I don't know about you, but I love autumn. What's not to like? The weather is getting cooler (hopefully), the kids are back in school, and the food is wonderful. That said, here are some fall-ish recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
CARAMEL APPLE OATMEAL CRISP
This one comes from the cooks at Betty Crocker. The recipe starts off, “Cookie mix and caramel topping make this ooey gooey caramel apple crisp super quick to make.”
Check out this recipe online here.
Prep Time:
20 min; Total Time:
1 hr 10 min; Servings:
12
1 pouch Betty Crocker™ oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
5 to 6 large apples, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
1 cup caramel topping
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In large bowl, stir cookie mix and melted butter until crumbly; set aside.
In another large bowl, toss apples, 1/2 cup of the caramel topping and the cinnamon. Spoon into baking dish; sprinkle with cookie mixture.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. In small microwavable dish, microwave remaining 1/2 cup caramel topping uncovered on High 20 seconds. Drizzle over crisp. Serve warm.
Note:
For more fiber and color, leave the peel on the apples.
Try to cut all of the apples in this recipe into slices of the same thickness, so they’ll cook evenly. To test for doneness, simply poke the tip of a sharp knife into an apple, and you’ll be able to feel if it’s tender.
Nutrition Information: Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 350, Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat5g, Trans Fat0g), Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 63g (Dietary Fiber1g, Sugars23g), Protein3g; Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 2 Other Carbohydrate
SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH POTATO TOPPING
This comes from Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food guide. Kathy writes, “Although this dish is called a “pie,” there isn’t any pastry involved. It is simply a mix of ground turkey and vegetables in a sauce with a topping of mashed potatoes. The dish is browned in the oven for a delicious example of comfort food. For a pretty effect, pipe the topping over the filling, using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Serve this hearty meal with a steamed green vegetable.” The recipe serves 6 to 8 and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
Potato Topping
3 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inches pieces
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup thawed frozen peas
3/4 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Preparation
Make the potato topping: In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes with enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well in a colander. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper to taste. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a small saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes to blanch. Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Stir in the ground turkey, breaking up the large pieces with a fork, and cook until browned. Add the blanched carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well. Cook, stirring often, until the flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Season with black pepper to taste.
Spray a 3-quart gratin dish or shallow casserole with vegetable oil spray. Spoon the vegetable-turkey mixture into the prepared dish. Top with dollops of mashed potatoes. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
• You can mash any type of potato, but those with a high starch/low water content, such as russet and Yukon Gold, produce perfect results. The starch creates a fluffy texture, and the low water content allows them to absorb milk and butter without becoming gummy.
• Never try to whip potatoes in a food processor or you will have a gluey mess.
• Ideally, mashed potatoes should be served freshly made, but this is not always possible. Mash them up to 1 hour before serving, reserving one-third of the milk. Place them in a heatproof bowl, set over a pan of barely simmering water. Pour the reserved milk over the top. Just before serving, stir the milk into the potatoes.
• Potatoes are more fragile than you might think, so handle them carefully to prevent bruising. Keep them unwashed in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. If stored in a place that is too hot, the sugar will convert to starch and the potatoes will lose their natural sweetness.
• Choose fairly clean, smooth, firm potatoes. For even cooking, pick potatoes that are about the same size. Do not select ones with wrinkled skins, soft dark spots, cut surfaces, or green areas. Green spots mean they have been exposed to light; cut the spot off before cooking to eliminate bitterness.
BAKED APPLES BURNETTE
Yield: 4 servings
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/743.shtml
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml
Ingredients
4 MacIntosh or Rome apples
2 tablespoons raisins
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Few drops pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Core apples and peel away about 1/2 inch of skin from top of each. Prick each a few times with a fork.
Fill each core with raisins, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg and a drop of vanilla.
Place apples in a baking dish and add water mixed with orange juice.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes until apples are soft, basting occasionally with liquid. Serve warm or chilled with syrup.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 96; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 2 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE PIE
Yield: 4 servings
Source: "Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/88.shtml
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup fresh broccoli, small florets
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 whole egg, lightly beaten
1 cup skim milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch pie pan with the cooking spray.
In a saucepan, cook the broccoli with the chicken broth, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring, until all liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites and egg. Add the broccoli, milk, cheese, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into the pie pan and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, and check with a toothpick for doneness. (The pie may need to bake for up to 45 minutes.) Remove from the oven and cool.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 171, Fat: 11 g, Cholesterol: 85 mg, Sodium: 268 mg, Carbohydrate: 5 g, Protein; 13 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 High-Fat Meat, 1 Medium-Fat Meat
BAKED APPLES
This comes from Alton Brown of Good Eats on the Food Networks. Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3/4 cup oats
3/4 cup flour
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch kosher salt
1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced
4 Braeburn apples (Fuji will substitute)
4 teaspoons honey
Directions
In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients and diced butter. Rub mixture briskly between finger tips until it forms small moist clumps in a loose sandy mixture. Refrigerate while preparing the apples.
Cut a small layer off the bottom of each apple to create a flat, stable bottom surface. With a small paring knife, cut a cylindrical cone out of the top of the apple, moving about 1-inch outside of the core, similar to removing the top of a pumpkin when carving a Jack O'Lantern. Remove the top and discard. With a melon baller or a teaspoon, remove the remaining core and seeds taking care not to puncture the base of the apple.
Place apples on a baking sheet or pie dish and fill each center with a teaspoon of honey. Spoon in mixture, packing lightly until heaped and overflowing over sides of the apples.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees on the top or middle rack for 40 minutes or until filling is golden brown and the tip of a paring knife can be inserted into the side of the apple with little or no resistance. Let apples stand for 10 minutes before serving.
EASY SPOON BREAD
This comes from Elizabeth Yetter, About.com's Bread Baking guide. She writes, “If you need to serve a bread with your meals, but don't feel like taking a long time preparing a yeast bread, try out this recipe for an easy spoon bread. It rises with baking powder, not active dry yeast, so there is no waiting for rising times.
“This bread goes well with a gravy meal, such as a roast with gravy and mashed potatoes or a roasted chicken with gravy. You can also serve it topped with whipped butter.
“Leftovers can be covered and saved in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, cover with gravy and cut meat. Cover dish with plastic wrap or lid and reheat in the microwave. It is not as good as when it was fresh out of the oven, but it is still better than any prepackaged meal you might buy in the freezer department in the grocery store.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 8 servings
You can view this online here.
Ingredients
1-1/3 cups water1 cup yellow cornmeal
1-1/2 tsp salt
1-1/3 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter
1-1/4 cups milk
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp baking powder
Preparation
Grease a 2 quart pan or casserole dish. Bring water to a boil. Remove from the burner and let cool for 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix together the cornmeal, salt, and sugar. Pour the hot water over the cornmeal mix and mix. Add butter and mix until completely melted. Set bowl aside and let the mixture cool. Finally, add the milk, eggs, and baking powder.
Scrape the batter into the greased pan. Place the pan into a larger, shallow pan that is filled with water. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is a firm crust. Remove from the oven and serve immediately using a spoon.
Note: Elizabeth adds, “You can use any type of milk in this recipe: whole milk, skim, low fat, etc...Soy milk can be replaced with almond milk or any time of milk.”
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Meatless Monday - with photos
Monday – the start of another week, and another batch of meatless (vegetarian) recipes. While I've eaten my share of meat over the years, I much prefer vegetarianism, for a variety of reasons. There, I've said it. And that will be the end of my semi-lecture/rant/whatever on the issue. (At least for the time being. As anyone who knows me well, it's difficult for me to remain quiet on certain things.) That said, here are your Meatless Monday recipes. Enjoy!
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.
Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
MEATLESS-BALL SUBS
1 package Meatless Balls (see note)
1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
4 hoagie rolls
cheese slices
Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.
Makes 4 meatless ball subs.
Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
This recipe, as well as the Vegetarian Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta, and J's B-B-Q Gluten, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
28 oz. can tomatoes (note)
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
2 T honey
1 T vinegar
1 T soy sauce
1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!
Note: I usually use crushed tomatoes. If you’d rather use fresh tomatoes, 6-8 large ones may be used (diced, of course) in place of the canned tomatoes, & add an extra can of tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.
I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
1/4 C water
3 medium to large tomatoes
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.)
In veggie pot, heat 1/4 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.)
Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
J’s B-B-Q GLUTEN
This is from my oldest son. For the most part, the recipe is included exactly as he wrote it out for me, though I have changed a word or two. (This stuff is definitely good.)
Ingredients:
5 lb. whole wheat flour
2 onions
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
2 bottles of B-B-Q sauce
1 stick butter
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
Huge bowl
Take whole wheat flour, empty into Big Bowl. Add enough water to knead into dough ball. Knead really well. I repeat, knead really well. For at least 10 minutes.
Fill huge bowl with water, put dough ball under water for 2 hours. Pour off water. Knead doughball under cold running water for 10 minutes or more. Water should be clear. You are washing out the starch and bran. You know it’s ready when stringy and it sticks together and is bouncy.
Melt 1 stick butter and fry 2 chopped onions until clear. Dump onto Gluten. Add salt, paprika, and peanut butter. Mix with hands completely.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cooking pan with non-stick spray. Pinch off pieces bigger than a golf ball. Take piece and fold it and twist it and lay it down in pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more. Pour B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes, then flip and pour more B-B-Q sauce and bake 10 more minutes. It’s done—enjoy.
(Xtra note—be careful when you first mix wheat and water. Don’t add too much water. Make a hard dough ball. It might take 20 minutes to knead it.)
VEGAN CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
This recipe comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “With just four ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to taste, this is a very simple and basic vegan cream of asparagus soup recipe. Be sure to use a vegan margarine to make sure your asparagus soup is completely vegan and dairy-free.”
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 bunch fresh asparagus
2 tbsp vegan margarine
2 tbsp flour
1 3/4 cups soy milk
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Blanch asparagus in water or vegetable broth for just a few minutes until asparagus is tender, but not soft and overcooked. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the margarine over medium-low heat, then add the milk and flour, stirring until a thick roux is formed. Remove from heat.
In a blender or food processor, add the asparagus, soy milk roux, asparagus cooking liquid and asparagus. Pulse a few times, until just blended, or until you have the desired consistency. I like to have a few pieces of whole asparagus in my soup, though you may prefer a smoother asparagus soup.
Return to the stove to reheat your soup, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Yummy Friday Recipes
Hopefully, the weather is beginning to cool off where you are and it's starting to feel fall-ish. These recipes are great for a fall weekend. Heck, they're good anytime! Enjoy!
TIRAMISU CAKE
This comes from About.com's Gourmet Food guide, Brett Moore. He writes, “Tiramisu is a delicious Italian cake dessert that people love to order at restaurants and are always impressed when you bring it out at a dinner party. Although thought of as a 'fancy' dessert, making it actually quite simple and there's very little cooking at all. The traditional recipe consists of just a few ingredients: lady fingers, sugar, mascarpone, coffee and cocoa powder. I've added cream to lighten the mascarpone and amaretto liqueur here but that is optional. Store-bought Lady Fingers are perfectly acceptable to use but you can make your own if you desire. You can also substitute the the Lady Fingers with a sweet yeast bread such as a Panettone.”
To view this online, click here. Prep Time: 240 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 255 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 to 4 dozen Italian Lady fingers (store bought or homemade)
1 cup cold espresso
1/2 cup amaretto or coffee liqueur (optional)
1 Tbsp cocoa for dusting
Preparation
Combine egg yolks and sugar in a heat-proof bowl over a pan with 2 inches of water or in the top of a double boiler. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and pale yellow. Remove pan from the heat and whip the mixture for another 3 or 4 minutes to help cool it down.
Beat the mascarpone into the whipped yolks until combined. In another bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and set aside.
Mix the cold espresso with the liqueur. Dip the lady fingers quickly into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. Place a single layer of lady fingers in the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish (you can also use a large springform pan or large trifle bowl.
Spread half the mascarpone cream filling in an even layer over the lady fingers. Add another layer of lady fingers and top with the remainder of mascarpone cream.
Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, dust with the cocoa powder.
LATE SUMMER MINESTRONE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND FRESH CORN
This comes from the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 61. It starts off, “Bright, beautiful, and bursting with veggies, this colorful minestrone is a great way to stretch the harvest.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup sliced leeks
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tsp. salt, optional
4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.)
1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, or 2 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
2 large tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (3/4- to 1-inch cubes)
2 cups green beans or flat beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 15-oz. can or 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2–3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish, optional
Heat oil in 5-qt. Dutch oven or other large soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks, celery, bell pepper, and salt, if using. Cover, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until veggies are softened, stirring occasionally. Uncover, and continue cooking 5 to 6 minutes more, or until celery is somewhat shrunken and leeks are browned.
