Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because not everyone loves tacos). Today's offerings include Beef and Pinto Bean Chili and a yummy Grilled Onion Burger. Enjoy!
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread."
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche/. Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
BEEF AND PINTO BEAN CHILI
This is from WW, and begins, "Chili doesn’t get any easier than this quick beef-and-bean version you make in a skillet. You can serve it with lime wedges, a sprinkle of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, and dollops of plain fat-free Greek yogurt."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Serving size: about 1 1/4 cups; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tsp canola oil
14 oz Frozen pepper strips with onions
1 large clove Garlic, minced
1 pound uncooked lean ground beef
15 1/2 oz Canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
14 1/2 oz Canned tomatoes with green chilis
1 cup Canned crushed tomatoes fire roasted
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp Dried oregano, crumbled
1/4 tsp Table salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
Directions
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add frozen vegetables and garlic and cook, stirring, until vegetables are thawed and any liquid is evaporated, about 3 minutes.
Add beef to skillet and cook, breaking it up with wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat and cook, stirring, until beef is no longer pink and chili is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes longer. Divide among 4 bowls.
GRILLED ONION BURGER
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/grilled-onion-burger.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds 95% lean ground beef
1 large sweet onion, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
4 hamburger buns, split, toasted
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Directions
Lightly shape Ground Beef into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Brush onion slices with oil.
Place patties and onion slices on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Grill onions, 10 to 12 minutes or until tender, brushing with oil and turning occasionally.
Season burgers and onions with salt and pepper as desired.
Line bottom of each bun with lettuce. Place burgers on top of lettuce. Top with tomatoes and grilled onions. Close bun.
Notes:
Here’s a healthier version of a classic burger topped with grilled onions and all the fixings.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 368; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 324 mg; Protein: 39 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g
CHEESY CHORIZO FRITTATA
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "A one skillet breakfast is super simple to get on the table with this cheesy frittata that is loaded with your favorites—chorizo seasoned pork, eggs, cheese and onions. Serve with fresh toppings and sour cream, and your morning is off to a good start."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/cheesy-chorizo-frittata.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground pork
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
8 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves and sour cream, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F.
In small bowl, mix pork and taco seasoning mix until combined. In 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Remove from heat.
In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt until combined. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and 1/4 cup of the green onions. Pour egg mixture over pork mixture in skillet. Stir until combined. Transfer to oven.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until completely set in center and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and the tomatoes. Cut into wedges. Top with cilantro and sour cream.
Expert Tips
Try your favorite cheese, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar, to replace Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a different twist.
Skillet (and handle) will be hot, so be sure to cover the handle with a pot holder or kitchen towel before serving.
WEEKNIGHT TAMALE PIE
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "There is nothing worse than making a whole meal and sitting down to the table with the dinner prep mess all over the kitchen. But with a one skillet meal, like this Weeknight Tamale Pie, you only have the one skillet plus the prep dishes to clean up. And you have time to take care of all of the prep dishes while the tamale pie is in the oven. It’s a win for dinnertime and a win for cleanup!"
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/weeknight-tamale-pie.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ Mild Enchilada Sauce
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Seasoning
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
desired toppings (jalapeños, avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, etc.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and start to brown, breaking it up as it cooks. When it is almost cooked through, add the onions, taco seasoning and garlic powder and continue to cook until the beef is completely browned and cooked.
Pour in the enchilada sauce, the reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
While the beef simmers, prepare the cornbread topping. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, taco seasoning, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg and lightly beat it with a fork to break it up. Add the buttermilk, sour cream, melted butter and honey and stir just until combined. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese.
When the beef is finished, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Dollop the cornbread topping over the top, then gently spread into an even layer. Bake the pie in the oven until the topping is set, 20-25 minutes.
Let the tamale pie sit for about 10 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Top with desired toppings.
Showing posts with label Crescent Moon Empanadas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crescent Moon Empanadas. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Italian Meatloaf and Classic Shepherd’s Pie. Enjoy!
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.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
ITALIAN MEATLOAF
This is from Todd Coleman at The Spruce Eats. For this yumminess, he wrote, "This is a classic Italian-style meatloaf recipe. It is also free form style, which means it is shaped into a loaf by hand and baked on a sheet rather than baked in a bread loaf pan. We recommend using chuck beef to keep the loaf moist."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Cool and Rest Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 loaf
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/italian-meatloaf-recipe-5209784.
Ingredients
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
6 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup catsup
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
Make the meatloaf
Gather the ingredients.
Heat the oven to 350 F. Finely chop the bread in a food processor. Set the breadcrumbs aside.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring until soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the food processor along with the bacon, beef, and pork, and pulse until finely chopped—not puréed.
Add the mixture to a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire, eggs, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined.
Mold the meat mixture into a 9-inch-by-5-inch-sized loaf shape on a buttered, parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 135 F, 40 to 45 minutes.
Make and Add the Glaze
Raise the heat to 500 F. In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients.
Brush the meatloaf with the glaze and bake until well browned, about 12 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
We recommend using chuck beef for this recipe because the beef should have sufficient fat content to prevent the loaf from drying out while cooking. Ground beef that's 80% lean/20% fat works great too.
Resting the loaf before serving prevents all those delicious juices from draining out when you cut into it.
Try using your food processor to speed up the process of finely chopping the raw vegetables. Cut them into chunks first and pulse until finely chopped, not pureed.
Use a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan to help mold the meatloaf. Just pack the mixture into the loaf pan, then invert onto the baking sheet and lift the pan off. By cooking the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, it cooks much faster and the extra fat can drain off, keeping it from turning out greasy.
CHICKEN FAJITAS
This recipe is from the Food Network, and begins, "Marinating chicken, peppers and onions in a highly flavored marinade imparts big Tex-Mex flavors onto these mouthwatering grilled fajitas. Spiced yogurt and avocado sauce served alongside fresh cilantro keeps the fajitas healthy and fresh tasting."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Inactive Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fajitas-recipe-2040619.
Ingredients
1 cup packed cilantro leaves, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup lime juice, about 2 limes
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded if desired
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt
1 1/2-pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 orange and/or yellow bell peppers, quartered, seeds removed
1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded and peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 cup fat-free Greek Yogurt
12 corn tortillas
Directions
Put the cilantro, lime juice, broth, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, honey, and salt in a blender, puree until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons; do not wash out the blender.
Put chicken breasts in a medium bowl and the peppers and onions in another. Divide the remaining cilantro puree evenly between the chicken and the peppers and onions. Toss well to coat the chicken and vegetables and let stand, at room temperature, for 30 minutes.
Add the avocado, 1/2 cup water, and the reserved 2 tablespoons cilantro sauce to the blender. Puree until smooth and season with salt. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a small skillet set over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin and coriander and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour the spices over the yogurt and set aside for the flavors to blend. Stir before serving.
Preheat a grill for medium-high/direct heat cooking. Oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken and vegetables, turning, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 5 to 8 minutes for the vegetables and 12 to 15 minutes for the chicken. Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Place the tortillas on the grill until just warmed through, about 30 seconds.
To assemble the fajitas: slice the onions and peppers into thin strips and then slice the chicken. Place some peppers, onions, chicken and cilantro in a tortilla topped with the spiced yogurt and the avocado sauce.
ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH
Yield: 2 servings
Source: "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/13.shtml
Ingredients
2 small French or Italian whole-grain rolls (about 2 ounces each)
Olive oil cooking spray
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 ounces roasted chicken breast pieces (1 cup)
2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup canned pimentos, drained and cut into strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Slice rolls in half horizontally and remove the centers. Spray each side with cooking spray.
Layer tomato, chicken and mozzarella on one side of the roll. Add pimentos, salt, and pepper. Cover with top of roll, cut in half, and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/2 of recipe): Calories: 326, Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 63 mg, Sodium: 507 mg, Carbohydrate: 31 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 30 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch, 3 Very Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 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.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
ITALIAN MEATLOAF
This is from Todd Coleman at The Spruce Eats. For this yumminess, he wrote, "This is a classic Italian-style meatloaf recipe. It is also free form style, which means it is shaped into a loaf by hand and baked on a sheet rather than baked in a bread loaf pan. We recommend using chuck beef to keep the loaf moist."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Cool and Rest Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 loaf
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/italian-meatloaf-recipe-5209784.
