It's that time of year when we're starting to look for something cool to drink. Here are six recipes to fill the bill, including Be Dazzled Cranberry Punch and Lizard Lounge Tea. Enjoy!
GREEN TEA, BLUEBERRY, AND BANANA SMOOTHIE
This recipe and the next (Very Berry Breakfast Smoothie) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.
This recipes begins, “Antioxidant-rich green tea makes this healthy smoothie a nutritional powerhouse.”
Servings: 1
3 Tbsp water
1 green tea bag
2 tsp honey
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
1/2 medium banana
3/4 cups vanilla soy milk
Boil water and pour in a small bowl. Add tea bag and allow to brew 3 minutes. Remove tea bag. Stir honey into tea until it dissolves.
Combine berries, banana, and milk in a blender with ice crushing ability.
Add tea to blender. Blend ingredients on ice crush or highest setting until smooth. (Some blenders may require additional water to process the mixture.) Pour smoothie into tall glass and serve.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 269; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 63 g; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 38.5 g; Total fat: 2.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.2 g; Sodium: 52 mg
VERY BERRY BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE
This begins, “Start your day off with a bang with this fruit-packed smoothie recipe.”
Servings: 2
1 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3/4 cup chilled unsweetened almond or rice milk
1/4 cup frozen pitted unsweetened cherries or raspberries
1 1/2 Tbsp honey
2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
1 tsp ground flaxseed
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in blender, adding lemon juice to taste. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 chilled glasses.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 112; Protein: 1 g; Carbs: 25.5 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 20 g; Total fat: 1.5 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 56 mg
LIZARD LOUNGE TEA
My oldest son spent several summers traveling the country, both singly and with friends. Several times, he wound up at the Rainbow Gathering, where he hooked up with a larger group of friends. Most of them had grown up in hot areas of the country, so they nicknamed themselves lizards; their area of the camp site was the lizard lounge. They would cook up their version of iced tea, which they would barter for other commodities. They were frequently asked what their secret ingredient was.
This is a scaled down version. I found that cranberry or cranberry-apple herb tea works very nicely with this, but any herbal tea can be used.
This, as well as other yummy recipes, can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1/2 gallon apple cider
4 – 5 herbal tea bags
Place cider in a large pan or teakettle and bring to a boil. Place herbal tea bags into a large container and pour the boiled cider over the tea bags. Let steep for 15-30 minutes and cool. Very good.
SPICE TEA
I used to make this every year for Christmas presents; it was quite popular. Unfortunately, life got a little hectic...As simple as this is, though, I may be reigniting this as a present!
While this technically isn't for an iced tea, but, rather, a hot tea, there's no reason you can't brew up a batch and then turn it into an iced tea.
This can also be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
8 oz loose tea
3 orange rinds/peels
1 1/2-2 sticks cinnamon
2 T chopped cloves
Cut orange peels into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occaionally. Let cool, add to loose tea, along with broken cinnamon sticks & cloves. Store in tight containers.
I'll post some single-serving drinks in a later post. In the meantime, enjoy!
BE DAZZLED CRANBERRY PUNCH
This is from Ocean Spray. Prep Time: 5 minutes plus freezing; Yield: Makes about 14 6-ounce servings
To view this yumminess, click here.
Ingredients
1 64-ounce bottle Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail
24 ounces club soda
8 ounces orange juice
Ice ring, garnish
Orange slices, garnish
Directions
Combine all ingredients, except garnishes, in a large punch bowl. Gently stir ingredients. Add ice ring and orange slices just before serving.
CAFE DE OLLA
The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
4 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
4 allspice berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)
2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional
Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.
Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Aloha Chicken Burgers and BBQ Chicken. Enjoy!
TROPICAL PAPAYA PERFECTION
This recipe, as well as the next one (Just Peachy) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.
This one begins, “Thick like a milkshake, this coconut-infused smoothie recipe transports you to a tropical island.”
Servings: 1
1 papaya, cut into chunks
1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp ground flaxseed
Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 299; Protein: 13 g; Carbs: 64 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 44 g; Total fat: 1.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 149 mg
JUST PEACHY
This recipe begins, “Fat-free vanilla ice cream makes this protein packed smoothie sinful and slimming. Skip the spoonful of sugar for a healthier pick.”
Servings: 2
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1/2 cup strawberries
1/8 tsp powdered ginger
2 tsp whey protein powder (such as Source Organic Whey Protein)
3 ice cubes
Blend together any liquid ingredients (milk, yogurt, juice, etc.) and protein powder; this will help break down the grainy powder and make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Add mushy ingredients, like precooked oatmeal and fruit, then add ice at the end. For a thicker shake, you can toss in more ice cubes; you’ll add volume without the calories.
Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 150; Protein: 9 g; Carbs: 26.5 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 24 g; Total fat: 2 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 73 mg
CHICKEN RATATOUILLE
Makes: 4 servings
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1253.shtml
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 chicken breasts halves (medium, skinned, fat removed, boned, and cut into 1-inch pieces)
2 zucchini (7 inches long, unpeeled and thinly sliced)
1 eggplant (small, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 onion (medium, thinly sliced)
1 green pepper (medium, cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 pound mushroom (fresh, sliced)
1 can tomatoes (16 oz, whole, cut up)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1-1/2 teaspoons basil (dried, crushed)
1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, minced)
black pepper (to taste)
Directions
Heat oil in large non-stick skillet. Add chicken and saute about 3 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Add zucchini, eggplant, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, and pepper; stir and continue cooking about 5 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 270; Protein: 32 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
This comes from Rachel Ray, star of The Food Network's 30 Minute Meals. Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Inactive Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, half a palm full
2 teaspoons hot sauce, just eyeball the amount (recommended: Tabasco)
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, eyeball it
Salt and pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve. The corn will also place a quick-chill on this easy side-salad as it defrosts - no need to refrigerate!
BBQ CHICKEN
This comes from the folks at GE Appliances, and begins, “This BBQ chicken recipe is a simple classic that will be the star of your next summer gathering.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken drumsticks
1 pound chicken thighs
2-3 cups Italian dressing
2-3 Cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store bought)
Directions
Marinate the Chicken:
Combine drumsticks and thighs in a bowl and add Italian dressing until chicken is covered. Let sit overnight (ideal) or for 3-4 hours.
Cooking:
Fire up a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, put chicken on, and cook for 20 minutes (about 10 minutes per side). After 20 minutes, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce. Turn chicken and add more BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch closely, so you don't burn the BBQ sauce.
ALOHA CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Chris McDaniel at AllRecipes. Chris wrote, "This tasty sandwich is like a luau on a bun!”
Time: 1 hr 20 minutes; Prep: 20 min; Cook Time: 30 min; Makes 2 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 slices thick cut bacon
2 large hamburger buns, split
1 tablespoon softened butter
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 slices pineapple
2 slices tomato
2 slices of iceberg lettuce
Directions
Place chicken breasts into a plastic zipper bag with soy sauce, seal the bag, and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside. Spread cut sides of hamburger buns with butter.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, and discard the excess soy sauce. Place the chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, and grill until chicken shows good grill marks, is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
When chicken is almost done, brush each piece generously on both sides with teriyaki sauce to finish grilling. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt onto the chicken.
While chicken is grilling, spread the buns open on the grill and cook until toasted and showing grill lines, about 2 minutes. Set the buns aside.
To assemble, spread the grilled sides of each bun with mayonnaise, and top each bottom bun with a cooked chicken breast, 1 1/2 slices of bacon, a slice of pineapple, a slice from a head of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the top bun.
Footnotes
Cook's Note:
If you don't want to grill, loosely roll up marinated chicken breast with teriyaki sauce in foil, and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Then open foil, and melt cheese on top.
Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.
TROPICAL PAPAYA PERFECTION
This recipe, as well as the next one (Just Peachy) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.
This one begins, “Thick like a milkshake, this coconut-infused smoothie recipe transports you to a tropical island.”
Servings: 1
1 papaya, cut into chunks
1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp ground flaxseed
Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 299; Protein: 13 g; Carbs: 64 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 44 g; Total fat: 1.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 149 mg
JUST PEACHY
This recipe begins, “Fat-free vanilla ice cream makes this protein packed smoothie sinful and slimming. Skip the spoonful of sugar for a healthier pick.”
Servings: 2
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1/2 cup strawberries
1/8 tsp powdered ginger
2 tsp whey protein powder (such as Source Organic Whey Protein)
3 ice cubes
Blend together any liquid ingredients (milk, yogurt, juice, etc.) and protein powder; this will help break down the grainy powder and make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Add mushy ingredients, like precooked oatmeal and fruit, then add ice at the end. For a thicker shake, you can toss in more ice cubes; you’ll add volume without the calories.
Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 150; Protein: 9 g; Carbs: 26.5 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 24 g; Total fat: 2 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 73 mg
CHICKEN RATATOUILLE
Makes: 4 servings
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1253.shtml
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 chicken breasts halves (medium, skinned, fat removed, boned, and cut into 1-inch pieces)
2 zucchini (7 inches long, unpeeled and thinly sliced)
1 eggplant (small, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 onion (medium, thinly sliced)
1 green pepper (medium, cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 pound mushroom (fresh, sliced)
1 can tomatoes (16 oz, whole, cut up)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1-1/2 teaspoons basil (dried, crushed)
1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, minced)
black pepper (to taste)
Directions
Heat oil in large non-stick skillet. Add chicken and saute about 3 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Add zucchini, eggplant, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, and pepper; stir and continue cooking about 5 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 270; Protein: 32 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
This comes from Rachel Ray, star of The Food Network's 30 Minute Meals. Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Inactive Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, half a palm full
2 teaspoons hot sauce, just eyeball the amount (recommended: Tabasco)
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, eyeball it
Salt and pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve. The corn will also place a quick-chill on this easy side-salad as it defrosts - no need to refrigerate!
BBQ CHICKEN
This comes from the folks at GE Appliances, and begins, “This BBQ chicken recipe is a simple classic that will be the star of your next summer gathering.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken drumsticks
1 pound chicken thighs
2-3 cups Italian dressing
2-3 Cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store bought)
Directions
Marinate the Chicken:
Combine drumsticks and thighs in a bowl and add Italian dressing until chicken is covered. Let sit overnight (ideal) or for 3-4 hours.
Cooking:
Fire up a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, put chicken on, and cook for 20 minutes (about 10 minutes per side). After 20 minutes, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce. Turn chicken and add more BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch closely, so you don't burn the BBQ sauce.
ALOHA CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Chris McDaniel at AllRecipes. Chris wrote, "This tasty sandwich is like a luau on a bun!”
Time: 1 hr 20 minutes; Prep: 20 min; Cook Time: 30 min; Makes 2 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 slices thick cut bacon
2 large hamburger buns, split
1 tablespoon softened butter
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 slices pineapple
2 slices tomato
2 slices of iceberg lettuce
Directions
Place chicken breasts into a plastic zipper bag with soy sauce, seal the bag, and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside. Spread cut sides of hamburger buns with butter.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, and discard the excess soy sauce. Place the chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, and grill until chicken shows good grill marks, is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
When chicken is almost done, brush each piece generously on both sides with teriyaki sauce to finish grilling. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt onto the chicken.