Add garlic, sage, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes and 8 cups water, and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes. Add squash, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add green beans, white beans, and corn; simmer 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in vinegar and mint.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 185; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 130 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 7 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
HERBED CARROT SOUP
This comes from the December 2005 issue of Runner’s World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing by Bruce Burnett
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable or chicken stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
Lightly sauté the onion and garlic in the butter. Add the stock and carrots and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, and put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread and garnish with some fresh parsley and a little chopped fresh thyme.
ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH POLENTA AND BABY GREENS
From the March, 2006 issue of Publix Supermarket's GreenWise Magazine.
6 C cut-up vegetables, such as asparagus, red or green pepper wedges, zucchini slices, quartered mushrooms. and/or red onion slices
1/4 C organic olive oil
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbs organic olive oil
1/4 – 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
2 C milk
2 C water
1 C cornmeal
1/2 C finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 Tbs snipped fresh basil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Organic baby greens
In shallow roasting pan, combine veggies, 1/4 C olive oil & 1/4 tsp kosher salt; toss to coat veggies. Roast, uncovered, in 350 degree oven about 30 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring once.
Meanwhile, in large saucepan, cook garlic in 1 Tbs olive oil over medium heat. Stir in crushed red pepper. Stir in milk & 1 C water. Bring just to boiling. In small bowl, stir together cornmeal with remaining 1 C water. Slowly add cornmeal mixture to hot milk mixture, stirring constantly. Return to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered for 5-10 minutes more or until mixture is very thick, stirring frequently. Stir in 1/2 C Parmesan cheese, basil, & 1/2 tsp salt.
To serve, spoon polenta mixture onto individual plates or into shallow bowls. Place roasted veggies on top of polenta. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese & crown with greens. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition per serving: 272 cal; 16 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 11mg cholesterol, 404 mg sodium, 26 g carbo., 4 g fiber, 9 g protein.
GOURMET GREEN BEANS
From Publix Supermarket's April 2006 issue of Aprons
2 (12-ounce) bags fresh snipped green beans (snapped, if desired)
1 (8-ounce) package sliced baby portabella mushrooms
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons garlic butter
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Place beans, mushrooms, and water in microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on HIGH 12–14 minutes, stirring once, until crisp tender.
Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place butter in sauté pan and swirl to coat. Add sesame seeds and heat 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until lightly browned.
Drain beans and mushrooms and add to sauté pan. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired tenderness. Serve.
Calories (per 1/8 recipe) 70; Fat 4g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 220mg; Carbohydrate 8g; Fiber 3g; Protein 2g; Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 25%; Calcium 4%; Iron 6%
HOT CROSS BUNS
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live, although the episodes can still be found here. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. Yield: 12 buns.
4 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 package Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup raisins
Vanilla Glaze
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine 2 cups of bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon & nutmeg in a large bowl; stir until thoroughly blended.
Combine milk & butter in saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter melts. Remove from heat & let cool to lukewarm. Stir in eggs.
Add milk mixture to flour mixture; beat for 200 strokes. Stir in raisins. Add 2 cups bread flour; mix until flour is incorporated. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead lightly, adding enough of the remaining bread flour to make a soft dough that isn't sticky. Knead about 5 minutes, or until dough is smooth & elastic. Lightly rub surface of dough with oil or butter; place in rinsed bowl. Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough & transfer to a floured surface. Knead lightly to remove air bubbles. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Form pieces into balls. Place balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between balls. Cover with a clean towel and let rise 45-60 minutes, or until doubled. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut a deep cross in top of each ball.
While dough is rising, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake buns 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden. Remove from baking sheet and place on wire rack. Let buns cool 15 minutes.
While buns are cooling, prepare glaze. Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, butter and vanilla in a bowl; mix until smooth. Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze to the still-warm buns. Serve warm.
Note: You can make these the night before and they'll still taste fresh in the morning. Measure the vanilla carefully for the glaze. It can easily overwhelm the subtlety of the dough if it is out of proportion with the other flavors.
Currants are the traditional fruit for hot cross buns, but I much prefer raisins. You will sometimes see hot cross buns with candied orange peel or citron, but they taste too much like fruitcake for me to enjoy them. If you like that sort of thing, reduce the raisins to 1/2 cup, and add 1/4 cup candied orange peel or other fruitcake-type confection.
Commercial bakeries sometimes omit cutting the cross and simply pipe on some bright yellow frosting-yuck! Don't even think about it!
TIRAMISU CAKE
This comes from About.com's Gourmet Food guide, Brett Moore. He writes, “Tiramisu is a delicious Italian cake dessert that people love to order at restaurants and are always impressed when you bring it out at a dinner party. Although thought of as a 'fancy' dessert, making it actually quite simple and there's very little cooking at all. The traditional recipe consists of just a few ingredients: lady fingers, sugar, mascarpone, coffee and cocoa powder. I've added cream to lighten the mascarpone and amaretto liqueur here but that is optional. Store-bought Lady Fingers are perfectly acceptable to use but you can make your own if you desire. You can also substitute the the Lady Fingers with a sweet yeast bread such as a Panettone.”
To view this online, click here. Prep Time: 240 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 255 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 to 4 dozen Italian Lady fingers (store bought or homemade)
1 cup cold espresso
1/2 cup amaretto or coffee liqueur (optional)
1 Tbsp cocoa for dusting
Preparation
Combine egg yolks and sugar in a heat-proof bowl over a pan with 2 inches of water or in the top of a double boiler. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and pale yellow. Remove pan from the heat and whip the mixture for another 3 or 4 minutes to help cool it down.
Beat the mascarpone into the whipped yolks until combined. In another bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and set aside.
Mix the cold espresso with the liqueur. Dip the lady fingers quickly into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. Place a single layer of lady fingers in the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish (you can also use a large springform pan or large trifle bowl.
Spread half the mascarpone cream filling in an even layer over the lady fingers. Add another layer of lady fingers and top with the remainder of mascarpone cream.
Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, dust with the cocoa powder.
LATE SUMMER MINESTRONE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND FRESH CORN
This comes from the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 61. It starts off, “Bright, beautiful, and bursting with veggies, this colorful minestrone is a great way to stretch the harvest.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup sliced leeks
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tsp. salt, optional
4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.)
1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, or 2 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
2 large tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (3/4- to 1-inch cubes)
2 cups green beans or flat beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 15-oz. can or 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2–3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish, optional
Heat oil in 5-qt. Dutch oven or other large soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks, celery, bell pepper, and salt, if using. Cover, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until veggies are softened, stirring occasionally. Uncover, and continue cooking 5 to 6 minutes more, or until celery is somewhat shrunken and leeks are browned.
Add garlic, sage, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes and 8 cups water, and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes. Add squash, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add green beans, white beans, and corn; simmer 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in vinegar and mint.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 185; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 130 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 7 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
HERBED CARROT SOUP
This comes from the December 2005 issue of Runner’s World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing by Bruce Burnett
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable or chicken stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
Lightly sauté the onion and garlic in the butter. Add the stock and carrots and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, and put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread and garnish with some fresh parsley and a little chopped fresh thyme.
ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH POLENTA AND BABY GREENS
From the March, 2006 issue of Publix Supermarket's GreenWise Magazine.
6 C cut-up vegetables, such as asparagus, red or green pepper wedges, zucchini slices, quartered mushrooms. and/or red onion slices
1/4 C organic olive oil
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbs organic olive oil
1/4 – 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
2 C milk
2 C water
1 C cornmeal
1/2 C finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 Tbs snipped fresh basil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Organic baby greens
In shallow roasting pan, combine veggies, 1/4 C olive oil & 1/4 tsp kosher salt; toss to coat veggies. Roast, uncovered, in 350 degree oven about 30 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring once.
Meanwhile, in large saucepan, cook garlic in 1 Tbs olive oil over medium heat. Stir in crushed red pepper. Stir in milk & 1 C water. Bring just to boiling. In small bowl, stir together cornmeal with remaining 1 C water. Slowly add cornmeal mixture to hot milk mixture, stirring constantly. Return to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered for 5-10 minutes more or until mixture is very thick, stirring frequently. Stir in 1/2 C Parmesan cheese, basil, & 1/2 tsp salt.
To serve, spoon polenta mixture onto individual plates or into shallow bowls. Place roasted veggies on top of polenta. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese & crown with greens. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition per serving: 272 cal; 16 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 11mg cholesterol, 404 mg sodium, 26 g carbo., 4 g fiber, 9 g protein.
GOURMET GREEN BEANS
From Publix Supermarket's April 2006 issue of Aprons
2 (12-ounce) bags fresh snipped green beans (snapped, if desired)
1 (8-ounce) package sliced baby portabella mushrooms
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons garlic butter
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Place beans, mushrooms, and water in microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on HIGH 12–14 minutes, stirring once, until crisp tender.
Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place butter in sauté pan and swirl to coat. Add sesame seeds and heat 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until lightly browned.
Drain beans and mushrooms and add to sauté pan. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired tenderness. Serve.
Calories (per 1/8 recipe) 70; Fat 4g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 220mg; Carbohydrate 8g; Fiber 3g; Protein 2g; Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 25%; Calcium 4%; Iron 6%
HOT CROSS BUNS
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live, although the episodes can still be found here. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. Yield: 12 buns.
4 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 package Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup raisins
Vanilla Glaze
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine 2 cups of bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon & nutmeg in a large bowl; stir until thoroughly blended.
Combine milk & butter in saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter melts. Remove from heat & let cool to lukewarm. Stir in eggs.
Add milk mixture to flour mixture; beat for 200 strokes. Stir in raisins. Add 2 cups bread flour; mix until flour is incorporated. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead lightly, adding enough of the remaining bread flour to make a soft dough that isn't sticky. Knead about 5 minutes, or until dough is smooth & elastic. Lightly rub surface of dough with oil or butter; place in rinsed bowl. Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough & transfer to a floured surface. Knead lightly to remove air bubbles. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Form pieces into balls. Place balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between balls. Cover with a clean towel and let rise 45-60 minutes, or until doubled. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut a deep cross in top of each ball.
While dough is rising, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake buns 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden. Remove from baking sheet and place on wire rack. Let buns cool 15 minutes.
While buns are cooling, prepare glaze. Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, butter and vanilla in a bowl; mix until smooth. Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze to the still-warm buns. Serve warm.
Note: You can make these the night before and they'll still taste fresh in the morning. Measure the vanilla carefully for the glaze. It can easily overwhelm the subtlety of the dough if it is out of proportion with the other flavors.
Currants are the traditional fruit for hot cross buns, but I much prefer raisins. You will sometimes see hot cross buns with candied orange peel or citron, but they taste too much like fruitcake for me to enjoy them. If you like that sort of thing, reduce the raisins to 1/2 cup, and add 1/4 cup candied orange peel or other fruitcake-type confection.
Commercial bakeries sometimes omit cutting the cross and simply pipe on some bright yellow frosting-yuck! Don't even think about it!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Diabetic Thursday Offerings
Thursday – not quite the weekend, but we can see it. And, since it's Thursday, I've got another weekly offering of diabetic meals. Enjoy!
FRUITFUL FROZEN YOGURT
Yield: 6 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabetigourmet.com/recipes/html/841.shtml
Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups frozen fruit, coarsely chopped and thawed (such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, or peaches)
4 cups light vanilla yogurt (or use the same flavor yogurt as the fruit you choose)
Sugar substitute equal for 1/4 cup sugar
Directions
Place the fruit and the accumulated juices in a large bowl and mash slightly with a fork.
Stir in the yogurt and sugar substitute.
Pour the mixture into a 1-1/2 quart ice cream maker and proceed as directed by the manufacturer.
Spoon into dessert dishes and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 114; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 0.4 g; Sodium: 122 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg ; Carbohydrates: 19; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate
CINNAMON RAISIN KUGEL
Yield: 12 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/674.shtml
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp stick butter, melted
3/4 cup Equal Sugar Lite
3 eggs
2 egg whites
1/2 cup low-fat milk (2%)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
4 cup (8 oz) wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 Tbsp Equal Sugar Lite, additional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F.
Beat cream cheese and butter until well combined. Mix in 3/4 cup Equal Sugar Lite, eggs and egg whites, milk, vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well blended. Stir in cooked noodles and raisins.
Pour mixture into 13 x 9-inch baking pan well sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Combine 2 tablespoons Equal Sugar Lite and remaining 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of noodle mixture.
