Confessions of a Foodie

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Friday, August 31, 2018

Friday, Labor Day Weekend

It's Friday of the Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer. In many places, kids start back to school on Tuesday, the day after Labor Day (though kids in Florida have already been back in school for several weeks already).

Here are six yummy recipes to help you through your three-day weekend, including four strawberry recipes, along with Honolulu Bob's Burgers and Hawaiian Burgers. Enjoy!

HONOLULU BOB'S BURGERS

This comes from Country Bob's. Yield: 4 servings.

2 pounds ground beef

Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce

4 slices Cheddar Cheese

4 well-drained canned pineapple slices

Divide ground beef into 4 portions & shape each into a patty. Grill over hot coals until cooked on one side. Turn patties over. Spread with Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & top with pineapple slices. Grill for several min-utes or until cooked through. Add cheese slices. Grill until cheese melts. Top with additional Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & serve as desired.

HAWAIIAN BURGERS

Servings: 4

Source: The Diabetic Newsletter

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/25.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound extra-lean ground beef

4 slices fresh pineapple, or canned, unsweetened, water packed variety

1 clove garlic, minced

2 scallions, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

4 slices- 1 ounce each french bread

Directions

Mix the beef, garlic, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce together and form in 4 patties of equal size about 3/4" thick.

Grill or broil 4" from souce of heat, for 7 minutes for medium-rare turning once. Grill longer for well done burgers.

While burgers are grilling, brush 4 slices of fresh or canned water-packed unsweetened pineapple with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.

Grill until pineapple is heated through and seared with grill marks, about 6 minutes (2 minutes for canned pineapple).

Serve each patty open-face on a 1 oz toasted slice of French bread, topped with grilled slice, and garnished with 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 282; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 401 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g

STRAWBERRY SORBET

This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”

Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarts; Time: 10 minutes.

This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped

2 cups sugar

2 pounds strawberries, hulled

Juice of 1 to 2 lemons

Preparation

Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.

Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.

STRAWBERRY FOOL

This comes from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, “This Minimalist recipe is as basic as dessert gets, and especially in strawberry season it’s just perfect. It is essentially fresh strawberries and whipped cream (substitute heavy cream, sour cream or yogurt). It can be eaten right away or refrigerated. Only a fool would pass this up.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pint strawberries

1/2 cup sugar, or to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Preparation

Hull strawberries, then wash them and chop into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Toss with half the sugar, and wait 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices.

Place half the strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and puree. Pour puree back in bowl with chopped strawberries.

Whip the cream with remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks easily. Fold berries and cream together, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two hours.

STRAWBERRY COUNTRY CAKE

This is from Ina Garten, star of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 2 (8-inch) cakes; Level: Intermediate

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

Ingredients

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

For the filling for each cake:

1 cup (1/2 pint) heavy cream, chilled

3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter the bottom of two 8-inch cake pans. Then line them with parchment paper and butter and flour the lined pans.

Cream the butter and sugar on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. On medium speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, then the sour cream, zests, and vanilla, scraping down the bowl as needed. Mix well. Sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine just until smooth.

Pour the batter evenly into the pans, smooth the tops, and bake in the center of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then remove to wire racks and let cool to room temperature. If using 1 cake, wrap the second well and freeze.

To make the filling for one cake, whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until firm. Slice one of the cakes in half with a long, sharp knife. Place the bottom slice of the cake on a serving platter, spread with 1/2 the whipped cream and scatter with sliced strawberries. Cover with the top slice of the cake and spread with the remaining cream. Decorate with strawberries.

TUXEDO STRAWBERRIES

I originally found this in an email from About.com. According to the email, "Tuxedo Strawberries are beautiful strawberries decorated with white and dark chocolate to resemble tiny tuxedos. They are the perfect candy for Valentine's Day, weddings, showers, or any romantic occasion. Be sure to check out the photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions showing how to make tuxedo strawberries. This recipe calls for candy coating, which stays hard at room temperature and provides a nice shine. You can use real chocolate and white chocolate if you prefer, but it has a tendency to get soft at warm temperatures, so either keep the berries chilled until serving, or consider tempering the chocolates."

1 lb large strawberries

12 oz chocolate candy coating

12 oz white chocolate candy coating

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or waxed paper and set aside for now. Wash the strawberries and dry them carefully, as excess water can interfere with the dipping process.

Melt the white chocolate candy coating in the microwave, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Dip a strawberry into the white chocolate until it is almost submerged, but leave about 1/2-inch of undipped berry at the top. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and scrape the bottom of the berry against the lip of the bowl to remove excess white chocolate that might pool around the bottom of the berry. Place the berry onto the foil-lined baking sheet, and repeat with remaining berries, until all have been dipped in white chocolate.

Place the dipped berries in the refrigerator to set the white chocolate while you prepare the dark chocolate for dipping. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Once the white chocolate is completely set on the berries, take one berry and dip it into the dark chocolate at a 45-degree angle, so that the chocolate covers one side of the berry on the diagonal. Now turn it in the opposite direction and dip the other side on a 45-degree angle. The final result should be a berry that has a white "V" of chocolate showing through a darker outer coating.

Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and scrape the bottom of the berry against the lip of the bowl to remove excess chocolate that might pool around the bottom of the berry. Place the berry onto the foil-lined baking sheet, and repeat with remaining berries, until all have been dipped in dark chocolate.

Now it's time to give your berries bow ties and buttons. To pipe these on, you can use a piping bag fitted with a small round attachment, a paper cone, or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Whichever method you choose, spoon some melted chocolate into your tool of choice. Make a bow tie by drawing two connected triangles at the top of the white V. Below this, place two or three dots for buttons. Repeat until all of your strawberries are decorated.