Ingredients
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
6 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup catsup
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
Make the meatloaf
Gather the ingredients.
Heat the oven to 350 F. Finely chop the bread in a food processor. Set the breadcrumbs aside.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring until soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the food processor along with the bacon, beef, and pork, and pulse until finely chopped—not puréed.
Add the mixture to a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire, eggs, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined.
Mold the meat mixture into a 9-inch-by-5-inch-sized loaf shape on a buttered, parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 135 F, 40 to 45 minutes.
Make and Add the Glaze
Raise the heat to 500 F. In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients.
Brush the meatloaf with the glaze and bake until well browned, about 12 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
We recommend using chuck beef for this recipe because the beef should have sufficient fat content to prevent the loaf from drying out while cooking. Ground beef that's 80% lean/20% fat works great too.
Resting the loaf before serving prevents all those delicious juices from draining out when you cut into it.
Try using your food processor to speed up the process of finely chopping the raw vegetables. Cut them into chunks first and pulse until finely chopped, not pureed.
Use a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan to help mold the meatloaf. Just pack the mixture into the loaf pan, then invert onto the baking sheet and lift the pan off. By cooking the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, it cooks much faster and the extra fat can drain off, keeping it from turning out greasy.
CHICKEN FAJITAS
This recipe is from the Food Network, and begins, "Marinating chicken, peppers and onions in a highly flavored marinade imparts big Tex-Mex flavors onto these mouthwatering grilled fajitas. Spiced yogurt and avocado sauce served alongside fresh cilantro keeps the fajitas healthy and fresh tasting."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Inactive Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fajitas-recipe-2040619.
Ingredients
1 cup packed cilantro leaves, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup lime juice, about 2 limes
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded if desired
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt
1 1/2-pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 orange and/or yellow bell peppers, quartered, seeds removed
1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded and peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 cup fat-free Greek Yogurt
12 corn tortillas
Directions
Put the cilantro, lime juice, broth, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, honey, and salt in a blender, puree until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons; do not wash out the blender.
Put chicken breasts in a medium bowl and the peppers and onions in another. Divide the remaining cilantro puree evenly between the chicken and the peppers and onions. Toss well to coat the chicken and vegetables and let stand, at room temperature, for 30 minutes.
Add the avocado, 1/2 cup water, and the reserved 2 tablespoons cilantro sauce to the blender. Puree until smooth and season with salt. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a small skillet set over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin and coriander and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour the spices over the yogurt and set aside for the flavors to blend. Stir before serving.
Preheat a grill for medium-high/direct heat cooking. Oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken and vegetables, turning, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 5 to 8 minutes for the vegetables and 12 to 15 minutes for the chicken. Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Place the tortillas on the grill until just warmed through, about 30 seconds.
To assemble the fajitas: slice the onions and peppers into thin strips and then slice the chicken. Place some peppers, onions, chicken and cilantro in a tortilla topped with the spiced yogurt and the avocado sauce.
ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH
Yield: 2 servings
Source: "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/13.shtml
Ingredients
2 small French or Italian whole-grain rolls (about 2 ounces each)
Olive oil cooking spray
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 ounces roasted chicken breast pieces (1 cup)
2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup canned pimentos, drained and cut into strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Slice rolls in half horizontally and remove the centers. Spray each side with cooking spray.
Layer tomato, chicken and mozzarella on one side of the roll. Add pimentos, salt, and pepper. Cover with top of roll, cut in half, and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/2 of recipe): Calories: 326, Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 63 mg, Sodium: 507 mg, Carbohydrate: 31 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 30 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch, 3 Very Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Beef - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with beef, and includes Slow Cooker Chili and Old-Fashioned Meatloaf. Enjoy!
MEATBALL SUBS
This comes from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. (If you haven't signed up for the Times' cooking e-newsletter, I highly recommend it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!)
For this recipe, Ali wrote, "In this classic Italian American sandwich, tender meatballs drenched in tomato sauce are tucked into crisp rolls then buried under a blanket of gooey cheese. It’s a messy sandwich no matter how you build it or bite into it, but wise construction can help: First, hollow out the rolls a bit so the meatballs have a place to sit. Then, use the leftover crumbs to make the meatballs, which will keep them light. Finally, toast the rolls to prevent them from getting too soggy with sauce. Of course, some crispy-gone-soggy bites are welcome, just as the cheese pulls, sauce drips and messy fingers are, too. They’re all part of the experience."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022314-meatball-subs.
Ingredients
4 (6-inch-long) sub, hero or hoagie rolls, split lengthwise but still attached on one side
1 egg
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 garlic cloves, peeled
Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing
1 pound ground beef (at least 15 percent fat)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chopped basil leaves, plus more for serving
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or from a 24-ounce jar)
4 slices mozzarella or provolone
Preparation
Heat the broiler to high with a rack no more than 6 inches from the heat source. (See Tip if you don’t have a broiler.) Using a fork, scrape out some of the interior of the rolls until you get about 1 cup bread crumbs. Add them to a large bowl along with 1/2 cup water, the egg, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Finely grate 1 garlic clove into the mixture, then stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Lightly grease a large (12-inch), oven-proof skillet with olive oil. To the bread crumbs, add the beef, Parmesan and chopped basil. Stir with your hands until combined, avoiding overmixing. Roll into 12 balls (about 2 heaping tablespoons/2 ounces each) and place them in the prepared skillet as you go. Broil the meatballs until browned and nearly cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
Move the skillet to the stovetop. Add the marinara sauce, stir to coat the meatballs, and warm over medium-low heat while you toast the rolls: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and broil until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Rub the cut sides of the roll with the second garlic clove.
Divide the meatballs and sauce among the rolls, then top with mozzarella. Broil until the mozzarella is melted and browned in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. Top with more grated Parmesan, basil leaves and black pepper.
Tip
If you don’t have a broiler, you can make this recipe using a 450-degree oven. The meatballs will take about 15 minutes to cook through (or you can sear them on the stove), and the bread-toasting and cheese-melting will take 2 to 4 minutes each.
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF
This comes from Stephanie Gallagher, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Stephanie wrote, "This beef stroganoff recipe is a cinch to prepare because it starts with leftover cooked roast beef, pot roast, brisket, or even store-bought roast beef from the deli counter. You can even use leftover steak; you don't even have to worry about whether or not it's tough or overcooked. When using cooked beef in this way, a stroganoff brings the beef back to life. So all you have to do is make the sauce. To save time, look for presliced mushrooms if you like.
"This recipe is also easy because it incorporates a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. If you'd like to upgrade the recipe a bit, some stores and brands, such as Trader Joe's and Pacific Natural Foods, respectively, sell versions of condensed cream of mushroom soup made with all-natural ingredients. You can even make your own condensed cream soup if you like.
"Serve this stroganoff with hot cooked egg noodles and a green salad. It tends to be a kid's kind of stroganoff because of the noodles and the creamy nature of the beef. You can also try it with rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onions
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 tablespoons sour cream
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cooked leftover beef, such as roast beef, pot roast, beef brisket, or deli roast beef
Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Freshly chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and mushrooms, and cook until softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, and stir until the flour is well coated with the fat and drippings in the pan.
Add the broth, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix in the cooked beef, and cook a few minutes until heated through.
Serve the stroganoff over hot cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy.
Tips
If you want to brown the mushrooms, which is a good idea because it will deepen the flavor of the stroganoff, simply cook the onions separately first.
When they are translucent, remove the onions from the skillet, and add a little more butter if the skillet is dry.
Add about half the mushrooms in a single layer. Don't crowd them, because they will steam instead of brown.
Cook, without stirring, until the mushrooms are golden brown with a slight crust on the bottom. Turn, and cook a few minutes on the other side (the second side won't take as long).
Repeat with the remaining mushrooms. Then return both the onions and all of the mushrooms to the pan and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Variations
You can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream if you like. You can also use thinned-out cream cheese, too, which will make the sauce a little thicker.
Feel free to use a little bit of dried or fresh thyme when cooking the mushrooms if you like the savory combination of thyme and mushrooms.
