Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because - gasp! - not everyone likes tacos). Today's offerings include Quick Turkey Stir-Fry and Quick and Easy Beef Stroganoff With Noodles. Enjoy!
APRICOT COBBLER SUPREME
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 egg
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbs melted shortening
2 cups cooked apricots, sweetened
Directions
Beat egg and sugar until creamy. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla to creamed mixture; add shortening. Put fruit in greased baking dish; pour in batter. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until batter is done. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.
Any type fruit, fresh or canned, may be substituted for apricots. If using fresh fruit, sprinkle with 1cup sugar and heat before pouring in batter. Enjoy!
QUICK TURKEY STIR-FRY
This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, and begins, “Here's a tasty use for leftover turkey...this quick and easy stir-fry is seasoned with ginger and soy sauce, and on the table in a snap!”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; total time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4 (about 1 3/4 cups each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium carrot, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Turkey Gravy
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 green onion, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
2 cups instant white rice, prepared according to package directions
Directions
Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and ginger and stir-fry until the carrots are tender-crisp.
Stir the gravy, soy sauce, onions and turkey in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Serve the turkey mixture over the rice.
QUESADILLAS
Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings (2 wedges)
Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking
Book Title: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/quesadillas
Ingredients
1 cup shredded Mexican Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or brick cheese
1 green onion, minced
1-3 tablespoons canned chopped green chilies (to taste)
4 8-inch flour tortillas
Chunky salsa, for topping or dip
Directions
In a medium bowl, toss together the cheese, green onion, and chilies; set aside.
Spray a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat.
When hot, add 1 tortilla and sprinkle it with one-fourth of the cheese mixture.
When the cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute, fold the tortilla in half.
Continue cooking until lightly browned and crisp on both sides, about 1 minute.
Transfer to a cutting board.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cut into 4 wedges with a knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately with the salsa.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 134; Fat: 6 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 211 mg; Cholesterol: 12 mg; Protein: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Sugars: 1 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fat
SWANSON® RISOTTO
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, but apparently whoever sent it to the list got it from Campbell's Kitchen, as it begins, “Try this easy, delicious recipe from Campbell's Kitchen,” and attributes it to Swanson's Simply Delicious Cookbook.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 6
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice OR Arborio Rice
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth
Generous dash pepper
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook rice and garlic in nonstick saucepan 2 min. or until rice is browned, stirring.
Add 1/2 cup broth and cook until broth is absorbed, stirring. Add remaining broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until all the broth is absorbed and rice is done and creamy, about 25 min.
Add pepper and cheese.
QUICK AND EASY BEEF STROGANOFF WITH NOODLES
This yummy recipe is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This beef stroganoff is an easy variation on the famous dish. Condensed soup is mixed with sour cream and a little ketchup to make the easy, flavorful sauce for this beef Stroganoff.
“Lean strips of steak are served with the delicious sauce over hot cooked noodles. Add a salad and crusty bread for a satisfying, tasty family meal.
“Beef Stroganoff is a Russian dish which was originally made with some sour cream but no mushrooms or onions. As with many popular dishes, different cooks and cultures add their own variations. The most common US version is made with strips of tender beef, sour cream, onions, and mushrooms, served over noodles or rice.”
Total: 30 mins; Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 15 mins; Yield: 4 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
8 ounces egg noodles
1 pound lean thin steak, cut in thin strips
1 tablespoon
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 can (4 ounces) mushrooms, undrained
1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook following the package directions. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Add the steak and cook, stirring, until the meat is browned. Add onion and cook just until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer.
Combine soup, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mushrooms with liquid; stir to blend. Pour over the meat and heat through. Do not boil.
Toss the hot cooked noodles with the butter.
Arrange the noodles on plates; top with some of the steak and sauce, or serve the noodles family-style in a large bowl with the steak and sauce in a serving bowl or chafing dish.
CINNAMON BAKED DOUGHNUTS
This is from Ina Garten of the Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa.
Level: Easy; Total: 35 min; Active: 15 min; Yield: 12 doughnuts
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Baking spray with flour, such as Baker's Joy
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
1-1/4 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the topping:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 doughnut pans well.
Into a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the baking pans, filling each one a little more than three-quarters full. Bake for 17 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then tap the doughnuts out onto a sheet pan.
For the topping, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter in an 8-inch saute pan. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Dip each doughnut first in the butter and then in the cinnamon sugar, either on one side or both sides.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Chicken Tacos with Chipotle and Fish Tacos with Avocado Salsa. Enjoy!
GRILLED STEAK TACOS WITH CHERRY TOMATO-AVOCADO SALSA
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “In this supremely summery taco recipe, chile-rubbed grilled steak is topped with a spicy tomato-avocado salsa before being rolled into warm corn tortillas. Grilling the onions, garlic and jalapeño for the salsa adds a concentrated sweetness, while lime zest keeps everything sharp and bright. If you don’t have access to a grill, feel free to use your broiler.”
Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2-1/2 teaspoons New Mexican or other mild chile powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large garlic clove, finely grated or minced
Finely grated zest of 1 lime (cut lime into wedges for serving)
2-1/2 pounds skirt steak (usually 2 steaks)
For the Salsa:
1 white onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch-thick slices
2 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 jalapeños
1 quart cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, more to taste
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
Sliced radishes, for serving
Mexican crema or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the steak: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, chile powder, coriander, cumin, garlic and lime zest. Rub mixture all over the steaks, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
Prepare the salsa: Light the grill or heat to medium-high (or heat the broiler). Grill onion, garlic and 1 jalapeño until tender and charred on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes (or place on a broiler pan and broil). Remove from heat until cool enough to handle, then roughly chop onions, peel garlic and remove seeds and stem from jalapeño.
Transfer grilled onion, garlic and jalapeño to a blender or mini food processor. Halve the fresh jalapeño and seed it, if desired, then add it to the blender. Process to a chunky paste. Scrape into a serving bowl and toss with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime juice and salt.
Add more charcoal to the grill, if needed, and grill the steaks until done to taste, about 2 minutes per side for rare (or broil). Let meat rest on a cutting board covered with foil for at least 7 minutes. Meanwhile, grill or broil the tortillas until warm.
To serve, slice the meat across the grain, and serve with the warm tortillas, radishes, lime wedges, salsa and crema. Let people assemble their own tacos at the table.
CHICKEN TACO BAKE
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes. It begins, "There's enough of a fiesta in this casserole to excite anyone's taste buds. Our Chicken Taco Bake is a Tex-Mex lovers dream and it's healthier for you too, 'cause it's made with lots of spinach, fresh salsa, and reduced-fat cheese."
Cook Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 3/4 cup
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Casseroles/Chicken-Taco-Bake.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12-ounces) cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1-1/2 cup fresh salsa, divided
4 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
1/4 cup reduced-fat, shredded Mexican blend cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8- x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken, pepper, onion, and garlic and cook 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in spinach, chili powder, and cumin.
Evenly spread 1/2 cup of salsa in bottom of baking dish. Top with half of the tortilla pieces and half of the chicken mixture. Spoon 1/2 cup of salsa over the chicken. Repeat layers with tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, and salsa. Cover with foil.
Bake 30 minutes, uncover, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and hot in center.
Notes
Add a pop of color and taste by garnishing with some chopped cilantro and avocado slices!
CRISPY TOFU TACOS
This is from Alexa Weibel in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this, Alexa wrote, "There are plenty of crispy tofu recipes, but few truly deliver on the promise, since tofu has a tendency to steam because of its high moisture content. But time can do the trick in the oven, creating brittle edges and a chewy texture with little effort. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can from your block of tofu, grate it coarsely, season it fearlessly, then roast it until sizzling. The key step is to drizzle the tofu with a combination of olive oil and tomato paste toward the end of cooking, which crisps the edges and lends a deep umami flavor, so much so that this tofu could almost be mistaken for seasoned ground beef. A swipe of avocado mayo, loosened with lime juice and electrified with zest, adds richness and tang, and quite literally holds the tacos together. Choose your mayonnaise and tortillas wisely and the whole dish is vegan."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026900-crispy-tofu-tacos. 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 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks firm tofu
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (the lower end is mild; the higher end tingly but not spicy)
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest and 3 tablespoons juice
8 flour or 10 corn tortillas, warmed
Minced red onion, thinly sliced radishes and chopped cilantro, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare your tofu: Drain it, squeezing out any excess moisture over the sink (your tofu may break into chunks). Coarsely grate the drained tofu onto two large (11-by-17-inch), foil-lined sheet pans. (The tofu will crumble chaotically, and that is fine!) Drizzle the tofu in each pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper; sprinkle half the seasonings over each pan and toss to coat. Spread the mixture in an even layer.
Roast the tofu, stirring halfway through and rotating the pans, until the tofu sizzles, darkens and crisps, 30 to 35 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Drizzle the mixture over the tofu, adding half to each pan, then toss to combine, spread into an even layer and roast again until the tofu audibly crackles and develops a slight crunch, 10 to 15 minutes.
While the tofu roasts, prepare the avocado cream: In a small food processor (or blender), blend the avocados, mayo, lime zest and juice until creamy; season generously with salt.
Swipe the warmed tortillas with the avocado cream, then top with tofu mixture, red onion, radishes and cilantro. Serve immediately.
FISH TACOS WITH AVOCADO SALSA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings.Serving size: 2 tacos
Source: The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil from the American Diabetes Association
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/fish-tacos-with-avocado-salsa.
Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
4 fish fillets (1 lb), such as tilapia or cod, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into 8 strips total
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 tsp salt
8 corn tortillas, warmed
1/2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo, salsa verde, or picante sauce
1 medium lime, cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Combine flour, cornmeal, onion powder, and chili powder in a shallow dish, such as a pie pan. Coat fish with mixture.
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add fish; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned and fish flakes with a fork. Place on a serving platter and sprinkle evenly with salt.
Place fish in warmed tortillas, and top with equal amounts of avocado and pico de gallo. Squeeze a lime wedge over each tortilla.
Notes:
Experts recommend eating seafood at least twice a week, so take a break from the standby beef taco and go with fish.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 375; Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2.2 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 335 mg; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Protein: 27 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g
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
Enjoy!
CHICKEN TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “For good tacos, you need fresh, hot tortillas and a zesty filling. Canned chipotle chiles will do the trick with their smoky heat; it's an easy way to get flavor fast. Look for small cans with “chipotle chiles in adobo” on the label. And Mexican groceries generally have better-quality tortillas than the ones you find in supermarkets; it's worth seeking those out and heating them gently over steam, or by toasting them in a dry cast-iron pan. You can also use this recipe with precooked chicken, which makes this already quite simple recipe as easy as falling out of bed.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Chichen Tacos Let You Think Fast” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
4 large bone-in chicken thighs, about 1 1/2 pounds
3 scallions, left whole
1 bay leaf
1 thyme branch
3 black peppercorns
1 allspice berry
2 cloves
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 or 3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
3 tablespoons adobo sauce, from the can
1/2 cup broth (use broth from simmered chicken)
8 fresh corn tortillas
For Garnish:
1 small white onion, finely chopped, soaked in ice water for 10 minutes and drained
Thinly sliced serrano chile
Thinly sliced radishes
Sliced avocado
Crumbled queso fresco or mild feta cheese
Crème fraîche or Mexican crema
Cilantro sprigs
Dried oregano
Lime wedges
Preparation
Put chicken thighs in a saucepan and cover with 3 cups water. Add scallions, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns, allspice, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove chicken and cool. Shred chicken with your fingers, discarding chicken skin and bone. Strain broth and reserve. You should have about 2 cups shredded chicken.