Place the tray back in the refrigerator to set the dark chocolate, for about 10 minutes. Your Tuxedo Strawberries are now ready to eat! They will keep in the refrigerator for several days, but I think they are best soon after they are made. If you do save them for 2 – 3 days, expect to see some condensation on them as they come to room temperature.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Double-Post Thursday

Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's Double-Post Thursday. Today's double post gears up a day early for the Labor Day weekend.

Here are six recipes to help you through today, as well as the weekend, including Barbecue Sauce and Homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream. Enjoy!

HERBED BEEF KABOBS

This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, and begins, “Grilling marinated beef cubes over medium heat results in these tender evenly cooked morsels we all love.” Marinate: 1 hour; Grill: 20 minutes; Serves: 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 envelope (1 ounce) dry onion recipe soup & dip mix

1 cup Swanson® Beef Broth or Swanson® 50% Less Sodium Beef Broth

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder or small clove garlic, minced

1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak or boneless beef top round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 medium green peppers or red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

Instructions

Stir the soup mix, broth, oil, thyme, black pepper and garlic powder in a shallow nonmetallic dish or gallon size resealable plastic bag. Add the beef and stir to coat. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove the beef from the marinade. Thread the beef and peppers alternately onto 4 skewers.

Lightly oil the grill rack and heat the grill to medium. Grill the kabobs for 20 minutes for medium or to desired doneness, turning and brushing often with the marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.

BLUEBERRY PIE

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Perfection is a fool’s mission when it comes to blueberry pie. Sometimes the filling is a little runny. Other times, slightly thick, depending on the blueberries themselves. But this recipe helps even the odds, with the use of arrowroot starch in place of the more typical flour or cornstarch, and an awesome pre-thickening technique picked up from the pastry chef Kierin Baldwin. You could use a different pie crust, but I like the all-butter version below, at least with a pre-baked bottom and an artfully cut top that allows steam to escape.” Yield: Serves 8; Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

This was featured in “The Perfect Imperfections of Blueberry Pie” and can also be viewed online here. Not sure how to make a pie crust? Check out “How to Make a Pie Crust” by Melissa Clark.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 1/ 2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

8-10 tablespoons or 120 to 150 grams of ice water

1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

For the Filling:

8 cups blueberries, picked over and washed

1/2 cup raw sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2-3 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

To make the crust, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Add the butter, and either use your fingers to rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal or pulse the processor a few times to achieve a similar result. Gradually and lightly mix in ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough just comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather into a ball. Divide the ball into two equal portions, and flatten each into a disc with the heel of your hand. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

Prebake the pie shell. Heat oven to 375. Roll out one of the discs of dough on a lightly floured surface, and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough so that there is a slight overhang at the top of the pie plate, then place the shell in the freezer for 20 minutes or so to chill. Remove the pie shell from the freezer, cover the dough with parchment paper and fill the shell with pie weights or dried beans. Place the shell into the oven, and bake until the bottom has just started to brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Take the pie shell out of the oven, remove the parchment and pie weights and allow to cool.

Make the filling.Separate 1 cup of the blueberries, and combine them in the bowl of a food processor or blender with the sugar, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the arrowroot flour or cornstarch and the salt, then pulse to purée. Put the blueberry mixture into a small pot set over medium-high heat, and cook, whisking constantly, until the liquid has just thickened, approximately 1 minute. Pour the thickened mixture over the remaining blueberries, and stir to combine.

Bake the pie. Heat oven to 400. Mound the filling high in the center of the cooled pie shell, and apply the egg wash to the top edge of the cooked bottom crust. Roll out the second disc of dough, and place it over the top, gently crimping it onto the egg-washed edge of the bottom crust. Place the pie into the freezer to set, approximately 20 minutes, then cut vents into the top with a sharp knife, place the pie on a baking sheet and set it into the oven to bake for approximately 30 minutes. Then turn the pie, reduce heat to 350 and bake until the pie is golden and the filling has begun to bubble up through the vents, another 25 to 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool to room temperature before you cut into it.

HOMEMADE ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM

This comes from the almost-infamous long-since-forgotten-email-list. While I don’t remember who sent this to the list, but whoever sent it in wrote, “I love this ice cream, very creamy and I'd say it tastes better than store bought. Hope you like it as much as we do!!” Time: 45 min; 5 min prep; serves 10 - 12

2 cups 2% low-fat milk

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows (or if you REALLY like them you can use half a bag like I do!)

2/3 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

Mix all ingredients together in cylinder of ice cream maker; freeze according to manufacturers directions.

Allow to set in freezer for 2-4 hours.

Enjoy!

SOUR-CREAM COFFEE CAKE

This comes from Robert Farrar Capon in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Robert wrote, “Here is a classic coffee cake with a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping that comes together in about an hour. It's quite rich, so your serving sizes don't need to be large.” Yield: about 12 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “Good Health; Have A Nice Breakfast”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.

Make the topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts in a small bowl and mix well.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool, cut into pieces and serve.

BARBECUE SAUCE

This comes from a long-since-forgotten-email-list.

1/2 cup Karo light or dark corn syrup

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup prepared mustard

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

In 1 1/2-quart saucepan combine Karo corn syrup, onion, ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Stirring frequently, bring to boil. Reduce heat; boil gently 15 minutes or until thickened. Brush on chicken, ribs or beef, turning frequently, during last 15 to 20 minutes of grilling. Heat remaining sauce to serve with meat.

ITALIAN BEEF STUFFED SHELLS MARINARA

Makes 4 servings

View online with photo and print: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1304.shtml

Ingredients

12 ounces cooked beef pot roast or brisket

20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 8 ounces)

Filling:

1 cup lowfat cottage cheese

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 large egg, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce

Salt and pepper (optional)

Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375F.

Prepare pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set aside. Shred beef pot roast with two forks.

Meanwhile, combine pot roast, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and garlic in large bowl.