How to Store and Freeze Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff will keep for three to four days in the fridge if it's in an airtight sealed container. You can also freeze beef stroganoff for up to three months if it's in a sealed container, but that's best done if you leave out the egg noodles and just freeze the stroganoff itself. Noodles in a sauce tend to become mushy when defrosted. Reheat the stroganoff gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF WITH OATMEAL
This is from Kristina Vanni for The Spruce Eats. Kristina wrote, " This classic meatloaf with oatmeal recipe is an easy recipe that is quick to assemble. Here, quick-cooking rolled oats are used as a filler to help keep the texture of the meatloaf light and to help retain the moisture of the meatloaf so it doesn't become dry. Quick-cooking oats are ideal because they are finer than old-fashioned rolled oats which would add too much texture to the dish. Do not use steel-cut oats in a meatloaf, since they will remain hard and inedible.
"Meatloaf tastes great when served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and your choice of green vegetable such as string beans. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is common to transform leftover meatloaf into a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day."
Prept Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Rest: 15 minutes; Total Time: 100 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/meatloaf-with-oatmeal-recipe-5089174.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Glaze:
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl combine the ground beef, quick-cooking rolled oats, onion, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to combine. Do not overwork.
Transfer to a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Smooth out the surface at the top.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
Spoon half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
Bake (uncovered) for about 1 hour.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and tilt the pan to drain off the grease. Spread the remaining glaze on top and return to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 F.
Let stand on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
When making meatloaf, do not overmix or overwork the meat, otherwise the final product can become tough and dry.
Meatloaves prepared in a loaf pan have a uniform shape and look great when sliced. However, you might need to drain off excess grease that may accumulate while the meat is cooking.
Freeform meatloaves are shaped by hand and cooked on lined a baking sheet. This option allows the grease to flow from the meat while it is cooking.
Exercise caution when pouring the grease out of the pan. Hot grease can cause severe burns.
Recipe Variations
You can swap the oatmeal for a heaping 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.
Boost the flavor by doubling up on the garlic and onion powders, adding 1/2 teaspoon of oregano or parsley, or a few cloves of finely minced garlic.
Switch from ketchup to chili sauce—not the spicy kind but the sort found near the ketchup. Use it alone or mixed with the mustard and brown sugar.
Try topping the meatloaf with barbecue sauce instead of the glaze.
How to Store and Freeze
Wrapped properly, the cooked meatloaf will stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 days.
Meatloaf leftovers freeze well and can be reheated for a wholesome and delicious meal later on.
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, allow to cool completely. Wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap or slice into desired sizes and wrap the individual slices. Place in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Be sure to clearly label with the name of the recipe and the date frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat frozen leftover meatloaf, thaw the individual piece or pieces overnight in the refrigerator. Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave until warmed through.
What Is the Best Beef for Meatloaf?
One of the secrets to moist meatloaf is to use meat with a good amount of fat. Save lean beef for other dishes and use ground beef with 80 percent meat and 20 percent fat (often called 80/20) in meatloaf for the best results.
Why Does Meatloaf Fall Apart?
There are a few factors that cause meatloaf to fall apart. Too much filler (the oatmeal in this recipe) and vegetables that aren't finely chopped are two common issues. Dry meatloaf will also fall apart and that can be caused by working the meat or compressing the loaf too much or overcooking the meatloaf.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
SLOW COOKER CHILI
This comes from Sarah Digregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, “A great chili should be richly spiced, with layers of deep, savory flavor. Here, that big flavor comes from the usual contenders, but also from the unexpected additions of unsweetened cocoa, soy sauce and Worcestershire, which provide complexity. This recipe makes a thick, comforting chili that can be prepared in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you’re making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Check out the Times guide (by Sam Sifton) titled “How to Make Chili”. Very helpful, very informative.
To view the recipe online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019903-slow-cooker-chili.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
2 pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial
1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon paste, cocoa, beans and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)
When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.
Tip
You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of 1/2 cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
MEATBALL SUBS
This comes from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. (If you haven't signed up for the Times' cooking e-newsletter, I highly recommend it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!)
For this recipe, Ali wrote, "In this classic Italian American sandwich, tender meatballs drenched in tomato sauce are tucked into crisp rolls then buried under a blanket of gooey cheese. It’s a messy sandwich no matter how you build it or bite into it, but wise construction can help: First, hollow out the rolls a bit so the meatballs have a place to sit. Then, use the leftover crumbs to make the meatballs, which will keep them light. Finally, toast the rolls to prevent them from getting too soggy with sauce. Of course, some crispy-gone-soggy bites are welcome, just as the cheese pulls, sauce drips and messy fingers are, too. They’re all part of the experience."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022314-meatball-subs.
Ingredients
4 (6-inch-long) sub, hero or hoagie rolls, split lengthwise but still attached on one side
1 egg
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 garlic cloves, peeled
Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing
1 pound ground beef (at least 15 percent fat)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chopped basil leaves, plus more for serving
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or from a 24-ounce jar)
4 slices mozzarella or provolone
Preparation
Heat the broiler to high with a rack no more than 6 inches from the heat source. (See Tip if you don’t have a broiler.) Using a fork, scrape out some of the interior of the rolls until you get about 1 cup bread crumbs. Add them to a large bowl along with 1/2 cup water, the egg, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Finely grate 1 garlic clove into the mixture, then stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Lightly grease a large (12-inch), oven-proof skillet with olive oil. To the bread crumbs, add the beef, Parmesan and chopped basil. Stir with your hands until combined, avoiding overmixing. Roll into 12 balls (about 2 heaping tablespoons/2 ounces each) and place them in the prepared skillet as you go. Broil the meatballs until browned and nearly cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
Move the skillet to the stovetop. Add the marinara sauce, stir to coat the meatballs, and warm over medium-low heat while you toast the rolls: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and broil until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Rub the cut sides of the roll with the second garlic clove.
Divide the meatballs and sauce among the rolls, then top with mozzarella. Broil until the mozzarella is melted and browned in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. Top with more grated Parmesan, basil leaves and black pepper.
Tip
If you don’t have a broiler, you can make this recipe using a 450-degree oven. The meatballs will take about 15 minutes to cook through (or you can sear them on the stove), and the bread-toasting and cheese-melting will take 2 to 4 minutes each.
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF
This comes from Stephanie Gallagher, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Stephanie wrote, "This beef stroganoff recipe is a cinch to prepare because it starts with leftover cooked roast beef, pot roast, brisket, or even store-bought roast beef from the deli counter. You can even use leftover steak; you don't even have to worry about whether or not it's tough or overcooked. When using cooked beef in this way, a stroganoff brings the beef back to life. So all you have to do is make the sauce. To save time, look for presliced mushrooms if you like.
"This recipe is also easy because it incorporates a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. If you'd like to upgrade the recipe a bit, some stores and brands, such as Trader Joe's and Pacific Natural Foods, respectively, sell versions of condensed cream of mushroom soup made with all-natural ingredients. You can even make your own condensed cream soup if you like.
"Serve this stroganoff with hot cooked egg noodles and a green salad. It tends to be a kid's kind of stroganoff because of the noodles and the creamy nature of the beef. You can also try it with rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onions
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 tablespoons sour cream
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cooked leftover beef, such as roast beef, pot roast, beef brisket, or deli roast beef
Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Freshly chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and mushrooms, and cook until softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, and stir until the flour is well coated with the fat and drippings in the pan.
Add the broth, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix in the cooked beef, and cook a few minutes until heated through.
Serve the stroganoff over hot cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy.
Tips
If you want to brown the mushrooms, which is a good idea because it will deepen the flavor of the stroganoff, simply cook the onions separately first.
When they are translucent, remove the onions from the skillet, and add a little more butter if the skillet is dry.
Add about half the mushrooms in a single layer. Don't crowd them, because they will steam instead of brown.
Cook, without stirring, until the mushrooms are golden brown with a slight crust on the bottom. Turn, and cook a few minutes on the other side (the second side won't take as long).
Repeat with the remaining mushrooms. Then return both the onions and all of the mushrooms to the pan and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Variations
You can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream if you like. You can also use thinned-out cream cheese, too, which will make the sauce a little thicker.
Feel free to use a little bit of dried or fresh thyme when cooking the mushrooms if you like the savory combination of thyme and mushrooms.