Put olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, season with salt and cook until softened and a bit browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute more. Add chopped chipotle chile and adobo sauce and stir to combine. Add shredded chicken, salt lightly and stir to coat. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes, until sauce has thickened somewhat. Keep warm.
Heat the tortillas over steam or by your favorite method, keeping them soft and pliable.
Build the tacos quickly: Put a spoonful of the saucy chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top with a teaspoon of chopped white onion, a few slivers of serrano chile, some radish and avocado slices, a teaspoon of queso fresco and a teaspoon of crème fraîche. Add a few cilantro springs and a small pinch of oregano. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
GRILLED STEAK TACOS WITH CHERRY TOMATO-AVOCADO SALSA
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “In this supremely summery taco recipe, chile-rubbed grilled steak is topped with a spicy tomato-avocado salsa before being rolled into warm corn tortillas. Grilling the onions, garlic and jalapeño for the salsa adds a concentrated sweetness, while lime zest keeps everything sharp and bright. If you don’t have access to a grill, feel free to use your broiler.”
Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2-1/2 teaspoons New Mexican or other mild chile powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large garlic clove, finely grated or minced
Finely grated zest of 1 lime (cut lime into wedges for serving)
2-1/2 pounds skirt steak (usually 2 steaks)
For the Salsa:
1 white onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch-thick slices
2 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 jalapeños
1 quart cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, more to taste
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
Sliced radishes, for serving
Mexican crema or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the steak: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, chile powder, coriander, cumin, garlic and lime zest. Rub mixture all over the steaks, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
Prepare the salsa: Light the grill or heat to medium-high (or heat the broiler). Grill onion, garlic and 1 jalapeño until tender and charred on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes (or place on a broiler pan and broil). Remove from heat until cool enough to handle, then roughly chop onions, peel garlic and remove seeds and stem from jalapeño.
Transfer grilled onion, garlic and jalapeño to a blender or mini food processor. Halve the fresh jalapeño and seed it, if desired, then add it to the blender. Process to a chunky paste. Scrape into a serving bowl and toss with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime juice and salt.
Add more charcoal to the grill, if needed, and grill the steaks until done to taste, about 2 minutes per side for rare (or broil). Let meat rest on a cutting board covered with foil for at least 7 minutes. Meanwhile, grill or broil the tortillas until warm.
To serve, slice the meat across the grain, and serve with the warm tortillas, radishes, lime wedges, salsa and crema. Let people assemble their own tacos at the table.
CHICKEN TACO BAKE
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes. It begins, "There's enough of a fiesta in this casserole to excite anyone's taste buds. Our Chicken Taco Bake is a Tex-Mex lovers dream and it's healthier for you too, 'cause it's made with lots of spinach, fresh salsa, and reduced-fat cheese."
Cook Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 3/4 cup
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Casseroles/Chicken-Taco-Bake.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12-ounces) cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1-1/2 cup fresh salsa, divided
4 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
1/4 cup reduced-fat, shredded Mexican blend cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8- x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken, pepper, onion, and garlic and cook 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in spinach, chili powder, and cumin.
Evenly spread 1/2 cup of salsa in bottom of baking dish. Top with half of the tortilla pieces and half of the chicken mixture. Spoon 1/2 cup of salsa over the chicken. Repeat layers with tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, and salsa. Cover with foil.
Bake 30 minutes, uncover, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and hot in center.
Notes
Add a pop of color and taste by garnishing with some chopped cilantro and avocado slices!
CRISPY TOFU TACOS
This is from Alexa Weibel in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this, Alexa wrote, "There are plenty of crispy tofu recipes, but few truly deliver on the promise, since tofu has a tendency to steam because of its high moisture content. But time can do the trick in the oven, creating brittle edges and a chewy texture with little effort. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can from your block of tofu, grate it coarsely, season it fearlessly, then roast it until sizzling. The key step is to drizzle the tofu with a combination of olive oil and tomato paste toward the end of cooking, which crisps the edges and lends a deep umami flavor, so much so that this tofu could almost be mistaken for seasoned ground beef. A swipe of avocado mayo, loosened with lime juice and electrified with zest, adds richness and tang, and quite literally holds the tacos together. Choose your mayonnaise and tortillas wisely and the whole dish is vegan."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026900-crispy-tofu-tacos. 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 (14- to 16-ounce) blocks firm tofu
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (the lower end is mild; the higher end tingly but not spicy)
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest and 3 tablespoons juice
8 flour or 10 corn tortillas, warmed
Minced red onion, thinly sliced radishes and chopped cilantro, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare your tofu: Drain it, squeezing out any excess moisture over the sink (your tofu may break into chunks). Coarsely grate the drained tofu onto two large (11-by-17-inch), foil-lined sheet pans. (The tofu will crumble chaotically, and that is fine!) Drizzle the tofu in each pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper; sprinkle half the seasonings over each pan and toss to coat. Spread the mixture in an even layer.
Roast the tofu, stirring halfway through and rotating the pans, until the tofu sizzles, darkens and crisps, 30 to 35 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Drizzle the mixture over the tofu, adding half to each pan, then toss to combine, spread into an even layer and roast again until the tofu audibly crackles and develops a slight crunch, 10 to 15 minutes.
While the tofu roasts, prepare the avocado cream: In a small food processor (or blender), blend the avocados, mayo, lime zest and juice until creamy; season generously with salt.
Swipe the warmed tortillas with the avocado cream, then top with tofu mixture, red onion, radishes and cilantro. Serve immediately.
FISH TACOS WITH AVOCADO SALSA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings.Serving size: 2 tacos
Source: The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen: Fresh, Fast and Flavorful Recipes Made with Canola Oil from the American Diabetes Association
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/fish-tacos-with-avocado-salsa.
Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
4 fish fillets (1 lb), such as tilapia or cod, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into 8 strips total
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 tsp salt
8 corn tortillas, warmed
1/2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo, salsa verde, or picante sauce
1 medium lime, cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Combine flour, cornmeal, onion powder, and chili powder in a shallow dish, such as a pie pan. Coat fish with mixture.
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add fish; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned and fish flakes with a fork. Place on a serving platter and sprinkle evenly with salt.
Place fish in warmed tortillas, and top with equal amounts of avocado and pico de gallo. Squeeze a lime wedge over each tortilla.
Notes:
Experts recommend eating seafood at least twice a week, so take a break from the standby beef taco and go with fish.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 375; Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2.2 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 335 mg; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Protein: 27 g; Carbohydrates: 37 g
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
Enjoy!
CHICKEN TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “For good tacos, you need fresh, hot tortillas and a zesty filling. Canned chipotle chiles will do the trick with their smoky heat; it's an easy way to get flavor fast. Look for small cans with “chipotle chiles in adobo” on the label. And Mexican groceries generally have better-quality tortillas than the ones you find in supermarkets; it's worth seeking those out and heating them gently over steam, or by toasting them in a dry cast-iron pan. You can also use this recipe with precooked chicken, which makes this already quite simple recipe as easy as falling out of bed.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Chichen Tacos Let You Think Fast” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
4 large bone-in chicken thighs, about 1 1/2 pounds
3 scallions, left whole
1 bay leaf
1 thyme branch
3 black peppercorns
1 allspice berry
2 cloves
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 or 3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
3 tablespoons adobo sauce, from the can
1/2 cup broth (use broth from simmered chicken)
8 fresh corn tortillas
For Garnish:
1 small white onion, finely chopped, soaked in ice water for 10 minutes and drained
Thinly sliced serrano chile
Thinly sliced radishes
Sliced avocado
Crumbled queso fresco or mild feta cheese
Crème fraîche or Mexican crema
Cilantro sprigs
Dried oregano
Lime wedges
Preparation
Put chicken thighs in a saucepan and cover with 3 cups water. Add scallions, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns, allspice, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove chicken and cool. Shred chicken with your fingers, discarding chicken skin and bone. Strain broth and reserve. You should have about 2 cups shredded chicken.
Put olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, season with salt and cook until softened and a bit browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute more. Add chopped chipotle chile and adobo sauce and stir to combine. Add shredded chicken, salt lightly and stir to coat. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes, until sauce has thickened somewhat. Keep warm.
Heat the tortillas over steam or by your favorite method, keeping them soft and pliable.
Build the tacos quickly: Put a spoonful of the saucy chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top with a teaspoon of chopped white onion, a few slivers of serrano chile, some radish and avocado slices, a teaspoon of queso fresco and a teaspoon of crème fraîche. Add a few cilantro springs and a small pinch of oregano. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Monday, June 22, 2026
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Old-Fashioned Meatloaf and Hungarian Cabbage with Noodles. Enjoy!
MEXICAN-STYLE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. This one begins, “In this Latin twist on stuffed bell peppers, black beans replace the traditional rice and salsa stands in for the standard tomato sauce.” Serves 4; 1 stuffed bell pepper per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Mexican-Style-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers/.
Ingredients
4 large red or green bell peppers, or a combination, stems, seeds, and ribs discarded, tops chopped and reserved
Cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces 95% fat-free ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salsa (lowest sodium available)
1 cup canned no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1/4 cup low-fat shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a microwave oven, place the bell peppers with the cut side up on a paper towel. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Transfer with the cut side up to a 9-inch square baking dish or shallow casserole dish.
Meanwhile, lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Cook the chopped bell pepper tops, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn and break up the beef. Discard any drippings.
Sprinkle the beef mixture with the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salsa. Remove from the heat.
Gently stir in the beans and cup cilantro. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Top the peppers with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.
HUNGARIAN CABBAGE WITH NOODLES
This recipe is from Barbara Rolek on The Spruce Eats. Barbara wrote, “This Hungarian comfort-food dish known as kaposztás tészta is a simple recipe to make, consisting of cabbage, onion, butter, egg noodles, salt, and pepper.
“Cabbage with noodles is a popular and easy dish common throughout Eastern Europe. In Poland, it's called kapusta z kluski or hałuski, in the Czech Republic, it's known as nudle s zelí, and Slovaks call it haluski (without the accent on the "L" as in Polish).
“This can be a strictly vegetarian dish, sometimes with added sautéed mushrooms, or can be enhanced with bacon or other smoked meat, and it makes a terrific side dish or main-course offering that holds up well on a buffet table. If this recipe doesn't tickle your fancy, there are many more Eastern European cabbage recipes to choose from.
