Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Today's double post deals with chili.
I absolutely love chili. I've tried several different chili recipes, al of which have pleasant memories for me.
Today's six chili recipes include my dad's Texas Chili, as well as Hearty Veggie Chili. Enjoy!
TURKEY CHILI
This comes from Pierre Franey in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “You might not think of chili as an easy weeknight dish, but this turkey version from Pierre Franey will change your mind. It's fabulous, it's healthy and it can be ready in about a half hour. A combination of dark and white meat really adds depth and richness of flavor, so try to find a mix, but all white meat (or a mixture of ground beef and turkey) will yield a stellar batch too.”
Yield: 6 servings or more; Time: 35 minutes.
This was featured in “60-Minute Gourmet”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/7985-turkey-chili.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds ground turkey, white and dark combined
2 cups coarsely chopped onions
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 large sweet red pepper, cored, deveined and coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 jalapeno pepper, cored, deveined and finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tablespoon, dried
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 cups canned diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth, fresh or canned
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 15-ounce cans of red kidney beans, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream (optional)
Sliced lime for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat the oil over high heat in a large heavy pot and add the turkey meat. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, chopping down and stirring with the side of a heavy kitchen spoon to break up any lumps.
Add the onions, garlic, sweet pepper, celery, jalapeno pepper, oregano, bay leaves, chili powder and cumin. Stir to blend well. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Add the drained beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes longer. Serve in bowls with cheddar cheese, and sour cream and lime wedges, if desired.
SUPER EASY VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN CHILI
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, vegetarian expert for The Spruce. Jolinda wrote, “Even though this easy homemade vegetarian chili recipe uses canned ingredients, a generous amount of spices are simmered to give it a homemade taste. Vegetarian chili is great to serve for large groups or to bring to potlucks, and this super easy chili recipe won't disappoint.
“This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, and, it can easily be made gluten-free by using water in place of the vegetable broth. Or, make your own homemade vegetable broth, or just shop around to find a gluten-free vegetable broth (several brands are available). Similarly, if you're adding in the optional TVP, check the ingredients to make sure yours is gluten-free if needed. Bob's Red Mill Brand TVP is gluten-free, but you may want to double-check the ingredients list for hidden additives if you're using another brand.”
Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can black or pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
dash cayenne pepper (optional)
dash red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup TVP + 1/2 cup water (optional)
Directions
In a medium to large soup pot, sautee the onion, bell pepper and garlic in the olive oil.
Add tomatoes, vegetable broth and chili powder and stir.
Reduce heat to medium low and add beans. Stir occasionally and cook for at least 20 minutes. Add TVP and water 10 minutes before done cooking. Of course, the longer you cook chili the better, but if you're pressed for time, 20 minutes is fine.
For a spicier chili, add extra cayenne and red pepper flakes, if you'd like.
Nutrition Facts (from Calorie Count):
One serving of this vegetarian chili (based on six servings) provides approximately:
Calories: 334, Calories from Fat: 54, Total Fat: 6.0g, 9%, Saturated Fat: 0.9g, 4%, Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%, Sodium: 260mg, 11%, Total Carbohydrates: 55.4g, 18%, Dietary Fiber: 15.5g, 62%, Sugars: 5.9g, Protein: 18.7g, Vitamin A 49%, Vitamin C 107%, Calcium 11%, Iron 35%, Based on a 2000 calorie diet
TEXAS CHILI
This is one of my dad’s recipes. Whenever Dad fixed this, he’d have to make 2 batches of chili: this for those brave enough to try it, another for everyone else, somewhat cooler.
This can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
3 balls ground beef suet
4 slices back, cut
2 lbs. stew beef, cut small
2 lbs. chopped chuck
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T paprika
1 tsp. oregano
3/4 tsp. cumin
1 2/3 T salt
3/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne
6 – 9 T chili powder
2 – 4 walnut-size pieces suet
2 Bermuda onions
1 can beef broth
3 cans measured water
6 C tomatoes & juice
1 1/2 lbs. drained kidney beans
In heavy pot place 3 balls suet with bacon. Cook out fat. Add & brown beef & chopped chuck. After browning, add garlic. Cook lightly. Add remainder of spices. In another pot, heat 2-4 pieces of suet. Add onions. Cook until almost burned. Add to meat pot. Deglaze pot with meat broth. Add water, tomatoes & juice. Mash tomatoes into chili. Cover & simmer slowly 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Uncover. Cook down for about 1/2 hour, adding kidney beans. Serves 6-8.
HEARTY VEGGIE CHILI
This is from MorningStar Farms, and begins, “During the week, convenience is key. Here’s a way to turn Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles® into a zesty chili. Just the right combination of red onion, tomatoes, kidney beans and zucchini complement the frozen crumbles for a family-pleasing chili.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped red onions, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 package (12 oz.) Morningstar Farms® Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles®
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped zucchini
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Parsley sprigs (optional)
Directions
In nonstick Dutch oven cook 3/4 cup of the onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, water, sugar and basil. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in MORNINGSTAR FARMS MEAL STARTERS GRILLERS RECIPE CRUMBLES and zucchini. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Ladle into serving bowls. Serve topped with the remaining 1/4 cup onion, cheddar cheese and parsley (if desired).
WEEKNIGHT TWO-BEAN CHILI
This comes from the Food Network kitchen, and starts out, “This 30-minute weekenight dinner is a vegetarian chili that tastes like it's been slow simmered for hours. The hint of Chinese five-spice powder is a nice spice surprise. If you serve it over spaghetti, it turns into Cincinnati-style chili. (1 serving of Cincinnati-style chili equals 3/4 cup chili + 2 ounce (dry) cooked whole-wheat spaghetti.)”
Level: Easy; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small jalapeno, minced (with some seeds)
1 small or 1/2 large red onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup canned crushed roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder or ground cinnamon, optional
Two 15-ounce cans beans (such as kidney and black), rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup finely shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (2 ounces)
Directions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; add the jalapenos, onions and vinegar and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds.
Stir in the broth, tomatoes, chili powder and five-spice powder if using, and increase the heat to high. Bring to a full boil and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the beans and return to a full boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until just slightly thickened but still soupy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro.
Fill each bowl with about 1/2 cup of rice. Ladle the chili on top, sprinkle with the Cheddar and serve.
SLOW COOKER CHILI
This comes from Sarah Digregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, “A great chili should be richly spiced, with layers of deep, savory flavor. Here, that big flavor comes from the usual contenders, but also from the unexpected additions of unsweetened cocoa, soy sauce and Worcestershire, which provide complexity. This recipe makes a thick, comforting chili that can be prepared in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you’re making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Check out the Times guide (by Sam Sifton) titled “How to Make Chili”. Very helpful, very informative.
To view the recipe online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019903-slow-cooker-chili.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
2 pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial
1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon paste, cocoa, beans and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)
When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.
Tip
You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of 1/2 cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Diabetic Thursday
It's Diabetic Thursday, time to check out how yummy diabetic food really can be. Today's six recipes include Chicken with Peppers and Double Chocolate Brownies. (Yes, brownies!) Enjoy!
LENTILS ITALIANO
Recipe Yield: Makes: 6 Servings (1 Serving = 2/3 Cup)
https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lentils-italiano
Source: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups Vegetable broth or one 14-ounce can beef or vegetable broth
3/4 cup dried lentils, washed
One 16-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Directions
In a heavy saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil for 5 minutes, until the onion is tender.
Add the broth and lentils. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the tomatoes with their liquid, 1/2 cup water, and the remaining ingredients; simmer over low heat, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if the mixture becomes too dry.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 131; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 324 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
CHICKEN WITH PEPPERS
Servings: 4
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/309.shtml
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups frozen stir-fry pepper blend
1 can (15 ounces) chunky Italian-seasoned tomato sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Saute chicken and garlic in oil in large skillet until lightly browned. Push chicken to side of pan; add stir-fry pepper blend and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 215; Protein: 28.5 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 674 mg; Cholesterol: 71 mg; Carbohydrates: 9.7 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 3 Meat
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
This recipe begins, “Applesauce replaces part of the fat, Equal all of the sugar, plus you get double the chocolate flavor with both cocoa and chocolate chips – so who can resist these delicious brownies?”
Recipe Yield: 16 brownies
View online with photo: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/double-chocolate-brownies
Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/double-chocolate-brownies/print/
Ingredients
6 tablespoons stick butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Chopped Walnuts
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Beat butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until blended.
Stir in combined flour, Equal, chocolate chips, cocoa, baking powder, nuts (optional) and salt until blended.
Spread batter in sprayed 8-inch square baking pan.
Bake in a preheated 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until top springs back when gently touched.
Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares.
Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 77 mg; Cholesterol: 38 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Recipe Yield: 10 (1 cup) servings
View online with photo: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/hot-and-sour-soup
Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/hot-and-sour-soup/print/
Source: Eater's Choice Low-Fat Cookbook
Ingredients
10 large dried black mushrooms
1/2 cup tree ear fungi
1/3 tiger lily stems (golden needles)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
3/4 diced uncooked chicken breast
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 can (8 oz.) bamboo shoots, sliced
6 cups chicken stock, or 3 cans (10-3/4 oz each) chicken broth, defatted, + 2 cans water
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon double black soy sauce
2 cakes tofu (fresh bean curd), cubed
2 teaspoons chili oil
2 egg whites, beaten
4 green onions, sliced
Directions
Place mushrooms, tree ears, and tiger lily stems in a small bowl and cover with boiling water.
In about 15 minutes or when they are soft, drain off the water and chop off stems or any hard parts.
Slice mushrooms and tree ears and pull tiger lily stems into shreds. Set aside.
Combine cornstarch and water into a smooth paste. Set aside.
In a heated wok or skillet, saute chicken in oil until chicken is cooked through.
Stir in regular soy sauce.
Stir in mushrooms, tree ears, tiger lily stems, and bamboo shoots.
Add chicken stock, vinegar, and double black soy sauce.
Stir cornstarch mixture into soup. Let thicken.
Add tofu and bring soup to a boil.
Stir in the chili oil and white pepper.
Turn off the heat for 1 minute and then slowly pour the egg whites into the soup, stirring constantly.
Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped green onions.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 97; Fat: 2 g; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch; 1 Meat
COQ AU VIN
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
View online with photo: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/coq-au-vin
Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/coq-au-vin/print/
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), cut into halves
5 slices reduced-sodium bacon, diced
3 green onions and tops, sliced
5 pearl onions, peeled, halved
8 ounces whole small mushrooms
8 small new potatoes, halved
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup Burgundy or other dry red wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
Directions
Place chicken and bacon in 2-1/2 quart casserole; sprinkle with green onions. Add pearl onions, mushrooms, and potatoes.
Sprinkle with combined garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour water and wine over.
Bake, covered, at 325 degrees until chicken and potatoes are tender, about 1-1/2 hours.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 343; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 357 mg; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Protein: 31 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 3 Meat, 1 Vegetable
SPICY CHICKEN THIGHS
Recipe Yield: 4 chicken thighs (4 servings)
https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/spicy-chicken-thighs
Source: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Ingredients
4 medium to large skinless chicken thighs (1-1/2 pounds)
One 8-ounce container plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup hot salsa or picante sauce
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions
Place the chicken in a glass dish. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, salsa, curry powder, and cumin. Pour over the chicken, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an oven proof dish prepared with nonstick pan spray. Bake, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Notes:
Contains 4 g sugars.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 186, Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 139 mg; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 3 Lean Meat
LENTILS ITALIANO
Recipe Yield: Makes: 6 Servings (1 Serving = 2/3 Cup)
https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lentils-italiano
Source: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups Vegetable broth or one 14-ounce can beef or vegetable broth
3/4 cup dried lentils, washed
One 16-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Directions
In a heavy saucepan, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil for 5 minutes, until the onion is tender.