How to Store and Freeze Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff will keep for three to four days in the fridge if it's in an airtight sealed container. You can also freeze beef stroganoff for up to three months if it's in a sealed container, but that's best done if you leave out the egg noodles and just freeze the stroganoff itself. Noodles in a sauce tend to become mushy when defrosted. Reheat the stroganoff gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF WITH OATMEAL
This is from Kristina Vanni for The Spruce Eats. Kristina wrote, " This classic meatloaf with oatmeal recipe is an easy recipe that is quick to assemble. Here, quick-cooking rolled oats are used as a filler to help keep the texture of the meatloaf light and to help retain the moisture of the meatloaf so it doesn't become dry. Quick-cooking oats are ideal because they are finer than old-fashioned rolled oats which would add too much texture to the dish. Do not use steel-cut oats in a meatloaf, since they will remain hard and inedible.
"Meatloaf tastes great when served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and your choice of green vegetable such as string beans. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is common to transform leftover meatloaf into a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day."
Prept Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Rest: 15 minutes; Total Time: 100 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/meatloaf-with-oatmeal-recipe-5089174.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Glaze:
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl combine the ground beef, quick-cooking rolled oats, onion, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to combine. Do not overwork.
Transfer to a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Smooth out the surface at the top.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
Spoon half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
Bake (uncovered) for about 1 hour.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and tilt the pan to drain off the grease. Spread the remaining glaze on top and return to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 F.
Let stand on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
When making meatloaf, do not overmix or overwork the meat, otherwise the final product can become tough and dry.
Meatloaves prepared in a loaf pan have a uniform shape and look great when sliced. However, you might need to drain off excess grease that may accumulate while the meat is cooking.
Freeform meatloaves are shaped by hand and cooked on lined a baking sheet. This option allows the grease to flow from the meat while it is cooking.
Exercise caution when pouring the grease out of the pan. Hot grease can cause severe burns.
Recipe Variations
You can swap the oatmeal for a heaping 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.
Boost the flavor by doubling up on the garlic and onion powders, adding 1/2 teaspoon of oregano or parsley, or a few cloves of finely minced garlic.
Switch from ketchup to chili sauce—not the spicy kind but the sort found near the ketchup. Use it alone or mixed with the mustard and brown sugar.
Try topping the meatloaf with barbecue sauce instead of the glaze.
How to Store and Freeze
Wrapped properly, the cooked meatloaf will stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 days.
Meatloaf leftovers freeze well and can be reheated for a wholesome and delicious meal later on.
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, allow to cool completely. Wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap or slice into desired sizes and wrap the individual slices. Place in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Be sure to clearly label with the name of the recipe and the date frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat frozen leftover meatloaf, thaw the individual piece or pieces overnight in the refrigerator. Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave until warmed through.
What Is the Best Beef for Meatloaf?
One of the secrets to moist meatloaf is to use meat with a good amount of fat. Save lean beef for other dishes and use ground beef with 80 percent meat and 20 percent fat (often called 80/20) in meatloaf for the best results.
Why Does Meatloaf Fall Apart?
There are a few factors that cause meatloaf to fall apart. Too much filler (the oatmeal in this recipe) and vegetables that aren't finely chopped are two common issues. Dry meatloaf will also fall apart and that can be caused by working the meat or compressing the loaf too much or overcooking the meatloaf.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
SLOW COOKER CHILI
This comes from Sarah Digregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, “A great chili should be richly spiced, with layers of deep, savory flavor. Here, that big flavor comes from the usual contenders, but also from the unexpected additions of unsweetened cocoa, soy sauce and Worcestershire, which provide complexity. This recipe makes a thick, comforting chili that can be prepared in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you’re making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Check out the Times guide (by Sam Sifton) titled “How to Make Chili”. Very helpful, very informative.
To view the recipe online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019903-slow-cooker-chili.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
2 pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial
1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon paste, cocoa, beans and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)
When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.
Tip
You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of 1/2 cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Mexican Recipes
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, today's post is sure to please. Check out the Breakfast Burritos, the Chicken Burrito Bowls, and the rest of today's recipes. Enjoy!
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS [VEGAN]
This is from Robin Browne on One Green Planet, and begins, "If you're looking for a hearty, protein-packed, and filling dish, you gotta try these vegan breakfast burritos. Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas and load them up with roasted garlicky potatoes, cheezy tofu, avocado lime crema, and your go-to salsa! These vegan burritos are bound to bring a smile to anyone's face."
One Green Planet is a great website that is earth-friendly, animal-friendly, and (yes) people-friendly. I highly recommend the site. Give it a look…
For this recipe, Cooking Time is 40 minutes; Serves 4
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/breakfast-burritos-vegan/.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Potatoes:
4 cups cubed potatoes (roughly 1" cubes)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
For the Tofu Scramble:
7 ounces extra firm tofu
2 teaspoons oil of choice
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 lemon juiced
salt and pepper
2 sprigs of green onion
For the Avocado Lime Creme:
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced (1 1/2 Tbsp juice)
1 garlic clove
Other
4 large tortilla wraps
salsa of choice
Prepartion
Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut 2-3 medium potatoes (I used Russet) into small cubes and then toss them in the oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
While the potatoes are baking start on the tofu. I suggest pressing the tofu for a few minutes to remove the excess water. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on it for a few minutes. Then heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil to it.
Crumble the tofu in the pan, and further break it down using a spatula. Add in the garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix. Cook for 10 minutes or so. Toss in the green onion and set aside.
Prepare the avocado lime creme by adding the avocado, lime juice and garlic to a food processor, process until smooth. Set aside.
Begin to assemble the breakfast wraps once the potatoes are done.
It's best to heat each tortilla in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften them so that rolling the tortillas is easier and they are less likely to crack.
Add potatoes, tofu, avocado-lime creme and salsa to each wrap. You should easily have enough for 4 wraps and some potatoes left behind (but these are perfect on the side).
All these ingredients can be stored in containers in the fridge for leftovers. I suggest reheating before eating.
MEATLESS TEX-MEX SLOPPY JOES
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Mondays just got a new star recipe. Impossible™ Burger is made from plants and makes this vegetarian sloppy joe recipe a delicious new addition to your meatless repertoire. These Meatless Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes use Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix. Meatless sloppy joes are as fast and easy as the original, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/meatless-tex-mex-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce (from 9-oz bottle)
4 burger buns, toasted
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (from 8-oz package)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir water, taco seasoning mix and taco sauce into Impossible™ Burger mixture; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Place about 1/2 cup mixture over bottom of each bun; top with cheese, lettuce, avocado and tomatoes, then top of bun.
Expert Tips
Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.
Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce plays the role that tomato sauce would play in a traditional sloppy joe recipe, with the added benefit of loads of taco flavor for these vegetarian sloppy joes.
We call for Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce in this recipe, but if you’d prefer a bit more heat in your meatless sloppy joes, feel free to substitute Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Buying a whole head of lettuce and slicing it thinly yourself, as opposed to buying it preshredded in a bag, will help to guarantee a fresh, extra-crisp topping for your sloppy joes.
Nutrition: 1 Sandwich: Calories: 500 (Calories from Fat: 230); Total Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 1240mg; Total Carbohydrate 41g (Dietary Fiber 6g, Sugars 7g); Protein 25g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 40%; Iron 35%
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 4 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 3
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Kiera Wright Ruiz, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, “Mesoamerican women are believed to be the first to ferment and roast cacao beans, a crucial step in chocolate making that is still used thousands of years later. Then, it was prepared as a frothy, unsweetened drink for rituals and medicinal purposes. Later, Spanish colonists brought the ingredient back to Spain, where sugar, cinnamon and vanilla were added, making it more similar to the spicy-sweet beverage we know today. This recipe is adapted from Churrería El Moro, a restaurant in Mexico City known for churros and hot chocolate. To get the signature foamy top, use a molinillo, a Mexican wooden whisk, or a wire whisk to make it light and frothy. And while it’s not traditional, you can also put the hot chocolate in a blender for about 2 minutes.”
Yield: 4 cups; Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020750-mexican-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70 percent)
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to steam, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
While the mixture heats, cut or break up the chocolate into small pieces so it melts evenly. Once the milk is steaming, add the chocolate and whisk until it’s melted and incorporated.
Turn off the heat and discard cinnamon sticks. Use a molinillo or whisk to mix the hot chocolate vigorously until it's frothy, 3 to 4 minutes, or blend in a blender for about 2 minutes. Serve hot.
