cloth and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and knead for 4 minutes or until the bubbles are out of the bread. Shape dough into a loaf of bread. Set into greased 8 x 4-inch bread pan. Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake loaf at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Remove loaf from pan and let cool on rack.
LOW FAT PUMPKIN CRANBERRY MUFFINS
Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking guide, writes, “Not too sweet, these delicious pumpkin and cranberry muffins would make a great snack or brunch offering. They're best served warm, and they also freeze well.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup nonfat milk
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Combine pumpkin, beaten egg, oil and milk in a medium bowl. Make a well in dry ingredients; add pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped cranberries. Fill muffin cups and bake for 22-25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.
Per Muffin: Calories 193, Calories from Fat 48, Total Fat 5.2g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 171mg, Carbohydrate 32.6, Fiber 1.7g, Protein 3.6g
CRANBERRY BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
I have no idea where this recipe came from, other than some long-forgotten emailing list.
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 teaspoons sugar
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin, or line cups with paper muffin cups.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt in medium mixing bowl. Combine egg, milk and oil in small bowl. Add liquid to dry ingredients, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently stir in blueberries and cranberries. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle muffins with remaining 2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake in 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove muffins from pan; cool on wire rack. Serve warm.
Makes 12 muffins. Labels:
MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live, although the episodes can still be found here. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. This recipe yields 1 loaf.
Ingredients:
1 package FLEISCHMANN'S Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
For decoration: tubes of colored frosting, candies, gumdrops, licorice, etc.
Directions:
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand about 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Combine milk, peanut butter, sugar and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Let cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until flour is thoroughly incorporated.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed to keep dough manageable. Rinse and dry bowl, then lightly oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Roll dough into a rope about 24 inches long. Form rope into a large S shape on a lightly greased 18x12-inch baking sheet. Using a butter knife or dough scraper, chop rope into 3-inch sections, but do not separate completely. Cover with a cloth and let rise about 30 minutes. (The caterpillar will magically grow back together during rising and baking.)
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaf 25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cooled loaf with frosting and gumdrops or other candy. Poke holes in the sides with a wooden pick and insert sections of licorice for legs.
Note: Decorating gel doesn't work as well as frosting as a glue for the candy decorations, so make sure you pick up the right tube at the store. Any candies will work to make spots for the caterpillar's sections. Thin red licorice makes the perfect legs and antennae, unless you know your youngsters prefer the flavor of black licorice.
OLD-FASHIONED BUTTERMILK BISCUITS WITH FRESH PRESERVES
This comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. The recipe states, “You can't go wrong with these biscuits. They're terrific straight from the oven, and they also freeze incredibly well. For a fast breakfast treat, pop a frozen biscuit in a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes.” It makes 6 biscuits.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon dried yeast 3 cups Pastry Flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
Egg wash made with 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water Coarse raw sugar
1/2 cup fresh preserves
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Mix with a whisk to dissolve yeast, then let sit for 5 minutes while yeast blooms.
Sift flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Toss with your hands to combine. Drop pieces of shortening into bowl. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in shortening until it’s evenly distributed and the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Add the yeast water and buttermilk and mix with a wooden spoon just until dough comes together. Take care not to overmix.
Coat your hands with flour and pull dough from bowl onto a floured work surface. Pat dough into a rectangle, approximately 9 x 5 inches, positioning dough so that a long side is facing you. The dough will be sticky at first, so keep flouring your hands and the work surface as needed. To achieve the flaky, layered texture of these biscuits, it’s important to give the dough a series of tri-folds: Fold the dough into thirds, as you would a letter, folding the left third over the center third first and then folding the right third on top. Sprinkle the work surface with a little more flour and flatten the folded dough into another 9 x 5-inch rectangle. Follow the same folding and flattening procedure 2 more times (for a total of 3 tri-folds), ending with a rectangle 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
Cut dough into 6 equal (2-1/2 x 3-inch) rectangles and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush biscuits with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse raw sugar. Bake on center rack of oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bottom. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then dent the top of each biscuit with a spoon. Top with heaping dollops of your favorite preserves.