Add the broth and lentils. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the tomatoes with their liquid, 1/2 cup water, and the remaining ingredients; simmer over low heat, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if the mixture becomes too dry.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 131; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 324 mg; Protein: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
CHICKEN WITH PEPPERS
Servings: 4
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/309.shtml
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups frozen stir-fry pepper blend
1 can (15 ounces) chunky Italian-seasoned tomato sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Saute chicken and garlic in oil in large skillet until lightly browned. Push chicken to side of pan; add stir-fry pepper blend and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 215; Protein: 28.5 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 674 mg; Cholesterol: 71 mg; Carbohydrates: 9.7 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 3 Meat
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
This recipe begins, “Applesauce replaces part of the fat, Equal all of the sugar, plus you get double the chocolate flavor with both cocoa and chocolate chips – so who can resist these delicious brownies?”
Recipe Yield: 16 brownies
View online with photo: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/double-chocolate-brownies
Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/double-chocolate-brownies/print/
Ingredients
6 tablespoons stick butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Chopped Walnuts
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Beat butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until blended.
Stir in combined flour, Equal, chocolate chips, cocoa, baking powder, nuts (optional) and salt until blended.
Spread batter in sprayed 8-inch square baking pan.
Bake in a preheated 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until top springs back when gently touched.
Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares.
Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 77 mg; Cholesterol: 38 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Recipe Yield: 10 (1 cup) servings
View online with photo: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/hot-and-sour-soup
Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/hot-and-sour-soup/print/
Source: Eater's Choice Low-Fat Cookbook
Ingredients
10 large dried black mushrooms
1/2 cup tree ear fungi
1/3 tiger lily stems (golden needles)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
3/4 diced uncooked chicken breast
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 can (8 oz.) bamboo shoots, sliced
6 cups chicken stock, or 3 cans (10-3/4 oz each) chicken broth, defatted, + 2 cans water
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon double black soy sauce
2 cakes tofu (fresh bean curd), cubed
2 teaspoons chili oil
2 egg whites, beaten
4 green onions, sliced
Directions
Place mushrooms, tree ears, and tiger lily stems in a small bowl and cover with boiling water.
In about 15 minutes or when they are soft, drain off the water and chop off stems or any hard parts.
Slice mushrooms and tree ears and pull tiger lily stems into shreds. Set aside.
Combine cornstarch and water into a smooth paste. Set aside.
In a heated wok or skillet, saute chicken in oil until chicken is cooked through.
Stir in regular soy sauce.
Stir in mushrooms, tree ears, tiger lily stems, and bamboo shoots.
Add chicken stock, vinegar, and double black soy sauce.
Stir cornstarch mixture into soup. Let thicken.
Add tofu and bring soup to a boil.
Stir in the chili oil and white pepper.
Turn off the heat for 1 minute and then slowly pour the egg whites into the soup, stirring constantly.
Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped green onions.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 97; Fat: 2 g; Protein: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch; 1 Meat
COQ AU VIN
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
View online with photo: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/coq-au-vin
Print version: https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/coq-au-vin/print/
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), cut into halves
5 slices reduced-sodium bacon, diced
3 green onions and tops, sliced
5 pearl onions, peeled, halved
8 ounces whole small mushrooms
8 small new potatoes, halved
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup Burgundy or other dry red wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
Directions
Place chicken and bacon in 2-1/2 quart casserole; sprinkle with green onions. Add pearl onions, mushrooms, and potatoes.
Sprinkle with combined garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour water and wine over.
Bake, covered, at 325 degrees until chicken and potatoes are tender, about 1-1/2 hours.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 343; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 357 mg; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Protein: 31 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 3 Meat, 1 Vegetable
SPICY CHICKEN THIGHS
Recipe Yield: 4 chicken thighs (4 servings)
https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/spicy-chicken-thighs
Source: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes
Ingredients
4 medium to large skinless chicken thighs (1-1/2 pounds)
One 8-ounce container plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup hot salsa or picante sauce
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions
Place the chicken in a glass dish. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, salsa, curry powder, and cumin. Pour over the chicken, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an oven proof dish prepared with nonstick pan spray. Bake, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Notes:
Contains 4 g sugars.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 186, Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 139 mg; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 3 Lean Meat
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Strawberries
I love strawberries. Apparently, so do others, as Florida is host to a yearly Strawberry Festival.
(Hint: If you ever have a chance to check out Florida's Strawberry Festival, you should!)
Anyway, today's offerings include Strawberry-Peach Cooler and Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream. Enjoy!
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarters; Time: 10 minutes.
This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.
By the way, I highly recommend The Times’ Melissa Clark’s “How to Make Ice Cream”. I dare you to check it out and not want to immediately start making ice cream!
Ingredients
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
STRAWBERRY FOOL
This comes from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This Minimalist recipe is as basic as dessert gets, and especially in strawberry season it’s just perfect. It is essentially fresh strawberries and whipped cream (substitute heavy cream, sour cream or yogurt). It can be eaten right away or refrigerated. Only a fool would pass this up.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
The recipe was featured in “THE MINIMALIST; A Fruit Fool: It's Sublime” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pint strawberries
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Preparation
Hull strawberries, then wash them and chop into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Toss with half the sugar, and wait 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices.
Place half the strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and puree. Pour puree back in bowl with chopped strawberries.
Whip the cream with remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks easily. Fold berries and cream together, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two hours.
STRAWBERRY-PEACH COOLER
This comes from Diabetic Gourmet.
Recipe Yield: Yield: 2 servings Serving size: 1 cup
Source: The Diabetes Snack, Munch, Nibble, Nosh Book
Book Title: The Diabetes Snack, Munch, Nibble, Nosh Book
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup dry-pack unsweetened frozen strawberries
2/3 cup dry-pack unsweetened frozen peaches
3/4 cup orange juice
Directions
In a 2-cup measure or similar microwave-safe bowl, combine the strawberries and peaches.
Cover with wax paper, and microwave on high power 45 seconds to 1 minute to thaw the fruit slightly. The fruit should be icy but not hard.
Working with a small knife in the measuring cup, cut each peach slice in half.
Transfer the peaches and strawberries to a blender container.
Add the orange juice. Blend on low power to combine. Then increase power to high and continue to blend until the peaches are completely pureed, at least 1-1/2 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 2 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Sugars: 23 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Fruit
POWER UP SMOOTHIE
This comes from My Daily Moment, and begins, “Frozen fruits blend together to give this smoothie texture and chill, as well as a wide range of essential vitamins and nutrients. This is a great way to get your motor running in the morning.”
enough for 2 people.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk (can use skim, 1%, or Lactaid milk)
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup cherries
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup peaches
1 cup any flavor yogurt
Directions
Put all the fruit into a blender; pour in the milk and yogurt. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour and serve!
STRAWBERRY SWIRL ICE CREAM
This is from the Vegetarian Times website (from June 4, 2008), and begins, “Thanks to the chilling effect of frozen strawberries, this recipe freezes faster than other homemade ice creams. The strawberry jam makes a beautiful swirl of sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer.”
Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 10-oz. bag frozen strawberries
6 oz. silken tofu, drained
1/2 cup plain soy creamer
1/2 cup agave nectar or maple syrup
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. lemon zest
1/4 cup all-fruit strawberry jam
Preparation
Purée strawberries and tofu in blender or food processor until smooth. Add soy creamer, agave nectar, vanilla, and lemon zest; purée until smooth.
Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream is ready, swirl in strawberry jam while machine paddles are still going, then serve, or transfer to tub to freeze.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 169; Carbohydrate Content: 34 g; Fat Content: 2 g; Fiber Content: 1 g; Protein Content: 2 g; Sodium Content: 20 mg; Sugar Content: 30 g
STRAWBERRY FROSTY
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This begins, “Our Strawberry Frosty is much less fattening than typical fast-food shakes — and it's just as creamy!”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 2; Preparation Time: 5 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fat-free skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp strawberry jam
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender; blend until thick and frothy. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
(Hint: If you ever have a chance to check out Florida's Strawberry Festival, you should!)
Anyway, today's offerings include Strawberry-Peach Cooler and Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream. Enjoy!
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarters; Time: 10 minutes.
This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.
By the way, I highly recommend The Times’ Melissa Clark’s “How to Make Ice Cream”. I dare you to check it out and not want to immediately start making ice cream!
Ingredients
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
STRAWBERRY FOOL
This comes from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This Minimalist recipe is as basic as dessert gets, and especially in strawberry season it’s just perfect. It is essentially fresh strawberries and whipped cream (substitute heavy cream, sour cream or yogurt). It can be eaten right away or refrigerated. Only a fool would pass this up.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
The recipe was featured in “THE MINIMALIST; A Fruit Fool: It's Sublime” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pint strawberries
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Preparation
Hull strawberries, then wash them and chop into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Toss with half the sugar, and wait 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices.
Place half the strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and puree. Pour puree back in bowl with chopped strawberries.
Whip the cream with remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks easily. Fold berries and cream together, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two hours.
STRAWBERRY-PEACH COOLER
This comes from Diabetic Gourmet.
Recipe Yield: Yield: 2 servings Serving size: 1 cup
Source: The Diabetes Snack, Munch, Nibble, Nosh Book
Book Title: The Diabetes Snack, Munch, Nibble, Nosh Book
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup dry-pack unsweetened frozen strawberries
2/3 cup dry-pack unsweetened frozen peaches
3/4 cup orange juice
Directions
In a 2-cup measure or similar microwave-safe bowl, combine the strawberries and peaches.
Cover with wax paper, and microwave on high power 45 seconds to 1 minute to thaw the fruit slightly. The fruit should be icy but not hard.
Working with a small knife in the measuring cup, cut each peach slice in half.
Transfer the peaches and strawberries to a blender container.
Add the orange juice. Blend on low power to combine. Then increase power to high and continue to blend until the peaches are completely pureed, at least 1-1/2 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 2 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Sugars: 23 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Fruit
POWER UP SMOOTHIE
This comes from My Daily Moment, and begins, “Frozen fruits blend together to give this smoothie texture and chill, as well as a wide range of essential vitamins and nutrients. This is a great way to get your motor running in the morning.”
enough for 2 people.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk (can use skim, 1%, or Lactaid milk)
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup cherries
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup peaches
1 cup any flavor yogurt
Directions
Put all the fruit into a blender; pour in the milk and yogurt. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour and serve!
STRAWBERRY SWIRL ICE CREAM
This is from the Vegetarian Times website (from June 4, 2008), and begins, “Thanks to the chilling effect of frozen strawberries, this recipe freezes faster than other homemade ice creams. The strawberry jam makes a beautiful swirl of sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer.”
Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 10-oz. bag frozen strawberries
6 oz. silken tofu, drained
1/2 cup plain soy creamer
1/2 cup agave nectar or maple syrup
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. lemon zest
1/4 cup all-fruit strawberry jam
Preparation
Purée strawberries and tofu in blender or food processor until smooth. Add soy creamer, agave nectar, vanilla, and lemon zest; purée until smooth.
Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream is ready, swirl in strawberry jam while machine paddles are still going, then serve, or transfer to tub to freeze.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 169; Carbohydrate Content: 34 g; Fat Content: 2 g; Fiber Content: 1 g; Protein Content: 2 g; Sodium Content: 20 mg; Sugar Content: 30 g
STRAWBERRY FROSTY
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This begins, “Our Strawberry Frosty is much less fattening than typical fast-food shakes — and it's just as creamy!”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 2; Preparation Time: 5 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fat-free skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp strawberry jam
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender; blend until thick and frothy. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Where's the Beef? - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings deal with the age-old question, "Where's the beef?"
