Confessions of a Foodie

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Showing posts with label Vegetable and Bean Soup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegetable and Bean Soup. Show all posts

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Diabetic Thursday

It's Diabetic Thursday, time to check out how yummy diabetic recipes can be. Today's offerings include Spicy Buffalo-Style Meatballs and Blueberry Muffins. Enjoy!

BUTTERSCOTCH OATMEAL COOKIES

Yield: about 4 dozen cookies

Serving size: 1 cookie

Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1082.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1/3 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Butter-scotch Flavored Morsels

Directions

Preheat oven to 375F.

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar blend, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies, 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Protein: 1 g ; Fat: 7 g ; Sodium: 90 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg ; Carbohydrates: 16 g

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

Yield: 6 servings

Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/900.shtml

Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml

Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.

Stir well before serving.

If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g ; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

CURRIED CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS

Makes 6 servings.

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/988.shtml

Ingredients

6 chicken breast halves, skinned

6 ounces dried apricots, cut in half

1/4 cup raisins

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon light margarine, melted

2 tablespoons minced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1 bay leaf, broken

1/4 cup skim milk

Directions

In small bowl, place apricots and raisins. Add orange juice and let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In small dish, place margarine. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, ginger and bay leaf; stir to mix well.

In greased 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange chicken in single layer. Spread spice mixture evenly over chicken. With slotted spoon, remove apricots and raisins from orange juice and arrange in dish with chicken. To orange juice, add skim milk; pour over chicken.

Cover and bake in 350F. oven about 1 hour, removing cover after 45 minutes and cooking uncovered for final 15 minutes.

If desired, garnish with red cherries and serve with rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Blueberry-filled muffins that have a cake-like texture.

Yield: 12 muffins

Serving size: 1 muffin

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/998.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup light margarine, softened

1 cup Splenda Essentials No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber, Granulated

1/4 cup honey

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed

Directions

Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven.

Preheat oven to 400F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Lightly spray liners with nonstick cooking spray.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.

Beat margarine at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add Splenda Essentials Granulated Sweetener and honey, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon batter evenly into paper lined muffin cups. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Calories from Fat: 45; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g ; Sugars: 8 g ; Carbohydrates: 26 g

CRANBERRY SALAD

The recipe begins, “A great salad for the holidays, combining fresh or frozen cranberries, pineapple and chopped nuts in a sugar-free gelatin base. Plus, it has 58% fewer calories than the traditional recipe.”

Serves: 8

Photo and Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1031.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup water

1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

1 four-serving size cranberry or cherry sugar-free gelatin

1 cup boiling water

1 cup diced celery

1 can (7-1/4 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Bring cranberries and water to a boil. Remove from heat when cranberries have popped open. Stir in Equal. Set aside to cool.

Dissolve gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add cranberry sauce; mix thoroughly. Add celery, pineapple with juice and walnuts. Pour into a mold or bowl. Refrigerate several hours or overnight until firm.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 82; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 32 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 fat

SPICY BUFFALO-STYLE MEATBALLS

Makes 32 appetizer servings.

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/541.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound 95% lean ground beef

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 to 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon honey

Blue cheese dressing

Celery sticks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 32 1-inch meatballs; place on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine hot pepper sauce, butter and honey in large bowl; mix well. Add meatballs; stir to coat.

Serve with dressing and celery sticks, as desired. Makes 32 appetizer servings. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef done-ness.

Cook's Tip: 1 package (about 18 ounces) frozen fully-cooked beef meatballs can be substituted for ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook meatballs according to package directions. Continue as directed in step 3.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 33; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 78 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Carbohydrates: 1 g

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Diabetic Thursday

Here are today's six diabetic recipes for Diabetic Thursday. Enjoy!

PEACH MELBA

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

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

Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/575.shtml

Ingredients

4 large ripe peaches

2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raspberries

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder plus water to make 1/4 cup

1 tablespoon unsweetened grape juice

Directions

Blanch peaches by dropping them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove, run under cold water and peel off skins.

Cut in half, discard pits and place 2 peach halves on each of 4 individual dessert dishes.

Puree raspberries with remaining ingredients, reserving 2 tablespoons of berries for garnish. Spoon puree over peaches, top with berries and serve cold.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 112, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Protein: 5 g, Sodium: 50 mg, Fat: 2.7 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fruit, 1 Milk

POACHED PEARS IN CINNAMON GINGER SAUCE

Servings: 6

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/16.shtml

Ingredients

6 Bosc or Anjou pears *

2 lemons, cut in half

6 cups water

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 whole cinnamon sticks

8 quarter-sized slices fresh, ginger **

1 tbsp Minced candied ginger

* slightly under-ripe, peeled, halved and cored

** smashed with flat sided knife or cleaver

Directions

Rub pear halves with cut lemon to prevent browning and set aside. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large non aluminum pan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 for minutes.

Add pears and heat until liquid almost boils. Reduce heat until liquid is just under a boil and poach pears until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Knife will pierce center easily.) Remove pears with slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Arrange cooked pears on serving dish or in individual serving bowls.

Remove ginger and cinnamon from poaching liquid and reheat liquid until boiling. Cook until liquid is reduced to thick syrup, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over pears. Sprinkle with candied ginger and serve. You may also serve with scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 8 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Yield: 6 servings

Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Stir well before serving.