SPICY RAISIN WHOLE WHEAT BREAD WITH COCONUT OIL
Elizabeth Yetter, About.com's Bread Baking guide, writes, “Coconut oil is a great alternative to butter, margarine, and shortening. It also gives a gentle coconut flavor to breads.” Yields 1 loaf; Prep Time: 2 hours; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup coconut
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup raisins
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups bread flour, about
Preparation:
In medium bowl, mix buttermilk and yeast. Add egg, coconut oil, brown sugar, and salt. Stir. Mix in cinnamon, raisins, and whole wheat flour. Add 1 cup of bread flour and mix well. Slowly add in remaining bread flour, enough flour to make a dough that follows the spoon around the bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is soft and smooth to the touch. Place dough in medium greased bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so that the top is also lightly greased. Cover with clean cloth and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and knead for 4 minutes or until the bubbles are out of the bread. Shape dough into small round loaf. Place on greased baking sheet or small pizza pan. Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake loaf at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Remove loaf from sheet and let cool on rack.
HONEY MOLASSES RAISIN WHEAT BREAD
Another offering from About.com's Elizabeth Yetter, who writes, “Molasses has a very potent flavor, but when added to bread dough, it makes the bread absolutely delicious.” Yields 1 loaf; Prep Time: 2 hours; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup water, room temperature
2-1/4 tsp (1 packet or .25 ounces) active dry yeast
1 cup milk, room temperature
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp molasses
1 Tbsp soft butter or margarine
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup shredded wheat, crumbled
3 cups bread flour, about
Preparation:
In a medium bowl, mix water and yeast. Add milk, honey, molasses, butter, and salt. Stir. Mix in shredded wheat. Add 2 cups of bread flour and mix well. Slowly add in remaining flour, enough flour to make a dough that follows the spoon around the bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is soft and smooth to the touch. Place dough in large greased bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so that the top is also lightly greased. Cover with clean cloth and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and knead for 4 minutes or until the bubbles are out of the bread. Shape dough into a loaf of bread. Set into greased 8 x 4-inch bread pan. Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake loaf at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Remove loaf from pan and let cool on rack.
LOW FAT PUMPKIN CRANBERRY MUFFINS
Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking guide, writes, “Not too sweet, these delicious pumpkin and cranberry muffins would make a great snack or brunch offering. They're best served warm, and they also freeze well.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup nonfat milk
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Combine pumpkin, beaten egg, oil and milk in a medium bowl. Make a well in dry ingredients; add pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped cranberries. Fill muffin cups and bake for 22-25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.
Per Muffin: Calories 193, Calories from Fat 48, Total Fat 5.2g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 171mg, Carbohydrate 32.6, Fiber 1.7g, Protein 3.6g
CRANBERRY BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
I have no idea where this recipe came from, other than some long-forgotten emailing list.
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 teaspoons sugar
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin, or line cups with paper muffin cups.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt in medium mixing bowl. Combine egg, milk and oil in small bowl. Add liquid to dry ingredients, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently stir in blueberries and cranberries. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle muffins with remaining 2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake in 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove muffins from pan; cool on wire rack. Serve warm.
Makes 12 muffins. Labels:
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Weekday Meals
Think how much time and money we could save if we didn't have to eat. But then, it would be pretty boring not to have some yummy food throughout the day. After all, if we're going to have to eat, anyway, it might as well taste good, right? Enjoy!
ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE
Kathy Kingsley is About.com's American Food guide. She writes, “This luscious chocolate layer cake with dark chocolate frosting is an irresistible temptation. It's the perfect cake to make for a birthday celebration or dinner party. The cake layers can be made ahead, wrapped well and refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.”
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes; Yield: Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
Chocolate Frosting
3 cups confectioners sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a small bowl, mix the cocoa and boiling water until blended and smooth.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time and beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and salt.
