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Showing posts with label Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Show all posts

Monday, November 25, 2019

Meatless Monday, Thanksgiving Recipes

It's time for another Meatless Monday. Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, I'm posting vegetarian recipes that can make a nice addition to the holiday meal. Another nice thing is that these are good any time of year, including Sweet Potato Casserole and Cranberry Apple Crisp. Enjoy!

SWEENEY POTATOES

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a variation of a dish sometimes called ‘company potatoes,’ popular in the postwar kitchens of the 1950s, made with canned condensed soups and frozen hash browns. Maura Passanisi, of Alameda, Calif., shared it with The Times as a tribute to her grandmother, Florence Sweeney, who originally served it as a Thanksgiving side dish. Ms. Passanisi uses fresh russet potatoes and no condensed soup, but plenty of cream cheese, sour cream, butter and cheese. ‘Legendary,’ she calls the dish. And so it is. Small portions are best. It's rich. And feeds a crowd.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “The American Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan

1 cup sour cream

1/4 to 1/2 cup whole milk

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Put potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Set on stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow potatoes to simmer until they have just started to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Combine cream cheese, melted butter and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add enough milk so that the mixture is creamy but not soupy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes to bowl and stir gently to combine.

Generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Tip half the potatoes into the dish and spread to the edges, then scatter half the grated cheese over the top. Add remaining potatoes and spread to the edges, then top with remaining cheese.

Bake until casserole is bubbling at the edges and cheese has melted across the top, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if you'd like.

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SAUCE

Many of us get by with store bought cranberry sauce. But after seeing this guide by Melissa Clark, I may just start making my own cranberry sauce.

While I’m not posting any particular recipe on making cranberry sauce, you can click here to find out how to make great cranberry sauce.

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.

To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.

Ingredients

3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled

6 cloves garlic, peeled

3/4 cup hot milk

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Julia Moskins in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

This was featured in “THE WINTER COOK; Macaroni and Lots of Cheese” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)

2 cups milk (not skim)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch cayenne

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This came from a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list. While the miniature marshmallows aren't technically vegetarian, if you can find a vegetarian type of miniature marshmallows, go with that.

Ingredients

4 medium Sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lb)

1/4 cup Packed brown sugar

1/4 cup Butter

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Can (8 oz) crushed pineapple

1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon Butter

1 teaspoon Water

1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg

1 1/2 cups Miniature marshmallows

1/4 cup Chopped pecans

Directions

Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover & let stand 5 minutes.

Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-quart casserole. Add 1/4 cup butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Mix in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.

Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.

CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP

Yield: 8 servings

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/876.shtml

Ingredients:

Filling Ingredients:

3 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples

2 cups fresh or frozen thawed cranberries

1 cup Equal Spoonful*

Topping Ingredients:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup stick butter or margarine, melted

1/2 cup Equal Spoonful**

* Substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

** Substitute 12 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

For Filling, combine apples, cranberries and 1 cup Equal in an ungreased 10-inch pie plate.

For Topping, combine flour, pecans, melted butter and 1/2 cup Equal. Mix until well blended. Sprinkle flour mixture over apples and cranberries in pie plate.

Bake in preheated 350F oven 55 to 60 minutes or until fruit is tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 145; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 67 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1-1/2 fat

CROCK POT BROCCOLI & RICE CASSEROLE

This came from a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.

Ingredients

1 sm. onion, diced

1/4 c. butter, melted

2 c. quick cooking rice

2 c. water

1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 tsp. salt

Pepper to taste

1 (5 oz.) jar sharp cheese spread

2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen chopped broccoli, partially thawed

1/4 lb. Velveeta cheese

Corn flake crumbs, browned in butter (opt.)

Directions

Combine all ingredients except corn flake crumbs in crock pot. Stir thoroughly. Cover. Cook low 7 to 10 hours or high 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle crumbs over top. If crock pot comes out of your crock pot, brown under broiler for extra crispness. I double this in my large crock pot. Great for pot luck.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Five Bean Soup and Victoria Sponge Cake. Enjoy!

CHEESY CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO ENCHILADAS

This comes from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “Get cheesy with Cheesy Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas! For hotter sweet potato enchiladas, add a minced fresh jalapeño pepper to the chicken mixture.” Prep Time: 30 min; Total Time: 50 min; Servings: 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 sweet potato (1/2 lb.), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

2 cans (10 oz. each) mild green enchilada sauce

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts

1 cup rinsed canned black beans

1-1/2 cups KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese, divided

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided

12 corn tortillas (6 inch), warmed

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cook potatoes in boiling water 5 min. or just until tender; drain. Place in large bowl. Mix sour cream and enchilada sauce until blended.

Add 1 cup of the sour cream mixture to potatoes along with the chicken, beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 2 Tbsp. cilantro; mix lightly.

Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up.

Place, seam sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining sour cream mixture and cheese. Cover.