Total: 50 mins; Prep: 20 mins; Cook: 30 mins; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large head cabbage (cored and shredded)
1 large onion (chopped)
8 ounces butter (2 sticks)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 pound medium Hungarian egg noodles (homemade or store-bought, cooked)
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, sauté cabbage and onion in butter until golden brown and tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix with cooked egg noodles. Adjust seasonings and rewarm if necessary to serve piping hot.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Add 1 cup sliced button, cremini or other mushrooms to the skillet with the cabbage and onion, and cook until they are all golden brown and tender.
Before serving, add 1 cup cooked, crumbled or diced bacon to the cabbage, onion, and noodles mixture.
After mixing the cabbage and onion with the noodles, add 1 cup chopped ham combining well and rewarm to serve hot.
More Hungarian Noodle Recipes
Basic Hungarian Noodle Dough Recipe: This egg dough can be transformed into thin noodles, wide noodles and everything in between.
Tarhonya or Grated Egg Noodles Recipe: These noodles are made by grating chunks of noodle dough instead of rolling and cutting. They are dried and used in soups or browned in butter as a side dish.
More About Hungarian Noodles
Hungarian egg noodles, known as Magyar tojasos teszta (MAHG-yahr toy-YAH-shohss TESS-tah) or metelt (MEH-telt), come in a staggering number of varieties, rivaled possibly only by Italian pasta.
Hungarians roll them, cut them, pinch them, grate them, and drop them. There's a noodle for every dish and a dish for every noodle.
Teszta is actually the Hungarian word for "dough" and metelt means "noodles," but they are used interchangeably.
When the word tojasos is added, we're talking about egg noodles, the pride of Hungarian cuisine. They are made with three simple ingredients—flour, eggs, and salt—and, in some kitchens, not even any salt.
No water or oil is added to authentic Hungarian noodle recipes because many cooks feel the addition of water creates longer drying times and increases the potential for the noodles to mold when stored.
BEST EVER NO FAT BANANA BREAD
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 16; Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg substitutes
1/4 cup water or soymilk
1 2/3 cups flour of choice (I use whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
cinnamon to taste (I use several shakes worth)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees & spray a 9 inch square pan with non-stick cooking spray. If using a standard loaf pan, increase heat to 350.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together first five ingredients until well incorporated.
In a medium bowl, mix the remaining ingredients.
Dump flour mixture into the wet and stir just until uniformly moist. DO NOT OVERMIX! Depending on the type of flour you use, you may need to add a little extra water or soymilk to reach the right consistency. The dough should be somewhere in between pancake batter and cookie dough.
Dump into prepared pan and give it a couple shakes to distribute the batter.
Place on the middle oven rack and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. (If using a standard loaf pan, increase baking time.) Check the bread at around 30 minutes. It is done when just starting to brown around the edges and still a little moist looking in the middle. Allow to cool ten minutes before cutting into squares or slices.
The recipe ends with, “Cover and hide the bread so no one else eats it!!”
APRICOT-ORANGE CHICKEN WITH GLAZED ONIONS
Yield: 4 servings; Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/9.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/454.shtml
Ingredients
1 whole roasted deli chicken, skinned
3 tablespoons no-added-sugar apricot preserves, divided
3 tablespoons no-added-sugar orange marmalade, divided
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
Nonstick cooking spray
1 large onion, quartered
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In small bowl, blend 1 tablespoon each apricot preserves, marmalade, and vinegar.
Place chicken in baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Add water to pan to a depth of 1/4-1/2 inch. Brush chicken with preserve mixture. Combine the remaining preserves, marmalade, vinegar, onion, and garlic and spoon around the chicken.
Roast, covered, for 25 minutes. Uncover and roast for 10 more minutes, until onion is tender.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 278; Protein: 34 g; Sodium: 110 mg; Cholesterol: 100 mg; Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 4 Lean Meat
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from Verywellfit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Total Time: 70; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
STRAWBERRY 'ICE CREAM' CAKE
Of course, it does help to have the occasional dessert, right? This one, from page 80 of the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, starts off, “Sssshhh … don’t tell kids this delicious dessert is actually just good-for-them yogurt and fruit with a few graham crackers and waffle cones thrown in for crunch.” I'm not telling, if you're not! Serves 12.
To view this yummy recipe online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-ice-cream-cake/.
Ingredients
15 full graham crackers
5 waffle cones
1 20-oz. bag whole frozen strawberries
1 32-oz. container honey-flavored Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. honey
Directions
Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
Pulse graham crackers in food processor with 1 to 2 tsp. water until crumbly and moist. Transfer to bowl.
Pulse waffle cones in food processor until crumbly. Transfer to separate bowl.
Bring strawberries to a simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until soft and liquid starts to fill bottom of pan. Cool completely.
Stir together yogurt and honey. Set aside.
Press graham cracker crumbs on bottom of prepared springform pan. Spread half of yogurt, then half of strawberries, then half of crumbled waffle cones in pan. Repeat layering, ending with a sprinkling of waffle cones. Freeze at least 3 hours, or until frozen. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
nutritional information Per Per slice: Calories: 250; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 107 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 25 g
MEXICAN-STYLE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. This one begins, “In this Latin twist on stuffed bell peppers, black beans replace the traditional rice and salsa stands in for the standard tomato sauce.” Serves 4; 1 stuffed bell pepper per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Mexican-Style-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers/.
Ingredients
4 large red or green bell peppers, or a combination, stems, seeds, and ribs discarded, tops chopped and reserved
Cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces 95% fat-free ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salsa (lowest sodium available)
1 cup canned no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1/4 cup low-fat shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a microwave oven, place the bell peppers with the cut side up on a paper towel. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Transfer with the cut side up to a 9-inch square baking dish or shallow casserole dish.
Meanwhile, lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Cook the chopped bell pepper tops, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn and break up the beef. Discard any drippings.
Sprinkle the beef mixture with the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salsa. Remove from the heat.
Gently stir in the beans and cup cilantro. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Top the peppers with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.
HUNGARIAN CABBAGE WITH NOODLES
This recipe is from Barbara Rolek on The Spruce Eats. Barbara wrote, “This Hungarian comfort-food dish known as kaposztás tészta is a simple recipe to make, consisting of cabbage, onion, butter, egg noodles, salt, and pepper.
“Cabbage with noodles is a popular and easy dish common throughout Eastern Europe. In Poland, it's called kapusta z kluski or hałuski, in the Czech Republic, it's known as nudle s zelí, and Slovaks call it haluski (without the accent on the "L" as in Polish).
“This can be a strictly vegetarian dish, sometimes with added sautéed mushrooms, or can be enhanced with bacon or other smoked meat, and it makes a terrific side dish or main-course offering that holds up well on a buffet table. If this recipe doesn't tickle your fancy, there are many more Eastern European cabbage recipes to choose from.
Total: 50 mins; Prep: 20 mins; Cook: 30 mins; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large head cabbage (cored and shredded)
1 large onion (chopped)
8 ounces butter (2 sticks)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 pound medium Hungarian egg noodles (homemade or store-bought, cooked)
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, sauté cabbage and onion in butter until golden brown and tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix with cooked egg noodles. Adjust seasonings and rewarm if necessary to serve piping hot.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Add 1 cup sliced button, cremini or other mushrooms to the skillet with the cabbage and onion, and cook until they are all golden brown and tender.
Before serving, add 1 cup cooked, crumbled or diced bacon to the cabbage, onion, and noodles mixture.
After mixing the cabbage and onion with the noodles, add 1 cup chopped ham combining well and rewarm to serve hot.
More Hungarian Noodle Recipes
Basic Hungarian Noodle Dough Recipe: This egg dough can be transformed into thin noodles, wide noodles and everything in between.
Tarhonya or Grated Egg Noodles Recipe: These noodles are made by grating chunks of noodle dough instead of rolling and cutting. They are dried and used in soups or browned in butter as a side dish.
More About Hungarian Noodles
Hungarian egg noodles, known as Magyar tojasos teszta (MAHG-yahr toy-YAH-shohss TESS-tah) or metelt (MEH-telt), come in a staggering number of varieties, rivaled possibly only by Italian pasta.
Hungarians roll them, cut them, pinch them, grate them, and drop them. There's a noodle for every dish and a dish for every noodle.
Teszta is actually the Hungarian word for "dough" and metelt means "noodles," but they are used interchangeably.
When the word tojasos is added, we're talking about egg noodles, the pride of Hungarian cuisine. They are made with three simple ingredients—flour, eggs, and salt—and, in some kitchens, not even any salt.
No water or oil is added to authentic Hungarian noodle recipes because many cooks feel the addition of water creates longer drying times and increases the potential for the noodles to mold when stored.
BEST EVER NO FAT BANANA BREAD
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 16; Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg substitutes
1/4 cup water or soymilk
1 2/3 cups flour of choice (I use whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
cinnamon to taste (I use several shakes worth)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees & spray a 9 inch square pan with non-stick cooking spray. If using a standard loaf pan, increase heat to 350.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together first five ingredients until well incorporated.
In a medium bowl, mix the remaining ingredients.
Dump flour mixture into the wet and stir just until uniformly moist. DO NOT OVERMIX! Depending on the type of flour you use, you may need to add a little extra water or soymilk to reach the right consistency. The dough should be somewhere in between pancake batter and cookie dough.
Dump into prepared pan and give it a couple shakes to distribute the batter.
Place on the middle oven rack and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. (If using a standard loaf pan, increase baking time.) Check the bread at around 30 minutes. It is done when just starting to brown around the edges and still a little moist looking in the middle. Allow to cool ten minutes before cutting into squares or slices.
The recipe ends with, “Cover and hide the bread so no one else eats it!!”
APRICOT-ORANGE CHICKEN WITH GLAZED ONIONS
Yield: 4 servings; Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/9.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/454.shtml
Ingredients
1 whole roasted deli chicken, skinned
3 tablespoons no-added-sugar apricot preserves, divided
3 tablespoons no-added-sugar orange marmalade, divided
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
Nonstick cooking spray
1 large onion, quartered
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In small bowl, blend 1 tablespoon each apricot preserves, marmalade, and vinegar.
Place chicken in baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Add water to pan to a depth of 1/4-1/2 inch. Brush chicken with preserve mixture. Combine the remaining preserves, marmalade, vinegar, onion, and garlic and spoon around the chicken.
Roast, covered, for 25 minutes. Uncover and roast for 10 more minutes, until onion is tender.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 278; Protein: 34 g; Sodium: 110 mg; Cholesterol: 100 mg; Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 4 Lean Meat
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from Verywellfit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Total Time: 70; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
STRAWBERRY 'ICE CREAM' CAKE
Of course, it does help to have the occasional dessert, right? This one, from page 80 of the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, starts off, “Sssshhh … don’t tell kids this delicious dessert is actually just good-for-them yogurt and fruit with a few graham crackers and waffle cones thrown in for crunch.” I'm not telling, if you're not! Serves 12.
To view this yummy recipe online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-ice-cream-cake/.
