Confessions of a Foodie

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Friday, June 12, 2026

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Yay! Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Sweet and Sour Chicken with Vegetables and Taco Zucchini Lasagna. Enjoy!

SUPER DECADENT MAC AND CHEESE

This yumminess is from Kardea Brown on the Food Network.

Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 8 to 10 Servings; Level: Easy

To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/super-decadent-mac-and-cheese-9831363.

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound elbow macaroni

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed

4 ounces cream cheese

One 16-ounce block sharp Cheddar, shredded

1-1/2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

2 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with butter.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 7 minutes. Strain in a colander, run cold water over the pasta and set aside.

Using the same pot the macaroni was cooked in, melt the 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, add the flour and whisk until smooth. While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk and then the cream. Bring to a simmer, add the cream cheese and the shredded Cheddar except for 1/2 cup and stir until melted. Stir in the granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and stir in the macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.

Whisk together the eggs and sour cream in a small bowl and then fold into the macaroni and cheese. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, fold in the cubed Cheddar and top with the reserved 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar. Bake until the top just begins to brown, about 20 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake 10 to 15 minutes more.

MAPLE SRIRACHA ROASTED VEGETABLES

This is from Kikkoman.

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://kikkomanusa.com/homecooks/recipes/maple-sriracha-roasted-vegetables/.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons avocado oil

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon Kikkoman® Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

2 cups brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 cup red onion, coarsely chopped

For Serving

1/2 teaspoon flaky salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 400ºF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, stir together oil, maple syrup and sriracha. Add brussels sprouts, carrots and red onion. Mix well to coat.

Spread vegetables evenly on baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Serve hot topped with flaky sea salt.

MEATLOAF

This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "Traditional meatloaf was created as a tasty way to use up leftover vegetables and to stretch meat further during lean times. This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic version, blending ground beef, pork and veal with simple pantry seasonings, but you should feel free to use your preferred combination of meat, such as half pork and half beef. Milk-soaked bread ensures a tender meatloaf, and baking it freeform — on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan — provides more surface area for the tangy-sweet tomato glaze to caramelize as it bakes. Leftover slices can be crisped in a skillet and served with a salad or tucked into a sandwich. Alternatively, freeze one uncooked loaf for the next time you need to put dinner on the table with ease; simply thaw the night before and bake as directed."

Total Time: 1-1/2 hours; Yield: 6 to 8 servings (2 loaves)

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020853-meatloaf. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap.)

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing

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

5 large garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 (1/2-inch-thick) slices white sandwich bread (about 3 ounces), torn into small pieces

2/3 cup whole milk

3 large eggs

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf or curly parsley

2 tablespoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) or 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or fine salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

3 pounds meatloaf mix (or any combination of ground beef, pork and/or veal)

For the Tomato Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Make the meatloaf: Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a rimmed baking sheet with oil. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste until well combined; let cool.

In a large bowl, combine bread and milk, and mash with a spoon until a paste forms.

Add eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme and cooled onion mixture and mix until well blended.

Add the beef, pork and veal, and mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Divide mixture into 2 equal portions and shape each into a 4-by-8-inch meatloaf on the prepared baking sheet. (If you like, use an 8-inch loaf pan to shape each meatloaf before unmolding for baking.)

Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Use a spoon to spread mixture over the top and sides of each meatloaf.

Bake until nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of meatloaf registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before sprinkling the top with fresh parsley, if using, and slicing.

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES

This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "Looking for a veggie-packed all-in-one chicken dish? This is it! This skillet meal takes no time to whip together. And, with its great color and nutrition plus authentic Asian flavor, it's sure to be a hit."

Cook Time: 12 minutes; Serves: 6; Serving Size: 4 ounces chicken strips and 3/4 cup veggies

To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Chicken/Sweet-and-Sour-Chicken-with-Vegetables-103208.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil

1-1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in syrup, drained and liquid reserved

1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 cup fresh broccoli florets

1 medium-sized red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 tablespoon ketchup

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup fresh snow peas, trimmed

Directions

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until no pink remains.

Add pineapple chunks, water chestnuts, broccoli, and red pepper. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

In a small bowl, combine the reserved pineapple liquid, the soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, and sugar; mix well. Stir into skillet or wok and cook 3 minutes. Add snow peas and cook 1 minute, or until sauce has thickened. Serve immediately.

RANCHER'S MEATLOAF

This recipe is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "Take your taste buds down to the ranch with this easy recipe for Rancher's Meatloaf. Filled with barbecue flavor, fiber-filled black beans, and good-for-ya veggies, this is one meatloaf that'll really get you saying, 'Yeehaw!'"

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10

To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Beef/Ranchers-Meatloaf.

Ingredients

2 pounds extra lean ground beef

1 (8-1/4-ounce) can julienne carrots, drained

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup cornflake crumbs

3 tablespoons minced onion

1/2 cup egg substitute

\1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons low-carb barbecue sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, carrots, black beans, cornflake crumbs, minced onion, egg substitute, and pepper; mix well. Place in loaf pan. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over top.

Bake 1-1/2 hours, or until no pink remains. Allow to sit 5 minutes. Pour off excess liquid, if any, then slice and serve.

TACO ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

This comes from Linday Funston on Delish, and begins, “So flavorful, you won't even notice the noodles are gone.”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 - 6

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. ground beef

3/4 c. ricotta

1/2 c. sour cream, plus more for drizzling

1 large egg

1/3 c. salsa

3 large zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise

2 c. shredded Cheddar

2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 8 minutes more. Drain fat.

In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large baking or casserole dish, spread a thin layer of salsa. Top with a layer of zucchini noodles, sour cream mixture, ground beef, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with zucchini noodles.

Bake until noodles are tender and cheese is bubbly, 25 minutes.

Drizzle with sour cream, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Burgers

Is there any food that says summer more than Burgers? Maybe not.