While chicken is grilling, spread the buns open on the grill and cook until toasted and showing grill lines, about 2 minutes. Set the buns aside.
To assemble, spread the grilled sides of each bun with mayonnaise, and top each bottom bun with a cooked chicken breast, 1 1/2 slices of bacon, a slice of pineapple, a slice from a head of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the top bun.
Footnotes
Cook's Note:
If you don't want to grill, loosely roll up marinated chicken breast with teriyaki sauce in foil, and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Then open foil, and melt cheese on top.
Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.
Taco Tuesday
It's Taco Tuesday! Here are six taco recipes to help you through the day, including Cheesy Chicken Tacos and Middle-School Tacos. Enjoy!
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 Second 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:
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!
Second 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
SPICY MOROCCAN CHICKPEA TACOS
This one, also from Vegetarian Times, begins, "For a switch from corn or flour tortillas, try these tacos wrapped in small, warmed whole pita rounds." Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
1 6-oz. pkg. chicken-style vegetarian strips, such as Lightlife Smart Strips
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed with fork
2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 Tbs. harissa
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes, or until softened. Add chicken-style strips and fennel seeds, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in chickpeas, carrots, raisins, harissa, and 1/3 cup water. Cook 1 minute, or until sauce thickens slightly but carrots remain crisp. Stir in tomatoes, and immediately remove from heat. Fill tortillas with chickpea mixture, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 269; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 388 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g
CHICKEN CHILI TACOS
This is from The TODAY Show. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to http://www.today.com/recipes/chicken-chili-tacos-t28111.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic. minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)
Preparation
Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)
Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.
Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.
MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can’t eat just two.”
Serves 6; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Case for Hard-Shell Tacos” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Preparation
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.
CHEESY TACO MEATLOAF
This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “It takes just 10 minutes and a few ingredients to put together this scrumptious meatloaf...and when it comes out of the oven you've got two family favorites, tacos and meatloaf, combined into one tasty dish!”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes; Serves: 8 people
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/cheesy-taco-meatloaf/.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Chunky Salsa - Mild or Pace® Picante Sauce - Medium
1 1/2 ounces tortilla chips, crushed (about 1/2 cup)
1 egg
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Set the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly mix the beef, 1 cup salsa, tortilla chips, egg, chili powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Place the beef mixture into a 3-quart shallow baking pan and shape into an 9x4-inch loaf.
Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
Spread the remaining salsa over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
CHEESY CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 9 tacos.
Click here to view this online.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp. ground cumin
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. Shredded chicken
1 can green chilis
1 c. Favorite Salsa
1 Can Refried Beans
9 hard taco shells
1 1/2 c. shredded pepperjack
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 6 minutes, then add cumin and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add chicken, green chilis, and salsa and stir until combined and heated through.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of refried beans (to help the taco shells stand up!). Spoon remaining refried beans into the bottom of a taco shell and top with chicken mixture. Place in baking dish. Repeat with remaining taco shells and ingredients, tightly standing up the taco shells in the dish.
Top all over with cheese.
Bake until cheese is melted, 10 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.
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 Second 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:
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!
Second 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
SPICY MOROCCAN CHICKPEA TACOS
This one, also from Vegetarian Times, begins, "For a switch from corn or flour tortillas, try these tacos wrapped in small, warmed whole pita rounds." Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
1 6-oz. pkg. chicken-style vegetarian strips, such as Lightlife Smart Strips
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed with fork
2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 Tbs. harissa
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes, or until softened. Add chicken-style strips and fennel seeds, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in chickpeas, carrots, raisins, harissa, and 1/3 cup water. Cook 1 minute, or until sauce thickens slightly but carrots remain crisp. Stir in tomatoes, and immediately remove from heat. Fill tortillas with chickpea mixture, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 269; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 388 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g
CHICKEN CHILI TACOS
This is from The TODAY Show. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to http://www.today.com/recipes/chicken-chili-tacos-t28111.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic. minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)
Preparation
Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)
Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.
Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.
MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can’t eat just two.”
Serves 6; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Case for Hard-Shell Tacos” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Preparation
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.
CHEESY TACO MEATLOAF
This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “It takes just 10 minutes and a few ingredients to put together this scrumptious meatloaf...and when it comes out of the oven you've got two family favorites, tacos and meatloaf, combined into one tasty dish!”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes; Serves: 8 people
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/cheesy-taco-meatloaf/.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Chunky Salsa - Mild or Pace® Picante Sauce - Medium
1 1/2 ounces tortilla chips, crushed (about 1/2 cup)
1 egg
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Set the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly mix the beef, 1 cup salsa, tortilla chips, egg, chili powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Place the beef mixture into a 3-quart shallow baking pan and shape into an 9x4-inch loaf.
Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
Spread the remaining salsa over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
CHEESY CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 9 tacos.
Click here to view this online.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp. ground cumin
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. Shredded chicken
1 can green chilis
1 c. Favorite Salsa
1 Can Refried Beans
9 hard taco shells
1 1/2 c. shredded pepperjack
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 6 minutes, then add cumin and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add chicken, green chilis, and salsa and stir until combined and heated through.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of refried beans (to help the taco shells stand up!). Spoon remaining refried beans into the bottom of a taco shell and top with chicken mixture. Place in baking dish. Repeat with remaining taco shells and ingredients, tightly standing up the taco shells in the dish.
Top all over with cheese.
Bake until cheese is melted, 10 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Memorial Day Recipes
Not only is it Meatless Monday, it's also Memorial Day. Here is a re-run from Memorial Day, 2016.
It's Memorial Day here in the U.S. If you – or anyone in your family – is/was in the Armed Services – Thank You!
This also means a three-day holiday weekend. I've got six recipes to help you celebrate the day, including Baked Hawaii and Edamame Succotash, all of which can be added to any cookout. Be safe, and Enjoy!
THAI VEGETABLE STIR-FRY
This is from the February 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Serve with quick-cooking brown rice and toss a salad of curly endive, seedless orange chunks and slivered red onion. For dessert, a bowl of grapes would go well.” Makes 4 servings in 30 minutes or less.
3 medium cloves garlic, peeled
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp. grated lime peel
14-oz. can lite coconut milk
1 lb. mixed vegetables (about 4 cups): fresh mushrooms, quartered; sliced asparagus; sliced bell
peppers; water chestnuts, halved
1 small bok choy, stems sliced and leaves left whole
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 Tbs. soy sauce
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
10 fresh basil leaves, slivered
In food processor or blender, combine garlic, jalapenos and lemon and lime peel; process to a paste.
Heat large skillet or wok over high heat; add coconut milk and paste mixture and stir well. Simmer 1 minute.
Add all vegetables and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes, soy sauce, lime juice and basil. Simmer 5 minutes. Serve hot.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 163; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 359 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Vegan
BAKED HAWAII
This comes from the February 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “With a blending of coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts, this pie takes its cues from the tropics. Be sure to squeeze out any excess juice from the pineapple shreds, or it may dilute the filling. A quick freezing of the filling mix firms it up fast.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
1 pkg. instant coconut-flavored pudding mix
1 3/4 cups nonfat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 prepared crumb pie shell
1 3/4 cups canned shredded pineapple
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup crushed macadamia nuts as garnish
1/4 cup shredded coconut as garnish
2 Tbs. diced crystallized ginger, or more as desired, for garnish
Preheat oven to 450F.
Mix instant pudding with milk and vanilla extract, and pour into prepared pie shell. Put in freezer immediately.
Drain pineapple, and reserve juice for another use. Squeeze excess juice from shreds, and put shreds in baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake for 15 minutes, or until sugar bubbles. Remove from oven.
Take firmed pudding mixture from freezer, spoon pineapple mixture over top and garnish with macadamia nuts, coconut shreds and crystallized ginger.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 310; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Sodium: 450 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 35 g
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1 2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1 1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
3. Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
CHIPOTLE CHILI NON-CARNE
This recipe comes from the November 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This spicy chili really warms the bones on a cold evening. Chipotle powder is made from smoked jalapeño peppers. Look for it in specialty gourmet stores. To make the chili milder, omit the chipotle powder and reduce the chili powder to two teaspoons. MEAL PLAN: Delicious with cornbread. Add a tossed green salad with low-fat bottled cilantro dressing.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 tsp. olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder or to taste
1 Tbs. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
14 1⁄2-oz. can diced tomatoes
In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and corn and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Stir in chipotle powder, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes and 3/4 cup water.
Reduce heat, partially cover pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. If chili becomes too thick, add 1/4 cup hot water. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle chili with shredded cheese before serving.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 341; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 63 g; Sodium: 25 mg; Fiber: 21 g; Vegan
EDAMAME SUCCOTASH
This yummy recipe is from the January 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times. Amazingly simple, and oh-so-good! It begins, “Fresh green soybeans, called edamame, have a sweet, nutty flavor. They offer a great variation on this classic dish, standing in for the traditional lima beans. Edamame are available frozen and fresh, in the pod and shelled. Look for them in large supermarkets, natural food stores or Asian markets. For a great twist, serve the succotash in hollowed-out tomatoes. If you’re using frozen edamame, make it according to package directions, omitting any salt. Drain well.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/edamame-succotash/.
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen shelled edamame
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 Tbs. white wine or vegetable stock
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbs. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Stir in edamame, corn and wine; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, parsley and basil. Serve.
nutritional information Per serving: Calories: 140; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 200 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
BLUEBERRY BUCKLE
This recipe, from page 64 of the July/August 2006 of Vegetarian Times, begins, “This vegan take on an old-fashioned dessert will become a summer favorite. Serve à la mode with soy ice cream, if desired.” Personally, I think it can be an anytime favorite! Serves 12.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/blueberry-buckle/.
Streusel
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or spelt flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
4 to 6 Tbs. canola oil
Cake
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or spelt flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
4 cups fresh blueberries
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch springform pan and wrap bottom with foil.
To make Streusel: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Stir in oil 1 Tbs. at a time until mixture looks crumbly.
To make Cake: Sift flours and baking powder into bowl. Whisk syrup, oil, vanilla, and salt in second bowl.
Stir syrup mixture into flour mixture. Fold in berries.
Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel over top. Bake 1 hour 10 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Cool 15 minutes, unmold, and serve.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 305; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 262 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 23 g; Vegan
It's Memorial Day here in the U.S. If you – or anyone in your family – is/was in the Armed Services – Thank You!
This also means a three-day holiday weekend. I've got six recipes to help you celebrate the day, including Baked Hawaii and Edamame Succotash, all of which can be added to any cookout. Be safe, and Enjoy!
THAI VEGETABLE STIR-FRY
This is from the February 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Serve with quick-cooking brown rice and toss a salad of curly endive, seedless orange chunks and slivered red onion. For dessert, a bowl of grapes would go well.” Makes 4 servings in 30 minutes or less.