Bake 15 to 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This traditional British layer cake is made up of two buttery, tender spongecake rounds that sandwich a thick layer of jam and, often, a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. It’s a simple, homey confection that works as well with a cup of afternoon tea as it does for dessert. Feel free to substitute other flavors of tart jam for the raspberry. Apricot and blackberry work particularly well.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

This was featured in “‘The Great British Bake Off’ Changes the Way the British Bake” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened, more for greasing pan

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons whole milk

1/2 cup raspberry jam, more to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, more for dusting

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees and place a rack in the center. Grease and line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, then beat in milk, scraping down sides of the bowl as necessary. Mix in flour mixture until combined, then scrape into prepared cake pans, smoothing the top.

Bake cakes until golden brown and springy, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then unmold them onto a wire rack to cool completely, flat side down.

Transfer one cake (the less attractive one) to a serving platter, and spread jam evenly on top. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla just until it holds stiff peaks. Dollop about half the cream on top of jam, then top with remaining cake. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately, with the extra whipped cream on the side.

BOSTON MARKET MEAT LOAF

This comes from the Restaurant Copycat Recipes eCookbook from Recipe4Living, and begins, “Now you will never have to go to Boston Market to eat your favorite meatloaf.”

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

1 1/2 lb. lean ground Chuck

1/2 C. minced onions

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

3/4 C. drained diced tomatoes

3/4 C. Plain bread crumbs

1 Egg

Topping

3/4 C. tomato sauce

2 Tbs. sugar

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in first list until well blended. Place in a lightly greased bread pan and bake at 350 for 3/4hr. Remove from oven and drain excess grease from pan. Mix tomato sauce and sugar together and pour over the meatloaf and place back in the oven to finish baking until done about 1/2 hr depending on the oven.

PUMPKIN PIE

This came from the December 2004 issue of Runners’ World. Makes 8 servings. Calories: 110 per slice.

1 ready-made piecrust

1 10-ounce can mashed pumpkin

1/4 C egg substitute

1 can evaporated fat-free milk

1/3 C brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp ginger and nutmeg

Mix ingredients in large bowl using wire whisk. Pour into unbaked piecrust in nine-inch pie pan. Bake at 421 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn oven down to 350 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes. Let cool.

FIVE BEAN SOUP

This is from Eden Foods. Serves 10. Prep Time 10 minutes. Cook Time 40 minutes.

2 Tbs Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1/4 C celery, diced

1/2 C carrots, diced

3 Tbs barley, rinsed

3 C water

1 can Eden Organic Pinto Beans

1 can Eden Organic Black Beans

1 can Eden Organic Kidney Beans

1 can Eden Organic Navy Beans

1 can Eden Organic Garbanzo Beams

1 C sweet corn, fresh or frozen

1 can Eden Organic Diced Tomatoes with Roasted Onion

1/2 tsp dried basil

1 1/2 tsp crushed bay leaf

1 tsp Eden Sea Salt – French Celtic

Heat oil in soup pot, sauté garlic & onion until onion is translucent. Add water, celery, carrot & barley, beans, corn, tomatoes & herbs. Add salt, cover & simmer 30 minutes. Serve.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Julia Moskins in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

This was featured in “THE WINTER COOK; Macaroni and Lots of Cheese” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)

2 cups milk (not skim)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch cayenne

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Mac and Cheese

How many variations are there of Macaroni and Cheese? Probably as many variations as people who cook up Mac and Cheese.

It seems that one person can take another's recipe, and soon, the recipe is getting tweaked just enough to make it your own.

Here are six Mac and Cheese recipes to get you started on the American classic. Enjoy!

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Time: 1 hour 40 minutes; makes 6 to 8 servings.

To view this oneline, click here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)

2 cups milk (not skim)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch cayenne

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Alton Brown of The Food Network’s Good Eats. Total Time: 1 hr 5 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 45 min; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/baked-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

1/2 pound elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

3 cups milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

This is from Katie Workman, About.com’s Cooking for Families expert. Katie wrote, “My kids like Kraft macaroni and cheese. There, I said it. I haven’t made it in a long time although, like most of us, I have succumbed to the call of the blue box at times. But every now when they eat it at a friend’s house, I definitely get to hear about it later: ‘Kiefer gets to have the macaroni and cheese in the box every night! Why can’t we ever have that?’

“Still, they seem to be willing to shovel in this homemade version at a pretty fast clip, and we can pronounce all of the ingredients. Laced with a blend of cheeses and enriched with milk and cream, even grown-up guests tend to sigh with pleasure while looking at the browned panko crust sitting atop a bubbling casserole of cavatelli nestled in a sauce fragrant with a mixture of Gruyère and cheddar. (Although we call it macaroni and cheese, the actual pasta shape is up for grabs.) It’s hard to think of a single dish with more universal kid appeal.