Okay, so it's more like a decades-old question. (The Wendy's commercials were actually quite popular during the '80s.) But either way, today's post deals with beef, including Classic Meatloaf and Slow Cooker Chili. Enjoy!
POT ROAST
This is from Brett Anderson in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “At Spoon and Stable, his Minneapolis restaurant, Gavin Kaysen cooks a version of his grandmother Dorothy’s pot roast using paleron (or flat iron roast), the shoulder cut of beef commonly used in pot au feu, as well as housemade sugo finto, a vegetarian version of meat sauce made with puréed tomatoes and minced carrot, celery, onions and herbs. This recipe uses a chuck roast and tomato paste, both easier to find and still delicious.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 3 hours.
This was featured in“Coming Home To Pot Roast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 pound boneless beef chuck roast
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 medium red onions, cut into quarters
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 rutabaga, peeled and cut into 12 to 16 pieces, about a pound
8 cremini mushrooms, halved
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 head garlic, top cut off to expose cloves
3/4 cup tomato paste
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs rosemary
1 1/2 cups red wine, preferably cabernet
4 cups beef broth
Preparation
Preheat oven to 340 degrees. Season meat generously with salt and pepper. On the stove top, heat oil in a large Dutch oven, or other heavy roasting pan with a lid, over medium-high heat. Sear the meat until a dark crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove meat to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Melt the butter and add the whole head of garlic and vegetables, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables start to color, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Add bay leaves, rosemary and wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a thick gravy consistency, 5 to 7 minutes.
Return meat to the pot. Add broth, then cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hours 20 minutes.
Let roast sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Remove meat to a cutting board to slice. Discard bay leaves and rosemary stems. Squeeze any garlic cloves remaining in their skins into the stew and discard the skins. Serve slices of meat in shallow bowls along with the vegetables and a generous amount of cooking liquid ladled over top.
MEATLOAF MAGNIFICO
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Double the flavor in this wonderful meatloaf by using some of the bountiful sauce inside and some on top of the final dish.”
Serves: 6 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes
View this online here.
Ingredients
1 jar (24 ounces) Prego® Chunky Garden Mushroom Supreme Italian Sauce with Baby Portobello
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Mix 1/2 cup of the sauce, beef, onion, bread crumbs and egg thoroughly. Shape firmly into an 8 x 4-inch loaf in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Heat the remaining sauce in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Serve with the meatloaf.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment.com, and begins, “Get ready to meat your maker. When you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, feast your eyes on this simple solution. Prep for this classic comfort food takes just a matter of minutes. It's sure to be a family favorite.”
For 6 people; Ready in 1 1/2 hour.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
16 ounces ground beef
1 ounce can vegetable soup
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/3 tablespoon milk
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into a loaf and place in baking pan. Bake for 1 hour.
CORN TORTILLA CASSEROLE
This yummy recipe comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Talk about a shell of a meal. We've got a mouth-watering Mexican meal that is second to none. A combination of fresh vegetables, beef and cheese makes for a one-pot meal that's bursting with goodness. Did we mention it's low in cholesterol?”
Ready in 45 minutes. For 6 people
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
16 ounce(s) ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell peppers, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 3/4 cup no salt added tomatoes
1 cup no salt added tomato sauce
1 3/4 cups no salt added tomatoes
12 corn tortillas
3/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, onion, pepper and garlic until the beef is done. Drain off excess fat. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes and spices. Simmer mixture for 2 minutes. Place a layer of 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 9x13 inch-baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Place a layer of the beef mixture on top, then 4 more tortillas, the beans, the final 4 tortillas and the rest of the beef mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and return to oven until cheese has melted.
MEAT LOAF WITH SWEET & SOUR SAUCE
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
1-1/2 lbs. ground round
small onion, chopped
1 egg
bread crumbs
4 oz. tomato sauce
salt/pepper to taste
Combine all above ingredients and mix well.
Sweet/Sour Sauce
4 oz. tomato sauce
couple oz. water
2 T. mustard
2 T. vinegar
2 T. Worchestershire sauce
3 T. brown sugar
Mix all ingredients for sauce. Pour about half of sauce over meatloaf. Bake meet loaf at 350 for 1 15 min. Pour more sauce over meatloaf about half way thru cooking time.
Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches.
The ingredients for the sauce aren't exact. I've been making this recipe for so long I just kinda estimate the quantity. My family LOVES this meatloaf recipe and will not eat meatloaf anywhere, but home. Hope you enjoy it!!!
SLOW COOKER CHILI
This comes from Sarah Digregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, “A great chili should be richly spiced, with layers of deep, savory flavor. Here, that big flavor comes from the usual contenders, but also from the unexpected additions of unsweetened cocoa, soy sauce and Worcestershire, which provide complexity. This recipe makes a thick, comforting chili that can be prepared in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you’re making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Check out the Times guide (by Sam Sifton) titled “How to Make Chili”. Very helpful, very informative.
To view the recipe online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019903-slow-cooker-chili.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
2 pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial
1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon paste, cocoa, beans and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)
When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.
Tip
You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of 1/2 cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
Okay, so it's more like a decades-old question. (The Wendy's commercials were actually quite popular during the '80s.) But either way, today's post deals with beef, including Classic Meatloaf and Slow Cooker Chili. Enjoy!
POT ROAST
This is from Brett Anderson in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “At Spoon and Stable, his Minneapolis restaurant, Gavin Kaysen cooks a version of his grandmother Dorothy’s pot roast using paleron (or flat iron roast), the shoulder cut of beef commonly used in pot au feu, as well as housemade sugo finto, a vegetarian version of meat sauce made with puréed tomatoes and minced carrot, celery, onions and herbs. This recipe uses a chuck roast and tomato paste, both easier to find and still delicious.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 3 hours.
This was featured in“Coming Home To Pot Roast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 pound boneless beef chuck roast
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 medium red onions, cut into quarters
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 rutabaga, peeled and cut into 12 to 16 pieces, about a pound
8 cremini mushrooms, halved
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 head garlic, top cut off to expose cloves
3/4 cup tomato paste
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs rosemary
1 1/2 cups red wine, preferably cabernet
4 cups beef broth
Preparation
Preheat oven to 340 degrees. Season meat generously with salt and pepper. On the stove top, heat oil in a large Dutch oven, or other heavy roasting pan with a lid, over medium-high heat. Sear the meat until a dark crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove meat to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Melt the butter and add the whole head of garlic and vegetables, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables start to color, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Add bay leaves, rosemary and wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a thick gravy consistency, 5 to 7 minutes.
Return meat to the pot. Add broth, then cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hours 20 minutes.
Let roast sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Remove meat to a cutting board to slice. Discard bay leaves and rosemary stems. Squeeze any garlic cloves remaining in their skins into the stew and discard the skins. Serve slices of meat in shallow bowls along with the vegetables and a generous amount of cooking liquid ladled over top.
MEATLOAF MAGNIFICO
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Double the flavor in this wonderful meatloaf by using some of the bountiful sauce inside and some on top of the final dish.”
Serves: 6 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes
View this online here.
Ingredients
1 jar (24 ounces) Prego® Chunky Garden Mushroom Supreme Italian Sauce with Baby Portobello
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Mix 1/2 cup of the sauce, beef, onion, bread crumbs and egg thoroughly. Shape firmly into an 8 x 4-inch loaf in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Heat the remaining sauce in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Serve with the meatloaf.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment.com, and begins, “Get ready to meat your maker. When you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, feast your eyes on this simple solution. Prep for this classic comfort food takes just a matter of minutes. It's sure to be a family favorite.”
For 6 people; Ready in 1 1/2 hour.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
16 ounces ground beef
1 ounce can vegetable soup
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/3 tablespoon milk
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into a loaf and place in baking pan. Bake for 1 hour.
CORN TORTILLA CASSEROLE
This yummy recipe comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Talk about a shell of a meal. We've got a mouth-watering Mexican meal that is second to none. A combination of fresh vegetables, beef and cheese makes for a one-pot meal that's bursting with goodness. Did we mention it's low in cholesterol?”
Ready in 45 minutes. For 6 people
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
16 ounce(s) ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell peppers, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 3/4 cup no salt added tomatoes
1 cup no salt added tomato sauce
1 3/4 cups no salt added tomatoes
12 corn tortillas
3/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
Directions
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, onion, pepper and garlic until the beef is done. Drain off excess fat. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes and spices. Simmer mixture for 2 minutes. Place a layer of 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 9x13 inch-baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Place a layer of the beef mixture on top, then 4 more tortillas, the beans, the final 4 tortillas and the rest of the beef mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and return to oven until cheese has melted.
MEAT LOAF WITH SWEET & SOUR SAUCE
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
1-1/2 lbs. ground round
small onion, chopped
1 egg
bread crumbs
4 oz. tomato sauce
salt/pepper to taste
Combine all above ingredients and mix well.
Sweet/Sour Sauce
4 oz. tomato sauce
couple oz. water
2 T. mustard
2 T. vinegar
2 T. Worchestershire sauce
3 T. brown sugar
Mix all ingredients for sauce. Pour about half of sauce over meatloaf. Bake meet loaf at 350 for 1 15 min. Pour more sauce over meatloaf about half way thru cooking time.
Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches.
The ingredients for the sauce aren't exact. I've been making this recipe for so long I just kinda estimate the quantity. My family LOVES this meatloaf recipe and will not eat meatloaf anywhere, but home. Hope you enjoy it!!!
SLOW COOKER CHILI
This comes from Sarah Digregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, “A great chili should be richly spiced, with layers of deep, savory flavor. Here, that big flavor comes from the usual contenders, but also from the unexpected additions of unsweetened cocoa, soy sauce and Worcestershire, which provide complexity. This recipe makes a thick, comforting chili that can be prepared in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you’re making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Check out the Times guide (by Sam Sifton) titled “How to Make Chili”. Very helpful, very informative.
To view the recipe online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019903-slow-cooker-chili.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
2 pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial
1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon paste, cocoa, beans and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)
When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.
Tip
You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of 1/2 cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
Taco Tuesday
You know the drill: It's now time for Taco Tuesday, when we check out how yummy tacos can be. Today's offerings include Salsa-Guava Pot Roast Tacos and Chicken-Watermelon Tacos. (Yes, you read that right!) Enjoy!
EASY GREEN CHILE CHICKEN TACOS
This taco recipe is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, who not only posts recipes on VeryWell Fit, but has her own food site, called Lively Table.
For this recipe, Kaleigh wrote, “Instead of making the same old tacos this week, why not change things up with delicious and healthy green chile chicken tacos?
“This chicken taco recipe is super easy to make. Just boil the chicken in a bit of broth, shred, and add diced green chiles. It's a simple nutritious meal that the whole family will love.
“Corn tortillas are naturally whole grain, so they make a great choice for these tacos. Top with a bit of shredded red cabbage, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro to make a weeknight meal.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; CookTime: 30 minutes; Servings: 4 (2 tacos each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 cloves garlic
1 fresh jalapeno
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
Water
1 can (7-ounce) diced green chiles
8 warm corn tortillas
1 small avocado, sliced
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
Fresh cilantro, to taste
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, add chicken, garlic, jalapeno, and broth. Add water to cover the chicken. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Discard garlic and jalapeno, reserving cooking liquid.
In a skillet, add green chiles and shredded chicken. Cook over low heat, stirring until warmed through and sauce is thickened. Add reserved cooking liquid as needed to keep the chicken moist.
Serve with warmed corn tortillas, avocado, cabbage, and cilantro.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Use any type of tortilla that you like. Look for whole grain options, if possible.
You can also leave out the tortillas and serve the chicken on top of lettuce to make a taco salad or with brown rice and beans to make taco bowls.