3 medium cloves garlic, peeled
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp. grated lime peel
14-oz. can lite coconut milk
1 lb. mixed vegetables (about 4 cups): fresh mushrooms, quartered; sliced asparagus; sliced bell
peppers; water chestnuts, halved
1 small bok choy, stems sliced and leaves left whole
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 Tbs. soy sauce
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
10 fresh basil leaves, slivered
In food processor or blender, combine garlic, jalapenos and lemon and lime peel; process to a paste.
Heat large skillet or wok over high heat; add coconut milk and paste mixture and stir well. Simmer 1 minute.
Add all vegetables and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes, soy sauce, lime juice and basil. Simmer 5 minutes. Serve hot.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 163; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 359 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Vegan
BAKED HAWAII
This comes from the February 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “With a blending of coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts, this pie takes its cues from the tropics. Be sure to squeeze out any excess juice from the pineapple shreds, or it may dilute the filling. A quick freezing of the filling mix firms it up fast.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
1 pkg. instant coconut-flavored pudding mix
1 3/4 cups nonfat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 prepared crumb pie shell
1 3/4 cups canned shredded pineapple
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup crushed macadamia nuts as garnish
1/4 cup shredded coconut as garnish
2 Tbs. diced crystallized ginger, or more as desired, for garnish
Preheat oven to 450F.
Mix instant pudding with milk and vanilla extract, and pour into prepared pie shell. Put in freezer immediately.
Drain pineapple, and reserve juice for another use. Squeeze excess juice from shreds, and put shreds in baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake for 15 minutes, or until sugar bubbles. Remove from oven.
Take firmed pudding mixture from freezer, spoon pineapple mixture over top and garnish with macadamia nuts, coconut shreds and crystallized ginger.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 310; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Sodium: 450 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 35 g
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1 2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1 1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
3. Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
CHIPOTLE CHILI NON-CARNE
This recipe comes from the November 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This spicy chili really warms the bones on a cold evening. Chipotle powder is made from smoked jalapeño peppers. Look for it in specialty gourmet stores. To make the chili milder, omit the chipotle powder and reduce the chili powder to two teaspoons. MEAL PLAN: Delicious with cornbread. Add a tossed green salad with low-fat bottled cilantro dressing.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 tsp. olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder or to taste
1 Tbs. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
14 1⁄2-oz. can diced tomatoes
In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and corn and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Stir in chipotle powder, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes and 3/4 cup water.
Reduce heat, partially cover pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. If chili becomes too thick, add 1/4 cup hot water. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle chili with shredded cheese before serving.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 341; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 63 g; Sodium: 25 mg; Fiber: 21 g; Vegan
EDAMAME SUCCOTASH
This yummy recipe is from the January 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times. Amazingly simple, and oh-so-good! It begins, “Fresh green soybeans, called edamame, have a sweet, nutty flavor. They offer a great variation on this classic dish, standing in for the traditional lima beans. Edamame are available frozen and fresh, in the pod and shelled. Look for them in large supermarkets, natural food stores or Asian markets. For a great twist, serve the succotash in hollowed-out tomatoes. If you’re using frozen edamame, make it according to package directions, omitting any salt. Drain well.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/edamame-succotash/.
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen shelled edamame
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 Tbs. white wine or vegetable stock
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbs. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Stir in edamame, corn and wine; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, parsley and basil. Serve.
nutritional information Per serving: Calories: 140; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 200 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
BLUEBERRY BUCKLE
This recipe, from page 64 of the July/August 2006 of Vegetarian Times, begins, “This vegan take on an old-fashioned dessert will become a summer favorite. Serve à la mode with soy ice cream, if desired.” Personally, I think it can be an anytime favorite! Serves 12.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/blueberry-buckle/.
Streusel
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or spelt flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
4 to 6 Tbs. canola oil
Cake
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or spelt flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
4 cups fresh blueberries
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch springform pan and wrap bottom with foil.
To make Streusel: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Stir in oil 1 Tbs. at a time until mixture looks crumbly.
To make Cake: Sift flours and baking powder into bowl. Whisk syrup, oil, vanilla, and salt in second bowl.
Stir syrup mixture into flour mixture. Fold in berries.
Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel over top. Bake 1 hour 10 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Cool 15 minutes, unmold, and serve.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 305; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 262 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 23 g; Vegan
Meatless Monday
It's Monday, time for another round of Meatless Monday recipes. Here are today's six recipes - including Magic Caterpillar Peanut Butter Bread and Roasted Vegetables - to help you through the day. Enjoy!
ACORN SQUASH WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO POLENTA
This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This dish transcends the simplicity of squash and the hominess of coarse-ground cornmeal. The lushness of the flavors soothe and satisfy the palate, creating culinary magic on a brisk winter evening. The whole dish, virtually a meal on its own, can be made in about an hour and is best served hot—when the polenta is still steaming, the Parmesan is melting and the colors are vibrant. If you wish to accompany the squash with other courses, consider an appetizer or soup with mild flavors, like a simple vegetable broth filled with lightly cooked greens or rounds of toasted wheat bread spread with a mild hummus dip. To complement the assertive squash flavors, offer sliced fresh fruit.” Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 small acorn squash (1 to 1 1/2 lbs. each)
About 2 oz. or 15 sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup pine nuts
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 heaping tsp. salt
1/2 cup coarse-ground polenta
2 to 3 Tbs. shredded Parmesan
2 Tbs. chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper, and spray liberally with nonstick vegetable oil.
Cut squashes in half crosswise, and scoop out seeds and a little extra flesh. Cook, face down on parchment paper, about 45 minutes, or until sharp knife easily penetrates outside skin and rim of flesh is lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, soak tomatoes in very hot water to cover for 15 to 20 minutes. When soft, coarsely chop and set aside. On small sheet pan or in baking dish, toast pine nuts in oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
To make pesto, in food processor, add pine nuts, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Start machine and, as blade is turning, pour olive oil through shoot. Blend into smooth paste. Set aside in small bowl. (Use same bowl, rinsed and dried, used for soaking tomatoes).
Bring stock to a boil in medium to heavy saucepan. Add salt, keeping water boiling at medium-high heat. Add polenta gradually, either slowly from measuring cup or letting a fistful run through nearly closed fingers, constantly stirring with long-handled whisk. When all polenta is added, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook gently. Continue stirring, switching to long-handled wooden spoon. To avoid burning or sticking, use heat-diffusing device. Stir continuously and thoroughly, bringing mixture up from bottom and loosening from sides. (Make sure sides are scooped clean.)
Continue to stir for about 20 minutes, or until polenta is creamy and pulls away from sides of pan. Turn off heat, and stir in sun-dried tomato pesto.
Remove squash from oven. Spoon tomato mixture into squash “bowls.” Top with shredded Parmesan, dust with paprika and garnish with parsley.
Note: For a faster dish, substitute store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto, which won’t be as fresh or as satisfying. However, making your own is easy. You can prepare the whole dish ahead, minus garnishes. Refrigerate, reheat until hot and garnish with shredded cheese, paprika and parsley. If squashes are particularly misshapen, trim ridged edges so they will stand up straight without rolling over.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 510; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 31 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 49 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 850 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: g
SPINACH AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PIE
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Similar to spanakopita, this pie gets its creamy texture from tofu, not cheese and eggs. Be sure to use a sharp knife to cut the pie so that the crisp, delicate phyllo crust doesn’t crumble and lose its shape.” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
15 marinated sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, oil from jar reserved
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
1 lb. extra-firm tofu, drained
1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
15 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with cooking spray.
Heat 1 Tbs. reserved sun-dried-tomato oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned.
Meanwhile, place tofu, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in large bowl. Rub together with hands until no large lumps of tofu remain. Stir tofu mixture into onion mixture, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.
Place 1 sheet phyllo on work surface, and dab and brush with reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Top with second sheet phyllo. Repeat with 4 more phyllo sheets, brushing top of stack with oil as well. Line prepared cake pan with phyllo stack, letting edges drape over.
Make second phyllo stack using reserved oil and 5 more phyllo sheets. Set in prepared cake pan perpendicular to first stack so pan is completely lined with phyllo crust.
Fill crust with spinach filling, pressing down. Fold excess phyllo edges over center.
Make third phyllo stack using 5 phyllo sheets and reserved sun-dried-tomato oil. Place over spinach filling, tucking in edges to seal pie.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes, then unmold pie, and slice into wedges.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 230; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 217 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 2 g
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. However, you might be able to check out a few episodes by Google-ing his name for the latest places that show him, or on YouTube. 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.
ZUCCHINI-CORN SAUTE
This yummy recipe comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “This four-vegetable medley makes a colorful addition to just about any meal.” Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; CookTime: 8 minutes
To view this online, go to http://www.familytime.com/Recipe/ShowRecipe.aspx?RecipeId=14454.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups (about 3 medium) zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1 1/2 cups loose-pack frozen whole-kernel corn
1 cup (about 1 medium) tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in corn, tomato, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
ROASTED VEGETABLES
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The key to roasting all kinds of vegetables is to know the right temperature for cooking them. Dense, low-moisture vegetables (like the roots and squashes in this recipe) need lower heat and more time in the oven than vegetables with more moisture, like eggplant or zucchini. Then simply toss your vegetables with oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting. Top your roasted vegetable with a couple of fried eggs or a dollop of yogurt, or both, and you have a meal.” Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour; makes 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 to 3 pounds root or dense vegetable, peeled if you like and cut into 1-inch chunks or wedges (carrots, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, rutabaga, winter squashes)
Oil (olive, coconut or grapeseed)
Salt and pepper
Fried eggs and/or plain yogurt
Fresh herbs, torn or chopped
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast, stirring at least once or twice during roasting for even cooking and browning.
Serve with fried eggs and/or yogurt, ground black pepper and plenty of torn herbs on top.
Tips
You can use 2 pounds high-moisture vegetables instead (eggplant, peppers, zucchini, fennel, onions, brussels sprouts). Slice them and cut into chunks or wedges. Roast at 450 degrees until golden brown all over, 10 to 40 minutes depending on variety and the size of the pieces.
Or use 1 to 2 pounds hardy green vegetables (broccoli rabe, snow peas, green beans, kale, collard greens, chard) or cherry tomatoes, trimmed. Roast at 450 degrees for 7 to 15 minutes.
STRAWBERRY COBBLER
This is from the May/June 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-cobbler/
6 cups fresh strawberries, halved
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 275; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 48 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 86 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 33 g; Vegan
ACORN SQUASH WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO POLENTA
This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This dish transcends the simplicity of squash and the hominess of coarse-ground cornmeal. The lushness of the flavors soothe and satisfy the palate, creating culinary magic on a brisk winter evening. The whole dish, virtually a meal on its own, can be made in about an hour and is best served hot—when the polenta is still steaming, the Parmesan is melting and the colors are vibrant. If you wish to accompany the squash with other courses, consider an appetizer or soup with mild flavors, like a simple vegetable broth filled with lightly cooked greens or rounds of toasted wheat bread spread with a mild hummus dip. To complement the assertive squash flavors, offer sliced fresh fruit.” Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 small acorn squash (1 to 1 1/2 lbs. each)
About 2 oz. or 15 sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup pine nuts
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 heaping tsp. salt
1/2 cup coarse-ground polenta
2 to 3 Tbs. shredded Parmesan
2 Tbs. chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper, and spray liberally with nonstick vegetable oil.
Cut squashes in half crosswise, and scoop out seeds and a little extra flesh. Cook, face down on parchment paper, about 45 minutes, or until sharp knife easily penetrates outside skin and rim of flesh is lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, soak tomatoes in very hot water to cover for 15 to 20 minutes. When soft, coarsely chop and set aside. On small sheet pan or in baking dish, toast pine nuts in oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
To make pesto, in food processor, add pine nuts, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Start machine and, as blade is turning, pour olive oil through shoot. Blend into smooth paste. Set aside in small bowl. (Use same bowl, rinsed and dried, used for soaking tomatoes).
