Any idea what day it is? Why, it's Hump Day, of course (otherwise known as Wednesday). Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, and those hump day blues, including Lasagna Roll Ups and Beef Stroganoff. Enjoy!
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
SLOW-COOKER CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This all-day slow-cooker recipe isn’t your average bean soup—it’s wildly flavorful and extra hearty, and we’d bet it’ll become your favorite on the first try. The secret is in cooking the beans with a bone-in ham shank that infuses flavor into every bite. The key to getting the perfect consistency, mashing the beans, is a can’t-skip step that’s super easy. Finish your bowl with the toppings of your choice, like pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado or a squeeze of lime juice, and prepare to be impressed!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Soup
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1 ham shank (about 1 1/2 lb)
3 cans (15 oz each) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Toppings
Fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced avocado, lime slices, if desired
Directions
In 5-quart slow cooker, mix all Soup ingredients except lime juice. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 8 hours or until ham easily pulls away from bone.
Remove ham shank from slow cooker. Pull ham away from bone; chop, discarding the bone. With potato masher, carefully mash black beans inside slow cooker insert. Stir in 1 cup of the ham and the lime juice. Serve soup with Toppings.
Expert Tips
Ham shanks vary in size, and some may have more meat than others. Save any remaining ham for another use.
To add more spicy heat, stir in an additional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or top with a medium or hot fresh pico de gallo.
BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "Forget what you think you remember about this putatively Russian dish, which saw its zenith in American kitchens during the 1950s and its nadir in school cafeterias two decades later. Beef stroganoff makes for an outstanding dinner: a vat of tender sautéed meat in a silken gravy studded with caramelized mushrooms, alongside a huge tangle of buttered noodles. Be careful when adding the cream at the end: Sour cream easily curdles in the heat, while crème fraîche or heavy cream offer smoother results."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "How Cooking Dinner Can Change Your Life," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020862-beef-stroganoff.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds sirloin roast, or beef tenderloin, if you’re feeling fancy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
2 small shallots, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cut the beef against the grain into 1/2-inch slices, pound lightly, then cut those slices into 1-inch-wide strips.
Add the flour, paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper to a large shallow bowl and toss to combine. Dredge the strips of meat in the flour mixture, shake them to remove excess flour, then transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.
Place a large skillet over high heat and swirl in the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, sauté the beef slices, in two batches, until they are well browned on both sides but rare inside, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared meat to the baking sheet. Turn the heat down slightly.
Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pan. When it has melted and started to foam, add the mushrooms, toss to coat them with the fat, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are a deep, dark brown, 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway into the process, add the sliced shallots and 1 tablespoon butter and stir to combine.
While the mushrooms cook, add the noodles to the boiling water, and cook until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain the noodles, and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
When the mushrooms and shallots are soft and caramelized, deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping at all the stuck-on bits on the pan’s surface. When the wine has reduced by about half, slowly stir in the cream, followed by the Worcestershire and mustard. Add the meat, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the dish is hot and the beef is medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste, and adjust the seasonings.
Serve the noodles under or alongside the stroganoff; sprinkle stroganoff with parsley.
LASAGNA
This comes from Regina Schrambling on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, "In 2001, Regina Schrambling went on a week long odyssey in search of the ultimate lasagna recipe. She tested several, and finally found her ideal in a mash-up of recipes from Giuliano Bugialli and Elodia Rigante, both Italian cookbook authors.
"'If there were central casting for casseroles, this one deserved the leading role. But its beauty was more than cheese deep. This was the best lasagna I had ever eaten. The sauce was intensely flavored, the cheeses melted into creaminess as if they were bechamel, the meat was just chunky enough, and the noodles put up no resistance to the fork. Most important, the balance of pasta and sauce was positively Italian. At last I could understand why my neighbor Geoff had told me, as I dragged home more bags in our elevator, that all-day lasagna is the only kind worth making.'"
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 4 hours
This was featured in "The Noodle and I: A Face-Off at the Oven", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9530-lasagna.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, finely diced
2 large cloves minced garlic
8 ounces pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good red wine, preferably Italian
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground sirloin
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
2 eggs
10 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves only, washed and dried
2 large whole cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
1 pound Italian sausage, a mix of hot and sweet
For the lasagna:
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 extra-large eggs
2 cups freshly grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 pound mozzarella, grated
16 sheets fresh lasagna noodles, preferably Antica Pasteria
Preparation
For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or kettle over low heat. Add the onions, minced garlic and pancetta, and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the onions are wilted. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Raise heat slightly, add the wine and cook until it is mostly reduced, about 20 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan, and add their juice. Add the tomato paste and 2 cups lukewarm water. Simmer for 1 hour.
Combine the sirloin, cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Chop the parsley with the whole garlic until fine, then stir into the beef mixture. Season lavishly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Shape into meatballs and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off excess, and lay into the hot oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (do not cook through) and transfer to the sauce.
In a clean skillet, brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Transfer to the sauce. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, pecorino Romano, parsley and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the meatballs and sausage from the sauce, and set aside to cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Spoon a thick layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-12-inch lasagna pan. Cover with a layer of noodles. Spoon more sauce on top, then add a third of the meat and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat for 2 more layers, using all the meat and cheese. Top with a layer of noodles, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
MAANGCHI'S CHEESE BULDAK (FIRE CHICKEN)
This is from Maangchi and adapted by Sam Sifton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "Cheese buldak is a Korean dish that is incredibly easy to prepare: a marinade of red-pepper paste and red-pepper flakes that becomes a fiery sauce for braised chicken, which is then served beneath a cloak of broiler-melted mozzarella. A child could do it, or an adult who often acts like one. Mine is an adaptation of a recipe that owes its deepest debt to Emily Kim, the Korean web star known as Maangchi, whose video for cheese buldak has been viewed on YouTube more than seven million times. (Omit the rice cakes if you can’t find them easily!) Thanks to subtitling by her fans, the video can be read in 24 languages. There are thousands and thousands of comments below it, mostly positive. One reads, 'Can you be my mom?'"
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "Melt Away the Pain of This Korean Fire Chicken With Cheese", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020366-maangchis-cheese-buldak-fire-chicken.
Ingredients
1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red-pepper paste)
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 (1-inch) piece ginger, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or peanut
4 ounces sliced Korean rice cakes (optional)
6 to 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, thinly sliced
2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
Preparation
Combine the gochugaru, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well. Add the chicken and stir until it is well coated.
If you’re using the rice cakes, swirl the oil into a large, oven-safe skillet set over medium-high heat and wait for it to shimmer. Add the rice cakes and cook, turning the cakes often, until they are a little crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the rice cakes to a small bowl and set aside. If you’re not using rice cakes, simply swirl the oil into the pan and move along to the next step.
Add the chicken mixture to the pan along with 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes, adding the rice cakes halfway through, if using. Meanwhile, heat the broiler in your oven.Remove the chicken from the heat. Cover the pan with the sliced mozzarella, then slide the pan under the broiler. Cook until the cheese has melted and browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with scallions. Serve immediately, with rice.
LASAGNA ROLL UPS
This comes from GNelson at Allrecipes. The recipe begins, "Thick and hearty rolls filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and a beefy tomato sauce. A fun spin on a family favorite!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Yield: 9 servings
View this online at https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/228649/lasagna-roll-ups-ii/.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/4 white onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (26 ounce) jar chunky tomato sauce (such as Ragu®)
3 tablespoons white sugar
18 lasagna noodles
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (12 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or as needed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook and stir ground beef, onion, garlic powder, and oregano in a large skillet over medium heat until onion is tender and beef is browned, about 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce and sugar; simmer until sauce is heated through, about 10 minutes.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
Place a lasagna noodle on a work surface. Spoon one layer of ricotta cheese mixture, one layer meat sauce, and one layer mozzarella cheese atop the lasagna noodle; top with another lasagna noodle. Roll up the stuffed lasagna noodles in the jelly-roll style; place in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat with remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Spread a spoonful of meat sauce atop each lasagna roll; top with remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes.
Showing posts with label Blueberry Muffins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blueberry Muffins. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Quick Breads
Today's post deals with Quick Breads, and includes Festive Sweet Corn Bread and Chocolate-Raspberry Muffins. Enjoy!
"STROKE OF MIDNIGHT" PUMPKIN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. The notes throughout the recipe are from the person who posted it on the list.
Preparation time: About 1 hr; Serves: 8 - 10
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups, sugar
1/3 cup, shortening (I use Smart Balance *Vegan*)
1/2 cup, applesauce
1 cup, pumpkin
1 2/3 cups, flour (I use a combo of wheat and soy)
1/4 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/3 cup, water
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Whatever you like)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the sugar, shortening and applesauce until 'light and fluffy' or well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the batter and water, alternatively.
Spoon into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes – 1 hour or until done
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
TEX-MEX CORNBREAD
This yummy recipe is from Diana Rattray, who has contributed to About.com and The Spruce Eats for years. For this recipe, she wrote, "This is a moist and delicious cornbread, perfect to serve with beans, a bowl of chili, or a hearty soup or stew. Add more or less minced jalapeño to suit your taste. A cast-iron skillet makes the best crust, but a heavy baking pan could be used if necessary."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/tex-mex-cornbread-3054149.