Fill shells evenly with beef mixture. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce on bottom of 11 X 7-inch glass baking dish. Arrange shells in dish; top with remaining sauce.

Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in 375F oven 20 minutes or until heated through.

Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

Bake, uncovered, 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned and sauce is bubbly.

Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil, if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 364; Protein: 40 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 238 mg; Cholesterol: 119 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g

Diabetic Thursday

Time for another Diabetic Thursday. Here are today's six diabetic recipes to help you through the day, including Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms and Tarragon and Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins. Enjoy!

ALMOND APRICOT MUFFINS

These fluffy muffins are easy to make and a treat to eat. Apricot preserves and almond extract make them truly unforgettable.

Yield: 6 servings

See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1191.shtml

Ingredients

1 serving Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

1 cup Pillsbury Best All Purpose Flour

1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

2 tablespoons Crisco Pure Canola Oil

2 tablespoons skim milk

1/2 cup Smucker's Apricot Sugar Free Preserves, plus additional for spreading on tops of muffins.

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 6 muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray.

Combine flour, Splenda Granulated Sweetener, baking powder and salt in medium mixing bowl.

Beat together egg, oil and milk. Blend in preserves and almond extract. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Fill muffin cups evenly with batter.

Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Spread tops with a thin layer of preserves before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 50; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 190 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Saturated Fat: 0.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g

THAI CHICKEN WITH BASIL

Yield: 4 servings

Source: The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/653.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 large onion (12 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

2 red or green chiles (serrano or jalapeno), seeded and cut into matchstick strips

2 teaspoons minced, peeled fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, crushed with garlic press

1-1/2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Directions

With knife held in slanting position, almost parallel to cutting surface, cut each chicken breast half crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. In medium bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar; add chicken slices, tossing to coat. Let marinate 5 minutes.

In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Add chicken with marinade and cook, stirring frequently (stir-frying), until chicken loses its pink color throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer chicken to bowl.

Add onion to marinade remaining in skillet and cook, stir-frying, until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Stir in chiles, ginger, and garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Return chicken to skillet; heat thorough. Stir in basil leaves just before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 238; Protein: 31 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 784 mg; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Bread/Starch

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP MINI MUFFINS

Yield: 48 servings

See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1190.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup light butter, softened

1/3 cup Splenda Sugar Blend

1/3 cup packed Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 medium ripe bananas, mashed

1 large egg

1 (12 ounce) package Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray 48 mini-muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; set aside.

Combine butter, Splenda Sugar Blend, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend and vanilla in large bowl; beat at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Beat in bananas and egg. Gradually mix in flour mixture; stir in morsels. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pan, filling cups 2/3 full.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans on wire rack. Remove muffins from pans to wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 90; Calories from Fat: 35; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 3.5 g; Sodium: 55 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

BEEF STEAK AND ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD

Yield: 4 servings

See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1007.shtml

Ingredients

2 beef top loin steaks or four beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick

8 cups torn salad greens

3/4 cup Italian dressing

Roasted Vegetables:

16 small mushrooms

1 large red, yellow or green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch wide strips

1 medium Japanese eggplant, sliced (1-inch)

1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 medium zucchini, sliced (1-inch)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

Directions

Heat oven to 425F. Spray 15 x 10-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place vegetables in pan; spray generously with cooking spray. Drizzle with vinegar; sprinkle with garlic, rosemary and salt and pepper. Stir to coat.

Roast in 425F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until tender, stirring once. Cool slightly.

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook top loin steaks 12 to 15 minutes (tenderloin steaks 10 to 13 minutes) for medium rare (145F) to medium (160F) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove; let stand 10 minutes.

Carve steaks; season with salt. Arrange beef and vegetables on greens. Serve with dressing.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 418; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 24 g; Sodium: 849 mg; Cholesterol: 56 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 8.7 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g

CHILI BANZOS

Yield: 8 Servings (1/4 cup each)

Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/651.shtml

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces each) garbanzo beans

Olive oil cooking spray

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce

1-2 teaspoons chili powder

1-2 teaspoons garlic powder

1-2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2-3 dashes hot pepper sauce

Salt, to taste

Directions

Rinse beans, drain, and dry well on paper toweling.

Arrange beans in large skillet; spray generously with cooking spray. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until beans begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Combine Worcestershire sauce, spices, and hot pepper sauce; pour over beans and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Transfer beans to jelly roll pan; bake at 325 degrees F. until beans are very crisp on the outside, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring twice. Cool; store in airtight container.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 109; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 440 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 18.5 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Bread

CHICKEN BREASTS WITH MUSHROOMS AND TARRAGON

Yield: 6 servings

Source: The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/655.shtml

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound assorted mushrooms (white and cremini, trimmed and sliced; shiitake, stems removed and caps sliced)

1 large shallot, finely chopped

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 pounds)

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup dry white wine

Directions

In 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.

Add mushrooms and shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and any liquid has been evaporated, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer mushroom mixture to bowl.

On waxed paper, combine flour, 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon, salt and pepper; use flour mixture to coat chicken, shaking off excess.

In same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-heat until very hot. Add chicken and cook until chicken is golden brown and loses its pink color throughout, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to warm platter.

Add broth, wine, remaining 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon, and mushroom mixture to skillet; cook 1 minute, stirring until browned bits are loosened from bottom of skillet. Pour sauce over chicken.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 212; Protein: 29 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 437 mg; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1/2 Bread/Starch

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Meatloaf

Today's post revolves around the simple (and simply wonderful) meatloaf.

It seems that everyone who's ever fixed meatloaf has his or her own twist on this humble meal. Today's six recipes include Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Athenian Meatloaf with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce. Enjoy!