“The Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes give the macaroni and cheese a little kick, a little edge, and save the dish from being too intensively rich and creamy (not that there’s anything wrong with that). And, no, this isn’t low fat. Thanks for asking.”

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Yield: Serves 6-8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Panko Topping

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs, see Note)

1⁄2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

​For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons (1⁄2 stick) unsalted butter, plus butter for greasing the baking dish

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1⁄2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

4 1⁄2 cups 2-percent or whole milk (however indulgent you’re feeling)

1 cups heavy (whipping) cream

5 cups coarsely grated flavorful cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Gruyère, or a mix (see Note below)

1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher or coarse salt, or more to taste

1⁄2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

1 1⁄2 packages (24 ounces) dried cavatelli, ziti, penne, or any short pasta

Preparations

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a shallow 4-quart baking dish.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and let the water return to a boil.

Meanwhile, make the panko topping: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or place it in a medium-size microwave-safe dish and heat it in a microwave oven until melted, 15 seconds. Add the panko and the Parmesan and stir until well combined. Set the panko topping aside.

Make the pasta and sauce: Melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, stirring, until the flour is blond in color, about 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high and let come to a simmer, whisking frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, grated cheese, Parmesan, mustard, salt, and black pepper, stirring until everything is smooth. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and/or black pepper as necessary.Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it until barely al dente (follow the package directions but stop a minute or two before the pasta is completely tender). Set aside 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Whisk the reserved pasta cooking water into the cheese sauce, combining it thoroughly. Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. There will appear to be a lot of sauce. Some of it will be absorbed into the pasta as it cooks, and in my book saucy is better than dry.

Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the pasta and bake it until golden and bubbling, 30 to 40 minutes. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving.

Note:

What cheese to use?

Katie wrote, “I keep changing up the cheese in this dish, depending on what I have on hand, and so my mac and cheese never tastes the same twice, which I find part of the thrill. My lovely dish-washing husband, however, has been known to look sadly at the last few globs on the plates and say wistfully, ‘Well, we’ll never eat that again,’ already mourning the delicious, undocumented combination of cheeses that has come and gone.

“Some good basic cheeses to start with are sharp or extra sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Swiss, Manchego, and fontina, or any combination of these. You can also use bits of softer cheeses, like Brie or fresh, mild goat cheese if you have some small pieces lingering about. Remove all rinds you wouldn’t want to see floating around in your mac and cheese and unless you really know your audience, stay away from very potent cheeses like blue cheese or smoked cheese or anything particularly stinky.”

SPINACH MACARONI AND CHEESE

There are probably as many variations of mac and cheese as there are American cooks. This one is from Lori Mama on Food.com. On her Food.com page, Lori wrote, “It's all my father's fault I like to cook and I thank him for it. Ever since he taught me how to fry an egg, it's been a happy adventure ever since.” Works for me!

Of this recipe, Lori added, “Made for my husband.” Makes 4 servings; Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cooking Time: 15 minutes.

To view this yumminess online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups macaroni pasta, cooked

1 cup chopped cooked spinach

2 cups hot milk

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons horseradish

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425.

In medium sized pot, over medium heat, melt butter.

Add the flour and cook for 3 minutes.

Pour in the hot milk and cook until thickened.

Add the spinach, cheese, seasonings, horseradish and mustard.

Mix well.

Combine with the cooked pasta.

Place in a greased cassarole dish.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until bubbling.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Giada De Laurentiis, and begins, “Creamy three-cheese mac and cheese with Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina and baked ham.”

As Seen On: Everyday Italian. Pasta Potluck.

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Serving Size: Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing dish

12 ounces wide egg noodles

2 cups heavy cream

2 1/2 cups whole milk

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups (packed) grated Fontina

3/4 cup (packed) finely grated Parmesan

3/4 cup (packed) grated mozzarella

4 ounces cooked ham, diced, optional

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Butter a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish and set aside. Cook the noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Drain well, but do not rinse.

Whisk the cream, milk, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in large bowl to blend. Stir in 1 cup Fontina, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, ham, if using, and parsley. Add the noodles and toss to coat. Transfer the noodle mixture to the prepared baking dish. Toss the remaining 1 cup Fontina, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup mozzarella in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the noodle mixture. Bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheese melts and begins to brown on top, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Friday Recipes

It's Friday - the end of the week, the beginning of the weekend. If you're like me, you probably have a bunch of stuff to get done over the weekend. Of course, by Sunday evening, we'll probably be wondering where the weekend went and why we didn't get half the stuff we'd planned to do done.

Of course, we still have to eat. With that in mind, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!

CHEESY CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO ENCHILADAS

This comes from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “Get cheesy with Cheesy Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas! For hotter sweet potato enchiladas, add a minced fresh jalapeño pepper to the chicken mixture.” Prep Time: 30 min; Total Time: 50 min; Servings: 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 sweet potato (1/2 lb.), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

2 cans (10 oz. each) mild green enchilada sauce

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts

1 cup rinsed canned black beans

1-1/2 cups KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese, divided

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided

12 corn tortillas (6 inch), warmed

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cook potatoes in boiling water 5 min. or just until tender; drain. Place in large bowl. Mix sour cream and enchilada sauce until blended.