Ingredients
15 full graham crackers
5 waffle cones
1 20-oz. bag whole frozen strawberries
1 32-oz. container honey-flavored Greek yogurt
2 Tbs. honey
Directions
Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
Pulse graham crackers in food processor with 1 to 2 tsp. water until crumbly and moist. Transfer to bowl.
Pulse waffle cones in food processor until crumbly. Transfer to separate bowl.
Bring strawberries to a simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until soft and liquid starts to fill bottom of pan. Cool completely.
Stir together yogurt and honey. Set aside.
Press graham cracker crumbs on bottom of prepared springform pan. Spread half of yogurt, then half of strawberries, then half of crumbled waffle cones in pan. Repeat layering, ending with a sprinkling of waffle cones. Freeze at least 3 hours, or until frozen. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
nutritional information Per Per slice: Calories: 250; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 107 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 25 g
Meatless Monday
If you're trying your hardest to cut back on eating meat (whatever your reasons), you've probably heard of Meatless Monday. If you've followed this blog for a while, you're also aware that I start the week off with a Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to start your week off just right, including Vegan Thai Curry Vegetables and Raspberry Lime Pie. Enjoy!
VEGAN VANILLA PUDDING WITH CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY TOPPING
This is from the Vegetarian Times website (May 10, 2017), and begins, “When she’s not working in the beauty and fashion industry, Brianna Egglestone is making videos for her YouTube channel, Love Raw Vegan. “I’ve been vegan for three years and love experimenting in the kitchen,” she says. “I prefer to use minimal ingredients and create dishes that can be made in 15 minutes or less. I always loved vanilla pudding as a child, and adding in the raspberry swirl with chocolate bits turns a fun dish into something elegant that is always a hit at parties.” This recipe was awarded "Best Dessert" in VT's 2014 Reader Recipe Contest.”
Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Pudding
3 Tbs. cornstarch
1 1/2 cups vanilla coconut milk or soymilk
1/4 cup organic cane sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Topping
2–8 Tbs. organic cane sugar
1 Tbs. cornstarch
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
To make Pudding: Stir together cornstarch and 2 Tbs. water in small bowl. Transfer to medium saucepan, and whisk in coconut milk, then sugar and vanilla.
Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook 2 minutes, or until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat, and cool 10 minutes. Spoon 1/2 cup Pudding into four glass cups. Cool, and then chill in refrigerator.
To make Topping: Combine sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Whisk in 1/3 cup water. Add raspberries, and bring to a boil. Simmer 1 minute, or until mixture thickens. Cool, and then chill.
Spoon 1/4 cup Topping over each Pudding. Sprinkle each serving with chocolate chips.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 318; Carbohydrate Content: 56 g; Fat Content: 11 g; Fiber Content: 7 g; Protein Content: 2 g; Saturated Fat Content: 7 g; Sodium Content: 18 mg; Sugar Content: 39 g
APPLE BREAKFAST WEDGES
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, “Slice into a warm apple breakfast or brunch treat. All you need is 15 minutes of prep, and it's in the oven.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 medium cooking apples, peeled, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
2 eggs
Maple-flavored syrup, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. Generously grease 9-inch glass pie plate with shortening or cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Add apples; toss to coat. Set aside.
In 2-quart saucepan, heat water and butter to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Add Bisquick mix; stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs, one at a time; continue beating until smooth.
Spread batter in bottom of pie plate. Arrange apples on top to within 1 inch of edge of pie plate.
Bake about 23 minutes or until puffed and edges are golden brown. Serve immediately. Drizzle with syrup.
Expert Tips
Use slightly tart apples with a crisp texture, such as Haralson apples. If you like a sweeter apple, choose Fuji, Prairie Spy or Gala.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with warm maple syrup.
VEGAN THAI CURRY VEGETABLES
This comes from Elaine Louie in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Drew Spangler Faulkner, a cooking teacher at L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Md., makes a Thai green curry that is a kind of comfort food. The sauce, made creamy with coconut milk, and gently spicy with the curry paste, is flavorful yet soothing. The vegetables, which are simply dropped into the sauce, and gently simmered for about 12 minutes, turn out tender, not soggy. It is startlingly simple. She makes her own green curry paste, but the recipe calls for any one of three store bought pastes. Although some green curry pastes contain fish or shrimp paste, she has found three brands which do not: Thai Taste, Maesri and Thai Kitchen.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time:1 hour
This was featured in “The Temporary Vegetarian: Vegan Thai Curry Vegetables” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
One 13 1/2-ounce can coconut milk (do not shake can)
1/2 cup vegetable stock
4 teaspoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons palm sugar or brown sugar
6 tablespoons Thai green curry paste, like Thai Taste, Maesri, and Thai Kitchen, none of which have shrimp or fish paste
1/2 cup diced (1/2 inch) onion
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) red bell pepper
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) zucchini or other summer squash
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) peeled sweet potato
2/3 cup sliced bamboo shoots, rinsed and drained
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) Asian eggplant
1 lime
8 large basil leaves, cut into thin chiffonade
Preparation
Open the can of coconut milk without shaking it. Spoon 6 tablespoons of the coconut cream from the top of the can into a medium saucepan. Pour remaining contents of can into a medium bowl, and mix well. In a medium bowl, combine vegetable stock, soy sauce, and palm or brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Place saucepan of coconut cream over medium-high heat until it begins to bubble. Add curry paste and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir constantly until very fragrant, about 3 minutes; adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Add onion, red pepper, zucchini, sweet potato, bamboo shoots, green beans, and eggplant. Stir until vegetables are hot, 2-3 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the soy sauce mixture and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste; you may use the juice of an entire lime. Stir and mix well. Add up to 1/4 cup water if the curry seems too thick.
To serve, place the curry in a warm serving bowl and garnish with the basil chiffonade. If desired, serve over jasmine rice.
RASPBERRY LIME PIE
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
14 ozs. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
8 ozs. frozen whipped topping, thawed
Few drops red food coloring, optional
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 9 inch graham cracker crust, baked and cooled
Additional raspberries for garnish, optional
Fresh mint for garnish, optional
Lime slices for garnish, optional
Directions
In a mixing bowl, stir together milk and lime juice (mixture will begin to thicken). Mix in whipped topping and food coloring, if desired. Gently fold in raspberries. Spoon into crust. Chill. Garnish with raspberries, mint and/or lime if desired.
Note: Whoever submitted this to the list added, “Here is a pretty and refreshing dessert that tastes good after any meal. I especially like to serve it after a picnic or barbecued meal.”
HEARTY VEGGIE CHILI
This is from MorningStar Farms, and begins, “During the week, convenience is key. Here’s a way to turn Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles® into a zesty chili. Just the right combination of red onion, tomatoes, kidney beans and zucchini complement the frozen crumbles for a family-pleasing chili.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped red onions, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 package (12 oz.) Morningstar Farms® Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles®
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped zucchini
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Parsley sprigs (optional)
Directions
In nonstick Dutch oven cook 3/4 cup of the onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, water, sugar and basil. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in MORNINGSTAR FARMS MEAL STARTERS GRILLERS RECIPE CRUMBLES and zucchini. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Ladle into serving bowls. Serve topped with the remaining 1/4 cup onion, cheddar cheese and parsley (if desired).
WEEKNIGHT TWO-BEAN CHILI
This comes from the Food Network kitchen, and starts out, “This 30-minute weekenight dinner is a vegetarian chili that tastes like it's been slow simmered for hours. The hint of Chinese five-spice powder is a nice spice surprise. If you serve it over spaghetti, it turns into Cincinnati-style chili. (1 serving of Cincinnati-style chili equals 3/4 cup chili + 2 ounce (dry) cooked whole-wheat spaghetti.)”
Level: Easy; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small jalapeno, minced (with some seeds)
1 small or 1/2 large red onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup canned crushed roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder or ground cinnamon, optional
Two 15-ounce cans beans (such as kidney and black), rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup finely shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (2 ounces)
Directions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; add the jalapenos, onions and vinegar and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds.
Stir in the broth, tomatoes, chili powder and five-spice powder if using, and increase the heat to high. Bring to a full boil and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the beans and return to a full boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until just slightly thickened but still soupy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro.
Fill each bowl with about 1/2 cup of rice. Ladle the chili on top, sprinkle with the Cheddar and serve.
VEGAN VANILLA PUDDING WITH CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY TOPPING
This is from the Vegetarian Times website (May 10, 2017), and begins, “When she’s not working in the beauty and fashion industry, Brianna Egglestone is making videos for her YouTube channel, Love Raw Vegan. “I’ve been vegan for three years and love experimenting in the kitchen,” she says. “I prefer to use minimal ingredients and create dishes that can be made in 15 minutes or less. I always loved vanilla pudding as a child, and adding in the raspberry swirl with chocolate bits turns a fun dish into something elegant that is always a hit at parties.” This recipe was awarded "Best Dessert" in VT's 2014 Reader Recipe Contest.”
Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Pudding
3 Tbs. cornstarch
1 1/2 cups vanilla coconut milk or soymilk
1/4 cup organic cane sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Topping
2–8 Tbs. organic cane sugar
1 Tbs. cornstarch
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
To make Pudding: Stir together cornstarch and 2 Tbs. water in small bowl. Transfer to medium saucepan, and whisk in coconut milk, then sugar and vanilla.
Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook 2 minutes, or until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat, and cool 10 minutes. Spoon 1/2 cup Pudding into four glass cups. Cool, and then chill in refrigerator.
To make Topping: Combine sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Whisk in 1/3 cup water. Add raspberries, and bring to a boil. Simmer 1 minute, or until mixture thickens. Cool, and then chill.
Spoon 1/4 cup Topping over each Pudding. Sprinkle each serving with chocolate chips.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 318; Carbohydrate Content: 56 g; Fat Content: 11 g; Fiber Content: 7 g; Protein Content: 2 g; Saturated Fat Content: 7 g; Sodium Content: 18 mg; Sugar Content: 39 g
APPLE BREAKFAST WEDGES
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, “Slice into a warm apple breakfast or brunch treat. All you need is 15 minutes of prep, and it's in the oven.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 medium cooking apples, peeled, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
2 eggs
Maple-flavored syrup, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. Generously grease 9-inch glass pie plate with shortening or cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Add apples; toss to coat. Set aside.
In 2-quart saucepan, heat water and butter to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Add Bisquick mix; stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs, one at a time; continue beating until smooth.
Spread batter in bottom of pie plate. Arrange apples on top to within 1 inch of edge of pie plate.
Bake about 23 minutes or until puffed and edges are golden brown. Serve immediately. Drizzle with syrup.
Expert Tips
Use slightly tart apples with a crisp texture, such as Haralson apples. If you like a sweeter apple, choose Fuji, Prairie Spy or Gala.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with warm maple syrup.
