Today's blog is a rerun from January. (It's been a hectic day so far; no telling when I'll get another chance to post.) That said, here goes...
Here are some recipes to try, whether you're snowed in or simply in a cooking mood. Enjoy!
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash salt
1 1/2 cups hot water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.
Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.
BROCCOLI QUICHE BITES
This is from FamiliyTime, and starts off, “After the pastry thaws, it takes just 10 minutes to put together these easy-to-make appetizers that get lots of flavor from a surprising ingredient – vegetable soup mix.” Serves: 24 pieces; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed
4 eggs, beaten
1 envelope dry vegetable soup and dip mix
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
1 cup whipped cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.
Stir the eggs, soup mix, broccoli and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the pastry into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the pastry with a fork.
Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand in the baking dish on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces.
THREE-BEAN SOUP
This is one of my favorite quick meals that I usually only fix on weekends, especially if it happens to be cold and/or rainy. It’s from the November/December 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37, in that issue’s “30 Minutes; Quick, Fast Food” section. This vegan recipe serves 6, and starts off, “Here’s a straight-from-the-pantry soup that’ll become a weeknight favorite. (Or, in my case, weekend favorite.) Pureeing one of the cans of beans creates a creamy base without adding extra fat or cholesterol. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and serve with vegetable chips, if desired.”
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
1 15.5-oz. can navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbs.)
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
1 15.5-oz. can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onion 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft. Add navy beans, black beans and garlic, and continue cooking and stirring 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup broth.
Meanwhile, put great Northern beans and remaining 1 cup broth into food processor or blender, and puree until smooth. Pour puree into soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth or water, if desired.
Spoon into individual soup bowls, and serve hot.
Per serving: 231 calories; 13 g protein; 5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat); 39 g carbs; 0 mg cholesterol; 557 mg sodium; 11 g fiber; 5 g sugars
APPLE-CRANBERRY CRISP
I'm not sure where I originally found this; probably on an old emailing list.
2 pounds Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
3/4 cup cranberries
1/4 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) Butter an 8 inch square baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together apples, cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place evenly into baking dish.
In the same bowl, combine oats, flour and brown sugar. With a fork, mix in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until topping is golden brown, and apples are tender.
BAKED ZITI
This was originally posted on April 2, 2010. Great for a yummy, easy meal.
What to fix when you've just gotten home from work and you want something good, hot and with a minimum amount of effort? Baked Ziti fits the bill on all three counts. And if you're like me, chances are you have all the makings in your cupboard and fridge.
Here's what it takes:
16 ounce box of ziti
26 ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
1 jar-full of water
2 C shredded cheese
Okay, I can hear you asking, "What brand of spaghetti sauce? What type of sauce? And the cheese...Cheddar? Mozzarella? Can it be the stuff already shredded and in a bag or does it have to be a block of cheese that I grate and measure?" Here's the good part: Use what you have.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Take a 9 X 13 inch baking pan. Dump the dried ziti into the pan. (No, no, do NOT cook the ziti first. Dump the ziti uncooked straight from the box.) Pour the spaghetti sauce into the pan and add one jar-full of water into the pan. Stir to mix. Add most of the shredded cheese, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of cheese. Stir to mix. Bake in pre-heated oven for 35 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and bake for another 5 minutes for a total time of 40 minutes.
Serve with a salad and possibly garlic bread.
See? Simple, hot, good and with at minimum amount of energy. What could be better for an after-work or weekend dinner?
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet
Yield: 6 servings
Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml
Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Diabetic Thursday
Thursday, and some yummy diabetic recipes to try. Enjoy!
PEACH MELBA
Yield: 4 servings
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/575.shtml
Ingredients
4 large ripe peaches
2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raspberries
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder plus water to make 1/4 cup
1 tablespoon unsweetened grape juice
Directions
Blanch peaches by dropping them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove, run under cold water and peel off skins.
Cut in half, discard pits and place 2 peach halves on each of 4 individual dessert dishes.
Puree raspberries with remaining ingredients, reserving 2 tablespoons of berries for garnish. Spoon puree over peaches, top with berries and serve cold.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 112, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Protein: 5 g, Sodium: 50 mg, Fat: 2.7 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fruit, 1 Milk
POACHED PEARS IN CINNAMON GINGER SAUCE
Servings: 6
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/16.shtml
Ingredients
6 Bosc or Anjou pears *
2 lemons, cut in half
6 cups water
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 whole cinnamon sticks
8 quarter-sized slices fresh, ginger **
1 tbsp Minced candied ginger * slightly under-ripe, peeled, halved and cored ** smashed with flat sided knife or cleaver
Directions
Rub pear halves with cut lemon to prevent browning and set aside. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large non aluminum pan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 for minutes.
Add pears and heat until liquid almost boils. Reduce heat until liquid is just under a boil and poach pears until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Knife will pierce center easily.) Remove pears with slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Arrange cooked pears on serving dish or in individual serving bowls.
Remove ginger and cinnamon from poaching liquid and reheat liquid until boiling. Cook until liquid is reduced to thick syrup, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over pears. Sprinkle with candied ginger and serve. You may also serve with scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 8 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Stir well before serving.
If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
CARIBBEAN CHICKEN
Prep Time: 15 Minutes - Cost: $ Servings: 6; 1 serving = 1-1/4 cup - Difficulty Level: 2
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/67.shtml
Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking
Ingredients
2 teaspoons oil
6 single chicken breasts (24 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, sliced in 1/2" strips
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup peach or apricot chutney (fruit sweetened)
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon each curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1-1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons coconut flavoring
Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high, and saute chicken pieces until brown. Remove chicken, set aside.
Saute garlic and onion in skillet until soft, and golden. Stir in chutney and spices and cook one minute. Add broth and wine, and heat through, stirring constantly.
Return chicken to sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in coconut flavoring.
Serve over hot rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 44 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 3 low-fat meat; 1/3 fruit
SWEET POTATOES WITH A HINT OF ORANGE
Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes, cooked
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
16 apricot halves, dried
Orange slices, fresh
Directions
Arrange the sweet potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Combine the margarine and cinnamon. Pour over the potatoes. Arrange the apricot halves on top. Cover the dish and bake in a 425F oven for about 15 minutes. Add the orange slices and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 96 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: .75 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g
HUMMUS-VEGGIE WRAPS
Yield: 4 servings
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/910.shtml
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
Ingredients
4 whole-wheat flour tortillas (8 to 9-inch rounds)
1 cup ready-made hummus
1 small carrot, shredded with a potato peeler
2 slices red onion, separated into rings
12 thin slices peeled cucumber
16 young tender spinach leaves or 1 cup alfalfa sprouts
Directions
Warm the tortillas according to package directions. Lay the tortillas on a flat surface and spread the lower half only of each tortilla with 1/4 cup of the hummus.
Top the hummus on each tortilla with a quarter of the carrots, onion rings, cucumber slices, and spinach or sprouts, leaving a 1-1/2 inch margin on the right and left sides.
Fold the right and left margins in, then roll each tortilla up from the bottom to enclose the filling. Cut each warp in half and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 8.6 g; Sodium: 625 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.7 g ; Carbohydrates: 38 g; Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch, 1 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 Fat
PEACH MELBA
Yield: 4 servings
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/575.shtml
Ingredients
4 large ripe peaches
2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raspberries
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder plus water to make 1/4 cup
1 tablespoon unsweetened grape juice
Directions
Blanch peaches by dropping them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove, run under cold water and peel off skins.
Cut in half, discard pits and place 2 peach halves on each of 4 individual dessert dishes.
Puree raspberries with remaining ingredients, reserving 2 tablespoons of berries for garnish. Spoon puree over peaches, top with berries and serve cold.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 112, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Protein: 5 g, Sodium: 50 mg, Fat: 2.7 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fruit, 1 Milk
POACHED PEARS IN CINNAMON GINGER SAUCE
Servings: 6
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/16.shtml
Ingredients
6 Bosc or Anjou pears *
2 lemons, cut in half
6 cups water
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 whole cinnamon sticks
8 quarter-sized slices fresh, ginger **
1 tbsp Minced candied ginger * slightly under-ripe, peeled, halved and cored ** smashed with flat sided knife or cleaver
Directions
Rub pear halves with cut lemon to prevent browning and set aside. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large non aluminum pan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 for minutes.
Add pears and heat until liquid almost boils. Reduce heat until liquid is just under a boil and poach pears until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Knife will pierce center easily.) Remove pears with slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Arrange cooked pears on serving dish or in individual serving bowls.
Remove ginger and cinnamon from poaching liquid and reheat liquid until boiling. Cook until liquid is reduced to thick syrup, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over pears. Sprinkle with candied ginger and serve. You may also serve with scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 8 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Stir well before serving.
If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
CARIBBEAN CHICKEN
Prep Time: 15 Minutes - Cost: $ Servings: 6; 1 serving = 1-1/4 cup - Difficulty Level: 2
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/67.shtml
Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking
Ingredients
2 teaspoons oil
6 single chicken breasts (24 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, sliced in 1/2" strips
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup peach or apricot chutney (fruit sweetened)
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon each curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1-1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons coconut flavoring
Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high, and saute chicken pieces until brown. Remove chicken, set aside.
Saute garlic and onion in skillet until soft, and golden. Stir in chutney and spices and cook one minute. Add broth and wine, and heat through, stirring constantly.
Return chicken to sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in coconut flavoring.