MANGO SALSA GRILLED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Burrito bowls are a delicious and hearty option when you want to serve up a family meal fast. Plus, with an Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit, you can make a restaurant copycat burrito bowl without leaving the house (and for cheaper!). Cilantro lime white rice, chipotle seasoning mix and queso blanco sauce are included in the kit, helping you bring extra flavor to dinner hassle-free. Top with a colorful and fresh homemade mango salsa over the smoky grilled chipotle chicken. Dig in! This summer-ready bowl makes every bite delicious."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mango-salsa-grilled-chicken-burrito-bowls.
Ingredients
Mango Salsa
1 medium mango, peeled and cubed 1/4-inch (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons lime juice
Bowls
1 package Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit
1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
Lime wedges
Preparation
In medium bowl, stir together Mango Salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat gas or charcoal grill.
In 2-quart saucepan, add rice (from burrito bowl kit), water and butter. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix seasoning mix (from burrito bowl kit) and oil. Brush seasoning mixture onto both sides of chicken breasts.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 14 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F in center). Transfer to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into thin slices.
Divide rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with chicken, mango salsa, avocado and queso blanco sauce (from burrito bowl kit). Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Expert Tips
Want to know how to dice a mango like a pro? First, stand the mango stem-end down, and hold it in place. Look for two wide sides or “cheeks.” Starting at the top, place knife about 1/4 inch from the widest center line, and cut down through mango, cutting around the flat seed in the center of the fruit. Repeat with opposite remaining wide side. Cut the flesh of wide sides by slicing them in a cross-hatch pattern, making sure not to cut through to the skin. To remove mango pieces, push skin inside out, cut mango pieces fan out, and then cut pieces free from the skin. Cut two remaining narrow sides from the pit by cutting around the pit. Peel and cut mango pieces.
When using raw red onions, rinsing chopped onions under cold water helps take the "bite" out of the otherwise strong flavor.
CHEESY CHORIZO FRITTATA
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "A one skillet breakfast is super simple to get on the table with this cheesy frittata that is loaded with your favorites—chorizo seasoned pork, eggs, cheese and onions. Serve with fresh toppings and sour cream, and your morning is off to a good start."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/cheesy-chorizo-frittata.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground pork
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
8 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves and sour cream, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F.
In small bowl, mix pork and taco seasoning mix until combined. In 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Remove from heat.
In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt until combined. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and 1/4 cup of the green onions. Pour egg mixture over pork mixture in skillet. Stir until combined. Transfer to oven.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until completely set in center and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and the tomatoes. Cut into wedges. Top with cilantro and sour cream.
Expert Tips
Try your favorite cheese, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar, to replace Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a different twist.
Skillet (and handle) will be hot, so be sure to cover the handle with a pot holder or kitchen towel before serving.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS [VEGAN]
This is from Robin Browne on One Green Planet, and begins, "If you're looking for a hearty, protein-packed, and filling dish, you gotta try these vegan breakfast burritos. Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas and load them up with roasted garlicky potatoes, cheezy tofu, avocado lime crema, and your go-to salsa! These vegan burritos are bound to bring a smile to anyone's face."
One Green Planet is a great website that is earth-friendly, animal-friendly, and (yes) people-friendly. I highly recommend the site. Give it a look…
For this recipe, Cooking Time is 40 minutes; Serves 4
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/breakfast-burritos-vegan/.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Potatoes:
4 cups cubed potatoes (roughly 1" cubes)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
For the Tofu Scramble:
7 ounces extra firm tofu
2 teaspoons oil of choice
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 lemon juiced
salt and pepper
2 sprigs of green onion
For the Avocado Lime Creme:
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced (1 1/2 Tbsp juice)
1 garlic clove
Other
4 large tortilla wraps
salsa of choice
Prepartion
Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut 2-3 medium potatoes (I used Russet) into small cubes and then toss them in the oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
While the potatoes are baking start on the tofu. I suggest pressing the tofu for a few minutes to remove the excess water. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on it for a few minutes. Then heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil to it.
Crumble the tofu in the pan, and further break it down using a spatula. Add in the garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix. Cook for 10 minutes or so. Toss in the green onion and set aside.
Prepare the avocado lime creme by adding the avocado, lime juice and garlic to a food processor, process until smooth. Set aside.
Begin to assemble the breakfast wraps once the potatoes are done.
It's best to heat each tortilla in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften them so that rolling the tortillas is easier and they are less likely to crack.
Add potatoes, tofu, avocado-lime creme and salsa to each wrap. You should easily have enough for 4 wraps and some potatoes left behind (but these are perfect on the side).
All these ingredients can be stored in containers in the fridge for leftovers. I suggest reheating before eating.
MEATLESS TEX-MEX SLOPPY JOES
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Mondays just got a new star recipe. Impossible™ Burger is made from plants and makes this vegetarian sloppy joe recipe a delicious new addition to your meatless repertoire. These Meatless Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes use Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix. Meatless sloppy joes are as fast and easy as the original, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/meatless-tex-mex-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce (from 9-oz bottle)
4 burger buns, toasted
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (from 8-oz package)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir water, taco seasoning mix and taco sauce into Impossible™ Burger mixture; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Place about 1/2 cup mixture over bottom of each bun; top with cheese, lettuce, avocado and tomatoes, then top of bun.
Expert Tips
Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.
Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce plays the role that tomato sauce would play in a traditional sloppy joe recipe, with the added benefit of loads of taco flavor for these vegetarian sloppy joes.
We call for Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce in this recipe, but if you’d prefer a bit more heat in your meatless sloppy joes, feel free to substitute Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Buying a whole head of lettuce and slicing it thinly yourself, as opposed to buying it preshredded in a bag, will help to guarantee a fresh, extra-crisp topping for your sloppy joes.
Nutrition: 1 Sandwich: Calories: 500 (Calories from Fat: 230); Total Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 1240mg; Total Carbohydrate 41g (Dietary Fiber 6g, Sugars 7g); Protein 25g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 40%; Iron 35%
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 4 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 3
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Kiera Wright Ruiz, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, “Mesoamerican women are believed to be the first to ferment and roast cacao beans, a crucial step in chocolate making that is still used thousands of years later. Then, it was prepared as a frothy, unsweetened drink for rituals and medicinal purposes. Later, Spanish colonists brought the ingredient back to Spain, where sugar, cinnamon and vanilla were added, making it more similar to the spicy-sweet beverage we know today. This recipe is adapted from Churrería El Moro, a restaurant in Mexico City known for churros and hot chocolate. To get the signature foamy top, use a molinillo, a Mexican wooden whisk, or a wire whisk to make it light and frothy. And while it’s not traditional, you can also put the hot chocolate in a blender for about 2 minutes.”
Yield: 4 cups; Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020750-mexican-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70 percent)
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to steam, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
While the mixture heats, cut or break up the chocolate into small pieces so it melts evenly. Once the milk is steaming, add the chocolate and whisk until it’s melted and incorporated.
Turn off the heat and discard cinnamon sticks. Use a molinillo or whisk to mix the hot chocolate vigorously until it's frothy, 3 to 4 minutes, or blend in a blender for about 2 minutes. Serve hot.
MANGO SALSA GRILLED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Burrito bowls are a delicious and hearty option when you want to serve up a family meal fast. Plus, with an Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit, you can make a restaurant copycat burrito bowl without leaving the house (and for cheaper!). Cilantro lime white rice, chipotle seasoning mix and queso blanco sauce are included in the kit, helping you bring extra flavor to dinner hassle-free. Top with a colorful and fresh homemade mango salsa over the smoky grilled chipotle chicken. Dig in! This summer-ready bowl makes every bite delicious."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mango-salsa-grilled-chicken-burrito-bowls.
Ingredients
Mango Salsa
1 medium mango, peeled and cubed 1/4-inch (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons lime juice
Bowls
1 package Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit
1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
Lime wedges
Preparation
In medium bowl, stir together Mango Salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat gas or charcoal grill.
In 2-quart saucepan, add rice (from burrito bowl kit), water and butter. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix seasoning mix (from burrito bowl kit) and oil. Brush seasoning mixture onto both sides of chicken breasts.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 14 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F in center). Transfer to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into thin slices.