VEGAN THAI CURRY VEGETABLES
This comes from Elaine Louie in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Drew Spangler Faulkner, a cooking teacher at L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Md., makes a Thai green curry that is a kind of comfort food. The sauce, made creamy with coconut milk, and gently spicy with the curry paste, is flavorful yet soothing. The vegetables, which are simply dropped into the sauce, and gently simmered for about 12 minutes, turn out tender, not soggy. It is startlingly simple. She makes her own green curry paste, but the recipe calls for any one of three store bought pastes. Although some green curry pastes contain fish or shrimp paste, she has found three brands which do not: Thai Taste, Maesri and Thai Kitchen.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time:1 hour
This was featured in “The Temporary Vegetarian: Vegan Thai Curry Vegetables” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
One 13 1/2-ounce can coconut milk (do not shake can)
1/2 cup vegetable stock
4 teaspoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons palm sugar or brown sugar
6 tablespoons Thai green curry paste, like Thai Taste, Maesri, and Thai Kitchen, none of which have shrimp or fish paste
1/2 cup diced (1/2 inch) onion
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) red bell pepper
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) zucchini or other summer squash
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) peeled sweet potato
2/3 cup sliced bamboo shoots, rinsed and drained
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths
2/3 cup diced (1/2 inch) Asian eggplant
1 lime
8 large basil leaves, cut into thin chiffonade
Preparation
Open the can of coconut milk without shaking it. Spoon 6 tablespoons of the coconut cream from the top of the can into a medium saucepan. Pour remaining contents of can into a medium bowl, and mix well. In a medium bowl, combine vegetable stock, soy sauce, and palm or brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Place saucepan of coconut cream over medium-high heat until it begins to bubble. Add curry paste and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir constantly until very fragrant, about 3 minutes; adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Add onion, red pepper, zucchini, sweet potato, bamboo shoots, green beans, and eggplant. Stir until vegetables are hot, 2-3 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the soy sauce mixture and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste; you may use the juice of an entire lime. Stir and mix well. Add up to 1/4 cup water if the curry seems too thick.
To serve, place the curry in a warm serving bowl and garnish with the basil chiffonade. If desired, serve over jasmine rice.
RASPBERRY LIME PIE
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
14 ozs. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
8 ozs. frozen whipped topping, thawed
Few drops red food coloring, optional
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 9 inch graham cracker crust, baked and cooled
Additional raspberries for garnish, optional
Fresh mint for garnish, optional
Lime slices for garnish, optional
Directions
In a mixing bowl, stir together milk and lime juice (mixture will begin to thicken). Mix in whipped topping and food coloring, if desired. Gently fold in raspberries. Spoon into crust. Chill. Garnish with raspberries, mint and/or lime if desired.
Note: Whoever submitted this to the list added, “Here is a pretty and refreshing dessert that tastes good after any meal. I especially like to serve it after a picnic or barbecued meal.”
HEARTY VEGGIE CHILI
This is from MorningStar Farms, and begins, “During the week, convenience is key. Here’s a way to turn Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles® into a zesty chili. Just the right combination of red onion, tomatoes, kidney beans and zucchini complement the frozen crumbles for a family-pleasing chili.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped red onions, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 package (12 oz.) Morningstar Farms® Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles®
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped zucchini
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Parsley sprigs (optional)
Directions
In nonstick Dutch oven cook 3/4 cup of the onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, water, sugar and basil. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in MORNINGSTAR FARMS MEAL STARTERS GRILLERS RECIPE CRUMBLES and zucchini. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Ladle into serving bowls. Serve topped with the remaining 1/4 cup onion, cheddar cheese and parsley (if desired).
WEEKNIGHT TWO-BEAN CHILI
This comes from the Food Network kitchen, and starts out, “This 30-minute weekenight dinner is a vegetarian chili that tastes like it's been slow simmered for hours. The hint of Chinese five-spice powder is a nice spice surprise. If you serve it over spaghetti, it turns into Cincinnati-style chili. (1 serving of Cincinnati-style chili equals 3/4 cup chili + 2 ounce (dry) cooked whole-wheat spaghetti.)”
Level: Easy; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small jalapeno, minced (with some seeds)
1 small or 1/2 large red onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup canned crushed roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder or ground cinnamon, optional
Two 15-ounce cans beans (such as kidney and black), rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup finely shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (2 ounces)
Directions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; add the jalapenos, onions and vinegar and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds.
Stir in the broth, tomatoes, chili powder and five-spice powder if using, and increase the heat to high. Bring to a full boil and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the beans and return to a full boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until just slightly thickened but still soupy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro.
Fill each bowl with about 1/2 cup of rice. Ladle the chili on top, sprinkle with the Cheddar and serve.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Yay! Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Hearty Beef Stew With Red Onions and Ale and Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Chili. Enjoy!
MARBLED BANANA BREAD
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Save your ripe bananas for this healthy marbled bread—it's just over 200 calories per slice and made with half whole-wheat flour. A small amount of melted chocolate swirled in assures chocolate in every bite."
Prep Time: 15 minutes, Inactive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy
View this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/healthy-marbled-banana-bread-recipe-2109035
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the pan
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 medium very ripe bananas
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly mist a 9-by-5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust well with all-purpose flour to cover the pan completely, tapping out the excess. Put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth, 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the batter. Combine the bananas and sugar in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth with just a few small pieces of banana left. Add the oil and eggs and stir until combined. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, mix in both flours, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla. Stir 1 cup batter into the melted chocolate. Fill the loaf pan with half the banana batter and then half the chocolate batter. Repeat the layers and gently swirl together using a spoon or knife. Bake until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool in the pan 15 minutes, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cook's Note: To prepare your loaf pan for baking, you can also use a nonstick spray with flour already in it. Flouring the pan helps the bread rise well and prevents any collapse after it comes out of the oven. Per serving: Calories: 203; Total Fat 8 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 4 grams; Total carbohydrates: 31 grams; Sugar: 16 grams Fiber: 2 grams; Cholesterol: 32 milligrams; Sodium: 212 milligrams
HEARY BEEF STEW WITH RED ONIONS AND ALE
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, "In this cozy beef stew, tender chunks of meat in a silky, savory, ale-tinged sauce share the pot with wedges of red onion and sweet nuggets of carrot. A little coriander and allspice add fragrance and depth to the mix, while a spoonful of tomato paste deepens and rounds out the flavors. Like all stews, it tastes even better a day or two later, and can be frozen for up to two months. Serve it over something soft and buttery to soak up the sauce: a mound of mashed potatoes, noodles or polenta."
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 6 servings
This was featured in "Looking for Comfort? Turn to This Beef Stew", and can be found online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021592-hearty-beef-stew-with-red-onions-and-ale.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and black pepper
3 medium red onions
1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups beef or chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 cup ale or beer (nonalcoholic is fine)
1 rosemary sprig
3 carrots, sliced
1 tablespoon cider vinegar or sherry vinegar, plus more to taste
Chopped chives, for garnish
Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Preparation
Season the beef all over with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the onions.
Peel the onions. Cut 2 of them in half root to stem, then thinly slice them crosswise into half-moons. Cut the third onion, root to stem, into 1/2-inch wedges.
Dust the beef cubes lightly with flour. Heat butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven or other pot over medium-high. Add beef, in batches taking care not to crowd the pan, and sear until it’s good and dark all over, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Transfer beef cubes to a bowl as they brown. Add more oil and adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning.
Stir in sliced onions and raise heat to medium-high if you lowered it. Cook until pale golden brown and soft, 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden at the edges, 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Make a well in the center of the onions, then stir in tomato paste, coriander and allspice; cook, stirring until paste is darkened, 1 minute. Stir in stock, ale, 1 cup water and rosemary sprig. Return beef and any juices to the pot and bring to a simmer. Partly cover the pot and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
Give the beef a stir, then add onion wedges. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in carrots and continue to simmer until the meat, onions and carrots are tender, 30 to 45 minutes longer.
If the sauce seems thin, use a slotted spoon to transfer meat and vegetables to a platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the rosemary. Return pot with liquid to stove and simmer until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Taste and add more salt and vinegar if you like. Spoon sauce over meat and garnish with chives, flaky sea salt and more black pepper.
CORN CASSEROLE WITH THREE CHEESE BLEND
This is from My Food and Family, and begins, "Discover our rich and creamy Corn Casserole with Cheese. The three cheeses in this corn casserole come together with whole kernel corn and corn muffin mix."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/126195/corn-casserole-with-three-cheese-blend.
Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
1 can (15 oz.) cream-style corn
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen whole kernel corn
1 pkg. (8-1/2 oz.) corn muffin mix
1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Three Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
4 green onions, sliced
4 slices cooked OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crumbled
Ingredients
Heat oven to 375°F.
Combine first 6 ingredients in medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Pour into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake 40 min. Meanwhile, combine remaining cheese, onions and bacon.
Top casserole with cheese mixture; bake 15 min. or until lightly browned.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1
Size Wise
Since this delicious corn casserole serves 12, it's the perfect dish to serve at your next brunch.
Tip 2
Cooking Know-How
To soften cream cheese quickly, place in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 15 to 30 sec. or just until warmed.
Tip 3
Substitute
Substitute 3/4 cup each cornmeal and flour, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp. CALUMET Baking Powder for the corn muffin mix.
SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO
This is from Katherine Gillen, a contributor to PureWow. She wrote, "There are nights when we want to pull out all the stops on a fancy mac and cheese, and there are nights when we’ll do almost anything to not make dinner. Spaghetti aglio e olio is for those nights. Our version of the traditional Neapolitan pasta dish takes just 20 minutes to make (and calls for only five ingredients).
"A few tips come dinnertime: One, you’ll want to use a good quality olive oil, since it’s one of the stars of this recipe. And two, cook the oil-garlic mixture in a large, high-sided skillet (or better yet, a Dutch oven) so you’re free to toss vigorously when you add the noodles. It’ll make achieving a glossy sauce *that much* easier."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spaghetti-aglio-e-olio.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
12 ounces long strand pasta (such as spaghetti, bucatini or linguine)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more as needed
Finely grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley and flaky salt, to garnish (optional)
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package directions). Use a liquid measuring cup to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is sizzling and golden, about 3 minutes.
Using tongs, transfer the pasta from the water directly into the olive oil and garlic mixture. Add about 1/2 of the reserved pasta water, and cook, tossing vigorously, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta. (You can add more pasta water as needed.)
Divide the pasta among four bowls, and garnish with more pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, parsley and flaky salt, if using.
HEARTY SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CHILI
This is from Diana Rattray, a contributor to The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " This easy slow cooker chicken chili is relatively light and low-calorie compared to the classic beef or pork chili. Boneless chicken breasts and a variety of canned beans make the chili super easy and convenient. If you prefer to cook the chili on the stovetop, see the tips below the recipe.
"Feel free to use boneless chicken thighs in the recipe and use the canned beans you have on hand. We used pinto beans and great northern beans, but kidney beans, navy beans, black beans and cannellini beans are all excellent alternatives."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings.