Add 1 cup of the sour cream mixture to potatoes along with the chicken, beans, 1/2 cup cheese and 2 Tbsp. cilantro; mix lightly.

Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up.

Place, seam sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining sour cream mixture and cheese. Cover.

Bake 15 to 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This traditional British layer cake is made up of two buttery, tender spongecake rounds that sandwich a thick layer of jam and, often, a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. It’s a simple, homey confection that works as well with a cup of afternoon tea as it does for dessert. Feel free to substitute other flavors of tart jam for the raspberry. Apricot and blackberry work particularly well.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

This was featured in “‘The Great British Bake Off’ Changes the Way the British Bake” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened, more for greasing pan

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons whole milk

1/2 cup raspberry jam, more to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, more for dusting

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees and place a rack in the center. Grease and line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, then beat in milk, scraping down sides of the bowl as necessary. Mix in flour mixture until combined, then scrape into prepared cake pans, smoothing the top.

Bake cakes until golden brown and springy, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then unmold them onto a wire rack to cool completely, flat side down.

Transfer one cake (the less attractive one) to a serving platter, and spread jam evenly on top. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla just until it holds stiff peaks. Dollop about half the cream on top of jam, then top with remaining cake. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately, with the extra whipped cream on the side.

BOSTON MARKET MEAT LOAF

This comes from the Restaurant Copycat Recipes eCookbook from Recipe4Living, and begins, “Now you will never have to go to Boston Market to eat your favorite meatloaf.”

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

1 1/2 lb. lean ground Chuck

1/2 C. minced onions

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

3/4 C. drained diced tomatoes

3/4 C. Plain bread crumbs

1 Egg

Topping

3/4 C. tomato sauce

2 Tbs. sugar

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in first list until well blended. Place in a lightly greased bread pan and bake at 350 for 3/4hr. Remove from oven and drain excess grease from pan. Mix tomato sauce and sugar together and pour over the meatloaf and place back in the oven to finish baking until done about 1/2 hr depending on the oven.

PUMPKIN PIE

This came from the December 2004 issue of Runners’ World. Makes 8 servings. Calories: 110 per slice.

1 ready-made piecrust

1 10-ounce can mashed pumpkin

1/4 C egg substitute

1 can evaporated fat-free milk

1/3 C brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp ginger and nutmeg

Mix ingredients in large bowl using wire whisk. Pour into unbaked piecrust in nine-inch pie pan. Bake at 421 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn oven down to 350 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes. Let cool.

FIVE BEAN SOUP

This is from Eden Foods. Serves 10. Prep Time 10 minutes. Cook Time 40 minutes.

2 Tbs Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1/4 C celery, diced

1/2 C carrots, diced

3 Tbs barley, rinsed

3 C water

1 can Eden Organic Pinto Beans

1 can Eden Organic Black Beans

1 can Eden Organic Kidney Beans

1 can Eden Organic Navy Beans

1 can Eden Organic Garbanzo Beams

1 C sweet corn, fresh or frozen

1 can Eden Organic Diced Tomatoes with Roasted Onion

1/2 tsp dried basil

1 1/2 tsp crushed bay leaf

1 tsp Eden Sea Salt – French Celtic

Heat oil in soup pot, sauté garlic & onion until onion is translucent. Add water, celery, carrot & barley, beans, corn, tomatoes & herbs. Add salt, cover & simmer 30 minutes. Serve.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Julia Moskins in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

This was featured in “THE WINTER COOK; Macaroni and Lots of Cheese” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)

2 cups milk (not skim)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch cayenne

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday, time for the weekend to start. For anyone who's dealt with the blizzard the past couple of days, stay safe and warm.

Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Crock Pot Polish Cabbage Rolls and Coconut Cloud Cake. Enjoy!

COCONUT CLOUD CAKE

I’m really not sure where this came from. The only hint is that it was in a folder titled “Recipes from Facebook, etc.”

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup sifted cake flour

1 1/2 cups superfine sugar

14 large egg whites (1 3/4 cups), room temperature

1 tablespoon warm water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Seven-Minute Frosting

3 large egg whites

1 1/4 cups sugar

5 tablespoons cold water

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

3 to 4 cups flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. With a fine sieve, sift together flour and 3/4 cups sugar four times.

In the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed, beat together egg whites and water until foamy. Add salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Increase speed to medium-high and sprinkle in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff but not dry.

Transfer to a large bowl. In six additions, sift dry ingredients over meringue, folding in quickly but gently.

Pour batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan with removable bottom. Smooth top with an offset spatula. Run a knife through batter to release air bubbles. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and springy to touch.

Invert pan on its legs or over the neck of a glass bottle, and let cool completely, about 1 hour.