Canned green chiles are usually found in the Mexican food aisle at the grocery store. They come in two varieties, spicy and mild. Choose the kind that best suits your taste.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Serve tacos with a side of low-sodium canned black beans for a quick and easy meal.
Add any toppings you like, such as your favorite salsa, tomatoes, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
TANDOOR TOFU SCRAMBLE TACOS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]
This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and is dairy free, gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, has no refined sugar, is vegan, and is wheat free. Thank goodness, it is NOT low in taste!
Serves: 4; Cook Time: 21 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori Tofu Scramble:
8 ounces super firm tofu
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon tandoori spice blend
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 15-ounce can kidney beans
2 large kale leaves, destemmed and chopped coarsely
For the Tacos:
Soft shell corn tortillas, gluten-free if needed
1 handful of arugula
2 cups red cabbage, sliced or shredded
1/2 red onion sliced
1 avocado, mashed with salt
Red pepper flakes, as needed
Preparation
To Make the Scramble:
Crumble the tofu and set aside. In a large sautéeing pan medium-hight heat, add the olive oil, red onion, garlic, green onions and the tandoor spice.
Cook this for 1 minute and add tomato paste, tofu crumbles, and kidney beans. Stir this well and cook it for 2 more minutes.
Add the kale and cook the mixture for 1 more minute.
To Make the Tacos:
Warm up the tortillas in a pan and once they are warm remove them.
Add the arugula, the tandoori tofu scramble, red cabbage, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle the tacos with salt and red pepper flakes as needed.
GREEK CHICKPEA TACOS
I found this, along with five other taco recipes, on the Runner’s World website (posted on June 26, 2018), though it’s originally from the Prevention test kitchen.
This recipe begins, “Bring the Mediterranean diet to taco night: This dish delivers probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, stomach-soothing mint, and 10 grams of fiber per serving for healthy digestion.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
4 whole wheat pitas (6" diameter), warmed
2 c mixed spring greens
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 c pitted kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and grated (reserve and dice extra cucumber for garnish, if desired)
1 c plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint + leaves for garnish
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Mash chickpeas with 1 Tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano in medium bowl. Spread one-quarter of mixture on each pita. Top with greens, tomato, onion, and olives.
Combine cucumber, yogurt, mint, remaining 1 Tbsp lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt in medium bowl. Drizzle over taco fillings. Top with mint leaves and diced cucumber, if desired.
Per serving: 429 calories, 17 g protein, 58 g carb, 10 g fiber, 6 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 16.5 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat, 8 mg cholesterol, 696 mg sodium
SALSA-GUAVA POT ROAST TACOS
This recipe comes from Publix.
Servings: 8; Total Time: about 5 1/2 hours; Active Time: 15 minutes
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 slow cooker liner (optional)
3 lb beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
Large zip-top bag
1 large red onion, thinly sliced and divided
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped and divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (15.5-oz) jar medium (or mild) salsa
1/2 cup guava jelly
16 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup cilantro-avocado dressing
Directions
Use slow cooker liner following package instructions, if desired. Coat beef with soy sauce; place in bag and let stand 30 minutes to marinate. Slice onion (1 1/2 cups). Peel and grate ginger; chop cilantro.
Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place oil in pan and add beef (discard bag); cook 4 minutes, turning occasionally, or until browned on all sides. Transfer beef to slow cooker; top with 1 cup onions.
Combine salsa, jelly, ginger, and 4 tablespoons cilantro until blended. Pour mixture over beef and onions. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–4 1/2 hours (or LOW for 6–7 hours) or until tender and beef is 145°F.
Shred beef. Divide beef mixture evenly between tortillas; top with even amounts dressing, remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro, and 1/2 cup onions. Serve.
TACO CASSEROLE
This comes from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “Give your friends and family something to taco about with this quick and easy Taco Casserole recipe. Make this yummy Taco Casserole in under one hour.”
br />Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 12 servings.
To view this online, click here.
br />Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 green onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pkg. (1 oz.) TACO BELL® Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (15.5 oz.) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (4.5 oz.) chopped green chiles, undrained
1 pkg. (30 oz.) ORE-IDA Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Cook meat, onions, garlic and taco seasoning mix in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 10 min. or until meat is done, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Drain beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid; set beans aside. Add reserved bean liquid to meat mixture along with the tomato sauce and chiles; mix well.
Spread half the meat mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with layers of half each of the beans and potatoes. Repeat layers.
Bake 30 min. or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1
Serving Suggestion
Serve topped with guacamole, BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream, and/or additional sliced green onions.
Tip 2
Make Ahead
This delicious casserole can be mixed together ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, increasing the baking time as necessary until casserole is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.
CHICKEN-WATERMELON TACOS
This yumminess is from the Food Network Kitchen.
Total: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
1 large jalapeno pepper
1 small red onion (1/2 cut into large chunks, 1/2 thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
Juice of 2 limes, plus wedges for serving
Kosher salt
2 cups chopped watermelon
1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro
3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 3 ounces)
Freshly ground pepper
12 corn tortillas
1 avocado, chopped
Directions
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the tomatillos, jalapeno and red onion chunks. Cook, turning, until blistered, 5 to 6 minutes for the onion and 7 to 8 minutes for the tomatillos and jalapeno. Transfer to a cutting board; cool slightly. Chop the tomatillos and onion; seed and chop the jalapeno.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatillos, chopped onions and half of the jalapeno. Cook until the vegetables release their juices, then add the chicken, the juice of 1 lime and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Keep warm over low heat.
Toss the watermelon, 1/2 cup cilantro, the sliced red onion, the remaining jalapeno, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil and half of the cheese in a bowl. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet.
Add the remaining 1 cup cilantro to the chicken mixture. Divide among the tortillas; top with the watermelon salad, the remaining cheese and the avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
EASY GREEN CHILE CHICKEN TACOS
This taco recipe is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, who not only posts recipes on VeryWell Fit, but has her own food site, called Lively Table.
For this recipe, Kaleigh wrote, “Instead of making the same old tacos this week, why not change things up with delicious and healthy green chile chicken tacos?
“This chicken taco recipe is super easy to make. Just boil the chicken in a bit of broth, shred, and add diced green chiles. It's a simple nutritious meal that the whole family will love.
“Corn tortillas are naturally whole grain, so they make a great choice for these tacos. Top with a bit of shredded red cabbage, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro to make a weeknight meal.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; CookTime: 30 minutes; Servings: 4 (2 tacos each)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 cloves garlic
1 fresh jalapeno
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
Water
1 can (7-ounce) diced green chiles
8 warm corn tortillas
1 small avocado, sliced
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
Fresh cilantro, to taste
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, add chicken, garlic, jalapeno, and broth. Add water to cover the chicken. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Discard garlic and jalapeno, reserving cooking liquid.
In a skillet, add green chiles and shredded chicken. Cook over low heat, stirring until warmed through and sauce is thickened. Add reserved cooking liquid as needed to keep the chicken moist.
Serve with warmed corn tortillas, avocado, cabbage, and cilantro.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Use any type of tortilla that you like. Look for whole grain options, if possible.
You can also leave out the tortillas and serve the chicken on top of lettuce to make a taco salad or with brown rice and beans to make taco bowls.
Canned green chiles are usually found in the Mexican food aisle at the grocery store. They come in two varieties, spicy and mild. Choose the kind that best suits your taste.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Serve tacos with a side of low-sodium canned black beans for a quick and easy meal.
Add any toppings you like, such as your favorite salsa, tomatoes, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
TANDOOR TOFU SCRAMBLE TACOS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]
This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and is dairy free, gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, has no refined sugar, is vegan, and is wheat free. Thank goodness, it is NOT low in taste!
Serves: 4; Cook Time: 21 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori Tofu Scramble:
8 ounces super firm tofu
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon tandoori spice blend
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 15-ounce can kidney beans
2 large kale leaves, destemmed and chopped coarsely
For the Tacos:
Soft shell corn tortillas, gluten-free if needed
1 handful of arugula
2 cups red cabbage, sliced or shredded
1/2 red onion sliced
1 avocado, mashed with salt
Red pepper flakes, as needed
Preparation
To Make the Scramble:
Crumble the tofu and set aside. In a large sautéeing pan medium-hight heat, add the olive oil, red onion, garlic, green onions and the tandoor spice.
Cook this for 1 minute and add tomato paste, tofu crumbles, and kidney beans. Stir this well and cook it for 2 more minutes.
Add the kale and cook the mixture for 1 more minute.
To Make the Tacos:
Warm up the tortillas in a pan and once they are warm remove them.
Add the arugula, the tandoori tofu scramble, red cabbage, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle the tacos with salt and red pepper flakes as needed.
GREEK CHICKPEA TACOS
I found this, along with five other taco recipes, on the Runner’s World website (posted on June 26, 2018), though it’s originally from the Prevention test kitchen.
This recipe begins, “Bring the Mediterranean diet to taco night: This dish delivers probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, stomach-soothing mint, and 10 grams of fiber per serving for healthy digestion.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
4 whole wheat pitas (6" diameter), warmed
2 c mixed spring greens
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 c pitted kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and grated (reserve and dice extra cucumber for garnish, if desired)
1 c plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint + leaves for garnish
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Mash chickpeas with 1 Tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano in medium bowl. Spread one-quarter of mixture on each pita. Top with greens, tomato, onion, and olives.
Combine cucumber, yogurt, mint, remaining 1 Tbsp lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt in medium bowl. Drizzle over taco fillings. Top with mint leaves and diced cucumber, if desired.
Per serving: 429 calories, 17 g protein, 58 g carb, 10 g fiber, 6 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 16.5 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat, 8 mg cholesterol, 696 mg sodium
SALSA-GUAVA POT ROAST TACOS
This recipe comes from Publix.
Servings: 8; Total Time: about 5 1/2 hours; Active Time: 15 minutes
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 slow cooker liner (optional)
3 lb beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
Large zip-top bag
1 large red onion, thinly sliced and divided
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped and divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (15.5-oz) jar medium (or mild) salsa
1/2 cup guava jelly
16 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup cilantro-avocado dressing
Directions
Use slow cooker liner following package instructions, if desired. Coat beef with soy sauce; place in bag and let stand 30 minutes to marinate. Slice onion (1 1/2 cups). Peel and grate ginger; chop cilantro.
Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place oil in pan and add beef (discard bag); cook 4 minutes, turning occasionally, or until browned on all sides. Transfer beef to slow cooker; top with 1 cup onions.
Combine salsa, jelly, ginger, and 4 tablespoons cilantro until blended. Pour mixture over beef and onions. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–4 1/2 hours (or LOW for 6–7 hours) or until tender and beef is 145°F.
Shred beef. Divide beef mixture evenly between tortillas; top with even amounts dressing, remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro, and 1/2 cup onions. Serve.
TACO CASSEROLE
This comes from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “Give your friends and family something to taco about with this quick and easy Taco Casserole recipe. Make this yummy Taco Casserole in under one hour.”
br />Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 12 servings.
To view this online, click here.
br />Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 green onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pkg. (1 oz.) TACO BELL® Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (15.5 oz.) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (4.5 oz.) chopped green chiles, undrained
1 pkg. (30 oz.) ORE-IDA Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Cook meat, onions, garlic and taco seasoning mix in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 10 min. or until meat is done, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Drain beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid; set beans aside. Add reserved bean liquid to meat mixture along with the tomato sauce and chiles; mix well.
Spread half the meat mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover with layers of half each of the beans and potatoes. Repeat layers.
Bake 30 min. or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1
Serving Suggestion
Serve topped with guacamole, BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream, and/or additional sliced green onions.
Tip 2
Make Ahead
This delicious casserole can be mixed together ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, increasing the baking time as necessary until casserole is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.