Serve over hot rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 44 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 3 low-fat meat; 1/3 fruit
SWEET POTATOES WITH A HINT OF ORANGE
Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes, cooked
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
16 apricot halves, dried
Orange slices, fresh
Directions
Arrange the sweet potatoes in a shallow baking dish. Combine the margarine and cinnamon. Pour over the potatoes. Arrange the apricot halves on top. Cover the dish and bake in a 425F oven for about 15 minutes. Add the orange slices and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 96 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: .75 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g
HUMMUS-VEGGIE WRAPS
Yield: 4 servings
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/910.shtml
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
Ingredients
4 whole-wheat flour tortillas (8 to 9-inch rounds)
1 cup ready-made hummus
1 small carrot, shredded with a potato peeler
2 slices red onion, separated into rings
12 thin slices peeled cucumber
16 young tender spinach leaves or 1 cup alfalfa sprouts
Directions
Warm the tortillas according to package directions. Lay the tortillas on a flat surface and spread the lower half only of each tortilla with 1/4 cup of the hummus.
Top the hummus on each tortilla with a quarter of the carrots, onion rings, cucumber slices, and spinach or sprouts, leaving a 1-1/2 inch margin on the right and left sides.
Fold the right and left margins in, then roll each tortilla up from the bottom to enclose the filling. Cut each warp in half and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 8.6 g; Sodium: 625 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.7 g ; Carbohydrates: 38 g; Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch, 1 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 Fat
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wednesday Recipes
Finally, the middle of the week. Here's to half-way to the weekend, and good food. Enjoy!
CHILI-TOPPED POTATOES
This comes from FamilyTime.com. It starts off, “It takes just 30 minutes to transform ordinary baked potatoes into a delicious main course, filled with chili-seasoned beef, cheddar cheese and green onions.” Serves: 4 servings (1 potato each); Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients1 pound Ground Beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce
4 hot baked potato, split
shredded Cheddar cheese
Chopped green onion
Directions
Cook the beef and chili powder in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the picante sauce in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Serve the beef mixture over the potatoes. Top with the cheese and onion.
Tip: To bake the potatoes, pierce the potatoes with a fork. Microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes or bake at 400°F. for 1 hour or until tender.
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.
KEY LIME WHITE CHOCOLATE COOLERS
This comes from Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com's Home Cooking expert. She writes, “Key Lime and white chocolate make an amazing combination that is refreshingly cool, no matter the season. This variation of meltaway cookies is perfect for kitchen gifts and ships well. Macadamia nuts are optional or substitute your favorite nuts.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 12 minutes; Total Time: 27 minutes; Yield: about 4 dozen cookies
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, cut into cubes
1 Tablespoon fine-grated lime zest (use a microplane)
1 teaspoon key lime juice
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
Additional confectioners' powdered sugar for coating (about 1/2 cup)
Preparation
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine flour, corn starch, and confectioners' sugar. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter, key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture and begin mixing on low speed. Once mixture begins to get thick, increase speed to thoroughly mix until combined, scraping down sides. The mixture will look crumbly at first, but resist the urge to add any liquid. Be patient. The dough will eventually come together and get thick and smooth. Scrape batter from beaters. Mix in white chocolate chips and optional macadamia nuts with a large spoon.
Refrigerate dough at least 1 hour to firm up. (It is important that the dough be very cold before going into the oven or they will spread.) When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Compress and roll dough into 1-inch balls (see Notes). Place 1-1/2 inches apart on lined baking sheet, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until bottom edges just barely begin to turn brown. Do not over-bake. Let cool on baking sheets for at least 5 minutes, then remove to racks to cool.
Pour powdered sugar into a bowl. Roll key lime cookies in powdered sugar to cover. Store in an airtight container.
Notes:
• Do not make these any larger than 1-1/2 inches in diameter. They should be about the diameter of a quarter. If you make them any larger, you will have a mess on your hands.
• You can replace the white chocolate chips with finely chopped nuts (ie. all nuts and no chocolate) if you wish, or all white chocolate chips. Because these cookies retain their shape and are not crumbly, they make perfect kitchen gifts for shipping.
CROWD-PLEASING TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
Another recipe from FamilyTime.com. This one starts off, “You won't believe how easy it is to make this classic casserole featuring that favorite combination of tuna, noodles, peas and cream of mushroom soup. This version serves 8, so everyone can dig in!” Serves: 8 (about 1 1/4 cups each); Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped pimiento
2 cups Birds Eye® Sweet Garden Peas
2 cans (12 ounces each) tuna, drained
1/2 of a 12-ounce package medium egg noodles, (about 4 cups), cooked and drained
2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
DirectionsHeat the oven to 400°F.
Stir the soup, milk, pimientos, if desired, peas, tuna and noodles in a 2-quart casserole. Stir the bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl.
Bake the tuna mixture for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Stir the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture.
Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread crumb mixture is golden brown.
Easy Substitution: You can substitute Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup for the Cream of Mushroom Soup.
REWORKED VEGETARIAN CHILI
I've fixed this recipe probably several hundred times, easily. This is a take-off on a recipe I'd found in Runner's World, which I've listed in several posts on this blog (with full credit).
Note: I have a habit of buying anywhere from 16 to 20 (or more) peppers of varying colors at the same time, then chopping them all up, putting them into several containers, and freezing them. When I put them into the containers, they're not separated by color, but, rather, dumped in together. This way, I end up with containers with red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers all thrown in together. Then, whenever I need cut up peppers, I end up with a colorful bunch of peppers in whatever I'm putting them in. If you prefer, you can buy one or two peppers as needed (like for this recipe) and cut it up at that time. You can use whichever color bell pepper you want; if I'm out of frozen peppers, and am planning to buy only one or two for this recipe, I usually go with the green peppers, since they're usually the cheapest.
Also, with the onions, I usually try to have both yellow and red onions on hand; when I do, I use one of each in this recipe. Finally, for the cans of beans, I lean toward one can of black beans and one can of either Navy or Great Northern beans, both of which are white. Between the multi-colored peppers, two different kinds of onions, and different colored beans, it makes for a more colorful chili. But if you only have two cans of white, red or black beans, that's fine, too.
Tofu, straight from the package
Crumbled
2 T olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 peppers, chopped
16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled
2 19-once cans of beans, drained
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt & Pepper to taste
Note: For cutting up onions, check here.
Sauté the onion, peppers & garlic in oil over medium heat.
onions, peppers and garlic
Add tofu and sauté until crisp & lightly browned. While this is cooking, peel and cut the carrots. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, carrots, chili powder, cumin, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 50-60 minutes. Serve over noodles. Serves 4.
Chili, cooking
Make sure to stir periodically to keep chili from burning
YUM!
SLOW COOKER BEEF RAGU WITH MUSHROOMS AND PEPPERS
I've been receiving ivillage.com newsletters for years. This was in one of them, in "Easiest Homemade Dinner Ever! 5-Ingredients Recipes for Your Slow Cooker." This recipe originates with Jessica Fisher's blog Good Cheap Eats. Prep time: 5 minutes; cooking time: 4 hours; Yields 8 servings
To view it online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 to 1 whole bell pepper, chopped
4 cups Red Sauce or other favorite spaghetti sauce
Instructions
Place the items in the order listed in the crock of a 4-quart slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours.
Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
To freeze: store cooled meat mixture in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat on the stovetop.
CHILI-TOPPED POTATOES
This comes from FamilyTime.com. It starts off, “It takes just 30 minutes to transform ordinary baked potatoes into a delicious main course, filled with chili-seasoned beef, cheddar cheese and green onions.” Serves: 4 servings (1 potato each); Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients1 pound Ground Beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce
4 hot baked potato, split
shredded Cheddar cheese
Chopped green onion
Directions
Cook the beef and chili powder in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the picante sauce in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Serve the beef mixture over the potatoes. Top with the cheese and onion.
Tip: To bake the potatoes, pierce the potatoes with a fork. Microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes or bake at 400°F. for 1 hour or until tender.
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.
KEY LIME WHITE CHOCOLATE COOLERS
This comes from Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com's Home Cooking expert. She writes, “Key Lime and white chocolate make an amazing combination that is refreshingly cool, no matter the season. This variation of meltaway cookies is perfect for kitchen gifts and ships well. Macadamia nuts are optional or substitute your favorite nuts.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 12 minutes; Total Time: 27 minutes; Yield: about 4 dozen cookies
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, cut into cubes
1 Tablespoon fine-grated lime zest (use a microplane)
1 teaspoon key lime juice
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
Additional confectioners' powdered sugar for coating (about 1/2 cup)
Preparation
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine flour, corn starch, and confectioners' sugar. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter, key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture and begin mixing on low speed. Once mixture begins to get thick, increase speed to thoroughly mix until combined, scraping down sides. The mixture will look crumbly at first, but resist the urge to add any liquid. Be patient. The dough will eventually come together and get thick and smooth. Scrape batter from beaters. Mix in white chocolate chips and optional macadamia nuts with a large spoon.
Refrigerate dough at least 1 hour to firm up. (It is important that the dough be very cold before going into the oven or they will spread.) When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Compress and roll dough into 1-inch balls (see Notes). Place 1-1/2 inches apart on lined baking sheet, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until bottom edges just barely begin to turn brown. Do not over-bake. Let cool on baking sheets for at least 5 minutes, then remove to racks to cool.
Pour powdered sugar into a bowl. Roll key lime cookies in powdered sugar to cover. Store in an airtight container.
Notes:
• Do not make these any larger than 1-1/2 inches in diameter. They should be about the diameter of a quarter. If you make them any larger, you will have a mess on your hands.
• You can replace the white chocolate chips with finely chopped nuts (ie. all nuts and no chocolate) if you wish, or all white chocolate chips. Because these cookies retain their shape and are not crumbly, they make perfect kitchen gifts for shipping.