Make the frosting: In the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a saucepan of simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes.

Attach the bowl to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the mixture on high speed until glossy and voluminous, about 7 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.

Carefully run a long offset spatula or knife around the inner and outer perimeter of the cake pan to release cake.

Place on a plate, bottom side up. Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice off 1 1/2 inches from the top of the cake, being sure not to break the layer. Set aside. Cut out a 1-inch-wide, 1-inch-deep channel halfway between the center and edge of cake. Spread icing into channel and over entire layer. Sprinkle with coconut.

Gently place reserved layer on top and ice with remaining frosting. Sprinkle with coconut and serve immediately.

CROCK POT POLISH CABBAGE ROLLS

This comes from a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list. Serves 6 to 8.

Ingredients

1 green cabbage

1 lb. ground beef, browned

1/4 c. uncooked rice

1 egg, beaten

1 onion, minced

1 carrot, minced

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 c. cider vinegar

1/2 c. brown sugar

8 oz. can tomato sauce

Directions

Mix ground beef, rice, egg, onion, carrot, salt & pepper. Mix together vinegar, brown sugar & tomato sauce. Drop cabbage in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove 10 large leaves. Chop remaining cabbage. Place in bottom of crock pot. Place 2 to 4 tablespoons of meat mixture in center of each leaf. Roll up & use toothpick to hold. Place stem side down in crock pot. Pour on tomato mixture. Cover & cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

MAKE-AHEAD ITALIAN MEATBALLS

This comes from FamilyTime.com, and begins, “Keep these easy-to-make meatballs on hand for last-minute dinner creations. Tossed with pasta or baked into a casserole, the possibilities are endless!” Serves: makes 30 appetizer meatballs; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/3 cup Progresso® dry bread crumbs, (any flavor)

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup chili sauce

1/2 cup cold water

1 jar (12 ounces) tomato pasta sauce, (any variety)

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Directions

Heat oven to 400ºF.

Mix ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt and pepper. Shape mixture into thirty 1-inch balls. Place in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.

Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until no longer pink in center and juice is clear. (To serve immediately, continue as directed in step 5--except decrease simmer time to 15 minutes.)

Place meatballs on ungreased cookie sheet. Freeze uncovered about 20 minutes or until firm. Place partially frozen meatballs in heavy plastic bag or freezer container. Seal, label and freeze no longer than 3 months.

About 25 minutes before serving, mix chili sauce, water, pasta sauce and mustard in 2-quart saucepan. Add meatballs. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until meatballs are hot.

INA GARTEN’S SKILLET-ROASTED LEMON CHICKEN

This was sent in a TODAY Show’s email. It begins with this from Ina Garten, “I can't tell you how many times I've made this! I have the butcher butterfly the chicken so all I do is grind the thyme, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper, mix it with olive oil, and brush it on the chicken. When the lemon slices are roasted and caramelized, you can eat them with the chicken.

“Notes: Remove the ends of the lemon, cut in half through the stem ends, and slice thinly crosswise. Sometimes I sprinkle the chicken with minced fresh rosemary before allowing it to rest.

“Make-ahead tip: Assemble the chicken in the pan and refrigerate for a few hours before roasting.”

To view this online, click here.

Note: The recipe calls for 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. I don’t keep alcohol around the house. Whenever I want to try a new recipe that has any kind of alcohol as an ingredient, I either use an alcohol-free version or, if it’s not available or I decide not to go that way, I substitute water. Ina, if you’re reading this, sorry! I still love your recipes!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup good olive oil

1 lemon, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick (see note)

1 yellow onion, halved and sliced 1⁄4-inch thick

2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 (4-pound) chicken, backbone removed and butterflied

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

1 lemon, juiced

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450ºF.

Place the thyme, fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a mini food processor and process until ground. Pour the olive oil into a small glass measuring cup, stir in the herb mixture, and set aside.

Distribute the lemon slices in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and distribute the onion and garlic on top. Place the chicken, skin side down, on top of the onion and brush with about half the oil and herb mixture. Turn the chicken skin side up, pat it dry with paper towels (very important!), and brush it all over with the rest of the oil and herb mixture.

Roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Pour the wine into the pan (not on the chicken!) and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155 to 160 degrees.

Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle it with the lemon juice, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the chicken into quarters or eighths, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot with the pan juices, cooked lemon, and onion.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Julia Moskins in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

This was featured in “THE WINTER COOK; Macaroni and Lots of Cheese” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)

2 cups milk (not skim)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch cayenne

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

BAKED APPLES

This came from an old Weight Watcher’s email, and had a points value of 3 points each. I have no idea what the new points value each serving would have now, nor do I have the exact email to find the recipe. Very yummy, though.

