Confessions of a Foodie

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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Taco Tuesday!

I don't know about you, but I love tacos. So when it comes to Taco Tuesdays, I have no problems. Here are six taco recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

GRANDMA SALAZAR’S TORTILLAS

This also comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times cooking email. Kim wrote, “This recipe for flour tortillas came to The Times in 2005 from Traci Des Jardins, a San Francisco chef whose heritage is Cajun on one side and Mexican on the other, via her maternal grandmother, Angela Salazar. You’ll see ‘bacon drippings’ in the ingredients. These make for really delicious tortillas.” Makes 12 8-inch tortillas.

This was featured in “THE CHEF: TRACI DES JARDINS; Tortillas Let a Cook Come Home Again” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons bacon drippings, lard or vegetable shortening

Preparation

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add bacon drippings and mix by hand or with a pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. Slowly mix in 1 cup cold water. Add just enough additional water (about 1/3 cup) to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Divide dough into 12 balls of equal size. Place on a board or baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel; allow to rest for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll tortillas into 8-inch rounds. Place between sheets of waxed paper. At this point dough may be covered and refrigerated until cooking time, or used immediately.

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Remove tortillas from waxed paper and cook one at a time until puffy and slightly brown, about 30 seconds a side. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm until serving.

CHICKPEA TACOS

This comes from the March 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Turns out, tacos don’t have to be hot to be delicious. The chickpea-avocado mash used as a filling here is prepared and served at room temperature. (It makes a great sandwich spread as well.) Because the fat content of taco shells can vary, look for brands that contain approximately 6 grams or fewer per shell.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced

1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 Tbs. chopped cilantro

4 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

8 corn taco shells

2 cups baby salad greens

1 cup prepared salsa (medium or hot)

1/2 cup nondairy sour cream

Place avocado in small bowl, and mash with fork. Stir in chickpeas, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic; season with salt and pepper.

Set taco shells in napkin-lined basket. Place salad greens, salsa, and sour cream in separate bowls, and set out alongside chickpea-avocado mash.

To serve, let each person build their own taco by filling each shell with 1/4 cup chickpea-avocado mash, some greens, salsa, and sour cream.

nutritional information Per Serving (2 tacos): Calories: 402; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 800 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

TASTY BLACK BEANS AND CORN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Filled with beans and vegetables, these healthful tacos will be a kid’s favorite." Makes 12 tacos.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

Black Beans and Corn Filling

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium-sized zucchini, diced

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1/2 cup mild enchilada sauce

Tortillas

12 6- to 8-inch corn or flour tortillas

Toppings, Optional

Note: No toppings were listed, but I would suggest shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and/or sour cream. A diced avocado would be nice, too. Or if there's something else that you love to top your tacos with, go for it! Just one thing: Enjoy!

Instructions:

To make Black Beans and Corn Filling: Put all ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until heated through.

To prepare Tortillas: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on stove over medium-high heat. Lay tortillas in single layer on skillet or griddle for about 10 seconds. Turn and warm other side. Remove from heat, and wrap in a napkin or dishcloth until ready to assemble tacos.

To assemble, set a tortilla on a plate, and spoon on some filling. Top as desired, roll up and eat.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 100; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 170 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 1 g

SNAPPY TACOS

This is another good taco recipe from Vegetarian Times. This one begins, "Just two of these tacos provide nearly all the soy protein of the daily FDA recommendation of 25 grams." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

4 tsp. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

12-oz. pkg. soy crumbles, plain or taco-flavored

1/4 cup dark beer (see Note

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 cup salsa, drained

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

8 taco shells

Garnishes: See my note under Toppings for the Tasty Black Beans & Corn Tacos, above.

Note: If you - like me - don't have dark beer (or any beer, for that matter), I suggest simply increasing the low-sodium vegetable broth to 3/4 cup

Instructions:

In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add 1⁄4 cup onion and 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat and mix in soy crumbles, beer and broth. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid has almost evaporated, about 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to plate and set aside. Wipe out skillet.

Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Add remaining onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and jalapeños, stirring until mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add reserved crumbles, salsa and cilantro and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.

Spoon 1⁄4 cup filling into each taco shell. Top with some or all garnishes and serve hot.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 302; Protein: 22 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 633 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: g

STEAK TACOS

This recipe begins, “Your slow cooker makes Mexican-style magic, turning flank steak fork-tender and infusing it with irresistible flavors for the best steak tacos you ever ate.”

http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/2664-steak-tacos

Ingredients

1 lb raw lean flank steak (I use semi-frozen steak)

1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix

1 medium onion

4 oz chopped green chilies

1/2 cup (or more) sliced bell pepper

6 Corn tortillas

Directions

Cut steaks in half; rub with taco seasoning. Place in a crock pot coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with onion, bell pepper and chilies. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat is tender. Remove steaks and cool slightly; shred meat with two forks. Return to crock pot; heat through. Spoon about 1/2 cup meat mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with cheese, tomato and sour cream. Fold ends and sides over filling.

Nutritional Facts: Servings 6; Yield 6 servings – 210 Calories; 9 g fat (48.1% calories from fat); 17 g Protein; 16 g Carbohydrate; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 39 mg Cholesterol; 186 mg Sodium.

BUFFALO TURKEY TACOS

Makes 8 servings

Source: Jennie-O

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1341.shtml

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package JENNIE-O Lean Ground Turkey

1/3 cup hot pepper wing sauce

8 hard corn taco shells, heated as specified on package

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing

Directions

Cook turkey as specified on package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Add hot pepper sauce. Stir to combine.

Fill tacos shells with lettuce, turkey mixture, tomatoes and avocado.

Drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 260 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

Monday, January 30, 2017

Meatless Monday

It's Monday, time for Meatless Monday. Here are today's six delicious vegetarian recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

CORN MUFFINS

Servings: 12

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/29.shtml

Ingredients

1/2 cup corn meal

1 cup flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

3/4 cup skim milk

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

1 egg

Directions

Mix dry ingredients together.

Add lightly beaten egg, milk and butter.

Mix just until moist.

Bake in muffin tins lined with cupcake papers for 20 minutes at 400F.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 95; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g

QUICK VEGAN CROCK POT APPLE CRUMBLE

This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “A quick and easy recipe for a vegan apple crumble (just like an apple crisp, if you prefer!) that you can make in your crockpot or slow cooker. Make sure to read the ingredients of whatever kind of granola you use, as many are not vegan.