CROWD-PLEASING TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
Another recipe from FamilyTime.com. This one starts off, “You won't believe how easy it is to make this classic casserole featuring that favorite combination of tuna, noodles, peas and cream of mushroom soup. This version serves 8, so everyone can dig in!” Serves: 8 (about 1 1/4 cups each); Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped pimiento
2 cups Birds Eye® Sweet Garden Peas
2 cans (12 ounces each) tuna, drained
1/2 of a 12-ounce package medium egg noodles, (about 4 cups), cooked and drained
2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
DirectionsHeat the oven to 400°F.
Stir the soup, milk, pimientos, if desired, peas, tuna and noodles in a 2-quart casserole. Stir the bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl.
Bake the tuna mixture for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Stir the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture.
Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread crumb mixture is golden brown.
Easy Substitution: You can substitute Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup for the Cream of Mushroom Soup.
REWORKED VEGETARIAN CHILI
I've fixed this recipe probably several hundred times, easily. This is a take-off on a recipe I'd found in Runner's World, which I've listed in several posts on this blog (with full credit).
Note: I have a habit of buying anywhere from 16 to 20 (or more) peppers of varying colors at the same time, then chopping them all up, putting them into several containers, and freezing them. When I put them into the containers, they're not separated by color, but, rather, dumped in together. This way, I end up with containers with red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers all thrown in together. Then, whenever I need cut up peppers, I end up with a colorful bunch of peppers in whatever I'm putting them in. If you prefer, you can buy one or two peppers as needed (like for this recipe) and cut it up at that time. You can use whichever color bell pepper you want; if I'm out of frozen peppers, and am planning to buy only one or two for this recipe, I usually go with the green peppers, since they're usually the cheapest.
Also, with the onions, I usually try to have both yellow and red onions on hand; when I do, I use one of each in this recipe. Finally, for the cans of beans, I lean toward one can of black beans and one can of either Navy or Great Northern beans, both of which are white. Between the multi-colored peppers, two different kinds of onions, and different colored beans, it makes for a more colorful chili. But if you only have two cans of white, red or black beans, that's fine, too.
Tofu, straight from the package
Crumbled
2 T olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 peppers, chopped
16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled
2 19-once cans of beans, drained
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt & Pepper to taste
Note: For cutting up onions, check here.
Sauté the onion, peppers & garlic in oil over medium heat.
onions, peppers and garlic
Add tofu and sauté until crisp & lightly browned. While this is cooking, peel and cut the carrots. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, carrots, chili powder, cumin, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 50-60 minutes. Serve over noodles. Serves 4.
Chili, cooking
Make sure to stir periodically to keep chili from burning
YUM!
SLOW COOKER BEEF RAGU WITH MUSHROOMS AND PEPPERS
I've been receiving ivillage.com newsletters for years. This was in one of them, in "Easiest Homemade Dinner Ever! 5-Ingredients Recipes for Your Slow Cooker." This recipe originates with Jessica Fisher's blog Good Cheap Eats. Prep time: 5 minutes; cooking time: 4 hours; Yields 8 servings
To view it online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 to 1 whole bell pepper, chopped
4 cups Red Sauce or other favorite spaghetti sauce
Instructions
Place the items in the order listed in the crock of a 4-quart slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours.
Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
To freeze: store cooled meat mixture in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat on the stovetop.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Weekday Recipes
Another later-in-the-day post for your week-day meals. Enjoy!
BROWNIE TART
This comes from The Food Network's Ina Garten, of Barefoot Contessa fame. Total Time: 55 min; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 40 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/brownie-tart-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
3 1/4 cups (20 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
3 extra-large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped walnuts
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
Grease and flour a 9-inch tart pan with removable sides. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a bowl set over simmering water. Add 2 cups of the chocolate chips, remove from the heat, and stir until the chocolate melts. Set aside to cool completely.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs, sugar, coffee, and vanilla on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cooled chocolate. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup of the chocolate chips, and the walnuts. Fold the flour mixture into the batter until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is puffed (the top may crack). The inside will still be very soft. Cool to room temperature before removing the sides of the tart pan.
Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips with the heavy cream and drizzle on the tart.
BEEF STEW
I came up with this years ago when the stew recipes I had seemed too bland. I've since become a vegetarian, but this does hold memories. Also, you can find this and the next recipe (Bean Burger) in my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking.
2-3 lbs. stewing beef
3 T oil
2 C water
1 onion, chopped
8 oz tomato sauce
1 C flour
1 T soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
4 carrots, cut up
1 large potato, peeled & cut up
6 oz tomato paste
4 T vinegar
3 T honey
salt & pepper
Cut beef into bite-sized pieces. Trim fat & dredge in flour & brown in oil. Add every-thing except carrots & potato. Cook 15 minutes. Add carrots & cook 15 more minutes. Add potato & cook 30 minutes. Add water as needed. Serve over noodles.
BEAN BURGER
My kids had this one evening when I had to go out; they loved it.
1 1/2 lbs. hamburger
2 15-oz cans baked beans
2 T mustard (or to taste)
2 T brown sugar (or to taste)
Brown hamburger. Drain grease, then add beans, mustard & brown sugar. Heat thoroughly. May be eaten on hamburger buns, taco shells, or plain.
ULTIMATE NACHOS
Not sure exactly where this came from, but I'm leaning toward Ro-Tel.com
Ingredients:
1/2 lb. Extra lean ground beef
8 oz. Velveeta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz. Tortilla chips (about 7 cups)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1 can (10 oz) Ro Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained well
Directions:
Brown meat in medium skillet; drain.
Microwave Velveeta in medium microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until completely melted, stirring after 30 seconds.
Place chips on large platter; top with Velveeta, meat and remaining ingredients.
SLOW-COOKER BARLEY AND CHICKPEA RISOTTO
This comes from Foxes Love Lemons, by way of ivillage.com. To view int online, go to http://foxeslovelemons.com/slow-cooker-barley-and-chickpea-risotto.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 small yellow onion, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1-1/4 cups pearl barley, rinsed
1 can (15.5 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, garlic, cauliflower and onion. Cook until vegetables being to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in thyme and barley; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Transfer mixture to slow-cooker bowl. Stir in garbanzo beans, broth, water, salt and pepper. Cook on high 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until barley is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Remove and discard thyme sprigs; stir in lemon juice. Serve in warm bowls garnished with cheese and parsley.
PEANUT BUTTER BANANA CREAM PIE
This comes from The Baker Chick. I love the food that comes out in her e-newsletters. If you haven't checked out (and signed up for) her newsletters, I recommend doing so. This makes 1 9-inch pie.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
20-25 Oreo Cookies
3 tablespoons of butter
pinch of salt
3 ripe bananas
For the Pudding:
2 1/4 cups whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Peanut Butter Mousse
3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)
2/3 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
For Peanut Butter Sauce: (optional)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons of milk
Instructions
For the Crust:
Place the Oreos in a large ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened- stir in the salt.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes or until set.
For the pudding:
Combine 2 cups of milk and the sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir together and heat until simmering.
Whisk egg yolks together and slowly pour about half of the milk mixture into it with one hand while whisking with the other until combined. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the rest of milk.
In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with the cornstarch until thick and combined. Pour it into the milk mixture and turn the heat back up to medium. Whisk constantly until very thick and bubbling like lava.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and butter.
Allow the pudding to cool a bit as you prep the mousse.
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla, then peanut butter.
Whip cream in another medium bowl until firm peaks form. Fold large spoonful of whipped cream into peanut mixture to loosen, then fold in remaining whipped cream in 2 additions.
To assemble:
Layer the pie in the prepared crust as follows: Sliced banana, pudding, bananas and mousse. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
For peanut butter sauce:
Melt peanut butter in the microwave until thinned. Whisk in powdered sugar and enough milk to thin it for drizzling. Drizzle the sauce over the pie before serving.
BROWNIE TART
This comes from The Food Network's Ina Garten, of Barefoot Contessa fame. Total Time: 55 min; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 40 min; Yield: 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/brownie-tart-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
3 1/4 cups (20 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
3 extra-large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped walnuts
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
Grease and flour a 9-inch tart pan with removable sides. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a bowl set over simmering water. Add 2 cups of the chocolate chips, remove from the heat, and stir until the chocolate melts. Set aside to cool completely.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs, sugar, coffee, and vanilla on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cooled chocolate. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup of the chocolate chips, and the walnuts. Fold the flour mixture into the batter until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is puffed (the top may crack). The inside will still be very soft. Cool to room temperature before removing the sides of the tart pan.
Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips with the heavy cream and drizzle on the tart.
BEEF STEW
I came up with this years ago when the stew recipes I had seemed too bland. I've since become a vegetarian, but this does hold memories. Also, you can find this and the next recipe (Bean Burger) in my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking.
2-3 lbs. stewing beef
3 T oil
2 C water
1 onion, chopped
8 oz tomato sauce
1 C flour
1 T soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
4 carrots, cut up
1 large potato, peeled & cut up
6 oz tomato paste
4 T vinegar
3 T honey
salt & pepper
Cut beef into bite-sized pieces. Trim fat & dredge in flour & brown in oil. Add every-thing except carrots & potato. Cook 15 minutes. Add carrots & cook 15 more minutes. Add potato & cook 30 minutes. Add water as needed. Serve over noodles.
BEAN BURGER
My kids had this one evening when I had to go out; they loved it.
1 1/2 lbs. hamburger
2 15-oz cans baked beans
2 T mustard (or to taste)
2 T brown sugar (or to taste)
Brown hamburger. Drain grease, then add beans, mustard & brown sugar. Heat thoroughly. May be eaten on hamburger buns, taco shells, or plain.
ULTIMATE NACHOS
Not sure exactly where this came from, but I'm leaning toward Ro-Tel.com
Ingredients:
1/2 lb. Extra lean ground beef
8 oz. Velveeta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz. Tortilla chips (about 7 cups)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1 can (10 oz) Ro Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained well
Directions:
Brown meat in medium skillet; drain.