Ingredients
1/4 cup canola oil plus 1 tablespoon for the skillet
3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 9 ounces
1 small can (8 ounces) cream-style corn, or about 1 cup
1 tablespoon finely minced onion, red or yellow
2 tablespoons finely minced jalapeño peppers
1 1/2 cups stone-ground cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded Cheddar Jack cheese blend or a mild or sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
Put 1 tablespoon of oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet and put it in the oven. Heat the oven to 425 F.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining 1/4 cup of oil, the buttermilk, cream-style corn, minced onion, and minced jalapeño peppers.
In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cheese. Blend well.
Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven and set it on a metal rack.
Combine the egg and buttermilk mixture and the dry mixture. Stir just until blended. Pour into the hot pan.
Return the pan to the oven and bake the cornbread for about 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and crisp around the edges.
Cut into wedges and serve.
Tips
A cast iron skillet will make the best crust, but a 9-inch baking pan can be substituted.
Use fresh jalapeño or canned, minced finely.
SOUTHERN-STYLE CORNBREAD
This yummy recipe is from Diana Rattray, who has contributed to About.com and The Spruce Eats for years. For this recipe, she wrote, "Cornbread is a staple in the South. It is absolutely essential with bean dishes, black-eyed peas, greens, hearty stews, and, of course, country-style ribs. It's a cheap, filling dish that's easy to make from scratch and better than any boxed mix. Throughout the years, Southerners have enjoyed cornbread in many different ways, from fritters to corn pone and spoon bread to hush puppies. Despite all of those options, many believe that the best Southern cornbread is baked in a cast-iron pan so it gets a crispy crust.
"Southern-style cornbread rarely contains sugar, though some regions and many people do like to sweeten their cornbread a bit. To add sugar or not can be a hot topic of debate, and it's an optional ingredient in this recipe. If you have Northerners and Southerners to cook for, you might have to look for compromise. Or make two pans!
"This cornbread recipe doesn't require buttermilk. It's richer than most because it's made with three eggs, and using a combination of cornmeal and flour ensures it won't get too dry or crumbly."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 24 minutes; Total Time: 39 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/southern-style-cornbread-3054179.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 425 F.
Put the shortening in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and place in the oven to preheat while making the batter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and butter.
Combine with dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are moistened. The batter will be similar to a thick pancake batter.
Carefully, with heavy oven mitts, lift the skillet out of the oven and turn to coat the bottom and sides with the melted shortening.
Pour the cornbread batter into the skillet and return it to the oven.
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until browned. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Serve and enjoy.
Tips
Baking powder starts acting quickly, so have the oven preheated and the skillet ready before you combine the wet and dry ingredients. As soon as the batter is combined, pour it into the skillet and get it into the oven.
If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a greased 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan may be substituted.
This same recipe can be used to make cornbread muffins. Be sure to grease and flour the muffin pan thoroughly.
Recipe Variations
Replace the sugar with honey or cane syrup if you like.
The salt may be reduced to 1 teaspoon.
Add 1 cup of well-drained, cooked corn kernels to the batter.
Brown about 1/2 pound of crumbled sausage in the skillet. Add the cornbread batter and bake. As soon as the cornbread comes out of the oven, run a knife around the edge to loosen and invert it onto a plate.
Add 1 to 2 cups of Mexican-style cheese and green chile peppers for Tex-Mex flavor.
What's the Difference Between Southern and Northern Cornbread?
It's difficult to generalize recipes because every cook has their own way of making popular dishes. However, there tend to be some regional preferences when it comes to cornbread. One of the most controversial is the sugar, though Northern cornbread also tends to be more cake-like and less crumbly because it uses more flour. Southern cornbread often skips the sugar, includes more cornmeal, and is baked in a piping hot cast-iron pan for that signature crispy crust on the bottom and sides.
What's the Best Fat to Grease the Skillet?
One key to great Southern cornbread is the fat that greases the skillet. Vegetable shortening is just one option. You can use the same amount of oil as long as it has a high smoke point that can handle the oven's temperature. Canola and vegetable oils are good choices. To give the cornbread even more flavor, use bacon grease (some people insist it's the only way to go):
Dice 3 or 4 strips of bacon and cook it in the skillet. Use 1 tablespoon of bacon grease instead of the oil or shortening and replace some of the butter with the rest. Add the cooked diced bacon to the batter, if you like.
Why Does Cornbread Get Crumbly?
Cornbread is inherently crumbly to some degree, particularly Southern-style cornbread. A few factors may produce really dry cornbread that simply falls apart, though. Over baking will dry it out, so be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick. Another consideration is if a recipe has too much cornmeal and not enough (or no) flour or eggs. Fortunately, this recipe includes those three elements in proportions that result in tender, not-too-crumbly cornbread.
CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY MUFFINS
You may remember me posting about Rollin' Oats, one of my favorite places to shop. It has two stores in the Tampa Bay (Florida) area, one in Tampa, the other in St. Petersburg. Since I live way closer to St. Pete, I frequently go to that store. It's really one of my favorite places to shop. (Hint: If you live in the area, or are visiting, I highly recommend checking it out.)
Anyway, whenever I'm in Rollin' Oats, I pick up a copy of Taste For Life. This is from the March 2021 issue of Taste For Life (page 12). Prep Time: 35 minutes, plus 30 minutes cool time; Makes 9 muffins
To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/desserts/chocolate-raspberry-muffins.
Ingredients
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 large eggs
1/4 cup oil, plus additional for greasing pan
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 9 of the muffin cups in a muffin pan.
In a large bowl, combine coconut flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Gently fold in raspberries.
Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of batter into each greased muffin cup.
Bake approximately 20 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into center of muffin comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan for 1/2 hour.
FESTIVE SWEET CORN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp. melted unsalted butter or margin
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 cup whole corn
1 small red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 small green chili, deseeded and chopped
Directions
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, cornmeal, flour, salt and baking powder. In a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, honey and eggs. Stir the egg mixture into the cornmeal mixture, mixing well. Stir in the melted butter and then gently mix in the corn kernels, chili and red bell pepper. Pour the batter into the baking pan. Bake until firm, 18-20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve hot.
"STROKE OF MIDNIGHT" PUMPKIN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. The notes throughout the recipe are from the person who posted it on the list.
Preparation time: About 1 hr; Serves: 8 - 10
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups, sugar
1/3 cup, shortening (I use Smart Balance *Vegan*)
1/2 cup, applesauce
1 cup, pumpkin
1 2/3 cups, flour (I use a combo of wheat and soy)
1/4 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/3 cup, water
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Whatever you like)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the sugar, shortening and applesauce until 'light and fluffy' or well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the batter and water, alternatively.
Spoon into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes – 1 hour or until done
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
TEX-MEX CORNBREAD
This yummy recipe is from Diana Rattray, who has contributed to About.com and The Spruce Eats for years. For this recipe, she wrote, "This is a moist and delicious cornbread, perfect to serve with beans, a bowl of chili, or a hearty soup or stew. Add more or less minced jalapeño to suit your taste. A cast-iron skillet makes the best crust, but a heavy baking pan could be used if necessary."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/tex-mex-cornbread-3054149.
Ingredients
1/4 cup canola oil plus 1 tablespoon for the skillet
3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 9 ounces
1 small can (8 ounces) cream-style corn, or about 1 cup
1 tablespoon finely minced onion, red or yellow
2 tablespoons finely minced jalapeño peppers
1 1/2 cups stone-ground cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded Cheddar Jack cheese blend or a mild or sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
Put 1 tablespoon of oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet and put it in the oven. Heat the oven to 425 F.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining 1/4 cup of oil, the buttermilk, cream-style corn, minced onion, and minced jalapeño peppers.
In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cheese. Blend well.
Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven and set it on a metal rack.
Combine the egg and buttermilk mixture and the dry mixture. Stir just until blended. Pour into the hot pan.
Return the pan to the oven and bake the cornbread for about 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and crisp around the edges.
Cut into wedges and serve.
Tips
A cast iron skillet will make the best crust, but a 9-inch baking pan can be substituted.
Use fresh jalapeño or canned, minced finely.
SOUTHERN-STYLE CORNBREAD
This yummy recipe is from Diana Rattray, who has contributed to About.com and The Spruce Eats for years. For this recipe, she wrote, "Cornbread is a staple in the South. It is absolutely essential with bean dishes, black-eyed peas, greens, hearty stews, and, of course, country-style ribs. It's a cheap, filling dish that's easy to make from scratch and better than any boxed mix. Throughout the years, Southerners have enjoyed cornbread in many different ways, from fritters to corn pone and spoon bread to hush puppies. Despite all of those options, many believe that the best Southern cornbread is baked in a cast-iron pan so it gets a crispy crust.
"Southern-style cornbread rarely contains sugar, though some regions and many people do like to sweeten their cornbread a bit. To add sugar or not can be a hot topic of debate, and it's an optional ingredient in this recipe. If you have Northerners and Southerners to cook for, you might have to look for compromise. Or make two pans!
"This cornbread recipe doesn't require buttermilk. It's richer than most because it's made with three eggs, and using a combination of cornmeal and flour ensures it won't get too dry or crumbly."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 24 minutes; Total Time: 39 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/southern-style-cornbread-3054179.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 425 F.