To that end, here are six burger recipes to help you through the day, including Turkey Bacon Burgers and Healthy Grilled Pizza Burgers. Enjoy!

FRENCH ONION BURGER

This is from Bush's Beans site, and begins, "Ready to bring your burger game up a notch? Try this quick and easy French Onion Burger recipe. Topped with sautéed onions, Worcestershire sauce, and Gruyere cheese, this is a savory stack the whole family will love. This savory burger with BUSH’S® Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans takes less than an hour to make and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. The burgers can be prepared using a skillet or a grill, making this recipe a staple for any season. To get the most flavor out of this burger, coat your bun of choice with a thin layer of butter and grill it on the same pan you used to sauté the onions. This will create a crispy, flavorful layer to your bun that tastes like the croutons in French Onion Soup. BUSH’S® Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans are a perfectly sweet complement to this savory entrée."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 4

To view this online, go to https://www.bushbeans.com/en_US/bean-recipes/french-onion-burger.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

2 onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup beef broth

1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Worcestershire

1-1/2 lb lean ground beef

4 slices Gruyere or Swiss cheese

4 hamburger buns

1 can (16 oz) Bush's® Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans

Dijon mustard for serving

Directions

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat and sauté onion, stirring occasionally until deep golden, about 25 minutes.

Stir in beef broth, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 teaspoon pepper then cook just until onions are glossy.

Mix beef with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and form into 4 burgers.

Cook burgers in a skillet or grill until cooked to your preferred doneness.

Melt cheese over each burger.

Top burgers with Dijon mustard and serve with heaping spoonfuls of Bush's® Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans.

ALMOST WHITE CASTLE HAMBURGERS

This comes from Chef Doozer on the Genius Kitchen site. Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 12

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1-1/2 lbs ground chuck

1 (4 tablespoon) envelope onion soup mix

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons water

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

24 small square dinner rolls

American cheese (optional)

pickle (optional)

Sauce

1/2 cup mustard

1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Hamburgers: Mix first 6 ingredients and press into an ungreased 10 by 15 inch jelly roll pan.

Prick with a fork.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Drain off juices (if there's a lot of excess).

Cool.

Cut into 24 squares.

Place squares on dinner rolls.

Combine mustard and ketchup and spread on rolls.

Top with pickles and cheese, if desired.

This makes 12 servings of 2 hamburgers each.

CHIPOTLE PEPPER JACK SLIDERS

This recipe begins, “Lean ground beef mini-burgers, or sliders, are kicked up with chipotle chili and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese.”

Makes 8 sliders (mini-burgers)

View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1227.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)

9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder

2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters

Directions

Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.

Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.

Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.

Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 201; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 266 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g

ALOHA CHICKEN BURGERS

This is from Chris McDaniel at AllRecipes. Chris wrote, "This tasty sandwich is like a luau on a bun!”

Time: 1 hr 20 minutes; Prep: 20 min; Cook Time: 30 min; Makes 2 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 slices thick cut bacon

2 large hamburger buns, split

1 tablespoon softened butter

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 slices pineapple

2 slices tomato

2 slices of iceberg lettuce

Directions

Place chicken breasts into a plastic zipper bag with soy sauce, seal the bag, and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside. Spread cut sides of hamburger buns with butter.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, and discard the excess soy sauce. Place the chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, and grill until chicken shows good grill marks, is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

When chicken is almost done, brush each piece generously on both sides with teriyaki sauce to finish grilling. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt onto the chicken.

While chicken is grilling, spread the buns open on the grill and cook until toasted and showing grill lines, about 2 minutes. Set the buns aside.

To assemble, spread the grilled sides of each bun with mayonnaise, and top each bottom bun with a cooked chicken breast, 1 1/2 slices of bacon, a slice of pineapple, a slice from a head of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the top bun.

Footnotes

Cook's Note:

If you don't want to grill, loosely roll up marinated chicken breast with teriyaki sauce in foil, and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Then open foil, and melt cheese on top.

Tip

Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.

HEALTHY GRILLED PIZZA BURGERS

This comes from David Zinczenko at TODAY. He wrote, "Topping turkey burgers with traditional pizza toppings adds loads of flavor without packing on too many calories and carbs."

Serves 4

To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/healthy-grilled-pizza-burgers-recipe-t147408.

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped red sweet pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 slices uncured pepperoni

4 thin slices mozzarella cheese

4 sprouted whole grain buns or whole grain buns, split and toasted

1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves

3 1/2 cups jarred pizza sauce, warmed

Preparation

In a medium bowl, combine turkey, onion, sweet pepper, oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, salt and crushed red pepper. Shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Brush tops and bottoms with olive oil.

For a charcoal grill, grill patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 14-18 minutes or until no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, turning once halfway through grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill to medium. Place patties on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.)

Top each patty with a pepperoni slice and then a cheese slice for the last 1-2 minutes of grilling.

To assemble, place grilled patties on bun bottoms. Top with basil, pizza sauce and bun tops.

TURKEY BACON BURGERS

This recipe begins, “If you're a fan of The Biggest Loser show, then you may have watched host Bob Harper teach contestants how to make Turkey Bacon Burgers. The contestants loved their Turkey Bacon Burgers and now we're sharing the recipe for you to try...”

Makes 10 servings

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1323

View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1323.shtml

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast

1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey

15 slices of chopped, uncooked Jennie-O Turkey Bacon

1/2 cup minced onion

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

10 lettuce leaves

10 tomato slices

20 sweet onion slices

avocado slices, if desired

pickled jalapeno slices, if desired

mustard, if desired

Directions

In large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey,onion, garlic and pepper*.

Add 15 slices of chopped, uncooked Jennie-O Turkey Bacon to the meat mixture. For ease of chopping, place bacon slices in freezer for 15 minutes. Chop finely while still firm.