Microwave Velveeta in medium microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until completely melted, stirring after 30 seconds.
Place chips on large platter; top with Velveeta, meat and remaining ingredients.
SLOW-COOKER BARLEY AND CHICKPEA RISOTTO
This comes from Foxes Love Lemons, by way of ivillage.com. To view int online, go to http://foxeslovelemons.com/slow-cooker-barley-and-chickpea-risotto.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 small yellow onion, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1-1/4 cups pearl barley, rinsed
1 can (15.5 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, garlic, cauliflower and onion. Cook until vegetables being to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in thyme and barley; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Transfer mixture to slow-cooker bowl. Stir in garbanzo beans, broth, water, salt and pepper. Cook on high 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until barley is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Remove and discard thyme sprigs; stir in lemon juice. Serve in warm bowls garnished with cheese and parsley.
PEANUT BUTTER BANANA CREAM PIE
This comes from The Baker Chick. I love the food that comes out in her e-newsletters. If you haven't checked out (and signed up for) her newsletters, I recommend doing so. This makes 1 9-inch pie.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
20-25 Oreo Cookies
3 tablespoons of butter
pinch of salt
3 ripe bananas
For the Pudding:
2 1/4 cups whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Peanut Butter Mousse
3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)
2/3 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
For Peanut Butter Sauce: (optional)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons of milk
Instructions
For the Crust:
Place the Oreos in a large ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened- stir in the salt.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes or until set.
For the pudding:
Combine 2 cups of milk and the sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir together and heat until simmering.
Whisk egg yolks together and slowly pour about half of the milk mixture into it with one hand while whisking with the other until combined. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the rest of milk.
In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with the cornstarch until thick and combined. Pour it into the milk mixture and turn the heat back up to medium. Whisk constantly until very thick and bubbling like lava.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and butter.
Allow the pudding to cool a bit as you prep the mousse.
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla, then peanut butter.
Whip cream in another medium bowl until firm peaks form. Fold large spoonful of whipped cream into peanut mixture to loosen, then fold in remaining whipped cream in 2 additions.
To assemble:
Layer the pie in the prepared crust as follows: Sliced banana, pudding, bananas and mousse. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
For peanut butter sauce:
Melt peanut butter in the microwave until thinned. Whisk in powdered sugar and enough milk to thin it for drizzling. Drizzle the sauce over the pie before serving.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Meatless Monday
Running late today, folks. Some days are like that. (Hope it's not an indication of the week!) Meanwhile, it's Meatless Monday. Enjoy!
VEGETABLE MOO SHU WRAPS
This is from the September 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 69. It starts off, “Skip the restaurant, and enjoy Chinese food at home with a veggie stir-fry served with hoisin sauce and moo shu pancakes (found in the frozen section of Asian markets). To assemble, smear hoisin on a pancake, spoon in stir-fry, and roll like a burrito. Vegans can substitute rice paper wrappers and swap baked tofu strips for the eggs and agave syrup for the honey.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
Sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbs. sesame oil
1 Tbs. rice wine vinegar or lime juice
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. honey
Filling
3 large eggs
1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 small red onion, sliced (1 cup)
2 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
1 cup large stemmed shiitake mushrooms, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 1/2 cups snow peas, sliced lengthwise
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
Wraps
16 Chinese moo shu pancakes or small, thin flour tortillas
Large lettuce leaves, optional
Hoisin sauce, for spreading inside wrappers
To make Sauce: Combine all ingredients in jar, close lid, and shake to combine. Set aside.
To make Filling: Whisk together eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil in bowl. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add eggs, swirl to spread over pan, and cook 1 minute. Flip with spatula, and cook 1 minute more. Slide onto cutting board, and slice into thin strips. Set aside.
Wipe out wok or skillet, add remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and ginger; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes, or until onion begins to soften. Add mushrooms and garlic, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are golden. Add cabbage, snow peas, carrots, and green onions; stir-fry 2 minutes more. Stir in Sauce, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until Sauce thickens. Fold egg strips into stir-fry mixture. Transfer to serving platter, and serve with warm moo shu pancakes, lettuce leaves (if using), and hoisin sauce.
nutritional information Per Wrap: Calories: 119; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Sodium: 278 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 4 g
ULTIMATE VEGGIE FRIED RICE
This is from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 38. It begins, “Add leftover cooked vegetables, an egg, or some beans, and you have a wonderful one-bowl meal.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 small carrot, diced (1/4 cup)
1 stalk celery, diced (1/4 cup)
1 tsp. herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cooked brown rice, crumbled or broken up
2 cups leftover vegetables, beans, etc., optional
Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and add oil. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, herbes de Provence, and salt 10 to 15 minutes, or until well browned. Add a little more oil if pan seems dry. Add rice, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mixture is hot and well combined.
Rice is now ready to be served, but if you have some time before your meal, turn heat to low, add a little more oil to pan, and let rice sit undisturbed 7 to 10 minutes, or until browned. If it begins to stick, scrape it up, stir tasty brown bits in, and continue browning with a little more oil. The more time and energy you spend at this stage, the tastier the rice will be. If using leftovers, add them just before serving and continue to heat thoroughly.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 189; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 308 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
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.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
VEGETABLE MOO SHU WRAPS
This is from the September 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 69. It starts off, “Skip the restaurant, and enjoy Chinese food at home with a veggie stir-fry served with hoisin sauce and moo shu pancakes (found in the frozen section of Asian markets). To assemble, smear hoisin on a pancake, spoon in stir-fry, and roll like a burrito. Vegans can substitute rice paper wrappers and swap baked tofu strips for the eggs and agave syrup for the honey.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
Sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbs. sesame oil
1 Tbs. rice wine vinegar or lime juice
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. honey
Filling
3 large eggs
1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 small red onion, sliced (1 cup)
2 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
1 cup large stemmed shiitake mushrooms, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 1/2 cups snow peas, sliced lengthwise
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
Wraps
16 Chinese moo shu pancakes or small, thin flour tortillas
Large lettuce leaves, optional
Hoisin sauce, for spreading inside wrappers
To make Sauce: Combine all ingredients in jar, close lid, and shake to combine. Set aside.
To make Filling: Whisk together eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil in bowl. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add eggs, swirl to spread over pan, and cook 1 minute. Flip with spatula, and cook 1 minute more. Slide onto cutting board, and slice into thin strips. Set aside.
Wipe out wok or skillet, add remaining 1 1/2 tsp. oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and ginger; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes, or until onion begins to soften. Add mushrooms and garlic, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are golden. Add cabbage, snow peas, carrots, and green onions; stir-fry 2 minutes more. Stir in Sauce, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until Sauce thickens. Fold egg strips into stir-fry mixture. Transfer to serving platter, and serve with warm moo shu pancakes, lettuce leaves (if using), and hoisin sauce.
nutritional information Per Wrap: Calories: 119; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Sodium: 278 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 4 g
ULTIMATE VEGGIE FRIED RICE
This is from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 38. It begins, “Add leftover cooked vegetables, an egg, or some beans, and you have a wonderful one-bowl meal.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 small carrot, diced (1/4 cup)
1 stalk celery, diced (1/4 cup)
1 tsp. herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cooked brown rice, crumbled or broken up
2 cups leftover vegetables, beans, etc., optional
Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and add oil. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, herbes de Provence, and salt 10 to 15 minutes, or until well browned. Add a little more oil if pan seems dry. Add rice, and stir-fry 5 minutes, or until mixture is hot and well combined.
Rice is now ready to be served, but if you have some time before your meal, turn heat to low, add a little more oil to pan, and let rice sit undisturbed 7 to 10 minutes, or until browned. If it begins to stick, scrape it up, stir tasty brown bits in, and continue browning with a little more oil. The more time and energy you spend at this stage, the tastier the rice will be. If using leftovers, add them just before serving and continue to heat thoroughly.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 189; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 308 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
VEGAN ANGEL HAIR PASTA PRIMAVERA
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian expert. She writes, “Primavera is a healthy main dish easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. Made from a simple creamy homemade white sauce and plenty of garlic and basil for flavor, this is a healthy and filling vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner.”
She adds, “With lots of veggies and a soymilk-based sauce, this vegetarian and vegan pasta primavera with angel hair is very low in fat.”
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
6 tbsp flour
3 cups soy milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and basil until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
Slowly add the soy milk, stirring constantly. Stir in the nutritional yeast, then cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
Steam the broccoli and carrot, and add to the sauce along with the mushrooms and peas. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook until heated through.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then serve sauce over pasta.
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.
GRILLED VEGETABLE PANZANELLA
From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 27. The recipe starts off, “Grilled summer vegetables require little seasoning to taste spectacular in this hearty bread salad.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
4 slices rustic French bread (8 oz.)
1 12-oz. pkg. cherry tomatoes
16 large green beans (4 oz.)
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 small head radicchio, diced
1 oz. chilled blue cheese, crumbled or coarsely grated (1/3 cup)
4 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
Coat grill pan or basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.
Grill bread slices 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and lightly charred. Slice into cubes, and transfer to large bowl.
Coat tomatoes, green beans, and squash lightly with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Arrange in separate groups on prepared grill pan or in grill basket. Grill 8 minutes, or until squash and beans are charred and just tender, and tomatoes are splitting open, turning vegetables occasionally.
Transfer all but 4 tomatoes to medium bowl. Press tomatoes in bowl slightly to release juices. Spoon tomatoes, and then their juices, over toast cubes.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic in large serving bowl. Add remaining 4 tomatoes, mash coarsely, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cut green beans and squash crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cut vegetables, radicchio, and blue cheese to bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Add bread cube mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle chopped eggs over top.
nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 361; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 192 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 8 g
VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN
Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4
Ingredients:
For the bread crumb topping:
3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)
1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
For the Filling:
3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti
2 T. white granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. marjoram
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)
2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.
Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes:
For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.
For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.
To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!
Friday, February 20, 2015
Weekend Meals
Brrrr...It's still cold, even in Florida. Hopefully, you're staying warm, wherever you live. Meanwhile, here's your weekend recipes. (And I'll try to make up for Wednesday's missing blog before Monday.) Enjoy!
CITRUS CHICKEN AND RICE
This is from FamilyTime.com. It starts off, "A simply delicious combination of orange juice, chicken broth and onion simmer together to flavor this delicate chicken and rice skillet dish." Serves: 4; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast half
Swanson® Chicken Stock or 1 3/4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth
1/2 cup orange juice
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Cook the chicken in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Stir the broth, orange juice, onion and rice in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked though and the rice is tender. Stir in the parsley.
Serving Suggestion: For a special touch, cook orange slices in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until they're lightly browned. Serve over the chicken.
Ingredient Note: We develop our recipes using a 4-to 5-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half per serving. However, there are a range of sizes available in-store, from the butcher counter to the meat case and the freezer section. Use whichever you prefer- just follow the recipe as written above for the best result. If you're using larger chicken breasts they may require a little longer cooking time.
TART CHERRY PIE
This comes from Diabetic Connect, and starts off, "Tart cherries in a sweet, creamy filling make this a pie that's sure to please."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 (16 ounce) cans pitted tart cherries (in water - no syrup)
1 large box cook & serve sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
1 small box sugar-free cherry gelatin
Sugar substitute to equal 4 teaspoon sugar
1 baked 9-inch almond flour pie crust (recipe below)
1 1/4 cups almond flour
3 packets of Splenda
4 tablespoons softened butter
Directions
Drain cherries, reserving juice. Set cherries aside.
In a saucepan, combine cherry juice and dry pudding mix. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil and is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in gelatin powder and sweetener until dissolved. Stir in the cherries; transfer to pie shell. Cool completely. Store in refrigerator.
Pie Crust: Combine almond flour, splenda, and butter to form a pastry dough. Evenly spread dough in pie tin and bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes until browned.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 8; Calories 176; Sodium 293 mg; Cholesterol 0; Carbohydrate 24 gm; Protein 3 gm; Fat 8 gm; Diabetic Exchange1 starch; 1/2 fruit
WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. She wrote, "As the mercury plunges I'm increasingly in the mood for comfort food, but want to resist the temptation to indulge in high-fat, high-calorie fare. Checking first to see what vegetables I had on hand I decided to make a nourishing winter vegetable soup. My favorite way to enjoy a vegetable-based soup is to puree it, making a velvety blend of goodness, without the need for cream or butter. While I use chicken broth in this soup, feel free to use a vegetable broth instead for a real vegetarian soup." Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Serves 6-8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup chopped leeks, white parts only
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced
1 cup rutabaga or turnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium russet potato, peeled, cut into pieces
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
4 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth, divided
Salt and pepper as desired
Preparation
Heat oil on medium heat in a large pot. Sauté garlic, celery, leeks and carrots for 5 minutes.
Add chopped rutabaga, and potatoes, followed by canned tomatoes and 3 cups of broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
In two or three batches, puree soup with in a blender, or use an immersion blender. Add extra cup of broth to thin the soup a little.
Per 1 1/2 cup serving: Calories 113, Calories from Fat 16, Total Fat 1.8g (sat0.2g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 168mg, Carbohydrate 20.2g, Fiber 4.1g, Protein 4.1g
BLACK BEAN AND CHORIZO SOUP
This hearty Black bean soup will warm you up on a cold day.
Yield: 10 servings. 1/2 cup per serving.
Photo/Print: http://diabeticgourment.com/recipes/html/1204.shtml
Ingredients
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 onion, cubed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tomato, deseeded and chopped
1 ancho chile, seeded, soaked in hot water
1 pasilla pepper, seeded, soaked in hot water
1 (19 oz) can black beans
1 bouquet garni (1 Tbsp each dried cilantro, oregano, marjoram wrapped in cheesecloth)*
1 lime, halved
4 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp mezcal or tequila
Salt to taste
6 Tbsp chorizo, fried and crumbled
6 Tbsp low-fat buttermilk
* Bouquet garni is a bundle of herbs used to prepare soup, stock and various stews. The bouquet is boiled with other ingredients, but removed prior to consumption. To make the bouquet, use 1 Tbsp each of dried cilantro, oregano and marjoram and place in cheesecloth to form a bundle.
Directions
In deep pan or pot, heat canola oil at high heat and add onion. Saute until brown and add garlic. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomatoes and peppers. Cook 15 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Combine black beans, bouquet garni, limes and broth with mixture. Cook 5 minutes. Add mezcal or tequila, salt and discard lime halves and herbs. Cook 10 minutes. Blend and season to taste.
Garnish with buttermilk and chorizo.
Tip: If too thick, add more broth
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 7 g ; Sodium: 310 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g
CHICKEN DINNER IN FOIL
Left to my own devices, I'm a vegetarian. However, I know many people love meat, which is why I've included this, as well as other meat recipes on occasion. This one comes from Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com's Home Cooking expert. She writes, "Cooking meals in foil packets is nothing new to campers. The method also works quite well in your home oven. This particular version is one of the most flavorful you'll ever taste, although there is nothing exotic about it. Measurements, ingredients, and serving sizes are all easily adaptable, and it's easy enough for even the most basic cook." Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Non-stick aluminum foil
3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 medium red potatoes, scrubbed clean or peeled
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, unthawed
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1-1/2 to 2 cups fine-shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
1/4 cup bacon bits
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 F. Tear off 6 sheets of non-stick foil, approximately 15- x 12-inches.
Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise so they are about 1/2-inch thick. Season on both sides with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sage, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
Slice potatoes into rounds about 1/4-inch thick (see Notes). A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this chore, and it goes fast. Have the remaining ingredients opened and ready to go.
Set up a production line by spreading out each square of foil next to each other. Spray the centers of the squares with butter-flavored oil. Place potato slices in the center, with each slice overlapping halfway, to the length of the chicken breasts. This will be your base to build upon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breast halves on top of the potatoes and follow with the broccoli. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the broccoli. Top broccoli with Cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon bits.
Fold up the foil sides and fold the edges down to make individual sealed packets, leaving about 1 inch of air-space at the top. Place the packets on a heavy rimmed baking tray (jelly roll pan).
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the chicken breasts. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the packets on a plate and let guests open them at the table. Alternatively, you can remove the foil and slide the stacks onto a plate to serve.
A side salad and artisan bread make perfect accompaniments.
Notes:
• It is important that the potatoes be sliced evenly and thin. Otherwise, they will not cook through.
• Cream of celery, chicken, or cheese soups may be substituted for the cream of mushroom soup, as well as low-fat and low-sodium varieties. Spoon the soup on straight from the can.
• You may substitute skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Increase the baking time to 45 to 50 minutes.
• Frozen mixed vegetables of your choice may be substituted for the broccoli.
• Prepared stuffing may be substituted for the potatoes.
• I do not recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for this recipe. Although I normally prefer skin-on, bone-in chicken for flavor and moisture retention, this method and cooking time will not be long enough to render the fat and cook the chicken completely. If you increase the cooking time, the vegetables will lose texture integrity and become mushy.
• As you can tell from reading the method, this recipe is easily multiplied. The ingredient amounts are easily adjustable to suit your own tastes.
• The foil packets work just as well in a covered grill.
• Be careful of steam when you open the packets. If you use commercial chicken, you will notice it releases a lot of water. This is because commercial chicken is enhanced. You may wish to open one end of the packet and drain any excess liquid before serving.
CREAMY IRISH POTATO SOUP
This recipe comes from Campbell's Kitchen; to view this recipe online, click here. The recipe starts off, "This rich and creamy potato soup is subtly flavored with celery and green onions. It's the kind of soup you'll want to savor slowly...even though it's ready in just 35 minutes."
Prep. time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes; Serves: 5 servings (1 1/4 cups each)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium green onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 stalk celery, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 3/4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth, (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 medium potato, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until they're tender.
Stir the broth, black pepper and potatoes in the saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Place half of the broth mixture and half of the milk in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Repeat with the remaining broth mixture and remaining milk. Return to the saucepan and heat through.
CITRUS CHICKEN AND RICE
This is from FamilyTime.com. It starts off, "A simply delicious combination of orange juice, chicken broth and onion simmer together to flavor this delicate chicken and rice skillet dish." Serves: 4; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast half
Swanson® Chicken Stock or 1 3/4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth
1/2 cup orange juice
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Cook the chicken in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Stir the broth, orange juice, onion and rice in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked though and the rice is tender. Stir in the parsley.
Serving Suggestion: For a special touch, cook orange slices in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until they're lightly browned. Serve over the chicken.
Ingredient Note: We develop our recipes using a 4-to 5-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half per serving. However, there are a range of sizes available in-store, from the butcher counter to the meat case and the freezer section. Use whichever you prefer- just follow the recipe as written above for the best result. If you're using larger chicken breasts they may require a little longer cooking time.
TART CHERRY PIE
This comes from Diabetic Connect, and starts off, "Tart cherries in a sweet, creamy filling make this a pie that's sure to please."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 (16 ounce) cans pitted tart cherries (in water - no syrup)
1 large box cook & serve sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
1 small box sugar-free cherry gelatin
Sugar substitute to equal 4 teaspoon sugar
1 baked 9-inch almond flour pie crust (recipe below)
1 1/4 cups almond flour
3 packets of Splenda
4 tablespoons softened butter
Directions
Drain cherries, reserving juice. Set cherries aside.