Put the shortening in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and place in the oven to preheat while making the batter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and butter.
Combine with dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are moistened. The batter will be similar to a thick pancake batter.
Carefully, with heavy oven mitts, lift the skillet out of the oven and turn to coat the bottom and sides with the melted shortening.
Pour the cornbread batter into the skillet and return it to the oven.
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until browned. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Serve and enjoy.
Tips
Baking powder starts acting quickly, so have the oven preheated and the skillet ready before you combine the wet and dry ingredients. As soon as the batter is combined, pour it into the skillet and get it into the oven.
If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a greased 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan may be substituted.
This same recipe can be used to make cornbread muffins. Be sure to grease and flour the muffin pan thoroughly.
Recipe Variations
Replace the sugar with honey or cane syrup if you like.
The salt may be reduced to 1 teaspoon.
Add 1 cup of well-drained, cooked corn kernels to the batter.
Brown about 1/2 pound of crumbled sausage in the skillet. Add the cornbread batter and bake. As soon as the cornbread comes out of the oven, run a knife around the edge to loosen and invert it onto a plate.
Add 1 to 2 cups of Mexican-style cheese and green chile peppers for Tex-Mex flavor.
What's the Difference Between Southern and Northern Cornbread?
It's difficult to generalize recipes because every cook has their own way of making popular dishes. However, there tend to be some regional preferences when it comes to cornbread. One of the most controversial is the sugar, though Northern cornbread also tends to be more cake-like and less crumbly because it uses more flour. Southern cornbread often skips the sugar, includes more cornmeal, and is baked in a piping hot cast-iron pan for that signature crispy crust on the bottom and sides.
What's the Best Fat to Grease the Skillet?
One key to great Southern cornbread is the fat that greases the skillet. Vegetable shortening is just one option. You can use the same amount of oil as long as it has a high smoke point that can handle the oven's temperature. Canola and vegetable oils are good choices. To give the cornbread even more flavor, use bacon grease (some people insist it's the only way to go):
Dice 3 or 4 strips of bacon and cook it in the skillet. Use 1 tablespoon of bacon grease instead of the oil or shortening and replace some of the butter with the rest. Add the cooked diced bacon to the batter, if you like.
Why Does Cornbread Get Crumbly?
Cornbread is inherently crumbly to some degree, particularly Southern-style cornbread. A few factors may produce really dry cornbread that simply falls apart, though. Over baking will dry it out, so be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick. Another consideration is if a recipe has too much cornmeal and not enough (or no) flour or eggs. Fortunately, this recipe includes those three elements in proportions that result in tender, not-too-crumbly cornbread.
CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY MUFFINS
You may remember me posting about Rollin' Oats, one of my favorite places to shop. It has two stores in the Tampa Bay (Florida) area, one in Tampa, the other in St. Petersburg. Since I live way closer to St. Pete, I frequently go to that store. It's really one of my favorite places to shop. (Hint: If you live in the area, or are visiting, I highly recommend checking it out.)
Anyway, whenever I'm in Rollin' Oats, I pick up a copy of Taste For Life. This is from the March 2021 issue of Taste For Life (page 12). Prep Time: 35 minutes, plus 30 minutes cool time; Makes 9 muffins
To view this online, go to https://tasteforlife.com/healthy-recipes/desserts/chocolate-raspberry-muffins.
Ingredients
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 large eggs
1/4 cup oil, plus additional for greasing pan
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 9 of the muffin cups in a muffin pan.
In a large bowl, combine coconut flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Gently fold in raspberries.
Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of batter into each greased muffin cup.
Bake approximately 20 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into center of muffin comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan for 1/2 hour.
FESTIVE SWEET CORN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp. melted unsalted butter or margin
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 cup whole corn
1 small red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 small green chili, deseeded and chopped
Directions
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, cornmeal, flour, salt and baking powder. In a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, honey and eggs. Stir the egg mixture into the cornmeal mixture, mixing well. Stir in the melted butter and then gently mix in the corn kernels, chili and red bell pepper. Pour the batter into the baking pan. Bake until firm, 18-20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve hot.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Breakfast
When I was growing up (more years ago than seems possible), two of my friends - a brother and sister - lived next door. They were the oldest of four kids, and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging around with them. Frequently, when my mother was fixing dinner, I'd wander over to Robbie and Audrey's place to see what they were doing.
At one point, I noticed that on Thursday evenings (the last night before pay-day for most families in our neighborhood), their mother would have the four kids at the table, wolfing down cereal, pancakes, French toast, or other breakfast foods for dinner. If it was a cereal night, all the remaining cereal boxes from the previous shopping trip would be on the table, along with a gallon of milk, happy slurping noises coming from the table.
"Eat up!" their mother would admonish. "We'll get more cereal tomorrow, so you guys can finish those boxes up."
I so envied them. "Why can't we have cereal (or pancakes or French toast) for dinner?" I'd ask my mom. This, of course, was especially true whenever she was making that dreaded of meals, liver and onions.
"Those are breakfast things," Mom would explain, as though to a slow child.
Mom, with my younger brother, circa early 1960s
No matter. Since moving out on my own, and starting my own family (who are now grown), I occasionally made breakfast for dinner. There's nothing wrong with that, opinions to the contrary.
And so, here are six breakfast recipes that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast and Breakfast Burritos. Enjoy!
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
Nutrition: 6 servings (2 tacos each); 1 Serving: Calories: 310 (Calories from Fat: 190); Total Fat: 21 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g, Trans Fat: 0 g); Cholesterol: 210 mg; Sodium: 550 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 18 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g); Protein: 10 g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10%
Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Medium-Fat Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 2 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choice: 1
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Breakfast burritos are worth waking up for, and this one brings a mix of Mexican flavors in a hearty and portable package. These are wrapped individually in foil so they’re warm and ready to go, no matter the size of your crowd. The scrambled eggs get a flavor boost thanks to cumin and cayenne. You can make these burritos ahead and refrigerate them to have them ready to go for breakfast for the next couple of days. Just unwrap them and reheat them in the microwave or in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Replace the sour cream with diced avocado tossed in lime juice, if you like."
Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 34 minutes; Total Time: 49 minutes; Serves: 6; Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
6 Tbsp Reduced-fat sour cream
6 Tbsp Fat free salsa
2 sprays Cooking spray
1/2 medium uncooked onion, chopped
1 medium Poblano chile, chopped
8 eggs
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
6 medium Whole-wheat tortillas
3/4 cup Weight Watchers Reduced fat Mexican style shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and salsa; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper to skillet and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, salt, cumin, and cayenne; pour into skillet after vegetables are softened. Scramble mixture until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Place a tortilla on a square of aluminum foil big enough to wrap tortilla in when rolled up; spoon about 1/2 cup egg mixture down center of tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons each salsa mixture and cheese; fold up burrito-style and wrap tightly with foil. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Yields 1 burrito per serving.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 94), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "This is the inn’s most popular breakfast item, and it’s a very versatile recipe—sturdy enough for dinner too. Use whatever vegetables are seasonal and abundant. Serve with salsa and sour cream. Note: You must start this dish one day ahead of serving." Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/breakfast-burritos/.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 medium-sized onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 2-inch-thick slices
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach
2 Tbs. fresh dill
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 8-inch flour tortillas
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups skim milk
1 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. mustard powder
Preparation
Grease 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and pepper 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic, and cook 2 minutes more. Stir in spinach, dill, salt and pepper; cover and cook 5 minutes, or until spinach has completely thawed. Season with pepper sauce, if desired, and stir in 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
Spoon 1/3 cup of spinach/veggie mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll tortilla tightly, and place seam side down in baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, flour and mustard powder, and pour over tortillas. Cover dish with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake burritos 45 minutes, or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese, and bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese has melted and begins to brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving with salsa and sour cream.
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
Yield: 4 Servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/692.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp dried dill
2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp margarine
1 large onion, diced
Directions
Mix cottage cheese and egg substitute together; set aside.
In large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add broccoli and dill; saute for 5 minutes, or until broccoli mixture softens. Set vegetable aside.
Wipe out frying pan. Add 1 tsp. margarine and swirl the pan to distribute it. Add half of the vegetable mixture, and then add half of the egg mixture; lift and rotate pan so that eggs are evenly distributed.
As eggs set around the edges, lift them to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath. Turn heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until top is set.
Invert onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.
Repeat with remaining 1 tsp. margarine, vegetable mixture, and egg mixture.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 2 Meat; 1 Fat
RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 95), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "If raspberries are not available, you can substitute blueberries. Note: You must start this dish one day ahead." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/raspberry-cream-cheese-french-toast/.
Ingredients
French Toast
12 slices bread, preferably raisin bread
4 oz. low-fat cream cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 oz. raspberries
Raspberry sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
8 oz. raspberries
Preparation
To make French Toast: Grease 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 6 slices bread evenly on bottom of pan, and dot with half of cream cheese. Layer remaining 6 slices on top, and dot with remaining cream cheese.
Whisk together eggs, milk, syrup and raspberries in mixing bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover baking dish with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Bake bread 1/2 hour covered; remove foil, and bake 30 minutes more, or until bread begins to puff up and brown.
To make Raspberry Sauce: Combine sugar, cornstarch and 1 cup water in saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 3 minutes, or until thickened. Whisk in raspberries, and cook 3 minutes more, or until sauce has thickened again. Serve French Toast with Raspberry Sauce.