“Refined sugar-free and vegan, this apple crumble or apple crisp recipe takes just minutes to prepare. It's made from fresh sliced apples sweetened with a bit of maple syrup (use real maple syrup, not bottled flavored corn syrup!) and topped off with a crumble granola, cinnamon and nutmeg topping. Using granola for the top of this apple crumble means that there's no bowls to get dirty and nothing to mix. Just sprinkle everything over the top of your crock pot or slow cooker.

“Like waking up to a hot and delicious breakfast or coming home to a sweet dessert already ready to go? You might also want to try this recipe for crockpot peach cobbler or scroll down for a few more vegetarian and vegan crockpot recipes including a few desserts.

“Enjoy!” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 480 minutes (8 hours); Total Time: 500 minutes; Yield: about 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Note: Jolinda’s Cranberry Peach Cobbler recipe follows immediately after this recipe.

Ingredients

4 apples, sliced

2 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

2 tbsp margarine

2 cups granola

Preparation

Place apples in your crock pot or slow cooker. Drizzle with maple syrup, spices and margarine, then cover with granola.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

CRANBERRY PEACH COBBLER

As promised this also comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “Crock Pot Cranberry Peach Cobbler makes for a sweet breakfast treat or a light dessert. The cranberries add texture and color, making for a vibrant and tasty recipe. Serve your crockpot peach cobbler recipe plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

5-6 peaches, sliced

2 tbsp flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2/3 cup quick cooking oats

1 cup water

3 tbsp melted margarine

3/4 cup brown sugar

Preparation

Toss the peaches in the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cranberries, cinnamon and oats.

Place the water and peach mixture into the crock pot or slow cooker. Pour the the margarine over the peaches and and sprinkle with the brown sugar.

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until peaches are tender.

FARROW BLACK BEANS MEXICAN BOWL [VEGAN]

This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and begins, “My idea was to make a one pan, flavorful, Mexican meal – so I flavored the warm oil with garlic and oregano first and then mixed in the rest of the ingredients except lettuce and avocados. I love the fresh and crunchy texture of lettuce, and fresh sliced avocados give this Farro Black Beans Mexican Bowl a light creamy texture. Serve this healthy, nutritious and vegan Mexican bowl to yourself and feel the happiness and energy flowing in your body.” Cook Time: 10 minutes; Serves: 4; Calories: 435

To view this online, go to http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/farro-black-beans-mexican-bowl/.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chopped garlic

2 tsp oregan

1 cup red onions (chopped)

1 cup green bell pepper (chopped)

1 tbsp jalapeno pepper (seeds removed and chopped)

1 tbsp chopped cilantro

3 roma tomatoes (blanched, peeled and mashed)

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 cup sweet corn kernels

1 15 oz. can black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp lime juice

2 cups farrow (cooked)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 whole avocado (seed removed and sliced/chopped

Preparation

Heat oil in a nonstick pan and add garlic, oregano and onions. Saute well.

Add green bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, tomatoes. Mix, cover and cook for 2 minutes.

Add sugar, corn, black beans, salt, lime juice.

Mix very well and cover and cook for 3 – 4 minutes.

Lastly add farro and mix well so that farro is properly coated and turn off the flame.

In a serving bowl/plate empty the pan. Top it with lettuce and avocado and serve.

CORN SALSA

This yummy salsa comes from country singer Trisha Yearwood on The Food Network's website. Total Time: 1 hr. 15 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive: 1 hour; Yield: Servings: about 5 cups; Level: easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/corn-salsa0.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

1 15 -ounce can yellow corn, drained

1 15-ounce can white corn, drained

1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained

1 2 .5-ounce can sliced black olives, drained

4 scallions, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

Kosher salt

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Mix the yellow and white corn, chiles, olives, scallions, tomatoes, jalapenos, vinegar, olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Chill at least 1 hour.

Just before serving, add the cilantro to the salsa.

GRILLED SWEET POTATO SKEWERS WITH HONEY MUSTARD

This yummy recipe, which would be perfect for a Labor Day cookout, is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food expert. She writes, “Need an easy crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish to throw on the grill? Everyone loves sweet potatoes, especially kids, so try these simple grilled sweet potato skewers with savory-sweet honey mustard. The recipe calls for sweet potatoes, green and red bell peppers, red onions, a little bit of salt and pepper, and of course, some honey mustard.

“This grilled sweet potato skewers with honey mustard recipe is the perfect vegetarian barbecue recipe for sweet potato lovers. Be careful if you're planning on serving this dish to vegans, however, as many vegans avoid eating honey. This recipe is gluten-free.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 3 – 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds medium-sized sweet potatoes (5 potatoes, 6 to 7 ounces each)

1 large sweet red and/or green peppers, cut in 1-inch squares

1 medium red onion, cut in 1-inch pieces, layers separated

1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

salt and pepper, to taste

about 1/4 cup honey mustard

2 tbsp water

Preparation

First, prepare your sweet potatoes by giving them head a head start in the microwave. Prick them a bit with a fork, then place them in the microwave on high for three minutes. Turn them over (carefully!), then microwave for another 1-2 minutes, until almost tender and soft, but not quite.

Allow your sweet potatoes to cool, then peel them if you'd like, and chop coarsely into about 1-inch chunks.

Next, combine the sweet potatoes, chopped red and green bell peppers and red onion in a large bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard and the two tablespoons of water, then add to the sweet potatoes, peppers and onions in the bowl, tossing very gently to lightly coat.

Next, prepare your skewers, by threading a mixture of sweet potatoes, onions and peppers.

Make sure your pre-heated grill (or indoor grill pan) is lightly greased. Grill your sweet potato skewers for about 4 minutes on each side, brushing with any remaining honey mustard.

Note: If you don't have an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, you can still make this recipe using your oven's broiler.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Friday Recipes,

It's finally Friday. Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RED ONIONS

This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is an easy, healthy addition to a Thanksgiving feast or weekday dinner from Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, which was included in a Julia Moskin video feature in 2013. Chop up a few red onions and a butternut squash, roast them in high heat, and drizzle them with tahini sauce, herbs and pistachios. That’s it. (Keep an eye on the onions, though. They may cook faster than the squash.)” Time: 1 hour; Makes 10 to 12 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

About 1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra for pans

4 large red onions

Coarse salt and black pepper

4 pounds butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch wedges, peeled or unpeeled

1/3 cup pine nuts or shelled green pistachio nuts (optional)

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, mint, cilantro or a combination, for garnish

For Tahini Sauce (Optional):

1/4 cup tahini paste

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 small clove garlic, crushed

Preparation

Heat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly coat two large baking sheets with olive oil.

Peel onions, leaving root ends intact. Cut each onion in half from stem to root. Cut each half into 4 wedges, leaving the root intact so that each wedge holds together. Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.