If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN

Prep Time: 15 Minutes - Cost: $
Servings: 6; 1 serving = 1-1/4 cup - Difficulty Level: 2

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/67.shtml

Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil

6 single chicken breasts (24 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, sliced in 1/2" strips

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup peach or apricot chutney (fruit sweetened)

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon each curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1-1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons dry white wine

2 teaspoons coconut flavoring

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high, and saute chicken pieces until brown. Remove chicken, set aside.

Saute garlic and onion in skillet until soft, and golden. Stir in chutney and spices and cook one minute. Add broth and wine, and heat through, stirring constantly.

Return chicken to sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in coconut flavoring.

Serve over hot rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 44 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 3 low-fat meat; 1/3 fruit

SWEET POTATOES WITH A HINT OF ORANGE

Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes, cooked

2 tablespoons margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

16 apricot halves, dried

Orange slices, fresh

Directions

Arrange the sweet potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Combine the margarine and cinnamon. Pour over the potatoes. Arrange the apricot halves on top. Cover the dish and bake in a 425F oven for about 15 minutes. Add the orange slices and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 96 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: .75 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN CHOWDER

Makes 6 servings.

See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/981.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in cubes

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) tomato wedges, drained, juice reserved

1 tablespoon canola oil

3 summer squash, sliced thin

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small onion, sliced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 cup chopped sweet green pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 tomatillos, cut in wedges

1 cup sliced jicama

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) low sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1-1/2 cups fresh corn, cut from cob

Directions

In large Dutch oven, place oil and heat over medium temperature.

Add chicken and garlic, turning chicken to brown on all sides, about 3 minutes.

Add onion and green pepper; cook about 5 minutes, stirring.

Add tomatillos and chicken broth; bring to a boil and simmer about 10 minutes.

Add corn and liquid from can of tomato wedges. Cover and cook on low heat about 10 minutes.

Add squash, cumin, salt, pepper and tomato wedges. Cover and cook on low about 5 minutes.

Add jicama and cilantro and cook 5 minutes more.

Serve with tortilla chips, if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 356; Protein: 50 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 430 mg; Cholesterol: 129 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Diabetic Thursday

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that Thursday is time for six diabetic recipes. Having lived with a diabetic, I can assure you that diabetic cooking does not have to be boring! These recipes help prove that point. Enjoy!

SMOKED TURKEY WALDORF SALAD

Yield: 2 servings

Source: Mix 'N Match Meals in Minutes for People with Diabetes

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/452.shtmlIngredients

2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 celery stalks, sliced (1 cup)

2 small red apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 cups)

1 tablespoon broken walnuts (1/4 ounce)

1/2 pound smoked turkey breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Several romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried

2 slices whole-wheat bread

Directions

Mix mayonnaise and lemon juice together in a medium bowl. Add salt and pepper.

Toss celery, apples, walnuts, and turkey in the mayonnaise. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper, if needed.

Place lettuce leaves on 2 dinner plates and spoon salad onto leaves. Toast bread and serve with salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 354; Protein: 27 g; Fat: 10 g; Sodium: 1427 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Carbohydrates: 40 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 3 Very Lean Meat, 1-1/2 Fruit, 1-1/2 Fat

ONE-POT CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1/2 cup vegetables, 1/2 cup rice, 4 ounces chicken

Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/453.shtml

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup sliced zucchini

1 cup sliced or shredded carrot

1/2 cup sliced green onions or red onion

1/2 cup sliced celery

1 (14-1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 pound cooked, diced chicken breasts

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 cups cooked brown rice, hot

Directions

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the zucchini, carrots, green or red onion, and celery and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the canned diced tomatoes and lower the heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken and seasonings and simmer for 3 minutes.

Serve the chicken and vegetables over cooked rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 406; Protein: 38 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 409 mg; Cholesterol: 96 mg; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Exchanges: 2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 4 Lean Meat

VANILLA CREAM PUFFS

The recipe begins, “Fluffy pastry shells filled with a thick vanilla custard and drizzled with chocolate sauce.”

Yield: 12 Servings

Serving Size: 1 cream puff

View recipe and photo here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1187.shtml

Cream Puffs Ingredients

1 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1/4 cup butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

Custard Filling Ingredients

2 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 cups 1% low-fat milk

2 egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup commercial chocolate sauce

Directions

Cream Puff Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine water, salt, Splenda Granulated Sweetener and butter in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until butter melts.

Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture leaves sides of pan and forms a smooth ball. The mixture resembles mashed potatoes. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes.

Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer. Scrap down the sides of bowl occasionally and beat until batter is smooth.

Spoon mixture heaping tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between puffs.

Bake immediately for 35 minutes or until puffs are golden brown and have a crisp shell. (Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking time.) Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.

Custard Filling Directions:

Combine Splenda Granulated Sweetener and cornstarch in a heavy saucepan; gradually stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil. Cook 1 additional minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir about 1/4 the hot mixture into egg yolks; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and strain mixture through a sieve; cover the surface of the custard with wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming on the surface.

Cut tops off and fill with 2 1/2 tablespoons custard; replace tops and drizzle with 1 tablespoon chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.

Storage:

Store baked unfilled cream puff shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 24 hours or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 200; Calories from Fat: 80; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 180 mg; Cholesterol: 120 mg; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 12 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g

POACHED PEARS IN CINNAMON GINGER SAUCE

Servings: 6

Find this recipe at:
http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/16.shtml

Ingredients

6 Bosc or Anjou pears *

2 lemons, cut in half

6 cups water

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 whole cinnamon sticks

8 quarter-sized slices fresh, ginger **

1 tbsp Minced candied ginger * slightly under-ripe, peeled, halved and cored
** smashed with flat sided knife or cleaver

Directions

Rub pear halves with cut lemon to prevent browning and set aside. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large non aluminum pan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 for minutes.