At one point, I noticed that on Thursday evenings (the last night before pay-day for most families in our neighborhood), their mother would have the four kids at the table, wolfing down cereal, pancakes, French toast, or other breakfast foods for dinner. If it was a cereal night, all the remaining cereal boxes from the previous shopping trip would be on the table, along with a gallon of milk, happy slurping noises coming from the table.
"Eat up!" their mother would admonish. "We'll get more cereal tomorrow, so you guys can finish those boxes up."
I so envied them. "Why can't we have cereal (or pancakes or French toast) for dinner?" I'd ask my mom. This, of course, was especially true whenever she was making that dreaded of meals, liver and onions.
"Those are breakfast things," Mom would explain, as though to a slow child.
Mom, with my younger brother, circa early 1960s
No matter. Since moving out on my own, and starting my own family (who are now grown), I occasionally made breakfast for dinner. There's nothing wrong with that, opinions to the contrary.
And so, here are six breakfast recipes that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast and Breakfast Burritos. Enjoy!
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
Nutrition: 6 servings (2 tacos each); 1 Serving: Calories: 310 (Calories from Fat: 190); Total Fat: 21 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g, Trans Fat: 0 g); Cholesterol: 210 mg; Sodium: 550 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 18 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g); Protein: 10 g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10%
Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Medium-Fat Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 2 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choice: 1
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Breakfast burritos are worth waking up for, and this one brings a mix of Mexican flavors in a hearty and portable package. These are wrapped individually in foil so they’re warm and ready to go, no matter the size of your crowd. The scrambled eggs get a flavor boost thanks to cumin and cayenne. You can make these burritos ahead and refrigerate them to have them ready to go for breakfast for the next couple of days. Just unwrap them and reheat them in the microwave or in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Replace the sour cream with diced avocado tossed in lime juice, if you like."
Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 34 minutes; Total Time: 49 minutes; Serves: 6; Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
6 Tbsp Reduced-fat sour cream
6 Tbsp Fat free salsa
2 sprays Cooking spray
1/2 medium uncooked onion, chopped
1 medium Poblano chile, chopped
8 eggs
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
6 medium Whole-wheat tortillas
3/4 cup Weight Watchers Reduced fat Mexican style shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and salsa; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper to skillet and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, salt, cumin, and cayenne; pour into skillet after vegetables are softened. Scramble mixture until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Place a tortilla on a square of aluminum foil big enough to wrap tortilla in when rolled up; spoon about 1/2 cup egg mixture down center of tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons each salsa mixture and cheese; fold up burrito-style and wrap tightly with foil. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Yields 1 burrito per serving.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 94), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "This is the inn’s most popular breakfast item, and it’s a very versatile recipe—sturdy enough for dinner too. Use whatever vegetables are seasonal and abundant. Serve with salsa and sour cream. Note: You must start this dish one day ahead of serving." Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/breakfast-burritos/.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 medium-sized onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 2-inch-thick slices
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach
2 Tbs. fresh dill
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 8-inch flour tortillas
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups skim milk
1 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. mustard powder
Preparation
Grease 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and pepper 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic, and cook 2 minutes more. Stir in spinach, dill, salt and pepper; cover and cook 5 minutes, or until spinach has completely thawed. Season with pepper sauce, if desired, and stir in 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
Spoon 1/3 cup of spinach/veggie mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll tortilla tightly, and place seam side down in baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, flour and mustard powder, and pour over tortillas. Cover dish with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake burritos 45 minutes, or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese, and bake 5 minutes more, or until cheese has melted and begins to brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving with salsa and sour cream.
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
Yield: 4 Servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/692.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp dried dill
2 cup fat-free egg substitute
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp margarine
1 large onion, diced
Directions
Mix cottage cheese and egg substitute together; set aside.
In large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes, or until soft.
Add broccoli and dill; saute for 5 minutes, or until broccoli mixture softens. Set vegetable aside.
Wipe out frying pan. Add 1 tsp. margarine and swirl the pan to distribute it. Add half of the vegetable mixture, and then add half of the egg mixture; lift and rotate pan so that eggs are evenly distributed.
As eggs set around the edges, lift them to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath. Turn heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until top is set.
Invert onto a serving plate and cut into wedges.
Repeat with remaining 1 tsp. margarine, vegetable mixture, and egg mixture.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 150; Calories from Fat: 30; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 390 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable; 2 Meat; 1 Fat
RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST
This comes from Vegetarian Times (May 2005 issue, page 95), in an article featuring Inn Serendipity in Browntown, WI. The recipes begins, "If raspberries are not available, you can substitute blueberries. Note: You must start this dish one day ahead." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/raspberry-cream-cheese-french-toast/.
Ingredients
French Toast
12 slices bread, preferably raisin bread
4 oz. low-fat cream cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 oz. raspberries
Raspberry sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
8 oz. raspberries
Preparation
To make French Toast: Grease 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 6 slices bread evenly on bottom of pan, and dot with half of cream cheese. Layer remaining 6 slices on top, and dot with remaining cream cheese.
Whisk together eggs, milk, syrup and raspberries in mixing bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover baking dish with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Bake bread 1/2 hour covered; remove foil, and bake 30 minutes more, or until bread begins to puff up and brown.
To make Raspberry Sauce: Combine sugar, cornstarch and 1 cup water in saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 3 minutes, or until thickened. Whisk in raspberries, and cook 3 minutes more, or until sauce has thickened again. Serve French Toast with Raspberry Sauce.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Wednesday Recipes
Any idea what day it is? Why, it's Hump Day, of course (otherwise known as Wednesday). Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, and those hump day blues, including Lasagna Roll Ups and Beef Stroganoff. Enjoy!
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
SLOW-COOKER CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This all-day slow-cooker recipe isn’t your average bean soup—it’s wildly flavorful and extra hearty, and we’d bet it’ll become your favorite on the first try. The secret is in cooking the beans with a bone-in ham shank that infuses flavor into every bite. The key to getting the perfect consistency, mashing the beans, is a can’t-skip step that’s super easy. Finish your bowl with the toppings of your choice, like pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado or a squeeze of lime juice, and prepare to be impressed!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Soup
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1 ham shank (about 1 1/2 lb)
3 cans (15 oz each) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Toppings
Fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced avocado, lime slices, if desired
Directions
In 5-quart slow cooker, mix all Soup ingredients except lime juice. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 8 hours or until ham easily pulls away from bone.
Remove ham shank from slow cooker. Pull ham away from bone; chop, discarding the bone. With potato masher, carefully mash black beans inside slow cooker insert. Stir in 1 cup of the ham and the lime juice. Serve soup with Toppings.
Expert Tips
Ham shanks vary in size, and some may have more meat than others. Save any remaining ham for another use.
To add more spicy heat, stir in an additional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or top with a medium or hot fresh pico de gallo.
BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "Forget what you think you remember about this putatively Russian dish, which saw its zenith in American kitchens during the 1950s and its nadir in school cafeterias two decades later. Beef stroganoff makes for an outstanding dinner: a vat of tender sautéed meat in a silken gravy studded with caramelized mushrooms, alongside a huge tangle of buttered noodles. Be careful when adding the cream at the end: Sour cream easily curdles in the heat, while crème fraîche or heavy cream offer smoother results."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "How Cooking Dinner Can Change Your Life," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020862-beef-stroganoff.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds sirloin roast, or beef tenderloin, if you’re feeling fancy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
2 small shallots, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cut the beef against the grain into 1/2-inch slices, pound lightly, then cut those slices into 1-inch-wide strips.
Add the flour, paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper to a large shallow bowl and toss to combine. Dredge the strips of meat in the flour mixture, shake them to remove excess flour, then transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.
Place a large skillet over high heat and swirl in the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, sauté the beef slices, in two batches, until they are well browned on both sides but rare inside, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared meat to the baking sheet. Turn the heat down slightly.
Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pan. When it has melted and started to foam, add the mushrooms, toss to coat them with the fat, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are a deep, dark brown, 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway into the process, add the sliced shallots and 1 tablespoon butter and stir to combine.
While the mushrooms cook, add the noodles to the boiling water, and cook until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain the noodles, and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
When the mushrooms and shallots are soft and caramelized, deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping at all the stuck-on bits on the pan’s surface. When the wine has reduced by about half, slowly stir in the cream, followed by the Worcestershire and mustard. Add the meat, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the dish is hot and the beef is medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste, and adjust the seasonings.
Serve the noodles under or alongside the stroganoff; sprinkle stroganoff with parsley.
LASAGNA
This comes from Regina Schrambling on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, "In 2001, Regina Schrambling went on a week long odyssey in search of the ultimate lasagna recipe. She tested several, and finally found her ideal in a mash-up of recipes from Giuliano Bugialli and Elodia Rigante, both Italian cookbook authors.
"'If there were central casting for casseroles, this one deserved the leading role. But its beauty was more than cheese deep. This was the best lasagna I had ever eaten. The sauce was intensely flavored, the cheeses melted into creaminess as if they were bechamel, the meat was just chunky enough, and the noodles put up no resistance to the fork. Most important, the balance of pasta and sauce was positively Italian. At last I could understand why my neighbor Geoff had told me, as I dragged home more bags in our elevator, that all-day lasagna is the only kind worth making.'"