CHICKEN-WATERMELON TACOS
This yumminess is from the Food Network Kitchen.
Total: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
1 large jalapeno pepper
1 small red onion (1/2 cut into large chunks, 1/2 thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
Juice of 2 limes, plus wedges for serving
Kosher salt
2 cups chopped watermelon
1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro
3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 3 ounces)
Freshly ground pepper
12 corn tortillas
1 avocado, chopped
Directions
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the tomatillos, jalapeno and red onion chunks. Cook, turning, until blistered, 5 to 6 minutes for the onion and 7 to 8 minutes for the tomatillos and jalapeno. Transfer to a cutting board; cool slightly. Chop the tomatillos and onion; seed and chop the jalapeno.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatillos, chopped onions and half of the jalapeno. Cook until the vegetables release their juices, then add the chicken, the juice of 1 lime and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Keep warm over low heat.
Toss the watermelon, 1/2 cup cilantro, the sliced red onion, the remaining jalapeno, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil and half of the cheese in a bowl. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet.
Add the remaining 1 cup cilantro to the chicken mixture. Divide among the tortillas; top with the watermelon salad, the remaining cheese and the avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Graceland Oatmeal Meatloaf and Easy-to-Tackle Jambalaya. Enjoy!
RAINBOW VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “We've all heard nutritionists say, "eat the rainbow," and this soup is a great way to do just that. In fact, that's what makes rainbow soup unique—while it is generally challenging to eat all of the colors of fruits and vegetables at one meal, rainbow soup makes it possible. Rainbow vegetable soup has vegetables from all the color groups, so it is filled with lots of antioxidants and other nutrients for your family.
“Despite the unusual seasoning combination of sweet paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and hot sauce, this vegetable soup is one that people tend to love. You can put leftover turkey or chicken in it, but it can stand on its own without meat. It is also good with beans or chickpeas if your diet allows. If you have any fresh herbs around, feel free to throw them in as well.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 9 (1 cup each).
You can view this online at https://www.verywellfit.com/rainbow-soup-2242419.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 large stalks celery (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (pressed)
1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup carrot (chopped or chopped pumpkin if available)
1 heaping tablespoon sweet paprika
3 teaspoons turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 (15-ounce) can tomatoes (chopped)
5 cups vegetable stock
10 ounces green beans (frozen or fresh)
1 large leaf chard (cut into thin strips, or spinach or kale)
Directions
In a large soup pot, simmer oil, onion, and celery. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes to develop more sweetness in the onion.
Add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn up the heat to medium and add the peppers and carrots. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes and add the spices. Stir and cook until fragrant—another minute or so.
Add tomatoes and stock, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add beans and chard and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the beans are cooked. (If using cooked cubed meat such as chicken or turkey, add at this time.) Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
As the main course this soup is perfect, but be sure that you add other items for adults to eat so that they won't be underfed. A nice starter salad with a vinaigrette dressing is appetizing before the soup. You might also try adding meat to the soup as an option for those who are not vegetarian. Or grill up some chicken, fish, beef or sausage kabobs and place them on separate plates for those who are interested in making the meal a little more hearty.
GRACELAND OATMEAL MEATLOAF
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Serving Size : 10
2 Green peppers , diced
2 medium Onions, diced
2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
2 pounds Ground chuck
1 pound Bulk sausage meat
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
1 cup Rolled oats
1 1/2 cups Hunt's ketchup
Preheat the oven to 375'F. Combine all the ingredients except 1/2 cup of the ketchup in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and shape into a nice, even loaf. Place the loaf in a shallow baking dish and top with the remaining ketchup. Bake for 90 minutes or until well-done.
SKILLET SPAGHETTI
This is from Linda Larsen from The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, “Skillet Spaghetti is a wonderful recipe that is very efficient. The spaghetti pasta cooks right in the sauce. That means you don't have to boil a big pot of water to cook the pasta. You'll love this simple five ingredient recipe and it will probably become a regular dish on your meal rotation.
“Be sure to stir this dish for Skillet Spaghetti frequently as the pasta begins to soften, separating the strands carefully with your spoon. The pasta tends to stick together as it cooks in the sauce. You don't want to bite into some undercooked spaghetti!
“You could use your own homemade meatballs or use precooked frozen meatballs to this easy recipe. As a bonus, the pasta has a wonderful flavor since it soaks up all the herbs and spices from the sauce.
“I sometimes like to start this recipe by cooking a chopped onion and some garlic in a bit of olive oil. Then add the pasta sauce and the water and continue with the recipe. In fact, you could add other vegetables too, such as shredded carrots or chopped zucchini, just to get some more nutrition into the dish.
“Serve this dish with some toasted garlic bread and a green salad tossed with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. An Italian salad dressing would be perfect on the salad.”
Total Time: 40 mins; Prep Time: 10 mins; Cook: 30 mins; Yield: Serves 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (28-ounce) jar pasta sauce
1-1/2 cups water
24 frozen precooked meatballs
1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti pasta, broken in half
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a 12" skillet, combine the spaghetti sauce and water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs, still frozen, and the spaghetti and stir well, making sure the spaghetti is all underneath the sauce, completely covered in it. If necessary, you can add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to make sure that all of the pasta is covered.
Bring to a boil again, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. As the pasta cooks, you will need to stir more often to make sure that the spaghetti doesn't stick together and to make sure the sauce doesn't burn as it cooks. The moisture in the sauce is really depleted by the pasta, so be careful about this. You may add more water or tomato sauce if the mixture appears to be too dry.
Cook until spaghetti is al dente and meatballs are hot. Top with both kinds of cheese and serve immediately.
POTATIES AU GRATIN
This recipe begins, “You say potatoes, we say we've got a great au gratin dish on our hands. Even the most novice cook can throw together this gourmet-tasting grub on the fly. It's got plenty of 'appeal'!”
Servings: for 12 people.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
32 ounces frozen hash browns
1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup
1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup
1 1/2 cups can condensed cream of potato soup
8 ounces container sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small finely chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread frozen hash browns into the bottom of the prepared pan. Mix together potato soup, celery soup, onion, green bell pepper and sour cream; pour mixture over the potatoes. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cheese, and bake another 30 minutes or until the cheese melts.
EASY-TO-TACKLE JAMBALAYA
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, and begins, “Make this tasty rice dish anytime you gather a crowd. For zing, use spicy sausage and a little more cayenne pepper. This is a great dish for Super Bowl.”
Recipe Cookbook America's Favorite Food Associations; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Serves: 8 to 10
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds smoked pork sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 1/2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 medium onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups chicken broth
4 cups long grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat 8-quart oven-safe Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add sausage; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan; set aside.
Add chicken, salt and pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is browned. Remove from pan. Drain fat leaving 1 tablespoon.
Add onions, celery, green peppers, garlic and red pepper; cook, stirring 7 to 10 minutes or until vegetables begin to brown. Stir in chicken broth, reserved sausage and chicken, rice and paprika. Bring to a boil.
Place covered pot in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, stirring once or twice during cooking.
STRAWBERRY FROSTY
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This begins, “Our Strawberry Frosty is much less fattening than typical fast-food shakes — and it's just as creamy!”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 2; Preparation Time: 5 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fat-free skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp strawberry jam
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender; blend until thick and frothy. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
RAINBOW VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “We've all heard nutritionists say, "eat the rainbow," and this soup is a great way to do just that. In fact, that's what makes rainbow soup unique—while it is generally challenging to eat all of the colors of fruits and vegetables at one meal, rainbow soup makes it possible. Rainbow vegetable soup has vegetables from all the color groups, so it is filled with lots of antioxidants and other nutrients for your family.
“Despite the unusual seasoning combination of sweet paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and hot sauce, this vegetable soup is one that people tend to love. You can put leftover turkey or chicken in it, but it can stand on its own without meat. It is also good with beans or chickpeas if your diet allows. If you have any fresh herbs around, feel free to throw them in as well.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 9 (1 cup each).
You can view this online at https://www.verywellfit.com/rainbow-soup-2242419.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 large stalks celery (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (pressed)
1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup carrot (chopped or chopped pumpkin if available)
1 heaping tablespoon sweet paprika
3 teaspoons turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 (15-ounce) can tomatoes (chopped)
5 cups vegetable stock
10 ounces green beans (frozen or fresh)
1 large leaf chard (cut into thin strips, or spinach or kale)
Directions
In a large soup pot, simmer oil, onion, and celery. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes to develop more sweetness in the onion.
Add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn up the heat to medium and add the peppers and carrots. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes and add the spices. Stir and cook until fragrant—another minute or so.
Add tomatoes and stock, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add beans and chard and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the beans are cooked. (If using cooked cubed meat such as chicken or turkey, add at this time.) Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
As the main course this soup is perfect, but be sure that you add other items for adults to eat so that they won't be underfed. A nice starter salad with a vinaigrette dressing is appetizing before the soup. You might also try adding meat to the soup as an option for those who are not vegetarian. Or grill up some chicken, fish, beef or sausage kabobs and place them on separate plates for those who are interested in making the meal a little more hearty.
GRACELAND OATMEAL MEATLOAF
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Serving Size : 10
2 Green peppers , diced
2 medium Onions, diced
2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
2 pounds Ground chuck
1 pound Bulk sausage meat
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
1 cup Rolled oats
1 1/2 cups Hunt's ketchup
Preheat the oven to 375'F. Combine all the ingredients except 1/2 cup of the ketchup in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and shape into a nice, even loaf. Place the loaf in a shallow baking dish and top with the remaining ketchup. Bake for 90 minutes or until well-done.
SKILLET SPAGHETTI
This is from Linda Larsen from The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, “Skillet Spaghetti is a wonderful recipe that is very efficient. The spaghetti pasta cooks right in the sauce. That means you don't have to boil a big pot of water to cook the pasta. You'll love this simple five ingredient recipe and it will probably become a regular dish on your meal rotation.
“Be sure to stir this dish for Skillet Spaghetti frequently as the pasta begins to soften, separating the strands carefully with your spoon. The pasta tends to stick together as it cooks in the sauce. You don't want to bite into some undercooked spaghetti!
“You could use your own homemade meatballs or use precooked frozen meatballs to this easy recipe. As a bonus, the pasta has a wonderful flavor since it soaks up all the herbs and spices from the sauce.
“I sometimes like to start this recipe by cooking a chopped onion and some garlic in a bit of olive oil. Then add the pasta sauce and the water and continue with the recipe. In fact, you could add other vegetables too, such as shredded carrots or chopped zucchini, just to get some more nutrition into the dish.
“Serve this dish with some toasted garlic bread and a green salad tossed with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. An Italian salad dressing would be perfect on the salad.”
Total Time: 40 mins; Prep Time: 10 mins; Cook: 30 mins; Yield: Serves 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (28-ounce) jar pasta sauce
1-1/2 cups water
24 frozen precooked meatballs
1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti pasta, broken in half
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a 12" skillet, combine the spaghetti sauce and water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs, still frozen, and the spaghetti and stir well, making sure the spaghetti is all underneath the sauce, completely covered in it. If necessary, you can add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to make sure that all of the pasta is covered.
Bring to a boil again, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. As the pasta cooks, you will need to stir more often to make sure that the spaghetti doesn't stick together and to make sure the sauce doesn't burn as it cooks. The moisture in the sauce is really depleted by the pasta, so be careful about this. You may add more water or tomato sauce if the mixture appears to be too dry.
Cook until spaghetti is al dente and meatballs are hot. Top with both kinds of cheese and serve immediately.
POTATIES AU GRATIN
This recipe begins, “You say potatoes, we say we've got a great au gratin dish on our hands. Even the most novice cook can throw together this gourmet-tasting grub on the fly. It's got plenty of 'appeal'!”