Stir the baking soda into the buttermilk. Alternately add the buttermilk and flour to the batter, beating well after each addition until all is combined. Beat in the cocoa mixture until blended. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of bowl and beater a few times. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and spread evenly.
Bake until the cakes pull away from the sides of the pans and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Set the cakes in the pans on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto the racks. Turn right side up and cool to room temperature.
Make the frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and cocoa until blended. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of the cocoa mixture and 1 tablespoon of the cream until blended. Repeat adding the cocoa mixture and cream until all is combined, and frosting is smooth and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and additional cream if necessary for desired consistency.
To assemble the cake: Trim the top of the cake layers with a long serrated knife, cutting off any raised areas. Place 1 cake layer on serving plate. Spread with 1 cup of frosting. Top with a second cake layer. Frost the sides and top with the remaining frosting.
Store the cake at cool room temperature until serving time; then refrigerate loosely covered up to 2 days.
”BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD
This is also from Kathy, About.com's American Food guide, who writes, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 finely grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Preparation:
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
ORANGE PINEAPPLE TORTE
This comes from Familytime.com. It starts out, “This crowd pleaser is so delicious that everyone will want the recipe! Moms love this fabulous dessert.” Prep. time: 8 minutesCooking time: 30 mins. Serves: 12
Ingredients
1 package yellow light cake mix, (18-1/4 ounces)
2 packages (1 ounce each pkg) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding, divided
4 egg whites
1 cup water
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cold skim milk
1 carton (8 ounces) reduced-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened, crushed pineapple, well-drained
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained, divided
fresh mint, optional
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, one package of pudding mix, egg whites, water, oil and baking soda. Beat on low speed for 1 minute; beat on medium for 4 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round cake pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to a wire rack to cool completely.
For filling, combine milk and remaining pudding mix. Whisk for 2 minutes; let stand for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping.
In a medium bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups pudding mixture with pineapple and half of the oranges. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Spread pineapple mixture between the layers. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining pudding mixture. Garnish with remaining oranges and mint if desired.
PUMPKIN APPLE MUFFINS
From another long-forgotten emailing list. Makes 2 dozen
1 2/3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbls pumpkin pie spice
1 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 granny smith apple, peeled and finely chopped
3 Tbls sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine pumpkin, butter, and eggs, and add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chopped apple, and spooon into greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from pans immediately, and cool on wire racks.
PUMPKIN SOUP
From another forgotten emailing list. Whoever sent it wrote, “For a dramatic presentation, serve this warm, creamy soup inside a scooped-out pumpkin. It's just as delicious ladled out of a pot.” Prep Time 10 minutes; Cooking Time 20 minutes; Serves 6
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
one 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree
one 8-ounce jar applesauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
freshly ground pepper, to taste
croutons, optional
Directions
Heat the butter in a large saucepan and saute the onions over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until mixed. Add the chicken broth and pumpkin and stir until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients except the cream, pepper, and croutons. Stir well, cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until hot and the flavors have blended.
Stir in the cream and heat until hot. Garnish with freshly ground pepper and serve immediately with crisp croutons, if desired.
VEGAN PUMPKIN RISOTTO
I think this came from About.com, but I'm not completely sure, since it's been kicking around my email account for more than five years with not note. The person who sent this wrote, “A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving entree, or anytime. This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.”
Ingredients:
1 onion. diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups arborio (risotto) rice
1 cup white wine
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp margarine
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Sautee the onion in olive oil over medium heat for three to five minutes, or until soft. Add the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Slowly add the wine. Start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup. Stir frequently. Add remaining ingredients, stirring well, and cook for just a few minutes, until heated through.
ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE
Kathy Kingsley is About.com's American Food guide. She writes, “This luscious chocolate layer cake with dark chocolate frosting is an irresistible temptation. It's the perfect cake to make for a birthday celebration or dinner party. The cake layers can be made ahead, wrapped well and refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.”