Put the squash in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and about 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet, peel side down (if intact).

Place both pans in oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables have taken on some color and are cooked through. Keep an eye on the onions, as they may cook faster than the squash and need to be removed earlier.

If using nuts, pour 1 tablespoon oil into a small frying pan and place over medium-low heat. Add nuts and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Immediately remove from the heat and dump onto a cutting board to stop the cooking. If using pistachios, chop coarsely when cool enough to handle.

To make tahini sauce, place tahini in a bowl. Add lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until sauce is the consistency of honey, adding more water or a tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.

When the vegetables are cooked, set aside until ready to serve. (The vegetables should be served the same day they are made. They can be served at warm room temperature, or reheated just before serving.)

To serve, combine vegetables on a large serving platter. If using tahini sauce, drizzle on top. Sprinkle herbs and, if using, nuts on top and serve.

SWEET POTATO SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

This is from Publix. Servings: 8; Total Time: about 1 hour; Active Time: 25 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Cooking spray

1 1/2 lb fresh sweet potatoes (2–3)

1 bunch fresh kale, finely chopped

16 oz Italian chicken (or pork) sausage

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 oz Deli Gruyère cheese

1 1/2 cups stuffing mix for turkey (or chicken)

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (or stock)

1 (15-oz) jar roasted garlic Alfredo sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch square baking dish with spray. Peel sweet potatoes; cut into 1/2-inch cubes (4 cups). Chop kale (3 cups). Remove sausage casing: cut almost in half lengthwise (butterfly); turn sausage over and peel casing away (wash hands).

Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place oil in pan, then add sweet potatoes; cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until light brown. Transfer sweet potatoes to large bowl.

Add sausage to same pan; brown 4–5 minutes, stirring to crumble meat, or until no pink remains. Meanwhile, shred cheese (1 1/2 cups). Stir sausage, stuffing mix, kale, and 1 cup broth into potatoes; transfer to baking dish.

Combine Alfredo sauce, remaining 1 cup broth, nutmeg, and 1 cup of the cheese; pour sauce over sweet potato mixture. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese; bake 25–30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve.

NOTE: Having a large crowd? Double the recipe and bake in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Bake an extra 12–15 minutes.

SWEET POTATO-PECAN PIE

This is another recipe from Publix. Servings: 12; Total Time: about 3 1/2 hours; Active Time: 20 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 large sweet potato

2 tablespoons + 3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, divided

1 tablespoon heavy cream

4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

1 egg + 2 eggs, beaten

1 frozen deep-dish piecrust

3/4 cup dark corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Whipped topping, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Melt butter. Peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups). Place in microwave-safe bowl and cover; microwave on HIGH 7–8 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Mash with potato masher (or hand mixer).

Combine in medium bowl: potatoes, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1 egg; beat with hand mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over bottom of piecrust.

Combine in second bowl: remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs, corn syrup, salt, pecans, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pie spice, and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla until thoroughly blended; pour over sweet potatoes. Bake 60–65 minutes or until center is set. Let stand 2 hours (or overnight), to cool. Serve with whipped topping.



ROASTED POTATOES, CARROTS, PARSNIPS AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS

This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network's Everyday Italian. Total Time: 1 hr; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 40 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/roasted-potatoes-carrots-parsnips-and-brussels-sprouts-recipe2.html?oc=linkback

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 medium carrots (about 3/4 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch thick circles

1 1/2 cups Brussels sprouts (about 1/2 pound), halved

4 cups red bliss potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch thick slices

3 medium parsnips (about 1 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch thick slices

1 cup sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch thick slices

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Grease 11 by 17-inch baking sheet pan with extra-virgin olive oil. Place vegetables in baking sheet & add dried herbs, salt & pepper. Toss well, evenly coating all the vegetables with the seasonings & oil. Add more oil if the vegetables seem dry.

Spread vegetables evenly on large baking sheet. Place on middle rack in oven & bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

RACE DAY RAISIN AND ALMOND SMOOTHIE

This was on the inside front cover of the September 2016 issue of Runner's World and is from Sun-Maid Fitness. Yields 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1/4 cup Sun-Maid raisins

1/4 cup blanched almonds

2 tbls maple syrup

1/2 cup boiling water

1 medium banana (cut into 1 – 2 inch pieces)

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. cardamon

1 tbls. Chopped candied ginger

2 cups of ice

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine raisins, almonds, maple syrup and boiling water and allow to steep for 1 hour. Transfer to a blender. Add banana pieces, yogurt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Drink immediately for a protein and fiber-packed breakfast.

CHICKEN FAJITA PASTA

This comes from Machismo, an avid cook on tbsp.com. The recipe begins, “Tex-Mex meets Italian in this awesomely easy weeknight dinner dish.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. chicken breast, sliced thin

1 packet Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix chicken

1/4 cup water

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 green bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 red onion, sliced thin

1/2 lb. spaghetti (1/2 of a 16 oz. box)

4 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

Salt and pepper

Directions

In a large skillet, add olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring regularly, until chicken is cooked through, around 8 minutes.

Add chicken seasoning to the skillet along with 1/4 cup water and stir together. Add sliced bell peppers and onion and cook until they are softened a bit.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package until al dente. When pasta is cooked through, use tongs to move it directly from the cooking water to the chicken fajita skillet. Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top the skillet with grated cheddar cheese and reduce heat to low until cheese is melted. Serve hot.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Diabetic Recipes

Today is Diabetic Thursday, so here diabetic recipes, including Orange Cranberry Bread and Lemon Spiked Garlic Greens. Enjoy!

PAN-STEAMED ZUCCHINI AND YELLOW SQUASH NOODLES

Yield: 2 pounds; Serves: 10; Serving Size: 3 ounces

Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/610.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds zucchini

1-1/2 pounds yellow squash

1 teaspoon butter

1/2 tablespoon minced shallots

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

2 fluid ounces Vegetable Stock

1 tablespoon minced herbs (use a variety of herbs, such as basil, tarragon, chives, cilantro, thyme, and oregano.)

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns

Directions

Using a mandoline, cut the zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick noodles. Discard the center of the squashes.

Heat the butter in a large saute pan. Add the shallots and garlic. Sweat until the shallots are translucent.

Add the squash noodles and stock. Cover the pan and pan steam the squash until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.