FANCY MEATLOAF

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “I was invited to cook dinner for Nora Ephron.’ As was wont to happen at one point in New York. Back in 2009, Sam Sifton was invited to a potluck in which “guests were meant to bring food inspired by Ephron’s career or by the woman herself.” He drew meatloaf, a dish she was known for. Here, in this recipe adapted from Gourmet, he pairs beef, veal, pancetta and Parmesan. The end result, he described, as ‘luxurious.’ And what did Ms. Ephron think? She called it ‘remarkable.’”

Yield: Serves 6 to 8; Time: 80 minutes.

This was featured in “Potlucky” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1/2 loaf Italian bread, crust removed, torn into small pieces (about 2 cups)

1 cup whole milk

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground veal

2 large eggs, scrambled

4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped

3/4 cup grated Parmesan

1 bunch parsley, cleaned and finely chopped (about 1 cup)

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup butter

1 cup dry white wine

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Soak bread in milk for 10 minutes.

Mix beef, veal, eggs, pancetta, Parmesan, parsley and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Squeeze the bread to remove excess milk, then chop and add it to the meat. Mix gently until well combined, but do not overmix. Transfer onto a board and shape into a fine meatloaf, shy of a foot in length and 4 inches across. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Heat oil and butter in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatloaf and sear without moving it until it is browned, about 5 minutes. Carefully slide a spatula under the meatloaf, then gently use another spatula to help turn it and brown the second side, again without moving it for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the fat, return skillet to the stove and raise heat to high. Add wine and deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits stuck to it with a wooden spoon. Return meatloaf to the skillet and then transfer to the oven, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 150 degrees, about 25 minutes.

Transfer the meatloaf to a platter and let stand, tented with foil, 10 minutes. Slice, pour the pan juices over the top and serve.

MUSHROOM MEATLOAF

Yield: 8 servings

Source: Secrets of Good-Carb Low-Carb Living

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/739.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds 95-percent-lean ground beef or ground turkey

2 cups very finely chopped fresh mushrooms

3/4 cup very finely chopped onion

3/4 cup quick-cooking (1-minute) oats

8-ounce can tomato sauce with roasted garlic or Italian herbs

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fat-free egg substitute

1/4 cup very finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place all of the ingredients except for 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a large bowl, and mix well.

Coat a 9-by-5-inch meatloaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture into the pan to form a loaf.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Spread the remaining tomato sauce over the meatloaf and bake for 30 additional minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink inside and a meat thermometer reads at least 160 degrees.

Remove the loaf from the oven, and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 4.4 g; Sodium: 399 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.6 g; Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 3 Low-Fat Meat, 1 Vegetable

BILL BLASS’S MEATLOAF

This is from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and starts off, “This homespun, bacon-wrapped version of the American classic is attributed to Bill Blass, the world-famous clothing designer of the 60s, 70s and 80s, who is perhaps best known for dressing First Lady Nancy Reagan and the upper echelons of New York society. While he became hugely successful – he reportedly sold his business for $50 million in 1999 – his culinary tastes remained firmly Midwestern. From his 2002 obituary in The Times: ‘A man of robust but simple tastes who would go out of his way for a hamburger, Mr. Blass would serve guests his own meatloaf recipe, followed perhaps by lemon meringue pie. He always maintained, only partly in jest, “My claim to immortality will be my meatloaf.”’ This is his recipe.”

Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.

This was featured in “Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped celery

1 onion, chopped

3 tablespoons butter

2 pounds ground beef sirloin

1/2 pound ground veal

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/3 cup sour cream

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 egg

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 cups Heinz chili sauce

3 slices bacon

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, saute the celery and onion in the butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Scrape into a large mixing bowl and cool.

When the onions are cool enough to handle, add the meats, parsley, sour cream, bread crumbs, thyme, marjoram and salt and pepper to the bowl. Whisk the egg with the Worcestershire sauce and add to the mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, combine the mixture and mold into the shape of a loaf.

Place the meatloaf in the prepared pan. Top with the chili sauce and bacon slices. Bake until firm and nicely browned, about 1 hour.

TURKEY MEATLOAF WITH FETA AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

This is from Giada de Laurentiis on the Food Network show, Giada at Home.

Total: 1 hr 5 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 5 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Vegetable cooking spray

1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup chopped garlic and herb-marinated sun-dried tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced, optional

2 eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons whole milk

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat

Directions

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, if using, eggs, milk, feta, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Carefully pack the meat mixture into the prepared pan and bake until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice. Put on a serving platter and serve.

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.

ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE

Makes 8 servings

Source: TBC

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef

1 cup soft bread crumbs*

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided

1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup diced cucumber

* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.

Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.

Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: .4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Thai Peanut Chicken and Grasshopper Brownies. Enjoy!

CREAMY RIGATONI WITH SAUSAGE AND FENNEL

This comes from Stephanie who came up with Girl versus Dough. If you haven’t checked out her site (and subscribed), I definitely recommend checking it out!

This recipe, which Stephanie adapted from the Food Network, begins, “This pasta. This is last-meal kind of pasta. This is the kind of pasta you eat when you don’t just want any old variety of carbs and cheese — you want grown-up, legit, every-bite-is-a-flavor-explosion kind of pasta. This is it.”

Prep Time: 40 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes; Yields: 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups chopped fresh fennel or celery

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 lb bulk mild Italian sausage

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds, crushed or chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup half-and-half

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 lb rigatoni pasta

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided

1 cup fresh-grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

In large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add fennel and onion and cook, stirring often, 7 to 9 minutes until soft.

Add sausage; cook 7 to 9 minutes, crumbling as you cook, until sausage is cooked through and browned. Add garlic, crushed fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then pour in white wine. Bring to boil. Add heavy cream, half-and-half and tomato paste. Return to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. Add 2 tablespoons salt to boiling water, then add rigatoni pasta. Cook according to package directions. Drain and add to sauce; stir to coat pasta.