Form into 10 patties. Ideally, make this mixture at least 8 hours before cooking so that the turkey can marinate with the other ingredients. Freeze any extra formed patties to thaw later.

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Grill turkey burgers approximately 14 to 16 minutes. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Layer lettuce, tomato, turkey burger and onion. Top with avocado, pickled jalapeno and mustard, if desired.

Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 140; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 65 mg; Cholesterol: 55 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Wednesday Recipes

It's Wednesday. We're half-way through the work week. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Grown-Up Sloppy Joes and Turkey Reuben Sliders. Enjoy!

SAUTEED JAMAICAN CALLALOO

This yumminess is from Gabi Odebode on the Food Network.

This recipe starts off, "Callaloo is so popular in Jamaica that this leafy green is often referred to as Jamaican spinach. Although it looks something like spinach, it has a sturdier texture that’s akin to collard greens. Believed to have traveled to the Caribbean from West Africa, callaloo is cooked in many ways throughout the islands, including in ways similar to Southern braised collards. In Jamaica, it’s often sautéed, particularly with bell peppers and other vegetables for a bit of sweetness. Herbs and spice are added for robust flavor that’s bound to please even those who aren’t greens fans. Fresh callaloo can be difficult to find so we use frozen leaves in this recipe. Serve the dish with rice, plantains or boiled dumplings for a full Jamaican experience."

Active Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 4 Servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sauteed-jamaican-callaloo-18572553.

Ingredients

5 ounces frozen callaloo

2 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small yellow bell pepper, diced

2 scallions, sliced

1 habanero pepper or scotch bonnet pepper, chopped, optional

2 teaspoons chicken or vegetable bouillon powder, optional

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Sea salt, to taste

Directions

Place the frozen callaloo in a medium bowl and allow it to thaw about 10 minutes. Remove and discard the thick stems from the callaloo but keep the thin stems attached to the leaves. Roughly chop the callaloo, place it in a strainer and rinse it thoroughly with room-temperature water to remove any dirt. Set aside in the strainer.

Fill a bowl large enough to comfortably hold the strainer with boiling water. Place the strainer with the callaloo into the water for about 3 minutes. Rinse the callaloo in cold water until cool, about 2 minutes. This step helps soften the callaloo and brighten its color. Press down on the callaloo in the strainer to remove excess water or wrap it in cheesecloth and wring out the water. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and cook until slightly tender, about 2 minutes. Add the scallions and habanero pepper, if using, and cook for another minute. Add the callaloo and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium low. Stir in the bouillon powder, if using, and the thyme and cook for another 3 minutes. Add salt to taste and continue cooking until the callaloo is completely wilted and dark green, about 5 minutes. Taste again and add more salt if needed.

MEATLOAF

This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "Traditional meatloaf was created as a tasty way to use up leftover vegetables and to stretch meat further during lean times. This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic version, blending ground beef, pork and veal with simple pantry seasonings, but you should feel free to use your preferred combination of meat, such as half pork and half beef. Milk-soaked bread ensures a tender meatloaf, and baking it freeform — on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan — provides more surface area for the tangy-sweet tomato glaze to caramelize as it bakes. Leftover slices can be crisped in a skillet and served with a salad or tucked into a sandwich. Alternatively, freeze one uncooked loaf for the next time you need to put dinner on the table with ease; simply thaw the night before and bake as directed."

Total Time: 1-1/2 hours; Yield: 6 to 8 servings (2 loaves)

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020853-meatloaf. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap.)

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing

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

5 large garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 (1/2-inch-thick) slices white sandwich bread (about 3 ounces), torn into small pieces

2/3 cup whole milk

3 large eggs

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf or curly parsley

2 tablespoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) or 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or fine salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

3 pounds meatloaf mix (or any combination of ground beef, pork and/or veal)

For the Tomato Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Make the meatloaf: Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a rimmed baking sheet with oil. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste until well combined; let cool.

In a large bowl, combine bread and milk, and mash with a spoon until a paste forms.

Add eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme and cooled onion mixture and mix until well blended.

Add the beef, pork and veal, and mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Divide mixture into 2 equal portions and shape each into a 4-by-8-inch meatloaf on the prepared baking sheet. (If you like, use an 8-inch loaf pan to shape each meatloaf before unmolding for baking.)

Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Use a spoon to spread mixture over the top and sides of each meatloaf.

Bake until nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of meatloaf registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before sprinkling the top with fresh parsley, if using, and slicing.

IRISH BROWN BREAD

This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "If you can't make it to Ireland anytime soon, bring the taste of Ireland to your table tonight! One of the easiest and quickest breads to bake up, this Irish Brown Bread has become a favorite in our Test Kitchen. We like to slice it up and serve it warm with a little margarine or sugar-free jam on the side."

Cook Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 16; Serving Size: 1 (16th of a round)

To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Bread/Irish-Brown-Bread-6746.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup whole wheat flour



1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons light butter, cut into small pieces

1 egg

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt; mix well.

Add butter, then the egg and buttermilk. Using your hands, mix until just combined. Place dough on baking sheet and shape into a round loaf about 1 inch high. Make a crisscross cut (an "X") across the top with a floured knife.

Bake bread 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 more minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on a wire rack, then cut into wedges and serve warm.

GROWN-UP SLOPPY JOES

This is from Everday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "Who says Sloppy Joes are only for kids? We've lightened up the typical kid's meal with fresh vegetables and added a bit of spice for good measure. Your kids will still like it, and so will you!"

Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves: 4

To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Beef/Grown-Up-Sloppy-Joes.

Ingredients

1 pound 95% lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 small zucchini, shredded

2 cups light spaghetti sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8 whole wheat, sandwich thins, split

Directions

In a large skillet, brown ground beef, onion, and zucchini over medium-high heat 10 to 12 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink and zucchini is tender.

Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Spoon over bottom halves of sandwich thins, cover with tops, and serve immediately.

MEXICAN TACO SALAD

This recipe comes from FamilyTime. Serves: varies; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: Varies

To view this online, go to http://www.familytime.com/recipe/showrecipe.aspx?recipeid=13446.

Ingredients

1 pound beef or turkey, ground

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup ORTEGA® Thick & Chunky Salsa

3/4 cup water

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

1 can (15-oz.) kidney or pinto beans

1 can (4-oz.) ORTEGA® Diced Green Chiles

6 tortilla shells, or 3 cups of tortilla chips

6 cups lettuce, shredded

3/4 cup nacho and taco blend cheese, shredded

Directions

Cook beef and onion until beef is browned; drain. Stir in salsa, water and seasoning mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to lwo; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in beans and chiles.

Layer ingredients as follows in each shell: 1 cup lettuce, 3/4 cup meat mixture, 2 tablespoons cheese, guacamole and tomatoes for garnish. Serve with ORTEGA® Thick & Smooth Taco Sauce, if desired.

TURKEY REUBEN SLIDERS

This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "With turkey, melty Swiss, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and a buttery glaze, these turkey Reuben-inspired sliders are an instant crowd-pleaser. So much so, you’ll probably want to double the recipe. Sandwiches can be labor intensive to make for a crowd, but a package of Hawaiian sweet rolls makes this approach easy. If you want to scale up, two batches of sandwiches can be baked side-by-side on a sheet pan—just be sure to wrap the pan tightly with foil so the cheese melts. Serve with extra dressing on the side for dipping, if desired, and watch the sandwiches disappear!"

Ready in: 40 minutes; Yield: 12 sliders

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/777928898-turkey-reuben-sliders. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls

1/3 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing, plus extra for dipping

1/2 pound thinly sliced roasted deli turkey

1-1/2 cups jarred sauerkraut, drained and squeezed in a paper towel

1 teaspoon caraway seeds, divided

6 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 teaspoons minced dried onion

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.

Slice the whole sheet of rolls in half horizontally, without breaking apart the individual rolls.

Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan, cut-side up, and spread half the Thousand Island dressing on top. Spread the remaining dressing on the cut side of the top rolls.

Add the turkey, layering it evenly over the bread. Scatter the sauerkraut over the turkey, and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the caraway seeds on top. Layer the cheese over the sauerkraut, and finally, place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. (See Tip for make-ahead instructions.)

In a small skillet, combine the butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds. Cook over medium-low heat, swirling the pan, until the butter is melted and the seeds are sizzling. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the caraway seeds are fragrant and the butter is beginning to foam. Off the heat, stir in dried onion, Worcestershire sauce and salt.

Brush the butter mixture all over the tops and sides of the rolls.

Cover the sliders tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the tops of the rolls are toasted, about 5 minutes.

Using the overhang, carefully lift the parchment paper and rolls and transfer to a cutting board. Cut rolls into individual sandwiches with a large, serrated knife and serve hot or warm.

Tip

To make in advance, complete the recipe up to the end of step 4. Cover the sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Resume the recipe at step 5 and bake as directed.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (since not everyone loves tacos). Today's offerings include Hamburger Stroganoff Skillet and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Meatloaf. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE CHILI

This is from duboo, who posts recipes on AllRecipes. For this recipe, he wrote, "My friend Keni's love of smokey chipotle peppers inspired this recipe. It comes together perfectly and is a unique chili that will stand out against others. It is a spicy chili that at the same time is mellow. It gives you the kick without the lingering burn like many chilis do."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes; Yield: 12 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/237576/slow-cooker-chipotle-chili/.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 pound bulk Italian sausage

1 large onion, diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2 (16 ounce) cans chili beans, undrained

2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

2 (14.5 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

2 ribs celery, chopped

1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 (7 ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped

1/2 (3 ounce) package bacon bits

1 tablespoon chili sauce

1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef and sausage in the hot skillet until some of the fat renders, 2 to 3 minutes; add onion and garlic and continue to cook and stir until the meats are browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes more. Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker.

Stir kidney beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, chipotle chiles, bacon bits, chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, and salt with the beef mixture.

Cook on Low until vegetables are completely tender but the celery retains a slight bit of firmness, 6 to 8 hours (or 3 to 4 hours on High).

HAMBURGER STROGANOFF SKILLET

This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Give ground beef the stroganoff treatment by combining it with sauteed mushrooms and rich cream. Cook pasta right in the sauce for an easy one-pan dinner."

Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/hamburger-stroganoff-skillet-5478672.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

One 10-ounce package white mushrooms, halved or quartered if large

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon paprika

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 small onion, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

One 15-ounce can low-sodium beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups dried penne pasta

2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, leaving behind any drippings, and reduce the heat to medium.

To the same skillet, add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to the bowl with the beef. Add the oil, paprika, garlic, carrot and onion to the skillet and cook until the carrots are soft and the onion is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the tomato paste has toasted and is evenly coating the vegetables, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire and 1 1/2 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Uncover, stir in the reserved beef and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, chives and parsley until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

DOUBLE CORN CAKES WITH BLACK BEANS

This is from Vegetarian Times (April/May 2015, page 77), and begins, "Dressed up with corn kernels, pre-cooked polenta is a cinch to transform into savory fritters. Serve with your favorite salsa." Serves 4

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/double-corn-cakes-with-black-beans/.

Ingredients

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 1/2 cups)

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)

1 jalapeño chile, seeded and diced (1/4 cup)

1 Tbs. ground cumin

2 15-oz. cans no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels, divided

1 Tbs. lime juice

1 18-oz. tube pre-cooked polenta

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preparation

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cumin, and sauté 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1 cup corn, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 5 minutes, or until heated through. Transfer mixture to covered container, and keep warm. Wipe out skillet.

