Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because not everyone loves tacos). Today's offerings include Freezer Bag Chicken Fajita Stir-Fry and Homemade Sloppy Joes. Enjoy!
BAKED SPANAKOPITA PASTA WITH GREENS AND FETA
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "This baked pasta is inspired by spanakopita, the classic Greek spinach and feta pie. This loose interpretation combines pasta with gooey mozzarella, briny feta, plenty of greens and a rich cream sauce, which is then piled into a dish and baked until golden. The key to this dish is in the greens: Use at least three kinds — a mellow one, a peppery one and a fresh herb or two — to create an exciting mix of flavors. No need to sauté them; just salt and massage them until they wilt slightly. This cozy dish might be the best way to eat your greens all year long."
Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020778-baked-spanakopita-pasta-with-greens-and-feta. While you're at, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already.
Ingredients
Salt and black pepper
4 cups chopped spinach, Swiss chard or other mild greens (tough stems removed)
4 cups chopped arugula, watercress or other peppery greens
1 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley leaves and tender stems, or a combination
6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, whites and dark green parts separated
1 pound tubular or curvy pasta, like rigatoni or fusilli
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
8 ounces cream cheese (1 cup), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 ounces mozzarella, grated (1 cup)
4 ounces crumbled feta (1 cup)
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat the oven to 450 degrees.
In a 3-quart/9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss the chopped spinach, arugula, herbs and scallion greens with 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Squeeze the mixture with your hands to wilt, then set aside.
Cook the pasta in the boiling water until 2 minutes shy of al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside. Return the pot to the stove.
Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the scallion whites, garlic and a pinch of salt, and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cream cheese and pasta water and stir until smooth. Stir in the wilted greens, half the mozzarella and half the feta until combined. Stir in the pasta until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Transfer the pasta to the baking dish, then top with remaining mozzarella and feta. Bake until the sauce has thickened and turned bubbly, and the top has browned in spots, 10 to 15 minutes. If you like a crisper top, broil for a few minutes.
FREEZER BAG CHICKEN FAJITA STIR-FRY
This yumminess is from the Food Network, and begins, "This Mexican-inspired stir-fry is the perfect quick weekend project: peppers, onions and chicken are tossed with a chili-spiced oil and frozen."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes (plus freezing and defrosting time); Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/freezer-bag-chicken-fajita-stir-fry-3885886.
Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1-1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 small flour tortillas, warmed
Guacamole, salsa, sour cream and lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Whisk together the oil, chili powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds black pepper in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the garlic, peppers and onion and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and let cool completely.
Transfer the vegetables with the marinade to a large resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. Squeeze out most of the air and seal, then toss gently to coat the chicken with the marinade. Freeze until ready to use. Let thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking.
Pour the chicken, vegetables and marinade into a large skillet and heat over high heat. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the chicken and vegetables among 4 plates. Serve with 3 tortillas each and the guacamole, salsa, sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Cook’s Note
Steam corn tortillas in the microwave so they stay pliable and don't split under the weight of taco fillings. Wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels or a damp kitchen towel, then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag (keep the bag open to vent). Microwave until warm and flexible, about 1 minute.
CHEESY HAMBURGER SKILLET
This is from Meghan Splawn at Simply Recipes. For this recipe, Meghan wrote, "A certain boxed hamburger meal was the very first meal I cooked by myself as a kid, and the combination of pasta, creamy tomato and cheese sauce, and beef will always hold a nostalgic allure for me.
"As my kids got older, I wanted to introduce them to this classic meal from my childhood. I knew my take on the nostalgic dish had to be as easy as a box and include a pound of ground beef. That’s how this one-skillet cheesy hamburger pasta came to be one of my family’s favorite recipes."
Makes 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.simplyrecipes.com/cheesy-hamburger-skillet-recipe-8752873.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons seasoned salt, like Lawry’s
1-1/2 cups beef broth
8 ounces dried pasta shells
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, not drained
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Grab the largest one you own—a 12-inch straight-sided skillet with a lid is ideal, but a large cast iron works in a pinch if you’ve got a lid that works.
Add the oil followed by the beef, breaking the beef into pieces with a spatula. Cook the beef until is browned all the way through, about 4 minutes. Season the beef with the seasoned salt and sauté for about a minute more.
Add the beef broth, pasta shells, and canned tomatoes to the skillet and give it a few stirs to distribute everything evenly. Cover the skillet and cook until the broth mixture is thickened and the shells are tender, 8 to 12 minutes.
Turn off the heat and give the skillet a good stir. Add the cheese and pour in the cream and stir until the cheese is melted and creamy. Serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Simple Substitutions
Ultimately, this is a dinner built on some grocery basics and pantry staples, so here are some substitutions that customize this dinner to what is already in your fridge or cupboard:
Beef: Lean ground beef, such as ground sirloin, works really well here because of its beefy flavor. Plus the cheese and cream bring enough richness to this skillet. You can use ground turkey or chicken; I’ve even subbed bulk Italian sausage in a pinch.
Pasta: This dish really is best with small shells, but other short, dried pasta works as well. Macaroni elbows are a great second choice. If you use fusilli, orecchiette, or cavatappi noodles, they take a few extra minutes to cook.
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce are all interchangeable here. No need to drain the diced tomatoes. Jarred marinara sauce can also be used; just use less salt for seasoning.
Seasoned salt: Your favorite seasoned salt probably works here. I love Beautiful Briny Sea’s Magic Unicorn Salt for this, but Lawry’s is also perfect. If you don’t have any on hand, you can also sub 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
Cheese: This recipe calls for a whole 8-ounce block or about 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. High-quality pre-shredded cheeses, like Tillamook and Cabot, work if you don’t have the energy to grate the block yourself. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for other melty cheese like Monterey Jack or provolone.
HOMEMADE SLOPPY JOES
This yumminess is from John Mitzewish - aka Chef John - on allrecipes. For this recipe, Chef John wrote, "Homemade Sloppy Joes don't have to be difficult to eat. Despite the name of this iconic retro dish, the secret to a great Sloppy Joe is a thick, rich, almost dry consistency, which allows the sandwich to be eaten with your hands. Serve on hamburger buns."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 1 hr 10 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/220182/homemade-sloppy-joes/.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
1/2 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water, divided
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Place ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbled, about 10 minutes.
Stir in green pepper and garlic; cook and stir until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add 1 cup water and stir, scraping the pan to dissolve any brown flavor bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add remaining 1 cup water and bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and mixture is thick, about 40 minutes.
Season with salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. Serve and enjoy!
TUSCAN CHICKEN SKILLET
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Bacon, cream, Parmesan -- is your mouth watering yet? There's no need to go out to dinner when you can make this restaurant-style creamy, cheesy chicken and fettuccine at home."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/tuscan-chicken-skillet-5421728.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
5 ounces baby spinach
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions; drain.
Meanwhile, put the bacon in a large, cold skillet, then cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 8 minutes; transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
Sprinkle the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and add to the skillet in a single layer. Let cook, undisturbed, until golden brown on the underside, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cream and bring to a simmer, then add the spinach and stir until just wilted. Add the bacon, chicken, fettuccine and Parmesan and toss with tongs until well coated; season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with basil and serve.
TURKEY CLUB SOUP
This yummy recipe is from Betty Crocker. It begins, "All of the classic club sandwich ingredients – bacon, turkey, tomato and cheese – come together in this satisfying soup."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 7 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Croutons
3 cups cubed (1-inch) French bread
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
Soup
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
3 cups Progresso™ unsalted chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
8 oz prepared cheese product, cut into cubes (from 1-lb loaf)
1 lb smoked turkey breast, coarsely chopped (3 cups)
1 medium tomato, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
Chopped avocado, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, mix Crouton ingredients until bread is well coated. Spread in ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Meanwhile, in 5-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in Dutch oven; set cooked bacon aside.
Return Dutch oven to stove; reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrot and garlic to bacon drippings. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened. Stir in chicken broth. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Slowly stir in cheese, stirring constantly with whisk, until cheese is melted. Stir in turkey. Add tomato, spinach and salt; cook 3 to 5 minutes longer or until heated through and spinach is wilted.
Serve soup topped with croutons, bacon and chopped avocado.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Reheat cream or cheese soups slowly. Boiling can case the soup to separate and curdle.
tip 2
Ask for thick slices of turkey breast at the deli, then chop them at home. Or use leftover turkey breast that you have on hand.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's yummy offerings include Soft Tacos with Chicken & Tomato-Corn Salsa and Ground Beef Tacos with Spicy Shells. Enjoy!
JAMAICAN JERK STEAK TACOS
This is from Tiffany Azure on Delish. The recipe begins, “Everything is better when it's a taco. Homemade jerk seasoning has amazing flavor, but you can use store-bought as a shortcut.”
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
According to the note at the end of the recipe, “Tiffany Azure is a self-taught cook and photographer and loves to develop recipes with big bold flavors, using minimal ingredients and easy preparation techniques. You can find her tasty spins on classic recipes at Creme de la Crumb.”
Ingredients
For the Jerk Seasoning
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. dried Italian blend seasoning
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
For the Tacos
2 tbsp. jerk seasoning
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. canola oil, divided
1 1/2 lb. flank or skirt steak
10 small (taco-sized) flour tortillas
1 c. diced pineapple
1/2 c. diced onion
1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro
Juice of 1/2 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 avocado, sliced
Crumbled cotija cheese, for serving (optional)
Directions
Make jerk seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together spices until combined. (If using store-bought jerk seasoning, move to step 2.)
Make tacos: In a small bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning and 1/4 cup oil until combined. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag and add steak. Press out as much air as you can and seal. Shake to coat the steak in the marinade, then chill for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add steak and cook until nicely seared but slightly pink in center, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together pineapple, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Thinly slice steak across the grain. Serve in tortillas with pineapple salsa and avocado. Top with cotija cheese if desired and serve with lime.
CHARD AND SWEET CORN TACOS
This is from Martha Rose Schulman, in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “These sweet and spicy tacos can be filled with chard of any color, or other greens like beet greens or amaranth. I used Swiss chard for these tacos, but other greens like beet greens or amaranth will work. I don’t recommend strong-tasting cruciferous greens like kale, though. You can use green chard, red chard or rainbow, and do include the stalks if they’re nice and wide. Don’t skimp on the garlic. As for the salsa, you can choose between fresh or cooked tomato salsa, or use a salsa verde made with tomatillos. They all work well. A quarter cup of filling is plenty for each taco.”
Yield: 8 tacos, serving 4; Time: 15 to 20 minutes.
This was featured in “Vegetarian Taco Night” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 generous bunch Swiss chard (about 3/4 pound)
Salt to taste
1 medium white, red or yellow onion, sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
Kernels from 2 ears sweet corn
Freshly ground pepper
8 warm corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (but not too salty a feta)
Salsa of your choice
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you stem chard and wash leaves in 2 rinses of water. Rinse stalks and dice them if they are wide and not stringy.
When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add chard leaves. Blanch for a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Take chard up by the handful and squeeze out excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Set aside.
Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes, and add a generous pinch of salt, the garlic, diced chard stalks and corn kernels. Continue to cook, stirring often, until corn is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in chard and cook, stirring, for another minute or two, until ingredients are combined nicely and chard is tender but still bright. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Heat tortillas. Top with vegetables, a sprinkling of cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
Tip
Advance preparation: The filling will keep for a day in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet.