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 4 hours
This was featured in "The Noodle and I: A Face-Off at the Oven", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9530-lasagna.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, finely diced
2 large cloves minced garlic
8 ounces pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good red wine, preferably Italian
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground sirloin
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
2 eggs
10 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves only, washed and dried
2 large whole cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
1 pound Italian sausage, a mix of hot and sweet
For the lasagna:
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 extra-large eggs
2 cups freshly grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 pound mozzarella, grated
16 sheets fresh lasagna noodles, preferably Antica Pasteria
Preparation
For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or kettle over low heat. Add the onions, minced garlic and pancetta, and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the onions are wilted. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Raise heat slightly, add the wine and cook until it is mostly reduced, about 20 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan, and add their juice. Add the tomato paste and 2 cups lukewarm water. Simmer for 1 hour.
Combine the sirloin, cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Chop the parsley with the whole garlic until fine, then stir into the beef mixture. Season lavishly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Shape into meatballs and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off excess, and lay into the hot oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (do not cook through) and transfer to the sauce.
In a clean skillet, brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Transfer to the sauce. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, pecorino Romano, parsley and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the meatballs and sausage from the sauce, and set aside to cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Spoon a thick layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-12-inch lasagna pan. Cover with a layer of noodles. Spoon more sauce on top, then add a third of the meat and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat for 2 more layers, using all the meat and cheese. Top with a layer of noodles, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
MAANGCHI'S CHEESE BULDAK (FIRE CHICKEN)
This is from Maangchi and adapted by Sam Sifton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "Cheese buldak is a Korean dish that is incredibly easy to prepare: a marinade of red-pepper paste and red-pepper flakes that becomes a fiery sauce for braised chicken, which is then served beneath a cloak of broiler-melted mozzarella. A child could do it, or an adult who often acts like one. Mine is an adaptation of a recipe that owes its deepest debt to Emily Kim, the Korean web star known as Maangchi, whose video for cheese buldak has been viewed on YouTube more than seven million times. (Omit the rice cakes if you can’t find them easily!) Thanks to subtitling by her fans, the video can be read in 24 languages. There are thousands and thousands of comments below it, mostly positive. One reads, 'Can you be my mom?'"
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "Melt Away the Pain of This Korean Fire Chicken With Cheese", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020366-maangchis-cheese-buldak-fire-chicken.
Ingredients
1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red-pepper paste)
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 (1-inch) piece ginger, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or peanut
4 ounces sliced Korean rice cakes (optional)
6 to 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, thinly sliced
2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
Preparation
Combine the gochugaru, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well. Add the chicken and stir until it is well coated.
If you’re using the rice cakes, swirl the oil into a large, oven-safe skillet set over medium-high heat and wait for it to shimmer. Add the rice cakes and cook, turning the cakes often, until they are a little crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the rice cakes to a small bowl and set aside. If you’re not using rice cakes, simply swirl the oil into the pan and move along to the next step.
Add the chicken mixture to the pan along with 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes, adding the rice cakes halfway through, if using. Meanwhile, heat the broiler in your oven.Remove the chicken from the heat. Cover the pan with the sliced mozzarella, then slide the pan under the broiler. Cook until the cheese has melted and browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with scallions. Serve immediately, with rice.
LASAGNA ROLL UPS
This comes from GNelson at Allrecipes. The recipe begins, "Thick and hearty rolls filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and a beefy tomato sauce. A fun spin on a family favorite!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Yield: 9 servings
View this online at https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/228649/lasagna-roll-ups-ii/.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/4 white onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (26 ounce) jar chunky tomato sauce (such as Ragu®)
3 tablespoons white sugar
18 lasagna noodles
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (12 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or as needed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook and stir ground beef, onion, garlic powder, and oregano in a large skillet over medium heat until onion is tender and beef is browned, about 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce and sugar; simmer until sauce is heated through, about 10 minutes.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
Place a lasagna noodle on a work surface. Spoon one layer of ricotta cheese mixture, one layer meat sauce, and one layer mozzarella cheese atop the lasagna noodle; top with another lasagna noodle. Roll up the stuffed lasagna noodles in the jelly-roll style; place in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat with remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Spread a spoonful of meat sauce atop each lasagna roll; top with remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes.
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “These no-added-sugar muffins make for an easy snack on the go. Soccer practice? Walk in the park? Whatever has you on the move, simply wrap a piece of waxed paper around a muffin and take it with you.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/blueberry-muffins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon stevia sweetener
OR
2 stevia sweetener packets
1/2 cup corn oil
OR
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh, or, frozen)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the stevia sweetener, oil, vanilla, egg, and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients. Stir together until the mixture is just moistened but no flour is visible. Gently fold in the blueberries, reserving 24 to 36 blueberries to garnish the tops.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Using the reserved blueberries, sprinkle 2 or 3 berries on top of each muffin.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
SLOW-COOKER CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This all-day slow-cooker recipe isn’t your average bean soup—it’s wildly flavorful and extra hearty, and we’d bet it’ll become your favorite on the first try. The secret is in cooking the beans with a bone-in ham shank that infuses flavor into every bite. The key to getting the perfect consistency, mashing the beans, is a can’t-skip step that’s super easy. Finish your bowl with the toppings of your choice, like pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado or a squeeze of lime juice, and prepare to be impressed!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Soup
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1 ham shank (about 1 1/2 lb)
3 cans (15 oz each) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Toppings
Fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced avocado, lime slices, if desired
Directions
In 5-quart slow cooker, mix all Soup ingredients except lime juice. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 8 hours or until ham easily pulls away from bone.
Remove ham shank from slow cooker. Pull ham away from bone; chop, discarding the bone. With potato masher, carefully mash black beans inside slow cooker insert. Stir in 1 cup of the ham and the lime juice. Serve soup with Toppings.
Expert Tips
Ham shanks vary in size, and some may have more meat than others. Save any remaining ham for another use.
To add more spicy heat, stir in an additional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or top with a medium or hot fresh pico de gallo.
BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "Forget what you think you remember about this putatively Russian dish, which saw its zenith in American kitchens during the 1950s and its nadir in school cafeterias two decades later. Beef stroganoff makes for an outstanding dinner: a vat of tender sautéed meat in a silken gravy studded with caramelized mushrooms, alongside a huge tangle of buttered noodles. Be careful when adding the cream at the end: Sour cream easily curdles in the heat, while crème fraîche or heavy cream offer smoother results."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "How Cooking Dinner Can Change Your Life," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020862-beef-stroganoff.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds sirloin roast, or beef tenderloin, if you’re feeling fancy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
2 small shallots, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cut the beef against the grain into 1/2-inch slices, pound lightly, then cut those slices into 1-inch-wide strips.
Add the flour, paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper to a large shallow bowl and toss to combine. Dredge the strips of meat in the flour mixture, shake them to remove excess flour, then transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.
Place a large skillet over high heat and swirl in the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, sauté the beef slices, in two batches, until they are well browned on both sides but rare inside, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared meat to the baking sheet. Turn the heat down slightly.
Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pan. When it has melted and started to foam, add the mushrooms, toss to coat them with the fat, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are a deep, dark brown, 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway into the process, add the sliced shallots and 1 tablespoon butter and stir to combine.
While the mushrooms cook, add the noodles to the boiling water, and cook until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain the noodles, and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
When the mushrooms and shallots are soft and caramelized, deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping at all the stuck-on bits on the pan’s surface. When the wine has reduced by about half, slowly stir in the cream, followed by the Worcestershire and mustard. Add the meat, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the dish is hot and the beef is medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste, and adjust the seasonings.
Serve the noodles under or alongside the stroganoff; sprinkle stroganoff with parsley.
LASAGNA
This comes from Regina Schrambling on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, "In 2001, Regina Schrambling went on a week long odyssey in search of the ultimate lasagna recipe. She tested several, and finally found her ideal in a mash-up of recipes from Giuliano Bugialli and Elodia Rigante, both Italian cookbook authors.
"'If there were central casting for casseroles, this one deserved the leading role. But its beauty was more than cheese deep. This was the best lasagna I had ever eaten. The sauce was intensely flavored, the cheeses melted into creaminess as if they were bechamel, the meat was just chunky enough, and the noodles put up no resistance to the fork. Most important, the balance of pasta and sauce was positively Italian. At last I could understand why my neighbor Geoff had told me, as I dragged home more bags in our elevator, that all-day lasagna is the only kind worth making.'"
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 4 hours
This was featured in "The Noodle and I: A Face-Off at the Oven", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9530-lasagna.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, finely diced
2 large cloves minced garlic
8 ounces pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good red wine, preferably Italian
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground sirloin
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
2 eggs
10 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves only, washed and dried
2 large whole cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
1 pound Italian sausage, a mix of hot and sweet
For the lasagna:
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 extra-large eggs
2 cups freshly grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 pound mozzarella, grated
16 sheets fresh lasagna noodles, preferably Antica Pasteria
Preparation
For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or kettle over low heat. Add the onions, minced garlic and pancetta, and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the onions are wilted. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Raise heat slightly, add the wine and cook until it is mostly reduced, about 20 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan, and add their juice. Add the tomato paste and 2 cups lukewarm water. Simmer for 1 hour.