Add pears and heat until liquid almost boils. Reduce heat until liquid is just under a boil and poach pears until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Knife will pierce center easily.) Remove pears with slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Arrange cooked pears on serving dish or in individual serving bowls.

Remove ginger and cinnamon from poaching liquid and reheat liquid until boiling. Cook until liquid is reduced to thick syrup, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over pears. Sprinkle with candied ginger and serve. You may also serve with scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 8 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Yield: 6 servings

Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Stir well before serving.

If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

SWEET POTATOES WITH A HINT OF ORANGE

Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes, cooked

2 tablespoons margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

16 apricot halves, dried

Orange slices, fresh

Directions

Arrange the sweet potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Combine the margarine and cinnamon. Pour over the potatoes. Arrange the apricot halves on top. Cover the dish and bake in a 425F oven for about 15 minutes. Add the orange slices and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 96 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: .75 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Wednesday Recipes

Wednesday - half-way through the work week. Here are today's six recipes. Enjoy!

CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP

Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup onions, diced small

1 cup carrots, diced small

1 cup celery, diced small

1/4 cup leeks, diced small

1/2 cup fennel, diced small

2 teaspoons garlic, chopped

1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces

1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

1/4 cup white wine

2/3 cup French green lentils*

4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.

Preparation:

Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.

Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

MEATBALL SANDWICH

This is from Macrina Bakery's emailing list. The bakery, located in Seattle, is one of those places I wouldn't mind visiting, if I ever take a road trip. But since that road trip isn't in the near future, I'll stay on their Recipe of the Month emailing list.

The meatball sandwich recipe starts off with the following: "Meatball sandwiches are a fun way to shake up your weeknight dinner rotation. We play up the flavors in our Italian-style meatballs with a generous slather of pesto and toothsome slices of fresh mozzarella. Our Fresh Herb Roll is strong enough to hold in all of the juices while adding the earthiness of freshly picked herbs and coarse sea salt. Warning: This sandwich can be messy, but it is guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from the whole family!"

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

1/2 cup day-old bread, trimmed of crust and diced into 1/4-inch cubes

1/2 cup milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

8 ounces ground turkey

8 ounces ground pork

2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup

1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded

1 large egg

For the sandwiches:

4 Macrina Fresh Herb Sandwich Rolls, 5 ounces each

1/4 cup pesto

12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 to 12 pieces

2 cups tomato sauce

Preparation

Makes 4 Sandwiches

Assembling the meatballs:

Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the diced bread into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the diced bread. Let the bread mixture stand and cool to room temperature. As it cools, the bread will absorb the milk.

In a skillet over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Set aside.

Add the garlic, turkey, pork, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, Parmesan and egg to the bread mixture. Use a spatula to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form 12 golf ball-size meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Assembling the sandwiches:

Slice each roll lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush each half with the remaining olive oil and spread with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the bottom halves with 2 to 3 slices of mozzarella.

Warm the bread in the 400°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the tomato sauce.

Once the bread is removed from the oven, top each bottom half with three meatballs and ladle them with tomato sauce.

Enjoy these sandwiches with a side of mixed greens - and don’t forget a few napkins!

FRESH ASPARAGUS SALAD

Another Macrina Bakery offering, this one from the April, 2014 email. The recipe starts with, "The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and markets are stocking produce bins with the trappings of the season. Spring has arrived! We're celebrating the season's fresh flavors with this delicious salad accented with truffle salt and toasted walnuts. The slight bitterness of endive pairs well with asparagus but any favorite green can be substituted."

Ingredients

2 tbsp walnut oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

1/2 cup walnuts

1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus

1 spear endive or 1 cup of another favorite spring green

1/4 tsp truffle salt

Preparation

Serves 4

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

In a small mixing bowl add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and kosher salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.

Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove the walnuts from the oven and toss them with about 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared dressing and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.

Thoroughly wash and dry the asparagus and endive. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus spears into long ribbons. Cut the endive spear in half and then into 1/4-inch strips.

Place the vegetables on a salad platter, drizzle with dressing and toss gently with salad tongs. Top the salad with the toasted walnuts and truffle salt and enjoy with your favorite rustic loaf!

RHUBARB CRUMBLE

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network Kitchen.

Read more: here.

Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 45 min; Level: Easy

Ingredients

Crumble

1 C flour

1/3 C oats

3/4 C sugar

pinch of salt

6 T melted butter

1/2 C chopped hazelnuts

Fruit filling

2 pounds chopped rhubarb

1/3 C sugar

1/4 C flour

1/2 vanilla extract

1/2 tsp orange zest

1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Crumble

Combine flour, oats, sugar and pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and chopped hazelnuts; squeeze into large crumbles and place in the freezer.

Fruit filling

Toss chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, orange zest and salt in a 8-by-8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Scatter the crumble on top and bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until golden and bubbly, 45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes; serve with whipped cream.

CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE

Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, "This two-layer lemon meringue pie is a year-round American favorite. Take one bite and you'll know why, the tangy lemon filling topped with billowing puffs of meringue is a heavenly combination. This pie is best served on the day it is made."

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

Pastry for single-crust pie (purchased or homemade)

Lemon Filling

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

Yolks from 4 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups water

3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Meringue

Whites from 3 large eggs

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin to a 12-inch circle. Fold in quarters, place into pie plate, and unfold Trim the edge of the pastry to 3/4 inch. Fold the pastry edge under to form a rim. Crimp or flute the rim. Prick the bottom and sides at 1-inch intervals with a fork.

Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

Make the lemon filling: Whisk 1 1/4 cups of sugar and the cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the water with a wooden spoon and continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the filling is translucent and thick. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and lemon zest and stir until the butter melts. Pour the hot filling into baked pie shell.

Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the sugar dissolves. Beat for 2 minutes longer or until stiff peaks form when beaters are lifted.

Spoon the meringue around edge of filling. Spread to edge of crust. Spoon the remaining meringue in the center and spread and swirl with back of a teaspoon to evenly cover the filling.

Bake the pie until the meringue is browned, about 20 minutes.

Set the pie on a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. To serve, cut with a long-bladed knife dipped in cold water.

Recipe Notes and Tips

To keep meringue from shrinking or weeping, drop teaspoonfuls around edge of pie, spread to touch crust all around, then spread remaining meringue in center

Friday, February 27, 2015

Weekend Recipes

Today's blog is a rerun from January. (It's been a hectic day so far; no telling when I'll get another chance to post.) That said, here goes...

Here are some recipes to try, whether you're snowed in or simply in a cooking mood. Enjoy!

LEMON MERINGUE PIE

This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

dash salt

1 1/2 cups hot water

3 egg yolks, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons butter

1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch

3 egg whites

1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.

Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.

BROCCOLI QUICHE BITES

This is from FamiliyTime, and starts off, “After the pastry thaws, it takes just 10 minutes to put together these easy-to-make appetizers that get lots of flavor from a surprising ingredient – vegetable soup mix.” Serves: 24 pieces; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed

4 eggs, beaten

1 envelope dry vegetable soup and dip mix

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained

1 cup whipped cottage cheese

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation

Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.

Stir the eggs, soup mix, broccoli and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the pastry into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the pastry with a fork.

Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand in the baking dish on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces.

THREE-BEAN SOUP

This is one of my favorite quick meals that I usually only fix on weekends, especially if it happens to be cold and/or rainy. It’s from the November/December 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37, in that issue’s “30 Minutes; Quick, Fast Food” section. This vegan recipe serves 6, and starts off, “Here’s a straight-from-the-pantry soup that’ll become a weeknight favorite. (Or, in my case, weekend favorite.) Pureeing one of the cans of beans creates a creamy base without adding extra fat or cholesterol. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and serve with vegetable chips, if desired.”

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)

1 15.5-oz. can navy beans, drained and rinsed

1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbs.)

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water

1 15.5-oz. can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onion 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft. Add navy beans, black beans and garlic, and continue cooking and stirring 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup broth.

Meanwhile, put great Northern beans and remaining 1 cup broth into food processor or blender, and puree until smooth. Pour puree into soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth or water, if desired.

Spoon into individual soup bowls, and serve hot.

Per serving: 231 calories; 13 g protein; 5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat); 39 g carbs; 0 mg cholesterol; 557 mg sodium; 11 g fiber; 5 g sugars

APPLE-CRANBERRY CRISP

I'm not sure where I originally found this; probably on an old emailing list.

2 pounds Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced

3/4 cup cranberries

1/4 cup white sugar

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/3 cup quick-cooking oats

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) Butter an 8 inch square baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix together apples, cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place evenly into baking dish.

In the same bowl, combine oats, flour and brown sugar. With a fork, mix in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over apples.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until topping is golden brown, and apples are tender.

BAKED ZITI

This was originally posted on April 2, 2010. Great for a yummy, easy meal.

What to fix when you've just gotten home from work and you want something good, hot and with a minimum amount of effort? Baked Ziti fits the bill on all three counts. And if you're like me, chances are you have all the makings in your cupboard and fridge.

Here's what it takes:

16 ounce box of ziti
26 ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
1 jar-full of water
2 C shredded cheese

Okay, I can hear you asking, "What brand of spaghetti sauce? What type of sauce? And the cheese...Cheddar? Mozzarella? Can it be the stuff already shredded and in a bag or does it have to be a block of cheese that I grate and measure?" Here's the good part: Use what you have.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Take a 9 X 13 inch baking pan. Dump the dried ziti into the pan. (No, no, do NOT cook the ziti first. Dump the ziti uncooked straight from the box.) Pour the spaghetti sauce into the pan and add one jar-full of water into the pan. Stir to mix. Add most of the shredded cheese, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of cheese. Stir to mix. Bake in pre-heated oven for 35 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and bake for another 5 minutes for a total time of 40 minutes.

Serve with a salad and possibly garlic bread.

See? Simple, hot, good and with at minimum amount of energy. What could be better for an after-work or weekend dinner?

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Diabetic Thursday

Thursday, and some yummy diabetic recipes to try. Enjoy!

PEACH MELBA

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

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

Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/575.shtml

Ingredients

4 large ripe peaches

2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raspberries

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder plus water to make 1/4 cup

1 tablespoon unsweetened grape juice

Directions

Blanch peaches by dropping them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove, run under cold water and peel off skins.

Cut in half, discard pits and place 2 peach halves on each of 4 individual dessert dishes.