GROUND BEEF TACOS WITH SPICY SHELLS
This is from Delish and begins, “Line taco shells with lettuce leaves so the filling stays put inside.”
Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves:4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/4 lb. ground beef (at least 90% lean)
3 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. low-sodium beef bouillon base (we used Better than Bouillon)
8 small yellow corn tortillas (see box, below)
8 butter or iceberg lettuce leaves
2 tomatoes, chopped
Shredded cheddar, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander and chili powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Increase heat to medium-high, add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring 2 minutes. Add the bouillon base and 1 cup water and gently simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
While the beef is browning, prepare the spicy taco shells (see tip, below). Line the tortillas with lettuce, fill with the beef, and top with the tomatoes and cheese, if desired.
PER SERVING 494 CAL, 28 G FAT (7.5 G SAT FAT), 92 MG CHOL, 154 MG SOD, 33 G PRO, 29 G CAR, 5 G FIBER
SOFT TACOS WITH CHICKEN AND TOMATO-CORN SALSA
This comes from Martha Rose Schulman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “Tomato-corn salsa is substantial, almost like a salad. These light, fresh tacos make a wonderful summer meal.” Yield: Serves four; Time: 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Sweet Corn: Getting an Earful in Summer”, and can be found online by clicking here.
Ingredients
1/2 small red or white onion, finely chopped
1 ear of corn, steamed for five minutes
1 pound ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1 to 3 jalapeño or serrano peppers (to taste), seeded if desired and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt to taste
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, poached and shredded (about 2 cups)
8 corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
Preparation
Place the chopped onion in a small bowl, and cover with cold water. Let sit for five minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Drain on paper towels. Cut the kernels off the steamed ear of corn.
Toss together the tomatoes, minced chiles, cilantro, onion and steamed corn. Season to taste with salt, and add up to 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl, and season with 1 tablespoon lime juice and salt to taste.
Heat the tortillas. Wrap in aluminum foil, and heat through in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes; or heat through one at a time in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until flexible. Place one or two on each plate, top with shredded chicken and a generous spoonful of the salsa, and sprinkle some cheese on top. Serve, passing additional salsa if there is any at the table.
Tip
Advance preparation: The poached, shredded chicken will keep for three days in the refrigerator. The salsa can be assembled several hours before serving. Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.
BEEF TACO SALAD
This comes from Judy Kim on Delish. According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.
For this recipe, Judy wrote, “Try a healthier twist on Taco Tuesdays.” Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
2 tbsp. tomato paste
vegetable oil
2 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4" strips
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Pico de Gallo
sour cream
1/4 c. Chopped cilantro
Directions
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef using a wooden spoon and break up meat into small pieces. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, and tomato paste. Cook through, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
In a sauté pan add about 1/2" of vegetable oil. Heat until hot but not smoking. Fry tortilla strips until golden brown; transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Season tortillas with salt just after removing from hot oil.
Assemble salad in 4 bowls with romaine, tomatoes, black beans, and warm taco meat. Top with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and crisp tortilla strips.
CROCK POT CHICKEN TACO MEAT
This comes from Food.com. Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-chicken-taco-meat-4957.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
Note: Use in place of hamburger for tacos.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
Directions
Dissolve taco seasoning into chicken broth.
Place chicken breasts in crock pot and pour chicken broth over.
Cover and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours.
With two forks, shred the chicken meat into bite-size pieces.
To freeze, place shredded meat into freeze bags with the juices.
Press out all the air and seal.
JAMAICAN JERK STEAK TACOS
This is from Tiffany Azure on Delish. The recipe begins, “Everything is better when it's a taco. Homemade jerk seasoning has amazing flavor, but you can use store-bought as a shortcut.”
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
According to the note at the end of the recipe, “Tiffany Azure is a self-taught cook and photographer and loves to develop recipes with big bold flavors, using minimal ingredients and easy preparation techniques. You can find her tasty spins on classic recipes at Creme de la Crumb.”
Ingredients
For the Jerk Seasoning
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. dried Italian blend seasoning
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
For the Tacos
2 tbsp. jerk seasoning
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. canola oil, divided
1 1/2 lb. flank or skirt steak
10 small (taco-sized) flour tortillas
1 c. diced pineapple
1/2 c. diced onion
1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro
Juice of 1/2 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 avocado, sliced
Crumbled cotija cheese, for serving (optional)
Directions
Make jerk seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together spices until combined. (If using store-bought jerk seasoning, move to step 2.)
Make tacos: In a small bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning and 1/4 cup oil until combined. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag and add steak. Press out as much air as you can and seal. Shake to coat the steak in the marinade, then chill for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add steak and cook until nicely seared but slightly pink in center, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together pineapple, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Thinly slice steak across the grain. Serve in tortillas with pineapple salsa and avocado. Top with cotija cheese if desired and serve with lime.
CHARD AND SWEET CORN TACOS
This is from Martha Rose Schulman, in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “These sweet and spicy tacos can be filled with chard of any color, or other greens like beet greens or amaranth. I used Swiss chard for these tacos, but other greens like beet greens or amaranth will work. I don’t recommend strong-tasting cruciferous greens like kale, though. You can use green chard, red chard or rainbow, and do include the stalks if they’re nice and wide. Don’t skimp on the garlic. As for the salsa, you can choose between fresh or cooked tomato salsa, or use a salsa verde made with tomatillos. They all work well. A quarter cup of filling is plenty for each taco.”
Yield: 8 tacos, serving 4; Time: 15 to 20 minutes.
This was featured in “Vegetarian Taco Night” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 generous bunch Swiss chard (about 3/4 pound)
Salt to taste
1 medium white, red or yellow onion, sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
Kernels from 2 ears sweet corn
Freshly ground pepper
8 warm corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (but not too salty a feta)
Salsa of your choice
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you stem chard and wash leaves in 2 rinses of water. Rinse stalks and dice them if they are wide and not stringy.
When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add chard leaves. Blanch for a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Take chard up by the handful and squeeze out excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Set aside.
Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes, and add a generous pinch of salt, the garlic, diced chard stalks and corn kernels. Continue to cook, stirring often, until corn is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in chard and cook, stirring, for another minute or two, until ingredients are combined nicely and chard is tender but still bright. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Heat tortillas. Top with vegetables, a sprinkling of cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
Tip
Advance preparation: The filling will keep for a day in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet.
GROUND BEEF TACOS WITH SPICY SHELLS
This is from Delish and begins, “Line taco shells with lettuce leaves so the filling stays put inside.”
Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves:4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/4 lb. ground beef (at least 90% lean)
3 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. low-sodium beef bouillon base (we used Better than Bouillon)
8 small yellow corn tortillas (see box, below)
8 butter or iceberg lettuce leaves
2 tomatoes, chopped
Shredded cheddar, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander and chili powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Increase heat to medium-high, add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring 2 minutes. Add the bouillon base and 1 cup water and gently simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
While the beef is browning, prepare the spicy taco shells (see tip, below). Line the tortillas with lettuce, fill with the beef, and top with the tomatoes and cheese, if desired.
PER SERVING 494 CAL, 28 G FAT (7.5 G SAT FAT), 92 MG CHOL, 154 MG SOD, 33 G PRO, 29 G CAR, 5 G FIBER
SOFT TACOS WITH CHICKEN AND TOMATO-CORN SALSA
This comes from Martha Rose Schulman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, “Tomato-corn salsa is substantial, almost like a salad. These light, fresh tacos make a wonderful summer meal.” Yield: Serves four; Time: 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Sweet Corn: Getting an Earful in Summer”, and can be found online by clicking here.
Ingredients
1/2 small red or white onion, finely chopped
1 ear of corn, steamed for five minutes
1 pound ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1 to 3 jalapeño or serrano peppers (to taste), seeded if desired and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt to taste
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, poached and shredded (about 2 cups)
8 corn tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
Preparation
Place the chopped onion in a small bowl, and cover with cold water. Let sit for five minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Drain on paper towels. Cut the kernels off the steamed ear of corn.
Toss together the tomatoes, minced chiles, cilantro, onion and steamed corn. Season to taste with salt, and add up to 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl, and season with 1 tablespoon lime juice and salt to taste.
Heat the tortillas. Wrap in aluminum foil, and heat through in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes; or heat through one at a time in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until flexible. Place one or two on each plate, top with shredded chicken and a generous spoonful of the salsa, and sprinkle some cheese on top. Serve, passing additional salsa if there is any at the table.
Tip
Advance preparation: The poached, shredded chicken will keep for three days in the refrigerator. The salsa can be assembled several hours before serving. Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.
BEEF TACO SALAD
This comes from Judy Kim on Delish. According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.
For this recipe, Judy wrote, “Try a healthier twist on Taco Tuesdays.” Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
2 tbsp. tomato paste
vegetable oil
2 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4" strips
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Pico de Gallo
sour cream
1/4 c. Chopped cilantro
Directions
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef using a wooden spoon and break up meat into small pieces. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, and tomato paste. Cook through, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
In a sauté pan add about 1/2" of vegetable oil. Heat until hot but not smoking. Fry tortilla strips until golden brown; transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Season tortillas with salt just after removing from hot oil.
Assemble salad in 4 bowls with romaine, tomatoes, black beans, and warm taco meat. Top with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and crisp tortilla strips.
CROCK POT CHICKEN TACO MEAT
This comes from Food.com. Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-chicken-taco-meat-4957.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
Note: Use in place of hamburger for tacos.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
Directions
Dissolve taco seasoning into chicken broth.
Place chicken breasts in crock pot and pour chicken broth over.
Cover and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours.
With two forks, shred the chicken meat into bite-size pieces.
To freeze, place shredded meat into freeze bags with the juices.
Press out all the air and seal.
Monday, August 17, 2026
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Chicken A La King and Quick Turkey Chili. Enjoy!
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
CHICKEN A LA KING
This is from Craig Claiborne and adapted by Eric Kim in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Eric wrote, "This regal midcentury favorite of tender poached chicken draped in a creamy sherry sauce is due for a revival. Think of chicken potpie filling without the crust, or the kind of banquet poultry served at weddings. Many hotel chefs in the 19th century, including George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel, claim to have invented chicken à la king, which has as many variations as there are cooks. This particular iteration of the retro dish comes from Craig Claiborne, adapted from a column he wrote for The New York Times in 1969. For the full effect, serve the comforting chicken with toast triangles, as they still do at nostalgic restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill in Los Angeles and Cecchi’s in New York City, or enjoy with rice, noodles or biscuits, whatever makes you happy. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or over low heat on the stove."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "A Chicken à la King That’s Actually Fit for a King," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026730-chicken-a-la-king. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth or 1-3/4 cups homemade stock (see Tip)
Salt and black pepper
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-1/4 pounds; see Tip)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced button or cremini mushrooms (2-1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons drained jarred sliced pimentos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, plus more for serving
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons dry sherry
Toast triangles and Tabasco hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Poach the chicken: Add the stock to a medium saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then turn the heat to its lowest setting. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the saucepan. Cover and poach the chicken until the centers are barely opaque, 15 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and the stock to a measuring cup.