Bring stock to a boil in medium to heavy saucepan. Add salt, keeping water boiling at medium-high heat. Add polenta gradually, either slowly from measuring cup or letting a fistful run through nearly closed fingers, constantly stirring with long-handled whisk. When all polenta is added, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook gently. Continue stirring, switching to long-handled wooden spoon. To avoid burning or sticking, use heat-diffusing device. Stir continuously and thoroughly, bringing mixture up from bottom and loosening from sides. (Make sure sides are scooped clean.)
Continue to stir for about 20 minutes, or until polenta is creamy and pulls away from sides of pan. Turn off heat, and stir in sun-dried tomato pesto.
Remove squash from oven. Spoon tomato mixture into squash “bowls.” Top with shredded Parmesan, dust with paprika and garnish with parsley.
Note: For a faster dish, substitute store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto, which won’t be as fresh or as satisfying. However, making your own is easy. You can prepare the whole dish ahead, minus garnishes. Refrigerate, reheat until hot and garnish with shredded cheese, paprika and parsley. If squashes are particularly misshapen, trim ridged edges so they will stand up straight without rolling over.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 510; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 31 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 49 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 850 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: g
SPINACH AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PIE
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Similar to spanakopita, this pie gets its creamy texture from tofu, not cheese and eggs. Be sure to use a sharp knife to cut the pie so that the crisp, delicate phyllo crust doesn’t crumble and lose its shape.” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
15 marinated sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, oil from jar reserved
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
1 lb. extra-firm tofu, drained
1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
15 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with cooking spray.
Heat 1 Tbs. reserved sun-dried-tomato oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned.
Meanwhile, place tofu, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in large bowl. Rub together with hands until no large lumps of tofu remain. Stir tofu mixture into onion mixture, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.
Place 1 sheet phyllo on work surface, and dab and brush with reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Top with second sheet phyllo. Repeat with 4 more phyllo sheets, brushing top of stack with oil as well. Line prepared cake pan with phyllo stack, letting edges drape over.
Make second phyllo stack using reserved oil and 5 more phyllo sheets. Set in prepared cake pan perpendicular to first stack so pan is completely lined with phyllo crust.
Fill crust with spinach filling, pressing down. Fold excess phyllo edges over center.
Make third phyllo stack using 5 phyllo sheets and reserved sun-dried-tomato oil. Place over spinach filling, tucking in edges to seal pie.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes, then unmold pie, and slice into wedges.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 230; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 217 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 2 g
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. However, you might be able to check out a few episodes by Google-ing his name for the latest places that show him, or on YouTube. 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.
ZUCCHINI-CORN SAUTE
This yummy recipe comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “This four-vegetable medley makes a colorful addition to just about any meal.” Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; CookTime: 8 minutes
To view this online, go to http://www.familytime.com/Recipe/ShowRecipe.aspx?RecipeId=14454.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups (about 3 medium) zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1 1/2 cups loose-pack frozen whole-kernel corn
1 cup (about 1 medium) tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in corn, tomato, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
ROASTED VEGETABLES
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The key to roasting all kinds of vegetables is to know the right temperature for cooking them. Dense, low-moisture vegetables (like the roots and squashes in this recipe) need lower heat and more time in the oven than vegetables with more moisture, like eggplant or zucchini. Then simply toss your vegetables with oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting. Top your roasted vegetable with a couple of fried eggs or a dollop of yogurt, or both, and you have a meal.” Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour; makes 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 to 3 pounds root or dense vegetable, peeled if you like and cut into 1-inch chunks or wedges (carrots, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, rutabaga, winter squashes)
Oil (olive, coconut or grapeseed)
Salt and pepper
Fried eggs and/or plain yogurt
Fresh herbs, torn or chopped
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast, stirring at least once or twice during roasting for even cooking and browning.
Serve with fried eggs and/or yogurt, ground black pepper and plenty of torn herbs on top.
Tips
You can use 2 pounds high-moisture vegetables instead (eggplant, peppers, zucchini, fennel, onions, brussels sprouts). Slice them and cut into chunks or wedges. Roast at 450 degrees until golden brown all over, 10 to 40 minutes depending on variety and the size of the pieces.
Or use 1 to 2 pounds hardy green vegetables (broccoli rabe, snow peas, green beans, kale, collard greens, chard) or cherry tomatoes, trimmed. Roast at 450 degrees for 7 to 15 minutes.
STRAWBERRY COBBLER
This is from the May/June 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-cobbler/
6 cups fresh strawberries, halved
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 275; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 48 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 86 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 33 g; Vegan
Friday, May 26, 2017
Friday - Three-Day Weekend
Ahhhh...the beginning of a three-day weekend! For anyone wanting a little info on Memorial Day, check out The History Channel's article on Memorial Day.
And now, here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend, including Crab Cakes Baltimore-Style and Decadent Chocolate Mousse. Enjoy!
Note: I will be posting here on Monday; keep an eye out for vegetarian recipes to help celebrate the holiday.
LINGUINE WITH LEMON SAUCE
This comes from Pierre Franey in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need is pasta, a lemon, a knob of butter, a generous pour of heavy cream and a hunk of the best Parmesan you can get your hands on.” Time: About 20 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest, plus more for serving
1/2 pound fresh or dried linguine
4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra cheese to serve on the side
Preparation
Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
Heat the butter in a skillet and add the lemon zest.
Drop the linguine into the boiling water. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
Add the cream to the butter and lemon zest mixture. Add the pasta and lemon juice and stir until just heated through. Add the Parmesan and toss. Serve with additional Parmesan and lemon zest on the side.
Tip: If fresh linguine is purchased in 9-ounce weight, use this in lieu of the half pound.
CRAB CAKES BALTIMORE-STYLE
This recipe also comes from Pierre Franey in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. This one begins, “This is a classic crab cake inspired by those that were served at Obrycki's Crab House, a rollicking fish restaurant in a former row house on East Pratt Street in Baltimore. They are simply delicious.” Time: 15 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup crushed Saltine crackers
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley sprigs
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 pound crab meat, lump preferred, shell and cartilage removed
1/2 cup finely ground fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl combine the eggs, celery, saltines, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, scallions, salt and pepper, and blend well. Add the crab meat, folding it in lightly without breaking it up.
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape them into hamburger-like patties. Dredge them lightly in the bread crumbs.
Heat approximately 2 tablespoons of the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Saute the crab cakes 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown, using the remaining 2 tablespoons oil if necessary. Drain on paper towels immediately. Serve the crab cakes with this French Creole-inspired remoulade sauce.
BARBECUED CHICKEN
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Barbecued chicken isn’t, really: It’s grilled rather than smoke-roasted at low temperature. But it requires a similar attention to technique. You’ll want to move the pieces around on the grill to keep them from burning, and flip them often as well. Cooking barbecued chicken benefits from a basting technique used by the chef and outdoor cooking maven Adam Perry Lang, who thins out his sauce with water, then paints it onto the meat he’s cooking coat after coat, allowing it to reduce and intensify rather than seize up and burn.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup barbecue sauce (see recipe; follows)
6 to 8 chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs) skin-on, bone-in, about 3 1/2 to 4 pounds
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Build a fire in your grill, leaving one side free of coals. When coals are covered with gray ash and the temperature is medium (you can hold your hand 5 inches above the coals for 5 to 7 seconds), you are ready to cook. (For a gas grill, turn one of the burners down to low or off, lower cover and heat for 15 minutes.)
Meanwhile, combine barbecue sauce with 1 cup water and stir to combine. Set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then put them on the grill directly over the coals and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once every 5 minutes or so, and brushing with the thinned barbecue sauce. When the chicken skin starts to crisp and darken, move the pieces to the cooler side of the grill and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until a peek inside shows that the meat no longer has any red at the center.
Move the chicken back onto the hot side of the grill and baste with sauce again, turning the meat a few times. Remove to a warmed platter and serve.
SIMPLE BARBECUE SAUCE
This is from John Willoughby, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. John wrote, “Smoked paprika is the secret weapon in this simple barbecue sauce, which goes beautifully with pork and chicken. If you’re painting the sauce onto cooking meat, thin it out with water to about a one-to-one ratio, which will keep the sugars from burning too quickly over the fire. Serve the full-strength stuff alongside the finished meat.” Yield: About 1 1/2 cups; Time: 10 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pimentón (smoked Spanish paprika)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.) This can also be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
DECADENT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
14-16 oz tub silken tofu
16 oz package chocolate chips
1 T vanilla
1 T maple syrup, optional
Melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Set aside. Place tofu in blender. Pulse once or twice to start breaking it down. With spatula or wooden spoon, scrape melted chocolate chips and vanilla into tofu in blender, along with maple syrup, if using. Blend on low setting until chocolate and tofu are completely mixed, maybe 30 seconds. Pour into 4 bowls and let cool.
Note:If you prefer, you can use carob chips in place of the chocolate chips.
And now, here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend, including Crab Cakes Baltimore-Style and Decadent Chocolate Mousse. Enjoy!
Note: I will be posting here on Monday; keep an eye out for vegetarian recipes to help celebrate the holiday.
LINGUINE WITH LEMON SAUCE
This comes from Pierre Franey in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need is pasta, a lemon, a knob of butter, a generous pour of heavy cream and a hunk of the best Parmesan you can get your hands on.” Time: About 20 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest, plus more for serving
1/2 pound fresh or dried linguine
4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra cheese to serve on the side
Preparation
Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
Heat the butter in a skillet and add the lemon zest.
Drop the linguine into the boiling water. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
Add the cream to the butter and lemon zest mixture. Add the pasta and lemon juice and stir until just heated through. Add the Parmesan and toss. Serve with additional Parmesan and lemon zest on the side.
Tip: If fresh linguine is purchased in 9-ounce weight, use this in lieu of the half pound.
CRAB CAKES BALTIMORE-STYLE
This recipe also comes from Pierre Franey in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. This one begins, “This is a classic crab cake inspired by those that were served at Obrycki's Crab House, a rollicking fish restaurant in a former row house on East Pratt Street in Baltimore. They are simply delicious.” Time: 15 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup crushed Saltine crackers
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red hot pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley sprigs
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 pound crab meat, lump preferred, shell and cartilage removed
1/2 cup finely ground fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl combine the eggs, celery, saltines, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, scallions, salt and pepper, and blend well. Add the crab meat, folding it in lightly without breaking it up.