4 apples, small

1 C applesauce, unsweetened

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1/4 C water

2 C vanilla nonfat yogurt

1/4 ground cinnamon

4 tsp pecans or walnuts, toasted & chopped

Core apples, leaving bottom intact so they can be filled. Place upright in small glace microwaveable baking dish. Stir applesauce, cinnamon & brown sugar. Spoon mixture into apples. Pour water into bottom of baking dish. Cover dish & microwave at medium for 12-15 minutes until apples are soft. Remove from microwave & allow to cool. Spoon yogurt over each apple, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon & toasted pecans or walnuts.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Tuesday Recipes

Today's post starts off with a three Recall Notices: Braga Organic Farms is recalling their pistachios sold both online and in retail stores because of a potential Salmonella contamination risk. Read more here.

Also being recalled are meal replacements by Garden of Life. You can read more here.

And finally, there is a nationwide cough syrup recall, as morphine was detected in Pamona, CA, Mater Herbs, Inc. product. All lots of their Licorice Coughing Liquid have been recalled. Read that recall here.

And now for today's six recipes. Enjoy!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOCHA MUFFINS

This comes from Today's Food Club. It begins, “These double chocolate mocha muffins are SO delicious. You will not believe that they are lightened up. They are husband and kid approved!”

To view this online, go to http://community.today.com/foodclub/recipe/double-chocolate-mocha-muffins.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons instant coffee powder

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted

2/3 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt

1/2 cup skim milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Using an electric mixer, mix the eggs, sugar, instant coffee powder, yogurt, coconut oil, milk and vanilla on low until combined, about 1 minute.

Add the dry ingredients, and mix until incorporated, about another minute on low.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour batter into a standard 12-cup muffin tin, about half full in each cup.

Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 23 minutes.

CHOCOVADO PUDDING

This also comes from Today's Food Club. Lindsey Smith, who created this, wrote, “When I was a kid, pudding packs were staples in my lunchbox. However, they are often full of sugar and other ingredients. As I got older, I wanted to recreate something that tasted like pudding and had the same consistency, except with a healthy flair. That’s when I created this easy Chocovado Pudding using whole foods and simple ingredients. You can even jar the finished product and create your own pudding packs for your lunchbox.” Yield: 2 Servings; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cooking Time: 5 minutes

To view this online, go to http://community.today.com/foodclub/recipe/chocovado-pudding.

Ingredients

1 avocado


1 banana (preferably frozen)


1/2 cup almond milk or rice milk


1 tablespoon raw cacao powder

1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (or more if you like it sweet!)

Ice cubes (if desired)

Preparation

In a blender, combine the avocado, banana, almond or rice milk, cacao, and honey or maple syrup until smooth. Add ice for a thicker texture, if desired.

Serve immediately.

ONE POT BBQ CHEESEBURGER PASTA

This comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter. It begins, “Try this delicious meat-lovers meal with a barbeque twist! Not only will it serve a large family, but it will be a favorite with everyone.” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 20 min; Makes 10 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

2 cups hot water

4 cups milk

1 box (11.6 oz) Hamburger Helper™ cheeseburger macaroni Twin Pack

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup bacon bits

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

In 12-inch skillet, cook turkey over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

Stir in hot water, milk, uncooked pasta and sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper box). Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese and 1/4 cup bacon bits. Cover; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; uncover (sauce will thicken as it stands). Sprinkle remaining bacon bits and drizzle barbecue sauce over top of skillet. Stir before serving.

ONE-PAN PASTA AND MEATBALLS

This also comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter, and begins, “Four ingredients is all you need for an easy Italian night!” Prep Time: 5 min; Total Time: 30 min; Makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup water

1 jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic pasta sauce (any flavor)

1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

20 frozen cooked Italian-style or regular meatballs (1 inch)

1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained

Grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Directions

In 10-inch skillet, heat water and pasta sauce to boiling. Stir in macaroni, meatballs and olives. Return to boiling.

Reduce heat to medium. Cover; cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender. Sprinkle with cheese.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Time: 1 hour 40 minutes; makes 6 to 8 servings.

To view this oneline, click here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)

2 cups milk (not skim)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch cayenne

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

NAKED BANANA CAKE

This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

3 eggs – room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup buttermilk – room temperature

1 cup mashed ripe bananas Ii got this from 2 large bananas)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Frosting:

12 oz cream cheese, softened

8 oz butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat over to 375F. Prepare your cake pans by greasing, dusting with flour and lining with a parchment round. Set aside. (I used 3- 6inch pans for this cake, thinner layer in an 8 or 9 inch pan would work too.)

In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar. Add the vanilla and then the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the buttermilk and bananas until well-combined.

In a smaller bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Add them to the batter and beat on low, mixing until almost combined, finishing off mixing by hand, making sure to not over-mix the batter.

Divide batter evenly amongst the 3 pans, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool before removing from pans and frosting.