While the chicken cools, make the sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
Whisk in 1-1/2 cups reserved chicken stock. Boil, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook over low, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch cubes and stir into the sauce, along with the peas, pimento and parsley. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sherry to combine and stir into the sauce. Do not boil the sauce at this stage or it may curdle. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat when steaming hot and serve immediately with the toast triangles and Tabasco sauce, if using.
Tip
To prepare an even richer, more flavorful dish, do as Mr. Claiborne does in his cookbook “Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking” (1987) and start by poaching a whole chicken. Add a whole chicken to a snug pot, fill the pot with just enough water to cover it. If desired, add aromatic ingredients, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, allspice, carrot and celery. Season with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes. Strain and use the stock in Step 3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before tearing off the meat and carving it into 1/2-inch cubes to use in Step 4. You should have about 3 cups of cubed boneless, skinless chicken.
BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF
This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 pounds ground turkey
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.
Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
QUICK TURKEY CHILI
This is from Southern Living, and begins, "Finish this turkey chili with your preferred toppings, like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream."
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/quick-turkey-chili-8704058.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (from 1 bell pepper)
3 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix (from 1 [1-oz.] envelope)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1-1/2 cups water
1 lb. ground turkey (white and dark meat)
1 (15-oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (about 2 canned chiles)
1 tsp. kosher salt
Toppings: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add taco seasoning and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant and tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and water, scraping bottom of Dutch oven to release any browned bits.
Add turkey, and stir to break into smaller pieces.
Stir in beans, chiles, and salt. Bring to a simmer, undisturbed, over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Ladle evenly into 4 bowls, and serve with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix bland turkey chili?
If you find your turkey chili is bland after cooking, add extra seasonings as desired to bump up the flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can also help wake up the flavors.
How do you thicken turkey chili?
To thicken up the chili, you can continue to simmer, add a cornstarch slurry, or lightly smash some of the beans for a thickened texture.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese before serving.
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
CHICKEN A LA KING
This is from Craig Claiborne and adapted by Eric Kim in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Eric wrote, "This regal midcentury favorite of tender poached chicken draped in a creamy sherry sauce is due for a revival. Think of chicken potpie filling without the crust, or the kind of banquet poultry served at weddings. Many hotel chefs in the 19th century, including George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel, claim to have invented chicken à la king, which has as many variations as there are cooks. This particular iteration of the retro dish comes from Craig Claiborne, adapted from a column he wrote for The New York Times in 1969. For the full effect, serve the comforting chicken with toast triangles, as they still do at nostalgic restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill in Los Angeles and Cecchi’s in New York City, or enjoy with rice, noodles or biscuits, whatever makes you happy. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or over low heat on the stove."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "A Chicken à la King That’s Actually Fit for a King," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026730-chicken-a-la-king. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth or 1-3/4 cups homemade stock (see Tip)
Salt and black pepper
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-1/4 pounds; see Tip)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced button or cremini mushrooms (2-1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons drained jarred sliced pimentos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, plus more for serving
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons dry sherry
Toast triangles and Tabasco hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Poach the chicken: Add the stock to a medium saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then turn the heat to its lowest setting. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the saucepan. Cover and poach the chicken until the centers are barely opaque, 15 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and the stock to a measuring cup.
While the chicken cools, make the sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
Whisk in 1-1/2 cups reserved chicken stock. Boil, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook over low, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch cubes and stir into the sauce, along with the peas, pimento and parsley. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sherry to combine and stir into the sauce. Do not boil the sauce at this stage or it may curdle. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat when steaming hot and serve immediately with the toast triangles and Tabasco sauce, if using.
Tip
To prepare an even richer, more flavorful dish, do as Mr. Claiborne does in his cookbook “Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking” (1987) and start by poaching a whole chicken. Add a whole chicken to a snug pot, fill the pot with just enough water to cover it. If desired, add aromatic ingredients, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, allspice, carrot and celery. Season with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes. Strain and use the stock in Step 3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before tearing off the meat and carving it into 1/2-inch cubes to use in Step 4. You should have about 3 cups of cubed boneless, skinless chicken.
BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF
This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 pounds ground turkey
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.
Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
QUICK TURKEY CHILI
This is from Southern Living, and begins, "Finish this turkey chili with your preferred toppings, like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream."
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/quick-turkey-chili-8704058.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (from 1 bell pepper)
3 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix (from 1 [1-oz.] envelope)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1-1/2 cups water
1 lb. ground turkey (white and dark meat)
1 (15-oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (about 2 canned chiles)
1 tsp. kosher salt
Toppings: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add taco seasoning and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant and tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and water, scraping bottom of Dutch oven to release any browned bits.
Add turkey, and stir to break into smaller pieces.
Stir in beans, chiles, and salt. Bring to a simmer, undisturbed, over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Ladle evenly into 4 bowls, and serve with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix bland turkey chili?
If you find your turkey chili is bland after cooking, add extra seasonings as desired to bump up the flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can also help wake up the flavors.
How do you thicken turkey chili?
To thicken up the chili, you can continue to simmer, add a cornstarch slurry, or lightly smash some of the beans for a thickened texture.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese before serving.
Meatless Monday
It's Monday, which means it's time for another Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Pasta Alla Norma and Deep-Dish Skillet Pizza. Enjoy!
HONEY ENERGY BALLS
This, as well as the Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Balls are from Runner's World, and are from the latest Runner's World cookbook. Both recipes can be found online by clicking here.
This recipe begins, “These sweet, crunchy, and slightly chewy bars are the perfect prerun pick-me-up. Honey provide simple sugars (fructose and glucose) that are quickly absorbed and will energize your workout. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, a type of sugar that may promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. Studies show that these carbohydrates serve as fuel for immune-boosting bacteria in the gut.
“Honey provides simple sugars (fructose and glucose), which are quickly absorbed and offer immediate energy.”
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 cups granola
2/3 cup roughly chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
In a bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Whisk in the honey, oil, and zest. Stir in the granola and walnuts. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Spread the mixture in the baking pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 9 squares. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Makes 9 squares.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 193; Carbs: 23 g; Fiber: 2 g; Protein: 5 g; Total fat: 10 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 18 mg
CHOCOLATE CHIP TRAIL MIX BALLS
This recipe begins, “Salty and sweet, these tasty little snacks pack the essential components of trail mix—nuts, dried fruit, and, yes, chocolate—into an easily portable package. Not only are they a delicious prerun snack, but they also make for a quick breakfast on the go.
“Salty and sweet, these tasty little snacks pack the essential components of trail mix—nuts, dried fruit, and, yes, chocolate—into an easily portable package. Not only are they a delicious midrun snack, but they also make for a quick breakfast on the go.”
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup agave syrup or honey
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dark chocolate mini chips
1/4 cup chopped dried tart cherries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
Instructions
In a bowl, with an electric mixer on low speed, mix together the almond butter and agave syrup for 2 minutes, or until smooth and well combined.
With the mixer still on low, gradually add the oats until well combined, followed by the pumpkin seeds. Add the chocolate chips, cherries, and almonds. Mix for about 1 minute on low, or until justcombined.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. For each ball, use a tablespoon to take a heaping scoop of the mixture and, with your hands, gently roll into a ball. Roll in the wheat germ and set on the baking sheet lined with wax paper.
You can eat the trail mix balls immediately, or transfer any uneaten ones (still on the baking sheet) to the refrigerator for 2 hours, or until set. Transfer the chilled balls to a plastic freezer bag and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Makes 24 balls (2 per serving).
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 210; Carbs: 24 g; Fiber: 5 g; Protein: 7 g; Total fat: 11 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Sodium: 30 mg
ASPARAGUS-PESTO LASAGNA
This is from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe uses two popular Italian lasagna fillings: asparagus and pesto.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/asparagus-pesto-lasagna/
Ingredients
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
6 Tbs. pesto*, or more to taste
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/4 lb. asparagus spears, tips cut off and reserved, spears trimmed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
2 cups shredded Fontina or part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk in saucepan until smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in pesto, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Reserve 1 cup white sauce.
Warm oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus (not tips) and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place layer of noodles in dish, overlapping slightly. Layer with half of cooked asparagus, 3/4 cup Fontina and half of sauce. Add another layer of pasta, remaining sauce, remaining cooked asparagus and 3/4 cup Fontina. Top with layer of noodles, then with reserved 1 cup white sauce. Arrange reserved asparagus tips over top and sprinkle with remaining Fontina.
Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes; serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Look for the freshest, most flavorful pesto in the refrigerator section of the supermarket, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags or in plastic tubs.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 413; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 686 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
Ingredients
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
PASTA ALLA NORMA - CLASSIC SICILIAN EGGPLANT-PASTA
This comes from Danette St. Onge, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Dante wrote, “Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish originating in the Sicilian city of Catania. Allegedly it was created by a Catanese chef in tribute to the opera 'Norma,' by 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini, also from Catania (incidentally, the Bellini aperitivo cocktail made with fresh peaches and prosecco is named after him!). Ricotta salata, a firm, tangy sheep's-milk cheese, is an essential ingredient in this dish. It is quite different from soft and creamy fresh ricotta, though if you can't locate ricotta salata, a mild feta cheese such as French-style feta can be substituted.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
Coarse sea salt (Maldon salt works well)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chile pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can (or 3 cups) passata di pomodoro (tomato puree)
Fine sea salt, to taste
1 pound penne, rigatoni, or any other short, tube-shaped pasta
8-12 fresh basil leaves, for garnish
3 ounces ricotta salata, coarsely grated
Preparation
Place the eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined tray or baking sheet and lightly sprinkle them with coarse sea salt, to draw out excess water. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly pat the slices dry with more paper towels.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the eggplant slices (do not overcrowd) and fry them, turning occasionally, until well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes.
Transfer fried eggplant to a paper towel-lined platter or tray and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until garlic is just golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chile pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, another 30 seconds. Add the tomato puree, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat until sauce is just simmering. Cover and let simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with fine sea salt.
Meanwhile, bring salted water for the pasta to boil in a large pot. When boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water when draining the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot, add the tomato sauce and a little of the cooking water (just one spoonful at a time, as necessary) to thin the sauce slightly and help it adhere to the pasta. Toss to coat the pasta and then divide between serving plates. Lay a few slices of fried eggplant on top of each serving of pasta, then top with a generous grating of ricotta salata and a few fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately.
DEEP-DISH SKILLET PIZZA
This comes from page 37 of the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Try this homemade pizza technique with your favorite toppings as well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/deep-dish-skillet-pizza/.
Ingredients
Dough
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1/2 pkg. dry yeast (1/4 oz.)
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. flax meal or ground flaxseed
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Topping
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
8 cups loosely packed kale
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 Tbs. Neufchâtel cheese (2 oz.)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or basil
Directions
To make Dough: Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in yeast, and let stand 5 minutes, or until liquid is cloudy and bubbly. Stir in whole-wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, flax meal, oil, and salt. Knead 2 minutes while adding 1/4 cup flour. Oil separate bowl, and turn dough in oil to coat. Cover, and let rise in warm spot until dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
To make Topping: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until kale is softened, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and fennel seed, and cook 7 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, and stir in Neufchâtel cheese.
Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil bottom and sides of 12-inch cast iron skillet. With floured hands, pat and stretch Dough over bottom and halfway up sides of skillet. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Spread kale mixture on dough; scatter feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano on top. Place skillet directly on oven floor, and bake 15 minutes. Remove carefully from oven, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 274; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Sodium: 566 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 4 g
HONEY ENERGY BALLS
This, as well as the Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Balls are from Runner's World, and are from the latest Runner's World cookbook. Both recipes can be found online by clicking here.
This recipe begins, “These sweet, crunchy, and slightly chewy bars are the perfect prerun pick-me-up. Honey provide simple sugars (fructose and glucose) that are quickly absorbed and will energize your workout. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, a type of sugar that may promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. Studies show that these carbohydrates serve as fuel for immune-boosting bacteria in the gut.
“Honey provides simple sugars (fructose and glucose), which are quickly absorbed and offer immediate energy.”
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 cups granola
2/3 cup roughly chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
In a bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Whisk in the honey, oil, and zest. Stir in the granola and walnuts. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Spread the mixture in the baking pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 9 squares. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Makes 9 squares.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 193; Carbs: 23 g; Fiber: 2 g; Protein: 5 g; Total fat: 10 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 18 mg
CHOCOLATE CHIP TRAIL MIX BALLS
This recipe begins, “Salty and sweet, these tasty little snacks pack the essential components of trail mix—nuts, dried fruit, and, yes, chocolate—into an easily portable package. Not only are they a delicious prerun snack, but they also make for a quick breakfast on the go.
“Salty and sweet, these tasty little snacks pack the essential components of trail mix—nuts, dried fruit, and, yes, chocolate—into an easily portable package. Not only are they a delicious midrun snack, but they also make for a quick breakfast on the go.”
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup agave syrup or honey
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dark chocolate mini chips
1/4 cup chopped dried tart cherries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
Instructions
In a bowl, with an electric mixer on low speed, mix together the almond butter and agave syrup for 2 minutes, or until smooth and well combined.
With the mixer still on low, gradually add the oats until well combined, followed by the pumpkin seeds. Add the chocolate chips, cherries, and almonds. Mix for about 1 minute on low, or until justcombined.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. For each ball, use a tablespoon to take a heaping scoop of the mixture and, with your hands, gently roll into a ball. Roll in the wheat germ and set on the baking sheet lined with wax paper.
You can eat the trail mix balls immediately, or transfer any uneaten ones (still on the baking sheet) to the refrigerator for 2 hours, or until set. Transfer the chilled balls to a plastic freezer bag and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Makes 24 balls (2 per serving).
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 210; Carbs: 24 g; Fiber: 5 g; Protein: 7 g; Total fat: 11 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Sodium: 30 mg
ASPARAGUS-PESTO LASAGNA
This is from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe uses two popular Italian lasagna fillings: asparagus and pesto.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/asparagus-pesto-lasagna/
Ingredients
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
6 Tbs. pesto*, or more to taste
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/4 lb. asparagus spears, tips cut off and reserved, spears trimmed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
2 cups shredded Fontina or part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk in saucepan until smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in pesto, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Reserve 1 cup white sauce.
Warm oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus (not tips) and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place layer of noodles in dish, overlapping slightly. Layer with half of cooked asparagus, 3/4 cup Fontina and half of sauce. Add another layer of pasta, remaining sauce, remaining cooked asparagus and 3/4 cup Fontina. Top with layer of noodles, then with reserved 1 cup white sauce. Arrange reserved asparagus tips over top and sprinkle with remaining Fontina.
Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes; serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Look for the freshest, most flavorful pesto in the refrigerator section of the supermarket, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags or in plastic tubs.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 413; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 686 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
Ingredients
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
PASTA ALLA NORMA - CLASSIC SICILIAN EGGPLANT-PASTA
This comes from Danette St. Onge, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Dante wrote, “Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish originating in the Sicilian city of Catania. Allegedly it was created by a Catanese chef in tribute to the opera 'Norma,' by 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini, also from Catania (incidentally, the Bellini aperitivo cocktail made with fresh peaches and prosecco is named after him!). Ricotta salata, a firm, tangy sheep's-milk cheese, is an essential ingredient in this dish. It is quite different from soft and creamy fresh ricotta, though if you can't locate ricotta salata, a mild feta cheese such as French-style feta can be substituted.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
Coarse sea salt (Maldon salt works well)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chile pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can (or 3 cups) passata di pomodoro (tomato puree)
Fine sea salt, to taste
1 pound penne, rigatoni, or any other short, tube-shaped pasta
8-12 fresh basil leaves, for garnish
3 ounces ricotta salata, coarsely grated
Preparation
Place the eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined tray or baking sheet and lightly sprinkle them with coarse sea salt, to draw out excess water. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly pat the slices dry with more paper towels.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the eggplant slices (do not overcrowd) and fry them, turning occasionally, until well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes.
Transfer fried eggplant to a paper towel-lined platter or tray and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until garlic is just golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chile pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, another 30 seconds. Add the tomato puree, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat until sauce is just simmering. Cover and let simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with fine sea salt.
Meanwhile, bring salted water for the pasta to boil in a large pot. When boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water when draining the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot, add the tomato sauce and a little of the cooking water (just one spoonful at a time, as necessary) to thin the sauce slightly and help it adhere to the pasta. Toss to coat the pasta and then divide between serving plates. Lay a few slices of fried eggplant on top of each serving of pasta, then top with a generous grating of ricotta salata and a few fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately.
DEEP-DISH SKILLET PIZZA
This comes from page 37 of the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Try this homemade pizza technique with your favorite toppings as well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/deep-dish-skillet-pizza/.
Ingredients
Dough
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1/2 pkg. dry yeast (1/4 oz.)
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. flax meal or ground flaxseed
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Topping
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
8 cups loosely packed kale
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 Tbs. Neufchâtel cheese (2 oz.)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or basil
Directions
To make Dough: Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in yeast, and let stand 5 minutes, or until liquid is cloudy and bubbly. Stir in whole-wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, flax meal, oil, and salt. Knead 2 minutes while adding 1/4 cup flour. Oil separate bowl, and turn dough in oil to coat. Cover, and let rise in warm spot until dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
To make Topping: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until kale is softened, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and fennel seed, and cook 7 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, and stir in Neufchâtel cheese.
Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil bottom and sides of 12-inch cast iron skillet. With floured hands, pat and stretch Dough over bottom and halfway up sides of skillet. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Spread kale mixture on dough; scatter feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano on top. Place skillet directly on oven floor, and bake 15 minutes. Remove carefully from oven, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 274; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Sodium: 566 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 4 g
Friday, August 14, 2026
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Yay! Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Slow-Cooker Enchilada Sloppy Joes and S'mores Slab Pie. Enjoy!
SMOKY WHITE BEAN AND BEEF SLOPPY JOES
This is from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. She wrote, "This update on the kid-friendly classic uses half the meat as a traditional sloppy Joe recipe, but retains the qualities that everyone loves: a tart-sweet savoriness and a quick cooking time. You can substitute ground pork, turkey, lamb or plant-based ground meat for the beef; the key is to use a protein that’s not too lean. A little fat helps carry the flavor of the meat through the entire dish. (If you use plant-based meat or you only have lean meat on hand, add another tablespoon of olive oil or your preferred fat.) The addition of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles imparts smoke, with just a hint of heat. (If you’d like a spicier version, by all means, chop up one or two of the chipotles and add them.) The leftover chipotles keep for at least two weeks in the fridge or indefinitely in the freezer, and they are a welcome addition to many dishes, like chicken tacos or chili."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes
to view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022280-smoky-white-bean-and-beef-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 pound ground beef, preferably 85 percent lean
1 packed tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 cup canned or jarred tomato purée
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or pinto beans, drained
4 hamburger buns, preferably potato buns
Tomato slices and pickle chips, for topping
Preparation
Warm the oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over high heat. Add the onion, season with 1 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the bell pepper, then spread out the vegetable mixture and let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute. Stir well and repeat, letting the vegetables cook undisturbed for another minute or so at a time. You want the onions and peppers to get softened, seared and browned in spots, about 5 minutes total.
Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, making an empty spot in the middle of the pan, and add the ground beef. Season the beef with a pinch of salt, and smash it flat with a spatula, letting it cook undisturbed for 1 minute until brown underneath. Break up the beef with the spatula and cook 1 to 2 more minutes, until completely browned with no visible pink spots.
Combine the vegetables and beef, then add the sugar and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute to toast the tomato paste. Add the garlic powder and cumin, then the tomato purée, adobo sauce and vinegar. Stir in the beans. Reduce the heat to medium and let simmer to thicken slightly, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast the buns.
With a fork, roughly smash some of the beans to thicken the mixture. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve on toasted buns, topped with tomatoes and pickles.
S'MORES SLAB PIE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "S’mores get a sheet-pan makeover in this summery treat loaded with marshmallow creme and chocolate pudding atop a buttery graham cracker crust."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes; Servings: 16
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/smores-slab-pie/72fdcfd5-c59a-45bd-b288-f7fd8bc1bd68.
Ingredients
Crust
3 cups finely crushed graham crackers (46 squares)
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Filling
3-1/2 cups milk
2 boxes (3.4 oz each) Jell-O™ Cook & Serve chocolate pudding & pie filling mix (not instant)
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Topping
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
2 jars (7 oz each) Kraft Jet Puffed marshmallow creme
2 cups (from 8-oz container) Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed
Decoration
1/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting (from 16-oz container)
1/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers (2 squares)
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray.
In medium bowl, mix Crust ingredients with fork until well blended. Press evenly in bottom and up sides of pan. Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until set. Cool 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, cook milk and pudding mixes over medium heat 10 to 14 minutes or until mixture comes to a full boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips; stir until melted and smooth. Pour into baked crust; spread evenly. Cool at room temperature 15 minutes, then cover filling with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until set.
When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap from filling. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in whipped topping. Drop by spoonfuls over chilled pudding layer; spread evenly over top.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds or until thin enough to drizzle. Using a fork, drizzle warmed frosting and sprinkle 1/4 cup graham cracker pieces over top.
Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pieces.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
To ensure success of this recipe, be sure to use pudding that is cooked on the stovetop and not instant.
tip 2
No dark chocolate chips? Replace with semisweet chocolate chips.
BAKED BEANS
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "Proper Boston baked beans would have salt pork instead of the bacon. James Beard cooked them with ribs. The key is to use the little white pea beans known as navy beans, and to allow time to do most of the work. (Or to cheat: Canned white beans make fantastic baked beans in about an hour. If you use them, you'll need four 15-ounce cans. Drain and then follow the directions from step 2 on to the end. Please understand that you’ll need much less water and much less time to get them where you want them to be.) The combination of molasses and dry mustard is a taste as old as America itself, and takes well to both ham and soft brown bread."
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: About 6-1/2 hours, plus at least 6 hours' soaking time
This was featured in "A Fresh Take on Easter", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016258-baked-beans.
Ingredients
2 cups navy beans
Salt
1/2 pound slab bacon, cut into cubes
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup molasses
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
Soak beans in a large bowl of water for 6 hours or overnight. Drain beans and put them in a large oven-safe pot with a heavy bottom and a tightfitting lid. Add 1 teaspoon salt and enough cool water to cover 2 inches above the beans. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the beans are just tender, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Drain and remove beans.