Meanwhile, crumble polenta into microwave-safe bowl, and mash with fork until nearly smooth. Add remaining 1/2 cup corn kernels. Microwave 1 minute to soften polenta. Stir, then add beaten egg, and fold into polenta mixture until smooth.

Coat skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium-high heat. Shape polenta into 8 1/3-cup cakes, gently flattening with palm. Cook corn cakes in two batches in skillet 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Serve corn cakes over black bean mixture.

MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF

This is from John Mitzewich who wrote for The Spruce Eats. He wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender, moist, and delicious. A glossy brown sugar glaze finishes off the meatloaf and is a perfect complement to the flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, tarragon, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce that make it into the mixture. Enjoy this winning meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal."

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/buttermilk-meatloaf-recipe-101521.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion (minced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

2 1/2 pounds ground beef

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs (beaten)

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions

Note: While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.

Make the Meatloaf:

Gather the ingredients.

In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 325 F.

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, the onion and garlic mixture, and all of the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Gently mix to incorporate.

Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.

Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide by about 3 to 4 inches high.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Make the Glaze:

Gather the ingredients.

While the meatloaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.

Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to make sure the meatloaf is done; it should reach at least 160 F.

Serve and enjoy.

HEALTHY GRILLED PIZZA BURGERS

This comes from David Zinczenko at TODAY. He wrote, "Topping turkey burgers with traditional pizza toppings adds loads of flavor without packing on too many calories and carbs."

Serves 4

To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/healthy-grilled-pizza-burgers-recipe-t147408.

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped red sweet pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 slices uncured pepperoni

4 thin slices mozzarella cheese

4 sprouted whole grain buns or whole grain buns, split and toasted

1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves

3 1/2 cups jarred pizza sauce, warmed

Preparation

In a medium bowl, combine turkey, onion, sweet pepper, oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, salt and crushed red pepper. Shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Brush tops and bottoms with olive oil.

For a charcoal grill, grill patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 14-18 minutes or until no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, turning once halfway through grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill to medium. Place patties on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.)

Top each patty with a pepperoni slice and then a cheese slice for the last 1-2 minutes of grilling.

To assemble, place grilled patties on bun bottoms. Top with basil, pizza sauce and bun tops.

SLOW-COOKER CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP

We started today's post with a slow-cooker recipe, and are ending it the same way. This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This all-day slow-cooker recipe isn’t your average bean soup—it’s wildly flavorful and extra hearty, and we’d bet it’ll become your favorite on the first try. The secret is in cooking the beans with a bone-in ham shank that infuses flavor into every bite. The key to getting the perfect consistency, mashing the beans, is a can’t-skip step that’s super easy. Finish your bowl with the toppings of your choice, like pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado or a squeeze of lime juice, and prepare to be impressed!"

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Soup

1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth

1 ham shank (about 1 1/2 lb)

3 cans (15 oz each) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

1 medium onion, chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Toppings

Fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced avocado, lime slices, if desired

Directions

In 5-quart slow cooker, mix all Soup ingredients except lime juice. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 8 hours or until ham easily pulls away from bone.

Remove ham shank from slow cooker. Pull ham away from bone; chop, discarding the bone. With potato masher, carefully mash black beans inside slow cooker insert. Stir in 1 cup of the ham and the lime juice. Serve soup with Toppings.

Expert Tips

Ham shanks vary in size, and some may have more meat than others. Save any remaining ham for another use.

To add more spicy heat, stir in an additional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or top with a medium or hot fresh pico de gallo.

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Yum! Today's offerings include Turkey Taco Bowls and Ground Beef Tacos with Spicy Shells. Enjoy!

GARLICKY SHRIMP TACOS

This is from Kay Chun at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "A nod to gambas al ajillo, the immensely popular Spanish tapas dish of garlic prawns, this recipe tucks garlic shrimp into festive tacos that can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes. There are very few ingredients involved, but they all pack a punch. The quick-cooking shrimp are seared and finished in olive oil that’s infused with lots of fragrant garlic and rich smoky paprika. Be sure to save the robust oil that’s left in the skillet and enjoy it drizzled over your tacos. Dress them up with crisp sliced radishes, creamy avocado, spicy pico de gallo and fresh, herbaceous cilantro, plus a final squeeze of lime to brighten all the flavors."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

To view this, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025852-garlicky-shrimp-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

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving

Salt

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (about 2 dozen)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Warm corn tortillas, sliced avocado, sliced radishes, pico de gallo and cilantro leaves, for serving

Preparation

In a small bowl, combine sour cream and lime juice; season with salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high. Season shrimp with salt and add half to the skillet; sear for 1 minute on each side and transfer to a plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon of the oil and the remaining shrimp.

Adjust heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, the garlic and paprika to the skillet and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add shrimp (and any accumulated juices) and cook, turning and basting, until opaque, just cooked through and nicely coated in the sauce, about 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a shallow serving bowl.

To build tacos, pile a few shrimp in the center of each tortilla and drizzle with some of the garlic oil. Top with avocado, radishes, pico de gallo, cilantro and lime crema. Serve with lime wedges.

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

SWEET POTATO AND SPINACH CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Diabetes Food Hub, and begins, "Unexpected taco fillings are all the rage on the food truck scene. Make these rich and savory versions at home!"

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4; Serving Size: 1 taco

To view this online, go to https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/sweet-potato-and-spinach-chicken-tacos.html.

Ingredients

1-1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic (minced)

24 oz. baby spinach

1 (about 8 oz) large sweet potato (peeled and diced)

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 tbsp water

1 cup cooked shredded chicken

4 6-inch corn tortillas (warmed)

4 tsp light sour cream

1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa

Directions

In a large nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the spinach and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the sweet potato, cumin, black pepper, and water to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 8 minutes.