In a saucepan, combine cherry juice and dry pudding mix. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil and is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in gelatin powder and sweetener until dissolved. Stir in the cherries; transfer to pie shell. Cool completely. Store in refrigerator.
Pie Crust: Combine almond flour, splenda, and butter to form a pastry dough. Evenly spread dough in pie tin and bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes until browned.
Nutritional Facts: Servings: 8; Calories 176; Sodium 293 mg; Cholesterol 0; Carbohydrate 24 gm; Protein 3 gm; Fat 8 gm; Diabetic Exchange1 starch; 1/2 fruit
WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. She wrote, "As the mercury plunges I'm increasingly in the mood for comfort food, but want to resist the temptation to indulge in high-fat, high-calorie fare. Checking first to see what vegetables I had on hand I decided to make a nourishing winter vegetable soup. My favorite way to enjoy a vegetable-based soup is to puree it, making a velvety blend of goodness, without the need for cream or butter. While I use chicken broth in this soup, feel free to use a vegetable broth instead for a real vegetarian soup." Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Serves 6-8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup chopped leeks, white parts only
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced
1 cup rutabaga or turnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium russet potato, peeled, cut into pieces
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
4 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth, divided
Salt and pepper as desired
Preparation
Heat oil on medium heat in a large pot. Sauté garlic, celery, leeks and carrots for 5 minutes.
Add chopped rutabaga, and potatoes, followed by canned tomatoes and 3 cups of broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
In two or three batches, puree soup with in a blender, or use an immersion blender. Add extra cup of broth to thin the soup a little.
Per 1 1/2 cup serving: Calories 113, Calories from Fat 16, Total Fat 1.8g (sat0.2g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 168mg, Carbohydrate 20.2g, Fiber 4.1g, Protein 4.1g
BLACK BEAN AND CHORIZO SOUP
This hearty Black bean soup will warm you up on a cold day.
Yield: 10 servings. 1/2 cup per serving.
Photo/Print: http://diabeticgourment.com/recipes/html/1204.shtml
Ingredients
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 onion, cubed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tomato, deseeded and chopped
1 ancho chile, seeded, soaked in hot water
1 pasilla pepper, seeded, soaked in hot water
1 (19 oz) can black beans
1 bouquet garni (1 Tbsp each dried cilantro, oregano, marjoram wrapped in cheesecloth)*
1 lime, halved
4 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp mezcal or tequila
Salt to taste
6 Tbsp chorizo, fried and crumbled
6 Tbsp low-fat buttermilk
* Bouquet garni is a bundle of herbs used to prepare soup, stock and various stews. The bouquet is boiled with other ingredients, but removed prior to consumption. To make the bouquet, use 1 Tbsp each of dried cilantro, oregano and marjoram and place in cheesecloth to form a bundle.
Directions
In deep pan or pot, heat canola oil at high heat and add onion. Saute until brown and add garlic. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomatoes and peppers. Cook 15 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Combine black beans, bouquet garni, limes and broth with mixture. Cook 5 minutes. Add mezcal or tequila, salt and discard lime halves and herbs. Cook 10 minutes. Blend and season to taste.
Garnish with buttermilk and chorizo.
Tip: If too thick, add more broth
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 7 g ; Sodium: 310 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g
CHICKEN DINNER IN FOIL
Left to my own devices, I'm a vegetarian. However, I know many people love meat, which is why I've included this, as well as other meat recipes on occasion. This one comes from Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com's Home Cooking expert. She writes, "Cooking meals in foil packets is nothing new to campers. The method also works quite well in your home oven. This particular version is one of the most flavorful you'll ever taste, although there is nothing exotic about it. Measurements, ingredients, and serving sizes are all easily adaptable, and it's easy enough for even the most basic cook." Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Non-stick aluminum foil
3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 medium red potatoes, scrubbed clean or peeled
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, unthawed
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1-1/2 to 2 cups fine-shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
1/4 cup bacon bits
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 F. Tear off 6 sheets of non-stick foil, approximately 15- x 12-inches.
Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise so they are about 1/2-inch thick. Season on both sides with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sage, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
Slice potatoes into rounds about 1/4-inch thick (see Notes). A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this chore, and it goes fast. Have the remaining ingredients opened and ready to go.
Set up a production line by spreading out each square of foil next to each other. Spray the centers of the squares with butter-flavored oil. Place potato slices in the center, with each slice overlapping halfway, to the length of the chicken breasts. This will be your base to build upon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breast halves on top of the potatoes and follow with the broccoli. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the broccoli. Top broccoli with Cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon bits.
Fold up the foil sides and fold the edges down to make individual sealed packets, leaving about 1 inch of air-space at the top. Place the packets on a heavy rimmed baking tray (jelly roll pan).
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the chicken breasts. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the packets on a plate and let guests open them at the table. Alternatively, you can remove the foil and slide the stacks onto a plate to serve.
A side salad and artisan bread make perfect accompaniments.
Notes:
• It is important that the potatoes be sliced evenly and thin. Otherwise, they will not cook through.
• Cream of celery, chicken, or cheese soups may be substituted for the cream of mushroom soup, as well as low-fat and low-sodium varieties. Spoon the soup on straight from the can.
• You may substitute skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Increase the baking time to 45 to 50 minutes.
• Frozen mixed vegetables of your choice may be substituted for the broccoli.
• Prepared stuffing may be substituted for the potatoes.
• I do not recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for this recipe. Although I normally prefer skin-on, bone-in chicken for flavor and moisture retention, this method and cooking time will not be long enough to render the fat and cook the chicken completely. If you increase the cooking time, the vegetables will lose texture integrity and become mushy.
• As you can tell from reading the method, this recipe is easily multiplied. The ingredient amounts are easily adjustable to suit your own tastes.
• The foil packets work just as well in a covered grill.
• Be careful of steam when you open the packets. If you use commercial chicken, you will notice it releases a lot of water. This is because commercial chicken is enhanced. You may wish to open one end of the packet and drain any excess liquid before serving.
CREAMY IRISH POTATO SOUP
This recipe comes from Campbell's Kitchen; to view this recipe online, click here. The recipe starts off, "This rich and creamy potato soup is subtly flavored with celery and green onions. It's the kind of soup you'll want to savor slowly...even though it's ready in just 35 minutes."
Prep. time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes; Serves: 5 servings (1 1/4 cups each)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium green onion, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 stalk celery, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 3/4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth, (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 medium potato, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until they're tender.
Stir the broth, black pepper and potatoes in the saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Place half of the broth mixture and half of the milk in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Repeat with the remaining broth mixture and remaining milk. Return to the saucepan and heat through.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Diabetic Thursday - Desserts
Somehow, yesterday got away from me and I missed posting Wednesday's blog post. Not to worry; tomorrow, I'll try doing a double post. In the meantime, today's Diabetic Thursday is dedicated to desserts. Enjoy!
CHOCOLATE SWIRL CHEESECAKE
New York-style cheesecake swirled with a rich chocolate mixture. Serve with fresh raspberries.
Yield: 16 servings
View online with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/990.shtml
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
4 tablespoons stick butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated**
2 eggs
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted, slightly cooled
1 tablespoon fat-free milk
Chocolate curls (optional)
* May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener
* May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener
** May substitute 18 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Crust, mix vanilla wafer crumbs, butter and 2 tablespoons Equal. Press onto bottom and 1/2-inch up side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in preheated 325F oven 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack while preparing cheesecake.
For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and cornstarch. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined.
Remove 1/2 cup cheesecake batter. Pour remaining batter over baked crust.
Add melted chocolate and fat-free milk to 1/2 cup reserved cheesecake batter; mix well. Place spoonfuls of chocolate mixture on top of cheesecake. Using tip of knife or spatula, gently swirl chocolate batter into cheesecake.
Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving. To serve, remove side of pan.
Garnish top of cheesecake with chocolate curls, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 164; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 235 mg; Cholesterol: 57 mg; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Exchanges: 1 milk, 2 fat
CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
This delicious chocolate cheesecake is not only greatly reduced in fat, but also has 76% less carbohydrates than the traditional recipe. It will become a favorite!
Yield: 16 servings
View online with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/989.shtml
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 ounces (4 squares) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Fresh raspberries, optional
Fresh mint, optional
* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener.
Directions
For Crust, spray bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle almonds over bottom, patting gently onto pan; set aside.
For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently mix in chocolate until blended. Pour batter over crust.
Bake in preheated 325F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 197; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 231 mg; Cholesterol: 67 mg; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 3 fat
PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Yield: 40 cookies
Source: The Best Diabetes Cookbook
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/25.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup soft margarine
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray baking sheets with nonstick vegetable spray.
In large bowl or food processor, beat together brown and granulated sugars, peanut butter, milk, margarine, egg and vanilla until well blended.
Combine all-purpose and whole what flours and baking soda; add to bowl and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Stir in chocolate chips and raisins.
Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until browned.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 70, Carbohydrate: 10 g, Fiber: 1 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 3 g, Sodium: 51 mg, Cholesterol: 6 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 2/3 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
LEMON PUDDING CAKE
Yield: 4 servings
Source: "1,001 Delicious Desserts for People with Diabetes"
To View Book: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/21.shtml
Ingredients
3 tablespoons flour
3-1/2 teaspoons Equal for Recipes or 12 packets Equal sweetener
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 pinches ground nutmeg
1 cup fat-free milk
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks
Directions
Combine flour, Equal for Recipes, salt, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Beat milk, egg yolks, and lemon juice in small bowl until well blended; add to dry ingredients, beating well. Fold in egg whites.