Heat the oven to 250 degrees. Bring a kettle full of water to a boil on the stove. Return the heavy-bottomed pot to the stove and turn the heat to medium high. Cook the bacon in the bottom of the pot until it begins to brown, then turn off the heat and add the chopped onion and, on top of it, the beans. Mix together molasses, mustard and black pepper, and add the mixture to the pot. Pour in enough boiling water to cover beans, put the lid on and bake, occasionally adding more water to keep beans covered, until they are tender but not falling apart, 4 to 5 hours.
Remove beans from oven, uncover, stir and season with salt. With the lid off, return pot to oven and let beans finish cooking, uncovered and without additional water, until the sauce has thickened and the top is deeply crusty, about 45 minutes more.
MEXICAN CORN BUBBLES
Years ago, when my better half and I first got cable, I was channel-surfing, something most of us have done occasionally. I ran across a baking show on PBS called Breaking Bread with Fr. Dominic, featuring Fr. Dominic Garramone. I fell in love with the show, and watched it almost every time it was on. (Unfortunately, it only ran from 1999 to 2001.)
Anywho, this recipe was featured on his show; you might even find it in one of his many cookbooks (and yes, I’m planning to pick up a copy of at least one or two of said cookbooks).
Makes 24 rolls.
Ingredients
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1-1/2teaspoons chopped dried jalapeno peppers
1/2 cup water
1-3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (4-ounce) jar sliced pimientos, well-drained
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 24 cubes
Directions
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, cornmeal, sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, chili powder, and jalapeno peppers. Heat water, milk and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees); stir into flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece to smooth balls; flatten to 3-inch circles with palms of hands. Place 3 to 4 strips of pimientos and 1 cube of cheese in center of each circle. Pull up edges and pinch to enclose filling. Place balls in 2 greased 9-inch round cake pans. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.
SLOW-COOKER ENCHILADA SLOPPY JOES
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and begins, “Seasoned with chiles, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning, this set-it-and-forget-it beef recipe is packed with south-of-the-border flavors.” Prep Time: 10 min; Total Time: 4 hr 10 min; Servings: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
4 soft burger buns
Directions
Heat 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add oil and onion; cook about five minutes or until soft. Add beef; cook until brown, stirring occasionally.
Spray 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour mixture into slow cooker. Stir in taco seasoning mix, enchilada sauce and green chiles. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours.
Just before serving, stir in cilantro and 1/2 cup of the cheese. If too saucy, cook uncovered about 30 minutes longer, allowing extra moisture to evaporate.
Serve on buns. Top with remaining cheese. Enjoy!
TURKEY CHILI
This is from Eric Kim from The New York Times cooking site. Eric wrote, "Rather than browning the meat first, which doesn’t do much for lean ground turkey and can actually make it tough, this recipe prioritizes cooking down the vegetables first. Onions and canned tomatoes fried in olive oil provide an umami-rich flavor base for turkey’s blank canvas, and the adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers does a lot of this dish’s heavy lifting. Optional toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream help cool down the spice. One of the best ways to enjoy this simple but powerful chili is over French fries with melted cheese, or tossed with some cooked spaghetti. It’s so great on its own, as well."
Yield: 2 to 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Learn to Cook (and Heart It) in 10 Easy Dishes", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023225-turkey-chili.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
Salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 pound ground turkey
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, sour cream and whole cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
Use a fork to fish the tomatoes out of the can and add them to the pot, leaving behind the juice for now. Season with salt and cook the tomatoes, breaking them up with the wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until jammy and their liquid has reduced significantly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder and cook until fragrant, just a few seconds. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and stir to combine, breaking up the meat with the spoon. (Don’t worry about browning or cooking it through here, as it will do so when it simmers.) Stir in the reserved liquid from the tomato can.
Use the fork to fish out as many chipotle peppers from the can as you would like, starting with two or three, and add to the pot, breaking them up with the wooden spoon, along with all of the adobo sauce. The more peppers you use, the spicier your final chili will be; if you like spice, just add the entire can. (Store any peppers you don’t use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 2 months.) Fill the empty chipotle can with cold tap water, swish it around and add to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat — you should see occasional small bubbles breaking the surface of the mixture — then cover the pot and reduce the heat to continue simmering over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the tomatoes have broken down, about 20 minutes. The chili should look thick and shiny, but not too thick that you couldn’t ladle it into a bowl. (If it's too watery, then simmer with the lid off for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve with cheese, sour cream and cilantro, if using.
SMOKY WHITE BEAN AND BEEF SLOPPY JOES
This is from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. She wrote, "This update on the kid-friendly classic uses half the meat as a traditional sloppy Joe recipe, but retains the qualities that everyone loves: a tart-sweet savoriness and a quick cooking time. You can substitute ground pork, turkey, lamb or plant-based ground meat for the beef; the key is to use a protein that’s not too lean. A little fat helps carry the flavor of the meat through the entire dish. (If you use plant-based meat or you only have lean meat on hand, add another tablespoon of olive oil or your preferred fat.) The addition of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles imparts smoke, with just a hint of heat. (If you’d like a spicier version, by all means, chop up one or two of the chipotles and add them.) The leftover chipotles keep for at least two weeks in the fridge or indefinitely in the freezer, and they are a welcome addition to many dishes, like chicken tacos or chili."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes
to view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022280-smoky-white-bean-and-beef-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 pound ground beef, preferably 85 percent lean
1 packed tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 cup canned or jarred tomato purée
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or pinto beans, drained
4 hamburger buns, preferably potato buns
Tomato slices and pickle chips, for topping
Preparation
Warm the oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over high heat. Add the onion, season with 1 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the bell pepper, then spread out the vegetable mixture and let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute. Stir well and repeat, letting the vegetables cook undisturbed for another minute or so at a time. You want the onions and peppers to get softened, seared and browned in spots, about 5 minutes total.
Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, making an empty spot in the middle of the pan, and add the ground beef. Season the beef with a pinch of salt, and smash it flat with a spatula, letting it cook undisturbed for 1 minute until brown underneath. Break up the beef with the spatula and cook 1 to 2 more minutes, until completely browned with no visible pink spots.
Combine the vegetables and beef, then add the sugar and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute to toast the tomato paste. Add the garlic powder and cumin, then the tomato purée, adobo sauce and vinegar. Stir in the beans. Reduce the heat to medium and let simmer to thicken slightly, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast the buns.
With a fork, roughly smash some of the beans to thicken the mixture. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve on toasted buns, topped with tomatoes and pickles.
S'MORES SLAB PIE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "S’mores get a sheet-pan makeover in this summery treat loaded with marshmallow creme and chocolate pudding atop a buttery graham cracker crust."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes; Servings: 16
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/smores-slab-pie/72fdcfd5-c59a-45bd-b288-f7fd8bc1bd68.
Ingredients
Crust
3 cups finely crushed graham crackers (46 squares)
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Filling
3-1/2 cups milk
2 boxes (3.4 oz each) Jell-O™ Cook & Serve chocolate pudding & pie filling mix (not instant)
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Topping
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
2 jars (7 oz each) Kraft Jet Puffed marshmallow creme
2 cups (from 8-oz container) Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed
Decoration
1/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting (from 16-oz container)
1/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers (2 squares)
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray.
In medium bowl, mix Crust ingredients with fork until well blended. Press evenly in bottom and up sides of pan. Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until set. Cool 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, cook milk and pudding mixes over medium heat 10 to 14 minutes or until mixture comes to a full boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips; stir until melted and smooth. Pour into baked crust; spread evenly. Cool at room temperature 15 minutes, then cover filling with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until set.
When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap from filling. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in whipped topping. Drop by spoonfuls over chilled pudding layer; spread evenly over top.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds or until thin enough to drizzle. Using a fork, drizzle warmed frosting and sprinkle 1/4 cup graham cracker pieces over top.
Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pieces.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
To ensure success of this recipe, be sure to use pudding that is cooked on the stovetop and not instant.
tip 2
No dark chocolate chips? Replace with semisweet chocolate chips.
BAKED BEANS
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "Proper Boston baked beans would have salt pork instead of the bacon. James Beard cooked them with ribs. The key is to use the little white pea beans known as navy beans, and to allow time to do most of the work. (Or to cheat: Canned white beans make fantastic baked beans in about an hour. If you use them, you'll need four 15-ounce cans. Drain and then follow the directions from step 2 on to the end. Please understand that you’ll need much less water and much less time to get them where you want them to be.) The combination of molasses and dry mustard is a taste as old as America itself, and takes well to both ham and soft brown bread."
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: About 6-1/2 hours, plus at least 6 hours' soaking time
This was featured in "A Fresh Take on Easter", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016258-baked-beans.
Ingredients
2 cups navy beans
Salt
1/2 pound slab bacon, cut into cubes
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup molasses
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
Soak beans in a large bowl of water for 6 hours or overnight. Drain beans and put them in a large oven-safe pot with a heavy bottom and a tightfitting lid. Add 1 teaspoon salt and enough cool water to cover 2 inches above the beans. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the beans are just tender, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Drain and remove beans.
Heat the oven to 250 degrees. Bring a kettle full of water to a boil on the stove. Return the heavy-bottomed pot to the stove and turn the heat to medium high. Cook the bacon in the bottom of the pot until it begins to brown, then turn off the heat and add the chopped onion and, on top of it, the beans. Mix together molasses, mustard and black pepper, and add the mixture to the pot. Pour in enough boiling water to cover beans, put the lid on and bake, occasionally adding more water to keep beans covered, until they are tender but not falling apart, 4 to 5 hours.
Remove beans from oven, uncover, stir and season with salt. With the lid off, return pot to oven and let beans finish cooking, uncovered and without additional water, until the sauce has thickened and the top is deeply crusty, about 45 minutes more.
MEXICAN CORN BUBBLES
Years ago, when my better half and I first got cable, I was channel-surfing, something most of us have done occasionally. I ran across a baking show on PBS called Breaking Bread with Fr. Dominic, featuring Fr. Dominic Garramone. I fell in love with the show, and watched it almost every time it was on. (Unfortunately, it only ran from 1999 to 2001.)
Anywho, this recipe was featured on his show; you might even find it in one of his many cookbooks (and yes, I’m planning to pick up a copy of at least one or two of said cookbooks).
Makes 24 rolls.
Ingredients
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1-1/2teaspoons chopped dried jalapeno peppers
1/2 cup water
1-3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (4-ounce) jar sliced pimientos, well-drained
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 24 cubes
Directions
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, cornmeal, sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, chili powder, and jalapeno peppers. Heat water, milk and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees); stir into flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece to smooth balls; flatten to 3-inch circles with palms of hands. Place 3 to 4 strips of pimientos and 1 cube of cheese in center of each circle. Pull up edges and pinch to enclose filling. Place balls in 2 greased 9-inch round cake pans. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.
SLOW-COOKER ENCHILADA SLOPPY JOES
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and begins, “Seasoned with chiles, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning, this set-it-and-forget-it beef recipe is packed with south-of-the-border flavors.” Prep Time: 10 min; Total Time: 4 hr 10 min; Servings: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
4 soft burger buns
Directions
Heat 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add oil and onion; cook about five minutes or until soft. Add beef; cook until brown, stirring occasionally.
Spray 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour mixture into slow cooker. Stir in taco seasoning mix, enchilada sauce and green chiles. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours.