Servings: for 12 people.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
32 ounces frozen hash browns
1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup
1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup
1 1/2 cups can condensed cream of potato soup
8 ounces container sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small finely chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread frozen hash browns into the bottom of the prepared pan. Mix together potato soup, celery soup, onion, green bell pepper and sour cream; pour mixture over the potatoes. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cheese, and bake another 30 minutes or until the cheese melts.
EASY-TO-TACKLE JAMBALAYA
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, and begins, “Make this tasty rice dish anytime you gather a crowd. For zing, use spicy sausage and a little more cayenne pepper. This is a great dish for Super Bowl.”
Recipe Cookbook America's Favorite Food Associations; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Serves: 8 to 10
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds smoked pork sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 1/2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 medium onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups chicken broth
4 cups long grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat 8-quart oven-safe Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add sausage; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan; set aside.
Add chicken, salt and pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is browned. Remove from pan. Drain fat leaving 1 tablespoon.
Add onions, celery, green peppers, garlic and red pepper; cook, stirring 7 to 10 minutes or until vegetables begin to brown. Stir in chicken broth, reserved sausage and chicken, rice and paprika. Bring to a boil.
Place covered pot in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, stirring once or twice during cooking.
STRAWBERRY FROSTY
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This begins, “Our Strawberry Frosty is much less fattening than typical fast-food shakes — and it's just as creamy!”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 2; Preparation Time: 5 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fat-free skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp strawberry jam
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender; blend until thick and frothy. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Meatless Monday
It's Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Cherry Tomato Spaghetti and Key Lime Pie. Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN CHILI
This comes from Ken Stross in Runner’s World. It begins, “Bursting with protein and fiber, this chili makes a hearty dinner. Serve with brown rice and a green salad.” Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
To view this online, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/vegetarian-chili.
Ingredients
4 ribs celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 cup salsa
1 cup low-sodium tomato or vegetable juice
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
Directions
Combine the celery, garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, corn, chiles, salsa, juice, broth, cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a large stockpot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
CHERRY TOMATO SPAGHETTI
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis, and begins, “Quick-and-easy spaghetti topped with a sauce of cherry tomatoes, basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Serving Size: Serves 4-6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried spaghetti pasta
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 pints red cherry tomatoes
1 pint small yellow tomatoes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup thinly sliced basil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the spaghetti to al dente and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the shallot and garlic, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and salt and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer the mixture until the tomatoes are slightly popped, 15 to 20 minutes.
Add the pasta, Parmesan, pasta water, and basil and toss thoroughly with tongs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
PORTOBELLO LASAGNA ROLLUPS
This comes from Ellie Krieger of The Food Network’s Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger. This begins, “Part-skim ricotta and mozzarella keep the fat count low in these cheesy roll-ups, while a little bold-flavored Parmesan goes a long way flavor-wise.”
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/portobello-lasagna-rollups-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 10 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
12 whole wheat lasagna noodles (about 12 ounces)
2 teaspoons olive oil 12 ounces portobello mushrooms, chopped (about 3 medium)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups Easy Tomato Sauce, recipe follows, or store-bought marinara sauce
One 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
One 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg
3 ounces grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 2/3 cup)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Easy Tomato Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Two 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, drained, chopped
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook the noodles to al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain them well and spread them out onto aluminum foil or waxed paper to prevent them from sticking.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and all the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the tomato sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, a few turns of pepper and nutmeg.
Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9- by 12-inch baking dish. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto a lasagna noodle. Top with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture, roll the noodle and place it into the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles. Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce over the lasagna rolls. Top with the grated cheeses, cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the tomato paste, dried oregano, whole tomatoes and bay leaf, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
SWEET POTATO-PECAN PIE
This recipe is from Publix. Servings: 12; Total Time: about 3 1/2 hours; Active Time: 20 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large sweet potato
2 tablespoons + 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, divided
1 tablespoon heavy cream
4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 egg + 2 eggs, beaten
1 frozen deep-dish piecrust
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Whipped topping, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Melt butter. Peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups). Place in microwave-safe bowl and cover; microwave on HIGH 7–8 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Mash with potato masher (or hand mixer).
Combine in medium bowl: potatoes, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1 egg; beat with hand mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over bottom of piecrust.
Combine in second bowl: remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs, corn syrup, salt, pecans, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pie spice, and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla until thoroughly blended; pour over sweet potatoes. Bake 60–65 minutes or until center is set. Let stand 2 hours (or overnight), to cool. Serve with whipped topping.
POTATO CAVATELLI
This comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. Kim wrote, “These are an easy, homey version of handmade pasta that freeze well. They are sturdier and more toothsome than gnocchi but have more character than dried cavatelli. It takes a little practice to get the flip of the indentation just right, but once you get the feel for it you can turn out enough for dinner quickly. They hold up well under a heavy tomato ragù, but also take well to a simple sauce of butter, a little pasta water and Parmesan or pecorino. This recipe is easy to double, too, which leaves plenty to freeze for another night. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet dusted in flour, then store in a zippered plastic bag.” Time: 45 minutes; makes 6 servings as a first course, 4 as a main course.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup neutral oil, like canola
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 eggs
3 cups flour/450 grams, plus more for rolling
Preparation
Boil potatoes unpeeled and send through a ricer to make 2 cups. Alternately, peel and boil, then mash. Mix in butter and milk. Let cool.
In a sturdy bowl, using a stand mixer with a dough hook, or a wooden spoon or your hands, mix potatoes, oil, salt and eggs until smooth. Work in 2 cups flour, gradually adding more until dough is stiff and not sticky. (The amount of flour needed can vary greatly.)
Pinch off a ball of dough, roll into a rope about an inch in diameter and cut into 3/4-inch dumplings. On a floured surface, press your thumb against the cut side of each dumpling and press down and away, so the dough flattens and flips up over your thumb. The result should look like a miniature hot dog bun.
In boiling salted water, cook cavatelli, stirring once or twice as soon as you put them in, for about 5 minutes or until they rise to the top. Alternately, put them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in the freezer in a plastic bag. Dumplings will take about 10 to 12 minutes to cook. Top with tomato sauce, pesto or butter and Parmesan.
KEY LIME PIE
This recipe, also from the February 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 52, begins, “The secret to this pie is cream of coconut, most commonly used by bartenders to make piña coladas. Don't confuse it with coconut milk, which is unsweetened and thinner. Chill well before serving.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-2/.
Crust
1 1/2 cups crushed vegan graham crackers, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup nonhydrogenated vegan margarine, melted
1/4 cup agave nectar
Filling
1 cup cream of coconut, such as Coco Lopez
1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
7 oz. extra-firm tofu (half pkg.), drained
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbs. agave nectar
2 tsp. grated lime zest
Lime slices, for garnish
To make Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together crushed graham crackers, margarine, and agave nectar in bowl. Press mixture into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie dish using fingers or bottom of drinking glass. Place Crust in freezer while oven preheats.
Bake Crust 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Cool.
To make Filling:
Place cream of coconut, cashews, tofu, lime juice, cornstarch, agave nectar, and lime zest in blender or food processor; blend until very smooth (press mixture through strainer if blender cannot completely blend cashews).
Transfer Filling to saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, or until Filling thickens, stirring constantly.
Spread Filling in Crust. Chill at least 4 hours before serving. Serve garnished with lime slices and crushed graham crackers.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 364; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 49 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 138 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 35 g; Vegan
VEGETARIAN CHILI
This comes from Ken Stross in Runner’s World. It begins, “Bursting with protein and fiber, this chili makes a hearty dinner. Serve with brown rice and a green salad.” Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
To view this online, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/vegetarian-chili.
Ingredients
4 ribs celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 cup salsa
1 cup low-sodium tomato or vegetable juice
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
Directions
Combine the celery, garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, corn, chiles, salsa, juice, broth, cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a large stockpot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
CHERRY TOMATO SPAGHETTI
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis, and begins, “Quick-and-easy spaghetti topped with a sauce of cherry tomatoes, basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Serving Size: Serves 4-6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried spaghetti pasta
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 pints red cherry tomatoes
1 pint small yellow tomatoes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup thinly sliced basil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the spaghetti to al dente and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the shallot and garlic, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and salt and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer the mixture until the tomatoes are slightly popped, 15 to 20 minutes.
Add the pasta, Parmesan, pasta water, and basil and toss thoroughly with tongs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
PORTOBELLO LASAGNA ROLLUPS
This comes from Ellie Krieger of The Food Network’s Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger. This begins, “Part-skim ricotta and mozzarella keep the fat count low in these cheesy roll-ups, while a little bold-flavored Parmesan goes a long way flavor-wise.”
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/portobello-lasagna-rollups-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Total Time: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 10 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
12 whole wheat lasagna noodles (about 12 ounces)
2 teaspoons olive oil 12 ounces portobello mushrooms, chopped (about 3 medium)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups Easy Tomato Sauce, recipe follows, or store-bought marinara sauce
One 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
One 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg
3 ounces grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 2/3 cup)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Easy Tomato Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Two 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, drained, chopped
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook the noodles to al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain them well and spread them out onto aluminum foil or waxed paper to prevent them from sticking.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and all the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the tomato sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, a few turns of pepper and nutmeg.
Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9- by 12-inch baking dish. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto a lasagna noodle. Top with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture, roll the noodle and place it into the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles. Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce over the lasagna rolls. Top with the grated cheeses, cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the tomato paste, dried oregano, whole tomatoes and bay leaf, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
SWEET POTATO-PECAN PIE
This recipe is from Publix. Servings: 12; Total Time: about 3 1/2 hours; Active Time: 20 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large sweet potato
2 tablespoons + 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, divided
1 tablespoon heavy cream
4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 egg + 2 eggs, beaten
1 frozen deep-dish piecrust
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Whipped topping, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Melt butter. Peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups). Place in microwave-safe bowl and cover; microwave on HIGH 7–8 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Mash with potato masher (or hand mixer).
Combine in medium bowl: potatoes, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1 egg; beat with hand mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over bottom of piecrust.
Combine in second bowl: remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs, corn syrup, salt, pecans, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pie spice, and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla until thoroughly blended; pour over sweet potatoes. Bake 60–65 minutes or until center is set. Let stand 2 hours (or overnight), to cool. Serve with whipped topping.
POTATO CAVATELLI
This comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. Kim wrote, “These are an easy, homey version of handmade pasta that freeze well. They are sturdier and more toothsome than gnocchi but have more character than dried cavatelli. It takes a little practice to get the flip of the indentation just right, but once you get the feel for it you can turn out enough for dinner quickly. They hold up well under a heavy tomato ragù, but also take well to a simple sauce of butter, a little pasta water and Parmesan or pecorino. This recipe is easy to double, too, which leaves plenty to freeze for another night. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet dusted in flour, then store in a zippered plastic bag.” Time: 45 minutes; makes 6 servings as a first course, 4 as a main course.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup neutral oil, like canola
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 eggs
3 cups flour/450 grams, plus more for rolling
Preparation
Boil potatoes unpeeled and send through a ricer to make 2 cups. Alternately, peel and boil, then mash. Mix in butter and milk. Let cool.
In a sturdy bowl, using a stand mixer with a dough hook, or a wooden spoon or your hands, mix potatoes, oil, salt and eggs until smooth. Work in 2 cups flour, gradually adding more until dough is stiff and not sticky. (The amount of flour needed can vary greatly.)
Pinch off a ball of dough, roll into a rope about an inch in diameter and cut into 3/4-inch dumplings. On a floured surface, press your thumb against the cut side of each dumpling and press down and away, so the dough flattens and flips up over your thumb. The result should look like a miniature hot dog bun.