Pour mixture into lightly greased 1-quart souffle dish or casserole. Place in small roasting pan on middle oven rack and pour 1 inch hot water into pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. until top is set and sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes.
Remove souffle dish from hot water; cool on wire rack. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 95, Fat: 2.7 g, Cholesterol: 107.6 mg, Sodium: 209 mg, Protein: 8.7 g, Carbohydrate: 8.7 g
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE TORTE
Serves: 12
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/957.shtml
Ingredients
Torte Ingredients:
6 tablespoons stick butter or margarine
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/3 cup sugar-free apricot preserves or apricot spreadable fruit
2 teaspoons instant coffee crystals
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
3 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
Rich Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine
Whipped topping, fresh raspberries, and/or fresh mint (optional)
* May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Torte, heat 6 tablespoons butter, 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, milk, preserves and coffee crystals in small saucepan, whisking frequently until chocolate is almost melted.
Remove pan from heat; continue whisking until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Whisk in egg yolk and vanilla. Add Equal, whisking until smooth.
Lightly grease bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment or waxed paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to stiff peaks in large bowl. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites; fold in combined flour and salt. Pour cake batter into pan.
Bake in preheated 350 F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Carefully loosen side of cake from pan with small sharp knife, which will keep cake from cracking as it cools. Cool cake completely in pan on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.
For Rich Chocolate Glaze, melt 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter in small saucepan, stirring frequently.
Remove cake from pan and place on serving plate. Pour Rich Chocolate Glaze over top of cake, letting it run down sides.
Let cake stand about 1 hour or until glaze is set. Garnish top of cake with prepared whipped topping, fresh raspberries and fresh mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 145; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 116 mg; Cholesterol: 36 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 2 fat
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
Servings: 10
To view online, click here.
Ingredients
24 ounces cream cheese
4 eggs
1 cup strawberry pourable fruit
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Strawberries, sliced
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Beat softened cream cheese in large bowl until creamy.
Blend in pourable fruit, vanilla, and salt. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour into greased 9" springform pan. Bake for 50 minutes.
Combine sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Carefully spoon over warm cheesecake. Bake another 10 minutes, or until just set. Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in oven, with door closed for 30 minutes.
Transfer to wire rack and loosen cheesecake from rim of pan. Cool overnight.
Just before serving, garnish with sliced strawberries.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 379; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 31 g; Sodium: 313 mg; Cholesterol: 170 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat; 5 fat; 1-1/4 fruit
CHOCOLATE SWIRL CHEESECAKE
New York-style cheesecake swirled with a rich chocolate mixture. Serve with fresh raspberries.
Yield: 16 servings
View online with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/990.shtml
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
4 tablespoons stick butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated**
2 eggs
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted, slightly cooled
1 tablespoon fat-free milk
Chocolate curls (optional)
* May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener
* May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener
** May substitute 18 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Crust, mix vanilla wafer crumbs, butter and 2 tablespoons Equal. Press onto bottom and 1/2-inch up side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in preheated 325F oven 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack while preparing cheesecake.
For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and cornstarch. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined.
Remove 1/2 cup cheesecake batter. Pour remaining batter over baked crust.
Add melted chocolate and fat-free milk to 1/2 cup reserved cheesecake batter; mix well. Place spoonfuls of chocolate mixture on top of cheesecake. Using tip of knife or spatula, gently swirl chocolate batter into cheesecake.
Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving. To serve, remove side of pan.
Garnish top of cheesecake with chocolate curls, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 164; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 235 mg; Cholesterol: 57 mg; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Exchanges: 1 milk, 2 fat
CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
This delicious chocolate cheesecake is not only greatly reduced in fat, but also has 76% less carbohydrates than the traditional recipe. It will become a favorite!
Yield: 16 servings
View online with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/989.shtml
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 ounces (4 squares) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Fresh raspberries, optional
Fresh mint, optional
* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener.
Directions
For Crust, spray bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle almonds over bottom, patting gently onto pan; set aside.
For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently mix in chocolate until blended. Pour batter over crust.
Bake in preheated 325F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 197; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 231 mg; Cholesterol: 67 mg; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 3 fat
PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Yield: 40 cookies
Source: The Best Diabetes Cookbook
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/25.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup soft margarine
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray baking sheets with nonstick vegetable spray.
In large bowl or food processor, beat together brown and granulated sugars, peanut butter, milk, margarine, egg and vanilla until well blended.
Combine all-purpose and whole what flours and baking soda; add to bowl and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Stir in chocolate chips and raisins.
Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until browned.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 70, Carbohydrate: 10 g, Fiber: 1 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 3 g, Sodium: 51 mg, Cholesterol: 6 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 2/3 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
LEMON PUDDING CAKE
Yield: 4 servings
Source: "1,001 Delicious Desserts for People with Diabetes"
To View Book: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/21.shtml
Ingredients
3 tablespoons flour
3-1/2 teaspoons Equal for Recipes or 12 packets Equal sweetener
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 pinches ground nutmeg
1 cup fat-free milk
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks
Directions
Combine flour, Equal for Recipes, salt, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Beat milk, egg yolks, and lemon juice in small bowl until well blended; add to dry ingredients, beating well. Fold in egg whites.
Pour mixture into lightly greased 1-quart souffle dish or casserole. Place in small roasting pan on middle oven rack and pour 1 inch hot water into pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. until top is set and sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes.
Remove souffle dish from hot water; cool on wire rack. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 95, Fat: 2.7 g, Cholesterol: 107.6 mg, Sodium: 209 mg, Protein: 8.7 g, Carbohydrate: 8.7 g
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE TORTE
Serves: 12
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/957.shtml
Ingredients
Torte Ingredients:
6 tablespoons stick butter or margarine
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/3 cup sugar-free apricot preserves or apricot spreadable fruit
2 teaspoons instant coffee crystals
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
3 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
Rich Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine
Whipped topping, fresh raspberries, and/or fresh mint (optional)
* May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Torte, heat 6 tablespoons butter, 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, milk, preserves and coffee crystals in small saucepan, whisking frequently until chocolate is almost melted.
Remove pan from heat; continue whisking until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Whisk in egg yolk and vanilla. Add Equal, whisking until smooth.
Lightly grease bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment or waxed paper. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to stiff peaks in large bowl. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites; fold in combined flour and salt. Pour cake batter into pan.
Bake in preheated 350 F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Carefully loosen side of cake from pan with small sharp knife, which will keep cake from cracking as it cools. Cool cake completely in pan on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.
For Rich Chocolate Glaze, melt 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter in small saucepan, stirring frequently.
Remove cake from pan and place on serving plate. Pour Rich Chocolate Glaze over top of cake, letting it run down sides.
Let cake stand about 1 hour or until glaze is set. Garnish top of cake with prepared whipped topping, fresh raspberries and fresh mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 145; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 12 g; Sodium: 116 mg; Cholesterol: 36 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 2 fat
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
Servings: 10
To view online, click here.
Ingredients
24 ounces cream cheese
4 eggs
1 cup strawberry pourable fruit
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Strawberries, sliced
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Beat softened cream cheese in large bowl until creamy.
Blend in pourable fruit, vanilla, and salt. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour into greased 9" springform pan. Bake for 50 minutes.
Combine sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Carefully spoon over warm cheesecake. Bake another 10 minutes, or until just set. Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in oven, with door closed for 30 minutes.
Transfer to wire rack and loosen cheesecake from rim of pan. Cool overnight.
Just before serving, garnish with sliced strawberries.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 379; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 31 g; Sodium: 313 mg; Cholesterol: 170 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat; 5 fat; 1-1/4 fruit
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Hope everyone's staying warm this chilly winter. If you can stay inside, do. But we do need to eat, so here are today's offerings Enjoy!
4-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE
This comes from Tablespoon, and starts off, “This clever cake calls for just a few basic ingredients, and raspberries on top. Chocolate, eggs and Betty Crocker chocolate frosting come together for a flour-free cake that’s outta this world rich, creamy, and delicious!” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (13 oz) package dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting
8 eggs, room temperature
1 cup raspberries
1/4 cup powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and frosting together until smooth. Spoon into a stand mixer and add 2 eggs at a time until all eggs have been added. Turn to high and beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
Spoon into a 7" cake pan that has been lined and rimmed with parchment paper. Place this cake pan into a large baking dish and carefully fill the outside baking dish with 1" of water. Be careful to not get any water inside your cake pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or just until the center of the cake sets. Remove and refrigerate until the cake is completely cool. Gently remove the cake from the cake pan by turning it upside-down on a serving platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with raspberries just before serving.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
LOW FAT SLOPPY JOES
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona writes, "Turkey sloppy Joes make a great weeknight meal or a great game-day treat. For an extra nutritional punch, serve with whole-grain rolls instead of regular rolls, and offer baby carrots and grapes on the side."
Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small yellow bell pepper, chopped
3/4 pound lean ground turkey
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
1 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 small Kaiser rolls
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and peppers until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Stir in chili powder and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture into the bottom half of a small roll. Add top of roll, then serve.
Makes 12 servings
Per Serving: Calories 167, Calories from Fat 41, total Fat 4.5g (sat 0.9g), Cholesterol 22mg, Sodium 438mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 8.9g
Per Serving using extra-lean ground turkey: Calories 158, Calories from Fat 24, Total Fat 2.6g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 427mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 11g
SPINACH, PEPPERS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES WITH PENNE RIGATE
This is from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 28. It begins, "Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add bright color, flavor, and body to this Mediterranean-style dish." Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
2 1/2 cups penne rigate pasta (6 oz.)
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and sliced
10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
4 cups packed baby spinach leaves (8 oz.)
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano
1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently, or until lightly browned.