For the Frosting:

Cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla and the powdered sugar, a little at a time until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more powdered sugar if you want a more stiff-textured frosting.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Friday Food

Finally, Friday! Here's to the weekend. Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY SALSA

Strawberry Salsa? Ewwww! But really, what's wrong with using strawberries in salsa? According to Delish.com, “It's hard to believe that this salsa would be good, but trust us—it's amazing. Use it exactly how you would a tomato-based salsa: with chips, as a condiment on fish, or, frankly, with a spoon.” Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

2 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

3 tbsp. honey

3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 pinch kosher salt

Directions

Combine strawberries, kiwi, onion, and jalapeno in a bowl. Mix to combine. Add in honey, lime juice, and pinch of salt, and gently toss to coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Serve with chips.

RATATOUILLE WITH SUMMER HERBS

This comes from Brett Moore, About.com's Gourmet Food expert. He wrote, "This is a simple recipe that uses lots of summer vegetables and fresh herbs. This aromatic dish works wonderfully as a first course or as a light entree. Reprinted with permission from Small Plates, Perfect Wines by Lori Lyn Narlock (Andrews McMeel 2007)." Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 globe eggplant (about 1 pound), unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Kosher salt for sprinkling, plus 1 teaspoon

1/2 cup olive oil

1 sweet onion, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup tomato paste

3 tablespoons minced fresh basil

1 tablespoon minced fresh sage

1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano

Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Put the eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Let stand until moisture begins to bead on the surface of the eggplant, about 15 minutes. Pat the eggplant dry. Spread on a sided baking sheet and pour 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the eggplant. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with the 1 teaspoon salt. Bake, turning once or twice, until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and sauté until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté until the pepper is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have melted, about 20 minutes. Add the eggplant and cook until the flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Stir in the basil, sage, and oregano. Season with pepper and adjust the seasonings to taste. Divide among 6 small plates and serve.

TRIPLE FRUIT PIE

This comes from FamilyTime.com, and starts off, "Berries and rhubarb are plentiful and inexpensive. Try making this pie. It is so good!!" Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 30; Serves: 6-8; Source: Taste of Home Cookbook

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries

1 1/4 cups fresh raspberries

1 1/4 cups chopped rhubarb

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

pastry shell, for double-crust pie (9 inches)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine fruits and extract; toss to coat. In another bowl, combine sugar, tapioca, nutmeg and salt. Add to fruit; stir gently. Let stand for 15 minutes. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Stir lemon juice into fruit mixture; spoon into the crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 30 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

NOTE: Frozen berries and rhubarb may be substituted for fresh; thaw and drain before using.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, "A creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, made with Cheddar cheese sauce, cooked macaroni, and seasonings. Top this with buttered bread crumbs, if you wish." Serves 6.

Ingredients:

5 cups cooked macaroni (8 ounces raw)

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 pepper, or to taste

2 cups milk

3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

paprika, optional

Preparation:

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Stir in salt. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cheese and continue to cook and stir until melted. In an 8x10-inch baking dish, alternate layers of macaroni and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly

CHOCOLATE COFFEE TIRAMISU

Makes: 16 Servings

Source: "The Best Diabetes Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/25.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups 5% ricotta cheese

1/2 cup light cream cheese

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 egg whites

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3/4 strong, prepared coffee

3 tablespoon chocolate or coffee-flavored liqueur

16 lady finger cookies

Directions

Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with vegetable spray.

In a food processor, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, cocoa, egg yolk and vanilla until smooth; transfer to a bowl.

In bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the ricotta mixture.

Combine coffee and liqueur in a small bowl.

Put half of lady fingers in bottom of dish. Sprinkle with half of coffee-liqueur mixture. Spread half of ricotta mixture on top. Repeat layers. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/16 of prepared Tiramisu): Calories: 150, Carbohydrate: 21 g, Fiber: 0 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 5 g, Sodium: 102 mg, Cholesterol: 66 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Lean Meat, 1/2 Fat

ZELDA'S (AND SHELLA'S) CLAM CHOWDER

I'd "met" Shella on a feminist bulletin board that has long since closed. She and her other half, Zelda, on a bulletin board that they then put together that also has long since closed. This was one of the recipes they shared.

Zelda wrote, "I found this recipe at allrecipes.com and altered it slightly." She also added at the end of the recipe, "This tastes really good with toasted sourdough bread! Yum!"

Also, since I lean towards vegetarianism, I'd probably forgo the clams and just make this into a potato soup.

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic

2 teaspoons dried thyme

4 cups peeled and diced potatoes

1 cup diced celery

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams, drained with juice reserved

1 quart half-and-half cream

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter for about 8 minutes or until tender. Add dried thyme and sauté another two minutes. Let cool about ten minutes and then blend with enough water to make a smooth paste.

In a large pot, combine potatoes, celery (I like a lot of celery so I usually add more), salt, pepper, onion mixture, and juice from clams. Augment with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.