Season with the herbs, lemon juice, and black pepper.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 3 ; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 0 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable

QUINOA PILAF WITH RED AND YELLOW PEPPERS

Yield: 2-1/4 pounds; Serves: 12; Serving Size: 3 ounces

Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/611.shtml

Ingredients

2-1/2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 tablespoons minced garlic

20 fluid ounces Chicken or Vegetable stock

12 ounces quinoa, well-rinsed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 bay leaf

1 sprig thyme

7 ounces roasted red and yellow peppers, diced

Directions

In a medium saucepan, sweat the shallots and garlic in 2 fluid ounces of the stock until the shallots are translucent.

Add the quinoa, remaining stock, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Cover the pot tightly and place in a 350 degree F. oven until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. Fold in the peppers and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130 ; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 2 ; Sodium: 150 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Vegetable

CANNELLINI AND CABBAGE SOUP

Makes: 8 Servings (about 1 cup each)

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/601.shtml

Ingredients

Vegetable cooking spray

3 cups thinly sliced or chopped cabbage

1 small onion, coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds

2 cans (15 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup water

1 can (15oz) cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed, drained

1/2 cup (4 ounces) mostaccioli (penne), uncooked

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Saute cabbage, onion, garlic, and caraway seeds until cabbage begins to wilt, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add chicken broth, water, and beans to saucepan; heat to boiling. Stir in pasta; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until pasta is al dente, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:Calories: 107; Protein: 7 g; Sodium: 175 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1 Bread, 1/2 Meat

HERB BREAD

Makes one 1-lb loaf, 8 slices; 16 servings (1/2 slice is 1 serving)

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/301.shtml

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Fast-rising yeast OR 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast

2 cups Bread flour

1 tablespoon Dry milk

1 tablespoon Sugar

1 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Dried chives

1 teaspoon Marjoram

1 teaspoon Thyme

1 teaspoon Basil

1 tablespoon Margarine or butter

7/8 cup Water (77-95F)

Directions

Place all ingredients in the bread machine in the order suggested in your operator’s manual. (If using fresh herbs, double the amount called for.)

Select the white bread mode; press start. This recipe can be made with regular, rapid or delayed-time bake cycles.

Makes one 1-pound loaf, for 16 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 64; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 145 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 12 gExchanges: 2-1/2 Bread/Starch

ORANGE CRANBERRY BREAD

Yield: 1 loaf (18 slices); Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/412.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 medium orange

2 teaspoons margarine, melted

1 large egg, beaten, or 1/4 cup egg substitute

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut aluminum foil to fit the bottom of a 9x5-inch loaf pan and spray the sides of the pan with nonstick pan spray.

Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.

Grate the zest from the orange and set aside. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Add the grated zest and melted margarine to the juice and add enough hot water to make 1 cup.

Stir the liquids into the dry ingredients. Add the egg, vanilla, cranberries, and walnuts; stir to mix.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the top of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

If time permits, let stand overnight for easy slicing. Cut the loaf into 18 slices.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 108; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 109 mg; Cholesterol: 12 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1/2 Fat

LEMON SPIKED GARLIC GREENS

Kale, collard, turnip, or beet greens are excellent choices for this quick-and-easy healthy vegetable.

Yield: 4 Servings

Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/269.shtml

Ingredients

Garlic-flavored vegetable cooking spray

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 pounds greens, washed, stems removed, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup water

1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Saute onion and garlic until tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add greens and water to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until greens are wilted and tender, about 5 to 8 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 58; Protein: 5.9 g; Fat: 1.7 g; Sodium: 43 mg; Cholesterol: 53.3 mg; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Chicken!

Here are today's six chicken recipes to help you through the day, including Ina Garten's Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken and Savory Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!

CHICKEN FAJITA PASTA

This comes from Machismo, an avid cook on tbsp.com. The recipe begins, “Tex-Mex meets Italian in this awesomely easy weeknight dinner dish.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. chicken breast, sliced thin

1 packet Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix chicken

1/4 cup water

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 green bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin

1/2 red onion, sliced thin

1/2 lb. spaghetti (1/2 of a 16 oz. box)

4 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

Salt and pepper

Directions

In a large skillet, add olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring regularly, until chicken is cooked through, around 8 minutes.

Add chicken seasoning to the skillet along with 1/4 cup water and stir together. Add sliced bell peppers and onion and cook until they are softened a bit.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package until al dente. When pasta is cooked through, use tongs to move it directly from the cooking water to the chicken fajita skillet. Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top the skillet with grated cheddar cheese and reduce heat to low until cheese is melted. Serve hot.

SLOW-COOKER CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN

This comes from tbsp.com and begins, “Simple, easy, and kid-friendly, and easy on the wallet, this slow-cooker chicken recipe is easy to customize with your favorite flavors and add-ins. Reduced-fat ingredient substitutions work well, too.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 0 minutes; Makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 cans (10.75 oz. each) condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup

1 can (10.75 oz.) chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

6 cups hot cooked rice or egg noodles

Directions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and place in bottom of slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine soup and broth and mix well. Add garlic powder and pour mixture over chicken. Cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.

Fifteen minutes before end of cook time, remove chicken from the slow cooker. Break softened cream cheese into chunks and add to slow cooker, whisking until the sauce is smooth.

Shred chicken if desired and return to slow cooker. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serve chicken over hot rice or egg noodles and top with sauce.

SALT-AND-PEPPER ROAST CHICKEN

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “Calling for just four ingredients – chicken, salt, pepper and whatever herbs you have around – this is a recipe for roast chicken at its simplest and best. The method is fairly straightforward. You season the bird, then roast it at high heat until the skin is bronzed and crisp and the flesh juicy. If you have time to season the chicken ahead, you should; it makes a difference in flavor. And bear in mind, if you have the kind of oven that starts smoking at high heat, you can cook your bird at 400 degrees instead of 450, though you’ll need an extra 5 to 20 minutes to get it done.” Yield: 4 servings.

This was featured in “Roast Chicken, the Easy Way” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken, patted dry

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

Small bunch mixed herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and sage

Preparation

Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. If you have time, refrigerate the chicken, uncovered, for an hour, or overnight.

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or large ovenproof skillet. Stuff cavity with herbs and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. (If you don’t have twine, leave the legs as they are.)

Roast 50 minutes, then baste chicken with pan juices. Continue roasting until chicken's juices run clear when skin is pierced with a knife, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before carving.

Tips

“Now that you know the basics of roasting a chicken, here are some suggestions for how to serve it:

“Try a side sauce. Aioli, béarnaise sauce, salsa verde, romesco sauce, chimichurri, and make-ahead gravy can be prepared in advance, and transform a simple roast chicken into a something a little more special. Even a dollop of Dijon mustard does wonders here.

“Serve your chicken directly on top of a pile of watercress, baby kale, tatsoi, arugula, or other tender, dark greens that have been sprinkled with lemon juice and dusted with salt. The heat of the bird will wilt some of the greens while others remain crisp, and the hot chicken fat makes an instant dressing once it mixes with the lemon juice.