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape them into hamburger-like patties. Dredge them lightly in the bread crumbs.
Heat approximately 2 tablespoons of the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Saute the crab cakes 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown, using the remaining 2 tablespoons oil if necessary. Drain on paper towels immediately. Serve the crab cakes with this French Creole-inspired remoulade sauce.
BARBECUED CHICKEN
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Barbecued chicken isn’t, really: It’s grilled rather than smoke-roasted at low temperature. But it requires a similar attention to technique. You’ll want to move the pieces around on the grill to keep them from burning, and flip them often as well. Cooking barbecued chicken benefits from a basting technique used by the chef and outdoor cooking maven Adam Perry Lang, who thins out his sauce with water, then paints it onto the meat he’s cooking coat after coat, allowing it to reduce and intensify rather than seize up and burn.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup barbecue sauce (see recipe; follows)
6 to 8 chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs) skin-on, bone-in, about 3 1/2 to 4 pounds
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Build a fire in your grill, leaving one side free of coals. When coals are covered with gray ash and the temperature is medium (you can hold your hand 5 inches above the coals for 5 to 7 seconds), you are ready to cook. (For a gas grill, turn one of the burners down to low or off, lower cover and heat for 15 minutes.)
Meanwhile, combine barbecue sauce with 1 cup water and stir to combine. Set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then put them on the grill directly over the coals and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once every 5 minutes or so, and brushing with the thinned barbecue sauce. When the chicken skin starts to crisp and darken, move the pieces to the cooler side of the grill and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until a peek inside shows that the meat no longer has any red at the center.
Move the chicken back onto the hot side of the grill and baste with sauce again, turning the meat a few times. Remove to a warmed platter and serve.
SIMPLE BARBECUE SAUCE
This is from John Willoughby, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. John wrote, “Smoked paprika is the secret weapon in this simple barbecue sauce, which goes beautifully with pork and chicken. If you’re painting the sauce onto cooking meat, thin it out with water to about a one-to-one ratio, which will keep the sugars from burning too quickly over the fire. Serve the full-strength stuff alongside the finished meat.” Yield: About 1 1/2 cups; Time: 10 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pimentón (smoked Spanish paprika)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.) This can also be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
DECADENT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
14-16 oz tub silken tofu
16 oz package chocolate chips
1 T vanilla
1 T maple syrup, optional
Melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Set aside. Place tofu in blender. Pulse once or twice to start breaking it down. With spatula or wooden spoon, scrape melted chocolate chips and vanilla into tofu in blender, along with maple syrup, if using. Blend on low setting until chocolate and tofu are completely mixed, maybe 30 seconds. Pour into 4 bowls and let cool.
Note:If you prefer, you can use carob chips in place of the chocolate chips.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Chicken!
Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Today's double-post has six chicken recipes to get you through the day, including Chicken With Crispy Panko Coating and Apple-Chicken Quesadillas. Enjoy!
4-STEP CHICKEN MARENGO
This is from Melissa d’Arabian of The Food Network’s Ten Dollar Dinners.
Total:35 min; Active: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/4-step-chicken-marengo-recipe.
Ingredients
3 large chicken cutlets, sliced into thin paillards (slice while partially frozen)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium sweet onion, sliced
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and julienned
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup beef broth
One 14-ounce can chopped tomatoes
1/2 tablespoon butter
Directions
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste, and lightly dredge in flour. In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Brown on both sides, until nicely golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add more oil, if needed, along with the onion, mushrooms and peppers and saute until softened and fragrant, but not limp, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook a few minutes to cook out the raw flavor. Turn up the heat, and add the wine/wine to deglaze the pan and let it reduce for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the beef broth and tomatoes. Once the mixture begins to bubble, add the browned paillards and any juices from the chicken and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and stir in the butter. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
CHICKEN WITH CRISPY PANKO COATING
This comes from Diana Rattray, Southern food expert for The Spruce. Diana wrote, “Mayonnaise and honey mustard help flavor this easy crispy baked chicken.”
Serves 4 to 6 in 55 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Dijon honey mustard blend
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon or thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
6 boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup fine dried bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Dash paprika, optional
Directions
Heat oven to 400 F.
Line a baking pan with foil and lightly grease the foil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine the mayonnaise, honey mustard, tarragon or thyme, and parsley. Spread over the chicken to coat thoroughly.
Combine the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl or pie plate.
Press the chicken breasts in the bread crumb mixture, turning to coat thoroughly. Arrange chicken on the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25 minutes; turn and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until cooked through.
CHICKEN SOUP WITH LIME AND CILANTRO
Yield: 5 cups
Serving size: 1 cup
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=687
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/687.shtml
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Ingredients
1 quart Homemade Chicken Broth or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 whole chicken breast, skinned, boned, and split, or 2 skinless, boneless breast halves (about 3/4 pound)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup coarsely cilantro leaves
Directions
Bring the broth to a simmer in a large saucepan.
Add the chicken; cover and simmer over low heat until it is just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove and shred the chicken. Return it to the broth; add the lime juice and bring the soup to a boil.
Ladle into soup bowls; sprinkle with cilantro.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 102; Protein: 18 g; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 126 mg; Cholesterol: 41 mg; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g; Exchanges: 2 Lean Meat
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
Is it a chicken dish? Spaghetti? Both! This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman, and begins, “With spaghetti and mushroom sauce, and light and dark meat chicken with bell peppers, Ree Drummond's casserole is like two meals in one. Cooking the spaghetti in the same liquid as the chicken infuses it with flavor, and the Cheddar thickens the sauce so it coats each piece of meat.”
Total: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 20 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chicken-spaghetti-recipe.
Ingredients
1 whole raw chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Two 10 3/4-ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
1 medium onion, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water and boil for a few minutes, then return the heat to medium-low and simmer, 30 to 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken and 2 cups of the chicken cooking broth from the pot. When the chicken is cool, remove the skin and pick out the meat (a mix of dark and white) to make 2 generous cups.
Cook the spaghetti in the same chicken cooking broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When the spaghetti is cooked, combine with the chicken, mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups cheese, the green peppers, red peppers, onions, seasoned salt, cayenne, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth, adding an additional cup if needed.
Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover and freeze up to 6 months, cover and refrigerate up to 2 days or bake immediately until bubbly, about 45 minutes. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).
APPLE-CHICKEN QUESADILLAS
This recipe begins, “You may be surprised at the idea of combining chicken and apples inside a crispy tortilla, but the taste will amaze you.”
This is from Diabetic Connect.
Click here to view this online.
Ingredients
2 medium tart apples, sliced
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 low-carb tortillas, fajita-sized, warmed
3/4 cup shredded lettuce
3/4 cup salsa
6 tablespoons sour cream
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Place about 3/4 cup on half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla in half over filling and secure with toothpicks.
Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Carefully turn quesadillas over; bake 5-8 minutes longer or until golden brown. Discard toothpicks. Cut each quesadilla into three wedges. Serve with lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 12; Calories – 121; Total Fat – 5 g; Saturated Fat – 3 g; Sodium – 196 mg; Carbohydrates – 13 g; Fiber – 2 g; Sugars – 4 g; Protein – 7 g
ONE-PAN CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
This comes from Stephanie Wise in her blog Girl Versus Dough and reposted in the Tablespoon e-newsletter. This recipe starts off, “Crispy chicken thighs and caramelized vegetables all baked on one sheet pan.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, halved and quartered
4 to 5 carrots, peeled, halved and quartered
1 red onion, halved and quartered
1 garlic bulb, cloves separated and skins removed
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 1/2 to 4 lbs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Directions
Heat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Spread in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Use paper towel to blot chicken thighs to remove excess moisture. Arrange chicken thighs on top of vegetables, and brush chicken skin with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle thighs generously with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle thyme, oregano and parsley flakes evenly over thighs and vegetables. Bake on center rack of oven 40 to 45 minutes until an internal thermometer inserted in center of largest piece of chicken reads 175°F, chicken skin is crispy and browned and vegetables are tender.
4-STEP CHICKEN MARENGO
This is from Melissa d’Arabian of The Food Network’s Ten Dollar Dinners.
Total:35 min; Active: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/4-step-chicken-marengo-recipe.
Ingredients
3 large chicken cutlets, sliced into thin paillards (slice while partially frozen)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium sweet onion, sliced
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and julienned
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup beef broth
One 14-ounce can chopped tomatoes
1/2 tablespoon butter
Directions
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste, and lightly dredge in flour. In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Brown on both sides, until nicely golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add more oil, if needed, along with the onion, mushrooms and peppers and saute until softened and fragrant, but not limp, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook a few minutes to cook out the raw flavor. Turn up the heat, and add the wine/wine to deglaze the pan and let it reduce for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the beef broth and tomatoes. Once the mixture begins to bubble, add the browned paillards and any juices from the chicken and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and stir in the butter. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
CHICKEN WITH CRISPY PANKO COATING
This comes from Diana Rattray, Southern food expert for The Spruce. Diana wrote, “Mayonnaise and honey mustard help flavor this easy crispy baked chicken.”
Serves 4 to 6 in 55 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Dijon honey mustard blend
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon or thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
6 boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup fine dried bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Dash paprika, optional
Directions
Heat oven to 400 F.
Line a baking pan with foil and lightly grease the foil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine the mayonnaise, honey mustard, tarragon or thyme, and parsley. Spread over the chicken to coat thoroughly.
Combine the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl or pie plate.
Press the chicken breasts in the bread crumb mixture, turning to coat thoroughly. Arrange chicken on the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25 minutes; turn and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until cooked through.
CHICKEN SOUP WITH LIME AND CILANTRO
Yield: 5 cups
Serving size: 1 cup
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=687
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/687.shtml
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Ingredients
1 quart Homemade Chicken Broth or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 whole chicken breast, skinned, boned, and split, or 2 skinless, boneless breast halves (about 3/4 pound)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup coarsely cilantro leaves
Directions
Bring the broth to a simmer in a large saucepan.
Add the chicken; cover and simmer over low heat until it is just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove and shred the chicken. Return it to the broth; add the lime juice and bring the soup to a boil.
Ladle into soup bowls; sprinkle with cilantro.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 102; Protein: 18 g; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 126 mg; Cholesterol: 41 mg; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g; Exchanges: 2 Lean Meat
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
Is it a chicken dish? Spaghetti? Both! This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman, and begins, “With spaghetti and mushroom sauce, and light and dark meat chicken with bell peppers, Ree Drummond's casserole is like two meals in one. Cooking the spaghetti in the same liquid as the chicken infuses it with flavor, and the Cheddar thickens the sauce so it coats each piece of meat.”
Total: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 20 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chicken-spaghetti-recipe.
Ingredients
1 whole raw chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Two 10 3/4-ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
1 medium onion, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water and boil for a few minutes, then return the heat to medium-low and simmer, 30 to 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken and 2 cups of the chicken cooking broth from the pot. When the chicken is cool, remove the skin and pick out the meat (a mix of dark and white) to make 2 generous cups.
Cook the spaghetti in the same chicken cooking broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When the spaghetti is cooked, combine with the chicken, mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups cheese, the green peppers, red peppers, onions, seasoned salt, cayenne, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth, adding an additional cup if needed.
Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover and freeze up to 6 months, cover and refrigerate up to 2 days or bake immediately until bubbly, about 45 minutes. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).
APPLE-CHICKEN QUESADILLAS
This recipe begins, “You may be surprised at the idea of combining chicken and apples inside a crispy tortilla, but the taste will amaze you.”
This is from Diabetic Connect.
Click here to view this online.
Ingredients
2 medium tart apples, sliced
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 low-carb tortillas, fajita-sized, warmed
3/4 cup shredded lettuce
3/4 cup salsa
6 tablespoons sour cream
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Place about 3/4 cup on half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla in half over filling and secure with toothpicks.
Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Carefully turn quesadillas over; bake 5-8 minutes longer or until golden brown. Discard toothpicks. Cut each quesadilla into three wedges. Serve with lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 12; Calories – 121; Total Fat – 5 g; Saturated Fat – 3 g; Sodium – 196 mg; Carbohydrates – 13 g; Fiber – 2 g; Sugars – 4 g; Protein – 7 g
ONE-PAN CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
This comes from Stephanie Wise in her blog Girl Versus Dough and reposted in the Tablespoon e-newsletter. This recipe starts off, “Crispy chicken thighs and caramelized vegetables all baked on one sheet pan.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, halved and quartered
4 to 5 carrots, peeled, halved and quartered
1 red onion, halved and quartered
1 garlic bulb, cloves separated and skins removed
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 1/2 to 4 lbs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Directions
Heat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Spread in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Use paper towel to blot chicken thighs to remove excess moisture. Arrange chicken thighs on top of vegetables, and brush chicken skin with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle thighs generously with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle thyme, oregano and parsley flakes evenly over thighs and vegetables. Bake on center rack of oven 40 to 45 minutes until an internal thermometer inserted in center of largest piece of chicken reads 175°F, chicken skin is crispy and browned and vegetables are tender.
Diabetic Thursday
It's Thursday, which means it's time for Diabetic Thursday. Here are six diabetic recipes for you to try, including Chipotle Pepper Jack Sliders and 15-Minute Chili. Enjoy!
TURKEY BREAST PROVENCAL WITH VEGETABLES
Yield: 12 servings
Source: The National Turkey Federation
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/507.shtml
Ingredients
1 Cup TURKEY BROTH or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 Cup dry white wine
1/4 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Head garlic, cloves separated, unpeeled
1 Bag (10 ounces) frozen whole petite onions
2 Teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 Teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 Teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 Teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
6 plum tomatoes, quartered
1 Box (9 ounces) frozen or fresh artichoke hearts, slightly thawed
10 ounces frozen or fresh asparagus spears, slightly thawed
1 Can (3-1/4 ounces) pitted black olives, drained
As needed olive oil, salt and black pepper
1 (4-1/2 pounds) BONE-IN TURKEY BREAST
Directions
In 9-X 13-inch baking pan combine broth, wine, lemon juice, garlic, onions, rosemary, thyme, salt, fennel seeds and pepper. Cover pan with foil. Heat 20 minutes in a preheated 325 degree F oven.
Remove pan from oven. Add tomatoes, artichoke hearts, asparagus and olives in a pile in the center of the pan.
Rub turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place turkey breast, breast side up, on top of vegetables. Float foil over top of turkey and roast 1 hour. Remove foil and roast an additional 1 hour or until food thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast registers 170 degrees F. Baste turkey and vegetables frequently with pan juices.
Remove turkey and vegetables to a serving platter. Reserve 6 cloves of garlic and pan juices.
Remove any skin from reserved garlic. Combine garlic with pan juices in food processor bowl, fitted with metal blade. Process 30 to 60 seconds until mixture is smooth. Reheat sauce to piping hot.
To serve, pass sauce to pour over turkey and vegetables.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 289; Protein: 36 g; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 349 mg; Cholesterol: 100 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g
CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS
This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”
Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters
Directions
Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.
Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.
Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.
Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
APPLE AND PEACH CHUTNEY TURKEY PATTIE
Yield: 4 servings.
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1312.shtml
Ingredients
4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 apple, peeled, cored and finely diced
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 clove garlic, finely diced
1 pound ground turkey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup peach chutney
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In medium-size fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons canola oil. Saute red onion, apple, green onion and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, over medium-low heat.
Place ground turkey in large mixing bowl. Add apple mixture, mustard, peach chutney, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Form into burgers.
In large fry pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil. Cook burgers over medium heat until juices run clear, approximately 15 minutes. Cooking time will depend on thickness of burgers. Turn once during cooking time. Serve on whole wheat roll with side of baked chips.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 420; Protein: 23 g; Fat: 26 g; Sodium: 370 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Carbohydrates: 25 g
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
CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS
This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”
Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters
Directions
Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.
Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.
Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.
Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
15-MINUTE CHILI
Serving Size: 1 cup
Serves 4
Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/236.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 (15 oz.) can kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can low-fat, low sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained (flavored with chilies if you can find it)
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
In a large non-stick saucepan, brown the ground turkey until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 293; Protein: 33 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 596 mg; Cholesterol: 63 mg ; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Exchanges: 2 Starch, 4 Very Lean Meat
TURKEY BREAST PROVENCAL WITH VEGETABLES
Yield: 12 servings
Source: The National Turkey Federation
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/507.shtml
Ingredients
1 Cup TURKEY BROTH or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 Cup dry white wine
1/4 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Head garlic, cloves separated, unpeeled
1 Bag (10 ounces) frozen whole petite onions
2 Teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 Teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 Teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 Teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
6 plum tomatoes, quartered
1 Box (9 ounces) frozen or fresh artichoke hearts, slightly thawed
10 ounces frozen or fresh asparagus spears, slightly thawed
1 Can (3-1/4 ounces) pitted black olives, drained
As needed olive oil, salt and black pepper
1 (4-1/2 pounds) BONE-IN TURKEY BREAST
Directions
In 9-X 13-inch baking pan combine broth, wine, lemon juice, garlic, onions, rosemary, thyme, salt, fennel seeds and pepper. Cover pan with foil. Heat 20 minutes in a preheated 325 degree F oven.
Remove pan from oven. Add tomatoes, artichoke hearts, asparagus and olives in a pile in the center of the pan.
Rub turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place turkey breast, breast side up, on top of vegetables. Float foil over top of turkey and roast 1 hour. Remove foil and roast an additional 1 hour or until food thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast registers 170 degrees F. Baste turkey and vegetables frequently with pan juices.
Remove turkey and vegetables to a serving platter. Reserve 6 cloves of garlic and pan juices.
Remove any skin from reserved garlic. Combine garlic with pan juices in food processor bowl, fitted with metal blade. Process 30 to 60 seconds until mixture is smooth. Reheat sauce to piping hot.
To serve, pass sauce to pour over turkey and vegetables.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 289; Protein: 36 g; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 349 mg; Cholesterol: 100 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g
CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS
This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”
Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters
Directions
Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.
Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.
Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.
Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
APPLE AND PEACH CHUTNEY TURKEY PATTIE
Yield: 4 servings.
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1312.shtml
Ingredients
4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 apple, peeled, cored and finely diced
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 clove garlic, finely diced
1 pound ground turkey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup peach chutney
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In medium-size fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons canola oil. Saute red onion, apple, green onion and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes, over medium-low heat.
Place ground turkey in large mixing bowl. Add apple mixture, mustard, peach chutney, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Form into burgers.
In large fry pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil. Cook burgers over medium heat until juices run clear, approximately 15 minutes. Cooking time will depend on thickness of burgers. Turn once during cooking time. Serve on whole wheat roll with side of baked chips.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 420; Protein: 23 g; Fat: 26 g; Sodium: 370 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Carbohydrates: 25 g
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
CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS
This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”
Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters
Directions
Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.
Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.
Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.
Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
15-MINUTE CHILI
Serving Size: 1 cup
Serves 4
Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/236.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 (15 oz.) can kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can low-fat, low sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained (flavored with chilies if you can find it)
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
In a large non-stick saucepan, brown the ground turkey until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 293; Protein: 33 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 596 mg; Cholesterol: 63 mg ; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Exchanges: 2 Starch, 4 Very Lean Meat
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Pasta Party
I love pasta. It started with spaghetti, went on to lasagna...and off it went.
Here are six pasta recipes for a pasta party to get you through the day, including Hearty Lasagna and Chicken Spaghetti. Enjoy!
TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA PASTA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 45. Makes 4 to 6 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 lb. pasta, such as rigatoni
5 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
5-6 small tomatoes, chopped
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Freshly ground black pepper
Grated Pecorino cheese
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine oil, garlic, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and parsley, and gently toss. Drain pasta, add to bowl, and toss to coat, adding more oil if necessary. Season with pepper to taste, and top with cheese. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 4): 789; Protein: 26 g; Carbs: 88 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 12 g; Sodium: 157 mg
HEARTY LASAGNA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 46. Makes 6 to 8 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 12-oz. box dried lasagna sheets
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground beef (or sausage or both)
6 cups tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, shredded
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a single layer on parchment paper. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until golden. Add meat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and herbs, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce for 15 minutes to thicken. Spoon 1/4 of sauce onto the bottom of a 13" x 3" x 9" pan. Top with single layer of pasta sheets, followed by 1/3 of remaining sauce, making sure sheets are well covered. Layer with 1/3 each of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. Repeat twice, for 3 layers total. Top with fresh mozzarella and Romano. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 6): 809;Protein: 56 g; Carbs: 71 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 17 g; Sodium: 825 mg
ONE-POT RIGATONI WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE
This comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter. It begins, “This one-pot version of the spicy Italian classic cooks the pasta in the sauce with shiitake mushrooms for even more earthy, delicious flavor.” Prep Time: 45 min; Total Time: 45 min; Servings: 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sliced red onion
8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, sliced
4 tablespoons spicy harissa
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups water
16 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until translucent. Add mushrooms; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until mushrooms are browned and liquid is evaporated. Add garlic, harissa and tomatoes; heat just to simmering. Stir in water; heat to boiling.
Add pasta; return to simmering. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is cooked to desired tenderness. Stir in olives. Top with basil and cheese. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
Is it a chicken dish? Spaghetti? Both! This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman, and begins, “With spaghetti and mushroom sauce, and light and dark meat chicken with bell peppers, Ree Drummond's casserole is like two meals in one. Cooking the spaghetti in the same liquid as the chicken infuses it with flavor, and the Cheddar thickens the sauce so it coats each piece of meat.”
Total: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 20 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chicken-spaghetti-recipe.
Ingredients
1 whole raw chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Two 10 3/4-ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
1 medium onion, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water and boil for a few minutes, then return the heat to medium-low and simmer, 30 to 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken and 2 cups of the chicken cooking broth from the pot. When the chicken is cool, remove the skin and pick out the meat (a mix of dark and white) to make 2 generous cups.
Cook the spaghetti in the same chicken cooking broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When the spaghetti is cooked, combine with the chicken, mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups cheese, the green peppers, red peppers, onions, seasoned salt, cayenne, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth, adding an additional cup if needed.
Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover and freeze up to 6 months, cover and refrigerate up to 2 days or bake immediately until bubbly, about 45 minutes. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).
FARFALLE WITH ARTICHOKES, PEAS, FAVAS AND ONIONS
This is from Martha Rose Schulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “The vegetable ragout that accompanies the farfalle here is inspired by a more labor-intensive, longer-cooking Sicilian spring stew called fritteda. The Sicilian version would also include fennel, and a lot more olive oil.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in “Pastas of Spring” and can be viewed online here.
Check out “How to Make Pasta” by Samin Nosrat.
Ingredients
Juice of 1 lemon
4 medium or 2 large artichokes, or 8 baby artichokes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound spring onions or scallions, white and light green parts only, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 pounds fava beans, shelled and skinned
2 cups shelled peas (about 2 1/2 pounds fresh peas in the pod)
2 teaspoons chopped mint
3/4 pound farfalle
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino (or a combination) for serving
Preparation
Fill a bowl with water and add the lemon juice. Cut away the stem and the top third of each artichoke, break off the leaves and trim them down to the bottoms, placing them in the water as you go along. Quarter them and slice large quarters about 1/4 inch thick. Save the leaves and steam them; serve them as a first course or a side dish.
Drain the artichoke hearts and dry on a clean dish towel. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy lidded skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sliced artichoke hearts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, add the onions (or scallions) and cook, stirring, until the onions are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the peas and favas, 2/3 cup water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until all of the vegetables are tender. Taste, adjust salt and add pepper to taste. Stir in the mint and remove from the heat, but keep warm while you cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to taste and the pasta. Cook al dente, usually 10 to 11 minutes for farfalle. Add a ladleful of the cooking water from the pasta to the vegetable mixture and drain the pasta. Toss with the vegetables and serve, with Parmesan or Pecorino, or both.
Tip
Advance preparation: The vegetables can be cooked a day ahead, and will keep for 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet, adding pasta cooking water to moisten.
SPAGHETTINI WITH MUSHROOMS, GARLIC & OIL
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Regular white mushrooms are excellent here; portobellos or wild mushrooms would be great, too.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 9 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2/3 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound spaghettini
3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
In a medium frying pan, heat the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the garlic and the red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic softens, about 1 minute. Add the sliced mushrooms and the salt and cook until the mushrooms exude liquid, the liquid evaporates, and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghettini until just done, about 9 minutes. Drain and toss with the mushroom mixture, the parsley, and the pepper.
Here are six pasta recipes for a pasta party to get you through the day, including Hearty Lasagna and Chicken Spaghetti. Enjoy!
TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA PASTA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 45. Makes 4 to 6 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 lb. pasta, such as rigatoni
5 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
5-6 small tomatoes, chopped
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Freshly ground black pepper
Grated Pecorino cheese
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine oil, garlic, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and parsley, and gently toss. Drain pasta, add to bowl, and toss to coat, adding more oil if necessary. Season with pepper to taste, and top with cheese. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 4): 789; Protein: 26 g; Carbs: 88 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 12 g; Sodium: 157 mg
HEARTY LASAGNA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 46. Makes 6 to 8 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 12-oz. box dried lasagna sheets
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground beef (or sausage or both)
6 cups tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, shredded
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a single layer on parchment paper. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until golden. Add meat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and herbs, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce for 15 minutes to thicken. Spoon 1/4 of sauce onto the bottom of a 13" x 3" x 9" pan. Top with single layer of pasta sheets, followed by 1/3 of remaining sauce, making sure sheets are well covered. Layer with 1/3 each of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. Repeat twice, for 3 layers total. Top with fresh mozzarella and Romano. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 6): 809;Protein: 56 g; Carbs: 71 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 17 g; Sodium: 825 mg
ONE-POT RIGATONI WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE
This comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter. It begins, “This one-pot version of the spicy Italian classic cooks the pasta in the sauce with shiitake mushrooms for even more earthy, delicious flavor.” Prep Time: 45 min; Total Time: 45 min; Servings: 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sliced red onion
8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, sliced
4 tablespoons spicy harissa
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups water
16 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until translucent. Add mushrooms; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until mushrooms are browned and liquid is evaporated. Add garlic, harissa and tomatoes; heat just to simmering. Stir in water; heat to boiling.
Add pasta; return to simmering. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is cooked to desired tenderness. Stir in olives. Top with basil and cheese. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
Is it a chicken dish? Spaghetti? Both! This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman, and begins, “With spaghetti and mushroom sauce, and light and dark meat chicken with bell peppers, Ree Drummond's casserole is like two meals in one. Cooking the spaghetti in the same liquid as the chicken infuses it with flavor, and the Cheddar thickens the sauce so it coats each piece of meat.”
Total: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 20 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chicken-spaghetti-recipe.
Ingredients
1 whole raw chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Two 10 3/4-ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
1 medium onion, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water and boil for a few minutes, then return the heat to medium-low and simmer, 30 to 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken and 2 cups of the chicken cooking broth from the pot. When the chicken is cool, remove the skin and pick out the meat (a mix of dark and white) to make 2 generous cups.
Cook the spaghetti in the same chicken cooking broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When the spaghetti is cooked, combine with the chicken, mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups cheese, the green peppers, red peppers, onions, seasoned salt, cayenne, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth, adding an additional cup if needed.
Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover and freeze up to 6 months, cover and refrigerate up to 2 days or bake immediately until bubbly, about 45 minutes. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).
FARFALLE WITH ARTICHOKES, PEAS, FAVAS AND ONIONS
This is from Martha Rose Schulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “The vegetable ragout that accompanies the farfalle here is inspired by a more labor-intensive, longer-cooking Sicilian spring stew called fritteda. The Sicilian version would also include fennel, and a lot more olive oil.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in “Pastas of Spring” and can be viewed online here.
Check out “How to Make Pasta” by Samin Nosrat.
Ingredients
Juice of 1 lemon
4 medium or 2 large artichokes, or 8 baby artichokes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound spring onions or scallions, white and light green parts only, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 pounds fava beans, shelled and skinned
2 cups shelled peas (about 2 1/2 pounds fresh peas in the pod)
2 teaspoons chopped mint
3/4 pound farfalle
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino (or a combination) for serving
Preparation
Fill a bowl with water and add the lemon juice. Cut away the stem and the top third of each artichoke, break off the leaves and trim them down to the bottoms, placing them in the water as you go along. Quarter them and slice large quarters about 1/4 inch thick. Save the leaves and steam them; serve them as a first course or a side dish.
Drain the artichoke hearts and dry on a clean dish towel. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy lidded skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sliced artichoke hearts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, add the onions (or scallions) and cook, stirring, until the onions are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the peas and favas, 2/3 cup water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until all of the vegetables are tender. Taste, adjust salt and add pepper to taste. Stir in the mint and remove from the heat, but keep warm while you cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to taste and the pasta. Cook al dente, usually 10 to 11 minutes for farfalle. Add a ladleful of the cooking water from the pasta to the vegetable mixture and drain the pasta. Toss with the vegetables and serve, with Parmesan or Pecorino, or both.
Tip
Advance preparation: The vegetables can be cooked a day ahead, and will keep for 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet, adding pasta cooking water to moisten.
SPAGHETTINI WITH MUSHROOMS, GARLIC & OIL
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Regular white mushrooms are excellent here; portobellos or wild mushrooms would be great, too.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 9 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2/3 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound spaghettini
3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
In a medium frying pan, heat the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the garlic and the red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic softens, about 1 minute. Add the sliced mushrooms and the salt and cook until the mushrooms exude liquid, the liquid evaporates, and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghettini until just done, about 9 minutes. Drain and toss with the mushroom mixture, the parsley, and the pepper.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Desserts - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's second post is dedicated to desserts. (Yay - Tacos and desserts!). Here are six dessert recipes to help you through the day, including Peach Pie and Stuffed Piñata Cake. Enjoy!
ESPRESSO BROWNIES
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network’s Everyday Italian.
Total: 1 hr 17 min; Active: 12 min; Yield: 36 bite-size brownies; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/espresso-brownies-recipe.
Ingredients
Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons espresso powder
1 (19.8-ounce) box brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Whisk 1/3 cup of water, oil, eggs, and 2 tablespoons espresso powder in a large bowl to blend. Add the brownie mix. Stir until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes. Cool completely.
Meanwhile, dissolve the remaining 2 teaspoons of espresso powder in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl. Whisk in the vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and butter and whisk until smooth. Pour the glaze over the brownies. Refrigerate until the glaze is set. Cut into bite-size pieces. Arrange the brownies on a platter and serve.
ESPRESSO CREAM ROLL
Servings: 10
Source: Sweet N' Low
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/190.shtml
Ingredients
Cake
4 eggs, separated
4 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon Sweet'N Low
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cake flour
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar
Filling
2 teaspoons hot water
1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee
2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons lowfat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon Sweet'N Low
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F. Spray 15-1/2 x 10-1/2-inch jelly-roll pan with nonstick cooking spray; line pan with waxed paper; spray paper with cooking spray. In small bowl with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, continuing to beat until stiff but not dry. In large bowl, beat egg yolks, 1 teaspoon Sweet'N Low and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar until thick and lemon colored. Beat in water and vanilla.
In small bowl, stir together cake flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt; beat into egg-yolk mixture. Gently fold egg whites into egg-yolk mixture. Spread batter in pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until cake springs back when touched in center. Immediately invert cake onto paper towel sprinkled with 1 tablespoon cocoa. Peel waxed paper from cake. Starting at narrow end, roll cake with towel, jelly-roll fashion. Place cake, seam-side down, on wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare filling: In cup, mix hot water with instant espresso coffee until completely dissolved. In large bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat ricotta cheese, yogurt, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 3/4 teaspoon Sweet'N Low, granulated sugar and coffee mixture until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Unroll cake. Spread with filling, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish. Roll cake without towel. Using small strainer, sprinkle cake with confectioner's sugar. Pipe on remaining filling. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 121; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 103 mg; Cholesterol: 84 mg; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fat
STUFFED PINATA CAKE
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “Your guests will certainly be delighted by the sight of this bright cake. But make sure they don't put their cameras away too soon: once you cut into it, a candy surprise comes spilling out!”
Total: 3 hours 15 minutes; Active: 1 hour 5 minutes; Yield: 8 to 10; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/stuffed-pinata-cake.
Ingredients
Frosting:
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch fine salt
6 large egg whites
4 sticks (1 pound) unsalted butter, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks, at room temperature
5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Filling and Decoration:
Blue, orange, yellow, purple and pink food coloring
2 cups of your favorite small and soft candies (none in wrappers), such as gummies or candy-covered chocolates
Cake:
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
DirectionsFor the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line the bottom of each with parchment.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk the milk, vanilla, eggs and egg yolk together in another medium bowl. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium high until light and fluffy. Add about a third of the flour mixture and beat on medium low until incorporated. Now add a third of the egg-milk mixture and continue to beat on medium low until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Repeat with the remaining flour and egg-milk mixtures, finishing with the flour.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake until the cake bounces back when pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the cake pans on a rack.