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes; Yield: Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
Chocolate Frosting
3 cups confectioners sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a small bowl, mix the cocoa and boiling water until blended and smooth.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time and beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and salt.
Stir the baking soda into the buttermilk. Alternately add the buttermilk and flour to the batter, beating well after each addition until all is combined. Beat in the cocoa mixture until blended. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of bowl and beater a few times. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and spread evenly.
Bake until the cakes pull away from the sides of the pans and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Set the cakes in the pans on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto the racks. Turn right side up and cool to room temperature.
Make the frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and cocoa until blended. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of the cocoa mixture and 1 tablespoon of the cream until blended. Repeat adding the cocoa mixture and cream until all is combined, and frosting is smooth and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and additional cream if necessary for desired consistency.
To assemble the cake: Trim the top of the cake layers with a long serrated knife, cutting off any raised areas. Place 1 cake layer on serving plate. Spread with 1 cup of frosting. Top with a second cake layer. Frost the sides and top with the remaining frosting.
Store the cake at cool room temperature until serving time; then refrigerate loosely covered up to 2 days.
”BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD
This is also from Kathy, About.com's American Food guide, who writes, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 finely grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Preparation:
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
ORANGE PINEAPPLE TORTE
This comes from Familytime.com. It starts out, “This crowd pleaser is so delicious that everyone will want the recipe! Moms love this fabulous dessert.” Prep. time: 8 minutesCooking time: 30 mins. Serves: 12
Ingredients
1 package yellow light cake mix, (18-1/4 ounces)
2 packages (1 ounce each pkg) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding, divided
4 egg whites
1 cup water
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cold skim milk
1 carton (8 ounces) reduced-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened, crushed pineapple, well-drained
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained, divided
fresh mint, optional
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, one package of pudding mix, egg whites, water, oil and baking soda. Beat on low speed for 1 minute; beat on medium for 4 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round cake pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to a wire rack to cool completely.
For filling, combine milk and remaining pudding mix. Whisk for 2 minutes; let stand for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping.
In a medium bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups pudding mixture with pineapple and half of the oranges. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Spread pineapple mixture between the layers. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining pudding mixture. Garnish with remaining oranges and mint if desired.
PUMPKIN APPLE MUFFINS
From another long-forgotten emailing list. Makes 2 dozen
1 2/3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbls pumpkin pie spice
1 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 granny smith apple, peeled and finely chopped
3 Tbls sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine pumpkin, butter, and eggs, and add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chopped apple, and spooon into greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from pans immediately, and cool on wire racks.
PUMPKIN SOUP
From another forgotten emailing list. Whoever sent it wrote, “For a dramatic presentation, serve this warm, creamy soup inside a scooped-out pumpkin. It's just as delicious ladled out of a pot.” Prep Time 10 minutes; Cooking Time 20 minutes; Serves 6
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
one 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree
one 8-ounce jar applesauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
freshly ground pepper, to taste
croutons, optional
Directions
Heat the butter in a large saucepan and saute the onions over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until mixed. Add the chicken broth and pumpkin and stir until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients except the cream, pepper, and croutons. Stir well, cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until hot and the flavors have blended.
Stir in the cream and heat until hot. Garnish with freshly ground pepper and serve immediately with crisp croutons, if desired.
VEGAN PUMPKIN RISOTTO
I think this came from About.com, but I'm not completely sure, since it's been kicking around my email account for more than five years with not note. The person who sent this wrote, “A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving entree, or anytime. This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.”