To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/hearty-slow-cooker-chicken-chili-4062489.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (about 4 large chicken breast halves)
1 cup onion (chopped)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced; or 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder)
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups corn kernels (frozen, thawed)
1 tablespoon chili powder (heaping)
1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
1 bay leaf
Garnish: sour cream or shredded cheese
Optional: chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Dice the chicken or cut it into strips. Put the chicken pieces in the slow cooker along with the onion, bell pepper, garlic, drained and rinsed beans, tomatoes and tomato sauce, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Stir to blend ingredients.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then cook on low for 3 to 4 hours longer, or until the chicken is cooked and tender. Or cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Remove the bay leaf.
Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with sour cream or shredded cheese, along with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve with cornbread, crackers, or crusty bread.
Tips
Stovetop: Put ingredients in a large Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
For thicker chili, add a few tablespoons of cornmeal about 30 minutes before it's done.
Recipe Variations
Other vegetables that may be added include sliced summer squash or zucchini, shredded or julienne-cut carrots, and sliced celery.
For a little heat, add a few tablespoons of minced jalapeno pepper or serrano. Or add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Use different varieties of canned beans, or use cooked dried beans instead. See crock pot great northern beans.
Use part or all boneless chicken thighs in the recipe. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker, so they're especially good in this recipe if you will be cooking it longer than the recommended times.
Try more slow cooker chicken recipes.
FETTUCCINE CARBONNAISE
This is from Linda Larsen, a contributor to The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " We wanted to make spaghetti carbonara but was out of spaghetti and cream. Then we started casting around for some substitutions that might work. We know that you can make carbonara without cream, but we love the added richness and smoothness that cream adds to the recipe.
"Fettuccine was my first idea to use instead of the spaghetti; we love the substantial strands. This long pasta combines well with creamy sauces and really holds onto them, which is what we had in mind."
She goes on to write about this recipe, all of which you can read at https://www.thespruceeats.com/fettuccine-carbonnaise-recipe-481964 (along with viewing the recipe online).
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
2 clove garlic (minced)
1 pound fettuccine
4 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the bacon until crisp and browned in a large pan over medium heat. Remove bacon from pan, place on paper towels to drain, then crumble. Drain most of the fat from the pan. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
Scrape the garlic and bacon fat remaining in the pan into a small bowl.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to flavor, then add the pasta. Stir. Cook until the pasta is just al dente, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, add the eggs, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper to the bacon in the small bowl and beat well with a wire whisk until blended and smooth.
When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot immediately.
Off the heat, add the mayonnaise mixture. Toss with tongs until the mixture coats the pasta, adding cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese and toss again and serve immediately.
MARBLED BANANA BREAD
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Save your ripe bananas for this healthy marbled bread—it's just over 200 calories per slice and made with half whole-wheat flour. A small amount of melted chocolate swirled in assures chocolate in every bite."
Prep Time: 15 minutes, Inactive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy
View this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/healthy-marbled-banana-bread-recipe-2109035
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the pan
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 medium very ripe bananas
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly mist a 9-by-5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust well with all-purpose flour to cover the pan completely, tapping out the excess. Put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth, 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the batter. Combine the bananas and sugar in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth with just a few small pieces of banana left. Add the oil and eggs and stir until combined. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, mix in both flours, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla. Stir 1 cup batter into the melted chocolate. Fill the loaf pan with half the banana batter and then half the chocolate batter. Repeat the layers and gently swirl together using a spoon or knife. Bake until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool in the pan 15 minutes, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cook's Note: To prepare your loaf pan for baking, you can also use a nonstick spray with flour already in it. Flouring the pan helps the bread rise well and prevents any collapse after it comes out of the oven. Per serving: Calories: 203; Total Fat 8 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 4 grams; Total carbohydrates: 31 grams; Sugar: 16 grams Fiber: 2 grams; Cholesterol: 32 milligrams; Sodium: 212 milligrams
HEARY BEEF STEW WITH RED ONIONS AND ALE
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, "In this cozy beef stew, tender chunks of meat in a silky, savory, ale-tinged sauce share the pot with wedges of red onion and sweet nuggets of carrot. A little coriander and allspice add fragrance and depth to the mix, while a spoonful of tomato paste deepens and rounds out the flavors. Like all stews, it tastes even better a day or two later, and can be frozen for up to two months. Serve it over something soft and buttery to soak up the sauce: a mound of mashed potatoes, noodles or polenta."
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 6 servings
This was featured in "Looking for Comfort? Turn to This Beef Stew", and can be found online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021592-hearty-beef-stew-with-red-onions-and-ale.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and black pepper
3 medium red onions
1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups beef or chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 cup ale or beer (nonalcoholic is fine)
1 rosemary sprig
3 carrots, sliced
1 tablespoon cider vinegar or sherry vinegar, plus more to taste
Chopped chives, for garnish
Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Preparation
Season the beef all over with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the onions.
Peel the onions. Cut 2 of them in half root to stem, then thinly slice them crosswise into half-moons. Cut the third onion, root to stem, into 1/2-inch wedges.
Dust the beef cubes lightly with flour. Heat butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven or other pot over medium-high. Add beef, in batches taking care not to crowd the pan, and sear until it’s good and dark all over, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Transfer beef cubes to a bowl as they brown. Add more oil and adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning.
Stir in sliced onions and raise heat to medium-high if you lowered it. Cook until pale golden brown and soft, 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden at the edges, 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Make a well in the center of the onions, then stir in tomato paste, coriander and allspice; cook, stirring until paste is darkened, 1 minute. Stir in stock, ale, 1 cup water and rosemary sprig. Return beef and any juices to the pot and bring to a simmer. Partly cover the pot and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
Give the beef a stir, then add onion wedges. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in carrots and continue to simmer until the meat, onions and carrots are tender, 30 to 45 minutes longer.
If the sauce seems thin, use a slotted spoon to transfer meat and vegetables to a platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the rosemary. Return pot with liquid to stove and simmer until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Taste and add more salt and vinegar if you like. Spoon sauce over meat and garnish with chives, flaky sea salt and more black pepper.
CORN CASSEROLE WITH THREE CHEESE BLEND
This is from My Food and Family, and begins, "Discover our rich and creamy Corn Casserole with Cheese. The three cheeses in this corn casserole come together with whole kernel corn and corn muffin mix."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/126195/corn-casserole-with-three-cheese-blend.
Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
1 can (15 oz.) cream-style corn
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen whole kernel corn
1 pkg. (8-1/2 oz.) corn muffin mix
1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Three Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
4 green onions, sliced
4 slices cooked OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crumbled
Ingredients
Heat oven to 375°F.
Combine first 6 ingredients in medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Pour into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake 40 min. Meanwhile, combine remaining cheese, onions and bacon.
Top casserole with cheese mixture; bake 15 min. or until lightly browned.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1
Size Wise
Since this delicious corn casserole serves 12, it's the perfect dish to serve at your next brunch.
Tip 2
Cooking Know-How
To soften cream cheese quickly, place in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 15 to 30 sec. or just until warmed.
Tip 3
Substitute
Substitute 3/4 cup each cornmeal and flour, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp. CALUMET Baking Powder for the corn muffin mix.
SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO
This is from Katherine Gillen, a contributor to PureWow. She wrote, "There are nights when we want to pull out all the stops on a fancy mac and cheese, and there are nights when we’ll do almost anything to not make dinner. Spaghetti aglio e olio is for those nights. Our version of the traditional Neapolitan pasta dish takes just 20 minutes to make (and calls for only five ingredients).
"A few tips come dinnertime: One, you’ll want to use a good quality olive oil, since it’s one of the stars of this recipe. And two, cook the oil-garlic mixture in a large, high-sided skillet (or better yet, a Dutch oven) so you’re free to toss vigorously when you add the noodles. It’ll make achieving a glossy sauce *that much* easier."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spaghetti-aglio-e-olio.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
12 ounces long strand pasta (such as spaghetti, bucatini or linguine)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more as needed
Finely grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley and flaky salt, to garnish (optional)
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package directions). Use a liquid measuring cup to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is sizzling and golden, about 3 minutes.
Using tongs, transfer the pasta from the water directly into the olive oil and garlic mixture. Add about 1/2 of the reserved pasta water, and cook, tossing vigorously, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta. (You can add more pasta water as needed.)
Divide the pasta among four bowls, and garnish with more pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, parsley and flaky salt, if using.
HEARTY SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CHILI
This is from Diana Rattray, a contributor to The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " This easy slow cooker chicken chili is relatively light and low-calorie compared to the classic beef or pork chili. Boneless chicken breasts and a variety of canned beans make the chili super easy and convenient. If you prefer to cook the chili on the stovetop, see the tips below the recipe.
"Feel free to use boneless chicken thighs in the recipe and use the canned beans you have on hand. We used pinto beans and great northern beans, but kidney beans, navy beans, black beans and cannellini beans are all excellent alternatives."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings.
To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/hearty-slow-cooker-chicken-chili-4062489.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (about 4 large chicken breast halves)
1 cup onion (chopped)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced; or 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder)
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups corn kernels (frozen, thawed)
1 tablespoon chili powder (heaping)
1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
1 bay leaf
Garnish: sour cream or shredded cheese
Optional: chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Dice the chicken or cut it into strips. Put the chicken pieces in the slow cooker along with the onion, bell pepper, garlic, drained and rinsed beans, tomatoes and tomato sauce, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Stir to blend ingredients.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then cook on low for 3 to 4 hours longer, or until the chicken is cooked and tender. Or cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Remove the bay leaf.
Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with sour cream or shredded cheese, along with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve with cornbread, crackers, or crusty bread.
Tips
Stovetop: Put ingredients in a large Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
For thicker chili, add a few tablespoons of cornmeal about 30 minutes before it's done.
Recipe Variations
Other vegetables that may be added include sliced summer squash or zucchini, shredded or julienne-cut carrots, and sliced celery.
For a little heat, add a few tablespoons of minced jalapeno pepper or serrano. Or add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Use different varieties of canned beans, or use cooked dried beans instead. See crock pot great northern beans.
Use part or all boneless chicken thighs in the recipe. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker, so they're especially good in this recipe if you will be cooking it longer than the recommended times.
Try more slow cooker chicken recipes.
FETTUCCINE CARBONNAISE
This is from Linda Larsen, a contributor to The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " We wanted to make spaghetti carbonara but was out of spaghetti and cream. Then we started casting around for some substitutions that might work. We know that you can make carbonara without cream, but we love the added richness and smoothness that cream adds to the recipe.
"Fettuccine was my first idea to use instead of the spaghetti; we love the substantial strands. This long pasta combines well with creamy sauces and really holds onto them, which is what we had in mind."
She goes on to write about this recipe, all of which you can read at https://www.thespruceeats.com/fettuccine-carbonnaise-recipe-481964 (along with viewing the recipe online).