“Substitute hot toasted bread for the watercress or greens, above. The hot chicken fat makes these croutons exquisite.”

INA GARTEN’S SKILLET-ROASTED LEMON CHICKEN

This was sent in a TODAY Show’s email. It begins with this from Ina Garten, “I can't tell you how many times I've made this! I have the butcher butterfly the chicken so all I do is grind the thyme, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper, mix it with olive oil, and brush it on the chicken. When the lemon slices are roasted and caramelized, you can eat them with the chicken.

Notes: Remove the ends of the lemon, cut in half through the stem ends, and slice thinly crosswise. Sometimes I sprinkle the chicken with minced fresh rosemary before allowing it to rest.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the chicken in the pan and refrigerate for a few hours before roasting.”

To view this online, click here.

Note: The recipe calls for 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. I don’t keep alcohol around the house. Whenever I want to try a new recipe that has any kind of alcohol as an ingredient, I either use an alcohol-free version or, if it’s not available or I decide not to go that way, I substitute water. Ina, if you’re reading this, sorry! I still love your recipes!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup good olive oil

1 lemon, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick (see note)

1 yellow onion, halved and sliced 1⁄4-inch thick

2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 (4-pound) chicken, backbone removed and butterflied

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

1 lemon, juiced

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450ºF.

Place the thyme, fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a mini food processor and process until ground. Pour the olive oil into a small glass measuring cup, stir in the herb mixture, and set aside.

Distribute the lemon slices in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and distribute the onion and garlic on top. Place the chicken, skin side down, on top of the onion and brush with about half the oil and herb mixture. Turn the chicken skin side up, pat it dry with paper towels (very important!), and brush it all over with the rest of the oil and herb mixture.

Roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Pour the wine into the pan (not on the chicken!) and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155 to 160 degrees.

Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle it with the lemon juice, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the chicken into quarters or eighths, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot with the pan juices, cooked lemon, and onion.

BALSAMIC CHICKEN MASSIMO WITH ARTICHOKE SOUBISE

This is from Mario Carbone on the TODAY Show cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Amp up chicken breasts with a luscious balsamic glaze served with thinly sliced artichokes and onions that are cooked low and slow until they become a creamy sauce.

“’I love this recipe because these flavors feel familiar but it’s prepared in an unusual way,’ says chef Mario Carbone of Carbone restaurants in New York and Las Vegas. ‘Plus it’s my mom’s favorite dish so it’s not going anywhere!’

“Chicken Massimo is named after star Italian chef Massimo Bottura, a friend of Carbone.

Technique tip: Finish the vegetables by adding butter to bring the flavors together.

Swap option: Use canned vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.”

Cook Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 2

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Balsamic Glaze

4 cups balsamic vinegar

1 cup chicken stock

1 tablespoon sugar

Artichoke Soubise

1 onion, sliced

6 artichoke hearts, sliced (frozen are OK)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 dash salt

1 tablespoon butter

Chicken

2 chicken breasts

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Freshly grated Parmesan

Preparation

Make the balsamic glaze: Bring all ingredients to a simmer and allow to reduce until there are approximately 2 cups remaining, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Make the artichoke soubise: In a sauté pan, heat olive oil. Sauté artichokes, onion and salt for 10 to 15 minutes until soft and translucent. Add butter to finish. While soubise is cooking, prep the chicken.

Make the chicken:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In an oven proof pan, sauté chicken until golden crust forms, approximately 5 minutes.

Add balsamic glaze to chicken and baste several times. Place in oven. Continue basting every 2 minutes to form a coating over the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove chicken from oven and grate Parmesan cheese over the top. Give it a generous coating and place under broiler until golden brown.

SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE

This is from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “When a chicken pot pie bubbles and oozes this much creamy comfort in every bite, you know you’re home.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 cup all-purpose baking mix

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F.

Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic powder.

Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Whisk egg and milk in medium bowl until blended. Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Taco Tuesday

As strange as it might seem, I don't think I had too many tacos, if any, before moving to Florida in my late teens. My kids, on the other hand, had tacos all through their youth. Usually, they were in crisp taco shells with ground beef, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and, maybe, some lettuce, not much more.

While the ground beef/cheese/tomatoes/lettuce taco may still be what many people think of, there are so many ways to fix the humble taco. Here are six taco recipes, including homemade tortillas and Banana Chocolate Tacos. Do those have your attention? Great! Enjoy!

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS

This, as well as the next two recipes (Cocoa Black Bean Avocado Cream Tacos and Banana Chocolate Tacos), are from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and can be found here. This one begins, “Corn tortillas are rich in flavonoids, which help protect against certain cancers.”

Ingredients

2 cups masa harina (corn flour)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups warm tap water

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine masa and salt. Slowly pour the water into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is just moistened and forms small clumps. Add more water, if needed by the tablespoon, but don’t let dough become too moist. It should feel like play-dough.

Divide dough into 12 golf-ball size balls. Cover with a damp paper towel. Cut a quart-size ziptop plastic bag up both side seams. Place one ball of dough between the plastic sheets and press down firmly with a medium pot or a tortilla press to form a 4 -5” circle about 1/8” thick.

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium and lightly brush with some oil. Cook the tortilla for 1 minute, or until darkened in some spots and the dough looks dry. Flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and fold over to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas, brushing the skillet with more oil as needed.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 69; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 15 g; Fiber: 1 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 99 mg

COCOA BLACK BEAN AVOCADO CREAM TACOS

This one begins, “Cocoa adds richness to this hunger smashing fiber-rich bean filling. As a giant cousin of the banana, plantain contains twice as much vitamin C to keep your blood pressure from boiling over. The creamy avocado sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.”

Ingredients

2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 ripe plantain, lots of black spots on skin, peeled and diced

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 avocado

8 small corn tortillas

1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, plantain, black beans, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper; cook 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and 2 Tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.

Blend together sour cream, avocado, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Top tortillas with beans, red pepper, avocado cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 408; Protein: 11 g; Carbs: 59 g; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 16 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 320 mg

BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS

Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one is from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”

This can be found here.

Ingredients

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

2 Tbsp. almond butter

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1–2 tsp. orange zest

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 oz. chopped dark chocolate

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces

4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package

1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.

Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.

BUFFALO TURKEY TACOS

Makes 8 servings

Source: Jennie-O

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1341.shtml

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package JENNIE-O Lean Ground Turkey

1/3 cup hot pepper wing sauce

8 hard corn taco shells, heated as specified on package

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing

Directions

Cook turkey as specified on package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Add hot pepper sauce. Stir to combine.