Ingredients:
1 onion. diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups arborio (risotto) rice
1 cup white wine
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp margarine
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Sautee the onion in olive oil over medium heat for three to five minutes, or until soft. Add the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Slowly add the wine. Start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup. Stir frequently. Add remaining ingredients, stirring well, and cook for just a few minutes, until heated through.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Meatless Monday
If it's Monday, it must be meatless, right? I used to wonder how one would cook for a vegetarian; if you cut out meat, what's left? Frozen veggies and/or pasta? Oooooh, nooo! Vegetarian meals are so much more than that. In fact, it's gotten to the point where if I'm cooking for the meat-eaters in my family, my brain goes blank if they want more than hamburgers. Go figure. Here are today's recipes. Enjoy!
FATTOUSH SALAD
This comes from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. To view this recipe online, click here.
Serves 6; 30 minutes or fewer
The recipe starts off, “Pomegranate molasses and sumac add a tart edge to this Lebanese salad. They can be found in Middle Eastern groceries and well-stocked supermarkets and used to flavor many other vegetable dishes. Choose larger cherry tomato varieties that can stand up to the other vegetables and the pita chips.”
Vinaigrette2 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 Tbs. pomegranate molasses
2 tsp. ground sumac
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
Salad
1 medium head romaine lettuce, halved and sliced into ½-inch-thick ribbons (4 cups)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 small Persian cucumbers, diced (2 cups)
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
3 green onions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped parsley
3Tbs. thinly sliced mint leaves
1 1/2 cups plain pita chips, coarsely broken up
1/2 cup crumbled feta (2 oz.)
To make Vinaigrette: whisk together all ingredients in small bowl.
To make Salad: Toss together lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, green onions, parsley, and mint in large salad bowl. Add Vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Sprinkle pita chips over top of Salad, and toss again. Top with feta.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 181; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 11 mg; Sodium: 259 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 7 g
MOROCCAN SEVEN-VEGETABLE COUSCOUS
This recipe is from the March 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times The recipe states, “To many Americans, couscous refers to the tiny pearls of semolina we've come to know and love. But in Morocco, it is also the proper name for a time-honored stew, rich with vegetables and the flavors—saffron, cinnamon, turmeric—of North Africa. This is a terrific, relaxed party dish—easy to make, fun to eat and meant for a gathering.” Serves 6.
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 large onions, quartered and cut in 1/2-inch slices
2 pinches saffron threads
1 pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
3 sprigs parsley and 3 sprigs cilantro, tied in a bundle with kitchen string
4 fresh or canned tomatoes, peeled, seeded and quartered
1 qt. vegetable stock
3 cups water
1 turnip, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes
1/2 lb. carrots, peeled, halved length-wise and cut in 2-inch sticks
3/4 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut in 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 medium-sized zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut in 2-inch sticks
1 cup raisins
1 14-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. granulated sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups quick-cooking couscous, uncooked
1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
Heat butter and olive oil in stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, and cook 15 minutes. Stir in saffron, crushed red pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. Sauté 5 minutes. Add herbs, tomatoes, stock and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes.
Add turnip, carrots and squash. Bring to a boil, and cook 10 minutes. Add zucchini, raisins, chickpeas and sugar. Cook 10 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender. Add salt and pepper.
Cook couscous according to package directions. Mound couscous on large serving platter, and make a well in center. Use slotted spoon to transfer vegetables to well. Ladle stock over entire dish. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
nutritional information per serving: Calories: 590; Protein: 17 g; Total Fat: 15 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 103 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 460 mg; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 30 g
LOVELY, TENDER ANGEL FOOD CAKE
From the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times page 75. The recipe serves 10, and states, “One secret to perfect angel food cake is sifting the flour with some of the sugar so it blends into the meringue with minimal folding. The other is hanging the tube pan upside down over a glass bottle so the cake won’t deflate.”
1 cup cake flour
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 1/4 cups egg whites (9–10 eggs)
1 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Position oven rack just below center, and preheat oven to 350°F. Sift cake flour and 1/2 cup sugar into medium bowl. Set aside.
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, salt, and almond extract in separate bowl with handheld electric mixer at medium-low speed until soft peaks form. Increase speed to medium. Gradually beat in remaining 1 cup sugar. Increase speed to medium-high, and beat 5 minutes, or until meringue is thick and shiny, and firm peaks hold when beaters are lifted.