Off heat, stir in 1/4 cup parsley and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Serve topped with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese.

CREAMY WEEKNIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Just as quick as the boxed variety, this creamy macaroni and cheese skirts the traditional butter and flour roux with assistance from cream cheese. While the cream cheese adds an important lusciousness, it doesn’t do the macaroni and cheese any favors when it comes to its flavor, so it’s important to use the sharpest, tangiest Cheddar you can get your hands on. For perfectly coated noodles, make sure to cook the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two.”

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta

Kosher salt

2 cups whole milk

8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces

12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar, grated

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until just barely al dente; drain.

Meanwhile, bring milk up to a simmer in a large pot. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and whisk until it’s completely blended and no lumps remain. Add Cheddar cheese and butter, whisking until everything is completely melted. Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper.

Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened and is coating each piece of pasta nicely, 2 to 3 minutes; sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Season again with more salt and pepper before serving.

GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES

This is from Yossy Arefi in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Yossy wrote, “The classic grasshopper cocktail is made from equal parts crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Its mint-chocolatey flavors translate perfectly to all sorts of desserts. These decadent layered bars start with a super fudgy brownie base, which is covered with crème de menthe infused buttercream, and a shell of rich chocolate ganache tops it all off. You could certainly substitute a bit more peppermint extract (about 2 teaspoons) and skip the alcohol in the crème de menthe if you’d like to keep these more family friendly. Peppermint extract varies quite a bit in intensity by brand, which is why a range is given, so taste as you go.”

Yield: One 8-by-8-inch pan, 16 servings; Time: About 1 hour plus chilling

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Brownie:

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 large eggs

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/3 cup all purpose flour

For the Crème De Menthe Buttercream:

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature

2 tablespoons crème de menthe

1/2 to 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Pinch kosher salt

2 cups confectioner’s sugar

For the Ganache:

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pinch kosher salt

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees and line the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Make the brownies: In a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the 8 ounces/227 grams bittersweet chocolate and 1/2 cup/113 grams butter, stirring occasionally until smooth.

In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together, until the mixture lightens a bit in color and texture, about 1 minute. Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt, followed by the chocolate and butter mixture. Fold in the flour until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs, 20 to 25 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool completely.

Make the buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the crème de menthe, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt and mix until smooth. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar. Increase the speed and beat until smooth. Taste and add more peppermint extract if desired.

Spread the buttercream over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate the brownies until the buttercream is cold and firm, about 30 minutes.

Make the ganache: Combine all of the ingredients for the ganache in a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Warm the mixture, stirring occasionally until it is melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate over the cooled buttercream and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Chill until the topping is set, about 30 minutes. Store the brownies in the refrigerator. For the cleanest slices make sure to remove the brownies from the pan and wipe off your knife in between cuts.

CREAMY NO CHURN RASPBERRY CRUMBLE ICE CREAM

This comes from the wonderful people at Feedfeed, and begins, “Sunshine in Vancouver got me like... let’s make homemade ice cream!!”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Crisp

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3 tbsp butter, cold

No Churn Ice Cream

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Raspberry Jam, about 2/3 cup

Directions

For the Brown Sugar Crisp: Preheat oven to 350˚F degrees and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add cold butter and work the butter into the dry ingredients with a pasty cutter until the butter is incorporated and you are left with a crumbly mixture. Spread onto prepared baking sheet and place in the oven to bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and and allow to cool completely. Set aside until ready to use assemble ice cream.

For the No Churn Ice Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment on high until smooth and creamy and there are no lumps. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the whipping cream in a steady stream. Once all the cream in incorporated, turn the mixer to high and whip until stiff peaks form; about 3-4 minutes.

Add half of the whipped cream cheese mixture to the condensed milk mixture and whisk to combine. Add the condensed milk mixture to your bowl of whipped cream and use a spatula to fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk until smooth and no streaks of whipped cream remain.

Pour 1/2 of the mixture into a 9 or 10 inch cake pan (alternatively you could use a loaf pan). Set the pan and the remaining ice cream mixture in your freezer for 15 minutes to set slightly. Once set remove and begin assembling your ice cream.

Dollop about 1/3 of a cup of your raspberry jam over the ice cream in the pan. Use a spoon to spread it evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1/2 of your crumble mixture. Dollop the rest of your ice cream mixture on top and use a spoon to smooth. Dollop the remaining jam across the top of the ice cream and use a knife or the back of your spoon to create the pretty swirls. Sprinkle with remaining crisp mixture.

Cover with plastic wrap and set in the freezer for 5-6 hours before serving.

TUSCAN TORTELLINI SALAD

This comes from Rian Handler on Delish. Rian wrote, “This hearty pasta salad might be better than a trip to Tuscany.”

Yields: 6; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb. fresh cheese tortellini

1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1/2 tbsp. honey

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3/4 c. chopped salami or prosciutto

1/2 c. baby spinach

1/2 c. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and transfer to large serving bowl.

Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey and season with salt and pepper.

To bowl, add prosciutto, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and dressing and toss until well combined.

Garnish with Parmesan.

THAI PEANUT CHICKEN

This recipe, from FamilyTime, begins, “This company-worthy, skillet dish is perfect for weeknight dinners too...it's ready in just 30 minutes and features a savory peanut sauce accented with garlic, lime and cilantro.”

Serves: 4 servings (about 1 1/4 cups each); Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast half (about 1 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

4 teaspoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

2 medium red, yellow or orange bell pepper, cut into 2-inch-long strips (about 3 cups)

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)

1 cup milk or water

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Hot cooked rice

Directions

Stir the chicken, garlic, lime juice and 1 tablespoon cilantro in a medium bowl.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook until the chicken is well browned, stirring often. Remove the chicken mixture from the skillet.