Puree raspberries with remaining ingredients, reserving 2 tablespoons of berries for garnish. Spoon puree over peaches, top with berries and serve cold.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 112, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Protein: 5 g, Sodium: 50 mg, Fat: 2.7 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fruit, 1 Milk

POACHED PEARS IN CINNAMON GINGER SAUCE

Servings: 6

Find this recipe at:
http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/16.shtml

Ingredients

6 Bosc or Anjou pears *

2 lemons, cut in half

6 cups water

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 whole cinnamon sticks

8 quarter-sized slices fresh, ginger **

1 tbsp Minced candied ginger * slightly under-ripe, peeled, halved and cored
** smashed with flat sided knife or cleaver

Directions

Rub pear halves with cut lemon to prevent browning and set aside. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large non aluminum pan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 for minutes.

Add pears and heat until liquid almost boils. Reduce heat until liquid is just under a boil and poach pears until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Knife will pierce center easily.) Remove pears with slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Arrange cooked pears on serving dish or in individual serving bowls.

Remove ginger and cinnamon from poaching liquid and reheat liquid until boiling. Cook until liquid is reduced to thick syrup, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over pears. Sprinkle with candied ginger and serve. You may also serve with scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 8 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Yield: 6 servings

Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Stir well before serving.

If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN

Prep Time: 15 Minutes - Cost: $
Servings: 6; 1 serving = 1-1/4 cup - Difficulty Level: 2

Find this recipe at: 
http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/67.shtml

Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil

6 single chicken breasts (24 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, sliced in 1/2" strips

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup peach or apricot chutney (fruit sweetened)

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon each curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1-1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons dry white wine

2 teaspoons coconut flavoring

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high, and saute chicken pieces until brown. Remove chicken, set aside.

Saute garlic and onion in skillet until soft, and golden. Stir in chutney and spices and cook one minute. Add broth and wine, and heat through, stirring constantly.

Return chicken to sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in coconut flavoring.

Serve over hot rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 44 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 3 low-fat meat; 1/3 fruit

SWEET POTATOES WITH A HINT OF ORANGE

Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes, cooked

2 tablespoons margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

16 apricot halves, dried

Orange slices, fresh

Directions

Arrange the sweet potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Combine the margarine and cinnamon. Pour over the potatoes. Arrange the apricot halves on top. Cover the dish and bake in a 425F oven for about 15 minutes. Add the orange slices and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 96 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: .75 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g

HUMMUS-VEGGIE WRAPS

Yield: 4 servings

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/910.shtml

Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml

Ingredients

4 whole-wheat flour tortillas (8 to 9-inch rounds)

1 cup ready-made hummus

1 small carrot, shredded with a potato peeler

2 slices red onion, separated into rings

12 thin slices peeled cucumber

16 young tender spinach leaves or 1 cup alfalfa sprouts

Directions

Warm the tortillas according to package directions. Lay the tortillas on a flat surface and spread the lower half only of each tortilla with 1/4 cup of the hummus.

Top the hummus on each tortilla with a quarter of the carrots, onion rings, cucumber slices, and spinach or sprouts, leaving a 1-1/2 inch margin on the right and left sides.

Fold the right and left margins in, then roll each tortilla up from the bottom to enclose the filling. Cut each warp in half and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 8.6 g; Sodium: 625 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.7 g ; Carbohydrates: 38 g; Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch, 1 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 Fat

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Weekday Food

I'm watching news of the blizzard in the Northeast (U.S.). Stay warm and safe, folks.

Here are some recipes to try, whether you're snowed in or simply in a cooking mood. Enjoy!

LEMON MERINGUE PIE

This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

dash salt

1 1/2 cups hot water

3 egg yolks, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons butter

1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch

3 egg whites

1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.

Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.

BROCCOLI QUICHE BITES

This is from FamiliyTime, and starts off, “After the pastry thaws, it takes just 10 minutes to put together these easy-to-make appetizers that get lots of flavor from a surprising ingredient – vegetable soup mix.” Serves: 24 pieces; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed

4 eggs, beaten

1 envelope dry vegetable soup and dip mix

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained

1 cup whipped cottage cheese

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation

Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.

Stir the eggs, soup mix, broccoli and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the pastry into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the pastry with a fork.

Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand in the baking dish on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces.

THREE-BEAN SOUP

This is one of my favorite quick meals that I usually only fix on weekends, especially if it happens to be cold and/or rainy. It’s from the November/December 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37, in that issue’s “30 Minutes; Quick, Fast Food” section. This vegan recipe serves 6, and starts off, “Here’s a straight-from-the-pantry soup that’ll become a weeknight favorite. (Or, in my case, weekend favorite.) Pureeing one of the cans of beans creates a creamy base without adding extra fat or cholesterol. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and serve with vegetable chips, if desired.”

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)

1 15.5-oz. can navy beans, drained and rinsed

1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbs.)

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water

1 15.5-oz. can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onion 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft. Add navy beans, black beans and garlic, and continue cooking and stirring 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup broth.

Meanwhile, put great Northern beans and remaining 1 cup broth into food processor or blender, and puree until smooth. Pour puree into soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth or water, if desired.

Spoon into individual soup bowls, and serve hot.

Per serving: 231 calories; 13 g protein; 5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat); 39 g carbs; 0 mg cholesterol; 557 mg sodium; 11 g fiber; 5 g sugars

APPLE-CRANBERRY CRISP

I'm not sure where I originally found this; probably on an old emailing list.

2 pounds Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced

3/4 cup cranberries

1/4 cup white sugar

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/3 cup quick-cooking oats

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) Butter an 8 inch square baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix together apples, cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place evenly into baking dish.

In the same bowl, combine oats, flour and brown sugar. With a fork, mix in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over apples.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until topping is golden brown, and apples are tender.

BAKED ZITI

This was originally posted on April 2, 2010. Great for a yummy, easy meal.