Fill tacos shells with lettuce, turkey mixture, tomatoes and avocado.

Drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 260 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

STEAK TACOS

This recipe begins, “Your slow cooker makes Mexican-style magic, turning flank steak fork-tender and infusing it with irresistible flavors for the best steak tacos you ever ate.”

http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/2664-steak-tacos

Ingredients

1 lb raw lean flank steak (I use semi-frozen steak)

1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix

1 medium onion

4 oz chopped green chilies

1/2 cup (or more) sliced bell pepper

6 Corn tortillas

Directions

Cut steaks in half; rub with taco seasoning. Place in a crock pot coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with onion, bell pepper and chilies. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat is tender. Remove steaks and cool slightly; shred meat with two forks. Return to crock pot; heat through. Spoon about 1/2 cup meat mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with cheese, tomato and sour cream. Fold ends and sides over filling.

Nutritional Facts: Servings 6; Yield 6 servings – 210 Calories; 9 g fat (48.1% calories from fat); 17 g Protein; 16 g Carbohydrate; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 39 mg Cholesterol; 186 mg Sodium.

AMERICAN BBQ TACOS

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “For authentic Southern flavor, top these tacos with prepared coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce.” Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

BBQ Sauce

1 1/2 Tbs. ketchup

1 Tbs. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. honey

1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste

Tacos

1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 cup sliced button mushrooms

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1 cup soy crumbles, such as Lightlife Gimme Lean

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

2 Tbs. chopped red onion

1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup shredded Romaine lettuce

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 Tbs. pickle relish, optional

Instructions:

To make BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in bowl.

To make Tacos: Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook 3 minutes, or until vegetables are softened, stirring halfway through. Add soy crumbles and 2 Tbs. BBQ Sauce. Cook 8 minutes, or until soy crumbles are browned.

Fill tortillas with soy crumble mixture. Top with red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and relish, if desired. Serve with BBQ Sauce.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 178; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Sodium: 409 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 4 g

Monday, January 23, 2017

Meatless Monday

It's Monday, which, of course, means Meatless Monday. Here are today's six recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

SUMMER MINESTRONE SOUP

This is from Tablespoon, and begins, “Minestrone soup, swimming with beans and macaroni, is vegetable soup’s heartier Italian cousin. Preparing it in advance and having at the ready in your freezer will have you singing ‘That’s Amore’ when dinnertime comes around.” Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup Progresso™ cannellini beans, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cut (1/2-inch) green beans

1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ vegetable stock

Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

Directions

In 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and salt; cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and oregano; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cannellini beans, zucchini, carrot, green beans and macaroni.

Add stock; heat to simmering over medium-high heat. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until macaroni is al dente. Top with Parmesan cheese.

To freeze: In 8-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and salt; cook about 4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, thyme and oregano; cook 2 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl. Stir in tomatoes and cannellini beans. Transfer to 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. Mix zucchini, carrot, green beans and macaroni in another 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. Freeze both bags up to 3 months. When ready to serve: In 4-quart saucepan, mix stock and bag of frozen tomato-bean mixture; heat to simmering over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook until frozen tomato-bean mixture is completely thawed, stirring occasionally. Add bag of vegetables and macaroni; return to simmering. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until macaroni is al dente. Top with Parmesan cheese.

ASPARAGUS AND EDAMAME SALAD

This quick and easy Asparagus and Edamame Salad, features fresh vegetables tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Makes 8 servings

Source: Jennie-O

View online with photo and print version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1334.shtml

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

8 cups green leaf lettuce leaves, torn

1 cup sliced radishes

1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn

1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

Directions

Bring medium saucepan of salted water to a boil.

Add asparagus and cook 1 minute or until crisp tender.

Immediately plunge in ice water; drain completely.

In large bowl, toss together lettuce leaves, asparagus, radishes, fennel, edamame, mint and egg.

In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and sugar.

Drizzle desired amount over salad and toss.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 160 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

CHOCOLATE-CHERRY BREAKFAST BREAD

This comes from the July 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Even our testers who said they don’t like the classic chocolate-cherry combo reached for seconds of these! For a festive brunch or a lazy Sunday breakfast, start a day ahead so you can serve the rolls right from the oven." Makes 16 rolls.

To view this online, click here.

1 0.25-oz. pkg. yeast

1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. sugar

2 1/3 cups all-purpose or bread flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted

4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, or 1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, drained, or 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped

Dissolve yeast and 1 Tbs. sugar in 1 cup warm water. Let stand 5 minutes, or until water is cloudy and smells yeasty.

Sift remaining sugar, flour, cocoa and salt in large mixing bowl. Add water and yeast to flour mixture, and stir with wooden spoon or spatula until smooth dough forms. Fold in butter. Transfer dough to well-floured work surface, and knead 7 to 10 minutes, or process 3 minutes in food processor, or until dough is smooth and elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.

Pat dough into 10-inch square. Place chocolate pieces and cherries in center of square, then fold in sides like an envelope. Press edges to seal. Gently knead dough 10 to 12 times, or until chocolate and cherries are evenly distributed throughout. Transfer to oiled bowl, cover with clean dishtowel, and let rise 1 1/2 hours in warm place.

Punch down dough. Cover and store in refrigerator overnight, if desired, or place on well-floured work surface. Roll into thick log, then cut log into 16 equal rounds. Roll each round into a tight ball, and place on baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Repeat with remaining dough. Set baking sheet in warm place, and let rolls rise 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops appear dry and centers spring back when touched. Cool 15 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 141; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 147 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 11 g

BROCCOLI FRITTATA

This was from page 50 of the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, "You may serve this vegetable-rich main dish just out of the oven, or bake it ahead and serve at room temperature." Makes 8 servings; ovo-lacto.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find a link to this on the Vegetarian Times website. I've noticed that many of the recipes from their pre-2000 issues are not online. (Vegetarian Times, if you need someone to post some of the older recipes onto your website, I'm available! Not as a volunteer, but let's talk!)

3/4 lb. broccoli florets (about 2 cups)

1 Tbs. olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 cup (4-oz.) feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup wheat germ

1/2 tsp. paprika

6 large eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 12-inch quiche dish or round cake pan. Steam broccoli until crisp-tender; remove from heat and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

When broccoli is cool enough to handle, cut into small pieces. In medium bowl, combine broccoli, sauteed onion and pepper, cheese, wheat germ and paprika; stir briefly to mix. In spearate bowl, beat eggs to blend yolks and whites. Stir eggs into vegetable mixture, then pour egg mixure into prepared dish.