Sprinkle one-quarter of flour mixture over meringue, and gently fold in with spatula or flat whisk just until blended (do not overmix). Repeat 3 more times. Scrape batter into ungreased 10- x 4-inch angel food cake pan with removable center.
Bake cake 30 to 32 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned, and wooden skewer inserted near center comes out clean. Insert narrow-neck bottle into center tube, and invert pan to cool cake upside down.
Once cooled, remove pan from atop bottle, and cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Lift out pan’s center tube with cake. Cut under cake and around center tube to release cake. Cut into wedges, and serve.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 185; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 41 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 99 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 31 g
BROCCOLI STIR-FRY WITH GINGER-AVOCADO SAUCE
This is from the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. The recipe makes 4 servings in 30 minutes or fewer. The recipe states, “This veggie-packed stir-fry is served over a bed of baby spinach and dressed with a creamy ginger-avocado sauce.”
Ginger-Avocado Sauce
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into coins
2 avocados
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 Tbs. cold-pressed olive oil
2 tsp. raw honey
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
2 pinches sea salt
Stir-Fry
1 Tbs. coconut oil
1 medium red onion, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
1/4 tsp. sea salt
4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.)
1 head broccoli, cut into florets (4 cups)
1 small head cabbage or 1 bunch kale, sliced into thin ribbons (1/2 lb.)
4 cups organic baby spinach
1/4 cup lightly toasted sesame seeds, for garnish, optional
To make Ginger-Avocado Sauce: Place ginger in food processor, and pulse to mince. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Blend in up to 1/2 cup water to thin to desired consistency. Store in refrigerator.
To make Stir-Fry: Heat coconut oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and salt; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until onion softens. Add garlic, and cook 2 minutes more. Add broccoli and 1/4 cup water; cover, and steam 3 minutes. Add cabbage; cover, and steam 2 minutes more.
Place 1 cup spinach on plate. Top with 1 cup broccoli mixture, and drizzle with 2 Tbs. Ginger-Avocado Sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 255; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 224 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
RED, RED SALAD
From the June 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe, which serves 8 and is ready in 30 minutes or less, begins, “Reminiscent of the '50s favorite chopped salad, this dish indulges your whim for something red and colorful for spring and summer eating. You can dress this with an oil-and-balsamic vinegar mixture or any other preferred dressing. Because this is a focal point for lunch or supper, accompany the salad with grilled cheese squares and wrap the meal up with a tempting sweet, such as a wedge of berry pie. Toast the meal with icy lemonade. This makes about 8 1- to 1 1/2-cup servings.”
1 bunch radishes, greens removed, trimmed and quartered
1/2 head red cabbage, cored and chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes
2 1/2 cups red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 large red onion, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salad dressing to taste
Put all vegetables and beans in a large salad bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Dress with salad dressing, toss and serve.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 100; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Sodium: 200 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
FRESH BERRY TART WITH TOASTED NUT CRUST
This recipe is from the July 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe, which serves 8, begins, “A crumbly homemade nut crust sets this tart apart from other berry pies. It can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.”
Crust
1/4 cup each almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
6 Tbs. chilled unsalted butter, diced
1 large egg yolk
Filling
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. grated orange zest
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 Tbs. orange juice
To make Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch tart pan with cooking spray. Spread nuts on baking sheet, and toast in oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until browned.
Pulse nuts, flour, sugar, and salt in food processor until nuts are ground to powder. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolk, and pulse until moist clumps form. Press dough into bottom and sides of prepared pan, about 1/4-inch thick, and pierce with fork. Freeze 30 minutes.
Adjust oven temperature to 400°F. Bake Crust 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden. Cool.