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
2 clove garlic (minced)
1 pound fettuccine
4 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the bacon until crisp and browned in a large pan over medium heat. Remove bacon from pan, place on paper towels to drain, then crumble. Drain most of the fat from the pan. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
Scrape the garlic and bacon fat remaining in the pan into a small bowl.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to flavor, then add the pasta. Stir. Cook until the pasta is just al dente, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, add the eggs, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper to the bacon in the small bowl and beat well with a wire whisk until blended and smooth.
When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot immediately.
Off the heat, add the mayonnaise mixture. Toss with tongs until the mixture coats the pasta, adding cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese and toss again and serve immediately.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Breakfast
When I was growing up, my mom had plenty of rules when it came to meals. One of the biggest was that breakfast could only be eaten in the morning at (of course) breakfast time.
I used to have issues with that, especially when I'd notice one of the neighbors letting my friends have something breakfasty at dinner time.
"Why can't we have cereal for dinner?" I'd ask. "Or, maybe, pancakes or an omelet?"
But it was always a no-go on that. This really bugged me, especially if Mom was fixing liver-and-onions for dinner.
Mom
Dad and Mom, New York
Once moving out on my own, I had no problems with breakfast for dinner (or any other time, for that matter). To that end, here are six yummy breakfast recipes, including Egg White Frittata with Cheddar and Veggies and Eggs in a Pepper. Enjoy!
CREAMED CHIPPED BEEF ON TOAST
This is from Lisa at allrecipes. The recipe begins, "This chipped beef recipe is straight from my mom. We called it SOS (Same Ole Stuff), and it's great comfort food! It's easy to make and tastes great with a cold beer."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20225/creamed-chipped-beef-on-toast/.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups warm milk
1 (8 ounce) jar dried beef, chopped
1 pinch cayenne pepper
bread, toasted
Ingredients
Gather all ingredients.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
Add milk a little at a time, whisking well after each addition. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until thickened.
Stir in beef and cayenne; cook until warmed through.
Serve over toast.
Recipe Tip
This recipe can also be made with 3/4 pound browned, drained hamburger meat.
DENVER OMELET
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "The Denver omelet — a diner classic of eggs, bell peppers, onions, ham and often cheese — actually began as a sandwich made with those ingredients in the American West in the late 19th century. Its exact origins are fuzzy, but some historians think it was a modification of egg foo yong made by Chinese laborers working the transcontinental railroad, or a scramble made by pioneers masking spoiled eggs with onions. (Bell peppers were likely a later addition.) When the sandwich became popular in Utah, it was named the Denver sandwich after Denver City, Utah. By the 1950s, the Denver was one of the most popular sandwiches around, and at some point in the mid-20th century, diners swapped the sandwich bun for a knife and fork."
Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 2 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023378-denver-omelet. Also, while you're at it, I highly recommend signing up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. So many yummy recipes, great guides...If you're like me, you won't regret it.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
Black pepper
4 ounces ham steak or Canadian bacon, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 ounces coarsely grated Monterey Jack or pepper Jack (heaping 1/3 cup)
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
In a medium (10-inch) nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high. When foaming, add the bell pepper and onion, season lightly with salt and pepper and stir to coat in the butter. Shake into an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to another medium bowl, add the cheese, and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat the pan. Whisk the egg mixture and pour half into the skillet. Cook without touching until the eggs around the edges of the pan are set, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Using a spatula, slightly pull the edge of the omelet in toward the center and, while holding the spatula in place, tilt the pan so that the egg runs to the empty skillet. Repeat this around the edge of the whole circle until the surface is nearly set but still shiny. (No runny egg will travel when you tilt the pan.)
Spoon half the vegetable mixture onto half the egg, cover the skillet with a lid or baking sheet, and cook until the egg is set and the cheese is melted, 1 to 3 minutes. Run the spatula around the edges, then fold the naked half over the filling. Slide the omelet onto a plate, then repeat with the remaining butter, egg and filling.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from AllRecipes, and begins, "These Mexican breakfast tacos are quick, easy, and delicious! I learned this recipe from the cooks at my restaurant who like to sneak in breakfast before we open. I've grown to love this breakfast. If you like spicy food, you will love it, too."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/85185/authentic-mexican-breakfast-tacos/.
Ingredients
6 ounces chorizo sausage
cooking spray
6 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup salsa
1 dash hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate. Drain and discard grease; wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
Place the same skillet over medium heat and grease with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; pour into the prepared skillet. Cook and gently stir until scrambled and almost dry. Add sausage; continue to cook and stir until firm.
Meanwhile, warm a second skillet over high heat. Cook tortillas until hot and crispy on the edges, but still pliable, about 45 seconds per side.
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly onto hot tortillas. Top each with scrambled eggs, salsa, and hot pepper sauce.
EGGS IN A PEPPER
This is from Chef Lizzie at AllRecipes, and begins, "This recipe is paleo and a super easy way to eat your eggs! Can also top with cheese or even a slice of bread."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/244281/egg-in-a-pepper/.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 (1/4 inch thick) ring bell pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place bell pepper ring in the hot skillet. Crack egg into bell pepper ring; cook until bottom holds together and corners are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until desired doneness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes more; season with salt and ground black pepper.
EGG WHITE FRITTATA WITH CHEDDAR AND VEGGIES
This is from WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers). It begins, "Sticking to just egg whites in a frittata lets you save room all the flavorful, cheesy goodness on top here. Plus, it had all that filling protein you'd expect in an egg-based main dish so that you feel satisfied. Use this versatile recipe as a jumping-off point for many variations. Other fillings to try: sliced button mushrooms, grated summer squash, diced tomatoes, and flavorful minced shallots. Frittatas are a welcome starring attraction whether it's brunch, lunch, or dinner and leftovers are a gift. Wrap up a wedge in a lettuce leaf for a low-carb lunch or reheat it in the microwave and roll it up in a tortilla for a quick and portable breakfast on the go."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Serving Size: 1 wedge; Difficulty: Easy; 8 points
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cup egg whites (about 8 large eggs)
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
2 bell peppers, medium, any color, diced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
8 oz (about 1 cup) reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
2 medium scallions, sliced on diagonal
Directions
Whisk together egg whites, salt, and pepper in large bowl until frothy.
Heat oil in 10-inch heavy ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add egg whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to set, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat and cook, without stirring, until eggs are almost set, about 6 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, preheat broiler.
Sprinkle Cheddar over frittata. Broil 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and eggs are set, 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions. Cut into 4 wedges.
Notes
If you have leftovers, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days. A wedge of this tasty frittata makes an excellent sandwich filling.
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
I used to have issues with that, especially when I'd notice one of the neighbors letting my friends have something breakfasty at dinner time.
"Why can't we have cereal for dinner?" I'd ask. "Or, maybe, pancakes or an omelet?"
But it was always a no-go on that. This really bugged me, especially if Mom was fixing liver-and-onions for dinner.
Mom
Dad and Mom, New York
Once moving out on my own, I had no problems with breakfast for dinner (or any other time, for that matter). To that end, here are six yummy breakfast recipes, including Egg White Frittata with Cheddar and Veggies and Eggs in a Pepper. Enjoy!
CREAMED CHIPPED BEEF ON TOAST
This is from Lisa at allrecipes. The recipe begins, "This chipped beef recipe is straight from my mom. We called it SOS (Same Ole Stuff), and it's great comfort food! It's easy to make and tastes great with a cold beer."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20225/creamed-chipped-beef-on-toast/.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups warm milk
1 (8 ounce) jar dried beef, chopped
1 pinch cayenne pepper
bread, toasted
Ingredients
Gather all ingredients.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
Add milk a little at a time, whisking well after each addition. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until thickened.
Stir in beef and cayenne; cook until warmed through.
Serve over toast.
Recipe Tip
This recipe can also be made with 3/4 pound browned, drained hamburger meat.
DENVER OMELET
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "The Denver omelet — a diner classic of eggs, bell peppers, onions, ham and often cheese — actually began as a sandwich made with those ingredients in the American West in the late 19th century. Its exact origins are fuzzy, but some historians think it was a modification of egg foo yong made by Chinese laborers working the transcontinental railroad, or a scramble made by pioneers masking spoiled eggs with onions. (Bell peppers were likely a later addition.) When the sandwich became popular in Utah, it was named the Denver sandwich after Denver City, Utah. By the 1950s, the Denver was one of the most popular sandwiches around, and at some point in the mid-20th century, diners swapped the sandwich bun for a knife and fork."
Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 2 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023378-denver-omelet. Also, while you're at it, I highly recommend signing up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. So many yummy recipes, great guides...If you're like me, you won't regret it.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
Black pepper
4 ounces ham steak or Canadian bacon, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 ounces coarsely grated Monterey Jack or pepper Jack (heaping 1/3 cup)
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
In a medium (10-inch) nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high. When foaming, add the bell pepper and onion, season lightly with salt and pepper and stir to coat in the butter. Shake into an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to another medium bowl, add the cheese, and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat the pan. Whisk the egg mixture and pour half into the skillet. Cook without touching until the eggs around the edges of the pan are set, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Using a spatula, slightly pull the edge of the omelet in toward the center and, while holding the spatula in place, tilt the pan so that the egg runs to the empty skillet. Repeat this around the edge of the whole circle until the surface is nearly set but still shiny. (No runny egg will travel when you tilt the pan.)
Spoon half the vegetable mixture onto half the egg, cover the skillet with a lid or baking sheet, and cook until the egg is set and the cheese is melted, 1 to 3 minutes. Run the spatula around the edges, then fold the naked half over the filling. Slide the omelet onto a plate, then repeat with the remaining butter, egg and filling.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from AllRecipes, and begins, "These Mexican breakfast tacos are quick, easy, and delicious! I learned this recipe from the cooks at my restaurant who like to sneak in breakfast before we open. I've grown to love this breakfast. If you like spicy food, you will love it, too."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/85185/authentic-mexican-breakfast-tacos/.
Ingredients
6 ounces chorizo sausage
cooking spray
6 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup salsa
1 dash hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate. Drain and discard grease; wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
Place the same skillet over medium heat and grease with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; pour into the prepared skillet. Cook and gently stir until scrambled and almost dry. Add sausage; continue to cook and stir until firm.
Meanwhile, warm a second skillet over high heat. Cook tortillas until hot and crispy on the edges, but still pliable, about 45 seconds per side.
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly onto hot tortillas. Top each with scrambled eggs, salsa, and hot pepper sauce.
EGGS IN A PEPPER
This is from Chef Lizzie at AllRecipes, and begins, "This recipe is paleo and a super easy way to eat your eggs! Can also top with cheese or even a slice of bread."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/244281/egg-in-a-pepper/.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 (1/4 inch thick) ring bell pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place bell pepper ring in the hot skillet. Crack egg into bell pepper ring; cook until bottom holds together and corners are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until desired doneness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes more; season with salt and ground black pepper.