For the frosting: Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a heatproof stand mixer's bowl above the water.
Add the sugar, lemon juice, salt and egg whites to the mixer bowl and whisk together by hand. Set the bowl above the boiling water and whisk until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar completely dissolves. Transfer to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat at medium-high speed until cool and the whites hold stiff peaks, 10 to 15 minutes.
Toss in a couple of chunks of butter at a time, making sure the pieces are incorporated before adding more. After all the butter is added, continue beating on medium-high speed. The mixture will deflate and appear curdled. Continue beating until the frosting comes back together to a smooth and spreadable consistency. (If the frosting is very soft or begins to break, refrigerate until set but still spreadable, then beat until light before using.)
For the filling and decoration: Dye the coconut: Have ready 5 resealable plastic bags or plastic containers. Put 1 1/2 cups of the coconut in one container with 6 to 8 drops of blue food coloring. Put 1 cup of coconut in the second container with 5 to 6 drops of orange food coloring, 1 cup of coconut in the third with 5 to 6 drops yellow food coloring and 1 cup of coconut in the fourth with 6 to 8 drops purple food coloring. Put the remaining 1/2 cup coconut in the fifth container with 4 to 5 drops pink food coloring. Seal each container and shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly dyed. Add more food coloring 1 drop at a time as needed to get bright, vibrant colors.
Assemble the cake: Cut a 4-inch circle out of the center of each cake (reserve the small cut-out cake rounds). Put one of the cake rings on a cake stand or serving platter and frost with about 1 cup of frosting. Put the other cake ring on top and push down slightly. Fill the hole with candy. Cut one of the reserved cake rounds in half horizontally to make 2 thinner rounds. Use one to fill the hole on top of the cake. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Cut a strip of parchment about 30 inches long and 3 inches wide. Wrap this parchment around the cake like a collar, leaving 1 inch of frosting exposed around the bottom perimeter of the cake. Pack some of the blue coconut onto the exposed frosting to make your first strip of color. Lift the collar up another 1 inch and do the same with the orange coconut. Remove the collar and fill the remaining inch of frosting with the yellow coconut. For the top, make 1-inch-wide rings, starting on the outside and working your way in, with the purple, pink, blue and orange coconut until the top is completely covered. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.
PEACH PIE
This comes from my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking, available from Amazon.com.
4 C peaches, cut up
dash salt
1 – 1 1/4 C sugar
2 T butter
3 T unbleached flour
1 unbaked pie shell & lattice top
Arrange peaches in unbaked pie shell. Mix sugar, flour & salt. Sprinkle over peaches. Dot with butter. Cover with lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
MOCHA SHERBET FREEZE
Here’s a recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
2-1/4 cups strongly brewed coffee or espresso
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup whole milk
Preparation
Whisk together the coffee, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to boil for 30 seconds, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the milk.
Chill the mixture thoroughly, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Perfect Pairing: To make a Mocha Freeze, for each serving put 2 scoops of Mocha Sherbet (4 ounces, 115 g) in a blender along with 1/2 cup (125 ml) very strongly brewed coffee or espresso, 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar, and 3 ice cubes. Blend until almost smooth. Pour into a glass and top with Whipped Cream.
CRANBERRY ICE
Here’s another recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. This one begins, “Lovely citrus lends flavor to tart cranberries in this refreshing sorbet that can be served up for dessert, as a palate cleanser between meals or to liven up turkey in place of cranberry sauce.”
Ingredients
2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries
2 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
InstructioinsIn a large pot, add cranberries and enough water to cover. Boil until cranberries begin to pop. Drain and put through a food mill placed over a large bowl.
While still warm add sugar to dissolve in the warm berries. The amount of sugar may vary depending on the tartness of the berries, so if you decide to add more sugar remember that the mixture will be tarter when it has been frozen.
After dissolving the sugar in the berries, stir in fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Pour in 8 or 9 inch square pan and freeze overnight. Take out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before cutting.
ESPRESSO BROWNIES
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network’s Everyday Italian.
Total: 1 hr 17 min; Active: 12 min; Yield: 36 bite-size brownies; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/espresso-brownies-recipe.
Ingredients
Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons espresso powder
1 (19.8-ounce) box brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Whisk 1/3 cup of water, oil, eggs, and 2 tablespoons espresso powder in a large bowl to blend. Add the brownie mix. Stir until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes. Cool completely.
Meanwhile, dissolve the remaining 2 teaspoons of espresso powder in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl. Whisk in the vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and butter and whisk until smooth. Pour the glaze over the brownies. Refrigerate until the glaze is set. Cut into bite-size pieces. Arrange the brownies on a platter and serve.
ESPRESSO CREAM ROLL
Servings: 10
Source: Sweet N' Low
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/190.shtml
Ingredients
Cake
4 eggs, separated
4 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon Sweet'N Low
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cake flour
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar
Filling
2 teaspoons hot water
1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee
2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons lowfat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon Sweet'N Low
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F. Spray 15-1/2 x 10-1/2-inch jelly-roll pan with nonstick cooking spray; line pan with waxed paper; spray paper with cooking spray. In small bowl with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, continuing to beat until stiff but not dry. In large bowl, beat egg yolks, 1 teaspoon Sweet'N Low and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar until thick and lemon colored. Beat in water and vanilla.
In small bowl, stir together cake flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt; beat into egg-yolk mixture. Gently fold egg whites into egg-yolk mixture. Spread batter in pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until cake springs back when touched in center. Immediately invert cake onto paper towel sprinkled with 1 tablespoon cocoa. Peel waxed paper from cake. Starting at narrow end, roll cake with towel, jelly-roll fashion. Place cake, seam-side down, on wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare filling: In cup, mix hot water with instant espresso coffee until completely dissolved. In large bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat ricotta cheese, yogurt, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 3/4 teaspoon Sweet'N Low, granulated sugar and coffee mixture until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Unroll cake. Spread with filling, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish. Roll cake without towel. Using small strainer, sprinkle cake with confectioner's sugar. Pipe on remaining filling. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 121; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 103 mg; Cholesterol: 84 mg; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fat
STUFFED PINATA CAKE
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “Your guests will certainly be delighted by the sight of this bright cake. But make sure they don't put their cameras away too soon: once you cut into it, a candy surprise comes spilling out!”
Total: 3 hours 15 minutes; Active: 1 hour 5 minutes; Yield: 8 to 10; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/stuffed-pinata-cake.
Ingredients
Frosting:
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch fine salt
6 large egg whites
4 sticks (1 pound) unsalted butter, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks, at room temperature
5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Filling and Decoration:
Blue, orange, yellow, purple and pink food coloring
2 cups of your favorite small and soft candies (none in wrappers), such as gummies or candy-covered chocolates
Cake:
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
DirectionsFor the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line the bottom of each with parchment.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk the milk, vanilla, eggs and egg yolk together in another medium bowl. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium high until light and fluffy. Add about a third of the flour mixture and beat on medium low until incorporated. Now add a third of the egg-milk mixture and continue to beat on medium low until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Repeat with the remaining flour and egg-milk mixtures, finishing with the flour.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake until the cake bounces back when pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the cake pans on a rack.
For the frosting: Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a heatproof stand mixer's bowl above the water.
Add the sugar, lemon juice, salt and egg whites to the mixer bowl and whisk together by hand. Set the bowl above the boiling water and whisk until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar completely dissolves. Transfer to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat at medium-high speed until cool and the whites hold stiff peaks, 10 to 15 minutes.
Toss in a couple of chunks of butter at a time, making sure the pieces are incorporated before adding more. After all the butter is added, continue beating on medium-high speed. The mixture will deflate and appear curdled. Continue beating until the frosting comes back together to a smooth and spreadable consistency. (If the frosting is very soft or begins to break, refrigerate until set but still spreadable, then beat until light before using.)
For the filling and decoration: Dye the coconut: Have ready 5 resealable plastic bags or plastic containers. Put 1 1/2 cups of the coconut in one container with 6 to 8 drops of blue food coloring. Put 1 cup of coconut in the second container with 5 to 6 drops of orange food coloring, 1 cup of coconut in the third with 5 to 6 drops yellow food coloring and 1 cup of coconut in the fourth with 6 to 8 drops purple food coloring. Put the remaining 1/2 cup coconut in the fifth container with 4 to 5 drops pink food coloring. Seal each container and shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly dyed. Add more food coloring 1 drop at a time as needed to get bright, vibrant colors.
Assemble the cake: Cut a 4-inch circle out of the center of each cake (reserve the small cut-out cake rounds). Put one of the cake rings on a cake stand or serving platter and frost with about 1 cup of frosting. Put the other cake ring on top and push down slightly. Fill the hole with candy. Cut one of the reserved cake rounds in half horizontally to make 2 thinner rounds. Use one to fill the hole on top of the cake. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Cut a strip of parchment about 30 inches long and 3 inches wide. Wrap this parchment around the cake like a collar, leaving 1 inch of frosting exposed around the bottom perimeter of the cake. Pack some of the blue coconut onto the exposed frosting to make your first strip of color. Lift the collar up another 1 inch and do the same with the orange coconut. Remove the collar and fill the remaining inch of frosting with the yellow coconut. For the top, make 1-inch-wide rings, starting on the outside and working your way in, with the purple, pink, blue and orange coconut until the top is completely covered. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.
PEACH PIE
This comes from my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking, available from Amazon.com.
4 C peaches, cut up
dash salt
1 – 1 1/4 C sugar
2 T butter
3 T unbleached flour
1 unbaked pie shell & lattice top
Arrange peaches in unbaked pie shell. Mix sugar, flour & salt. Sprinkle over peaches. Dot with butter. Cover with lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
MOCHA SHERBET FREEZE
Here’s a recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
2-1/4 cups strongly brewed coffee or espresso
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup whole milk
Preparation
Whisk together the coffee, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to boil for 30 seconds, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the milk.
Chill the mixture thoroughly, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Perfect Pairing: To make a Mocha Freeze, for each serving put 2 scoops of Mocha Sherbet (4 ounces, 115 g) in a blender along with 1/2 cup (125 ml) very strongly brewed coffee or espresso, 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar, and 3 ice cubes. Blend until almost smooth. Pour into a glass and top with Whipped Cream.
CRANBERRY ICE
Here’s another recipe from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. This one begins, “Lovely citrus lends flavor to tart cranberries in this refreshing sorbet that can be served up for dessert, as a palate cleanser between meals or to liven up turkey in place of cranberry sauce.”
Ingredients
2 (12 ounce) packages fresh cranberries
2 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
InstructioinsIn a large pot, add cranberries and enough water to cover. Boil until cranberries begin to pop. Drain and put through a food mill placed over a large bowl.
While still warm add sugar to dissolve in the warm berries. The amount of sugar may vary depending on the tartness of the berries, so if you decide to add more sugar remember that the mixture will be tarter when it has been frozen.
After dissolving the sugar in the berries, stir in fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Pour in 8 or 9 inch square pan and freeze overnight. Take out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before cutting.
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