To make Filling: whisk together sour cream, yogurt, brown sugar, vanilla, and orange zest in small bowl. Toss berries with orange juice in separate bowl. 5. Spread sour cream mixture in Crust with spatula. Spoon berries over top a little at a time, until sour cream mixture is evenly covered. Refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 288; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 58 mg; Sodium: 87 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 13 g
FATTOUSH SALAD
This comes from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. To view this recipe online, click here.
Serves 6; 30 minutes or fewer
The recipe starts off, “Pomegranate molasses and sumac add a tart edge to this Lebanese salad. They can be found in Middle Eastern groceries and well-stocked supermarkets and used to flavor many other vegetable dishes. Choose larger cherry tomato varieties that can stand up to the other vegetables and the pita chips.”
Vinaigrette2 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 Tbs. pomegranate molasses
2 tsp. ground sumac
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
Salad
1 medium head romaine lettuce, halved and sliced into ½-inch-thick ribbons (4 cups)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 small Persian cucumbers, diced (2 cups)
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
3 green onions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped parsley
3Tbs. thinly sliced mint leaves
1 1/2 cups plain pita chips, coarsely broken up
1/2 cup crumbled feta (2 oz.)
To make Vinaigrette: whisk together all ingredients in small bowl.
To make Salad: Toss together lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, green onions, parsley, and mint in large salad bowl. Add Vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Sprinkle pita chips over top of Salad, and toss again. Top with feta.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 181; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 11 mg; Sodium: 259 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 7 g
MOROCCAN SEVEN-VEGETABLE COUSCOUS
This recipe is from the March 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times The recipe states, “To many Americans, couscous refers to the tiny pearls of semolina we've come to know and love. But in Morocco, it is also the proper name for a time-honored stew, rich with vegetables and the flavors—saffron, cinnamon, turmeric—of North Africa. This is a terrific, relaxed party dish—easy to make, fun to eat and meant for a gathering.” Serves 6.
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 large onions, quartered and cut in 1/2-inch slices
2 pinches saffron threads
1 pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
3 sprigs parsley and 3 sprigs cilantro, tied in a bundle with kitchen string
4 fresh or canned tomatoes, peeled, seeded and quartered
1 qt. vegetable stock
3 cups water
1 turnip, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes
1/2 lb. carrots, peeled, halved length-wise and cut in 2-inch sticks
3/4 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut in 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 medium-sized zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut in 2-inch sticks
1 cup raisins
1 14-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. granulated sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups quick-cooking couscous, uncooked
1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
Heat butter and olive oil in stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, and cook 15 minutes. Stir in saffron, crushed red pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. Sauté 5 minutes. Add herbs, tomatoes, stock and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes.
Add turnip, carrots and squash. Bring to a boil, and cook 10 minutes. Add zucchini, raisins, chickpeas and sugar. Cook 10 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender. Add salt and pepper.
Cook couscous according to package directions. Mound couscous on large serving platter, and make a well in center. Use slotted spoon to transfer vegetables to well. Ladle stock over entire dish. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
nutritional information per serving: Calories: 590; Protein: 17 g; Total Fat: 15 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 103 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 460 mg; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 30 g
LOVELY, TENDER ANGEL FOOD CAKE
From the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times page 75. The recipe serves 10, and states, “One secret to perfect angel food cake is sifting the flour with some of the sugar so it blends into the meringue with minimal folding. The other is hanging the tube pan upside down over a glass bottle so the cake won’t deflate.”
1 cup cake flour
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 1/4 cups egg whites (9–10 eggs)
1 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Position oven rack just below center, and preheat oven to 350°F. Sift cake flour and 1/2 cup sugar into medium bowl. Set aside.
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, salt, and almond extract in separate bowl with handheld electric mixer at medium-low speed until soft peaks form. Increase speed to medium. Gradually beat in remaining 1 cup sugar. Increase speed to medium-high, and beat 5 minutes, or until meringue is thick and shiny, and firm peaks hold when beaters are lifted.