In boiling salted water, cook cavatelli, stirring once or twice as soon as you put them in, for about 5 minutes or until they rise to the top. Alternately, put them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in the freezer in a plastic bag. Dumplings will take about 10 to 12 minutes to cook. Top with tomato sauce, pesto or butter and Parmesan.
KEY LIME PIE
This recipe, also from the February 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 52, begins, “The secret to this pie is cream of coconut, most commonly used by bartenders to make piña coladas. Don't confuse it with coconut milk, which is unsweetened and thinner. Chill well before serving.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-2/.
Crust
1 1/2 cups crushed vegan graham crackers, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup nonhydrogenated vegan margarine, melted
1/4 cup agave nectar
Filling
1 cup cream of coconut, such as Coco Lopez
1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
7 oz. extra-firm tofu (half pkg.), drained
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbs. agave nectar
2 tsp. grated lime zest
Lime slices, for garnish
To make Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together crushed graham crackers, margarine, and agave nectar in bowl. Press mixture into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie dish using fingers or bottom of drinking glass. Place Crust in freezer while oven preheats.
Bake Crust 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Cool.
To make Filling:
Place cream of coconut, cashews, tofu, lime juice, cornstarch, agave nectar, and lime zest in blender or food processor; blend until very smooth (press mixture through strainer if blender cannot completely blend cashews).
Transfer Filling to saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, or until Filling thickens, stirring constantly.
Spread Filling in Crust. Chill at least 4 hours before serving. Serve garnished with lime slices and crushed graham crackers.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 364; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 49 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 138 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 35 g; Vegan
Friday, February 22, 2019
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. (Yay!) Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Hearty Veggie Chili and Easy-to-Tackle Jambalaya. Enjoy!
WINTER SQUASH SOUP
This comes from Ina Garten from the Food Network show Barefoot Contessa.
Level: Easy; Total Time: 50 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this recipe online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/winter-squash-soup-recipe-1925833.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon good olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
1 (15 - ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut in chunks
3 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup half - and - half
Creme fraiche, grated Gruyere, or croutons (see Note), for serving (optional)
Directions
Heat the butter and oil in a heavy - bottomed stockpot, add the onions, and cook over medium - low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. Add the pumpkin puree, butternut squash, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium - low heat for about 20 minutes, until the butternut squash is very tender. Process the mixture through the medium blade of a food mill. Return to the pot, add the half - and - half, and heat slowly. If the soup needs more flavor, add another teaspoon of salt. Serve hot with garnishes, if desired.
Cook's Note: To serve with croutons, remove the crusts from 2 slices of white bread, cut them in 1/2-inch cubes, and saute them in 1 tablespoon of butter until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
GJELINA’S ROASTED YAMS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “These roasted yams are adapted from a recipe that Travis Lett, the chef and an owner of Gjelina in Venice, Calif., published in a 2015 cookbook devoted to the restaurant’s food. They are a marvelous accompaniment to a roast chicken, but they are maybe even better as a platter to accompany a salad of hearty greens, cheese and nuts. What makes them memorable is a technique Lett calls for during the cooking: tossing the tubers in honey before roasting them, which intensifies their caramelizing. The crisp, near-burned sweetness works beautifully against the heat of the pepper and the acidic creaminess of the yogurt you dab onto the dish at the end. It is a simple dish, but it results in fantastic eating.”
Yield: Serves 3 - 6; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “A New California Cuisine”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 large yams
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Espelette pepper, or crushed red-pepper flakes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Greek-style yogurt
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice, approximately 2 limes
2 scallions, both green and white parts, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish
Preparation
Heat oven to 425. Cut the yams lengthwise into 4 wedges per yam. Put them in a large bowl, and toss them with the honey, 1/2 tablespoon of the Espelette pepper or crushed red-pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so, tossing once or twice to coat, as the oven heats.
Transfer the yams to a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, season with salt and pepper and then bake until they are deeply caramelized around the edges and soft when pierced with a fork at their thickest part, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
As the yams roast, combine the yogurt, lime juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl, and whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
When the yams are done, transfer them to a serving platter, drizzle the yogurt over them and garnish with the remaining Espelette pepper or red-pepper flakes, the scallions and some flaky sea salt if you have any.
APPLE BREAKFAST BARS
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups quick rolled oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups raw apples, shredded
Directions
Combine all ingredients. Let stand 10 minutes. Press mixture into 8" x 8" baking dish. Bake at 375° until lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Loosen with spatula, and cut into bars while warm. Serve hot for breakfast.
HEARTY VEGGIE CHILI
This is from MorningStar Farms, and begins, “During the week, convenience is key. Here’s a way to turn Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles® into a zesty chili. Just the right combination of red onion, tomatoes, kidney beans and zucchini complement the frozen crumbles for a family-pleasing chili.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped red onions, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 package (12 oz.) Morningstar Farms® Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles®
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped zucchini
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Parsley sprigs (optional)
Directions
In nonstick Dutch oven cook 3/4 cup of the onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, water, sugar and basil. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in MORNINGSTAR FARMS MEAL STARTERS GRILLERS RECIPE CRUMBLES and zucchini. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Ladle into serving bowls. Serve topped with the remaining 1/4 cup onion, cheddar cheese and parsley (if desired).
EASY-TO-TACKLE JAMBALAYA
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, and begins, “Make this tasty rice dish anytime you gather a crowd. For zing, use spicy sausage and a little more cayenne pepper. This is a great dish for Super Bowl.”
Recipe Cookbook America's Favorite Food Associations; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Serves: 8 to 10
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds smoked pork sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 1/2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 medium onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups chicken broth
4 cups long grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat 8-quart oven-safe Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add sausage; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan; set aside.
Add chicken, salt and pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is browned. Remove from pan. Drain fat leaving 1 tablespoon.
Add onions, celery, green peppers, garlic and red pepper; cook, stirring 7 to 10 minutes or until vegetables begin to brown. Stir in chicken broth, reserved sausage and chicken, rice and paprika. Bring to a boil.
Place covered pot in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, stirring once or twice during cooking.
THREE-CUP CHICKEN
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Ask 30 people how to make this simple Taiwanese recipe, and you’ll receive 30 different responses. Some fry the chicken before braising it, use more oil, less wine, different blends of soy sauce. Debates rage over how thick the sauce should be, over which parts of the chicken to use. (Few follow the folk recipe that calls for making the sauce with a cup each of sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine. ‘If you actually cook it that way,’ says Eddie Huang, the Taiwanese-American chef who inspired the television program ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’ ‘you’ll be in trouble.’) Our reporting and testing led us to the recipe below. Use it as a starting point, and then make it your own.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in “A Taste of Taiwan,” and can be viewed online here.
Note: If, like me, you don't keep alcohol around the house, don't panic. I've been known to add water (or a suitable broth) in place of wine in recipes.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 2-to-3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced into coins, approximately 12
12 cloves of garlic, peeled
4 whole scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 dried red peppers or 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon unrefined or light brown sugar
1/2 cup rice wine
1/4 cup light soy sauce
2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves or regular basil leaves
Preparation
Heat a wok over high heat and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil. When the oil shimmers, add the ginger, garlic, scallions and peppers, and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
Scrape the aromatics to the sides of the wok, add remaining oil and allow to heat through. Add the chicken, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crisping at the edges, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add sugar and stir to combine, then add the rice wine and soy sauce, and bring just to a boil. Lower the heat, then simmer until the sauce has reduced and started to thicken, approximately 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat, add the basil and stir to combine. Serve with white rice.
WINTER SQUASH SOUP
This comes from Ina Garten from the Food Network show Barefoot Contessa.
Level: Easy; Total Time: 50 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this recipe online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/winter-squash-soup-recipe-1925833.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon good olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
1 (15 - ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut in chunks
3 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup half - and - half
Creme fraiche, grated Gruyere, or croutons (see Note), for serving (optional)
Directions
Heat the butter and oil in a heavy - bottomed stockpot, add the onions, and cook over medium - low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. Add the pumpkin puree, butternut squash, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium - low heat for about 20 minutes, until the butternut squash is very tender. Process the mixture through the medium blade of a food mill. Return to the pot, add the half - and - half, and heat slowly. If the soup needs more flavor, add another teaspoon of salt. Serve hot with garnishes, if desired.
Cook's Note: To serve with croutons, remove the crusts from 2 slices of white bread, cut them in 1/2-inch cubes, and saute them in 1 tablespoon of butter until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
GJELINA’S ROASTED YAMS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “These roasted yams are adapted from a recipe that Travis Lett, the chef and an owner of Gjelina in Venice, Calif., published in a 2015 cookbook devoted to the restaurant’s food. They are a marvelous accompaniment to a roast chicken, but they are maybe even better as a platter to accompany a salad of hearty greens, cheese and nuts. What makes them memorable is a technique Lett calls for during the cooking: tossing the tubers in honey before roasting them, which intensifies their caramelizing. The crisp, near-burned sweetness works beautifully against the heat of the pepper and the acidic creaminess of the yogurt you dab onto the dish at the end. It is a simple dish, but it results in fantastic eating.”
Yield: Serves 3 - 6; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “A New California Cuisine”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 large yams
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Espelette pepper, or crushed red-pepper flakes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Greek-style yogurt
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice, approximately 2 limes
2 scallions, both green and white parts, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish
Preparation
Heat oven to 425. Cut the yams lengthwise into 4 wedges per yam. Put them in a large bowl, and toss them with the honey, 1/2 tablespoon of the Espelette pepper or crushed red-pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so, tossing once or twice to coat, as the oven heats.
Transfer the yams to a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, season with salt and pepper and then bake until they are deeply caramelized around the edges and soft when pierced with a fork at their thickest part, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
As the yams roast, combine the yogurt, lime juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl, and whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
When the yams are done, transfer them to a serving platter, drizzle the yogurt over them and garnish with the remaining Espelette pepper or red-pepper flakes, the scallions and some flaky sea salt if you have any.
APPLE BREAKFAST BARS
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups quick rolled oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups raw apples, shredded
Directions
Combine all ingredients. Let stand 10 minutes. Press mixture into 8" x 8" baking dish. Bake at 375° until lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Loosen with spatula, and cut into bars while warm. Serve hot for breakfast.
HEARTY VEGGIE CHILI
This is from MorningStar Farms, and begins, “During the week, convenience is key. Here’s a way to turn Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles® into a zesty chili. Just the right combination of red onion, tomatoes, kidney beans and zucchini complement the frozen crumbles for a family-pleasing chili.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped red onions, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 package (12 oz.) Morningstar Farms® Meal Starters Grillers® Recipe Crumbles®
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped zucchini
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Parsley sprigs (optional)
Directions
In nonstick Dutch oven cook 3/4 cup of the onion and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, water, sugar and basil. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in MORNINGSTAR FARMS MEAL STARTERS GRILLERS RECIPE CRUMBLES and zucchini. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Ladle into serving bowls. Serve topped with the remaining 1/4 cup onion, cheddar cheese and parsley (if desired).
EASY-TO-TACKLE JAMBALAYA
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, and begins, “Make this tasty rice dish anytime you gather a crowd. For zing, use spicy sausage and a little more cayenne pepper. This is a great dish for Super Bowl.”
Recipe Cookbook America's Favorite Food Associations; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Serves: 8 to 10
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds smoked pork sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 1/2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 medium onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups chicken broth
4 cups long grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat 8-quart oven-safe Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add sausage; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan; set aside.
Add chicken, salt and pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is browned. Remove from pan. Drain fat leaving 1 tablespoon.
Add onions, celery, green peppers, garlic and red pepper; cook, stirring 7 to 10 minutes or until vegetables begin to brown. Stir in chicken broth, reserved sausage and chicken, rice and paprika. Bring to a boil.