Bake in preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 206; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 102 mg; Cholesterol: 79 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 11.5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g
SPINACH AND ONION SOUP
Yield: 4 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html.672.shtml
Source: Great Healthy Food - Diabetes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
3-3/4 cups vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
2/3 cup white wine
6 cups leaf spinach
Directions
Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onions for about 5-8 minutes over low heat, until they have softened.
Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf and the seasonings. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Pour in the wine and add the spinach. Continue to cook, but only until the spinach has wilted slightly.
Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 141; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 1011 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1 Fat
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
Yield: 4 Servings; Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/692.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp dried dill
2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp margarine
1 large onion, diced
Directions
Mix cottage cheese and egg substitute together; set aside.
In large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add broccoli and dill; saute for 5 minutes, or until broccoli mixture softens. Set vegetable aside.
Wipe out frying pan. Add 1 tsp. margarine and swirl the pan to distribute it. Add half of the vegetable mixture, and then add half of the egg mixture; lift and rotate pan so that eggs are evenly distributed.
As eggs set around the edges, lift them to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath. Turn heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until top is set.
Invert onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.
Repeat with remaining 1 tsp. margarine, vegetable mixture, and egg mixture.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 2 Meat; 1 Fat
CHOCOLATE BANANA PARFAIT
Yield: 4 servings; Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/691.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 (0.8-ounce) box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
2 medium bananas, 6 ounces each, peeled
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup reduced-fat frozen dairy whipped topping unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
4 fresh Bing cherries with stems for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine yogurt and pudding mix until smooth.
Cut each banana into 6 pieces on the diagonal. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Place 2 banana quarters in each of 4 dessert parfait glasses or goblets.
Top with 1/4 of the pudding mix. Top each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.
Using a fine sieve, sift a little cocoa powder on top of each serving. Sprinkle with walnuts and add a cherry on top, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 138; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 336 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Exchanges: 1/2 bread/starch, 1 fruit
TOMATO AND MINT TABBOULEH
Yield: 12 side-dish servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/695.shtml
Source: The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/48.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups bulgur wheat
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 cups boiling water
1 pound ripe tomatoes (3 medium), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium cucumber (8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 green onions, chopped
3/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Directions
In medium bowl, combine bulgur, lemon juice, and boiling water, stirring to mix. Let stand until liquid has been absorbed, about 30 minutes.
To bulgur mixture, add tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley, mint, oil, salt, and pepper, stirring to mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors or up to 4 hours.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 157 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread
FRUITFUL FROZEN YOGURT
Yield: 6 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabetigourmet.com/recipes/html/841.shtml
Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups frozen fruit, coarsely chopped and thawed (such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, or peaches)
4 cups light vanilla yogurt (or use the same flavor yogurt as the fruit you choose)
Sugar substitute equal for 1/4 cup sugar
Directions
Place the fruit and the accumulated juices in a large bowl and mash slightly with a fork.
Stir in the yogurt and sugar substitute.
Pour the mixture into a 1-1/2 quart ice cream maker and proceed as directed by the manufacturer.
Spoon into dessert dishes and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 114; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 0.4 g; Sodium: 122 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg ; Carbohydrates: 19; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate
CINNAMON RAISIN KUGEL
Yield: 12 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/674.shtml
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp stick butter, melted
3/4 cup Equal Sugar Lite
3 eggs
2 egg whites
1/2 cup low-fat milk (2%)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
4 cup (8 oz) wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 Tbsp Equal Sugar Lite, additional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F.
Beat cream cheese and butter until well combined. Mix in 3/4 cup Equal Sugar Lite, eggs and egg whites, milk, vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well blended. Stir in cooked noodles and raisins.
Pour mixture into 13 x 9-inch baking pan well sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Combine 2 tablespoons Equal Sugar Lite and remaining 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of noodle mixture.
Bake in preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 206; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 102 mg; Cholesterol: 79 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 11.5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g
SPINACH AND ONION SOUP
Yield: 4 servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html.672.shtml
Source: Great Healthy Food - Diabetes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
3-3/4 cups vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
2/3 cup white wine
6 cups leaf spinach
Directions
Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onions for about 5-8 minutes over low heat, until they have softened.
Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf and the seasonings. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Pour in the wine and add the spinach. Continue to cook, but only until the spinach has wilted slightly.
Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 141; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 1011 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1 Fat
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
Yield: 4 Servings; Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/692.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp dried dill
2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp margarine
1 large onion, diced
Directions
Mix cottage cheese and egg substitute together; set aside.
In large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add broccoli and dill; saute for 5 minutes, or until broccoli mixture softens. Set vegetable aside.
Wipe out frying pan. Add 1 tsp. margarine and swirl the pan to distribute it. Add half of the vegetable mixture, and then add half of the egg mixture; lift and rotate pan so that eggs are evenly distributed.
As eggs set around the edges, lift them to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath. Turn heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until top is set.
Invert onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.
Repeat with remaining 1 tsp. margarine, vegetable mixture, and egg mixture.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 2 Meat; 1 Fat
CHOCOLATE BANANA PARFAIT
Yield: 4 servings; Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/691.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 (0.8-ounce) box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
2 medium bananas, 6 ounces each, peeled
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup reduced-fat frozen dairy whipped topping unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
4 fresh Bing cherries with stems for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine yogurt and pudding mix until smooth.
Cut each banana into 6 pieces on the diagonal. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Place 2 banana quarters in each of 4 dessert parfait glasses or goblets.
Top with 1/4 of the pudding mix. Top each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.
Using a fine sieve, sift a little cocoa powder on top of each serving. Sprinkle with walnuts and add a cherry on top, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 138; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 336 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Exchanges: 1/2 bread/starch, 1 fruit
TOMATO AND MINT TABBOULEH
Yield: 12 side-dish servings
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/695.shtml
Source: The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/48.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups bulgur wheat
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 cups boiling water
1 pound ripe tomatoes (3 medium), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium cucumber (8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 green onions, chopped
3/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Directions
In medium bowl, combine bulgur, lemon juice, and boiling water, stirring to mix. Let stand until liquid has been absorbed, about 30 minutes.
To bulgur mixture, add tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley, mint, oil, salt, and pepper, stirring to mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors or up to 4 hours.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 157 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
More Desserts!
Oh, boy! More delicious desserts. Enjoy!
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COMBOS CANDY
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone runs About.com’s Home Cooking guide. She writes, “These delicious candies have a filling that tastes like peanut butter cups, sitting on top of a pretzel, and the whole shebang is covered with chocolate. What more could you ask for? You may use miniature pretzel twists or the newer square shape. Set up a production line and let the kids help.”
Prep Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes; Yield: about 48 candies
Ingredients:
1 cup of peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
1/2 cup (1 stick or 8 Tablespoons) of butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup club cracker crumbs
2 cups of confectioners' sugar
8 dozen small pretzel twists or square butter snaps pretzels (about 4 cups, approximately 5 ounces)
10 ounces special dark chocolate (2 5-ounce bars)
1 ounce paraffin, shaved
Preparation:
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, graham cracker crumbs, club cracker crumbs, and confectioners' sugar on low to medium-low speed until well-mixed. Scrape sides often. Mixture will be very thick.
Using your hands, roll mixture into small balls about the diameter of a dime and place each on a pretzel. Press down gently to cover the pretzel and place on a jelly roll pan. Repeat until all of peanut butter mixture is used. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to firm up.
Melt chocolate and paraffin in the top of a double-boiler until smooth. Remove from heat. Swirl the tops of each of the pretzel candies in the melted chocolate, shaking gently to remove excess and return to the jelly roll pan with pretzel-side down. Refrigerate again to set chocolate.
Store leftovers between sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate.
CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP
Yield: 8 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/876.shtml
Ingredients:
Filling Ingredients:
3 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples
2 cups fresh or frozen thawed cranberries
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
Topping Ingredients:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup stick butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup Equal Spoonful**
* Substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
** Substitute 12 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Filling, combine apples, cranberries and 1 cup Equal in an ungreased 10-inch pie plate.
For Topping, combine flour, pecans, melted butter and 1/2 cup Equal. Mix until well blended. Sprinkle flour mixture over apples and cranberries in pie plate.
Bake in preheated 350F oven 55 to 60 minutes or until fruit is tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 145; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 67 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1-1/2 fat
APPLE AND PEAR CRISP
This comes from the Food Network's Ina Garten, of the Barefoot Contessa. This yummy recipe yields 8 servings and can be viewed online at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/apple-and-pear-crisp-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback. Total Time: 1 hr 25 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 55 min; Level: Easy
Ingredients
2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (4 pears)
2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples)
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Peel, core, and cut the pears and apples into large chunks. Place the fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch oval baking dish.
For the topping:
Combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.
Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.
CARAMEL APPLE OATMEAL CRISP
This one comes from the cooks at Betty Crocker. The recipe starts off, “Cookie mix and caramel topping make this ooey gooey caramel apple crisp super quick to make.”
Check out this recipe online here.
Prep Time: 20 min; Total Time: 1 hr 10 min; Servings 12
1 pouch Betty Crocker™ oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
5 to 6 large apples, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
1 cup caramel topping
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In large bowl, stir cookie mix and melted butter until crumbly; set aside.
In another large bowl, toss apples, 1/2 cup of the caramel topping and the cinnamon. Spoon into baking dish; sprinkle with cookie mixture.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. In small microwavable dish, microwave remaining 1/2 cup caramel topping uncovered on High 20 seconds. Drizzle over crisp. Serve warm.
Note:
For more fiber and color, leave the peel on the apples.
Try to cut all of the apples in this recipe into slices of the same thickness, so they’ll cook evenly. To test for doneness, simply poke the tip of a sharp knife into an apple, and you’ll be able to feel if it’s tender.
Nutrition Information: Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 350, Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat5g, Trans Fat0g), Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 63g (Dietary Fiber1g, Sugars23g), Protein3g; Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 2 Other Carbohydrate
CHOCOLATE BANANA PARFAIT
Yield: 4 servings; Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/691.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 (0.8-ounce) box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
2 medium bananas, 6 ounces each, peeled
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup reduced-fat frozen dairy whipped topping unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
4 fresh Bing cherries with stems for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine yogurt and pudding mix until smooth.
Cut each banana into 6 pieces on the diagonal. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Place 2 banana quarters in each of 4 dessert parfait glasses or goblets.
Top with 1/4 of the pudding mix. Top each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.
Using a fine sieve, sift a little cocoa powder on top of each serving. Sprinkle with walnuts and add a cherry on top, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 138; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 336 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Exchanges: 1/2 bread/starch, 1 fruit
TIRAMISU CAKE
This comes from About.com's Gourmet Food guide, Brett Moore. He writes, “Tiramisu is a delicious Italian cake dessert that people love to order at restaurants and are always impressed when you bring it out at a dinner party. Although thought of as a 'fancy' dessert, making it actually quite simple and there's very little cooking at all. The traditional recipe consists of just a few ingredients: lady fingers, sugar, mascarpone, coffee and cocoa powder. I've added cream to lighten the mascarpone and amaretto liqueur here but that is optional. Store-bought Lady Fingers are perfectly acceptable to use but you can make your own if you desire. You can also substitute the the Lady Fingers with a sweet yeast bread such as a Panettone.”
To view this online, click here. Prep Time: 240 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 255 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 to 4 dozen Italian Lady fingers (store bought or homemade)
1 cup cold espresso
1/2 cup amaretto or coffee liqueur (optional)
1 Tbsp cocoa for dusting
Preparation
Combine egg yolks and sugar in a heat-proof bowl over a pan with 2 inches of water or in the top of a double boiler. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and pale yellow. Remove pan from the heat and whip the mixture for another 3 or 4 minutes to help cool it down.
Beat the mascarpone into the whipped yolks until combined. In another bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and set aside.
Mix the cold espresso with the liqueur. Dip the lady fingers quickly into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. Place a single layer of lady fingers in the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish (you can also use a large springform pan or large trifle bowl.
Spread half the mascarpone cream filling in an even layer over the lady fingers. Add another layer of lady fingers and top with the remainder of mascarpone cream.
Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, dust with the cocoa powder.
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COMBOS CANDY
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone runs About.com’s Home Cooking guide. She writes, “These delicious candies have a filling that tastes like peanut butter cups, sitting on top of a pretzel, and the whole shebang is covered with chocolate. What more could you ask for? You may use miniature pretzel twists or the newer square shape. Set up a production line and let the kids help.”