Combine the sirloin, cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Chop the parsley with the whole garlic until fine, then stir into the beef mixture. Season lavishly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Shape into meatballs and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off excess, and lay into the hot oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (do not cook through) and transfer to the sauce.
In a clean skillet, brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Transfer to the sauce. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, pecorino Romano, parsley and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the meatballs and sausage from the sauce, and set aside to cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Spoon a thick layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-12-inch lasagna pan. Cover with a layer of noodles. Spoon more sauce on top, then add a third of the meat and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat for 2 more layers, using all the meat and cheese. Top with a layer of noodles, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
MAANGCHI'S CHEESE BULDAK (FIRE CHICKEN)
This is from Maangchi and adapted by Sam Sifton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "Cheese buldak is a Korean dish that is incredibly easy to prepare: a marinade of red-pepper paste and red-pepper flakes that becomes a fiery sauce for braised chicken, which is then served beneath a cloak of broiler-melted mozzarella. A child could do it, or an adult who often acts like one. Mine is an adaptation of a recipe that owes its deepest debt to Emily Kim, the Korean web star known as Maangchi, whose video for cheese buldak has been viewed on YouTube more than seven million times. (Omit the rice cakes if you can’t find them easily!) Thanks to subtitling by her fans, the video can be read in 24 languages. There are thousands and thousands of comments below it, mostly positive. One reads, 'Can you be my mom?'"
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "Melt Away the Pain of This Korean Fire Chicken With Cheese", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020366-maangchis-cheese-buldak-fire-chicken.
Ingredients
1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red-pepper paste)
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 (1-inch) piece ginger, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or peanut
4 ounces sliced Korean rice cakes (optional)
6 to 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, thinly sliced
2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
Preparation
Combine the gochugaru, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well. Add the chicken and stir until it is well coated.
If you’re using the rice cakes, swirl the oil into a large, oven-safe skillet set over medium-high heat and wait for it to shimmer. Add the rice cakes and cook, turning the cakes often, until they are a little crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the rice cakes to a small bowl and set aside. If you’re not using rice cakes, simply swirl the oil into the pan and move along to the next step.
Add the chicken mixture to the pan along with 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes, adding the rice cakes halfway through, if using. Meanwhile, heat the broiler in your oven.Remove the chicken from the heat. Cover the pan with the sliced mozzarella, then slide the pan under the broiler. Cook until the cheese has melted and browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with scallions. Serve immediately, with rice.
LASAGNA ROLL UPS
This comes from GNelson at Allrecipes. The recipe begins, "Thick and hearty rolls filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and a beefy tomato sauce. A fun spin on a family favorite!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Yield: 9 servings
View this online at https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/228649/lasagna-roll-ups-ii/.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/4 white onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (26 ounce) jar chunky tomato sauce (such as Ragu®)
3 tablespoons white sugar
18 lasagna noodles
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (12 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or as needed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook and stir ground beef, onion, garlic powder, and oregano in a large skillet over medium heat until onion is tender and beef is browned, about 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce and sugar; simmer until sauce is heated through, about 10 minutes.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
Place a lasagna noodle on a work surface. Spoon one layer of ricotta cheese mixture, one layer meat sauce, and one layer mozzarella cheese atop the lasagna noodle; top with another lasagna noodle. Roll up the stuffed lasagna noodles in the jelly-roll style; place in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat with remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Spread a spoonful of meat sauce atop each lasagna roll; top with remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Diabetic Thursday
It's Diabetic Thursday, time to check out how yummy diabetic recipes can be. Today's offerings include Spicy Buffalo-Style Meatballs and Blueberry Muffins. Enjoy!
BUTTERSCOTCH OATMEAL COOKIES
Yield: about 4 dozen cookies
Serving size: 1 cookie
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1082.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Butter-scotch Flavored Morsels
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F.
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar blend, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies, 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Protein: 1 g ; Fat: 7 g ; Sodium: 90 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg ; Carbohydrates: 16 g
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
Yield: 6 servings
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/900.shtml
Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml
Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
Stir well before serving.
If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g ; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
CURRIED CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS
Makes 6 servings.
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/988.shtml
Ingredients
6 chicken breast halves, skinned
6 ounces dried apricots, cut in half
1/4 cup raisins
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 bay leaf, broken
1/4 cup skim milk
Directions
In small bowl, place apricots and raisins. Add orange juice and let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In small dish, place margarine. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, ginger and bay leaf; stir to mix well.
In greased 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange chicken in single layer. Spread spice mixture evenly over chicken. With slotted spoon, remove apricots and raisins from orange juice and arrange in dish with chicken. To orange juice, add skim milk; pour over chicken.
Cover and bake in 350F. oven about 1 hour, removing cover after 45 minutes and cooking uncovered for final 15 minutes.
If desired, garnish with red cherries and serve with rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Blueberry-filled muffins that have a cake-like texture.
Yield: 12 muffins
Serving size: 1 muffin
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/998.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light margarine, softened
1 cup Splenda Essentials No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber, Granulated
1/4 cup honey
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
Directions
Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven.
Preheat oven to 400F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Lightly spray liners with nonstick cooking spray.
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.
Beat margarine at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add Splenda Essentials Granulated Sweetener and honey, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Fold in blueberries.
Spoon batter evenly into paper lined muffin cups. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Calories from Fat: 45; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g ; Sugars: 8 g ; Carbohydrates: 26 g
CRANBERRY SALAD
The recipe begins, “A great salad for the holidays, combining fresh or frozen cranberries, pineapple and chopped nuts in a sugar-free gelatin base. Plus, it has 58% fewer calories than the traditional recipe.”
Serves: 8
Photo and Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1031.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
1 four-serving size cranberry or cherry sugar-free gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup diced celery
1 can (7-1/4 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Bring cranberries and water to a boil. Remove from heat when cranberries have popped open. Stir in Equal. Set aside to cool.
Dissolve gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add cranberry sauce; mix thoroughly. Add celery, pineapple with juice and walnuts. Pour into a mold or bowl. Refrigerate several hours or overnight until firm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 82; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 32 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 fat
SPICY BUFFALO-STYLE MEATBALLS
Makes 32 appetizer servings.
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/541.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound 95% lean ground beef
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
Blue cheese dressing
Celery sticks
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 32 1-inch meatballs; place on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine hot pepper sauce, butter and honey in large bowl; mix well. Add meatballs; stir to coat.
Serve with dressing and celery sticks, as desired. Makes 32 appetizer servings. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef done-ness.
Cook's Tip: 1 package (about 18 ounces) frozen fully-cooked beef meatballs can be substituted for ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook meatballs according to package directions. Continue as directed in step 3.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 33; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 78 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Carbohydrates: 1 g
BUTTERSCOTCH OATMEAL COOKIES
Yield: about 4 dozen cookies
Serving size: 1 cookie
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1082.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Butter-scotch Flavored Morsels
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F.
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar blend, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies, 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Protein: 1 g ; Fat: 7 g ; Sodium: 90 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg ; Carbohydrates: 16 g
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
Yield: 6 servings
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/900.shtml
Source: The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/15.shtml
Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
Stir well before serving.
If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 210; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 9 g ; Sodium: 1020 mg; Cholesterol: 14 mg; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
CURRIED CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS
Makes 6 servings.
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/988.shtml
Ingredients
6 chicken breast halves, skinned
6 ounces dried apricots, cut in half
1/4 cup raisins
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 bay leaf, broken
1/4 cup skim milk
Directions
In small bowl, place apricots and raisins. Add orange juice and let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In small dish, place margarine. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, ginger and bay leaf; stir to mix well.
In greased 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange chicken in single layer. Spread spice mixture evenly over chicken. With slotted spoon, remove apricots and raisins from orange juice and arrange in dish with chicken. To orange juice, add skim milk; pour over chicken.
Cover and bake in 350F. oven about 1 hour, removing cover after 45 minutes and cooking uncovered for final 15 minutes.
If desired, garnish with red cherries and serve with rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Blueberry-filled muffins that have a cake-like texture.
Yield: 12 muffins
Serving size: 1 muffin
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/998.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light margarine, softened
1 cup Splenda Essentials No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber, Granulated
1/4 cup honey
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
Directions
Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven.
Preheat oven to 400F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Lightly spray liners with nonstick cooking spray.
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.
Beat margarine at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add Splenda Essentials Granulated Sweetener and honey, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Fold in blueberries.
Spoon batter evenly into paper lined muffin cups. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Calories from Fat: 45; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g ; Sugars: 8 g ; Carbohydrates: 26 g
CRANBERRY SALAD
The recipe begins, “A great salad for the holidays, combining fresh or frozen cranberries, pineapple and chopped nuts in a sugar-free gelatin base. Plus, it has 58% fewer calories than the traditional recipe.”
Serves: 8
Photo and Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1031.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
1 four-serving size cranberry or cherry sugar-free gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup diced celery
1 can (7-1/4 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Bring cranberries and water to a boil. Remove from heat when cranberries have popped open. Stir in Equal. Set aside to cool.