Add the chicken to the pan and mix to incorporate. Heat for 2 minutes.

Fill each tortilla with 1/4 of the chicken and sweet potato mixture. Top with 1 Tsp. of sour cream and 2 Tbsp. of pico de gallo.

TACOS CON PUERCO

Recipe Yield: Yield: Serves 4

Source: NPB

Recipe and image appear courtesy of the National Pork Board.

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/tacos-con-puerco.

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Pork

1 (14-1/2 oz) can tomatoes, diced, fire-roasted

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

salt, to taste

black pepper, to taste

8 taco shells

2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded

2 tomatoes, cut in wedges

1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

In heavy skillet, brown ground pork; stir in undrained canned tomatoes, onion, chili powder and garlic powder.

Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until most liquid evaporates, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Heat taco shells and portion filling into shells; top with tomatoes and lettuce.

Notes:

Set up the table for everyone to be able to assemble their own tacos. Remember to have salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, guacamole and other taco favorites for condiments.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 285; Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 238 mg; Cholesterol: 57 mg; Protein: 25 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g

JAMAICAN CURRIED TEMPEH TACOS

This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The yellow curry filling, mustard greens, and red pepper strips lend these spicy tacos the colors of the tropics.” Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. peanut oil

1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, diced (1 cup)

1 8-oz. pkg. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

2 Tbs. chopped cilantro

2 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 Tbs. lime juice

1 tsp. grated lime zest

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup curly mustard greens, finely chopped

2 Tbs. chopped peanuts, optional

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened. Stir in tempeh, pineapple juice, cilantro, curry powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes, or until pineapple juice evaporates and tempeh starts to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.

Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture. Add red bell pepper and mustard greens. Top with peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 313 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g

TURKEY TACO BOWLS

This is from page 35 of the June 2017 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “A large egg adds 6 grams of muscle-rebuilding protein.”

Makes 4 servings

To view this, as well as other recipes in the article, online here.

Ingredients

5 teaspoons olive oil, divided

1 pound lean ground turkey

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

4 cups shredded red cabbage

2 cups chopped kale

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

4 eggs

2 whole-wheat tortillas

1 tablespoon crumbled feta

1 avocado, sliced

1 tablespoon salsa (optional)

Instructions

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add turkey, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of water. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until water has evaporated and turkey is browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in another large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cabbage and kale and cook until bright-colored and slightly wilted, about 4 minutes. Stir in lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Divide mixture among 4 bowls. Wipe skillet and heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat and cook eggs sunny side up, 3 to 4 minutes. Warm tortillas, then cut into 1/2″-wide strips. Top each bowl of cabbage mixture with turkey, an egg, and tortilla strips. Sprinkle each with feta, avocado, and salsa, if desired.

Monday, June 8, 2026

Double-Post Monday

Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. After all, not everyone wants to try a day without meat. (I know there are people out there nodding their heads at that!)

Anyway, today's double post includes Easy Tuna Carbonara and Best Mac and Cheese. Enjoy!

TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE

This comes from the American Heart Association, and begins, “This sweet, delicious smoothie includes both fruit and vegetables.”

This recipe (along with a photo) can be viewed online at https://recipes.heart.org/recipes/2094/tropical-green-smoothie. Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon flax seeds

1 cup coconut water

1 teaspoon honey

1 orange

3/4 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 banana

2 handfuls, about 1 ounce handfuls spinach

ice (until consistency you like)

Directions

Put Coconut water, spinach and honey in the blender until blended.

Place the rest of the fruit in blender and blend until smooth.

Add ice until desired smoothie consistency.

EASY 30-MINUTE MEXICAN ENCHILADAS

This is from Chelsea Kenyon of The Spruce Eats. Chelsea wrote, “This easy Mexican enchiladas recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare for a filling family meal. They can be prepared simply with just cheese, or be spruced up by adding a little bit of beef or chicken to appeal to the meat eaters in your household.

“Warning: The sauce can make things a bit messy, so wear an apron!

“For step-by-step instructions, we recommend checking out our photo tutorial on how to make Mexican enchiladas.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings Mexican enchiladas.

Ingredients

1 cup cooking oil

16 corn tortillas

1 (28-ounce) can enchilada sauce (or 1 recipe homemade red enchilada sauce)

2 cups cheese (such as mozzarella or queso blanco, grated or shredded)

1/2 cup Cotija cheese

Optional: 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded beef, chicken, or pork

Directions

Heat oven to 400 F.

Pour oil into a medium-sized saucepan and heat until it's hot, but not sizzling. You want to warm the tortillas in the oil, not fry them.

Using tongs, dip each tortilla, one at a time, into the hot oil until it is warmed through and pliable. Remove tortilla from oil and drain it briefly on a paper towel.

Pour just enough sauce in the bottom of a 13x9-inch glass baking dish to cover it. Pour the rest of the sauce in a large bowl. Dip a warm tortilla into the sauce and then place it in the bottom of the baking dish.

Place a little less than 1/4 cup of cheese down the center of the tortilla. If you are adding meat, use a little less cheese. Fold half of the tortilla over the cheese, then the other half, so that the tortilla is rolled around the cheese. Turn it over so it is seam-side down and the weight of the cheese will help keep it in place.

Repeat each of those steps for each of the tortillas making two layers of enchiladas in the dish, if necessary. Pour any remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the Cotija cheese over the enchiladas.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until enchiladas are hot throughout and cheese is melted.

Serve your enchiladas with a spatula, four to a plate.

Authentic vs. Modern Enchiladas

In their simplest form, authentic enchiladas are simply corn tortillas dipped in a chile sauce and eaten with a fork. They might or might not have a filling and are sometimes topped with a sprinkling of grated cheese or a drizzle of cream.