Bake until eggs are set, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm, or let cool and serve at room temperature. To serve, cut into wedges.

Per serving: 189 cal.; 12 g protein; 13 g total fat (6 g sat. fat); 7 g carb; 187 mg chol.; 414 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

This comes from Giade De Laurentiis, star of The Food Network’s Everyday Italian. Total Time: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta

1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil

2 garlic cloves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, blend the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor and blend until the tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer the tomato mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the Parmesan.

Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper and serve.

SPAGHETTI PIE

This was featured on The Today Show in August, and got Matt Lauer's attention. I had never tried anything like this before. The recipe originally calls for 1 pound of ground turkey or sirloin beef. As a vegetarian who really wanted to try this, I substituted a 12-oz. package of Boca Meatless Ground Crumbles for the ground turkey or beef.

To view this online, along with video, go to http://www.today.com/food/spaghetti-pie-fun-way-make-dinner-leftovers-later-t39701.

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti, cooked, 1/2 cup cooking water reserved

1 small yellow onion, chopped finely

12-oz. package of Boca Meatless Ground Crumbles

1 cup tomato paste, divided

3 large eggs

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large skillet, saute the onions until soft. Add Boca Meatless Ground Crumbles, and 3/4 cup of the tomato paste. Add half the reserved pasta water and stir well. Season with salt, to taste. Consistency should be like a thick Bolognese sauce. Add more cooking water as needed.

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the tomato paste.

Grease a 9 or 10-inch pie pan with olive oil. Spread half the meat mixture over the bottom of the pan. Add the spaghetti mixture and press it down to level it. Top with the remaining meat mixture, then scatter the remaining mozzarella on top.

Bake the pie in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit about 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza slicer to cut into wedges like a pie. Serve with a green salad.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Friday Recipes

Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!

CHICKEN PAPRIKASH

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Spices lose their flavor over time but few as quickly as paprika, which starts out tasting of pepper and sunshine but deteriorates in but a few months to sawdust and bitterness. For this recipe, get some new at the market: sweet or hot Hungarian paprika is best, but the generic article isn’t terrible and the smoky Spanish varieties known as pimentón de La Vera would not be out of place either, lending a deep, woodsy aroma reminiscent of cooking over an open fire. It’s a dish that pairs beautifully with butter-slicked egg noodles.” Yield: Serves 4 - 6; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “The Fresher the Spice, the Better the Chicken Paprikash” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks, or whole chicken legs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon neutral oil, like canola

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large yellow or Spanish onion, peeled and diced

3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika, sweet or hot, or a combination

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or 1 large ripe tomato, chopped

1 cup chicken broth, homemade or, if not, low-sodium

1 pound egg noodles

3/4 cup sour cream

Preparation

Heat oven to 400. Season the chicken aggressively with salt and pepper. Heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large, heavy, oven-safe sauté pan or Dutch oven set over high flame, until the butter is foaming. Sear the chicken in batches, skin-side down, until it is golden and crisp, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Then turn the chicken over, and repeat on the other side, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate to rest.

Pour off all but a tablespoon or 2 of the accumulated fat in the pot. Return the pot to the stove, over medium heat, and add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently with a spoon to scrape off any browned bits of chicken skin, until the onion has softened and gone translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and stir again, cooking it until it has softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the paprika and the flour, and stir well to combine, then cook until the mixture is fragrant and the taste of the flour has been cooked out, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Add tomatoes and broth, whisk until smooth and then nestle the chicken back in the pan, skin-side up. Slide the pan or pot into the oven, and cook until the chicken has cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, set a large pot of heavily salted water to boil over high heat. Cook noodles in the water until they are almost completely tender, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the noodles, and toss them in a bowl with the remaining butter, then toss again to coat.

Place the chicken on top of the noodles, then add the sour cream to the sauce, stir to combine and ladle it over the whole.

FRENCH GREEN BEANS AND SHALLOTS

This is from Jacques Pepin, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Jacques wrote, “These are perfect green beans: simple flavors combined into an elegant dish that goes with almost anything. Mr. Pepin suggests a roast chicken, but they would pair equally well with a celebratory roast.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 21 minutes.

This was featured in “The Chicken Dinner, Both Humble and Noble” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

4 cups water

1 pound very small, firm green beans, cleaned

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation

Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.

At serving time, heat the butter in a skillet, add the shallots and saute for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown.

Add the beans, salt and pepper, and saute briefly. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with the chicken.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH CRANBERRIES

I’ve always loved brussels sprouts (unlike the first President Bush; sorry!). And onions? Cranberries? Definitely on all of the above.

This recipe comes from Diana Rattray, About.com’s Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “The combination of ingredients in this dish might make you think fall or winter, but don't wait for a holiday dinner to enjoy these delicious roasted vegetables.

“Change things up a bit by using raisins instead of the cranberries. Toasted walnuts would be great as well. See the tips and variations for more ideas.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 to 8 Servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound butternut squash

3 to 4 cups Brussels sprouts

1 medium onion

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecan halves

Preparation

Heat the oven to 425° F.

Oil a large rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan) or two smaller jelly roll pans.

Peel the butternut squash and, using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and fibers. Cut the squash into 1/2-inch cubes. Put about 4 cups of cubes into a large bowl.

Trim the stem ends off of the Brussels sprouts and removed loose, damaged, and yellow leaves. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise.

Add them to the bowl with the squash cubes.

Peel the onion and cut it into 1-inch chunks or thick slices. Add to the bowl with the squash and Brussels sprouts.

Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and gently toss or stir to coat them thoroughly with the oil.

Arrange the vegetables on the baking sheet and then sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder, if using.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes and then turn the vegetables. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are browned around the edges and are tender.

Meanwhile, toast the pecan halves. Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and cook, stirring, until the pecans begin to brown and smell aromatic.

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large bowl. Add the dried cranberries and pecan halves and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

Replace the butternut squash with the same amount of cubed acorn, Hubbard, or buttercup squash.

Feel free to omit the onion.

Replace about 1 cup of the butternut squash with parsnips sliced into strips about 1/2-inch-by-2-inches.

Drizzle the roasted vegetables with 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup; add the pecans and cranberries and toss gently to combine.

Replace the toasted pecans with toasted slivered almonds or walnuts.

Use raisins or golden raisins instead of dried cranberries.

STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES

This came from an old Weight Watchers email several years ago. 1 point/serving (old value). Serves 4. Adding 1 C each of baby corn & water chestnuts changes recipe to 2 points/serving. (*) foods are filling foods.