Just before serving, stir in cilantro and 1/2 cup of the cheese. If too saucy, cook uncovered about 30 minutes longer, allowing extra moisture to evaporate.
Serve on buns. Top with remaining cheese. Enjoy!
TURKEY CHILI
This is from Eric Kim from The New York Times cooking site. Eric wrote, "Rather than browning the meat first, which doesn’t do much for lean ground turkey and can actually make it tough, this recipe prioritizes cooking down the vegetables first. Onions and canned tomatoes fried in olive oil provide an umami-rich flavor base for turkey’s blank canvas, and the adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers does a lot of this dish’s heavy lifting. Optional toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream help cool down the spice. One of the best ways to enjoy this simple but powerful chili is over French fries with melted cheese, or tossed with some cooked spaghetti. It’s so great on its own, as well."
Yield: 2 to 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Learn to Cook (and Heart It) in 10 Easy Dishes", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023225-turkey-chili.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
Salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 pound ground turkey
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, sour cream and whole cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
Use a fork to fish the tomatoes out of the can and add them to the pot, leaving behind the juice for now. Season with salt and cook the tomatoes, breaking them up with the wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until jammy and their liquid has reduced significantly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder and cook until fragrant, just a few seconds. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and stir to combine, breaking up the meat with the spoon. (Don’t worry about browning or cooking it through here, as it will do so when it simmers.) Stir in the reserved liquid from the tomato can.
Use the fork to fish out as many chipotle peppers from the can as you would like, starting with two or three, and add to the pot, breaking them up with the wooden spoon, along with all of the adobo sauce. The more peppers you use, the spicier your final chili will be; if you like spice, just add the entire can. (Store any peppers you don’t use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 2 months.) Fill the empty chipotle can with cold tap water, swish it around and add to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat — you should see occasional small bubbles breaking the surface of the mixture — then cover the pot and reduce the heat to continue simmering over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the tomatoes have broken down, about 20 minutes. The chili should look thick and shiny, but not too thick that you couldn’t ladle it into a bowl. (If it's too watery, then simmer with the lid off for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve with cheese, sour cream and cilantro, if using.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Breakfast
For years, my mom had rules about meals. One of them was that you could only have Breakfast first thing in the morning, or, at least, no later than noon, and certainly not at dinner time. But if given the choice between, say, liver and onions or pancakes for dinner, I would have opted for pancakes.
No deal, as far as Mom was concerned.
Mom
Fortunately, in her later years, Mom relaxed some of her rules about meals. I'd like to think that, if she was still alive, she'd approve of these breakfast recipes, even for dinner, including Salsa Verde Scrambled Egg Tacos and Ham and Spinach Hashbrown Breakfast Skillet. Enjoy!
SAUSAGE AND EGG CASSROLE
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "This Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty way to start your day right! Packed with bold and delicious flavors, this breakfast casserole is perfect not only for you, but for the entire family. They won't be able to get enough! Everyone will be asking you to make this delicious Sausage and Egg Casserole on Sunday morning. Bring it to the next potluck and everyone will be begging you for the recipe."
Cook Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 1 slice
Ingredients
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup turkey sausage crumbles
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil until hot; saute onion, green pepper, tomatoes, and turkey sausage, 5 minutes; set aside.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk eggs, Italian seasoning, and black pepper; stir in the cheese. Add vegetables and turkey mixture to the egg mixture; mix well. Pour mixture into pie plate.
Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until set in center. Slice and serve immediately.
MAKE-AHEAD EGG, SPINACH AND FETA WRAPS
This is from Naz Deravian in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Naz wrote, "Packed with protein, enough baby spinach to make Popeye proud, and punchy umami from sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, these wraps are ideal for make-ahead breakfasts. Feel free to customize by adding herbs like dill, parsley or cilantro, or a small handful of chopped roasted red peppers or pitted olives. The frittata-like egg mixture is baked in the oven in a baking pan and sliced into rectangles to fit easily on lavash wraps or burrito-size flour tortillas. If you don’t want to make wraps, you can simply serve the tender frittata by itself."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 5 wraps
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026810-make-ahead-egg-spinach-and-feta-wraps. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up forThe New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
Cooking spray or neutral oil, as needed
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, plus 3 tablespoons oil from the jar (see Tip)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
5 to 6 ounces baby spinach (5 to 6 cups packed)
10 large eggs
1/2 cup/3 ounces crumbled feta
5 lavash wraps (about 10-by-12 inches) or burrito-size flour tortillas, at room temperature (see Tip)
Cream cheese, fresh goat cheese or flavored soft cheese, such as Boursin, optional
Preparation
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to spray the sides well. (Alternately, you can lightly brush with neutral oil.) Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang on at least two sides and spray the parchment paper with oil. Heat the oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the center position.
In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt, add the sundried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spinach, in batches if necessary, and cook, stirring frequently, just until wilted. (You don’t want the spinach to release any liquid.) Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind you will also season the eggs. Remove from the heat.
Add the eggs to a large bowl, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and beat with a whisk or a fork until combined. Add the spinach mixture to the eggs and mix to combine. (Wipe out the skillet and set aside.) Transfer the egg mixture to the baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the feta cheese and bake until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes.
Slide the frittata onto the cutting board. Slice the frittata widthwise into 5 equal rectangles (each about 2-1/2 inches wide). Place a lavash wrap on a work surface and spread with cream cheese, if using. Place a slice of frittata on the lavash, leaving a 2-inch border from the bottom. Bring the sides of the lavash in and then fold up the bottom, rolling up the lavash like a flat burrito. Repeat with the remaining lavash and frittata.
Heat the same skillet over medium. Spray each lavash wrap lightly with oil on both sides. Place seam side down on the pan and cook until the lavash is warmed through and slightly golden on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (Take care not to cook too long so the lavash doesn’t get crispy.) Slice in half, on the diagonal if you like, and serve. (To make ahead, wrap the pan-cooked egg wraps in foil and keep in the fridge for 3 days, or the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in the oven at 350 degrees.)
Tips
Instead of sun-dried tomato oil, you can substitute olive oil.
Cold lavash is harder to wrap and can tear, so be sure to take the lavash out of the fridge for a few minutes before wrapping.
EVERYDAY PANCAKES
This is from Mark Bittman on The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Mark wrote, "The basic pancake is made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, milk and baking powder for leavening. You can use different types of flour if you want to experiment with whole wheat or buckwheat. And you can also add fruit to the mixture. You might also enjoy this video of the recipe, which walks through a few variations. The batter can be made from scratch in about the same time it takes to make toast. The most time-consuming part of making pancakes, of course, is cooking them. But that time is so short you should consider these an everyday convenience food, not a special-occasion feast. Cook this recipe a few times and it may become part of your weekly routine."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "For the Unitiated, a Pancake Primer," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1893-everyday-pancakes. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar, optional
2 eggs
1-1/2 to 2 cups milk
2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter (optional), plus unmelted butter for cooking, or use neutral oil
Preparation
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. In a bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Beat eggs into 1-1/2 cups milk, then stir in 2 tablespoons melted cooled butter, if using it. Gently stir this mixture into dry ingredients, mixing only enough to moisten flour; don't worry about a few lumps. If batter seems thick, add a little more milk.
Place a teaspoon or 2 of butter or oil on griddle or skillet. When butter foam subsides or oil shimmers, ladle batter onto griddle or skillet, making pancakes of any size you like. Adjust heat as necessary; usually, first batch will require higher heat than subsequent batches. Flip pancakes after bubbles rise to surface and bottoms brown, after 2 to 4 minutes.
Cook until second side is lightly browned. Serve, or hold on an ovenproof plate in a 200-degree oven for up to 15 minutes.
HAM AND SPINACH HASHBROWN BREAKFAST SKILLET
This comes from Betty Crocker, and starts off, "What happens when you replace the crust in a breakfast quiche with hashbrowns? Magic, that’s what. With a crispy, buttery hashbrown base, this one-skillet wonder starts on the stovetop and finishes hands-free in the oven. Throw a dollop of sour cream on top, and you’ve got yourself a spectacularly savory slice of breakfast pie." Yum!
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package (16 oz) Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen hashbrowns
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (6 oz)
1 cup chopped baby spinach
3/4 cup chopped fully cooked ham (about 4 oz)6 eggs
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
In 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium heat.
Add frozen hashbrowns; cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Uncover, add salt and pepper; cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hashbrowns are tender and golden brown in spots. Remove from heat.
Heat oven to 400°F. Using back of spoon, carefully press hashbrowns into even layer in bottom and up side of skillet.
Top with cheese, spinach and ham. Beat eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons of the green onions in 2-cup glass measuring cup or small bowl; pour over ham.
Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until eggs are completely set in center and internal temperature is at least 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining 1 tablespoon green onion.
BISCUITS AND GRAVY CASSEROLE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Biscuits and rich sausage gravy come to the dinner table in casserole form! Serve with a fresh green salad, and your meal is complete."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb bulk mild breakfast sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
1 package (8 oz) white button mushrooms, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits (8 Count)
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish or 3-quart casserole with cooking spray. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes or until no longer pink; remove from skillet, and drain.
In same skillet, cook onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, pepper, salt and garlic powder 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add sausage back to skillet. Stir in flour to coat; slowly stir in milk, and add cream cheese, simmering over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes and stirring until slightly thickened. Add hot sausage gravy mixture to baking dish.
Separate dough into 8 biscuits; cut each biscuit into quarters, and place on top of hot gravy mixture in baking dish. Bake 27 to 30 minutes or until biscuits are cooked through and top is golden brown. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
No deal, as far as Mom was concerned.
Mom
Fortunately, in her later years, Mom relaxed some of her rules about meals. I'd like to think that, if she was still alive, she'd approve of these breakfast recipes, even for dinner, including Salsa Verde Scrambled Egg Tacos and Ham and Spinach Hashbrown Breakfast Skillet. Enjoy!
SAUSAGE AND EGG CASSROLE
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "This Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty way to start your day right! Packed with bold and delicious flavors, this breakfast casserole is perfect not only for you, but for the entire family. They won't be able to get enough! Everyone will be asking you to make this delicious Sausage and Egg Casserole on Sunday morning. Bring it to the next potluck and everyone will be begging you for the recipe."
Cook Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 1 slice
Ingredients
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup turkey sausage crumbles
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil until hot; saute onion, green pepper, tomatoes, and turkey sausage, 5 minutes; set aside.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk eggs, Italian seasoning, and black pepper; stir in the cheese. Add vegetables and turkey mixture to the egg mixture; mix well. Pour mixture into pie plate.
Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until set in center. Slice and serve immediately.
MAKE-AHEAD EGG, SPINACH AND FETA WRAPS
This is from Naz Deravian in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Naz wrote, "Packed with protein, enough baby spinach to make Popeye proud, and punchy umami from sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, these wraps are ideal for make-ahead breakfasts. Feel free to customize by adding herbs like dill, parsley or cilantro, or a small handful of chopped roasted red peppers or pitted olives. The frittata-like egg mixture is baked in the oven in a baking pan and sliced into rectangles to fit easily on lavash wraps or burrito-size flour tortillas. If you don’t want to make wraps, you can simply serve the tender frittata by itself."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 5 wraps
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026810-make-ahead-egg-spinach-and-feta-wraps. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up forThe New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
Cooking spray or neutral oil, as needed
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, plus 3 tablespoons oil from the jar (see Tip)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
5 to 6 ounces baby spinach (5 to 6 cups packed)
10 large eggs
1/2 cup/3 ounces crumbled feta
5 lavash wraps (about 10-by-12 inches) or burrito-size flour tortillas, at room temperature (see Tip)
Cream cheese, fresh goat cheese or flavored soft cheese, such as Boursin, optional
Preparation
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to spray the sides well. (Alternately, you can lightly brush with neutral oil.) Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang on at least two sides and spray the parchment paper with oil. Heat the oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the center position.