As enchiladas became popular across the Southwestern United States, they evolved into an oven-baked dish as that appliance is used more commonly in North America than South of the Border. Enchiladas are now associated with the casserole classic that we know today.

EASY TUNA CARBONARA

This comes from Linda Larsen on The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, “This recipe for Tuna Carbonara is ready to eat in about 20 minutes, start to finish. It uses ingredients you most likely have on hand in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, so it's a great choice to make when you haven't been to the store for a while or if you're stranded due to weather or illness.

“You can substitute leftover cooked tuna, or salmon for that matter, for the canned tuna in this recipe or use canned salmon or canned chicken if you'd like. The whole point of a recipe like this is to use what you have in the house. If you don't have bell peppers, use sliced mushrooms or some sliced zucchini, grated carrots, or yellow summer squash. If you don't have pasta, linguine or fettuccine will do just fine. The only things you really need for this recipe are some kind of pasta, bacon, eggs, cream, tuna, and Parmesan or Romano cheese.”

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 8-ounce package spaghetti pasta

4 slices bacon

4 eggs (beaten)

3 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter (melted)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)

3 cloves minced garlic

1 onion (chopped)

1 6-ounce can white tuna (drained)

1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

1/4 cup parsley (chopped)

Directions

Bring a large of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente, or "to the tooth." When the pasta is al dente, remove about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.

Cook bacon until crisp in a large saucepan over medium heat; drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.

Beat the eggs in a large bowl and add cream; beat again.

In the saucepan you used to cook the bacon, add butter and oil and melt together over medium heat. Sauté the bell pepper, garlic, and onion in the fat until tender.

Drain the pasta and add immediately to the pan with the peppers.

Add the tuna and cook, stirring, until heated through.

Add the egg mixture to pan. Cook and stir, lifting pasta with tongs to allow the sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly.

Stir in the cheese, reserved bacon, and parsley, and serve immediately.

SHANGHAI WALNUT CHICKEN

Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/shanghai-walnut-chicken

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce

1 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. rice vinegar

1/4 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp. peanut or canola oil, divided

3/4 lb. chicken cutlets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 green bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice

1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice

1 green chile pepper, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, chopped

1 can (8 oz.) diced or sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, broth and cornstarch. Mix in the sesame oil. Set the seasoning sauce aside.

Set a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Drizzle in 2 teaspoons of the canola oil, swirling to coat the cooking surface. Stir-fry the chicken until it is white. Turn it out onto a plate.

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry the green, red, and chile peppers, and the garlic, for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the water chestnuts and walnuts. Restir the seasoning sauce and add. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately, along with cooked rice, preferably brown.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 247; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 378 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Medium-Fat Meat, 2 Vegetable

EASY TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE

This yumminess comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “For when you are looking to switch up your dinner routine, or just craving a bit of tuna, here's a quick and tasty tuna noodle casserole that is great for an everyday family meal, and is easy on the budget too. What more could you ask for?

“If you'd like to jazz up your tuna noodle casserole, instead of using bread crumb topping try crumbling up some potato chips or French fried onion rings over the casserole before baking. This alternative still provides a bit of a crunch, but offers a different flavor while doing so, in case you have any family members who aren't fans of onions.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

12 ounces medium egg noodles (cooked and drained)

2 cups green peas (cooked)

2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

2 (6-ounce) cans tuna (drained and flaked)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

1 cup soft breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Directions

Heat oven to 350 F.

Grease a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish.

Combine the noodles, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.

Toss breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle over the top or the casserole.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and crumbs are browned.

Tips and Variations

Top the casserole with French fried onions, crumbled cheese crackers, or crumbled potato chips and omit the soft bread crumbs and melted butter.

Instead of peas, use 2 cups of cooked peas and carrots or mixed vegetables.

Add some sliced sauteed mushrooms to the casserole mixture.

Add a few tablespoons of diced drained pimientos to the casserole.

Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup. Or, if you prefer a homemade sauce, omit the soups and the 1/2 cup of milk and replace them with about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of thickened white sauce.

BEST MAC AND CHEESE

This comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Put this lower fat version of a kiddie classic on the menu, and the dinner table. Fair warning, it might be a quiet dinner once the kids get a bite of this cheesy favorite.”

For 6 people; Ready in 20 min.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon(s) butter

2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cup(s) skim milk

1 1/2 cup(s) (6 oz) reduced fat, shredded sharp cheddar

3 tablespoon(s) grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon(s) low sodium Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon(s) dry mustard

1/8 teaspoon(s) pepper

1/8 teaspoon(s) hot sauce

4 cup(s) cooked elbow macaroni

Directions

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add cheeses and next 4 ingredients, stirring until cheeses melt. Combine cheese sauce and macaroni in a bowl; stir well. Serve immediately.

Meatless Monday

It's Monday, time to get the week started. Hope your weekend was good. (Mine was.)

Since it's time for another Meatless Monday, here are six vegetarian recipes to get your week started off just right, including Coconut Red Curry With Tofu and No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Bars. Enjoy!

VEGAN FRIED “CHICKEN” WITH SEITAN

This is from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Vegan fried ‘chicken’ made with seitan. This fried seitan "chicken" dish is deep-fried, so it isn't particularly healthy, though it is cholesterol-free and it sure is mighty tasty! Deep fried seitan and a blend of spices create a dish that's really quite similar in appearance and taste to fried chicken. If you like southern fried chicken, try vegan southern fried seitan made with all the same ingredients including a spicy batter and a coat of flour to make it just the perfect amount of crispiness. Make sure you have some ketchup or mustard or something to serve alongside to dip your vegan fried chicken in.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.

You can view this online here.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt (or seasoned salt)

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: dash cayenne pepper

1-1/2 cups flour

Optional: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1/4 cup mustard

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 cup water

1 lb. seitan (or another chicken substitute, cut into 1 to 2" square pieces)

Directions

In a medium to large bowl, mix together the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, flour, black pepper, cayenne, and nutritional yeast.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mustard and water. Add 1/3 cup of the flour mixture to the mustard mixture and combine well.