Prep Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes; Yield: about 48 candies
Ingredients:
1 cup of peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
1/2 cup (1 stick or 8 Tablespoons) of butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup club cracker crumbs
2 cups of confectioners' sugar
8 dozen small pretzel twists or square butter snaps pretzels (about 4 cups, approximately 5 ounces)
10 ounces special dark chocolate (2 5-ounce bars)
1 ounce paraffin, shaved
Preparation:
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, graham cracker crumbs, club cracker crumbs, and confectioners' sugar on low to medium-low speed until well-mixed. Scrape sides often. Mixture will be very thick.
Using your hands, roll mixture into small balls about the diameter of a dime and place each on a pretzel. Press down gently to cover the pretzel and place on a jelly roll pan. Repeat until all of peanut butter mixture is used. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to firm up.
Melt chocolate and paraffin in the top of a double-boiler until smooth. Remove from heat. Swirl the tops of each of the pretzel candies in the melted chocolate, shaking gently to remove excess and return to the jelly roll pan with pretzel-side down. Refrigerate again to set chocolate.
Store leftovers between sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate.
CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP
Yield: 8 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/876.shtml
Ingredients:
Filling Ingredients:
3 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples
2 cups fresh or frozen thawed cranberries
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
Topping Ingredients:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup stick butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup Equal Spoonful**
* Substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
** Substitute 12 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Filling, combine apples, cranberries and 1 cup Equal in an ungreased 10-inch pie plate.
For Topping, combine flour, pecans, melted butter and 1/2 cup Equal. Mix until well blended. Sprinkle flour mixture over apples and cranberries in pie plate.
Bake in preheated 350F oven 55 to 60 minutes or until fruit is tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 145; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 67 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1-1/2 fat
APPLE AND PEAR CRISP
This comes from the Food Network's Ina Garten, of the Barefoot Contessa. This yummy recipe yields 8 servings and can be viewed online at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/apple-and-pear-crisp-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback. Total Time: 1 hr 25 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 55 min; Level: Easy
Ingredients
2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (4 pears)
2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples)
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Peel, core, and cut the pears and apples into large chunks. Place the fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch oval baking dish.
For the topping:
Combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.
Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.
CARAMEL APPLE OATMEAL CRISP
This one comes from the cooks at Betty Crocker. The recipe starts off, “Cookie mix and caramel topping make this ooey gooey caramel apple crisp super quick to make.”
Check out this recipe online here.
Prep Time: 20 min; Total Time: 1 hr 10 min; Servings 12
1 pouch Betty Crocker™ oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
5 to 6 large apples, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
1 cup caramel topping
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In large bowl, stir cookie mix and melted butter until crumbly; set aside.
In another large bowl, toss apples, 1/2 cup of the caramel topping and the cinnamon. Spoon into baking dish; sprinkle with cookie mixture.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. In small microwavable dish, microwave remaining 1/2 cup caramel topping uncovered on High 20 seconds. Drizzle over crisp. Serve warm.
Note:
For more fiber and color, leave the peel on the apples.
Try to cut all of the apples in this recipe into slices of the same thickness, so they’ll cook evenly. To test for doneness, simply poke the tip of a sharp knife into an apple, and you’ll be able to feel if it’s tender.
Nutrition Information: Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 350, Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat5g, Trans Fat0g), Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 63g (Dietary Fiber1g, Sugars23g), Protein3g; Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 2 Other Carbohydrate
CHOCOLATE BANANA PARFAIT
Yield: 4 servings; Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/691.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 (0.8-ounce) box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
2 medium bananas, 6 ounces each, peeled
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup reduced-fat frozen dairy whipped topping unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
4 fresh Bing cherries with stems for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine yogurt and pudding mix until smooth.
Cut each banana into 6 pieces on the diagonal. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Place 2 banana quarters in each of 4 dessert parfait glasses or goblets.
Top with 1/4 of the pudding mix. Top each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.
Using a fine sieve, sift a little cocoa powder on top of each serving. Sprinkle with walnuts and add a cherry on top, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 138; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 336 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Exchanges: 1/2 bread/starch, 1 fruit
TIRAMISU CAKE
This comes from About.com's Gourmet Food guide, Brett Moore. He writes, “Tiramisu is a delicious Italian cake dessert that people love to order at restaurants and are always impressed when you bring it out at a dinner party. Although thought of as a 'fancy' dessert, making it actually quite simple and there's very little cooking at all. The traditional recipe consists of just a few ingredients: lady fingers, sugar, mascarpone, coffee and cocoa powder. I've added cream to lighten the mascarpone and amaretto liqueur here but that is optional. Store-bought Lady Fingers are perfectly acceptable to use but you can make your own if you desire. You can also substitute the the Lady Fingers with a sweet yeast bread such as a Panettone.”
To view this online, click here. Prep Time: 240 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 255 minutes; Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 to 4 dozen Italian Lady fingers (store bought or homemade)
1 cup cold espresso
1/2 cup amaretto or coffee liqueur (optional)
1 Tbsp cocoa for dusting
Preparation
Combine egg yolks and sugar in a heat-proof bowl over a pan with 2 inches of water or in the top of a double boiler. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and pale yellow. Remove pan from the heat and whip the mixture for another 3 or 4 minutes to help cool it down.
Beat the mascarpone into the whipped yolks until combined. In another bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and set aside.
Mix the cold espresso with the liqueur. Dip the lady fingers quickly into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. Place a single layer of lady fingers in the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish (you can also use a large springform pan or large trifle bowl.
Spread half the mascarpone cream filling in an even layer over the lady fingers. Add another layer of lady fingers and top with the remainder of mascarpone cream.
Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, dust with the cocoa powder.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Just Desserts
What is it about dessert that really grabs our attention? I’m really not sure, but I do know that dessert is that extra treat that many of us crave. Here are some wonderful desserts that, truth be told, can be enjoyed any time. Enjoy!
RASPBERRY SORBET
Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com’s Desserts and Baking guide, writes, “The best way to describe this Raspberry Sorbet is by saying it's a little tart, but not too much. It's sweet, but not overly. Cold and refreshing says it all.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 1-1/2 quarts
Ingredients:
3 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
5 cups fresh raspberries, gently washed and dried or 5 cups defrosted frozen raspberries with juice may also be used or 2 cups raspberry puree* may also be used
Preparation:
Bring 3 cups water and sugar just to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Cool.
Process raspberries, in batches, in a blender or food processor until smooth. Put through strainer to remove seeds. Stir lemon juice and puree into cooled sugar water. Mix completely. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
Pour mixture into the freezer container of a 1-gallon** ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturers' instructions
Notes in the Margin:
* If puree is already sweetened, omit the sugar.
** If you only have a quart ice cream freezer like I do, you can either make this in two batches or try this. Freeze extra raspberry mixture in ice trays. Use the raspberry cubes the next time you serve fruit punch or have a big punch bowl.
NUTELLA OREO TRUFFLES
Elizabeth LaBau, About.com’s Candy guide, writes, “Nutella Oreo Truffles are a twist on traditional Oreo Truffles. Chopped hazelnuts and chocolate-hazelnut spread are added to crushed cookies and cream cheese, to form melt-in-your-mouth truffles with a strong chocolate and hazelnut flavor.” This recipe yields about 36 truffles.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts
1 pound chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
12 ounces chocolate candy coating
White or milk chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Preparation:
Finely chop the toasted hazelnuts and set aside for now.
Place the cookies in the bowl of a food processor and process in short intervals until they are fine crumbs. Alternately, place them in a large zip-top plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until they are completely crushed.
Combine the crushed cookies, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and softened cream cheese in a large bowl and stir until completely mixed. Add the chopped hazelnuts to the cookie mixture, and stir those in as well. Press a layer of cling wrap on top and refrigerate the truffle mix for half an hour, until firm enough to scoop.
Use a teaspoon or small candy scoop to form the mixture into small balls. Roll them between your palms to get them completely round.
Melt the chocolate candy coating, and dip each truffle into the melted coating. Place it on a foil-lined baking sheet to set completely. If desired, drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the tops of the truffles for decoration.
Store Nutella Oreo Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best taste and texture, bring them to room temperature before serving.
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone runs About.com’s Home Cooking guide. She writes, “These taste similar to the commercial peanut butter cups, but better! Great for gifts.”
Prep Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter (4 Tbsp or 1/2 stick)
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar
1/8 cup butter (2 Tbsp or 1/4 stick)
1 ounce paraffin wax, chopped
Preparation:
Place 1-inch mini-muffin or candy papers in a mini-muffin tin.
In a double boiler, melt 4 ounces chocolate bar, peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter, mixing until smooth. Gently mix in graham cracker crumbs.
Place about 1 teaspoon chocolate graham cracker mixture in bottom of paper cups. Chill 15 to 30 minutes to harden.
Place 3/4 cup peanut butter in a bowl over hot water to soften. Mix in powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Place 1 teaspoon peanut butter mixture on top of hardened chocolate cracker layer. Chill 15 to 30 minutes.
Melt 6 ounces chocolate bar with butter and paraffin wax. Top the peanut butter layer with about 1 teaspoon chocolate mixture. Chill to harden. Refrigerate leftovers.
Yield: 3 dozen peanut butter cups
MOLASSES GINGER COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICH
This is from Seattle’s Macrina Bakery. The recipe starts off, “I think it's the fresh ginger that makes these cookies so special. They also have the perfect balance of chewy and crisp. Sandwiching two of them with ice cream makes an exceptional treat.” Makes 16 cookies
2-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons peeled and grated ginger
1/3 cup dark molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves and salt in a medium bowl. Mix with a whisk until evenly distributed and set aside.
Combine shortening, butter and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and pale in color. Add 1 egg and mix until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add remaining egg and scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add ginger and molasses and mix on low speed for 1 minute. The mixture may look as if it's separating, but have no fear. It will come together once the dry ingredients are added. Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl again.
Using a rubber spatula, fold half of the flour mixture into the dough. After the flour is fully incorporated, fold in the rest of the flour mixture and continue folding until all of the flour has been absorbed. Scrape down the sides of the bowls and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. At this point the dough can be formed into cookies or stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and pour granulated sugar into a pie pan or shallow bowl.
Scoop dough out of the bowl (I like to use a medium ice cream scoop) and roll the dough into 2-inch balls. Toss each of the balls in granulated sugar until evenly coated, then place 8 on each baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each ball. Slightly flatten each ball of dough with the palm of your hand to keep the balls from rolling around. Place 1 sheet of cookies in the refrigerator while baking the other sheet.
Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, on center rack of oven for 15 to 18 minutes each. To help the cookies bake evenly, rotate the baking sheet every 4 minutes or so. The finished cookies will be golden brown and slightly puffed up but will collapse while they cool. Let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. The cooled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Choose your favorite vanilla ice cream and scoop a generous portion onto one cookie, place the other on top and voilá! A delicious treat to usher in fall.
BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM
For years, Kevin D. Weeks was About.com’s Cooking for Two guide. He wrote, “I'm not a huge ice cream fan, but sometimes I have clients ask for it so when I got a chance to buy a factory-rebuilt Cuisinart ice cream maker for $20 I jumped at the chance. I'm still learning the ins and outs of ice cream making, but I was pleased with this recipe. Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits (along with being, supposedly, a particularly healthy fruit) and this simple preparation is rich and luscious. Coriander has a particular affinity to blueberries, so I highly recommend including it. Makes 1 quart.” Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
Pinch of salt
2 cups heavy cream
Preparation:
Dissolve sugar in 1/4 cup water in a medium sauce pan over low heat.
When sugar is dissolved, add berries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, coriander, and salt.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to burst.
Remove from heat and mash berries.
Cool to room temperature, then chill in the regrigerator.
Thoroughly combine berries and cream. Pour into ice cream maker, and follow manufacturer directions.
Note: You can subsustitute half and half for the heavy cream.
CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE
This is from my ebook, Off The Wall Cooking. It’s for sale on Amazon.com; you can buy it here.
The first time I made this pie, I was 15 and wanted to impress a boyfriend. I did, but not the way I’d planned: the crust came out tasting like under-cooked pizza dough, I burned the chocolate pudding, and the whipped cream came out almost to butter. Hmmm…
9 inch pie crust
1 large package chocolate pudding mix (the cooked kind, not instant)
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
Cook pudding according to package directions. Pour into baked pie crust. Add sugar to cream and whip until peaks form. Cover pie. Chill.
Note: Now, what can be easier?
RASPBERRY SORBET
Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com’s Desserts and Baking guide, writes, “The best way to describe this Raspberry Sorbet is by saying it's a little tart, but not too much. It's sweet, but not overly. Cold and refreshing says it all.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 1-1/2 quarts
Ingredients:
3 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
5 cups fresh raspberries, gently washed and dried or 5 cups defrosted frozen raspberries with juice may also be used or 2 cups raspberry puree* may also be used
Preparation:
Bring 3 cups water and sugar just to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Cool.