Divide rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with chicken, mango salsa, avocado and queso blanco sauce (from burrito bowl kit). Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Expert Tips
Want to know how to dice a mango like a pro? First, stand the mango stem-end down, and hold it in place. Look for two wide sides or “cheeks.” Starting at the top, place knife about 1/4 inch from the widest center line, and cut down through mango, cutting around the flat seed in the center of the fruit. Repeat with opposite remaining wide side. Cut the flesh of wide sides by slicing them in a cross-hatch pattern, making sure not to cut through to the skin. To remove mango pieces, push skin inside out, cut mango pieces fan out, and then cut pieces free from the skin. Cut two remaining narrow sides from the pit by cutting around the pit. Peel and cut mango pieces.
When using raw red onions, rinsing chopped onions under cold water helps take the "bite" out of the otherwise strong flavor.
CHEESY CHORIZO FRITTATA
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "A one skillet breakfast is super simple to get on the table with this cheesy frittata that is loaded with your favorites—chorizo seasoned pork, eggs, cheese and onions. Serve with fresh toppings and sour cream, and your morning is off to a good start."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/cheesy-chorizo-frittata.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground pork
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
8 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves and sour cream, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F.
In small bowl, mix pork and taco seasoning mix until combined. In 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Remove from heat.
In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt until combined. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and 1/4 cup of the green onions. Pour egg mixture over pork mixture in skillet. Stir until combined. Transfer to oven.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until completely set in center and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and the tomatoes. Cut into wedges. Top with cilantro and sour cream.
Expert Tips
Try your favorite cheese, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar, to replace Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a different twist.
Skillet (and handle) will be hot, so be sure to cover the handle with a pot holder or kitchen towel before serving.
Friday, February 18, 2022
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Italian Meatloaf and Classic Shepherd’s Pie. Enjoy!
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.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
ITALIAN MEATLOAF
This is from Todd Coleman at The Spruce Eats. For this yumminess, he wrote, "This is a classic Italian-style meatloaf recipe. It is also free form style, which means it is shaped into a loaf by hand and baked on a sheet rather than baked in a bread loaf pan. We recommend using chuck beef to keep the loaf moist."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Cool and Rest Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 loaf
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/italian-meatloaf-recipe-5209784.
Ingredients
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
6 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup catsup
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
Make the meatloaf
Gather the ingredients.
Heat the oven to 350 F. Finely chop the bread in a food processor. Set the breadcrumbs aside.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring until soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the food processor along with the bacon, beef, and pork, and pulse until finely chopped—not puréed.
Add the mixture to a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire, eggs, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined.
Mold the meat mixture into a 9-inch-by-5-inch-sized loaf shape on a buttered, parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 135 F, 40 to 45 minutes.
Make and Add the Glaze
Raise the heat to 500 F. In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients.
Brush the meatloaf with the glaze and bake until well browned, about 12 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
We recommend using chuck beef for this recipe because the beef should have sufficient fat content to prevent the loaf from drying out while cooking. Ground beef that's 80% lean/20% fat works great too.
Resting the loaf before serving prevents all those delicious juices from draining out when you cut into it.
Try using your food processor to speed up the process of finely chopping the raw vegetables. Cut them into chunks first and pulse until finely chopped, not pureed.
Use a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan to help mold the meatloaf. Just pack the mixture into the loaf pan, then invert onto the baking sheet and lift the pan off. By cooking the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, it cooks much faster and the extra fat can drain off, keeping it from turning out greasy.
CHICKEN FAJITAS
This recipe is from the Food Network, and begins, "Marinating chicken, peppers and onions in a highly flavored marinade imparts big Tex-Mex flavors onto these mouthwatering grilled fajitas. Spiced yogurt and avocado sauce served alongside fresh cilantro keeps the fajitas healthy and fresh tasting."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Inactive Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fajitas-recipe-2040619.
Ingredients
1 cup packed cilantro leaves, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup lime juice, about 2 limes
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded if desired
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt
1 1/2-pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 orange and/or yellow bell peppers, quartered, seeds removed
1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded and peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 cup fat-free Greek Yogurt
12 corn tortillas
Directions
Put the cilantro, lime juice, broth, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, honey, and salt in a blender, puree until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons; do not wash out the blender.
Put chicken breasts in a medium bowl and the peppers and onions in another. Divide the remaining cilantro puree evenly between the chicken and the peppers and onions. Toss well to coat the chicken and vegetables and let stand, at room temperature, for 30 minutes.
Add the avocado, 1/2 cup water, and the reserved 2 tablespoons cilantro sauce to the blender. Puree until smooth and season with salt. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a small skillet set over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin and coriander and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour the spices over the yogurt and set aside for the flavors to blend. Stir before serving.
Preheat a grill for medium-high/direct heat cooking. Oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken and vegetables, turning, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 5 to 8 minutes for the vegetables and 12 to 15 minutes for the chicken. Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Place the tortillas on the grill until just warmed through, about 30 seconds.
To assemble the fajitas: slice the onions and peppers into thin strips and then slice the chicken. Place some peppers, onions, chicken and cilantro in a tortilla topped with the spiced yogurt and the avocado sauce.
ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH
Yield: 2 servings
Source: "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/13.shtml
Ingredients
2 small French or Italian whole-grain rolls (about 2 ounces each)
Olive oil cooking spray
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 ounces roasted chicken breast pieces (1 cup)
2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup canned pimentos, drained and cut into strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Slice rolls in half horizontally and remove the centers. Spray each side with cooking spray.
Layer tomato, chicken and mozzarella on one side of the roll. Add pimentos, salt, and pepper. Cover with top of roll, cut in half, and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/2 of recipe): Calories: 326, Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 63 mg, Sodium: 507 mg, Carbohydrate: 31 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 30 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch, 3 Very Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 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.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
ITALIAN MEATLOAF
This is from Todd Coleman at The Spruce Eats. For this yumminess, he wrote, "This is a classic Italian-style meatloaf recipe. It is also free form style, which means it is shaped into a loaf by hand and baked on a sheet rather than baked in a bread loaf pan. We recommend using chuck beef to keep the loaf moist."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Cool and Rest Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 loaf
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/italian-meatloaf-recipe-5209784.
Ingredients
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
6 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup catsup
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions
Make the meatloaf
Gather the ingredients.
Heat the oven to 350 F. Finely chop the bread in a food processor. Set the breadcrumbs aside.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring until soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the food processor along with the bacon, beef, and pork, and pulse until finely chopped—not puréed.
Add the mixture to a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire, eggs, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined.
Mold the meat mixture into a 9-inch-by-5-inch-sized loaf shape on a buttered, parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 135 F, 40 to 45 minutes.
Make and Add the Glaze
Raise the heat to 500 F. In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients.
Brush the meatloaf with the glaze and bake until well browned, about 12 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
We recommend using chuck beef for this recipe because the beef should have sufficient fat content to prevent the loaf from drying out while cooking. Ground beef that's 80% lean/20% fat works great too.
Resting the loaf before serving prevents all those delicious juices from draining out when you cut into it.
Try using your food processor to speed up the process of finely chopping the raw vegetables. Cut them into chunks first and pulse until finely chopped, not pureed.
Use a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan to help mold the meatloaf. Just pack the mixture into the loaf pan, then invert onto the baking sheet and lift the pan off. By cooking the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, it cooks much faster and the extra fat can drain off, keeping it from turning out greasy.
CHICKEN FAJITAS
This recipe is from the Food Network, and begins, "Marinating chicken, peppers and onions in a highly flavored marinade imparts big Tex-Mex flavors onto these mouthwatering grilled fajitas. Spiced yogurt and avocado sauce served alongside fresh cilantro keeps the fajitas healthy and fresh tasting."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Inactive Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fajitas-recipe-2040619.
Ingredients
1 cup packed cilantro leaves, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup lime juice, about 2 limes
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded if desired
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt
1 1/2-pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 orange and/or yellow bell peppers, quartered, seeds removed
1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded and peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 cup fat-free Greek Yogurt
12 corn tortillas
Directions
Put the cilantro, lime juice, broth, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, honey, and salt in a blender, puree until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons; do not wash out the blender.
Put chicken breasts in a medium bowl and the peppers and onions in another. Divide the remaining cilantro puree evenly between the chicken and the peppers and onions. Toss well to coat the chicken and vegetables and let stand, at room temperature, for 30 minutes.
Add the avocado, 1/2 cup water, and the reserved 2 tablespoons cilantro sauce to the blender. Puree until smooth and season with salt. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a small skillet set over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin and coriander and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour the spices over the yogurt and set aside for the flavors to blend. Stir before serving.
Preheat a grill for medium-high/direct heat cooking. Oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken and vegetables, turning, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 5 to 8 minutes for the vegetables and 12 to 15 minutes for the chicken. Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Place the tortillas on the grill until just warmed through, about 30 seconds.
To assemble the fajitas: slice the onions and peppers into thin strips and then slice the chicken. Place some peppers, onions, chicken and cilantro in a tortilla topped with the spiced yogurt and the avocado sauce.
ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH
Yield: 2 servings
Source: "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/13.shtml
Ingredients
2 small French or Italian whole-grain rolls (about 2 ounces each)
Olive oil cooking spray
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 ounces roasted chicken breast pieces (1 cup)
2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup canned pimentos, drained and cut into strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Slice rolls in half horizontally and remove the centers. Spray each side with cooking spray.
Layer tomato, chicken and mozzarella on one side of the roll. Add pimentos, salt, and pepper. Cover with top of roll, cut in half, and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/2 of recipe): Calories: 326, Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 63 mg, Sodium: 507 mg, Carbohydrate: 31 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 30 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch, 3 Very Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Mexican Recipes
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, today's post is sure to please. Check out the Breakfast Burritos, the Chicken Burrito Bowls, and the rest of today's recipes. Enjoy!
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS [VEGAN]
This is from Robin Browne on One Green Planet, and begins, "If you're looking for a hearty, protein-packed, and filling dish, you gotta try these vegan breakfast burritos. Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas and load them up with roasted garlicky potatoes, cheezy tofu, avocado lime crema, and your go-to salsa! These vegan burritos are bound to bring a smile to anyone's face."
One Green Planet is a great website that is earth-friendly, animal-friendly, and (yes) people-friendly. I highly recommend the site. Give it a look…
For this recipe, Cooking Time is 40 minutes; Serves 4
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/breakfast-burritos-vegan/.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Potatoes:
4 cups cubed potatoes (roughly 1" cubes)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
For the Tofu Scramble:
7 ounces extra firm tofu
2 teaspoons oil of choice
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 lemon juiced
salt and pepper
2 sprigs of green onion
For the Avocado Lime Creme:
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced (1 1/2 Tbsp juice)
1 garlic clove
Other
4 large tortilla wraps
salsa of choice
Prepartion
Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut 2-3 medium potatoes (I used Russet) into small cubes and then toss them in the oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
While the potatoes are baking start on the tofu. I suggest pressing the tofu for a few minutes to remove the excess water. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on it for a few minutes. Then heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil to it.
Crumble the tofu in the pan, and further break it down using a spatula. Add in the garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix. Cook for 10 minutes or so. Toss in the green onion and set aside.
Prepare the avocado lime creme by adding the avocado, lime juice and garlic to a food processor, process until smooth. Set aside.
Begin to assemble the breakfast wraps once the potatoes are done.
It's best to heat each tortilla in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften them so that rolling the tortillas is easier and they are less likely to crack.
Add potatoes, tofu, avocado-lime creme and salsa to each wrap. You should easily have enough for 4 wraps and some potatoes left behind (but these are perfect on the side).
All these ingredients can be stored in containers in the fridge for leftovers. I suggest reheating before eating.
MEATLESS TEX-MEX SLOPPY JOES
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Mondays just got a new star recipe. Impossible™ Burger is made from plants and makes this vegetarian sloppy joe recipe a delicious new addition to your meatless repertoire. These Meatless Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes use Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix. Meatless sloppy joes are as fast and easy as the original, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/meatless-tex-mex-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce (from 9-oz bottle)
4 burger buns, toasted
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (from 8-oz package)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir water, taco seasoning mix and taco sauce into Impossible™ Burger mixture; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Place about 1/2 cup mixture over bottom of each bun; top with cheese, lettuce, avocado and tomatoes, then top of bun.
Expert Tips
Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.
Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce plays the role that tomato sauce would play in a traditional sloppy joe recipe, with the added benefit of loads of taco flavor for these vegetarian sloppy joes.
We call for Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce in this recipe, but if you’d prefer a bit more heat in your meatless sloppy joes, feel free to substitute Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Buying a whole head of lettuce and slicing it thinly yourself, as opposed to buying it preshredded in a bag, will help to guarantee a fresh, extra-crisp topping for your sloppy joes.
Nutrition: 1 Sandwich: Calories: 500 (Calories from Fat: 230); Total Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 1240mg; Total Carbohydrate 41g (Dietary Fiber 6g, Sugars 7g); Protein 25g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 40%; Iron 35%
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 4 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 3
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Kiera Wright Ruiz, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, “Mesoamerican women are believed to be the first to ferment and roast cacao beans, a crucial step in chocolate making that is still used thousands of years later. Then, it was prepared as a frothy, unsweetened drink for rituals and medicinal purposes. Later, Spanish colonists brought the ingredient back to Spain, where sugar, cinnamon and vanilla were added, making it more similar to the spicy-sweet beverage we know today. This recipe is adapted from Churrería El Moro, a restaurant in Mexico City known for churros and hot chocolate. To get the signature foamy top, use a molinillo, a Mexican wooden whisk, or a wire whisk to make it light and frothy. And while it’s not traditional, you can also put the hot chocolate in a blender for about 2 minutes.”
Yield: 4 cups; Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020750-mexican-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70 percent)
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to steam, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
While the mixture heats, cut or break up the chocolate into small pieces so it melts evenly. Once the milk is steaming, add the chocolate and whisk until it’s melted and incorporated.
Turn off the heat and discard cinnamon sticks. Use a molinillo or whisk to mix the hot chocolate vigorously until it's frothy, 3 to 4 minutes, or blend in a blender for about 2 minutes. Serve hot.
MANGO SALSA GRILLED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Burrito bowls are a delicious and hearty option when you want to serve up a family meal fast. Plus, with an Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit, you can make a restaurant copycat burrito bowl without leaving the house (and for cheaper!). Cilantro lime white rice, chipotle seasoning mix and queso blanco sauce are included in the kit, helping you bring extra flavor to dinner hassle-free. Top with a colorful and fresh homemade mango salsa over the smoky grilled chipotle chicken. Dig in! This summer-ready bowl makes every bite delicious."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mango-salsa-grilled-chicken-burrito-bowls.
Ingredients
Mango Salsa
1 medium mango, peeled and cubed 1/4-inch (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons lime juice
Bowls
1 package Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit
1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
Lime wedges
Preparation
In medium bowl, stir together Mango Salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat gas or charcoal grill.
In 2-quart saucepan, add rice (from burrito bowl kit), water and butter. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix seasoning mix (from burrito bowl kit) and oil. Brush seasoning mixture onto both sides of chicken breasts.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 14 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F in center). Transfer to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into thin slices.
Divide rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with chicken, mango salsa, avocado and queso blanco sauce (from burrito bowl kit). Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Expert Tips
Want to know how to dice a mango like a pro? First, stand the mango stem-end down, and hold it in place. Look for two wide sides or “cheeks.” Starting at the top, place knife about 1/4 inch from the widest center line, and cut down through mango, cutting around the flat seed in the center of the fruit. Repeat with opposite remaining wide side. Cut the flesh of wide sides by slicing them in a cross-hatch pattern, making sure not to cut through to the skin. To remove mango pieces, push skin inside out, cut mango pieces fan out, and then cut pieces free from the skin. Cut two remaining narrow sides from the pit by cutting around the pit. Peel and cut mango pieces.
When using raw red onions, rinsing chopped onions under cold water helps take the "bite" out of the otherwise strong flavor.
CHEESY CHORIZO FRITTATA
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "A one skillet breakfast is super simple to get on the table with this cheesy frittata that is loaded with your favorites—chorizo seasoned pork, eggs, cheese and onions. Serve with fresh toppings and sour cream, and your morning is off to a good start."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/cheesy-chorizo-frittata.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground pork
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
8 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves and sour cream, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F.
In small bowl, mix pork and taco seasoning mix until combined. In 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Remove from heat.
In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt until combined. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and 1/4 cup of the green onions. Pour egg mixture over pork mixture in skillet. Stir until combined. Transfer to oven.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until completely set in center and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and the tomatoes. Cut into wedges. Top with cilantro and sour cream.
Expert Tips
Try your favorite cheese, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar, to replace Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a different twist.
Skillet (and handle) will be hot, so be sure to cover the handle with a pot holder or kitchen towel before serving.
CRESCENT MOON EMPANADAS
This came from Betty Crocker in a recent email. (Yes, you can sign up for their emails; definitely worthwhile.) This recipe begins, "For on-the-go snacks or hand-held appetizers, these classic Spanish empanadas are easy to make, using familiar ingredients like corn, Progresso™ beans and Old El Paso™ chiles."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Makes 34 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef round
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup frozen corn (from 12-oz bag) thawed
1/4 cup Progresso™ black beans (from 15-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, corn, beans and chiles
Remove crusts from pouches; unroll on work surface. Roll each crust to 12-inch round. With 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 17 rounds from each crust. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beef mixture over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Brush edges with water. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, shape empanadas to curve and look like crescent moons. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Expert Tips
Make these empanadas main-dish pastries by cutting out larger rounds and filling them with more meat mixture. Baking time will be longer.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS [VEGAN]
This is from Robin Browne on One Green Planet, and begins, "If you're looking for a hearty, protein-packed, and filling dish, you gotta try these vegan breakfast burritos. Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas and load them up with roasted garlicky potatoes, cheezy tofu, avocado lime crema, and your go-to salsa! These vegan burritos are bound to bring a smile to anyone's face."
One Green Planet is a great website that is earth-friendly, animal-friendly, and (yes) people-friendly. I highly recommend the site. Give it a look…
For this recipe, Cooking Time is 40 minutes; Serves 4
To view this online, go to https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/breakfast-burritos-vegan/.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Potatoes:
4 cups cubed potatoes (roughly 1" cubes)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
For the Tofu Scramble:
7 ounces extra firm tofu
2 teaspoons oil of choice
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 lemon juiced
salt and pepper
2 sprigs of green onion
For the Avocado Lime Creme:
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced (1 1/2 Tbsp juice)
1 garlic clove
Other
4 large tortilla wraps
salsa of choice
Prepartion
Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut 2-3 medium potatoes (I used Russet) into small cubes and then toss them in the oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
While the potatoes are baking start on the tofu. I suggest pressing the tofu for a few minutes to remove the excess water. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on it for a few minutes. Then heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil to it.
Crumble the tofu in the pan, and further break it down using a spatula. Add in the garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix. Cook for 10 minutes or so. Toss in the green onion and set aside.
Prepare the avocado lime creme by adding the avocado, lime juice and garlic to a food processor, process until smooth. Set aside.
Begin to assemble the breakfast wraps once the potatoes are done.
It's best to heat each tortilla in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften them so that rolling the tortillas is easier and they are less likely to crack.
Add potatoes, tofu, avocado-lime creme and salsa to each wrap. You should easily have enough for 4 wraps and some potatoes left behind (but these are perfect on the side).
All these ingredients can be stored in containers in the fridge for leftovers. I suggest reheating before eating.
MEATLESS TEX-MEX SLOPPY JOES
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Mondays just got a new star recipe. Impossible™ Burger is made from plants and makes this vegetarian sloppy joe recipe a delicious new addition to your meatless repertoire. These Meatless Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes use Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix. Meatless sloppy joes are as fast and easy as the original, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/meatless-tex-mex-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce (from 9-oz bottle)
4 burger buns, toasted
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (from 8-oz package)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir water, taco seasoning mix and taco sauce into Impossible™ Burger mixture; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Place about 1/2 cup mixture over bottom of each bun; top with cheese, lettuce, avocado and tomatoes, then top of bun.
Expert Tips
Cooking Vegetarian? Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is vegetarian. Products and ingredient sources can change.
Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce plays the role that tomato sauce would play in a traditional sloppy joe recipe, with the added benefit of loads of taco flavor for these vegetarian sloppy joes.
We call for Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce in this recipe, but if you’d prefer a bit more heat in your meatless sloppy joes, feel free to substitute Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Buying a whole head of lettuce and slicing it thinly yourself, as opposed to buying it preshredded in a bag, will help to guarantee a fresh, extra-crisp topping for your sloppy joes.
Nutrition: 1 Sandwich: Calories: 500 (Calories from Fat: 230); Total Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 1240mg; Total Carbohydrate 41g (Dietary Fiber 6g, Sugars 7g); Protein 25g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 40%; Iron 35%
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 4 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 3
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This is from Kiera Wright Ruiz, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, “Mesoamerican women are believed to be the first to ferment and roast cacao beans, a crucial step in chocolate making that is still used thousands of years later. Then, it was prepared as a frothy, unsweetened drink for rituals and medicinal purposes. Later, Spanish colonists brought the ingredient back to Spain, where sugar, cinnamon and vanilla were added, making it more similar to the spicy-sweet beverage we know today. This recipe is adapted from Churrería El Moro, a restaurant in Mexico City known for churros and hot chocolate. To get the signature foamy top, use a molinillo, a Mexican wooden whisk, or a wire whisk to make it light and frothy. And while it’s not traditional, you can also put the hot chocolate in a blender for about 2 minutes.”
Yield: 4 cups; Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020750-mexican-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70 percent)
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to steam, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
While the mixture heats, cut or break up the chocolate into small pieces so it melts evenly. Once the milk is steaming, add the chocolate and whisk until it’s melted and incorporated.
Turn off the heat and discard cinnamon sticks. Use a molinillo or whisk to mix the hot chocolate vigorously until it's frothy, 3 to 4 minutes, or blend in a blender for about 2 minutes. Serve hot.
MANGO SALSA GRILLED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Burrito bowls are a delicious and hearty option when you want to serve up a family meal fast. Plus, with an Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit, you can make a restaurant copycat burrito bowl without leaving the house (and for cheaper!). Cilantro lime white rice, chipotle seasoning mix and queso blanco sauce are included in the kit, helping you bring extra flavor to dinner hassle-free. Top with a colorful and fresh homemade mango salsa over the smoky grilled chipotle chicken. Dig in! This summer-ready bowl makes every bite delicious."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mango-salsa-grilled-chicken-burrito-bowls.
Ingredients
Mango Salsa
1 medium mango, peeled and cubed 1/4-inch (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons lime juice
Bowls
1 package Old El Paso™ Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Kit
1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
Lime wedges
Preparation
In medium bowl, stir together Mango Salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat gas or charcoal grill.
In 2-quart saucepan, add rice (from burrito bowl kit), water and butter. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix seasoning mix (from burrito bowl kit) and oil. Brush seasoning mixture onto both sides of chicken breasts.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 14 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F in center). Transfer to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into thin slices.
Divide rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with chicken, mango salsa, avocado and queso blanco sauce (from burrito bowl kit). Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Expert Tips
Want to know how to dice a mango like a pro? First, stand the mango stem-end down, and hold it in place. Look for two wide sides or “cheeks.” Starting at the top, place knife about 1/4 inch from the widest center line, and cut down through mango, cutting around the flat seed in the center of the fruit. Repeat with opposite remaining wide side. Cut the flesh of wide sides by slicing them in a cross-hatch pattern, making sure not to cut through to the skin. To remove mango pieces, push skin inside out, cut mango pieces fan out, and then cut pieces free from the skin. Cut two remaining narrow sides from the pit by cutting around the pit. Peel and cut mango pieces.
When using raw red onions, rinsing chopped onions under cold water helps take the "bite" out of the otherwise strong flavor.
CHEESY CHORIZO FRITTATA
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "A one skillet breakfast is super simple to get on the table with this cheesy frittata that is loaded with your favorites—chorizo seasoned pork, eggs, cheese and onions. Serve with fresh toppings and sour cream, and your morning is off to a good start."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/cheesy-chorizo-frittata.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground pork
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
8 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves and sour cream, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F.
In small bowl, mix pork and taco seasoning mix until combined. In 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Remove from heat.
In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt until combined. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and 1/4 cup of the green onions. Pour egg mixture over pork mixture in skillet. Stir until combined. Transfer to oven.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until completely set in center and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green onions and the tomatoes. Cut into wedges. Top with cilantro and sour cream.
Expert Tips
Try your favorite cheese, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar, to replace Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a different twist.
Skillet (and handle) will be hot, so be sure to cover the handle with a pot holder or kitchen towel before serving.
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