Add baking powder to the flour mixture and combine well.

Coat pieces of seitan or mock chicken with the mustard batter, then coat each piece with the dry flour mixture.

Fry chunks of "chicken" in the oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel, serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, hot sauce or barbecue sauce.

COWBOY COOKIES

This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Layer the ingredients in 1 quart jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next one. Include a card with the following instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

In medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in entire contents of jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in preheated oven. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

FANTASTIC FRUIT SALAD

This comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “This refreshing fruit salad is delicious to the core, and if an apple a day keeps the doctor away, this will surely do the trick! No matter how you slice it, you're sure to be satisfied with healthy treat.”

Makes 4 servings.

View this online at https://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/fantastic_fruit_salad.php.

Ingredients

1 red apple, cored and chopped

1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped

1 nectarine, pitted and sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1/2 cup(s) dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 (8 oz.) container, nonfat lemon yogurt

Directions

In a large bowl, combine red apple, Granny Smith apple, nectarine, celery, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Mix in yogurt. Chill until ready to serve.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE BARS

This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, “Ethereal and ready to melt in your mouth, chocolate mousse bars are easy to make and even easier to eat. With so few ingredients, it’s important to use a chocolate you would be perfectly happy to snack out of hand. The instant espresso powder is optional but adds depth to this simple dessert. To cut beautiful, neat slices, use a long sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped clean before each cut.”

Yield: 24 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019316-no-bake-chocolate-mousse-bars.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

18 whole graham crackers (about 9 1/2 ounces)

8 tablespoons (1 stick), melted

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling:

1 pound semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

3 cups cold heavy cream, plus more for serving

2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation

Make the crust: Line a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. In a food processor, or in a resealable plastic bag, crush the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs (but stop before you have dust). You should have about 2 1/4 cups. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl. Add the butter, sugar and salt and stir until evenly moistened. Tip the crumbs into the prepared pan and press them down into an even layer on the bottom. Transfer to the freezer while you prepare the filling.

Make the filling: Set the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup cream, espresso powder and salt until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool completely.

In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 2 cups heavy cream until you have stiff peaks. Add the chocolate mixture and gently fold to combine. Pour the mixture over the prepared crust, and spread it out into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours. To serve, cut the two edges without parchment free with a sharp knife then use the parchment overhang to transfer the bar to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, “This simple weeknight red curry relies on jarred or canned red curry paste for flavor, which you can find at larger supermarkets and specialty markets. Transfer leftover canned curry paste to a jar, top it with a little oil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or freeze for longer storage. Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms and snow peas, though you might have to increase the cooking time slightly if using something dense like carrot or cubed winter squash.”

Yield: Serves 4; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in “Curry and Coconut Milk Fire Up a Weeknight Basic”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016196-coconut-red-curry-with-tofu.

Ingredients

14 ounces extra-firm tofu

1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil

1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced

2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste

3 tablespoons prepared red curry paste

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 cup snow peas

Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish

Brown or white rice, for serving

Preparation

Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.

Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.

SWEET POTATO STEW WITH CHICKPEAS & HARDY GREENS

This yumminess is from EmilyC at Food52. For this recipe, EmilyC wrote, "This autumnal stew is warming and cozy, ready in under 30 minutes, and layered with rich, vivid flavors. It features one of my favorite trios: sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and hardy greens. But the unexpected star of the stew is the vibrant broth, which is delicious enough to slurp on its own. Inspired by the flavors of Carla Lalli Music’s Sweet Potatoes With Tahini Butter, the broth is rich from butter, a little spicy from Aleppo pepper, and spiked with maple syrup, soy sauce, and lime juice.

"Because the broth is so essential to the deliciousness of this stew, reach for the best stock or broth you have: homemade chicken stock is great here, or a store-bought, low-sodium variety. If using vegetable broth, opt for homemade or a brand you know and like that’s more savory than sweet for the best balance of flavors.

"The first time I made this stew, I fully intended to swirl some tahini in at the end to thicken the broth. But then I remembered the opened container of hummus in my fridge and reached for it instead, reasoning that hummus (an ultra silky-smooth mix of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice) would not only lend sheen and body, it’d boost the rich, chickpea flavor of the stew. It worked a charm, enlivening and enriching the entire pot. It’s a simple trick that has so many possibilities beyond this recipe."

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Serves 4 to 6

To view this online, go to https://food52.com/recipes/84040-sweet-potato-stew-recipe-with-chickpeas-hardy-greens.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 large or 3 small), peeled and chopped into 3/4-inch chunks

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon maple syrup

4 cups chicken broth or stock, homemade or low-sodium store-bought (see author notes)

1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste (regular or low sodium)

1 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

3 cups to 4 cups (packed) kale, Swiss chard, collard or turnip greens, or mature (not baby) spinach

1 tablespoon lime juice, plus the finely grated zest, from 1 lime (Note: zest the lime before juicing)

3 tablespoons to 4 tablespoons plain hummus, homemade or store-bought

Directions

Heat butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add sweet potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and Aleppo pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes (stirring occasionally), or until the outsides lose their firmness.

Add maple syrup, stirring so it evenly coats the sweet potatoes. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly caramelize the syrup.

Add broth, soy sauce, chickpeas, greens, and lime zest. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Lower heat, and stir in the lime juice and hummus, starting with 3 tablespoons hummus; stir until well integrated. Taste, and add another tablespoon of hummus, if desired, for extra richness and body. Taste for seasoning and balance, adding a bit more soy, lime juice, and/or salt to your liking. Turn off the heat. Divide the stew amongst bowls, and serve right away. (Any leftovers will keep well, tightly covered, for several days in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.)