With the flour and the rest of the butter you will make a roux. This will do away with the raw flour taste and help to thicken the chowder. To make the roux, melt the butter in a skillet (I prefer cast iron), add the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes on a medium to high heat, stirring constantly. The color of the roux will be a light cream color when it is finished. Set aside.

Stir the half-and-half into the pot. Whisk roux into the chowder. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in clams and adjust seasonings. Cook another 5 minutes or until the clams are heated though.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Friday Food

It's finally Friday. I tend to look forward to Fridays, figuring all the things to get done over the weekend; I know that Sunday evening, I'll look back and realize I haven't gotten half the stuff done. (Sound familiar?) But we still have to eat, so here are today's recipes. Enjoy!

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, "A creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, made with Cheddar cheese sauce, cooked macaroni, and seasonings. Top this with buttered bread crumbs, if you wish." Serves 6.

Ingredients:

5 cups cooked macaroni (8 ounces raw)

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 pepper, or to taste

2 cups milk

3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

paprika, optional

Preparation:

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Stir in salt. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cheese and continue to cook and stir until melted. In an 8x10-inch baking dish, alternate layers of macaroni and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly

STRAWBERRY ORANGE SOUP

Rebecca Franklin, About.com's French Food expert, writes, "Both children and adults love this fresh berry soup. It’s lovely when used to round out an entrée salad for a light, healthy meal." Makes 8 servings. Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 pints strawberries, hulled

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup orange juice

1/3 cup water

1/3 – 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Preparation:

Using a blender, process all ingredients until smooth. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

CHOCOLATE COFFEE TIRAMISU

Makes: 16 Servings

Source: "The Best Diabetes Cookbook"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/25.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups 5% ricotta cheese

1/2 cup light cream cheese

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 egg whites

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3/4 strong, prepared coffee

3 tablespoon chocolate or coffee-flavored liqueur

16 lady finger cookies

Directions

Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with vegetable spray.

In a food processor, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, cocoa, egg yolk and vanilla until smooth; transfer to a bowl.

In bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the ricotta mixture.

Combine coffee and liqueur in a small bowl.

Put half of lady fingers in bottom of dish. Sprinkle with half of coffee-liqueur mixture. Spread half of ricotta mixture on top. Repeat layers. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/16 of prepared Tiramisu): Calories: 150, Carbohydrate: 21 g, Fiber: 0 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 5 g, Sodium: 102 mg, Cholesterol: 66 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Lean Meat, 1/2 Fat

EASY OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN FAJITAS

This is from the Tablespoon.com newsletter. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 9

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 large onion

1 medium red bell pepper

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ fajita seasoning mix

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Old El Paso™ tortillas for soft tacos & fajitas (6 inch; from 8.2-oz package)

Sour Cream

Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa

Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cut onion and bell pepper into even slices; place in baking dish.

Cut chicken breasts into thin strips; add to vegetables in dish. Sprinkle with seasoning mix; drizzle with oil. Stir until combined and pieces are coated.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking, until chicken is no longer pink in center.

Spoon small amount of chicken and veggies onto each tortilla. Top each with sour cream, salsa and cilantro, or your favorite fajita toppings.

PASTA E FAGIOLI

This comes from The Food Network. Total Time: 1 hour; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 45 min; level: easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pasta-e-fagioli-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 tablespoon dried basil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

Dash of red pepper flakes

1 1/2 cups chopped whole tomatoes, with juices

3 cups low sodium chicken stock, or vegetable stock

1 can northern white beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup tiny pasta shells (ditalini)

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper for garnish

Directions

In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Stir in onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, celery, and carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes and toss to coat. Stir in tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. If necessary add an additional cup of stock or water and stir in beans and tiny pasta. Simmer for 6-8 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in parsley and serve hot with grated parmesan and ground black pepper.

LITHUANIAN APPLE CAKE

This comes from Brett Moore, About.com's Gourmet Food's guide. He writes, “The apple cake recipe is simple to throw together at a moments notice but wonderfully delicious. A spongy light cake stuffed with tons of spiced apples! Decorate with dried apples and serve with vanilla ice cream for a fancy end to your dinner or leave plain and enjoy for breakfast with a cup of coffee.”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Apples

5 medium apples, peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon

4 tablespoons of sugar

Batter

4 large eggs

1 cup of vegetable oil/melted margarine

1/4 cup of orange juice

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

3 cups of sifted flour

2 cups of sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

3 tablespoons of baking powder

Powdered sugar

Dried apple slices (optional)

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: Makes 1 9-inch cake

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Mix apples with cinnamon and sugar and let stand in bowl.

In another large bowl, mix together all batter ingredients except the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

Butter and flour the cake pan (use a springform pan, deep 8-inch pan or a regular 9- by 13-inch pan). Pour half of the batter in the pan and arrange half of the apple slices on top of the batter. Pour the rest of the batter and arrange the remaining apple slices on top.

Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If you like, decorate the top of the cake with dried apple slices. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Vanilla ice cream is a wonderful partner.