In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt, add the sundried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the spinach, in batches if necessary, and cook, stirring frequently, just until wilted. (You don’t want the spinach to release any liquid.) Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind you will also season the eggs. Remove from the heat.
Add the eggs to a large bowl, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and beat with a whisk or a fork until combined. Add the spinach mixture to the eggs and mix to combine. (Wipe out the skillet and set aside.) Transfer the egg mixture to the baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the feta cheese and bake until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes.
Slide the frittata onto the cutting board. Slice the frittata widthwise into 5 equal rectangles (each about 2-1/2 inches wide). Place a lavash wrap on a work surface and spread with cream cheese, if using. Place a slice of frittata on the lavash, leaving a 2-inch border from the bottom. Bring the sides of the lavash in and then fold up the bottom, rolling up the lavash like a flat burrito. Repeat with the remaining lavash and frittata.
Heat the same skillet over medium. Spray each lavash wrap lightly with oil on both sides. Place seam side down on the pan and cook until the lavash is warmed through and slightly golden on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (Take care not to cook too long so the lavash doesn’t get crispy.) Slice in half, on the diagonal if you like, and serve. (To make ahead, wrap the pan-cooked egg wraps in foil and keep in the fridge for 3 days, or the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in the oven at 350 degrees.)
Tips
Instead of sun-dried tomato oil, you can substitute olive oil.
Cold lavash is harder to wrap and can tear, so be sure to take the lavash out of the fridge for a few minutes before wrapping.
EVERYDAY PANCAKES
This is from Mark Bittman on The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Mark wrote, "The basic pancake is made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, milk and baking powder for leavening. You can use different types of flour if you want to experiment with whole wheat or buckwheat. And you can also add fruit to the mixture. You might also enjoy this video of the recipe, which walks through a few variations. The batter can be made from scratch in about the same time it takes to make toast. The most time-consuming part of making pancakes, of course, is cooking them. But that time is so short you should consider these an everyday convenience food, not a special-occasion feast. Cook this recipe a few times and it may become part of your weekly routine."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "For the Unitiated, a Pancake Primer," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1893-everyday-pancakes. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar, optional
2 eggs
1-1/2 to 2 cups milk
2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter (optional), plus unmelted butter for cooking, or use neutral oil
Preparation
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. In a bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Beat eggs into 1-1/2 cups milk, then stir in 2 tablespoons melted cooled butter, if using it. Gently stir this mixture into dry ingredients, mixing only enough to moisten flour; don't worry about a few lumps. If batter seems thick, add a little more milk.
Place a teaspoon or 2 of butter or oil on griddle or skillet. When butter foam subsides or oil shimmers, ladle batter onto griddle or skillet, making pancakes of any size you like. Adjust heat as necessary; usually, first batch will require higher heat than subsequent batches. Flip pancakes after bubbles rise to surface and bottoms brown, after 2 to 4 minutes.
Cook until second side is lightly browned. Serve, or hold on an ovenproof plate in a 200-degree oven for up to 15 minutes.
HAM AND SPINACH HASHBROWN BREAKFAST SKILLET
This comes from Betty Crocker, and starts off, "What happens when you replace the crust in a breakfast quiche with hashbrowns? Magic, that’s what. With a crispy, buttery hashbrown base, this one-skillet wonder starts on the stovetop and finishes hands-free in the oven. Throw a dollop of sour cream on top, and you’ve got yourself a spectacularly savory slice of breakfast pie." Yum!
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package (16 oz) Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen hashbrowns
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (6 oz)
1 cup chopped baby spinach
3/4 cup chopped fully cooked ham (about 4 oz)6 eggs
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
In 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium heat.
Add frozen hashbrowns; cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Uncover, add salt and pepper; cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hashbrowns are tender and golden brown in spots. Remove from heat.
Heat oven to 400°F. Using back of spoon, carefully press hashbrowns into even layer in bottom and up side of skillet.
Top with cheese, spinach and ham. Beat eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons of the green onions in 2-cup glass measuring cup or small bowl; pour over ham.
Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until eggs are completely set in center and internal temperature is at least 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining 1 tablespoon green onion.
BISCUITS AND GRAVY CASSEROLE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Biscuits and rich sausage gravy come to the dinner table in casserole form! Serve with a fresh green salad, and your meal is complete."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb bulk mild breakfast sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
1 package (8 oz) white button mushrooms, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits (8 Count)
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish or 3-quart casserole with cooking spray. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes or until no longer pink; remove from skillet, and drain.
In same skillet, cook onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, pepper, salt and garlic powder 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add sausage back to skillet. Stir in flour to coat; slowly stir in milk, and add cream cheese, simmering over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes and stirring until slightly thickened. Add hot sausage gravy mixture to baking dish.
Separate dough into 8 biscuits; cut each biscuit into quarters, and place on top of hot gravy mixture in baking dish. Bake 27 to 30 minutes or until biscuits are cooked through and top is golden brown. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Sliders
I had never heard of sliders until a few years ago. Now they're popular enough that I can't go a week without seeing another recipe for them.
To that end, here are six slider recipes to help you through the day, including Chipotle Pepper Jack Sliders and Caribbean Jerk Sliders. Enjoy!
TURKEY REUBEN SLIDERS
This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "With turkey, melty Swiss, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and a buttery glaze, these turkey Reuben-inspired sliders are an instant crowd-pleaser. So much so, you’ll probably want to double the recipe. Sandwiches can be labor intensive to make for a crowd, but a package of Hawaiian sweet rolls makes this approach easy. If you want to scale up, two batches of sandwiches can be baked side-by-side on a sheet pan—just be sure to wrap the pan tightly with foil so the cheese melts. Serve with extra dressing on the side for dipping, if desired, and watch the sandwiches disappear!"
Ready in: 40 minutes; Yield: 12 sliders
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/777928898-turkey-reuben-sliders. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
1/3 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing, plus extra for dipping
1/2 pound thinly sliced roasted deli turkey
1-1/2 cups jarred sauerkraut, drained and squeezed in a paper towel
1 teaspoon caraway seeds, divided
6 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced dried onion
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
Slice the whole sheet of rolls in half horizontally, without breaking apart the individual rolls.
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan, cut-side up, and spread half the Thousand Island dressing on top. Spread the remaining dressing on the cut side of the top rolls.
Add the turkey, layering it evenly over the bread. Scatter the sauerkraut over the turkey, and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the caraway seeds on top. Layer the cheese over the sauerkraut, and finally, place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. (See Tip for make-ahead instructions.)
In a small skillet, combine the butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds. Cook over medium-low heat, swirling the pan, until the butter is melted and the seeds are sizzling. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the caraway seeds are fragrant and the butter is beginning to foam. Off the heat, stir in dried onion, Worcestershire sauce and salt.
Brush the butter mixture all over the tops and sides of the rolls.
Cover the sliders tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the tops of the rolls are toasted, about 5 minutes.
Using the overhang, carefully lift the parchment paper and rolls and transfer to a cutting board. Cut rolls into individual sandwiches with a large, serrated knife and serve hot or warm.
Tip
To make in advance, complete the recipe up to the end of step 4. Cover the sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Resume the recipe at step 5 and bake as directed.
CHEESEBURGR SLIDERS
This is from Gabriel H. Sanchez at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Gabriel wrote, "Keeping meals quick and fun can mean the difference between a relatively chill evening and pure chaos in my house, so these quick-cooking sliders are a great way to feed my three kids under 6. To make the patties, roll ground beef into small meatballs, then press them into 3-inch patties and give them plenty of seasoning before cooking. A large 12-inch pan can handle an impressive number of these patties, which helps to keep the cleanup to a minimum. Toasted Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet cushion for the burgers, which are finished with a melty blanket of cheese and your favorite toppings (we prepare caramelized onions ahead of time to garnish along with dill pickle chips). Served alongside baked French fries or a handful of potato chips, it’s a quick meal that’s always a perfect match for my little ones’ tiny hands."
Ready in: 20 minutes; Yield: 3 to 4 servings
This was featured in "7 Busy Parents Share Their Quickest Go-To Dinners", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/777654990-cheeseburger-sliders. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
8 Hawaiian sweet rolls (from a 12-ounce package)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1 pound lean ground beef (10-percent fat)
Salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 slices American cheese, cut into quarters
Preparation
Prepare the buns: Heat the broiler to high, with a rack positioned 6 inches from the heat source. Separate and cut the Hawaiian rolls into halves, arranging them evenly cut-side down across a baking sheet. Brush the top portions of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 30 to 45 seconds, until toasty and golden brown. Keep a careful eye on the rolls so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven, flip the bottom buns cut-side up and set the baking sheet aside in a warm place.
Divide the beef into 8 equal portions, then roll each portion into a large meatball. Place the meatballs on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the meatballs with a second sheet of parchment and use a sturdy spatula to flatten each meatball into a patty, about 3 inches wide and 1/2-inch thick. Remove the top layer of parchment and liberally season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. (You can also flatten the patties by hand to save a bit of time!)
Add the oil to a 12-inch skillet (not non-stick) and heat over medium until hot. Working in batches if needed, add 8 patties to the pan and cook until the underside is browned with a slight char, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the burgers and cook until almost done to your liking, 2 to 3 minutes more. When patties have about 1 minute remaining, arrange 2 squares of cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid until cheese is fully melted.
Assemble the sliders and garnish with your favorite toppings and condiments. Enjoy the sliders warm.
CARIBBEAN JERK SLIDERS
This is from Eddie Jackson on the Food Network.
Total Time: 50 minutes; Active Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eddie-jackson/caribbean-jerk-sliders-1-8080961.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chuck
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1-1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
8 standard slices mild Cheddar
8 brioche slider buns
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Jerk Ketchup, recipe follows
8 Red Ale Onion Rings, recipe follows
Jerk Ketchup:
1 cup ketchup
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Red Ale Onion Rings:
About 4 cups canola oil
2 large Vidalia onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red ale
Coarse sea salt
Special equipment: a deep-fry thermometer; a spider
Directions
Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Combine the beef, salt, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper flakes, brown sugar, thyme and black pepper in a large bowl and gently mix until just combined.
Form the meat into eight 2-ounce patties, then press the center of each with your thumb to create an indent. Coat the grill pan with cooking spray.
Grill the sliders indent-side up until the internal temperature registers 150 degrees F, 2 to 3 minutes per side, placing a slice of cheese on each patty once you flip them. Cover the patties on the grill pan with a metal bowl to allow the cheese to melt. (The cheese will melt over the sides of the patties.) Remove the patties to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
Meanwhile, brush the buns with the melted butter and grill until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes per side.