Heat the remaining oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook until they're tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.

Stir the soup, milk and peanut butter in the skillet and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve the chicken mixture with the rice and sprinkle with the remaining cilantro.

For Thai Chicken: Substitute 1 cup coconut milk for the milk and add 1 tablespoon green or red curry paste with the peanut butter.

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's six recipes include Cheeseburger Tacos and Spicy Moroccan Chickpea Tacos. Enjoy!

TACO STUFFED PEPPERS

This comes from Lauren Miyahira on Delish, and begins, “Taco 'bout a healthy dinner!”

Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 Onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lb. ground beef

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp. Chopped cilantro

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

3 bell peppers, halved (seeds removed)

1 c. shredded Cheddar

1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

1 c. Shredded lettuce

Pico de gallo, for serving

Hot sauce, for serving

Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Add onion and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain fat.

Add chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika to beef mixture, then season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the peppers, cut side up, in the baking dish and spoon meat mixture into each pepper. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the peppers are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.

Top each pepper with lettuce and serve with pico de gallo, hot sauce, and lime wedges.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND BLACK BEAN TACOS

This comes from Ali in her cool blog, Gimme Some Oven. Check out her blog!

This yummy recipe begins, “These Roasted Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos are topped with a zesty tahini-cumin-lime crema, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan, and muy delicioso.”

Total Time: 50 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes Yield: About 4 - 6; Vegan

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

Taco Ingredients:

1 batch Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower (see below)

1 batch Black Beans (see below)

1 batch Cumin Lime Crema (see below)

corn tortillas*

toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime wedges, pepitas, and/or thinly-sliced radishes

Tumeric Roasted Cauliflower Ingredients:

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)

4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, kosher salt, paprika

1/2 teaspoon each: crushed red pepper flakes, freshly-cracked black pepper, ground turmeric

Refried Black Bean Ingredients:

1 small white onion

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon each: chili powder, Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Cumin Lime Cream Ingredients:

1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced

1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

3 tablespoons tahini

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon Mexican hot sauce (such as Cholula)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

To Make the Tacos:

Prepare the cauliflower, refried black beans and crema as directed below.

To serve, place a layer of refried black beans in a tortilla, top with roasted cauliflower, a drizzle of the crema, and your desired toppings.

To Make the Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower:

Heat oven to 450°F.

In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and ground turmeric until evenly combined.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then place the cauliflower in a single layer on the sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until it is tender and browned, stirring once halfway through.

Serve immediately.

To Make the Refried Black Beans:

Peel and halve the onion, then slice into half-moon shapes. Drain the beans, reserving 1/2 cup of the can liquid.

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the beans, reserved can liquid, kosher salt, chili powder and black pepper. Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often and smashing the beans toward the end of the cook time, until most of the liquid has cooked out and the texture is mashed and thick. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan as necessary. Taste and season with additional salt as desired.

To Make the Cumin Lime Crema:

In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, lime juice, tahini, olive oil, hot sauce, cumin and salt until evenly combined. Add 1-2 tablespoons water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.

*If you’d like to char the tortillas, turn on a gas burner to medium heat and place the tortilla directly on the grate. After about 15 seconds, once the edges are lightly charred, use tongs to flip the tortilla. Then heat on the opposite side until lightly charred. Repeat for all tortillas, keeping a close eye on them while cooking so that they do not catch fire.

CHEESEBURGER TACOS

This recipe comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Cheeseburger tacos are a tasty take on tried-and-true burgers. Try them filled with lettuce, onion and pickle relish and seasoned with savory taco seasoning mix.”

Serves: 6; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound lean lean beef

3/4 cup water

1 packet (1.25-oz.) ORTEGA® Taco Seasoning Mix

8 ounces pasteurized prepared cheese, cubed

2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard

12 ORTEGA® Taco Shells or White Corn Taco Shells, warmed

2 cups shredded lettuce

2 cups chopped tomato

1 cup sweet pickle relish

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup ORTEGA® Medium Taco Sauce

Directions

Brown beef; drain. Stir in water and seasoning mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened. Add cheese and mustard; stir until cheese is melted.

Fill taco shells with beef mixture. Top with lettuce, tomato, relish, onion and taco sauce.

CHEESY TACO NOODLES

This came from Delish, and starts off, “Say hello to your favorite new twist on tacos.”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 large white onion, chopped

1/2 jalapeño, minced

salt for seasoning

1 lb. ground beef

2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning

12 oz. No Yolks® Extra Broad Noodles

1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

3 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 c. heavy cream

1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar

1 1/2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and season with salt. Cook until tender, 5 minutes, then add jalapeño. Cook 2 minutes more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 6 minutes, then drain the fat. Add the taco seasoning.

Add No Yolks noodles and stir until coated in beef mixture, then add fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until noodles are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.

Remove from heat and add both cheeses and toss to coat.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

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 NACHO TACOS

This recipe is from Family Time, and begins, “These tasty tacos combine a few on-hand ingredients with canned chicken and fiesta nacho cheese soup to make a delicious dish super-simple!”

Serves: 4 servings (2 tacos each); Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup

2 cans (4.5 ounces each) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

8 taco shell, warmed

shredded lettuce

Chopped tomatoes

Directions

Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and chili powder and cook until the onion is tender, stirring often.

Stir the soup and chicken in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Spoon the chicken mixture into the taco shells. Top with the lettuce and tomato.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Double-Post Monday

Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's six recipes include Enchiladas Con Carne and Tie-Dye Cheesecake. Enjoy!

CREAMY RIGATONI WITH SAUSAGE AND FENNEL

This comes from Stephanie who came up with Girl versus Dough. If you haven’t checked out her site (and subscribed), I definitely recommend checking it out!