EGG WHITE FRITTATA WITH CHEDDAR AND VEGGIES
This is from WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers). It begins, "Sticking to just egg whites in a frittata lets you save room all the flavorful, cheesy goodness on top here. Plus, it had all that filling protein you'd expect in an egg-based main dish so that you feel satisfied. Use this versatile recipe as a jumping-off point for many variations. Other fillings to try: sliced button mushrooms, grated summer squash, diced tomatoes, and flavorful minced shallots. Frittatas are a welcome starring attraction whether it's brunch, lunch, or dinner and leftovers are a gift. Wrap up a wedge in a lettuce leaf for a low-carb lunch or reheat it in the microwave and roll it up in a tortilla for a quick and portable breakfast on the go."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Serving Size: 1 wedge; Difficulty: Easy; 8 points
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cup egg whites (about 8 large eggs)
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
2 bell peppers, medium, any color, diced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
8 oz (about 1 cup) reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
2 medium scallions, sliced on diagonal
Directions
Whisk together egg whites, salt, and pepper in large bowl until frothy.
Heat oil in 10-inch heavy ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add egg whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to set, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat and cook, without stirring, until eggs are almost set, about 6 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, preheat broiler.
Sprinkle Cheddar over frittata. Broil 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and eggs are set, 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions. Cut into 4 wedges.
Notes
If you have leftovers, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days. A wedge of this tasty frittata makes an excellent sandwich filling.
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Pasta
I've loved Pasta since I can remember. There's just something about the stuff.
If you love pasta, too, today's post is sure to please. Check out the One-Post Cajun Chicken Pasta, the Pepperoni Pizza Pasta, and the rest of today's yummy recipes. 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.
RESTAURANT-STYLE SPINACH MANICOTTI
This is from
Cook Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 7
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Pastas/Restaurant-Style-Spinach-Manicotti.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, diced
1 (32-ounce) container fat-free ricotta cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups light spaghetti sauce
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions, omitting the salt; drain, rinse, drain again, and place in a large baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Coat a small saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the onion and garlic and saute over medium heat until tender. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, the egg, spinach, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Add the onion mixture; mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the manicotti shells (see Note), top with the spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through.
Note
To fill the shells, carefully place the cheese mixture in a large resealable plastic storage bag with a corner snipped off. Then you can just squeeze the filling into the manicotti shells, using the storage bag like a pastry bag. Simple, right?
CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo is a great dish to perfect at home and has the potential to be better than most restaurant versions. The sauce in this recipe magically comes together in the skillet, coating and clinging to the noodles just right and without the help of flour. Heavy cream is gently simmered, reducing and thickening it – and then it gets help from grated Parmesan. The sauce may seem too thin in the pan but once the chicken and cooked pasta are tossed with it the dish comes together nicely and the sauce finishes itself. Eat alfredo right away and be sure to save a little of the salted pasta water – you can stir splashes of it into the pasta if the sauce gets too thick as it sits."
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-3364118.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine
Olive oil, for tossing
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2)
\1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg
1-1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain and toss with a splash of oil.
Meanwhile, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick strips, and lay them on a plate or a sheet of waxed paper. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter melts, raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken in 1 layer. Cook, without moving the pieces, until the underside has browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a medium bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. When the butter has mostly melted, whisk in the cream and nutmeg and bring to a simmer, then cook for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to keep the sauce just warm.
Whisk the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the sauce. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot in heated bowls.
Cook’s Note
Don't worry if it seems like there is too much sauce. As soon as everything is tossed together, the sauce will start to cling to the pasta and thicken before your eyes!
ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-8051436.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
The success of this recipe depends upon the specific pasta shape suggested, so we do not recommend substitutions.
BAKED ZITI
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Alison wrote, "This baked ziti is layered almost like a lasagna to ensure every bite has enough creamy ricotta, stringy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. But the key to its success comes from undercooking the pasta during the initial boil so it stays perfectly al dente, even after a trip to the oven. Heavy cream is added to prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy or dry during baking, letting it be its most luscious self. While this baked ziti is meatless (there’s plenty of richness from the cheese — three types, to be exact), you could always incorporate a bit of sausage, ground meat or pancetta, if you like. Simply add 1/2 pound to the onions while sautéeing and proceed with the recipe."
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018954-baked-ziti.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, packed in juice
1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée or sauce
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 ounces/1 pound ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino, plus more for grating on top
1 pound ziti, rigatoni, penne, manicotti or other short, tubelike pasta
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Preparation
Make the tomato sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until it has turned a deeper brick-red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes. Crush the whole tomatoes by hand and add them (including the juice) and the tomato purée to the pot, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper and add red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Prepare the pasta: As the sauce cooks, heat oven to 425 degrees, and place a large pot of salted water to boil on the stove.
Cook pasta until it’s nearly al dente. (You want to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven. A good way to do this is cook it 2 minutes less than you normally would if preparing it al dente.) Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, drain pasta and rinse with cool water; set aside while the tomato sauce finishes cooking.
Once tomato sauce is done, stir in reserved pasta water.
Place pasta in a large bowl and add 2 cups sauce. Stir to coat pasta evenly encouraging the sauce to go inside each tube.
Spoon a bit of remaining sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with 1/3 of the pasta. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce on top, dollop with half the ricotta mixture and scatter 1/3 of the mozzarella on top of that. Repeat, beginning with the pasta, one more time. For the final layer, add the last 1/3 of pasta and the last of the sauce. Dot remaining mozzarella on top and shave a bit more Parmesan on top of that. Place baking dish on top of a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and bubbling and the top has browned nicely, 30 to 40 minutes.
Let cool slightly before eating with a big green leafy salad.
Tip
Baked ziti can be assembled 2 hours before baking. It can be baked 1 day ahead and rewarmed before serving.
PEPPERONI PIZZA PASTA
This is from the long-since-forgotten email list. Serves 4
Ingredients
8oz (2 c) uncooked ziti
1 (14oz) jar pizza sauce
2 oz sliced pepperoni, halved (about 3/4 c)
1/4 c finely chopped bell pepper
1/4 c grated parmesan
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
4oz (1c) shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 375. Spray 8" sq. baking pan with nonstick spray. Cook ziti according to pkg directions. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, pizza sauce, pepperoni, bell pepper, Parmesan, oregano and garlic; mix well. Spoon into baking pan; sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-35 min. or throughly heated and cheese is melted.
If you love pasta, too, today's post is sure to please. Check out the One-Post Cajun Chicken Pasta, the Pepperoni Pizza Pasta, and the rest of today's yummy recipes. 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.
RESTAURANT-STYLE SPINACH MANICOTTI
This is from
Cook Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 7
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Pastas/Restaurant-Style-Spinach-Manicotti.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, diced
1 (32-ounce) container fat-free ricotta cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups light spaghetti sauce
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions, omitting the salt; drain, rinse, drain again, and place in a large baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Coat a small saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the onion and garlic and saute over medium heat until tender. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, the egg, spinach, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Add the onion mixture; mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the manicotti shells (see Note), top with the spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through.
Note
To fill the shells, carefully place the cheese mixture in a large resealable plastic storage bag with a corner snipped off. Then you can just squeeze the filling into the manicotti shells, using the storage bag like a pastry bag. Simple, right?
CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo is a great dish to perfect at home and has the potential to be better than most restaurant versions. The sauce in this recipe magically comes together in the skillet, coating and clinging to the noodles just right and without the help of flour. Heavy cream is gently simmered, reducing and thickening it – and then it gets help from grated Parmesan. The sauce may seem too thin in the pan but once the chicken and cooked pasta are tossed with it the dish comes together nicely and the sauce finishes itself. Eat alfredo right away and be sure to save a little of the salted pasta water – you can stir splashes of it into the pasta if the sauce gets too thick as it sits."
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-3364118.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine
Olive oil, for tossing
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2)
\1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg
1-1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain and toss with a splash of oil.
Meanwhile, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick strips, and lay them on a plate or a sheet of waxed paper. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter melts, raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken in 1 layer. Cook, without moving the pieces, until the underside has browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a medium bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. When the butter has mostly melted, whisk in the cream and nutmeg and bring to a simmer, then cook for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to keep the sauce just warm.
Whisk the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the sauce. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot in heated bowls.
Cook’s Note
Don't worry if it seems like there is too much sauce. As soon as everything is tossed together, the sauce will start to cling to the pasta and thicken before your eyes!
ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-8051436.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
The success of this recipe depends upon the specific pasta shape suggested, so we do not recommend substitutions.
BAKED ZITI
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Alison wrote, "This baked ziti is layered almost like a lasagna to ensure every bite has enough creamy ricotta, stringy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. But the key to its success comes from undercooking the pasta during the initial boil so it stays perfectly al dente, even after a trip to the oven. Heavy cream is added to prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy or dry during baking, letting it be its most luscious self. While this baked ziti is meatless (there’s plenty of richness from the cheese — three types, to be exact), you could always incorporate a bit of sausage, ground meat or pancetta, if you like. Simply add 1/2 pound to the onions while sautéeing and proceed with the recipe."
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018954-baked-ziti.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, packed in juice
1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée or sauce
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 ounces/1 pound ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino, plus more for grating on top
1 pound ziti, rigatoni, penne, manicotti or other short, tubelike pasta
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Preparation
Make the tomato sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until it has turned a deeper brick-red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes. Crush the whole tomatoes by hand and add them (including the juice) and the tomato purée to the pot, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper and add red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Prepare the pasta: As the sauce cooks, heat oven to 425 degrees, and place a large pot of salted water to boil on the stove.
Cook pasta until it’s nearly al dente. (You want to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven. A good way to do this is cook it 2 minutes less than you normally would if preparing it al dente.) Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, drain pasta and rinse with cool water; set aside while the tomato sauce finishes cooking.
Once tomato sauce is done, stir in reserved pasta water.
Place pasta in a large bowl and add 2 cups sauce. Stir to coat pasta evenly encouraging the sauce to go inside each tube.
Spoon a bit of remaining sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with 1/3 of the pasta. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce on top, dollop with half the ricotta mixture and scatter 1/3 of the mozzarella on top of that. Repeat, beginning with the pasta, one more time. For the final layer, add the last 1/3 of pasta and the last of the sauce. Dot remaining mozzarella on top and shave a bit more Parmesan on top of that. Place baking dish on top of a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and bubbling and the top has browned nicely, 30 to 40 minutes.
Let cool slightly before eating with a big green leafy salad.
Tip
Baked ziti can be assembled 2 hours before baking. It can be baked 1 day ahead and rewarmed before serving.
PEPPERONI PIZZA PASTA
This is from the long-since-forgotten email list. Serves 4
Ingredients
8oz (2 c) uncooked ziti
1 (14oz) jar pizza sauce
2 oz sliced pepperoni, halved (about 3/4 c)
1/4 c finely chopped bell pepper
1/4 c grated parmesan
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
4oz (1c) shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 375. Spray 8" sq. baking pan with nonstick spray. Cook ziti according to pkg directions. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, pizza sauce, pepperoni, bell pepper, Parmesan, oregano and garlic; mix well. Spoon into baking pan; sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-35 min. or throughly heated and cheese is melted.
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