Place covered pot in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, stirring once or twice during cooking.
THREE-CUP CHICKEN
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Ask 30 people how to make this simple Taiwanese recipe, and you’ll receive 30 different responses. Some fry the chicken before braising it, use more oil, less wine, different blends of soy sauce. Debates rage over how thick the sauce should be, over which parts of the chicken to use. (Few follow the folk recipe that calls for making the sauce with a cup each of sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine. ‘If you actually cook it that way,’ says Eddie Huang, the Taiwanese-American chef who inspired the television program ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’ ‘you’ll be in trouble.’) Our reporting and testing led us to the recipe below. Use it as a starting point, and then make it your own.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in “A Taste of Taiwan,” and can be viewed online here.
Note: If, like me, you don't keep alcohol around the house, don't panic. I've been known to add water (or a suitable broth) in place of wine in recipes.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 2-to-3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced into coins, approximately 12
12 cloves of garlic, peeled
4 whole scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 dried red peppers or 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon unrefined or light brown sugar
1/2 cup rice wine
1/4 cup light soy sauce
2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves or regular basil leaves
Preparation
Heat a wok over high heat and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil. When the oil shimmers, add the ginger, garlic, scallions and peppers, and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
Scrape the aromatics to the sides of the wok, add remaining oil and allow to heat through. Add the chicken, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crisping at the edges, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add sugar and stir to combine, then add the rice wine and soy sauce, and bring just to a boil. Lower the heat, then simmer until the sauce has reduced and started to thicken, approximately 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat, add the basil and stir to combine. Serve with white rice.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Drinks - Double-Post Thursday
Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Today's double-post deals with drinks.
Yes, drinks. We all need something to drink throughout the day. And let's face it: just like eating the same thing over and over can become boring, so can drinking the same thing. These six recipes will help keep boring at bay, including Rumplemayer’s Hot Chocolate and Slow-Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Enjoy!
CAPPUCCINO COOLER
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “There's no need to pay the small fortune that your corner coffee bar charges for a frozen concoction when you can make this smoothie. If you like your coffee strong, omit the sugar.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 1; Preparation Time: 6 min; Cooking Time: 0 min;Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup black coffee, but brewed espresso preferred, cooled to room temperature
1/4 cup ice cube(s), about 3 cubes
1/2 tsp sugar, superfine
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
In a blender, combine all ingredients; puree until smooth.
Pour into a tall, chilled glass; sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if you like.
CARAMEL CAPPUCCINO SHAKE
This is from an old (10+ year old) Weight Watchers email. The points are from 2006.
The recipe begins, “It's hard to believe this luscious shake is nearly fat-free. You can easily double the recipe and share some with the rest of the family.”
POINTS® Value | 4; Servings | 2; Preparation Time | 8 min;Cooking Time | 0 min; Level of Difficulty | Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup fat-free skim milk
1/2 tsp instant espresso, powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup lite whipped topping
2 Tbsp fat-free caramel topping
Instructions
Blend yogurt, milk, espresso powder and cinnamon on high. Pour into two glasses. Top each with 2 tablespoons whipped topping and 1 tablespoon caramel topping.
RUMPLEMAYER’S HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Molly O’Neill in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Molly wrote, “Hot chocolate is traceable to the Aztecs, who regarded the dark and bitter drink as a sacred brew. The hot cocoa that Columbus offered his patrons tasted “bitter, scummy and peppery,” according to Chantal Coady's account in “The Chocolate Companion,” which explains, no doubt, why they disliked it intensely. Sometime later, Cortez offered the same beverage to Charles V and his courtiers and succeeded in capturing their imagination with the addition, Ms. Coady writes, of some sugar and vanilla. This version, adapted from Rumplemayer's, a now-closed New York restaurant once known for its hot chocolate and pastries, falls into the latter camp; it is rich, sweet and smooth. It calls for real semisweet chocolate (we bet a mix of semisweet and bittersweet would be delightful, too) so there's none of the chalky aftertaste hot cocoa often leaves behind. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you wish, take it over the top.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 2 minutes.
This was featured in “Food; Loco for Cocoa,” and can be viewed here.
Ingredients
4 cups milk
6 tablespoons sugar
7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Combine the milk, sugar and chocolate in a large saucepan. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Ladle the hot chocolate into 4 mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.
SLOW-COOKER PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
This comes from The Food Network, and starts off, “Made and served in the same pot, our slow-cooker cocoa is thickened and enriched with dark chocolate. Set up an add-ons bar beside the cooker (mini marshmallows, crushed candies and peppermint schnapps take cocoa to a whole new holiday level), then stick a ladle in the pot and let guests help themselves.” The recipe's last ingredient is peppermint schnapps, which is optional. I don't use it, and, if this is being served to children and/or people who normally don't drink – or if you're not sure – don't use it. I find that it really doesn't need it. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 5 min; Cook: 2 hr; Yield: 14 cups; Level: Easy
To read more, go to: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
12 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
24 peppermint candies, crushed (about 1 cup), for serving
3 cups mini marshmallows, for serving
2 cups peppermint schnapps, optional, for serving
Directions
Whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder in a 6-quart slow cooker. Turn the cooker to high, and slowly whisk in the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Add the vanilla and salt, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours. The sugar and cocoa powder should be completely dissolved.
Whisk in the chopped chocolate a little at a time until it is all incorporated. Replace the lid, and cook until thickened, 30 minutes more.
Turn the cooker to warm, and serve with small bowls of the peppermint candies and mini marshmallows and a small pitcher of schnapps, if using. For minty cocoa, let a few teaspoons of the peppermints melt in an 8-ounce cup or add 2 tablespoons of schnapps.
CHOCOLATE-ESPRESSO SMOOTHIE
This is from the February 2007 issue of Runner’s World.
8 ounces chocolate yogurt, such as Brown Cow “Cream Top”
1 large banana (browned & frozen)*
2 shots espresso, chilled
2 C ice (about 14 ice cubes)
1 dozen chocolate-covered espresso beans
Place half of the yogurt plus all the remaining ingredients in blender & puree until smooth. Add remaining yogurt & pulse until smooth. (If you add full container of yogurt at beginning, mixture is too thick to blend easily.)
For a thicker smoothie, blend in up to a cup more ice. Serves two.
Note:* Any ripe banana will work, but a browned & frozen banana lends better flavor & texture.
With Brown Cow: calories: 230; fat: 7 g; carbs: 39 g; protein: 7 g.
STRAWBERRY FROSTY
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This begins, “Our Strawberry Frosty is much less fattening than typical fast-food shakes — and it's just as creamy!”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 2; Preparation Time: 5 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fat-free skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp strawberry jam
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender; blend until thick and frothy. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Yes, drinks. We all need something to drink throughout the day. And let's face it: just like eating the same thing over and over can become boring, so can drinking the same thing. These six recipes will help keep boring at bay, including Rumplemayer’s Hot Chocolate and Slow-Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Enjoy!
CAPPUCCINO COOLER
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “There's no need to pay the small fortune that your corner coffee bar charges for a frozen concoction when you can make this smoothie. If you like your coffee strong, omit the sugar.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 1; Preparation Time: 6 min; Cooking Time: 0 min;Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup black coffee, but brewed espresso preferred, cooled to room temperature
1/4 cup ice cube(s), about 3 cubes
1/2 tsp sugar, superfine
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
In a blender, combine all ingredients; puree until smooth.
Pour into a tall, chilled glass; sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if you like.
CARAMEL CAPPUCCINO SHAKE
This is from an old (10+ year old) Weight Watchers email. The points are from 2006.
The recipe begins, “It's hard to believe this luscious shake is nearly fat-free. You can easily double the recipe and share some with the rest of the family.”
POINTS® Value | 4; Servings | 2; Preparation Time | 8 min;Cooking Time | 0 min; Level of Difficulty | Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup fat-free skim milk
1/2 tsp instant espresso, powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup lite whipped topping
2 Tbsp fat-free caramel topping
Instructions
Blend yogurt, milk, espresso powder and cinnamon on high. Pour into two glasses. Top each with 2 tablespoons whipped topping and 1 tablespoon caramel topping.
RUMPLEMAYER’S HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Molly O’Neill in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Molly wrote, “Hot chocolate is traceable to the Aztecs, who regarded the dark and bitter drink as a sacred brew. The hot cocoa that Columbus offered his patrons tasted “bitter, scummy and peppery,” according to Chantal Coady's account in “The Chocolate Companion,” which explains, no doubt, why they disliked it intensely. Sometime later, Cortez offered the same beverage to Charles V and his courtiers and succeeded in capturing their imagination with the addition, Ms. Coady writes, of some sugar and vanilla. This version, adapted from Rumplemayer's, a now-closed New York restaurant once known for its hot chocolate and pastries, falls into the latter camp; it is rich, sweet and smooth. It calls for real semisweet chocolate (we bet a mix of semisweet and bittersweet would be delightful, too) so there's none of the chalky aftertaste hot cocoa often leaves behind. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you wish, take it over the top.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 2 minutes.
This was featured in “Food; Loco for Cocoa,” and can be viewed here.
Ingredients
4 cups milk
6 tablespoons sugar
7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Combine the milk, sugar and chocolate in a large saucepan. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Ladle the hot chocolate into 4 mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.
SLOW-COOKER PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
This comes from The Food Network, and starts off, “Made and served in the same pot, our slow-cooker cocoa is thickened and enriched with dark chocolate. Set up an add-ons bar beside the cooker (mini marshmallows, crushed candies and peppermint schnapps take cocoa to a whole new holiday level), then stick a ladle in the pot and let guests help themselves.” The recipe's last ingredient is peppermint schnapps, which is optional. I don't use it, and, if this is being served to children and/or people who normally don't drink – or if you're not sure – don't use it. I find that it really doesn't need it. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 5 min; Cook: 2 hr; Yield: 14 cups; Level: Easy
To read more, go to: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
12 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
24 peppermint candies, crushed (about 1 cup), for serving
3 cups mini marshmallows, for serving
2 cups peppermint schnapps, optional, for serving
Directions
Whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder in a 6-quart slow cooker. Turn the cooker to high, and slowly whisk in the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Add the vanilla and salt, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours. The sugar and cocoa powder should be completely dissolved.
Whisk in the chopped chocolate a little at a time until it is all incorporated. Replace the lid, and cook until thickened, 30 minutes more.
Turn the cooker to warm, and serve with small bowls of the peppermint candies and mini marshmallows and a small pitcher of schnapps, if using. For minty cocoa, let a few teaspoons of the peppermints melt in an 8-ounce cup or add 2 tablespoons of schnapps.
CHOCOLATE-ESPRESSO SMOOTHIE
This is from the February 2007 issue of Runner’s World.
8 ounces chocolate yogurt, such as Brown Cow “Cream Top”
1 large banana (browned & frozen)*
2 shots espresso, chilled
2 C ice (about 14 ice cubes)
1 dozen chocolate-covered espresso beans
Place half of the yogurt plus all the remaining ingredients in blender & puree until smooth. Add remaining yogurt & pulse until smooth. (If you add full container of yogurt at beginning, mixture is too thick to blend easily.)
For a thicker smoothie, blend in up to a cup more ice. Serves two.
Note:* Any ripe banana will work, but a browned & frozen banana lends better flavor & texture.
With Brown Cow: calories: 230; fat: 7 g; carbs: 39 g; protein: 7 g.
STRAWBERRY FROSTY
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This begins, “Our Strawberry Frosty is much less fattening than typical fast-food shakes — and it's just as creamy!”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 2; Preparation Time: 5 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fat-free skim milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp strawberry jam
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender; blend until thick and frothy. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
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