What to fix when you've just gotten home from work and you want something good, hot and with a minimum amount of effort? Baked Ziti fits the bill on all three counts. And if you're like me, chances are you have all the makings in your cupboard and fridge.

Here's what it takes:

16 ounce box of ziti
26 ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
1 jar-full of water
2 C shredded cheese

Okay, I can hear you asking, "What brand of spaghetti sauce? What type of sauce? And the cheese...Cheddar? Mozzarella? Can it be the stuff already shredded and in a bag or does it have to be a block of cheese that I grate and measure?" Here's the good part: Use what you have.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Take a 9 X 13 inch baking pan. Dump the dried ziti into the pan. (No, no, do NOT cook the ziti first. Dump the ziti uncooked straight from the box.) Pour the spaghetti sauce into the pan and add one jar-full of water into the pan. Stir to mix. Add most of the shredded cheese, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of cheese. Stir to mix. Bake in pre-heated oven for 35 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and bake for another 5 minutes for a total time of 40 minutes.

Serve with a salad and possibly garlic bread.

See? Simple, hot, good and with at minimum amount of energy. What could be better for an after-work or weekend dinner?

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Diabetic Thursday

Here's this week's dose of diabetic recipes. Enjoy!

BUTTERSCOTCH OATMEAL COOKIES

Yield: about 4 dozen cookies

Serving size: 1 cookie

Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1082.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1/3 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Butter-scotch Flavored Morsels

Directions

Preheat oven to 375F.

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar blend, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies, 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Protein: 1 g ; Fat: 7 g ; Sodium: 90 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg ; Carbohydrates: 16 g

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

Yield: 6 servings

Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/900.shtml

Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml

Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.

Stir well before serving.

If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g ; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

CURRIED CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS

Makes 6 servings.

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/988.shtml

Ingredients

6 chicken breast halves, skinned

6 ounces dried apricots, cut in half

1/4 cup raisins

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon light margarine, melted

2 tablespoons minced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1 bay leaf, broken

1/4 cup skim milk

Directions

In small bowl, place apricots and raisins. Add orange juice and let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In small dish, place margarine. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, ginger and bay leaf; stir to mix well.

In greased 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange chicken in single layer. Spread spice mixture evenly over chicken. With slotted spoon, remove apricots and raisins from orange juice and arrange in dish with chicken. To orange juice, add skim milk; pour over chicken.

Cover and bake in 350F. oven about 1 hour, removing cover after 45 minutes and cooking uncovered for final 15 minutes.

If desired, garnish with red cherries and serve with rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Blueberry-filled muffins that have a cake-like texture.

Yield: 12 muffins

Serving size: 1 muffin

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/998.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup light margarine, softened

1 cup Splenda Essentials No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber, Granulated

1/4 cup honey

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed

Directions

Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven.

Preheat oven to 400F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Lightly spray liners with nonstick cooking spray.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.

Beat margarine at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add Splenda Essentials Granulated Sweetener and honey, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon batter evenly into paper lined muffin cups. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Calories from Fat: 45; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g ; Sugars: 8 g ; Carbohydrates: 26 g

MILK CHOCOLATE CRUNCH

Servings: 54 (1-inch) squares

To view online, click http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/61.shtml>here.

Ingredients

2 milk chocolate bars (7 ounces each), chopped

1-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

1 cup dark raisins

Directions

Line bottom of an 8x8x2 inch pan with aluminum foil; smooth out wrinkles.

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 100% power, checking every 30 seconds, until melted. Stir chocolate until smooth.

Stir cereal and raisins into chocolate until well combined. Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until mixture is firm.

Invert pan onto a work surface; remove pan and peel off aluminum foil. Cut into squares and serve. Squares can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 52; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Starch/Bread

CRANBERRY SALAD

“A great salad for the holidays, combining fresh or frozen cranberries, pineapple and chopped nuts in a sugar-free gelatin base. Plus, it has 58% fewer calories than the traditional recipe.”

Serves: 8

Photo and Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1031.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup water

1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

1 four-serving size cranberry or cherry sugar-free gelatin

1 cup boiling water

1 cup diced celery

1 can (7-1/4 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Bring cranberries and water to a boil. Remove from heat when cranberries have popped open. Stir in Equal. Set aside to cool.

Dissolve gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add cranberry sauce; mix thoroughly. Add celery, pineapple with juice and walnuts. Pour into a mold or bowl. Refrigerate several hours or overnight until firm.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 82; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 32 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 fat

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Diabetic Thursday

If it's Thursday, then it's time for more yummy, not-boring diabetic meals. Enjoy!

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

CINNAMON APPLE FLAT BREAD

Yield: 12 servings

Source: "Mr. Food's Every Day's a Holiday Diabetic Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/89.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed

1/4 cup peach all-fruit spread

4 medium apples, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 10" x 15" rectangle. With your fingertips, gently spread the dough to cover the pan, and push it up to the edges of the pan, forming a rim. If the dough is too sticky, dust it with your hands lightly with flour.