This recipe, which Stephanie adapted from the Food Network, begins, “This pasta. This is last-meal kind of pasta. This is the kind of pasta you eat when you don’t just want any old variety of carbs and cheese — you want grown-up, legit, every-bite-is-a-flavor-explosion kind of pasta. This is it.”

Prep Time: 40 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes; Yields: 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups chopped fresh fennel or celery

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 lb bulk mild Italian sausage

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds, crushed or chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup half-and-half

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 lb rigatoni pasta

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided

1 cup fresh-grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

In large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add fennel and onion and cook, stirring often, 7 to 9 minutes until soft.

Add sausage; cook 7 to 9 minutes, crumbling as you cook, until sausage is cooked through and browned. Add garlic, crushed fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then pour in white wine. Bring to boil. Add heavy cream, half-and-half and tomato paste. Return to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. Add 2 tablespoons salt to boiling water, then add rigatoni pasta. Cook according to package directions. Drain and add to sauce; stir to coat pasta.

Off heat, stir in 1/4 cup parsley and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Serve topped with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese.

CHEESY TACO NOODLES

This came from Delish, and starts off, “Say hello to your favorite new twist on tacos.”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 large white onion, chopped

1/2 jalapeño, minced

salt for seasoning

1 lb. ground beef

2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning

12 oz. No Yolks® Extra Broad Noodles

1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

3 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 c. heavy cream

1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar

1 1/2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and season with salt. Cook until tender, 5 minutes, then add jalapeño. Cook 2 minutes more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 6 minutes, then drain the fat. Add the taco seasoning.

Add No Yolks noodles and stir until coated in beef mixture, then add fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until noodles are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.

Remove from heat and add both cheeses and toss to coat.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

TIE-DYE CHEESECAKE

This is from The Food Network, and begins, “This outrageous psychedelic cheesecake is an ode to all the tie-dye of the 1960s. Making the vibrant swirls is much easier to do than it looks; all you need is a wooden skewer – groovy!” Total: 10 hr 45 min; Active: 35 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 18 whole crackers)

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch fine salt

Filling:

Three 11.5-ounce containers whipped cream cheese

1 1/4 cups sugar

One 16-ounce container sour cream, at room temperature

1 cup heavy cream

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Neon blue, pink and purple food coloring

Yellow food coloring

Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

Special equipment: a 10-inch springform pan and a wooden skewer

Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.

For the crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and salt and press into bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely. Wrap up the bottom and sides of pan with a large piece of foil and put in a large roasting pan.

For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar, in a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until just combined. Mix in the eggs, by hand, 1 at time. Then mix in the vanilla, lemon juice, by hand as well, until just combined. (Overmixing can turn your cheesecake into a souffle.)

Using a ladle, divide the cheesecake batter into 4 separate bowls. Dye each a separate color; blue, pink, purple and yellow. Add enough food coloring so that the colors are very vibrant and intense.

Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the crust, alternating the colors, until all the batter has been scooped. Use a wooden skewer and drag it through the colors to marble them for tie-dye effect, making sure the skewer reaches down to the bottom of the pan. Transfer the pan to the roasting pan. Add enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan.

Bake until the outside of the cake is set and the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.

Unmold the cheesecake and transfer to a serving plate or cake stand. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.

"BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD

Kathy Kingsley is one of About.com's American Food guides. Kathy wrote, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes

I couldn't find the original link to this recipe. If/when I do find it, I'll post it.

Ingredients:

1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well

1 1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup finely diced celery

1/4 cup minced red onion

1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

1/4 finely grated carrot

2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Preparation:

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour

To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.

Ingredients

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta

Kosher salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

1 clove garlic, finely grated

1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika

Freshly ground pepper

12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated

12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated

For the Topping (Optional):

1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko

4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.

Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).

Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

ENCHILADAS CON CARNE

This is from Sam Sifton, founding editor of New York Times Cooking. Sam wrote, “There are a few cool tricks to this recipe, one of which I picked up from an old issue of Bon Appétit, one I learned from Robb Walsh, the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur who runs El Real Tex-Mex in Houston, and a final one I learned by happenstance. First, for the thickening agent in the chile sauce, toast raw all-purpose flour in a pan until it is nutty and golden brown, then reserve it to stir in with the browned beef later in the recipe. Second, if you like truly melty cheese in the classic Tex-Mex tradition, use a mixture of American cheese, like Velveeta, with the Cheddar you use inside and on top of the finished enchiladas. Finally, if you’re fearful that a casserole of cheese, chili and fried tortillas may be a little rich for dinner, serve it with a bowl of tomatillo pineapple salsa on the side. The acidity provides a nice balance. (Note also that as with all recipes, but particularly this one, some planning and practice can get the preparation down to 60 minutes.)” (Note: You may have to sign up to see the above-mentioned salsa.)

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time 1 1/2 hours

This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table,” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Chili Con Carne:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola

1 pound ground chuck beef, ideally 20 percent fat

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1 medium white onion, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 jalapeño pepper or more to taste, seeds removed if you want it less spicy, stemmed and chopped

1 cup chopped or canned crushed tomatoes

3 tablespoons chile powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican

2 cups chicken stock, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought

For the Enchiladas:

1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola

12 yellow corn tortillas

3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta

1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped (optional)

Preparation

Prepare the chili con carne: Put flour in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden brown and smell nutty, then pour it onto a plate to cool.

Wipe out sauté pan and return it to high heat with 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot and shimmery, add ground beef to pan, and cook, breaking it up with a fork and stirring, until it is well browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then use a slotted spoon to remove meat to a bowl, leaving drippings behind.

Add onion, garlic and jalapeño to pan and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits of meat, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Stir in tomatoes and cook until their liquid has evaporated, then add chile powder, cumin and oregano and stir to combine. After a minute or so, when mixture begins to turn fragrant, return browned meat to pan, along with toasted flour, and stir well to combine.