Sprinkle one-quarter of flour mixture over meringue, and gently fold in with spatula or flat whisk just until blended (do not overmix). Repeat 3 more times. Scrape batter into ungreased 10- x 4-inch angel food cake pan with removable center.
Bake cake 30 to 32 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned, and wooden skewer inserted near center comes out clean. Insert narrow-neck bottle into center tube, and invert pan to cool cake upside down.
Once cooled, remove pan from atop bottle, and cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Lift out pan’s center tube with cake. Cut under cake and around center tube to release cake. Cut into wedges, and serve.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 185; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 41 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 99 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 31 g
BROCCOLI STIR-FRY WITH GINGER-AVOCADO SAUCE
This is from the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. The recipe makes 4 servings in 30 minutes or fewer. The recipe states, “This veggie-packed stir-fry is served over a bed of baby spinach and dressed with a creamy ginger-avocado sauce.”
Ginger-Avocado Sauce
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into coins
2 avocados
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 Tbs. cold-pressed olive oil
2 tsp. raw honey
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
2 pinches sea salt
Stir-Fry
1 Tbs. coconut oil
1 medium red onion, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
1/4 tsp. sea salt
4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.)
1 head broccoli, cut into florets (4 cups)
1 small head cabbage or 1 bunch kale, sliced into thin ribbons (1/2 lb.)
4 cups organic baby spinach
1/4 cup lightly toasted sesame seeds, for garnish, optional
To make Ginger-Avocado Sauce: Place ginger in food processor, and pulse to mince. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Blend in up to 1/2 cup water to thin to desired consistency. Store in refrigerator.
To make Stir-Fry: Heat coconut oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and salt; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until onion softens. Add garlic, and cook 2 minutes more. Add broccoli and 1/4 cup water; cover, and steam 3 minutes. Add cabbage; cover, and steam 2 minutes more.
Place 1 cup spinach on plate. Top with 1 cup broccoli mixture, and drizzle with 2 Tbs. Ginger-Avocado Sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 255; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 224 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
RED, RED SALAD
From the June 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe, which serves 8 and is ready in 30 minutes or less, begins, “Reminiscent of the '50s favorite chopped salad, this dish indulges your whim for something red and colorful for spring and summer eating. You can dress this with an oil-and-balsamic vinegar mixture or any other preferred dressing. Because this is a focal point for lunch or supper, accompany the salad with grilled cheese squares and wrap the meal up with a tempting sweet, such as a wedge of berry pie. Toast the meal with icy lemonade. This makes about 8 1- to 1 1/2-cup servings.”
1 bunch radishes, greens removed, trimmed and quartered
1/2 head red cabbage, cored and chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes
2 1/2 cups red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 large red onion, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salad dressing to taste
Put all vegetables and beans in a large salad bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Dress with salad dressing, toss and serve.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 100; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Sodium: 200 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
FRESH BERRY TART WITH TOASTED NUT CRUST
This recipe is from the July 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe, which serves 8, begins, “A crumbly homemade nut crust sets this tart apart from other berry pies. It can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.”
Crust
1/4 cup each almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
6 Tbs. chilled unsalted butter, diced
1 large egg yolk
Filling
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. grated orange zest
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 Tbs. orange juice
To make Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch tart pan with cooking spray. Spread nuts on baking sheet, and toast in oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until browned.
Pulse nuts, flour, sugar, and salt in food processor until nuts are ground to powder. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolk, and pulse until moist clumps form. Press dough into bottom and sides of prepared pan, about 1/4-inch thick, and pierce with fork. Freeze 30 minutes.
Adjust oven temperature to 400°F. Bake Crust 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden. Cool.
To make Filling: whisk together sour cream, yogurt, brown sugar, vanilla, and orange zest in small bowl. Toss berries with orange juice in separate bowl. 5. Spread sour cream mixture in Crust with spatula. Spoon berries over top a little at a time, until sour cream mixture is evenly covered. Refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 288; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 58 mg; Sodium: 87 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 13 g
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