Spread the fruit spread over the dough, then top with the sliced apples, arranged in a single layer.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apples. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

Remove from the oven and cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack. Slice, and serve warm.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (2 squares): Calories: 143, Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 221 mg, Carbohydrate: 29 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 11 g, Protein: 3 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Carbohydrate

EMERALD SALAD

Makes 4 servings. (6 cups salad)

Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes

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

Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/635.shtml

Ingredients

1 slice oatmeal bread

Canola oil spray

12 Boston lettuce leaves

12 pink grapefruit sections (fresh, jarred, or canned)

12 thin avocado slices (1/2 medium avocado)

2 kiwi fruit, peeled and thinly sliced

12 finely-sliced green bell pepper rings

1/2 cup grapefruit juice

2 Tbsp. lime juice

1-2 Tbsp. honey, preferably clover

1 Tbsp. minced fresh mint leaves, or according to taste

Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

1-1/2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make croutons, coat one side of the bread with cooking spray. Sprinkle on the oregano. Bake on a rack in the center of the oven for 3 minutes, until the bread is dry and almost hard in the center. Let it sit 2 minutes. With a serrated knife, cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.

On each of four salad plates, make a bed using 3 lettuce leaves. Place 3 grapefruit sections and 3 avocado slices in the center. Arrange kiwi slices in an overlapping ring around them. Place the 3 pepper rings over the grapefruit and avocado.

For the dressing, whisk together in a small bowl the grapefruit and lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey and mint. Whisk in the oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Taste, and if too tart, add the remaining honey, as desired.

To serve, drizzle dressing over top of each salad. Sprinkle one-fourth of the warm croutons over each and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 159; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 42 mg; Saturated Fat: 0.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g

LEMON-GLAZED BABY CARROTS

Yield: 4 servings

Source: "America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook"

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/950.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound peeled baby carrots

1/4 cup chicken stock, or vegetable stock

1 tablespoons margarine or butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives

Directions

In a medium saucepan, cook carrots in boiling salted water for 5 to 7 minutes (start timing when water returns to a boil) or until just tender-crisp; drain and return to saucepan.

Add stock, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and rind, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and carrots are nicely glazed.

Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 91; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 251 mg; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetables, 1/2 Fat

KOOL-AID FIZZY FLOAT

Yield: 8 servings Serving Size: 1 (8 oz.) drink

Found online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1110.shtml

Ingredients

1 quart cold water

2 cups light white grape juice, chilled

1 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 package your favorite flavor Kool-Aid Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix

2 cups seltzer water, chilled

2 cups no-sugar-added light vanilla ice cream

Directions

Combine water, grape juice, Splenda Granulated Sweetener, and Kool-Aid Soft Drink Mix in a pitcher, stirring until Splenda Granulated Sweetener dissolves.

Pour 3/4 cup of the mixture into each of 8 tall glasses; add 1/4 cup of the seltzer to each glass.

Top each serving with 1/4 cup of the ice cream. Serve immediately.

Store leftover prepared drink in refrigerator.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 70; Calories from Fat: 20; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 85 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Fat: 2.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g

FIESTA SLAW

Makes 10 servings. Find online here.

Ingredients

5 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

3 Tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tsp. canned chipotle chilies, rinsed, drained and chopped

1 Tbsp. honey

1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin

1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips

12 oz. jicama, peeled, cut into thin strips

1/3 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Puree first 5 ingredients in a blender or food processor until dressing is smooth.

Place peppers, jicama and cilantro in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to mix and coat well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until the vegetables soften a little but remain crunchy. (About 4 hours.)

Serve at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 42; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 42 mg; Fat: under 1 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Soup - repost

Rerun of July 2's post.

Even on the busiest of week nights, we still need to eat. Here are some yummy – and relatively quick and easy – meals to fix. With the soup, you can always add a salad, sandwich and dessert, and you're ready to go. Enjoy!

POTATO AND ONION SOUP

This is from Roadfood.com. The send out emails periodically which are almost always interesting. This recipe, from Harry Caray's, starts off, “Cooking potatoes in beef stock gives the starchy vegetable a savor that all carnivores will appreciate. A sprinkle of Parmesan on each serving adds just the right zip.”

Preparation Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups peeled and sliced Spanish onions

3-1/2 cups homemade beef stock or equivalent amount of canned, low salt beef broth

3 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Melt the butter in a large sauté pan and add the olive oil.

Add the onions and sauté until they become clear and turn a light brown. Set aside.

In a large stock pot, bring the beef stock to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the diced potatoes. Simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are soft.

Add the onions to the stock pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Salt and pepper the soup to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese on top and serve.

CROCKPOT VEGETABLE MINESTRONE Linda Larsen, About.com's Busy Cooks guide, writes, “This hearty recipe has a very complex flavor. One of the more surprising parts of the recipe is that pasta cooks right in the crockpot.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 hours; Total Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth or stock

4 cups tomato juice

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1-1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta

Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in a 4-5 quart crockpot. Cover crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender. Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 15-25 minutes until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 12 servings

CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP: TART, TANGY, TINGLY

This comes from Kevin D. Weeks, About.com's former Cooking for 2 guide. He wrote, “I know people who say "Ech!" when I mention chilled soups. The idea of eating cold soup simply offends their sense of "rightness" - soup should be hot and savory, something for a cold January day. But a chilled soup, enjoyed on the patio on a hot summer day while the grill is roasting a few steaks is almost the apotheosis of good times in the summer time. Slightly spicy with a nice lilt of curry and a refreshing tartness from the buttermilk, yogurt, and lime, this soup is wonderfully cool and refreshing soup served with grilled fish. Serves 2.

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 10-inch cucumbers; peeled, seeded, and chopped

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 sm. shallot; finely chopped

1 Tbsp. fresh mint; finely chopped

1/2 tsp. curry powder

Salt to taste

1/4 tsp. ground white pepper

Preparation:

Place cucumbers, scallions, mint, and lime juice in a food processor.

Pulse four or five times, scraping down sides once, then and process until finely chopped - about one minute longer.