Process raspberries, in batches, in a blender or food processor until smooth. Put through strainer to remove seeds. Stir lemon juice and puree into cooled sugar water. Mix completely. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
Pour mixture into the freezer container of a 1-gallon** ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturers' instructions
Notes in the Margin:
* If puree is already sweetened, omit the sugar.
** If you only have a quart ice cream freezer like I do, you can either make this in two batches or try this. Freeze extra raspberry mixture in ice trays. Use the raspberry cubes the next time you serve fruit punch or have a big punch bowl.
NUTELLA OREO TRUFFLES
Elizabeth LaBau, About.com’s Candy guide, writes, “Nutella Oreo Truffles are a twist on traditional Oreo Truffles. Chopped hazelnuts and chocolate-hazelnut spread are added to crushed cookies and cream cheese, to form melt-in-your-mouth truffles with a strong chocolate and hazelnut flavor.” This recipe yields about 36 truffles.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts
1 pound chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
12 ounces chocolate candy coating
White or milk chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Preparation:
Finely chop the toasted hazelnuts and set aside for now.
Place the cookies in the bowl of a food processor and process in short intervals until they are fine crumbs. Alternately, place them in a large zip-top plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until they are completely crushed.
Combine the crushed cookies, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and softened cream cheese in a large bowl and stir until completely mixed. Add the chopped hazelnuts to the cookie mixture, and stir those in as well. Press a layer of cling wrap on top and refrigerate the truffle mix for half an hour, until firm enough to scoop.
Use a teaspoon or small candy scoop to form the mixture into small balls. Roll them between your palms to get them completely round.
Melt the chocolate candy coating, and dip each truffle into the melted coating. Place it on a foil-lined baking sheet to set completely. If desired, drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the tops of the truffles for decoration.
Store Nutella Oreo Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best taste and texture, bring them to room temperature before serving.
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone runs About.com’s Home Cooking guide. She writes, “These taste similar to the commercial peanut butter cups, but better! Great for gifts.”
Prep Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter (4 Tbsp or 1/2 stick)
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar
1/8 cup butter (2 Tbsp or 1/4 stick)
1 ounce paraffin wax, chopped
Preparation:
Place 1-inch mini-muffin or candy papers in a mini-muffin tin.
In a double boiler, melt 4 ounces chocolate bar, peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter, mixing until smooth. Gently mix in graham cracker crumbs.
Place about 1 teaspoon chocolate graham cracker mixture in bottom of paper cups. Chill 15 to 30 minutes to harden.
Place 3/4 cup peanut butter in a bowl over hot water to soften. Mix in powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Place 1 teaspoon peanut butter mixture on top of hardened chocolate cracker layer. Chill 15 to 30 minutes.
Melt 6 ounces chocolate bar with butter and paraffin wax. Top the peanut butter layer with about 1 teaspoon chocolate mixture. Chill to harden. Refrigerate leftovers.
Yield: 3 dozen peanut butter cups
MOLASSES GINGER COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICH
This is from Seattle’s Macrina Bakery. The recipe starts off, “I think it's the fresh ginger that makes these cookies so special. They also have the perfect balance of chewy and crisp. Sandwiching two of them with ice cream makes an exceptional treat.” Makes 16 cookies
2-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons peeled and grated ginger
1/3 cup dark molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves and salt in a medium bowl. Mix with a whisk until evenly distributed and set aside.
Combine shortening, butter and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and pale in color. Add 1 egg and mix until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add remaining egg and scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add ginger and molasses and mix on low speed for 1 minute. The mixture may look as if it's separating, but have no fear. It will come together once the dry ingredients are added. Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl again.
Using a rubber spatula, fold half of the flour mixture into the dough. After the flour is fully incorporated, fold in the rest of the flour mixture and continue folding until all of the flour has been absorbed. Scrape down the sides of the bowls and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. At this point the dough can be formed into cookies or stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and pour granulated sugar into a pie pan or shallow bowl.
Scoop dough out of the bowl (I like to use a medium ice cream scoop) and roll the dough into 2-inch balls. Toss each of the balls in granulated sugar until evenly coated, then place 8 on each baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each ball. Slightly flatten each ball of dough with the palm of your hand to keep the balls from rolling around. Place 1 sheet of cookies in the refrigerator while baking the other sheet.
Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, on center rack of oven for 15 to 18 minutes each. To help the cookies bake evenly, rotate the baking sheet every 4 minutes or so. The finished cookies will be golden brown and slightly puffed up but will collapse while they cool. Let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. The cooled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Choose your favorite vanilla ice cream and scoop a generous portion onto one cookie, place the other on top and voilá! A delicious treat to usher in fall.
BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM
For years, Kevin D. Weeks was About.com’s Cooking for Two guide. He wrote, “I'm not a huge ice cream fan, but sometimes I have clients ask for it so when I got a chance to buy a factory-rebuilt Cuisinart ice cream maker for $20 I jumped at the chance. I'm still learning the ins and outs of ice cream making, but I was pleased with this recipe. Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits (along with being, supposedly, a particularly healthy fruit) and this simple preparation is rich and luscious. Coriander has a particular affinity to blueberries, so I highly recommend including it. Makes 1 quart.” Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
Pinch of salt
2 cups heavy cream
Preparation:
Dissolve sugar in 1/4 cup water in a medium sauce pan over low heat.
When sugar is dissolved, add berries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, coriander, and salt.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to burst.
Remove from heat and mash berries.
Cool to room temperature, then chill in the regrigerator.
Thoroughly combine berries and cream. Pour into ice cream maker, and follow manufacturer directions.
Note: You can subsustitute half and half for the heavy cream.
CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE
This is from my ebook, Off The Wall Cooking. It’s for sale on Amazon.com; you can buy it here.
The first time I made this pie, I was 15 and wanted to impress a boyfriend. I did, but not the way I’d planned: the crust came out tasting like under-cooked pizza dough, I burned the chocolate pudding, and the whipped cream came out almost to butter. Hmmm…
9 inch pie crust
1 large package chocolate pudding mix (the cooked kind, not instant)
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
Cook pudding according to package directions. Pour into baked pie crust. Add sugar to cream and whip until peaks form. Cover pie. Chill.
Note: Now, what can be easier?
Monday, September 22, 2014
Another Meatless Monday
Another yummy batch of vegetarian recipes. Enjoy!
HERBED CARROT SOUP
From the December 2005 issue of Runner's World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing, by Bruce Burnett
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
Lightly sauté the onion & garlic in the butter. Add the stock & carrots & simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs & continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, & put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg & salt & pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread & garnish with some fresh parsley & a little chopped fresh thyme.
Note: The original recipe called for vegetable or chicken stock.
SWEET POTATO MASALA AND EGG MILE-HIGHS
From the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 68. The recipe serves 4 in 30 minutes or less, and starts out, “'My older daughter loves to grate things, so we decided to make potato pancakes for brunch,' explains Josie A.G. Shapiro. 'We only had sweet potatoes in the house, so I thought spicing them up with an impromptu masala accent might be fun—I’m always trying to sneak new flavors to my children. The eggs were for more protein and the arugula for beauty and bite.' Serve the stacks individually, or arrange them on a large platter, family-style.”
1 sweet potato, peeled and shredded
5 large eggs, divided
1/4 tsp. Eden Organic Ground Coriander, divided
1/4 tsp. Eden Organic Cumin Powder, divided
5 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 cup Eden Organic Crushed Tomatoes with Roasted Onion & Garlic
2 Tbs. lime juice
1 cup arugula
Combine sweet potato, 1 egg, 1/8 tsp. coriander, and 1/8 tsp. cumin in bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Heat 3 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Scoop 1/3 cup sweet potato mixture into pan for each of 4 pancakes. Flatten gently with spatula; cook 5 minutes per side. Set aside; keep warm.
Wipe out pan, and add 1 Tbs. oil and remaining 1/8 tsp. coriander and 1/8 tsp. cumin. Stir 10 seconds over medium-high heat, add crushed tomatoes, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes. Transfer to small bowl, and stir in lime juice.
Wipe out pan, add remaining 1 Tbs. oil, and fry remaining 4 eggs sunny side up or over easy. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve: place 1 sweet potato pancake on each of 4 plates, top with 1 egg, 1/4 cup sauce, and 1/4 cup arugula.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 297; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 24 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 111 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
VEGAN OATMEAL PANCAKES
This comes from page 68 of the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “As the first person out of bed in her house on Saturday mornings, Mary Shore savors the time to ease into the weekend. “We try to keep cooking simple so the relaxed mood lasts through the morning,” she says. These winning pancakes came out of her desire to develop a vegan version of her favorite restaurant pancakes: 'My mom taught me to substitute a little vinegar in milk when there was no buttermilk in the house, and the cider vinegar in soymilk here has the same effect of lending a little zing.'” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
The recipe can be viewed online here.
3/4cup Silk Original Soymilk
2 tsp. Bragg Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbs. Now Real Food Maple Syrup, plus more for drizzling, optional
2 tsp. canola oil, plus more for oiling pan
1/2 cup Now Real Food Rolled Oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Combine soymilk, vinegar, maple syrup, and oil in small bowl. Add oats, and let soak 5 to 10 minutes.
Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture.
Preheat large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (400°F), and lightly coat with oil. Ladle 1/4 cup batter into pan for each pancake. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on top and sides are a little dry. Flip, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, or until browned on both sides. Drizzle with maple syrup, if using.
nutritional information Per Serving (2 pancakes): Calories: 196; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 280 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 5 g; Vegan
ROASTED SHALLOT, SQUASH, GRAPE AND GREEN BEAN SALAD
This comes from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 72. The recipe starts off, “This salad’s earthy flavors heralds the arrival of fall. Grating garlic on an Oxo or Microplane zester/grater delivers the same burst of flavor as crushing garlic in a press, but it’s faster and easier to clean up.” Serves 4.
You can view the recipe online here.
6 oz. green beans, trimmed
1 butternut squash with 4-inch neck
4 large shallots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
4 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1 cup red grapes
1 1/2 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 1/4 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp. finely grated garlic
1 large bunch watercress, thick stems trimmed (4 cups)
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Blanch green beans in boiling, salted water 2 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Cut 6 1/2-inch-thick wheels from neck of squash. (Reserve remaining squash for another use.) Peel and halve squash wheels. Toss squash and shallots in bowl with 1 1/2 Tbs. oil; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Place squash and shallots cut side up on baking sheet. Transfer green beans to same bowl, and toss to coat with oil that remains in bowl. Place green beans and grapes on baking sheet, separated slightly from squash and shallots. Roast 8 minutes, or until green beans are crisp-tender and grapes are warmed through. Remove green beans and grapes to foil sheet. Roast squash and shallots 15 to 20 minutes more, or until browned.
Whisk together remaining 2 1/2 Tbs. oil, vinegar, rosemary, and garlic in bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Divide watercress among serving plates. Divide squash, shallots, green beans, and grapes among serving plates, and drizzle with dressing.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 204; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 96 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 8 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
APPLE AND RED CABBAGE SLAW
This comes from page 75 of the September 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe states, “This fall slaw is packed with surprises: cilantro, citrus, and crunchy apples.” Serve 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this recipe online, click here.
3 cups coarsely grated red cabbage
1 medium orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into matchsticks (1 1/4 cups)
1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
3 Tbs. fresh orange juice
2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs. agave nectar
2 tsp. whole-grain Dijon mustard
2 tsp. olive oil
Toss together cabbage, bell pepper, apple, and cilantro in large bowl.
Whisk together remaining ingredients in small bowl. Drizzle dressing over cabbage mixture, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 63; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 52 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
HERBED CARROT SOUP
From the December 2005 issue of Runner's World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing, by Bruce Burnett
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
Lightly sauté the onion & garlic in the butter. Add the stock & carrots & simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs & continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, & put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg & salt & pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread & garnish with some fresh parsley & a little chopped fresh thyme.
Note: The original recipe called for vegetable or chicken stock.
SWEET POTATO MASALA AND EGG MILE-HIGHS
From the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 68. The recipe serves 4 in 30 minutes or less, and starts out, “'My older daughter loves to grate things, so we decided to make potato pancakes for brunch,' explains Josie A.G. Shapiro. 'We only had sweet potatoes in the house, so I thought spicing them up with an impromptu masala accent might be fun—I’m always trying to sneak new flavors to my children. The eggs were for more protein and the arugula for beauty and bite.' Serve the stacks individually, or arrange them on a large platter, family-style.”