Assemble the sliders by putting a tablespoon-sized dollop of the Ketchup on the bun tops and bottoms, then top each bottom with a patty. Finish with one Onion Ring on top of each slider. Close sliders and serve immediately.
Jerk Ketchup:
Yield: 1 1/4 cups
Combine the ketchup, lime juice, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper flakes, brown sugar, thyme and salt in a medium nonreactive bowl and mix until incorporated.
Red Ale Onion Rings:
Pour 4 inches oil into an 8-quart Dutch oven and bring to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, peel the onions and slice into 1/2-inch-thick rings.
Combine the flour, salt, garlic powder and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in the ale until the ingredients are combined. The batter should be thick but slightly loose.
Place a wire rack in a sheet pan. Working in batches, dip the onion rings into the batter. Drain any excess batter back into the bowl, then slowly lower the onions into the hot oil. Cook, flipping the onions every 30 seconds, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the onions to a wire rack with a spider and lightly season with sea salt.
Cook’s Note
Make the Jerk Ketchup to use immediately, or store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS
This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”
Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters
Directions
Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.
Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.
Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.
Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
GRILLED CHICKEN TORTA SLIDERS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Get your torta on with these simple, fresh, party-sized chicken sandwiches."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-torta-sliders.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (3/4 lb)
8 slider buns, split
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ refried beans (from 16-oz can)
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, thinly sliced
2 slices (1 oz each) Monterey Jack cheese, quartered
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias
Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired
Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Directions
Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small bowl, mix oil and taco seasoning mix. Rub chicken breasts with oil mixture.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Let stand 5 minutes. Cut each breast in quarters.
Meanwhile, brush cut sides of buns with melted butter and place, cut sides down, on grill. Cook 30 to 60 seconds or until cut sides are browned. Turn, and grill 30 to 60 seconds longer or until grill marks appear. Place beans in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds or until softened and easy to stir. Spread bottom bun halves with beans. Top with avocado, then top with chicken.
Top chicken with cheese, remaining ingredients and tops of buns.
Expert Tips
Craving a little more heat? Opt for pepper Jack cheese.
Cutting green onions on the bias is easier (since they don’t roll around your cutting board) and are more beautiful, providing a slender slaw-like appearance.
SLOPPY JOE SLIDERS
This comes from FamilyTime.com. It starts off, “Sink your teeth into these mouthwater sliders, that are easy to make and really fun to eat.” Prep. Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8 servings (3 sliders each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 pounds ground beef
ketchup or 2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup French's® Classic Yellow® mustard
1 /2 cup French's® worcestershire sauce
2 packages (15 ounces each) Pepperidge Farm® Mini Sandwich Buns (white or wheat)
Directions
Heat the oil in a 6-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook unitl tender, stirring occasionally.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beef to the saucepot and cook until it's well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the barbecue sauce, mustard and Worcestershire sauce in the saucepot. Reduce the heat to low. Cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally. Divide the beef mixture among the buns.
To that end, here are six slider recipes to help you through the day, including Chipotle Pepper Jack Sliders and Caribbean Jerk Sliders. Enjoy!
TURKEY REUBEN SLIDERS
This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "With turkey, melty Swiss, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and a buttery glaze, these turkey Reuben-inspired sliders are an instant crowd-pleaser. So much so, you’ll probably want to double the recipe. Sandwiches can be labor intensive to make for a crowd, but a package of Hawaiian sweet rolls makes this approach easy. If you want to scale up, two batches of sandwiches can be baked side-by-side on a sheet pan—just be sure to wrap the pan tightly with foil so the cheese melts. Serve with extra dressing on the side for dipping, if desired, and watch the sandwiches disappear!"
Ready in: 40 minutes; Yield: 12 sliders
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/777928898-turkey-reuben-sliders. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
1/3 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing, plus extra for dipping
1/2 pound thinly sliced roasted deli turkey
1-1/2 cups jarred sauerkraut, drained and squeezed in a paper towel
1 teaspoon caraway seeds, divided
6 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced dried onion
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
Slice the whole sheet of rolls in half horizontally, without breaking apart the individual rolls.
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan, cut-side up, and spread half the Thousand Island dressing on top. Spread the remaining dressing on the cut side of the top rolls.
Add the turkey, layering it evenly over the bread. Scatter the sauerkraut over the turkey, and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the caraway seeds on top. Layer the cheese over the sauerkraut, and finally, place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. (See Tip for make-ahead instructions.)
In a small skillet, combine the butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds. Cook over medium-low heat, swirling the pan, until the butter is melted and the seeds are sizzling. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the caraway seeds are fragrant and the butter is beginning to foam. Off the heat, stir in dried onion, Worcestershire sauce and salt.
Brush the butter mixture all over the tops and sides of the rolls.
Cover the sliders tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the tops of the rolls are toasted, about 5 minutes.
Using the overhang, carefully lift the parchment paper and rolls and transfer to a cutting board. Cut rolls into individual sandwiches with a large, serrated knife and serve hot or warm.
Tip
To make in advance, complete the recipe up to the end of step 4. Cover the sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Resume the recipe at step 5 and bake as directed.
CHEESEBURGR SLIDERS
This is from Gabriel H. Sanchez at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Gabriel wrote, "Keeping meals quick and fun can mean the difference between a relatively chill evening and pure chaos in my house, so these quick-cooking sliders are a great way to feed my three kids under 6. To make the patties, roll ground beef into small meatballs, then press them into 3-inch patties and give them plenty of seasoning before cooking. A large 12-inch pan can handle an impressive number of these patties, which helps to keep the cleanup to a minimum. Toasted Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet cushion for the burgers, which are finished with a melty blanket of cheese and your favorite toppings (we prepare caramelized onions ahead of time to garnish along with dill pickle chips). Served alongside baked French fries or a handful of potato chips, it’s a quick meal that’s always a perfect match for my little ones’ tiny hands."
Ready in: 20 minutes; Yield: 3 to 4 servings
This was featured in "7 Busy Parents Share Their Quickest Go-To Dinners", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/777654990-cheeseburger-sliders. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
8 Hawaiian sweet rolls (from a 12-ounce package)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1 pound lean ground beef (10-percent fat)
Salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 slices American cheese, cut into quarters
Preparation
Prepare the buns: Heat the broiler to high, with a rack positioned 6 inches from the heat source. Separate and cut the Hawaiian rolls into halves, arranging them evenly cut-side down across a baking sheet. Brush the top portions of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 30 to 45 seconds, until toasty and golden brown. Keep a careful eye on the rolls so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven, flip the bottom buns cut-side up and set the baking sheet aside in a warm place.
Divide the beef into 8 equal portions, then roll each portion into a large meatball. Place the meatballs on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the meatballs with a second sheet of parchment and use a sturdy spatula to flatten each meatball into a patty, about 3 inches wide and 1/2-inch thick. Remove the top layer of parchment and liberally season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. (You can also flatten the patties by hand to save a bit of time!)
Add the oil to a 12-inch skillet (not non-stick) and heat over medium until hot. Working in batches if needed, add 8 patties to the pan and cook until the underside is browned with a slight char, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the burgers and cook until almost done to your liking, 2 to 3 minutes more. When patties have about 1 minute remaining, arrange 2 squares of cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid until cheese is fully melted.
Assemble the sliders and garnish with your favorite toppings and condiments. Enjoy the sliders warm.
CARIBBEAN JERK SLIDERS
This is from Eddie Jackson on the Food Network.
Total Time: 50 minutes; Active Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eddie-jackson/caribbean-jerk-sliders-1-8080961.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chuck
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1-1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
8 standard slices mild Cheddar
8 brioche slider buns
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Jerk Ketchup, recipe follows
8 Red Ale Onion Rings, recipe follows
Jerk Ketchup:
1 cup ketchup
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Red Ale Onion Rings:
About 4 cups canola oil
2 large Vidalia onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red ale
Coarse sea salt
Special equipment: a deep-fry thermometer; a spider
Directions
Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Combine the beef, salt, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper flakes, brown sugar, thyme and black pepper in a large bowl and gently mix until just combined.
Form the meat into eight 2-ounce patties, then press the center of each with your thumb to create an indent. Coat the grill pan with cooking spray.
Grill the sliders indent-side up until the internal temperature registers 150 degrees F, 2 to 3 minutes per side, placing a slice of cheese on each patty once you flip them. Cover the patties on the grill pan with a metal bowl to allow the cheese to melt. (The cheese will melt over the sides of the patties.) Remove the patties to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
Meanwhile, brush the buns with the melted butter and grill until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes per side.
Assemble the sliders by putting a tablespoon-sized dollop of the Ketchup on the bun tops and bottoms, then top each bottom with a patty. Finish with one Onion Ring on top of each slider. Close sliders and serve immediately.
Jerk Ketchup:
Yield: 1 1/4 cups
Combine the ketchup, lime juice, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper flakes, brown sugar, thyme and salt in a medium nonreactive bowl and mix until incorporated.
Red Ale Onion Rings:
Pour 4 inches oil into an 8-quart Dutch oven and bring to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, peel the onions and slice into 1/2-inch-thick rings.
Combine the flour, salt, garlic powder and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in the ale until the ingredients are combined. The batter should be thick but slightly loose.
Place a wire rack in a sheet pan. Working in batches, dip the onion rings into the batter. Drain any excess batter back into the bowl, then slowly lower the onions into the hot oil. Cook, flipping the onions every 30 seconds, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the onions to a wire rack with a spider and lightly season with sea salt.
Cook’s Note
Make the Jerk Ketchup to use immediately, or store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS
This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”
Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters
Directions
Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.
Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.
Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.
Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g
GRILLED CHICKEN TORTA SLIDERS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Get your torta on with these simple, fresh, party-sized chicken sandwiches."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-torta-sliders.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (3/4 lb)
8 slider buns, split
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ refried beans (from 16-oz can)
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, thinly sliced
2 slices (1 oz each) Monterey Jack cheese, quartered
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias
Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired
Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Directions
Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small bowl, mix oil and taco seasoning mix. Rub chicken breasts with oil mixture.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Let stand 5 minutes. Cut each breast in quarters.
Meanwhile, brush cut sides of buns with melted butter and place, cut sides down, on grill. Cook 30 to 60 seconds or until cut sides are browned. Turn, and grill 30 to 60 seconds longer or until grill marks appear. Place beans in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds or until softened and easy to stir. Spread bottom bun halves with beans. Top with avocado, then top with chicken.
Top chicken with cheese, remaining ingredients and tops of buns.
Expert Tips
Craving a little more heat? Opt for pepper Jack cheese.
Cutting green onions on the bias is easier (since they don’t roll around your cutting board) and are more beautiful, providing a slender slaw-like appearance.
SLOPPY JOE SLIDERS
This comes from FamilyTime.com. It starts off, “Sink your teeth into these mouthwater sliders, that are easy to make and really fun to eat.” Prep. Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8 servings (3 sliders each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 pounds ground beef
ketchup or 2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup French's® Classic Yellow® mustard
1 /2 cup French's® worcestershire sauce
2 packages (15 ounces each) Pepperidge Farm® Mini Sandwich Buns (white or wheat)
Directions
Heat the oil in a 6-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook unitl tender, stirring occasionally.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beef to the saucepot and cook until it's well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the barbecue sauce, mustard and Worcestershire sauce in the saucepot. Reduce the heat to low. Cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally. Divide the beef mixture among the buns.
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