Dissolve gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add cranberry sauce; mix thoroughly. Add celery, pineapple with juice and walnuts. Pour into a mold or bowl. Refrigerate several hours or overnight until firm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 82; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 32 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 fat
SPICY BUFFALO-STYLE MEATBALLS
Makes 32 appetizer servings.
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/541.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound 95% lean ground beef
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
Blue cheese dressing
Celery sticks
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 32 1-inch meatballs; place on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine hot pepper sauce, butter and honey in large bowl; mix well. Add meatballs; stir to coat.
Serve with dressing and celery sticks, as desired. Makes 32 appetizer servings. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef done-ness.
Cook's Tip: 1 package (about 18 ounces) frozen fully-cooked beef meatballs can be substituted for ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook meatballs according to package directions. Continue as directed in step 3.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 33; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 78 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Carbohydrates: 1 g
Monday, April 29, 2019
Meatless Monday
It's time for another Meatless Monday. Today's offerings include Italian Eggplant Ragoût and Herbed Tofu Lasagna with Zucchini. Enjoy!
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This recipe, as well as the next one (Fluffy Pancakes) comes from Compassion Over Killing, and can be found in the breakfast section of their Easy Vegan Recipes.
You can request (or download) Compassion Over Killing's free Easy Vegan Recipes booklet here.
Makes 1 dozen
Ingredients
2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (not thawed)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1 1/2 cups dairy-free milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line tin with paper cups.
Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss in blueberries and lemon zest, if using.
Separately, whisk together dairy-free milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Spoon mixture evenly into prepared muffin tin, filling each tin about two-thirds of the way.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let muffins sit 5 minutes before removing from tin.
FLUFFY PANCAKES
Serves 4.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups dairy-free milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat until a drop of water gently sizzles and pops.
Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk in the wet ingredients, being careful not to over-mix. If there are lumps, allow the batter to sit for a minute so they can break down.
Fill a quarter cup and pour batter onto the skillet. Cook over medium heat. Flip when the edges begin to dry and bubbles on the top start to pop.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes and serve with vegan butter, such as Earth Balance, maple syrup, agave syrup, or fresh fruit.
SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from country music star Trisha Yearwood, who also stars in The Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 3 hr 15 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/crockpot-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Cooking spray
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick ) of butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Two 10-ounce bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups)
Dash of paprika
Directions
In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.
ASPARAGUS-PESTO LASAGNA
This is from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe uses two popular Italian lasagna fillings: asparagus and pesto.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/asparagus-pesto-lasagna/
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
6 Tbs. pesto*, or more to taste
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/4 lb. asparagus spears, tips cut off and reserved, spears trimmed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
2 cups shredded Fontina or part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk in saucepan until smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in pesto, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Reserve 1 cup white sauce.
Warm oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus (not tips) and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place layer of noodles in dish, overlapping slightly. Layer with half of cooked asparagus, 3/4 cup Fontina and half of sauce. Add another layer of pasta, remaining sauce, remaining cooked asparagus and 3/4 cup Fontina. Top with layer of noodles, then with reserved 1 cup white sauce. Arrange reserved asparagus tips over top and sprinkle with remaining Fontina.
Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes; serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Look for the freshest, most flavorful pesto in the refrigerator section of the supermarket, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags or in plastic tubs.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 413; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 686 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 681 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 8 g; Yield: Serves 6
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This recipe, as well as the next one (Fluffy Pancakes) comes from Compassion Over Killing, and can be found in the breakfast section of their Easy Vegan Recipes.
You can request (or download) Compassion Over Killing's free Easy Vegan Recipes booklet here.
Makes 1 dozen
Ingredients
2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (not thawed)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1 1/2 cups dairy-free milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line tin with paper cups.
Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss in blueberries and lemon zest, if using.
Separately, whisk together dairy-free milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Spoon mixture evenly into prepared muffin tin, filling each tin about two-thirds of the way.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let muffins sit 5 minutes before removing from tin.
FLUFFY PANCAKES
Serves 4.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups dairy-free milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat until a drop of water gently sizzles and pops.
Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk in the wet ingredients, being careful not to over-mix. If there are lumps, allow the batter to sit for a minute so they can break down.
Fill a quarter cup and pour batter onto the skillet. Cook over medium heat. Flip when the edges begin to dry and bubbles on the top start to pop.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes and serve with vegan butter, such as Earth Balance, maple syrup, agave syrup, or fresh fruit.
SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from country music star Trisha Yearwood, who also stars in The Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 3 hr 15 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/crockpot-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Cooking spray
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick ) of butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Two 10-ounce bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups)
Dash of paprika
Directions
In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.
ASPARAGUS-PESTO LASAGNA
This is from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe uses two popular Italian lasagna fillings: asparagus and pesto.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/asparagus-pesto-lasagna/
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
6 Tbs. pesto*, or more to taste
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/4 lb. asparagus spears, tips cut off and reserved, spears trimmed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
2 cups shredded Fontina or part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk in saucepan until smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in pesto, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Reserve 1 cup white sauce.
Warm oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus (not tips) and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place layer of noodles in dish, overlapping slightly. Layer with half of cooked asparagus, 3/4 cup Fontina and half of sauce. Add another layer of pasta, remaining sauce, remaining cooked asparagus and 3/4 cup Fontina. Top with layer of noodles, then with reserved 1 cup white sauce. Arrange reserved asparagus tips over top and sprinkle with remaining Fontina.
Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes; serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Look for the freshest, most flavorful pesto in the refrigerator section of the supermarket, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags or in plastic tubs.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 413; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 686 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 681 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 8 g; Yield: Serves 6
Friday, September 18, 2015
Friday Recipes
Finally, Friday. Over the weekend, when we're busy juggling a million different things – at least, it feels like we are – it would almost be easier to order something to pick up for dinner. While that may be okay once in a while, it's not necessarily the healthiest or cheapest way to go. Here are a few recipes that can get food on the table in a relatively short period of time, without breaking the bank. Enjoy!
LAST-MINUTE BLACK BEAN SOUP
One of the cool thing about finding recipes for this blog is when I stumble across different websites or e-newsletters that offer yummy food or a new way to cook something that I might not have thought about. This recipe comes from one of those websites. Meal Makeover Moms is a wonderful site that offers “Mealtime Made Easy.” I originally found it through AccentHealth. Last-Minute Black Bean Soup was created by Liz Weiss, MS, RD for Meal Makeover Moms. Makes 4 Servings; Serving size about 1 cup
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
One 15-ounce can reduced-sodium black beans, undrained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
3/4 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, optional
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine the beans, corn, salsa, water, bell pepper, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
Serve in individual bowls and top with the cheese and sour cream as desired.
Nutrition: 180 calories, 1.5g fat (1g saturated), 380mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 10g protein, 60% vitamin C, 15% calcium, 15% iron
CHICKEN POT PIE BUNDLES
This is another recipe from Meal Makeover Moms and makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
1/2 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 cup all-natural chicken broth
4 teaspoons cornstarch
3/4 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
3/4 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
12 egg roll wraps (NOT the smaller wonton wrappers)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in the chicken, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Place the broth and cornstarch in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Add to the skillet along with the peas and corn, and bring the liquid to a simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer and stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
To prepare the bundles, use a muffin pan with 12 medium-size cups (do not coat with nonstick cooking spray). Gently place 1 egg roll wrap into each cup, letting it extend over the sides.
Place a generous 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each wrap, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Fold the corners up and over the top of the filling and press to seal the edges (it doesn’t have to be perfect!). Brush the remaining oil on top of each bundle.
Bake until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly before eating.
Nutrition Information per Serving (2 bundles): 360 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated, 0.4 omega-3), 680mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 24g protein, 70% vitamin A, 15% iron
PEANUT BUTTER BANANA CREAM PIE
This comes from The Baker Chick. I love the food that comes out in her e-newsletters. If you haven't checked out (and signed up for) her newsletters, I recommend doing so. This makes 1 9-inch pie.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
20-25 Oreo Cookies
3 tablespoons of butter
pinch of salt
3 ripe bananas
For the Pudding:
2 1/4 cups whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Peanut Butter Mousse
3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)
2/3 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
For Peanut Butter Sauce: (optional)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons of milk
Instructions
For the Crust:
Place the Oreos in a large ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened- stir in the salt.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes or until set.
For the pudding:
Combine 2 cups of milk and the sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir together and heat until simmering.
Whisk egg yolks together and slowly pour about half of the milk mixture into it with one hand while whisking with the other until combined. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the rest of milk.
In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with the cornstarch until thick and combined. Pour it into the milk mixture and turn the heat back up to medium. Whisk constantly until very thick and bubbling like lava.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and butter.
Allow the pudding to cool a bit as you prep the mousse.
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla, then peanut butter.
Whip cream in another medium bowl until firm peaks form. Fold large spoonful of whipped cream into peanut mixture to loosen, then fold in remaining whipped cream in 2 additions.
To assemble:
Layer the pie in the prepared crust as follows: Sliced banana, pudding, bananas and mousse. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
For peanut butter sauce:
Melt peanut butter in the microwave until thinned. Whisk in powdered sugar and enough milk to thin it for drizzling. Drizzle the sauce over the pie before serving.