Lower heat to medium-high and slowly stir in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture has thickened and started to simmer. Lower heat again and allow chili to cook slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until meat is tender. Add more stock or water if needed. Use immediately, or let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a few days.

When you are ready to cook the enchiladas, heat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup neutral oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.

Assemble the enchiladas: Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, along with a tablespoon or so of chili, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle remaining chili over top of rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over the top, if using, and serve immediately.

Meatless Monday

It's time for another Meatless Monday. Here are today's six vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Chipotle-Molasses Barbecued Tempeh and Frozen Blueberry Lemonade Pie. Enjoy!

GRILLED CORN ON THE COB

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

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/grilled-corn-on-the-cob.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

1 ear fresh corn on the cob, with the husk

1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted

Kosher salt

Directions

Prepare a charcoal grill with a single layer of hot coals.

Peel back the husk from the corn and remove the silk. Brush the kernels with the melted butter and replace the husk to cover the ear of corn.

Grill the corn for a total of 20 minutes, turning it every 5 minutes. Remove the ear from the grill and carefully peel back the husk. Sprinkle the kernels with salt and serve.

SOUR-CREAM COFFEE CAKE

This comes from Robert Farrar Capon in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Robert wrote, “Here is a classic coffee cake with a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping that comes together in about an hour. It's quite rich, so your serving sizes don't need to be large.” Yield: about 12 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “Good Health; Have A Nice Breakfast”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.

Make the topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts in a small bowl and mix well.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool, cut into pieces and serve.

GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE WITH CREAMY AVOCADO RANCH DRESSING

This, as well as the next recipe (Chipotle-Molasses Barbecued Tempeh), came from the July 2015 issue of Better Nutrition, which I picked up at my favorite store, Rollin’ Oats in St. Petersburg, Florida. It begins, “Romaine leaves take on a complex, smoky flavor when grilled. Smother them with fresh-tasting vegan ‘ranch’ for a scrumptious salad that stands up to any steakhouse Caesar.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

4 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise

4 medium tomatoes, quartered

1/3 cup olive oil, plus additional for brushing

3/4 cup cashew butter

1 small avocado, pitted and peeled

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. honey

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbs. dried dill weed

Lightly oil grill racks and preheat grill to medium high. Brush all surfaces of romaine and tomatoes with olive oil.

Arrange, cut side down, on grill (use a grill grate for tomatoes). Grill tomatoes 4 minutes, romaine 5–6 minutes.

While lettuce and tomatoes are grilling, combine remaining ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve, arrange lettuce halves and tomatoes on 8 individual plates. Pour dressing over all, and serve immediately.

per serving: 280 cal; 5g pro; 25g total fat (4g sat fat); 13g carb; 0mg chol; 105mg sod; 3g fiber; 4g sugars

CHIPOTLE-MOLASSES BARBECUED TEMPEH

This begins, “This recipe contains honey, which may or may not be part of your vegan diet. You can easily swap out traditional honey with a vegan alternative like Bee Free Honee (beefreehonee.com).” Serves 8.

1 1/2 cups tomato purée

1/2 cup tomato paste

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 large garlic clove, chopped

1 medium canned chipotle pepper, seeds removed

1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

1 Tbs. molasses

2 Tbs. honey

1 Tbs. tamari

2 blocks tempeh

2 Tbs. olive oil

Ciabatta bread or whole-grain hamburger buns, optional

In medium saucepan, combine tomato purée, tomato paste, onion, garlic, chipotle chili, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, uncovered. Transfer to blender, add molasses, honey, and tamari, and purée until smooth.

Cut each tempeh block in half crosswise, then split lengthwise to make thinner slabs. Arrange in baking dish and brush with oil. Pour barbecue sauce over tempeh, and bake 10 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and tempeh is cooked through.

Remove from oven and let cool. Cover baking dish to transport to barbecue; warm tempeh slabs on grill and serve on buns, if desired.

per serving (without buns): 200 cal; 12g pro; 10g total fat (2g sat fat); 20g carb; 0mg chol; 450mg sod; 2g fiber; 11g sugars

FROZEN BLUEBERRY LEMONADE PIE

This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “Blueberries give this frozen lemonade pie extra color and flavor, and it is a fabulous pie for a hot summer day. The pie takes just a few minutes to mix - just freeze and eat!” Prep Time: 6 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 6 minutes; Yield: 8 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 can (6 ounces) frozen lemonade

1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, regular or "lite," thawed in the refrigerator

1 deep dish graham cracker pie crust, homemade or purchased

Preparation

Put the blueberries, sweetened condensed milk, and frozen lemonade in a blender container. Blend until well mixed.

Pour into a bowl and fold in the whipped topping until well blended.

Spoon into the prepared crust.

Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.

If frozen solid, take it out of the freezer 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Note: I used a "2 extra servings" deep dish ready crust for the pie. A smaller pie shell will leave you with extra filling.

Just freeze any excess in small ramekins or 4-ounce canning jars and serve as a frozen pudding.

TERIYAKI TOFU KABOBS

Yield 4 servings

Serving Size: 2 skewers

Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible

Author: Hope Warshaw and Robyn Webb

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/330.shtml

Ingredients

8 bamboo skewers

3/4 pound extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 32 cubes

1 red pepper, cut into 16 squares

1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserve 1/2 cup juice

1 tablespoon lite soy sauce

1 clove garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger

Directions

Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning as you cook the skewers.

Meanwhile, put the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple chunks in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Add reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Drain, reserving marinade to baste. Thread the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple on the skewers.

Prepare an outdoor grill or oven broiler with the rack set 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade. Serve with brown rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 107; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 147 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Very Lean Meat