Increase heat to high. Add roasted peppers, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, spinach, olives, oregano, lemon zest, and pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add pasta and reserved pasta-cooking water; cover, and cook 3 minutes more, or until heated through.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 266; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 340 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan
RIGATONI TORTE WITH RICOTTA AND FALL VEGETABLES
This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. It starts off, “Packed with autumn flavors, this impressive main dish is mac-and-cheese elevated to its highest form.” Serves 12.
To view this online, click here.
3 sprigs fresh sage plus 2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, divided
12 oz. white or cremini mushrooms, quartered (6 cups)
3 small leeks, white and light green parts cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (3 cups)
12 oz. broccoli, cut into 1 1/2-inch florets (6 cups)
1 lb. uncooked rigatoni
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 32-oz. pkg. creamy butternut squash soup, such as Imagine Foods
2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese, divided
1 tsp. truffle oil, plus more for drizzling, optional
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil with fresh sage sprigs; use this boiling water to separately blanch mushrooms (3 minutes), then leeks (2 minutes), and then broccoli (1 minute). Immediately transfer each vegetable to colander with slotted spoon, rinse under cold water, drain well, and transfer to 1 large bowl.
Cook rigatoni in boiling water 3 minutes less than cooking time recommended on package, then drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to separate large bowl.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until beginning to turn light brown, stirring constantly. Add butternut squash soup, and cook 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup grated cheese, chopped sage, and 1 tsp. truffle oil (if using); season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir soup mixture into pasta, add blanched vegetables, and stir to combine.
Spread one-third of pasta mixture in prepared springform pan; dot with 1/3 cup ricotta cheese. Repeat twice with remaining pasta mixture and ricotta, and then sprinkle with remaining 1 cup grated cheese. (If making ahead, cover springform pan tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Uncover before baking.)
Place springform pan on large baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes, or until top is browned and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding and serving.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 334; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 45 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 296 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 8 g
4-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE
This comes from Tablespoon, and starts off, “This clever cake calls for just a few basic ingredients, and raspberries on top. Chocolate, eggs and Betty Crocker chocolate frosting come together for a flour-free cake that’s outta this world rich, creamy, and delicious!” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (13 oz) package dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting
8 eggs, room temperature
1 cup raspberries
1/4 cup powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and frosting together until smooth. Spoon into a stand mixer and add 2 eggs at a time until all eggs have been added. Turn to high and beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
Spoon into a 7" cake pan that has been lined and rimmed with parchment paper. Place this cake pan into a large baking dish and carefully fill the outside baking dish with 1" of water. Be careful to not get any water inside your cake pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or just until the center of the cake sets. Remove and refrigerate until the cake is completely cool. Gently remove the cake from the cake pan by turning it upside-down on a serving platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with raspberries just before serving.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
LOW FAT SLOPPY JOES
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona writes, "Turkey sloppy Joes make a great weeknight meal or a great game-day treat. For an extra nutritional punch, serve with whole-grain rolls instead of regular rolls, and offer baby carrots and grapes on the side."
Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small yellow bell pepper, chopped
3/4 pound lean ground turkey
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
1 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 small Kaiser rolls
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and peppers until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Stir in chili powder and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture into the bottom half of a small roll. Add top of roll, then serve.
Makes 12 servings
Per Serving: Calories 167, Calories from Fat 41, total Fat 4.5g (sat 0.9g), Cholesterol 22mg, Sodium 438mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 8.9g
Per Serving using extra-lean ground turkey: Calories 158, Calories from Fat 24, Total Fat 2.6g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 427mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 11g
SPINACH, PEPPERS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES WITH PENNE RIGATE
This is from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 28. It begins, "Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add bright color, flavor, and body to this Mediterranean-style dish." Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
2 1/2 cups penne rigate pasta (6 oz.)
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and sliced
10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
4 cups packed baby spinach leaves (8 oz.)
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano
1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently, or until lightly browned.
Increase heat to high. Add roasted peppers, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, spinach, olives, oregano, lemon zest, and pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add pasta and reserved pasta-cooking water; cover, and cook 3 minutes more, or until heated through.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 266; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 340 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan
RIGATONI TORTE WITH RICOTTA AND FALL VEGETABLES
This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. It starts off, “Packed with autumn flavors, this impressive main dish is mac-and-cheese elevated to its highest form.” Serves 12.
To view this online, click here.
3 sprigs fresh sage plus 2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, divided
12 oz. white or cremini mushrooms, quartered (6 cups)
3 small leeks, white and light green parts cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (3 cups)
12 oz. broccoli, cut into 1 1/2-inch florets (6 cups)
1 lb. uncooked rigatoni
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 32-oz. pkg. creamy butternut squash soup, such as Imagine Foods
2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese, divided
1 tsp. truffle oil, plus more for drizzling, optional
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil with fresh sage sprigs; use this boiling water to separately blanch mushrooms (3 minutes), then leeks (2 minutes), and then broccoli (1 minute). Immediately transfer each vegetable to colander with slotted spoon, rinse under cold water, drain well, and transfer to 1 large bowl.
Cook rigatoni in boiling water 3 minutes less than cooking time recommended on package, then drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to separate large bowl.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until beginning to turn light brown, stirring constantly. Add butternut squash soup, and cook 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup grated cheese, chopped sage, and 1 tsp. truffle oil (if using); season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir soup mixture into pasta, add blanched vegetables, and stir to combine.
Spread one-third of pasta mixture in prepared springform pan; dot with 1/3 cup ricotta cheese. Repeat twice with remaining pasta mixture and ricotta, and then sprinkle with remaining 1 cup grated cheese. (If making ahead, cover springform pan tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Uncover before baking.)
Place springform pan on large baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes, or until top is browned and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding and serving.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 334; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 45 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 296 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 8 g
Monday, February 16, 2015
Meatless Monday
It's another Meatless Monday. Enjoy!
EXTRA-CREAMY CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
This comes from the January/February 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 56. It begins, “The subtle heat of cayenne pepper and cinnamon add a little kick to this extra-thick chocolate dip. A touch of cream helps the chocolate set in about 15 minutes and eliminates the need for tempering (bringing it to a certain temperature) in order for it to set.” Makes 12 chocolate-covered strawberries in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
4 oz. chopped bittersweet chocolate
5 Tbs. heavy cream
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, optional
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional
12 large, long-stemmed strawberries or other dippers
Line baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Fill medium saucepan with 1 inch water, and bring to a boil.
Place chocolate, cream, cinnamon (if using), and cayenne (if using) in nonreactive metal bowl that fits snugly in saucepan over water. Remove saucepan from heat, place bowl on top, cover, and let chocolate melt 3 minutes. Remove bowl from saucepan, and stir chocolate 1 minute, or until completely melted.
Hold 1 strawberry by stem, and dip halfway into chocolate. Gently scrape some chocolate from 1 side of strawberry (to avoid chocolate “foot”), and place scraped side down on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries and chocolate. Chill 15 minutes or up to 24 hours before serving.
nutritional information Per Chocolate-dipped strawberry: Calories: 73; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Cholesterol: 9 mg; Sodium: 3 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
VEGAN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
This comes from the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times. It starts off, “Melt-in-your-mouth truffles don't need much to make them irresistible, but if you want to jazz up this recipe, try stirring in 2 teaspoons of flavored liqueur, such as Chambord, Frangelico, or Kahlúa.” Makes 40 1-inch truffles.
1/2 cup chocolate soymilk
1 12-oz. pkg. vegan chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
Warm soymilk until hot to the touch. Set aside.
Melt chocolate chips in large metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Stir in warmed soymilk until smooth. Cover, and refrigerate 4 hours, or overnight.
Place cocoa on plate. Shape chilled chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls, and roll in cocoa.
nutritional information Per Truffle: Calories: 45; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 19 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
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 are 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.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
EXTRA-CREAMY CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
This comes from the January/February 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 56. It begins, “The subtle heat of cayenne pepper and cinnamon add a little kick to this extra-thick chocolate dip. A touch of cream helps the chocolate set in about 15 minutes and eliminates the need for tempering (bringing it to a certain temperature) in order for it to set.” Makes 12 chocolate-covered strawberries in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
4 oz. chopped bittersweet chocolate
5 Tbs. heavy cream
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, optional
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional
12 large, long-stemmed strawberries or other dippers
Line baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Fill medium saucepan with 1 inch water, and bring to a boil.
Place chocolate, cream, cinnamon (if using), and cayenne (if using) in nonreactive metal bowl that fits snugly in saucepan over water. Remove saucepan from heat, place bowl on top, cover, and let chocolate melt 3 minutes. Remove bowl from saucepan, and stir chocolate 1 minute, or until completely melted.
Hold 1 strawberry by stem, and dip halfway into chocolate. Gently scrape some chocolate from 1 side of strawberry (to avoid chocolate “foot”), and place scraped side down on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries and chocolate. Chill 15 minutes or up to 24 hours before serving.
nutritional information Per Chocolate-dipped strawberry: Calories: 73; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Cholesterol: 9 mg; Sodium: 3 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free
VEGAN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
This comes from the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times. It starts off, “Melt-in-your-mouth truffles don't need much to make them irresistible, but if you want to jazz up this recipe, try stirring in 2 teaspoons of flavored liqueur, such as Chambord, Frangelico, or Kahlúa.” Makes 40 1-inch truffles.
1/2 cup chocolate soymilk
1 12-oz. pkg. vegan chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
Warm soymilk until hot to the touch. Set aside.
Melt chocolate chips in large metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Stir in warmed soymilk until smooth. Cover, and refrigerate 4 hours, or overnight.
Place cocoa on plate. Shape chilled chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls, and roll in cocoa.
nutritional information Per Truffle: Calories: 45; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 19 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
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 are 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.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)