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This comes from Seattle, Washington's Macrina Bakery. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. (Hint: Their newsletter is one of my favorite!) The recipe starts off, “This muffin is a perfect showcase for fresh summer blueberries. The batter is only slightly sweet allowing the fruit flavors to speak for themselves. Substitute your favorite seasonal fruit when fresh blueberries are not available.” Makes 6 to 8 muffins
Ingredients:
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
4 eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1-1/2 cups whole milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup coarse raw sugar
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the insides of a muffin tin with canola oil.
Sift flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Mix gently with a wooden spoon and set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, combine eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest and milk. Mix with a whisk until combined. Add to the bowl of dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. (It's important not to overmix.) Slowly add melted butter and continue mixing until batter is smooth and there are no visible streaks of butter. Gently fold blueberries into batter taking care to avoid crushing them.
Scoop batter into oiled muffin tin filling the cups to the top. Sprinkle coarse raw sugar on tops of muffins and bake on center rack of oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Finished muffins will be golden brown. Let cool for at least 10 minutes, then slide a fork down the side of each muffin and gently lift it from the pan.
SPINACH SALAD WITH SMOKED CHICKEN, APPLE, WALNUTS, AND BACON
This comes from FamilyTime. It starts off, "Try this delicious and substantial salad. It calls for the thick-sliced smoked chicken, but you can also use smoked turkey from the deli counter instead." Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 8 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 pound sliced bacon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup cooking oil
2/3 pound smoked chicken breast, sliced
1 pound fresh spinach, stems removed, leaves washed (about 9 cups)
1 small red onion, chopped fine
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut in 1/2-inch slices
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Toast the walnuts until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool.
In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and then crumble it.
In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the oil.
In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the dressing with the chicken. Let sit for about 5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the dressing. Add the walnuts, bacon, spinach, onion, apple, and the remaining dressing and toss.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, “A true American classic, this recipe for baked macaroni and cheese couldn't be easier or more comforting. It's also a a very versatile dish, lending itself to many variations. For example, no reason to stick to elbow macaroni for the recipe, try it with penne, rigatoni or rotini. And you can mix-up the cheese you use, too. How about a mixture of cheddar and Monterrey Jack, or Gruyere and fontina? The variations on the dish are only limited by your imagination.
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients:
12 ounces elbow macaroni (3 cups)
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
1/2 cup finely minced onion
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole or 2-percent fat milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (2 cups)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs, or 1/2 cup dried
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain in a colander.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 6 minutes. Stir in the mustard and cayenne pepper.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Scrape the mixture into a 9 - by- 13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
You can mix-up the recipe some by adding 1 cup of chopped ham and/or 1/2 cup of thawed, frozen peas.
Another variation for this macaroni and cheese is to use Fontina cheese and add some sauteed, chopped mushrooms and spinach, or use some Monterrey Jack cheese and add some canned chopped green chilies and a little chili powder.
Make individual servings of mac and cheese: Spoon the macaroni and cheese into 1 to 2 cup-size ramekins, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
To ensure that the sauce is smooth, add the cheese in small batches, stirring until smooth before adding the next batch.
LAST-MINUTE BLACK BEAN SOUP
One of the cool thing about finding recipes for this blog is when I stumble across different websites or e-newsletters that offer yummy food or a new way to cook something that I might not have thought about. This recipe comes from one of those websites. Meal Makeover Moms is a wonderful site that offers “Mealtime Made Easy.” I originally found it through AccentHealth. Last-Minute Black Bean Soup was created by Liz Weiss, MS, RD for Meal Makeover Moms. Makes 4 Servings; Serving size about 1 cup
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
One 15-ounce can reduced-sodium black beans, undrained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
3/4 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, optional
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine the beans, corn, salsa, water, bell pepper, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
Serve in individual bowls and top with the cheese and sour cream as desired.
Nutrition: 180 calories, 1.5g fat (1g saturated), 380mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 10g protein, 60% vitamin C, 15% calcium, 15% iron
CHICKEN POT PIE BUNDLES
This is another recipe from Meal Makeover Moms and makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
1/2 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 cup all-natural chicken broth
4 teaspoons cornstarch
3/4 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
3/4 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
12 egg roll wraps (NOT the smaller wonton wrappers)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in the chicken, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Place the broth and cornstarch in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Add to the skillet along with the peas and corn, and bring the liquid to a simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer and stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
To prepare the bundles, use a muffin pan with 12 medium-size cups (do not coat with nonstick cooking spray). Gently place 1 egg roll wrap into each cup, letting it extend over the sides.
Place a generous 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each wrap, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Fold the corners up and over the top of the filling and press to seal the edges (it doesn’t have to be perfect!). Brush the remaining oil on top of each bundle.
Bake until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly before eating.
Nutrition Information per Serving (2 bundles): 360 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated, 0.4 omega-3), 680mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 24g protein, 70% vitamin A, 15% iron
PEANUT BUTTER BANANA CREAM PIE
This comes from The Baker Chick. I love the food that comes out in her e-newsletters. If you haven't checked out (and signed up for) her newsletters, I recommend doing so. This makes 1 9-inch pie.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
20-25 Oreo Cookies
3 tablespoons of butter
pinch of salt
3 ripe bananas
For the Pudding:
2 1/4 cups whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Peanut Butter Mousse
3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)
2/3 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
For Peanut Butter Sauce: (optional)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons of milk
Instructions
For the Crust:
Place the Oreos in a large ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened- stir in the salt.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes or until set.
For the pudding:
Combine 2 cups of milk and the sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir together and heat until simmering.
Whisk egg yolks together and slowly pour about half of the milk mixture into it with one hand while whisking with the other until combined. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the rest of milk.
In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with the cornstarch until thick and combined. Pour it into the milk mixture and turn the heat back up to medium. Whisk constantly until very thick and bubbling like lava.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and butter.
Allow the pudding to cool a bit as you prep the mousse.
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla, then peanut butter.
Whip cream in another medium bowl until firm peaks form. Fold large spoonful of whipped cream into peanut mixture to loosen, then fold in remaining whipped cream in 2 additions.
To assemble:
Layer the pie in the prepared crust as follows: Sliced banana, pudding, bananas and mousse. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
For peanut butter sauce:
Melt peanut butter in the microwave until thinned. Whisk in powdered sugar and enough milk to thin it for drizzling. Drizzle the sauce over the pie before serving.
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This comes from Seattle, Washington's Macrina Bakery. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. (Hint: Their newsletter is one of my favorite!) The recipe starts off, “This muffin is a perfect showcase for fresh summer blueberries. The batter is only slightly sweet allowing the fruit flavors to speak for themselves. Substitute your favorite seasonal fruit when fresh blueberries are not available.” Makes 6 to 8 muffins
Ingredients:
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
4 eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1-1/2 cups whole milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup coarse raw sugar
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the insides of a muffin tin with canola oil.
Sift flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Mix gently with a wooden spoon and set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, combine eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest and milk. Mix with a whisk until combined. Add to the bowl of dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. (It's important not to overmix.) Slowly add melted butter and continue mixing until batter is smooth and there are no visible streaks of butter. Gently fold blueberries into batter taking care to avoid crushing them.
Scoop batter into oiled muffin tin filling the cups to the top. Sprinkle coarse raw sugar on tops of muffins and bake on center rack of oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Finished muffins will be golden brown. Let cool for at least 10 minutes, then slide a fork down the side of each muffin and gently lift it from the pan.
SPINACH SALAD WITH SMOKED CHICKEN, APPLE, WALNUTS, AND BACON
This comes from FamilyTime. It starts off, "Try this delicious and substantial salad. It calls for the thick-sliced smoked chicken, but you can also use smoked turkey from the deli counter instead." Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 8 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 pound sliced bacon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup cooking oil
2/3 pound smoked chicken breast, sliced
1 pound fresh spinach, stems removed, leaves washed (about 9 cups)
1 small red onion, chopped fine
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut in 1/2-inch slices
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Toast the walnuts until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool.
In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and then crumble it.
In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the oil.
In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the dressing with the chicken. Let sit for about 5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the dressing. Add the walnuts, bacon, spinach, onion, apple, and the remaining dressing and toss.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, “A true American classic, this recipe for baked macaroni and cheese couldn't be easier or more comforting. It's also a a very versatile dish, lending itself to many variations. For example, no reason to stick to elbow macaroni for the recipe, try it with penne, rigatoni or rotini. And you can mix-up the cheese you use, too. How about a mixture of cheddar and Monterrey Jack, or Gruyere and fontina? The variations on the dish are only limited by your imagination.
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients:
12 ounces elbow macaroni (3 cups)
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
1/2 cup finely minced onion
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole or 2-percent fat milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (2 cups)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs, or 1/2 cup dried
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain in a colander.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 6 minutes. Stir in the mustard and cayenne pepper.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Scrape the mixture into a 9 - by- 13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
You can mix-up the recipe some by adding 1 cup of chopped ham and/or 1/2 cup of thawed, frozen peas.
Another variation for this macaroni and cheese is to use Fontina cheese and add some sauteed, chopped mushrooms and spinach, or use some Monterrey Jack cheese and add some canned chopped green chilies and a little chili powder.
Make individual servings of mac and cheese: Spoon the macaroni and cheese into 1 to 2 cup-size ramekins, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
To ensure that the sauce is smooth, add the cheese in small batches, stirring until smooth before adding the next batch.
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