1 sweet potato, peeled and shredded
5 large eggs, divided
1/4 tsp. Eden Organic Ground Coriander, divided
1/4 tsp. Eden Organic Cumin Powder, divided
5 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 cup Eden Organic Crushed Tomatoes with Roasted Onion & Garlic
2 Tbs. lime juice
1 cup arugula
Combine sweet potato, 1 egg, 1/8 tsp. coriander, and 1/8 tsp. cumin in bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Heat 3 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Scoop 1/3 cup sweet potato mixture into pan for each of 4 pancakes. Flatten gently with spatula; cook 5 minutes per side. Set aside; keep warm.
Wipe out pan, and add 1 Tbs. oil and remaining 1/8 tsp. coriander and 1/8 tsp. cumin. Stir 10 seconds over medium-high heat, add crushed tomatoes, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes. Transfer to small bowl, and stir in lime juice.
Wipe out pan, add remaining 1 Tbs. oil, and fry remaining 4 eggs sunny side up or over easy. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve: place 1 sweet potato pancake on each of 4 plates, top with 1 egg, 1/4 cup sauce, and 1/4 cup arugula.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 297; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 24 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 111 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
VEGAN OATMEAL PANCAKES
This comes from page 68 of the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “As the first person out of bed in her house on Saturday mornings, Mary Shore savors the time to ease into the weekend. “We try to keep cooking simple so the relaxed mood lasts through the morning,” she says. These winning pancakes came out of her desire to develop a vegan version of her favorite restaurant pancakes: 'My mom taught me to substitute a little vinegar in milk when there was no buttermilk in the house, and the cider vinegar in soymilk here has the same effect of lending a little zing.'” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
The recipe can be viewed online here.
3/4cup Silk Original Soymilk
2 tsp. Bragg Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbs. Now Real Food Maple Syrup, plus more for drizzling, optional
2 tsp. canola oil, plus more for oiling pan
1/2 cup Now Real Food Rolled Oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Combine soymilk, vinegar, maple syrup, and oil in small bowl. Add oats, and let soak 5 to 10 minutes.
Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture.
Preheat large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (400°F), and lightly coat with oil. Ladle 1/4 cup batter into pan for each pancake. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on top and sides are a little dry. Flip, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, or until browned on both sides. Drizzle with maple syrup, if using.
nutritional information Per Serving (2 pancakes): Calories: 196; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 280 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 5 g; Vegan
ROASTED SHALLOT, SQUASH, GRAPE AND GREEN BEAN SALAD
This comes from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 72. The recipe starts off, “This salad’s earthy flavors heralds the arrival of fall. Grating garlic on an Oxo or Microplane zester/grater delivers the same burst of flavor as crushing garlic in a press, but it’s faster and easier to clean up.” Serves 4.
You can view the recipe online here.
6 oz. green beans, trimmed
1 butternut squash with 4-inch neck
4 large shallots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
4 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1 cup red grapes
1 1/2 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 1/4 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp. finely grated garlic
1 large bunch watercress, thick stems trimmed (4 cups)
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Blanch green beans in boiling, salted water 2 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Cut 6 1/2-inch-thick wheels from neck of squash. (Reserve remaining squash for another use.) Peel and halve squash wheels. Toss squash and shallots in bowl with 1 1/2 Tbs. oil; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Place squash and shallots cut side up on baking sheet. Transfer green beans to same bowl, and toss to coat with oil that remains in bowl. Place green beans and grapes on baking sheet, separated slightly from squash and shallots. Roast 8 minutes, or until green beans are crisp-tender and grapes are warmed through. Remove green beans and grapes to foil sheet. Roast squash and shallots 15 to 20 minutes more, or until browned.
Whisk together remaining 2 1/2 Tbs. oil, vinegar, rosemary, and garlic in bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Divide watercress among serving plates. Divide squash, shallots, green beans, and grapes among serving plates, and drizzle with dressing.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 204; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 96 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 8 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
APPLE AND RED CABBAGE SLAW
This comes from page 75 of the September 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe states, “This fall slaw is packed with surprises: cilantro, citrus, and crunchy apples.” Serve 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this recipe online, click here.
3 cups coarsely grated red cabbage
1 medium orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into matchsticks (1 1/4 cups)
1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
3 Tbs. fresh orange juice
2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs. agave nectar
2 tsp. whole-grain Dijon mustard
2 tsp. olive oil
Toss together cabbage, bell pepper, apple, and cilantro in large bowl.
Whisk together remaining ingredients in small bowl. Drizzle dressing over cabbage mixture, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 63; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 52 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
Friday, September 19, 2014
Friday Recipes
Finally, it's Friday, with the weekend ahead. Here are some recipes to ease you through the weekend. Enjoy!
BLACK-EYED PEA SALSA
From the National Pork Board via Publix's GreenWise publication, December 2005.
1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 C chopped mild onion
1 C salsa
1 can (15 oz) white or yellow hominy, drained
1/4 C fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
In large bowl, stir all ingredients together well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight to let flavors blend.
10 minutes prep time; makes 5 cups.
CHUNKY CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE SOUP
This came from a diabetic recipe magazine years ago; I wish I had noted it better than that. (Sorry!) If anyone recognizes this and where it's from, please comment and let me know. (Thanks!) Serves 4.
1 Tbs canola oil
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (4 ounces), diced
1/2 C chopped green bell pepper
1/2 C thinly sliced celery
2 green onions, sliced
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
1 C water
1/2 cup sliced carrots
2 Tbs cream
1 TBS finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/8 tsp black pepper
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken; cook & stir 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink. Add bell pepper, celery & onions. Cook & stir 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add broth, water, carrots, cream, parsley, thyme & black pepper. Simmer 10 minutes or until carrots are tender.
Per serving: Calories 130; Total fat 8g (Sat fat 3g); Protein 9g; Carbohydrate 5g; Cholesterol 27mg; Sodium 895mg; Dietary fiber 1g; Exchange: 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 Fat
QUICK TOMATO SAUCE
This recipe comes from Elaine Lemm, About.com's British & Irish Food's guide. She writes, “A quick tomato sauce recipe for when you are in a hurry. Delicious with pasta or as an accompaniment to fish or chicken this quick tomato sauce recipe is sure to please.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes
You can view this online here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 large shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 lb fresh tomatoes, skinned and diced or a can of chopped tomatoes
Sea salt and black pepper
10 fresh basil leaves
Preparation
This quick tomato sauce recipe freezes really well.
Cook the shallots in the oil until soft, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes and eight basil leaves and cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
Season to taste with sea salt and pepper.
Garnish with the remaining two basil leaves.
LEMONY RICOTTA PASTA WITH BASIL
If you've been following this blog for a while, you no doubt know that one of my favorite emailing lists is TheKitchn. This yummy recipe comes from TheKitchn and starts off, “The pasta shapes that best complement this sauce are small shaped pieces like rotini, penne, fusilli, and gemelli; these shapes hold the sauce. Again, quality makes a big difference here. Now's a time to spring for something better than plain-wrap spaghetti. However, if it's all you have, you'll still be eating well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
1 pound pasta, small shapes (see Recipe Note)
2 cups ricotta cheese, preferrably freshly-made
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Juice and zest of one lemon
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, sliced into a chiffonade (see second note)
Set a pot of water to boil. When it boils, add a few teaspoons of salt and the pasta.
In a metal bowl wide enough to fit over the top of the pot, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, olive oil, juice and zest of lemon, salt, and black pepper. When there are about 2 minutes remaining in the pasta's cooking time, place the bowl over the pot and slowly stir the ricotta and other ingredients. You should see it loosening as it warms. When the pasta is al dente, drain it, add the basil to the bowl of sauce and toss with the drained pasta. Serve immediately.
Recipe Note:
Use a good-quality pasta here. Small shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, and gemelli are best; these shapes hold the sauce.
Note: chiffonade [shihf-uh-NAHD; shihf-uh-NAYD]
Literally translated, this French term means "made of rags." In the kitchen, it refers to thin strips or shreds of leafy vegetables (lettuce, sorrel, basil), either raw, lightly sautéed or used raw to garnish soups.
To make a chiffonade, pile up leaves neatly, role them up lengthwise like a cigar, and slice them with a very sharp knife cross-wise. We find ourselves using the technique most often with basil leaves for tossing in salads or garnishing soups and pasta dishes.
APPLESAUCE CAKE
This comes from another one of my favorite email lists, from Seattle's own Macrina Bakery. The recipe starts off, “School is now in session! Tuck a slice of flavorful Applesauce Cake into your little one's lunchbox or have it ready to curb afterschool hunger pangs. Chock-full of fruit and nuts, this cake provides an energy boost for all of your afternoon activities. A layer of rich cream cheese frosting gives it a touch of decadence without spoiling dinner. The cake's flavors will deepen over time as the spices meld with the moisture from fresh apples. Serve it with a cold glass of milk for the perfect snack.” Makes one 9-inch cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
1 cup currants or raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 cup Granny Smith apples, diced
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup applesauce
2 eggs
For the cream cheese frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preparation
Preparing the cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Brush a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with melted butter or oil and dust with flour to cover the pan’s interior. Set pan aside.
In a small bowl, cover currants or raisins with hot water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain off excess water and set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and salt. Remove the sifter and add the pecans, apples and raisins or currants. Toss to combine.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly to combine. When the butter is melted, remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Add applesauce and eggs one at a time, thoroughly whisking with each added ingredient.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the liquid mixture. Using a spatula, fold in the liquid mixture and when everything is completely combined, pour it into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and cake tester comes out clean. Let cool for 1 hour before frosting.
Preparing the frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and butter and mix until smooth.
While the mixer is running, add the vanilla and then gradually add in the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the frosting is light in texture and free of lumps.
Using a spatula, evenly distribute the frosting over the top of the cake about 1/4 to 3/8-inch thick. Cut the cake into 3 x 3-inch squares for serving.
EGGPLANT-RICOTTA BAKE
This was from an unknown cooking show on the local PBS station (WEDU).
1 eggplant
1 C parmesan grated cheese
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 eggs
16 oz marinara sauce
Cut eggplant into 1-inch slices. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked through & wilted. Take out of oven.
Mix ricotta, half the parmesan & eggs. In 8 X 8 or 9 X 9 inch pan layer as follows: 4 pieces of eggplant in a square, half the marinara sauce, 4 pieces of eggplant, half the ricotta mix; repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
BLACK-EYED PEA SALSA
From the National Pork Board via Publix's GreenWise publication, December 2005.
1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 C chopped mild onion
1 C salsa
1 can (15 oz) white or yellow hominy, drained
1/4 C fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
In large bowl, stir all ingredients together well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight to let flavors blend.
10 minutes prep time; makes 5 cups.
CHUNKY CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE SOUP
This came from a diabetic recipe magazine years ago; I wish I had noted it better than that. (Sorry!) If anyone recognizes this and where it's from, please comment and let me know. (Thanks!) Serves 4.
1 Tbs canola oil
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (4 ounces), diced
1/2 C chopped green bell pepper
1/2 C thinly sliced celery
2 green onions, sliced
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
1 C water
1/2 cup sliced carrots
2 Tbs cream
1 TBS finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/8 tsp black pepper
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken; cook & stir 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink. Add bell pepper, celery & onions. Cook & stir 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add broth, water, carrots, cream, parsley, thyme & black pepper. Simmer 10 minutes or until carrots are tender.
Per serving: Calories 130; Total fat 8g (Sat fat 3g); Protein 9g; Carbohydrate 5g; Cholesterol 27mg; Sodium 895mg; Dietary fiber 1g; Exchange: 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 Fat
QUICK TOMATO SAUCE
This recipe comes from Elaine Lemm, About.com's British & Irish Food's guide. She writes, “A quick tomato sauce recipe for when you are in a hurry. Delicious with pasta or as an accompaniment to fish or chicken this quick tomato sauce recipe is sure to please.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes
You can view this online here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 large shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 lb fresh tomatoes, skinned and diced or a can of chopped tomatoes
Sea salt and black pepper
10 fresh basil leaves
Preparation
This quick tomato sauce recipe freezes really well.
Cook the shallots in the oil until soft, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes and eight basil leaves and cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
Season to taste with sea salt and pepper.
Garnish with the remaining two basil leaves.