Scrape down sides and add remaining ingredients and process another minute. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Chill for at least 4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings again before serving.

CORN CHOWDER WITH PINK POTATOES & CREAM

This wonderful recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If you get onto their emailing list, which I highly recommend, they'll send you a recipe a month.

The recipe starts off, “This soup is a perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of ripe corn.
It can be made quickly and is light enough to enjoy on a warm summer evening.” It serves 4-6.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, finely diced

8 to 10 cups water

Kosher salt

4 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut in half crosswise

1/4 cup heavy cream

4 medium red new potatoes, washed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Pour the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add onion. Cover pot and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat to sweat the onion, stirring occasionally. The onions will become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 1 minute, or until garlic smells sweet but is not brown.

Add 8 cups of the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil. Carefully drop in the ears of corn and cook until
kernels are tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove corn and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Remove kernels from the cobs with a knife, then place the cobs and half of the kernels back in the soup pot. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, then remove the cobs and discard. Add the heavy cream, potatoes, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender, adding more water as needed (about 15 minutes). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the remaining kernels of corn just before serving.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, sour cream, and lime juice. Mix well and drizzle over steaming bowls of soup.
Feel free to add your own garnish.

CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP

Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup onions, diced small

1 cup carrots, diced small

1 cup celery, diced small

1/4 cup leeks, diced small

1/2 cup fennel, diced small

2 teaspoons garlic, chopped

1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces

1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

1/4 cup white wine

2/3 cup French green lentils*

4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.

Preparation:

Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.

Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Soup's On!

Even on the busiest of week nights, we still need to eat. Here are some yummy – and relatively quick and easy – meals to fix. With the soup, you can always add a salad, sandwich and dessert, and you're ready to go. Enjoy!

POTATO AND ONION SOUP

This is from Roadfood.com. The send out emails periodically which are almost always interesting. This recipe, from Harry Caray's, starts off, “Cooking potatoes in beef stock gives the starchy vegetable a savor that all carnivores will appreciate. A sprinkle of Parmesan on each serving adds just the right zip.”

Preparation Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups peeled and sliced Spanish onions

3-1/2 cups homemade beef stock or equivalent amount of canned, low salt beef broth

3 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Melt the butter in a large sauté pan and add the olive oil.

Add the onions and sauté until they become clear and turn a light brown. Set aside.

In a large stock pot, bring the beef stock to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the diced potatoes. Simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are soft.

Add the onions to the stock pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Salt and pepper the soup to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese on top and serve.

CROCKPOT VEGETABLE MINESTRONE Linda Larsen, About.com's Busy Cooks guide, writes, “This hearty recipe has a very complex flavor. One of the more surprising parts of the recipe is that pasta cooks right in the crockpot.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 hours; Total Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth or stock

4 cups tomato juice

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1-1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta

Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in a 4-5 quart crockpot. Cover crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender. Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 15-25 minutes until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 12 servings

CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP: TART, TANGY, TINGLY

This comes from Kevin D. Weeks, About.com's former Cooking for 2 guide. He wrote, “I know people who say "Ech!" when I mention chilled soups. The idea of eating cold soup simply offends their sense of "rightness" - soup should be hot and savory, something for a cold January day. But a chilled soup, enjoyed on the patio on a hot summer day while the grill is roasting a few steaks is almost the apotheosis of good times in the summer time. Slightly spicy with a nice lilt of curry and a refreshing tartness from the buttermilk, yogurt, and lime, this soup is wonderfully cool and refreshing soup served with grilled fish. Serves 2.

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 10-inch cucumbers; peeled, seeded, and chopped

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 sm. shallot; finely chopped

1 Tbsp. fresh mint; finely chopped

1/2 tsp. curry powder

Salt to taste

1/4 tsp. ground white pepper

Preparation:

Place cucumbers, scallions, mint, and lime juice in a food processor.

Pulse four or five times, scraping down sides once, then and process until finely chopped - about one minute longer.

Scrape down sides and add remaining ingredients and process another minute. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Chill for at least 4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings again before serving.

CORN CHOWDER WITH PINK POTATOES & CREAM

This wonderful recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If you get onto their emailing list, which I highly recommend, they'll send you a recipe a month.

The recipe starts off, “This soup is a perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of ripe corn.
It can be made quickly and is light enough to enjoy on a warm summer evening.” It serves 4-6.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, finely diced

8 to 10 cups water

Kosher salt

4 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut in half crosswise

1/4 cup heavy cream

4 medium red new potatoes, washed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Pour the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add onion. Cover pot and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat to sweat the onion, stirring occasionally. The onions will become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 1 minute, or until garlic smells sweet but is not brown.

Add 8 cups of the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil. Carefully drop in the ears of corn and cook until
kernels are tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove corn and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Remove kernels from the cobs with a knife, then place the cobs and half of the kernels back in the soup pot. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, then remove the cobs and discard. Add the heavy cream, potatoes, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender, adding more water as needed (about 15 minutes). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the remaining kernels of corn just before serving.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, sour cream, and lime juice. Mix well and drizzle over steaming bowls of soup.
Feel free to add your own garnish.

CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP

Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup onions, diced small

1 cup carrots, diced small

1 cup celery, diced small

1/4 cup leeks, diced small

1/2 cup fennel, diced small

2 teaspoons garlic, chopped

1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces

1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

1/4 cup white wine

2/3 cup French green lentils*

4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.

Preparation:

Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.

Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.

VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP

This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml

Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 (14.5) cans chicken broth

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped

1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable