Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Turkey and Sweet Potato Soup and Easy Crockpot Lasagna. Enjoy!
BLUEBERRY COBBLER
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “Serve this delicious cobbler warm with ice cream for a wonderful summer treat. This is a great dessert to take to a cookout or summer gathering.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh blueberries, about 20 to 24 ounces
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 1/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
dash salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation:
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or similar 2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 400° F. Pick over and rinse blueberries.
In a saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup sugar and the cornstarch, stirring to blend. Add the water and stir to blend. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the blueberries. Spoon berries into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the berry mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and 1/2 tesapoon of cinnamon. Stir in the milk and 4 tablespoons of melted butter until all ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix.
With a tablespoon, spoon the batter over the berry mixture then gently pat to spread the batter over the berries. The batter doesn't have to cover completely. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the berry mixture is bubbly.
TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
This also comes from Diana Rattray (see previous recipe). She writes, “Leftover turkey teams up with sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, bacon, and optional mushrooms in this great-tasting soup. I used half-and-half, but you can use a lower-fat milk or light cream if you prefer.
“Aside from the chopping and cubing, there are very few preparation steps in this soup. Just simmer until it's done!
“If you don't care for mushrooms, by all means leave them out. Add a little more turkey or vegetables if you like, or add a replacement vegetable. A little pimiento would add some extra color to the soup. Finely diced ham would make a delicious substitute for the bacon.” Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 42 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 1/2-inch dice)
1 cup sliced celery (about 4 ribs)
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups turkey stock or chicken stock, preferably no- or low-sodium
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme (may use 3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning in place of the marjoram and thyme)
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables or peas and carrots, thawed in a colander under cold running water
4 strips cooked bacon, fried or baked, diced*
2 cups diced turkey
1 can (about 6 to 7 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained, optional
2 cups half-and-half, milk, or light cream
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
In a Dutch oven, stockpot, or large saucepan, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with the celery, onion, and turkey stock or chicken stock. Add the dried leaf marjoram and thyme, or about 3/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the mixed vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
Add the diced cooked bacon, cubed turkey, and mushrooms to the pot; continue cooking over low heat for about 5 more minutes. Add the milk, half-and-half, or light cream. Taste and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Continue cooking until the soup is hot and just begins to simmer again.
Serve the soup with crackers or crusty rolls and a tossed green salad.
*To cook the bacon in the oven, heat the oven to 375° F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil. Place a rack in the pan and arrange the strips of bacon on the rack. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until crisp. Drain on paper towels and then dice for the recipe.
SPAGHETTI PIE
This was featured on The Today Show a while back. I had never tried anything like this before. As a vegetarian, I'd lean toward using a vegetarian substitute for the ground turkey or beef.
To view this online, along with video, go to http://www.today.com/food/spaghetti-pie-fun-way-make-dinner-leftovers-later-t39701.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti, cooked, 1/2 cup cooking water reserved
1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
1 pound ground turkey or sirloin beef
1 cup tomato paste, divided
3 large eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large skillet, saute the onions until soft. Add ground turkey or beef, and 3/4 cup of the tomato paste. Add half the reserved pasta water and stir well. Season with salt, to taste. Consistency should be like a thick Bolognese sauce. Add more cooking water as needed.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the tomato paste.
Grease a 9 or 10-inch pie pan with olive oil. Spread half the meat mixture over the bottom of the pan. Add the spaghetti mixture and press it down to level it. Top with the remaining meat mixture, then scatter the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake the pie in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit about 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza slicer to cut into wedges like a pie. Serve with a green salad.
CHEESY BAKED TORTELLINI
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network's Everyday Italian. Total Time: 45 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 35 min; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/cheesy-baked-tortellini-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 pound purchased cheese tortellini
2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish.
Whisk the sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl to blend. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Add the tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with the smoked mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 30 minutes.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
Instructions
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
Confessions of a Foodie
Showing posts with label Easy Crockpot Lasagna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easy Crockpot Lasagna. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Wednesday Recipes
Enjoy!
BLUEBERRY COBBLER
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “Serve this delicious cobbler warm with ice cream for a wonderful summer treat. This is a great dessert to take to a cookout or summer gathering.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh blueberries, about 20 to 24 ounces
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 1/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
dash salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation:
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or similar 2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 400° F. Pick over and rinse blueberries.
In a saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup sugar and the cornstarch, stirring to blend. Add the water and stir to blend. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the blueberries. Spoon berries into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the berry mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and 1/2 tesapoon of cinnamon. Stir in the milk and 4 tablespoons of melted butter until all ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix.
With a tablespoon, spoon the batter over the berry mixture then gently pat to spread the batter over the berries. The batter doesn't have to cover completely. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the berry mixture is bubbly.
TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
This also comes from Diana Rattray (see previous recipe). She writes, “Leftover turkey teams up with sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, bacon, and optional mushrooms in this great-tasting soup. I used half-and-half, but you can use a lower-fat milk or light cream if you prefer.
“Aside from the chopping and cubing, there are very few preparation steps in this soup. Just simmer until it's done!
“If you don't care for mushrooms, by all means leave them out. Add a little more turkey or vegetables if you like, or add a replacement vegetable. A little pimiento would add some extra color to the soup. Finely diced ham would make a delicious substitute for the bacon.” Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 42 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 1/2-inch dice)
1 cup sliced celery (about 4 ribs)
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups turkey stock or chicken stock, preferably no- or low-sodium
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme (may use 3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning in place of the marjoram and thyme)
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables or peas and carrots, thawed in a colander under cold running water
4 strips cooked bacon, fried or baked, diced*
2 cups diced turkey
1 can (about 6 to 7 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained, optional
2 cups half-and-half, milk, or light cream
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
In a Dutch oven, stockpot, or large saucepan, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with the celery, onion, and turkey stock or chicken stock. Add the dried leaf marjoram and thyme, or about 3/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the mixed vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
Add the diced cooked bacon, cubed turkey, and mushrooms to the pot; continue cooking over low heat for about 5 more minutes. Add the milk, half-and-half, or light cream. Taste and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Continue cooking until the soup is hot and just begins to simmer again.
Serve the soup with crackers or crusty rolls and a tossed green salad.
*To cook the bacon in the oven, heat the oven to 375° F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil. Place a rack in the pan and arrange the strips of bacon on the rack. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until crisp. Drain on paper towels and then dice for the recipe.
SPAGHETTI PIE
This was featured on The Today Show in August, and got Matt Lauer's attention. I had never tried anything like this before. As a vegetarian, I'd lean toward using a vegetarian substitute for the ground turkey or beef.
To view this online, along with video, go to http://www.today.com/food/spaghetti-pie-fun-way-make-dinner-leftovers-later-t39701.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti, cooked, 1/2 cup cooking water reserved
1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
1 pound ground turkey or sirloin beef
1 cup tomato paste, divided
3 large eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large skillet, saute the onions until soft. Add ground turkey or beef, and 3/4 cup of the tomato paste. Add half the reserved pasta water and stir well. Season with salt, to taste. Consistency should be like a thick Bolognese sauce. Add more cooking water as needed.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the tomato paste.
Grease a 9 or 10-inch pie pan with olive oil. Spread half the meat mixture over the bottom of the pan. Add the spaghetti mixture and press it down to level it. Top with the remaining meat mixture, then scatter the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake the pie in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit about 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza slicer to cut into wedges like a pie. Serve with a green salad.
CHEESY BAKED TORTELLINI
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network's Everyday Italian. Total Time: 45 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 35 min; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/cheesy-baked-tortellini-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 pound purchased cheese tortellini
2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish.
Whisk the sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl to blend. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Add the tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with the smoked mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 30 minutes.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
BLUEBERRY COBBLER
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “Serve this delicious cobbler warm with ice cream for a wonderful summer treat. This is a great dessert to take to a cookout or summer gathering.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh blueberries, about 20 to 24 ounces
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 1/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
dash salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation:
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or similar 2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 400° F. Pick over and rinse blueberries.
In a saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup sugar and the cornstarch, stirring to blend. Add the water and stir to blend. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the blueberries. Spoon berries into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the berry mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and 1/2 tesapoon of cinnamon. Stir in the milk and 4 tablespoons of melted butter until all ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix.
With a tablespoon, spoon the batter over the berry mixture then gently pat to spread the batter over the berries. The batter doesn't have to cover completely. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the berry mixture is bubbly.
TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
This also comes from Diana Rattray (see previous recipe). She writes, “Leftover turkey teams up with sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, bacon, and optional mushrooms in this great-tasting soup. I used half-and-half, but you can use a lower-fat milk or light cream if you prefer.
“Aside from the chopping and cubing, there are very few preparation steps in this soup. Just simmer until it's done!
“If you don't care for mushrooms, by all means leave them out. Add a little more turkey or vegetables if you like, or add a replacement vegetable. A little pimiento would add some extra color to the soup. Finely diced ham would make a delicious substitute for the bacon.” Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 42 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 1/2-inch dice)
1 cup sliced celery (about 4 ribs)
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups turkey stock or chicken stock, preferably no- or low-sodium
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme (may use 3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning in place of the marjoram and thyme)
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables or peas and carrots, thawed in a colander under cold running water
4 strips cooked bacon, fried or baked, diced*
2 cups diced turkey
1 can (about 6 to 7 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained, optional
2 cups half-and-half, milk, or light cream
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
In a Dutch oven, stockpot, or large saucepan, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with the celery, onion, and turkey stock or chicken stock. Add the dried leaf marjoram and thyme, or about 3/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the mixed vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
Add the diced cooked bacon, cubed turkey, and mushrooms to the pot; continue cooking over low heat for about 5 more minutes. Add the milk, half-and-half, or light cream. Taste and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Continue cooking until the soup is hot and just begins to simmer again.
Serve the soup with crackers or crusty rolls and a tossed green salad.
*To cook the bacon in the oven, heat the oven to 375° F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil. Place a rack in the pan and arrange the strips of bacon on the rack. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until crisp. Drain on paper towels and then dice for the recipe.
SPAGHETTI PIE
This was featured on The Today Show in August, and got Matt Lauer's attention. I had never tried anything like this before. As a vegetarian, I'd lean toward using a vegetarian substitute for the ground turkey or beef.
To view this online, along with video, go to http://www.today.com/food/spaghetti-pie-fun-way-make-dinner-leftovers-later-t39701.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti, cooked, 1/2 cup cooking water reserved
1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
1 pound ground turkey or sirloin beef
1 cup tomato paste, divided
3 large eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large skillet, saute the onions until soft. Add ground turkey or beef, and 3/4 cup of the tomato paste. Add half the reserved pasta water and stir well. Season with salt, to taste. Consistency should be like a thick Bolognese sauce. Add more cooking water as needed.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the tomato paste.
Grease a 9 or 10-inch pie pan with olive oil. Spread half the meat mixture over the bottom of the pan. Add the spaghetti mixture and press it down to level it. Top with the remaining meat mixture, then scatter the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake the pie in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit about 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza slicer to cut into wedges like a pie. Serve with a green salad.
CHEESY BAKED TORTELLINI
This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network's Everyday Italian. Total Time: 45 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 35 min; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/cheesy-baked-tortellini-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 pound purchased cheese tortellini
2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish.
Whisk the sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl to blend. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Add the tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with the smoked mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 30 minutes.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Weekday Recipes
Another day, another batch of recipes. Enjoy!
PASTA ALLA NORMA
This comes from Danette St. Onge, About.com's Italian Food expert. She writes, "Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish originating in the Sicilian city of Catania. Allegedly it was created by a Catanese chef in tribute to the opera Norma by 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini, also from Catania. Ricotta salata, a firm, tangy sheep's-milk cheese, is an essential ingredient in this dish. It is quite different from soft and creamy fresh ricotta, though if you can't locate ricotta salata, a mild feta cheese such as French-style feta can be substituted." Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; total time: 50 minutes; yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
Coarse sea salt (Maldon salt works well)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chile pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can (or 3 cups) passata di pomodoro (tomato puree)
Fine sea salt, to taste
1 pound penne, rigatoni, or any other short, tube-shaped pasta
8-12 fresh basil leaves, for garnish
3 ounces ricotta salata, coarsely grated
Preparation
Place the eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined tray or baking sheet and lightly sprinkle them with coarse sea salt, to draw out excess water. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly pat the slices dry with more paper towels.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the eggplant slices (do not overcrowd) and fry them, turning occasionally, until well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer fried eggplant to a paper towel-lined platter or tray and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until garlic is just golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chile pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, another 30 seconds. Add the tomato puree, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat until sauce is just simmering. Cover and let simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with fine sea salt.
Meanwhile, bring salted water for the pasta to boil in a large pot. When boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water when draining the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot, add the tomato sauce and a little of the cooking water (just one spoonful at a time, as necessary) to thin the sauce slightly and help it adhere to the pasta. Toss to coat the pasta and then divide between serving plates. Lay a few slices of fried eggplant on top of each serving of pasta, then top with a generous grating of ricotta salata and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
FUSILLI WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND CORN
Yield: 8 servings
Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/22.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
1 cup fresh whole-kernel corn, cooked
1/2 cup sliced green onions and tops
2-2/3 cups (6 oz.) fusilli OR corkscrews, cooked, room temperature
Fresh Basil Dressing (recipe follows)
Directions
Combine tomatoes, corn, onions, and pasta in salad bowl; pour Fresh Basil Dressing over and toss.
FRESH BASIL DRESSING
Ingredients
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh, or 1 teaspoon dried, basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Mix all ingredients; refrigerate until serving time. Mix again before using. Makes about 1/4 cup
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 135, Protein: 4.1 g, Carbohydrate: 21.8 g, Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 141 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Fat
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
EASY VEGETARIAN COUSCOUS SALAD
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “Like couscous salads? This one is just about perfect. It's an easy vegetarian and vegan couscous salad recipe with chickpeas and cucumbers in a light lemon Dijon dressing with chopped fresh parsley. Couscous salad is always a good choice to bring to a vegetarian potluck or picnic.”
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked couscous
6 green onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans) pre-cooked or canned
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
dash pepper to taste
Preparation:
Combine the couscous, onions, tomatoes, cucumber chickpeas and parsley in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk or blend together the remaining ingredients and pour over the couscous, tossing gently to coat.
PASTA ALLA NORMA
This comes from Danette St. Onge, About.com's Italian Food expert. She writes, "Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish originating in the Sicilian city of Catania. Allegedly it was created by a Catanese chef in tribute to the opera Norma by 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini, also from Catania. Ricotta salata, a firm, tangy sheep's-milk cheese, is an essential ingredient in this dish. It is quite different from soft and creamy fresh ricotta, though if you can't locate ricotta salata, a mild feta cheese such as French-style feta can be substituted." Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; total time: 50 minutes; yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
Coarse sea salt (Maldon salt works well)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chile pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can (or 3 cups) passata di pomodoro (tomato puree)
Fine sea salt, to taste
1 pound penne, rigatoni, or any other short, tube-shaped pasta
8-12 fresh basil leaves, for garnish
3 ounces ricotta salata, coarsely grated
Preparation
Place the eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined tray or baking sheet and lightly sprinkle them with coarse sea salt, to draw out excess water. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly pat the slices dry with more paper towels.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the eggplant slices (do not overcrowd) and fry them, turning occasionally, until well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer fried eggplant to a paper towel-lined platter or tray and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until garlic is just golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chile pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, another 30 seconds. Add the tomato puree, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat until sauce is just simmering. Cover and let simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with fine sea salt.
Meanwhile, bring salted water for the pasta to boil in a large pot. When boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water when draining the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot, add the tomato sauce and a little of the cooking water (just one spoonful at a time, as necessary) to thin the sauce slightly and help it adhere to the pasta. Toss to coat the pasta and then divide between serving plates. Lay a few slices of fried eggplant on top of each serving of pasta, then top with a generous grating of ricotta salata and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
FUSILLI WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND CORN
Yield: 8 servings
Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/22.shtml
Ingredients
2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
1 cup fresh whole-kernel corn, cooked
1/2 cup sliced green onions and tops
2-2/3 cups (6 oz.) fusilli OR corkscrews, cooked, room temperature
Fresh Basil Dressing (recipe follows)
Directions
Combine tomatoes, corn, onions, and pasta in salad bowl; pour Fresh Basil Dressing over and toss.
FRESH BASIL DRESSING
Ingredients
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh, or 1 teaspoon dried, basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Mix all ingredients; refrigerate until serving time. Mix again before using. Makes about 1/4 cup
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 135, Protein: 4.1 g, Carbohydrate: 21.8 g, Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 141 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Fat
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
EASY VEGETARIAN COUSCOUS SALAD
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “Like couscous salads? This one is just about perfect. It's an easy vegetarian and vegan couscous salad recipe with chickpeas and cucumbers in a light lemon Dijon dressing with chopped fresh parsley. Couscous salad is always a good choice to bring to a vegetarian potluck or picnic.”
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked couscous
6 green onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans) pre-cooked or canned
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
dash pepper to taste
Preparation:
Combine the couscous, onions, tomatoes, cucumber chickpeas and parsley in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk or blend together the remaining ingredients and pour over the couscous, tossing gently to coat.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Hope everyone's staying warm this chilly winter. If you can stay inside, do. But we do need to eat, so here are today's offerings Enjoy!
4-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE
This comes from Tablespoon, and starts off, “This clever cake calls for just a few basic ingredients, and raspberries on top. Chocolate, eggs and Betty Crocker chocolate frosting come together for a flour-free cake that’s outta this world rich, creamy, and delicious!” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (13 oz) package dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting
8 eggs, room temperature
1 cup raspberries
1/4 cup powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and frosting together until smooth. Spoon into a stand mixer and add 2 eggs at a time until all eggs have been added. Turn to high and beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
Spoon into a 7" cake pan that has been lined and rimmed with parchment paper. Place this cake pan into a large baking dish and carefully fill the outside baking dish with 1" of water. Be careful to not get any water inside your cake pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or just until the center of the cake sets. Remove and refrigerate until the cake is completely cool. Gently remove the cake from the cake pan by turning it upside-down on a serving platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with raspberries just before serving.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
LOW FAT SLOPPY JOES
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona writes, "Turkey sloppy Joes make a great weeknight meal or a great game-day treat. For an extra nutritional punch, serve with whole-grain rolls instead of regular rolls, and offer baby carrots and grapes on the side."
Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small yellow bell pepper, chopped
3/4 pound lean ground turkey
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
1 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 small Kaiser rolls
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and peppers until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Stir in chili powder and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture into the bottom half of a small roll. Add top of roll, then serve.
Makes 12 servings
Per Serving: Calories 167, Calories from Fat 41, total Fat 4.5g (sat 0.9g), Cholesterol 22mg, Sodium 438mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 8.9g
Per Serving using extra-lean ground turkey: Calories 158, Calories from Fat 24, Total Fat 2.6g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 427mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 11g
SPINACH, PEPPERS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES WITH PENNE RIGATE
This is from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 28. It begins, "Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add bright color, flavor, and body to this Mediterranean-style dish." Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
2 1/2 cups penne rigate pasta (6 oz.)
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and sliced
10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
4 cups packed baby spinach leaves (8 oz.)
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano
1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently, or until lightly browned.
Increase heat to high. Add roasted peppers, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, spinach, olives, oregano, lemon zest, and pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add pasta and reserved pasta-cooking water; cover, and cook 3 minutes more, or until heated through.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 266; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 340 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan
RIGATONI TORTE WITH RICOTTA AND FALL VEGETABLES
This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. It starts off, “Packed with autumn flavors, this impressive main dish is mac-and-cheese elevated to its highest form.” Serves 12.
To view this online, click here.
3 sprigs fresh sage plus 2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, divided
12 oz. white or cremini mushrooms, quartered (6 cups)
3 small leeks, white and light green parts cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (3 cups)
12 oz. broccoli, cut into 1 1/2-inch florets (6 cups)
1 lb. uncooked rigatoni
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 32-oz. pkg. creamy butternut squash soup, such as Imagine Foods
2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese, divided
1 tsp. truffle oil, plus more for drizzling, optional
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil with fresh sage sprigs; use this boiling water to separately blanch mushrooms (3 minutes), then leeks (2 minutes), and then broccoli (1 minute). Immediately transfer each vegetable to colander with slotted spoon, rinse under cold water, drain well, and transfer to 1 large bowl.
Cook rigatoni in boiling water 3 minutes less than cooking time recommended on package, then drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to separate large bowl.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until beginning to turn light brown, stirring constantly. Add butternut squash soup, and cook 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup grated cheese, chopped sage, and 1 tsp. truffle oil (if using); season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir soup mixture into pasta, add blanched vegetables, and stir to combine.
Spread one-third of pasta mixture in prepared springform pan; dot with 1/3 cup ricotta cheese. Repeat twice with remaining pasta mixture and ricotta, and then sprinkle with remaining 1 cup grated cheese. (If making ahead, cover springform pan tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Uncover before baking.)
Place springform pan on large baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes, or until top is browned and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding and serving.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 334; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 45 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 296 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 8 g
4-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CAKE
This comes from Tablespoon, and starts off, “This clever cake calls for just a few basic ingredients, and raspberries on top. Chocolate, eggs and Betty Crocker chocolate frosting come together for a flour-free cake that’s outta this world rich, creamy, and delicious!” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (13 oz) package dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting
8 eggs, room temperature
1 cup raspberries
1/4 cup powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and frosting together until smooth. Spoon into a stand mixer and add 2 eggs at a time until all eggs have been added. Turn to high and beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
Spoon into a 7" cake pan that has been lined and rimmed with parchment paper. Place this cake pan into a large baking dish and carefully fill the outside baking dish with 1" of water. Be careful to not get any water inside your cake pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or just until the center of the cake sets. Remove and refrigerate until the cake is completely cool. Gently remove the cake from the cake pan by turning it upside-down on a serving platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with raspberries just before serving.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
This comes from The Baker Chick, who writes, "Though I made this with chicken this could be an easy vegetarian option by skipping the meat and just adding extra veggies!" I love that kind of flexibility! Yield: 6-8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
4 cups chopped veggies, (potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli etc.)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other spices to taste (garlic, celery seed etc.)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Biscuits:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 oz Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
Instructions
Place the chopped veggies* and chicken in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. Drain the veggies reserving the broth. Set both aside.
Wipe out the skillet and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir constantly until golden.
Slowly add 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of broth. Whisk liquids in until sauce is smooth. Stir frequently until thick and bubbly.
Add the chicken & veggies into the sauce mixture, tossing to combine. If mixture doesn't seem saucy enough, add more milk or broth and needed to thoroughly coat the chicken & veggies.
Preheat oven to 425F
For the Biscuits:
Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the butter chunks and use your hands to work them in, breaking them apart until coarse crumbs are formed with no bigger than pea sized chunks.
Stir in the grated cheese and then the buttermilk, stirring together until just combined.
Scoop the dough on top of the chicken/veggie mixture, spreading evenly with your hands.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden.
Notes
*Some veggies need more cooking time than others. I always add carrots, potatoes & green beans to boil in the broth mixture, but if I use broccoli I like it less cooked so I just add that in with the cream sauce at the end.
EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This comes from Tablespoon.com, and starts off, "This lasagna tastes like you spent all day making it without all of the work." Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time 4 hr 15 min; Servings: 10
*Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker.
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 whole egg
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Directions
In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
LOW FAT SLOPPY JOES
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona writes, "Turkey sloppy Joes make a great weeknight meal or a great game-day treat. For an extra nutritional punch, serve with whole-grain rolls instead of regular rolls, and offer baby carrots and grapes on the side."
Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small yellow bell pepper, chopped
3/4 pound lean ground turkey
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
1 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 small Kaiser rolls
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and peppers until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Stir in chili powder and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture into the bottom half of a small roll. Add top of roll, then serve.
Makes 12 servings
Per Serving: Calories 167, Calories from Fat 41, total Fat 4.5g (sat 0.9g), Cholesterol 22mg, Sodium 438mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 8.9g
Per Serving using extra-lean ground turkey: Calories 158, Calories from Fat 24, Total Fat 2.6g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 427mg, Carbohydrate 22.5g, Fiber 2.1g, Protein 11g
SPINACH, PEPPERS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES WITH PENNE RIGATE
This is from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 28. It begins, "Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add bright color, flavor, and body to this Mediterranean-style dish." Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
2 1/2 cups penne rigate pasta (6 oz.)
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and sliced
10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
4 cups packed baby spinach leaves (8 oz.)
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano
1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently, or until lightly browned.
Increase heat to high. Add roasted peppers, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, spinach, olives, oregano, lemon zest, and pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add pasta and reserved pasta-cooking water; cover, and cook 3 minutes more, or until heated through.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 266; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 340 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan
RIGATONI TORTE WITH RICOTTA AND FALL VEGETABLES
This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. It starts off, “Packed with autumn flavors, this impressive main dish is mac-and-cheese elevated to its highest form.” Serves 12.
To view this online, click here.
3 sprigs fresh sage plus 2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, divided
12 oz. white or cremini mushrooms, quartered (6 cups)
3 small leeks, white and light green parts cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (3 cups)
12 oz. broccoli, cut into 1 1/2-inch florets (6 cups)
1 lb. uncooked rigatoni
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 32-oz. pkg. creamy butternut squash soup, such as Imagine Foods
2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese, divided
1 tsp. truffle oil, plus more for drizzling, optional
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil with fresh sage sprigs; use this boiling water to separately blanch mushrooms (3 minutes), then leeks (2 minutes), and then broccoli (1 minute). Immediately transfer each vegetable to colander with slotted spoon, rinse under cold water, drain well, and transfer to 1 large bowl.
Cook rigatoni in boiling water 3 minutes less than cooking time recommended on package, then drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to separate large bowl.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until beginning to turn light brown, stirring constantly. Add butternut squash soup, and cook 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup grated cheese, chopped sage, and 1 tsp. truffle oil (if using); season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir soup mixture into pasta, add blanched vegetables, and stir to combine.
Spread one-third of pasta mixture in prepared springform pan; dot with 1/3 cup ricotta cheese. Repeat twice with remaining pasta mixture and ricotta, and then sprinkle with remaining 1 cup grated cheese. (If making ahead, cover springform pan tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Uncover before baking.)
Place springform pan on large baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes, or until top is browned and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding and serving.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 334; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 45 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 296 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 8 g
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