LEMONY RICOTTA PASTA WITH BASIL
If you've been following this blog for a while, you no doubt know that one of my favorite emailing lists is TheKitchn. This yummy recipe comes from TheKitchn and starts off, “The pasta shapes that best complement this sauce are small shaped pieces like rotini, penne, fusilli, and gemelli; these shapes hold the sauce. Again, quality makes a big difference here. Now's a time to spring for something better than plain-wrap spaghetti. However, if it's all you have, you'll still be eating well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
1 pound pasta, small shapes (see Recipe Note)
2 cups ricotta cheese, preferrably freshly-made
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Juice and zest of one lemon
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, sliced into a chiffonade (see second note)
Set a pot of water to boil. When it boils, add a few teaspoons of salt and the pasta.
In a metal bowl wide enough to fit over the top of the pot, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, olive oil, juice and zest of lemon, salt, and black pepper. When there are about 2 minutes remaining in the pasta's cooking time, place the bowl over the pot and slowly stir the ricotta and other ingredients. You should see it loosening as it warms. When the pasta is al dente, drain it, add the basil to the bowl of sauce and toss with the drained pasta. Serve immediately.
Recipe Note:
Use a good-quality pasta here. Small shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, and gemelli are best; these shapes hold the sauce.
Note: chiffonade [shihf-uh-NAHD; shihf-uh-NAYD]
Literally translated, this French term means "made of rags." In the kitchen, it refers to thin strips or shreds of leafy vegetables (lettuce, sorrel, basil), either raw, lightly sautéed or used raw to garnish soups.
To make a chiffonade, pile up leaves neatly, role them up lengthwise like a cigar, and slice them with a very sharp knife cross-wise. We find ourselves using the technique most often with basil leaves for tossing in salads or garnishing soups and pasta dishes.
APPLESAUCE CAKE
This comes from another one of my favorite email lists, from Seattle's own Macrina Bakery. The recipe starts off, “School is now in session! Tuck a slice of flavorful Applesauce Cake into your little one's lunchbox or have it ready to curb afterschool hunger pangs. Chock-full of fruit and nuts, this cake provides an energy boost for all of your afternoon activities. A layer of rich cream cheese frosting gives it a touch of decadence without spoiling dinner. The cake's flavors will deepen over time as the spices meld with the moisture from fresh apples. Serve it with a cold glass of milk for the perfect snack.” Makes one 9-inch cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
1 cup currants or raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 cup Granny Smith apples, diced
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup applesauce
2 eggs
For the cream cheese frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preparation
Preparing the cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Brush a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with melted butter or oil and dust with flour to cover the pan’s interior. Set pan aside.
In a small bowl, cover currants or raisins with hot water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain off excess water and set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and salt. Remove the sifter and add the pecans, apples and raisins or currants. Toss to combine.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly to combine. When the butter is melted, remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Add applesauce and eggs one at a time, thoroughly whisking with each added ingredient.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the liquid mixture. Using a spatula, fold in the liquid mixture and when everything is completely combined, pour it into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and cake tester comes out clean. Let cool for 1 hour before frosting.
Preparing the frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and butter and mix until smooth.
While the mixer is running, add the vanilla and then gradually add in the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the frosting is light in texture and free of lumps.
Using a spatula, evenly distribute the frosting over the top of the cake about 1/4 to 3/8-inch thick. Cut the cake into 3 x 3-inch squares for serving.
EGGPLANT-RICOTTA BAKE
This was from an unknown cooking show on the local PBS station (WEDU).
1 eggplant
1 C parmesan grated cheese
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 eggs
16 oz marinara sauce
Cut eggplant into 1-inch slices. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked through & wilted. Take out of oven.
Mix ricotta, half the parmesan & eggs. In 8 X 8 or 9 X 9 inch pan layer as follows: 4 pieces of eggplant in a square, half the marinara sauce, 4 pieces of eggplant, half the ricotta mix; repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Diabetic Thursday
Another Thursday, which means more yummy recipes for diabetics, those who cook for diabetics, and those who love good food. Enjoy!
BREAD AND TOMATO SALAD
Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/87.shtml
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/628.shtml
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups diced seeded tomatoes (1-1/2 pounds)
2 cups cubed whole-wheat country bread (5 ounces), crusts removed
1/4 cup thinly slivered red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
Directions
Whisk oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add tomatoes, bread, onion, basil and capers. Toss to combine.
Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow it to absorb the dressing's flavors, stirring occasionally. Serve at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 168; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 275 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1-1/2 Fat
GINGERED ACORN SQUASH
Servings: 4
Source: American Heart Association Cookbook
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/267.shtml
Ingredients
2 acorn squash (about 3/4 pound each)
8-ounce can pineapple tidbits in their own juice, drained
3 tablespoons raisins (optional)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
1 teaspoon freshly grated gingerroot
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
Cut squash in half. Scoop out and discard seeds. Put squash halves cut side up in baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture into each squash cavity. Carefully pour a small amount of water around each squash. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 24 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 29g; Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch; 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fruit
LIGHT LEMON CAKE
Yields 20 servings. See online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/840.shtml
Ingredients
1 box (1 pound, 2.25 ounces) white or lemon cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup nonfat or light sour cream
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 packages (4-serving size each) sugar-free lemon gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold tap water
Frosting:
2 cups nonfat or light whipped topping
3/4 cup light lemon yogurt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the cake mix, water, sour cream, and egg substitute in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
Coat a 9-by-13 inch pan with cooking spray and spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or just until the top springs back when lightly touched and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool to room temperature. Then, using a fork, poke holes in the cake at 1/2-inch intervals. Place the gelatin mix in a medium bowl and add the boiling water. Whisk for 2 minutes or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, allowing it to be absorbed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
To make the frosting, place the whipped topping in a small bowl and fold in the yogurt. Spread the frosting over the cake and chill for an additional hour before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving); Calories: 138; Protein: 3 g; Sodium: 218 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates; 26g; Exchanges: 2 Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
SPINACH VEGETABLE KUGEL
Servings: 6
Source: MealLeaniYumm!: All That's Missing is the Fat!
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/2.shtml
Ingredients
10 oz. package (300g) fresh spinach
2 onions, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
3 carrots, grated
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs plus 2 whites (or 3 eggs)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each pepper and garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup matzo meal
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash spinach thoroughly. Remove and discard tough stems. Cook spinach in a covered saucepan until wilted, about 3 minutes (or microwave on high for 4 minutes). Don't add any water. The water clinging to the leaves will provide enough steam to cook it. Cool and squeeze dry.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, red pepper and carrots for 5 minutes, until golden. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes longer (or cook vegetables uncovered in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes on high).
Chop spinach coarsely. Combine with remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a sprayed 7" x 11" Pyrex casserole. Bake uncovered at 350F for 45 to 50 minutes, until firm. Cut into squares to serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving Calories: 81; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 2.7 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 1/3 Bread/Starch; 1/2 Vegetable
MEAT MARINARA SAUCE
Serves 10, serving size is 1/2 cup. Can be viewed online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/690.shtml
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup fresh chopped onion, chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup sliced green bell peppers, chopped
30 ounces whole-canned unsalted tomatoes, 2-15 ounce cans
30 ounces no-salt tomato sauce, 2-15 ounce cans
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground thyme
1 pound 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey
Directions
Heat oil in sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic powder, and green pepper to oil. Cover and heat 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash tomatoes into small pieces and stir into tomato sauce. Add spices and tomato mixture to sauce pan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
Brown beef or turkey in skillet. Place in a colander or strainer.
Bring a tea kettle full or 3 quart sauce pan of water to a rapid boil. Place colander over a large bowl and pour boiling water over the meat to remove excess grease.
Add meat to tomato sauce mixture and continue to simmer another 20 minutes on medium heat.
Remove bay leaves and serve over pasta or rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 225; Protein: 14 g; Sodium: 67 mg; Fat: 8.5 g; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g; Exchanges: 3/4 Fat, 1 1/2 Meat, 4 1/2 Vegetable
OLD-FASHIONED BAKED CUSTARD
Makes: 3 cups (6 servings)
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/596.shtml
Ingredients
3 large eggs, slightly beaten, or 3/4 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Slowly stir in the milk and vanilla.
Pour 1/2 cup of custard into each of six 5-ounce custard cups. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Set the filled custard cups in a shallow pan. Pour about 1 inch of hot water in the pan around the custard cups.
Bake on the center rack of the oven for 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the custard comes out clean. Serve hot, warm, or chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: (1/2 cup): Calories: 82, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 108 mg, Sodium: 171 mg, Carbohydrate: 8 g, Dietary Fiber: 0 mg, Sugars: 8 g, Protein: 6 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat
BREAD AND TOMATO SALAD
Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/87.shtml
Online Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/628.shtml
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups diced seeded tomatoes (1-1/2 pounds)
2 cups cubed whole-wheat country bread (5 ounces), crusts removed
1/4 cup thinly slivered red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
Directions
Whisk oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add tomatoes, bread, onion, basil and capers. Toss to combine.
Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow it to absorb the dressing's flavors, stirring occasionally. Serve at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 168; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 275 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1-1/2 Fat
GINGERED ACORN SQUASH
Servings: 4
Source: American Heart Association Cookbook
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/267.shtml
Ingredients
2 acorn squash (about 3/4 pound each)
8-ounce can pineapple tidbits in their own juice, drained
3 tablespoons raisins (optional)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
1 teaspoon freshly grated gingerroot
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
Cut squash in half. Scoop out and discard seeds. Put squash halves cut side up in baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture into each squash cavity. Carefully pour a small amount of water around each squash. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 120; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 24 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 29g; Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch; 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fruit
LIGHT LEMON CAKE
Yields 20 servings. See online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/840.shtml
Ingredients
1 box (1 pound, 2.25 ounces) white or lemon cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup nonfat or light sour cream
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 packages (4-serving size each) sugar-free lemon gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold tap water
Frosting:
2 cups nonfat or light whipped topping
3/4 cup light lemon yogurt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the cake mix, water, sour cream, and egg substitute in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
Coat a 9-by-13 inch pan with cooking spray and spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or just until the top springs back when lightly touched and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool to room temperature. Then, using a fork, poke holes in the cake at 1/2-inch intervals. Place the gelatin mix in a medium bowl and add the boiling water. Whisk for 2 minutes or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, allowing it to be absorbed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
To make the frosting, place the whipped topping in a small bowl and fold in the yogurt. Spread the frosting over the cake and chill for an additional hour before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving); Calories: 138; Protein: 3 g; Sodium: 218 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates; 26g; Exchanges: 2 Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
SPINACH VEGETABLE KUGEL
Servings: 6
Source: MealLeaniYumm!: All That's Missing is the Fat!
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/2.shtml
Ingredients
10 oz. package (300g) fresh spinach
2 onions, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
3 carrots, grated
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs plus 2 whites (or 3 eggs)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each pepper and garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup matzo meal
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash spinach thoroughly. Remove and discard tough stems. Cook spinach in a covered saucepan until wilted, about 3 minutes (or microwave on high for 4 minutes). Don't add any water. The water clinging to the leaves will provide enough steam to cook it. Cool and squeeze dry.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, red pepper and carrots for 5 minutes, until golden. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes longer (or cook vegetables uncovered in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes on high).
Chop spinach coarsely. Combine with remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a sprayed 7" x 11" Pyrex casserole. Bake uncovered at 350F for 45 to 50 minutes, until firm. Cut into squares to serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving Calories: 81; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 2.7 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 1/3 Bread/Starch; 1/2 Vegetable
MEAT MARINARA SAUCE
Serves 10, serving size is 1/2 cup. Can be viewed online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/690.shtml
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup fresh chopped onion, chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup sliced green bell peppers, chopped
30 ounces whole-canned unsalted tomatoes, 2-15 ounce cans
30 ounces no-salt tomato sauce, 2-15 ounce cans
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground thyme
1 pound 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey
Directions
Heat oil in sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic powder, and green pepper to oil. Cover and heat 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash tomatoes into small pieces and stir into tomato sauce. Add spices and tomato mixture to sauce pan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
Brown beef or turkey in skillet. Place in a colander or strainer.
Bring a tea kettle full or 3 quart sauce pan of water to a rapid boil. Place colander over a large bowl and pour boiling water over the meat to remove excess grease.
Add meat to tomato sauce mixture and continue to simmer another 20 minutes on medium heat.
Remove bay leaves and serve over pasta or rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 225; Protein: 14 g; Sodium: 67 mg; Fat: 8.5 g; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g; Exchanges: 3/4 Fat, 1 1/2 Meat, 4 1/2 Vegetable
OLD-FASHIONED BAKED CUSTARD
Makes: 3 cups (6 servings)
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/596.shtml
Ingredients
3 large eggs, slightly beaten, or 3/4 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Slowly stir in the milk and vanilla.
Pour 1/2 cup of custard into each of six 5-ounce custard cups. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Set the filled custard cups in a shallow pan. Pour about 1 inch of hot water in the pan around the custard cups.
Bake on the center rack of the oven for 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the custard comes out clean. Serve hot, warm, or chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: (1/2 cup): Calories: 82, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 108 mg, Sodium: 171 mg, Carbohydrate: 8 g, Dietary Fiber: 0 mg, Sugars: 8 g, Protein: 6 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Baked Goodies
Many of us have fond memories of various foods from our childhood, while other good food memories come from later periods in our lives. Two of the cookies recipes in today’s offerings come from my mom’s mom, Lillian Longmuir Hallock. While both of my grandmothers’ places always smelled wonderful from all the great food they cooked, Grandma Hallock’s cookies were something to really look forward to.
When I was growing up, my family (parents, sister, brother and I) lived in New York (state, not city). I’d been home sick with the flu, while my sister had gone to school. By late afternoon, the skies turned grey. My grandmother had come to our house with a batch of her peanut butter cookies and oatmeal cookies. After my sister got home from school, just ahead of the rain, my grandmother regaled us over stories of her youth while we had tea and cookies. One of her stories entailed being introduced to one of her teacher’s friends, whose stage name happened to be Buffalo Bill Cody. So I’m always reminded of that when I bake either cookie recipe.
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This was one of my grandmother's recipes, along with the oatmeal cookie recipe that follows. You can find them in my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking.
1/2 C butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES
Another one of my grandmother's recipes. When it came to baking, cookies were her specialty. You can also find these in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking
1 C flour
1 C brown sugar
3 C quick cooking oatmeal (NOT the instant oats!)
1 C butter or margarine
1/4 C boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookie dough, taken from the freezer; showing first cuts before baking
Then cut down the center, like so:
Placed on parchment paper-covered baking sheet, for easier handling
PEANUT BUTTER PIE
There’s also a story that goes along with the Peanut Butter Pie. I’d driven cab for several years. One Friday afternoon, I got a call to pick up a single dad from the store. When I dropped him off, his son and daughter came out of the trailer to help bring in the groceries.
“Did you remember to get the stuff for the peanut butter pie?” his daughter asked. They were taking it to an early Thanksgiving gathering that weekend.
“Sure did,” he answered.
“Peanut butter pie?” I asked, as we finished unloading the groceries. “How do you make that?”
“With peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, and a few other things,” came the answer.
The following week, I managed to pick the dad up again. This time, I managed to get the ingredients: pie crust, peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese and Cool Whip. It wasn’t until the third (and final) time I picked him up in as many weeks that I got the exact amounts. He used 1/3 cup each of peanut butter and sugar, both of which I upped to 1/2 cup each.
8-ounce tub of Cool Whip (see note)
8-ounce block of cream cheese (see note)
1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth is preferable)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
Pie crust (see note)
Put Cool Whip, cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. With beaters, beat on high. Pour into pie crust, smooth out, and freeze for 1 hour.
Note: Cool whip (or store equivalent) can be fat-free. Cream cheese can be regular cream cheese or the 1/3 less fat kind, but do not use fat free, as the pie won't set up right. I usually use a store-bought graham cracker crust for the pie, which is what the man used to make this. However, you can also use an Oreo cookie crust.
GINGERBREAD
Sweeten the season with our gingerbread.
Whoever first posted this (probably on one of the emailing lists I was on, years ago), added, "I LIKE MINE TOPPED WITH A DOLLOP OF COOL WHIP!" The recipe starts, “This simple recipe is the perfect holiday dessert, especially when topped with yogurt or fresh fruit. Just grab a fresh box of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda- an important ingredient for great baking and prepare a treat for the whole family.”
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup light molasses
3/4 cup boiling water
DIRECTIONS:
Sift together flour, Baking Soda, ginger and salt. Using an electric mixer, cream shortening in large bowl until fluffy. Add sugar gradually, beating after each addition. Beat in egg thoroughly; blend in molasses. Gradually stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Beat thoroughly. Stir in water. Turn into greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool on rack. Makes one 8-inch square cake. Cut into 16 servings.
CINNAMON EGG BREAD
I first found the recipe that this morphed from in an old, long-since-lost cookbook. Since losing the cookbook, the recipe has changed to this version. I've had numerous friends and relatives rave over this. One lady I knew said that it was one of the few bread recipes that could almost double as dessert.
1 cup milk (or soy milk)
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
1/2 tsp. salt
2-3 eggs
1 cup warm (not hot) water
2 Tablespoons honey
2 packages yeast
6 – 7 cups flour
3/4 – 1 cup margarine, melted
2 – 3 cups cinnamon sugar
Heat milk to almost scalding, stirring fairly constantly so that it doesn't burn. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl. Add ½ cup margarine, and stir until melted. Let milk and margarine cool.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, place very warm water, add honey and yeast, then stir to dissolve. Let stand for 5 – 10 minutes.
Add salt to milk, then add yeast and water to milk. Add flour, 2 cups at a time, for a stiff, non-sticky dough. Knead for about 8 – 10 minutes.
Wash and dry bowl, then place dough in bowl. Place cooking oil (I recommend canola or olive oil) in hands, then rub over dough. Place clean towel over the top of bowl and allow dough to rise until almost double, about an hour.
Take 3 loaf pans and spray with cooking spray. Take dough out and divide into thirds.
Melt ¾ – 1 cup margarine. Set aside.
With a floured rolling pin, roll out first third of dough. Pour some of the margarine over the bread and spread 1/3 of the cinnamon sugar over the dough. Roll dough, then place in loaf pan with the bread-seam down. Repeat with other two thirds. Place towel over all three loaves and allow to rise again, approximately one hour.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Then, removing towel, bake loaves for 45 – 50 minutes. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes on cooling rack.
ROCKY ROAD CAKE
I was taking a speech class at a local junior college. One week we had to give a demonstration speech; one lady demonstrated how to make this cake, passing out copies of the recipe along with pieces of cake. It’s absolutely delicious. The icing can be used on almost any kind of cake; it would be really good on carrot cake! This can also be found on in my ebook, Off the Wall Cooking.
Cake
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup mini-marshmallows
6-oz package chocolate chips
4 eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
1 package (18.25 oz) Devil’s Food cake mix w/pudding
Grease & flour 2 9” pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix first four ingredients in medium-size bowl.
In large bowl at low speed, mix cake mix, eggs, may & water until blended. Increase speed to medium & beat for 2 minutes. Stir in nut mixture. Pour into greased & floured pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Cool in pan 15 minutes on cooling rack.
Icing
1 tsp. vanilla
8 oz. cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 box confectioners sugar
Place ingredients in bowl & cream together. When cake is cool, ice. ENJOY!
When I was growing up, my family (parents, sister, brother and I) lived in New York (state, not city). I’d been home sick with the flu, while my sister had gone to school. By late afternoon, the skies turned grey. My grandmother had come to our house with a batch of her peanut butter cookies and oatmeal cookies. After my sister got home from school, just ahead of the rain, my grandmother regaled us over stories of her youth while we had tea and cookies. One of her stories entailed being introduced to one of her teacher’s friends, whose stage name happened to be Buffalo Bill Cody. So I’m always reminded of that when I bake either cookie recipe.
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This was one of my grandmother's recipes, along with the oatmeal cookie recipe that follows. You can find them in my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking.
1/2 C butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES
Another one of my grandmother's recipes. When it came to baking, cookies were her specialty. You can also find these in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking
1 C flour
1 C brown sugar
3 C quick cooking oatmeal (NOT the instant oats!)
1 C butter or margarine
1/4 C boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookie dough, taken from the freezer; showing first cuts before baking
Then cut down the center, like so:
Placed on parchment paper-covered baking sheet, for easier handling
PEANUT BUTTER PIE
There’s also a story that goes along with the Peanut Butter Pie. I’d driven cab for several years. One Friday afternoon, I got a call to pick up a single dad from the store. When I dropped him off, his son and daughter came out of the trailer to help bring in the groceries.
“Did you remember to get the stuff for the peanut butter pie?” his daughter asked. They were taking it to an early Thanksgiving gathering that weekend.
“Sure did,” he answered.
“Peanut butter pie?” I asked, as we finished unloading the groceries. “How do you make that?”
“With peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, and a few other things,” came the answer.
The following week, I managed to pick the dad up again. This time, I managed to get the ingredients: pie crust, peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese and Cool Whip. It wasn’t until the third (and final) time I picked him up in as many weeks that I got the exact amounts. He used 1/3 cup each of peanut butter and sugar, both of which I upped to 1/2 cup each.
8-ounce tub of Cool Whip (see note)
8-ounce block of cream cheese (see note)
1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth is preferable)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
Pie crust (see note)
Put Cool Whip, cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. With beaters, beat on high. Pour into pie crust, smooth out, and freeze for 1 hour.
Note: Cool whip (or store equivalent) can be fat-free. Cream cheese can be regular cream cheese or the 1/3 less fat kind, but do not use fat free, as the pie won't set up right. I usually use a store-bought graham cracker crust for the pie, which is what the man used to make this. However, you can also use an Oreo cookie crust.
GINGERBREAD
Sweeten the season with our gingerbread.
Whoever first posted this (probably on one of the emailing lists I was on, years ago), added, "I LIKE MINE TOPPED WITH A DOLLOP OF COOL WHIP!" The recipe starts, “This simple recipe is the perfect holiday dessert, especially when topped with yogurt or fresh fruit. Just grab a fresh box of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda- an important ingredient for great baking and prepare a treat for the whole family.”
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup light molasses
3/4 cup boiling water
DIRECTIONS:
Sift together flour, Baking Soda, ginger and salt. Using an electric mixer, cream shortening in large bowl until fluffy. Add sugar gradually, beating after each addition. Beat in egg thoroughly; blend in molasses. Gradually stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Beat thoroughly. Stir in water. Turn into greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool on rack. Makes one 8-inch square cake. Cut into 16 servings.
CINNAMON EGG BREAD
I first found the recipe that this morphed from in an old, long-since-lost cookbook. Since losing the cookbook, the recipe has changed to this version. I've had numerous friends and relatives rave over this. One lady I knew said that it was one of the few bread recipes that could almost double as dessert.
1 cup milk (or soy milk)
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
1/2 tsp. salt
2-3 eggs
1 cup warm (not hot) water
2 Tablespoons honey
2 packages yeast
6 – 7 cups flour
3/4 – 1 cup margarine, melted
2 – 3 cups cinnamon sugar
Heat milk to almost scalding, stirring fairly constantly so that it doesn't burn. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl. Add ½ cup margarine, and stir until melted. Let milk and margarine cool.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, place very warm water, add honey and yeast, then stir to dissolve. Let stand for 5 – 10 minutes.
Add salt to milk, then add yeast and water to milk. Add flour, 2 cups at a time, for a stiff, non-sticky dough. Knead for about 8 – 10 minutes.
Wash and dry bowl, then place dough in bowl. Place cooking oil (I recommend canola or olive oil) in hands, then rub over dough. Place clean towel over the top of bowl and allow dough to rise until almost double, about an hour.
Take 3 loaf pans and spray with cooking spray. Take dough out and divide into thirds.
Melt ¾ – 1 cup margarine. Set aside.
With a floured rolling pin, roll out first third of dough. Pour some of the margarine over the bread and spread 1/3 of the cinnamon sugar over the dough. Roll dough, then place in loaf pan with the bread-seam down. Repeat with other two thirds. Place towel over all three loaves and allow to rise again, approximately one hour.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Then, removing towel, bake loaves for 45 – 50 minutes. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes on cooling rack.
ROCKY ROAD CAKE
I was taking a speech class at a local junior college. One week we had to give a demonstration speech; one lady demonstrated how to make this cake, passing out copies of the recipe along with pieces of cake. It’s absolutely delicious. The icing can be used on almost any kind of cake; it would be really good on carrot cake! This can also be found on in my ebook, Off the Wall Cooking.
Cake
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup mini-marshmallows
6-oz package chocolate chips
4 eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
1 package (18.25 oz) Devil’s Food cake mix w/pudding
Grease & flour 2 9” pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix first four ingredients in medium-size bowl.
In large bowl at low speed, mix cake mix, eggs, may & water until blended. Increase speed to medium & beat for 2 minutes. Stir in nut mixture. Pour into greased & floured pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Cool in pan 15 minutes on cooling rack.
Icing
1 tsp. vanilla
8 oz. cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 box confectioners sugar
Place ingredients in bowl & cream together. When cake is cool, ice. ENJOY!
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