1 spray cooking spray

2 tsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 C sugar snap peas or pea pods, trimmed (*)

2 C carrots, thinly diagonally sliced (*)

2 scallions, chopped (*)

1 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

Coat wok or large nonstick skillet with cooking spray & set over medium-high heat. Add oil & heat. Add garlic & stir-fry 1 minute. Add sugar snap peas, carrots & scallions; stir-fry 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add soy sauce & cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Remove from heat & stir in cilantro. Yields about 1/2 C per serving.

SALT-AND-PEPPER ROAST CHICKEN

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “Calling for just four ingredients – chicken, salt, pepper and whatever herbs you have around – this is a recipe for roast chicken at its simplest and best. The method is fairly straightforward. You season the bird, then roast it at high heat until the skin is bronzed and crisp and the flesh juicy. If you have time to season the chicken ahead, you should; it makes a difference in flavor. And bear in mind, if you have the kind of oven that starts smoking at high heat, you can cook your bird at 400 degrees instead of 450, though you’ll need an extra 5 to 20 minutes to get it done.” Yield: 4 servings.

This was featured in “Roast Chicken, the Easy Way” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken, patted dry

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

Small bunch mixed herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and sage

Preparation

Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. If you have time, refrigerate the chicken, uncovered, for an hour, or overnight.

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or large ovenproof skillet. Stuff cavity with herbs and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. (If you don’t have twine, leave the legs as they are.)

Roast 50 minutes, then baste chicken with pan juices. Continue roasting until chicken's juices run clear when skin is pierced with a knife, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before carving.

Tips

“Now that you know the basics of roasting a chicken, here are some suggestions for how to serve it:

“Try a side sauce. Aioli, béarnaise sauce, salsa verde, romesco sauce, chimichurri, and make-ahead gravy can be prepared in advance, and transform a simple roast chicken into a something a little more special. Even a dollop of Dijon mustard does wonders here.

“Serve your chicken directly on top of a pile of watercress, baby kale, tatsoi, arugula, or other tender, dark greens that have been sprinkled with lemon juice and dusted with salt. The heat of the bird will wilt some of the greens while others remain crisp, and the hot chicken fat makes an instant dressing once it mixes with the lemon juice.

“Substitute hot toasted bread for the watercress or greens, above. The hot chicken fat makes these croutons exquisite.”

MEAT LOAF

This comes from Ina Garten, of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 45 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 25 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/meat-loaf-recipe.html?oc=linkback.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon good olive oil

3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)

1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)

2 extra-large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Diabetic Thursday

Today is Thursday, which means it's Diabetic Thursday - time for posting diabetic-safe food. Here are six diabetic recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

ICED MOCHA SHERBET

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/576.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups evaporated non-fat milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons carob powder

1 tablespoon crystalline fructose

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1 tablespoon part-skim ricotta cheese

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in blender and turn into metal trays.

Place in freezer and stir with fork from time to time to break up ice crystals.

When ready to serve, process again so the sherbet is soft.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 12; Protein: 8g; Sodium: 117mg; Cholesterol: 5mg; Fat: 0.5g; Carbohydrates: 22g

CREAM OF POTATO SOUP

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "Cooking with the Diabetic Chef" by Chris Smith

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/23.shtml

Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 quart chicken stock

1 pound potatoes, peeled and quartered

1/2 teaspoon marjoram

1 cup low-fat (1%) milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

4 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the chicken stock, potatoes, marjoram, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cover to cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth. Whisk in the milk until the mixture is then enough. Add the salt and pepper and mix well. Serve with 1 tablespoon of parsley overtop of each bowl.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (About 1 cup): Calories: 121, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 6 mg, Sodium: 296 mg, Carbohydrate: 19 g, Protein: 5 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1/2 Fat

QUICK MINESTRONE

Servings: 8

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/244.shtml

Source: Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook

Ingredients

1/4 pound lean ham, cut into small pieces

1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed onion soup

2 cups canned tomatoes (with juice), cut into pieces

1/2 cup each: diced carrot and celery

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon each: dried thyme leaves, marjoram, basil and pepper

5 cups water

1 cup broken uncooked spaghetti

1 can (15 oz.) cannellini, navy or other white beans, undrained

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large soup pot, combine ham, soup, tomatoes, carrot, celery, zucchini, garlic, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, basil, pepper and water. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.

Add spaghetti and beans with liquid and cook 30 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 122; Protein: 8.9 g; Fat: 2.4 g; Sodium: 871 mg; Cholesterol: 6.1 mg; Carbohydrates: 17.2 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 1 Bread/Starch

PINEAPPLE CAKE

Yield: 18 servings

Source: The Diabetic Four Ingredient Cookbook

View online:http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/538.shtml

Ingredients

5 egg whites

1 can (20 oz. ) water packed pineapple (crushed, drained)

1 yellow reduced fat cake mix

1 tablespoon sugar or equivalent alternative sweetener

Directions

Beat egg whites with electric mixer until foamy. Add drained pineapple then cake mix.

Spread mix in a floured 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Sprinkle with sugar or sweetener.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 71; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 100 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch

SIMPLE CHICKEN MOLE

In a Mexican mole sauce, the chocolate isn't even sweetened. Sliced red peppers, sauteed onions and grated carrots are delicious accompaniments for this chicken with chocolatey sauce.

Makes 4 servings.

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/686.shtmlIngredients

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 3 oz. each

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 clove minced garlic

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground coriander

1-1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. chipotle or regular chili powder

1/4 cup no-sodium diced tomatoes with juice

2 Tbsp. sliced almonds, toasted for 3-4 minutes

2 Tbsp. raisins

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed

Salt, to taste

2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

In large skillet, heat tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken to pan and saute, turning once, until cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil and place in oven to keep warm.

Add remaining oil to pan. Add onion to skillet and saute for 3 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add cumin, coriander, cocoa powder and chili powder, stirring to coat onions well. Add tomatoes, almonds, raisins, broth and salt. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Transfer to blender and puree until smooth, adding more chicken broth if needed, for desired consistency. Place chicken on serving dish and pour sauce over top. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g

EGGPLANT AND TOMATO CASSEROLE

Yield: 8 servings

Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details.22.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/310.shtml

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

1/3 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 eggs

3 medium tomatoes, sliced

1/4 cup grated fat-free Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook eggplant in 2 inches simmering water in covered medium saucepan until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well. Mash eggplant with fork; mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, basil, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.

Spoon eggplant mixture into 11x7-inch baking dish. Arrange tomatoes in rows over eggplant; sprinkle with cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F. until hot through, about 20 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 5.1g; Sodium: 245mg; Cholesterol: 53.3mg; Fat: 1.9g; Carbohydrates: 16.9g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat