When I was growing up (more years ago than I care to admit), it seemed that there were so many rules about meals: chicken and beef (whether as burgers, meatloaf, or any other meaty recipe) at night, breakfast in the morning, sandwiches for lunch...The list went on in many homes.
Fast forward to now. It seems like almost anything goes, food-wise. Leftover pizza from last night's dinner? Heated or cold with a cup of coffee for breakfast. Need a light dinner? Scrambled eggs and toast just might hit the spot. After all, who's going to complain to the food police?
To that end, here are six breakfast recipes to fix at any time, whether first thing in the morning, or 10:00 at night (or later). Check out the Fried Eggs and Potatoes, the Rancher’s Breakfast Pie, and the rest of today's yumminess.
And if you decide to have 'em for dinner, not to worry, I won't tell. Enjoy!
PIRATE EGGS
When my sister and I were kids, my mother used to fix this for us on a regular basis, except that she called them Gypsy Eggs. Once my brother came along, though, they became Pirate Eggs. The name stuck. Most people from the Northeastern U.S. tend to call them Eggs-in-a-Hole or some variation of that. But whatever you call them, they're good.
The instructions are for one person. Adjust for the number of people you're feeding.
Ingredients
1-2 eggs
1-2 pieces of bread
margarine for the pan
Directions
Melt the margarine in the pan over medium heat. Take the bread and cut a round hole in the middle. Place bread in pan, then crack the egg and dump onto the bread so that the yolk is in the hold. If you prefer non-runny yolks (my preference), crack the yolk with the corner of a spatula. Cook on the first side for several minutes, then flip over and cook the other side. You can flip it several times until the egg looks cooked. Enjoy!
DENVER OMELET
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "The Denver omelet — a diner classic of eggs, bell peppers, onions, ham and often cheese — actually began as a sandwich made with those ingredients in the American West in the late 19th century. Its exact origins are fuzzy, but some historians think it was a modification of egg foo yong made by Chinese laborers working the transcontinental railroad, or a scramble made by pioneers masking spoiled eggs with onions. (Bell peppers were likely a later addition.) When the sandwich became popular in Utah, it was named the Denver sandwich after Denver City, Utah. By the 1950s, the Denver was one of the most popular sandwiches around, and at some point in the mid-20th century, diners swapped the sandwich bun for a knife and fork."
Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 2 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023378-denver-omelet. Also, while you're at it, I highly recommend signing up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter. So many yummy recipes, great guides...If you're like me, you won't regret it.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
Black pepper
4 ounces ham steak or Canadian bacon, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 ounces coarsely grated Monterey Jack or pepper Jack (heaping 1/3 cup)
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
In a medium (10-inch) nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high. When foaming, add the bell pepper and onion, season lightly with salt and pepper and stir to coat in the butter. Shake into an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to another medium bowl, add the cheese, and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat the pan. Whisk the egg mixture and pour half into the skillet. Cook without touching until the eggs around the edges of the pan are set, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Using a spatula, slightly pull the edge of the omelet in toward the center and, while holding the spatula in place, tilt the pan so that the egg runs to the empty skillet. Repeat this around the edge of the whole circle until the surface is nearly set but still shiny. (No runny egg will travel when you tilt the pan.)
Spoon half the vegetable mixture onto half the egg, cover the skillet with a lid or baking sheet, and cook until the egg is set and the cheese is melted, 1 to 3 minutes. Run the spatula around the edges, then fold the naked half over the filling. Slide the omelet onto a plate, then repeat with the remaining butter, egg and filling.
EGGS IN A PEPPER
This is from Chef Lizzie at AllRecipes, and begins, "This recipe is paleo and a super easy way to eat your eggs! Can also top with cheese or even a slice of bread."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 1 serving
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/244281/egg-in-a-pepper/.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 (1/4 inch thick) ring bell pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place bell pepper ring in the hot skillet. Crack egg into bell pepper ring; cook until bottom holds together and corners are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until desired doneness is reached, 2 to 3 minutes more; season with salt and ground black pepper.
FRIED EGGS AND POTATOES
This is from Naz Deravian in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Naz wrote, "This quick one-pan meal of fried eggs and potatoes hits the spot any time of day, and especially if you like breakfast for dinner. Golden onion, turmeric and tomato paste make a savory and rich bed for the potatoes and eggs to nestle in. Make sure to chop the potatoes evenly into small, 1/2-inch cubes and add a little water to speed up their cooking time. You can cook the yolks to your liking – just cover and check on them every minute. Serve with bread or a green salad, or both, for a complete meal."
Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings
To view this yumminess online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023911-fried-eggs-and-potatoes. While you're there, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. If you're like me when it comes to food, you won't regret it.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 large Yukon Gold potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
4 large eggs
Fresh herb of your choice, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
In a large (12-inch) nonstick pan with a lid, heat the oil over medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 7 to 9 minutes. Season with salt, add the turmeric and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook just to take off the raw taste and deepen its color, stirring and taking care not to burn the paste, about 1 minute.
Add the potatoes, season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often, just until the potatoes are no longer raw. Add 1/4 cup water, stir and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally and adding a tablespoon or two of water if the potatoes are browning too much, until the potatoes are just tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Taste the potatoes and add more salt and pepper to taste, being mindful that the eggs will also be seasoned.
Make four wells in the potatoes and crack an egg in each well; season the eggs with salt and pepper. With a wooden spoon, gently poke the egg whites (without disturbing the yolk) to make them spread and cook faster. Cover and check every 30 seconds to a minute, until the whites are cooked and the yolk is to your liking, 3 to 5 minutes for a softer yolk. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with herbs, if using, and serve.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
RANCHER'S BREAKFAST PIE
This is from one of the many emailing lists that I've subscribed to over the years. Not sure which one this came from, or who sent it. But it's yummy!
Ingredients
6 eggs, beaten
1/3 C milk
2 C (8 oz) shredded milk cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
3 T chopped green onion
2 T chopped green bell pepper
1/4 t white pepper
2 C refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
1/2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1 T butter or margarine, melted
Paprika
Directions
In large bowl, combine eggs and milk. Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, bell pepper and white pepper. Pour into well buttered 9 inch pie plate. Toss potatoes with salt and black pepper; sprinkle over egg mixture. Drizzle butter over potatoes; sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 325 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. YIELD: 6 servings.
Showing posts with label Mexican Breakfast Casserole with Hash Brown Top. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mexican Breakfast Casserole with Hash Brown Top. Show all posts
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Mexican Recipes
If you love Mexican food, today's post is sure to please. Check out the Mexican-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers, the Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!
TOSTADAS
This is from Rick A. Martinez in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this wonderful recipe, Rick wrote, "In Spanish, tostada is used as an adjective and a noun to refer to a tortilla that has been toasted on a comal or griddle, crisped in the oven, or in some regions of Mexico, fried until golden brown. Stateside, store-bought corn tortillas are made using preservatives to extend their shelf life, but they can also add a sour taste and smell to the product. This is masked by toasting or frying them, which enhances the flavor of the corn, making them taste more like something you would find in Mexico. Tostadas can be used to hold whatever fillings you want to pile on top, but in this recipe, chorizo and canned beans make a quick meal perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner."
Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024440-tostadas. While there, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, please do so. Great recipes, lots of great info.
Ingredients
For the Chorizo and Beans
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 ounces raw chorizo (casings removed, if necessary)
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained, or 3 cups frijoles de olla
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Sea salt
8 prepared tostadas, warmed (or, to make from scratch, see recipe below)
Crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped onion, salsa, crema, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado and lime wedges, for serving (optional)
For the Tostadas
1 cup vegetable oil
8 (5- to 6-inch) corn tortillas
Preparation
Make the chorizo and beans: Heat oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high. Cook chorizo, breaking up the meat in the skillet, until browned and cooked through, 7 to 9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a medium bowl, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible. Cover to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and half of the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until tender and beginning to brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Add beans and broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan, until liquid is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if necessary.
Using a potato masher, smash beans in the skillet until no whole beans remain and the mixture is thick and creamy. Remove from heat, taste and season with salt, if necessary. Let cool slightly; the mixture will thicken a bit more as it sits. Cover to keep warm.
Make tostadas, if not using prepared: Heat oil in a small (8-inch) skillet over high until it bubbles vigorously when the edge of a tortilla touches its surface. Fry 1 tortilla at a time, turning once using tongs, until it’s crispy, puffed in places and deeply golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the tostada to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Reheat chorizo, if necessary (30 to 60 seconds in the microwave). Warm beans in the same skillet over medium heat, stirring and adding up to 1/4 cup of water to thin them out, if necessary. Spread about 1/3 cup refried beans over each tostada, then evenly distribute chorizo on top. Serve as you like with queso fresco, cilantro, reserved onion, salsa, crema, lettuce, avocado and lime.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
MEXICAN-STYLE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. This one begins, “In this Latin twist on stuffed bell peppers, black beans replace the traditional rice and salsa stands in for the standard tomato sauce.” Serves 4; 1 stuffed bell pepper per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Mexican-Style-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers/.
Ingredients
4 large red or green bell peppers, or a combination, stems, seeds, and ribs discarded, tops chopped and reserved
Cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces 95% fat-free ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salsa (lowest sodium available)
1 cup canned no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1/4 cup low-fat shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a microwave oven, place the bell peppers with the cut side up on a paper towel. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Transfer with the cut side up to a 9-inch square baking dish or shallow casserole dish.
Meanwhile, lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Cook the chopped bell pepper tops, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn and break up the beef. Discard any drippings.
Sprinkle the beef mixture with the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salsa. Remove from the heat.
Gently stir in the beans and cup cilantro. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Top the peppers with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.
EASY BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "This Southwest breakfast is quick enough for busy weekends. Or, you can try our make-ahead tip to freeze and reheat for a winning grab-and-go breakfast all week long."
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-breakfast-burritos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles (from 4.5-oz can)
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces
1 bag (1 lb 4 oz) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (from 11-oz package)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
Preparation
In large bowl, beat 6 eggs, 2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until well blended. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, cook eggs, stirring occasionally, until scrambled. Stir in 6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces; heat until warm. Set aside.
Cook 1 bag (1 lb. 4 oz.) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes as directed on bag; set aside.
To assemble burritos, spoon line of hash browns down center of each of 6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos. Top with 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend and the scrambled eggs.
Roll up each tortilla tightly to secure filling. Serve immediately, or freeze as directed below.
To freeze, wrap each burrito in paper towel; wrap in foil. Freeze. To reheat, remove and discard foil. Microwave each frozen paper towel-wrapped burrito on High 2 minutes 30 seconds, turning burrito over halfway through heating.
Expert Tips
Change breakfast sausage out for cooked chorizo pork sausage for a delightful Southwest kick!
Wrapping the breakfast burrito in a paper towel before the foil helps to absorb the moisture from the burrito and prevent a soggy tortilla. It’s also perfect for microwaving on the go or at work when plates are not necessarily available.
COPYCAT TACO BELL QUESARITO
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Forget about needing to leave the house to go to the drive-through, you can make this amazingly-good copycat recipe for Taco Bell™ Quesaritos easily at home! Roll up spicy beef, Old El Paso™ fiesta rice, cheese and guacamole inside two quesadillas packed with freshly-melted cheese. Add in your own ingredients to make these your own custom masterpiece or keep it classic by making them mimic the Taco Bell™ recipe. Either way, you get the satisfaction of making these amazing Quesaritos at home and the freedom to make (and of course eat) as many as you want!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 8 servings
Want to view this online? Go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/copycat-taco-bell-quesarito.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 packet Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
1 packet Old El Paso™ heat & serve fiesta rice
16 Old El Paso™ Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
8 tablespoons sour cream
8 tablespoons prepared guacamole
Preparation
Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir often to break up the meat until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Drain the grease from the meat and stir in the packet of taco seasoning and water, as called for on the seasoning packet. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from the heat.
While the meat is cooking, cook the rice according to package instructions.
Lay one tortilla on a microwave-safe plate and top with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese. Top with a second tortilla. Microwave for 15 seconds or until the cheese has melted.
Spoon a bit of rice onto the tortilla, topped with the ground beef, more cheese, sour cream, and guacamole as desired. Don’t overfill your tortillas or they’ll be difficult to close.
Fold the ends of the tortillas up and bring the center over the filling. Roll the burritos closed.
Expert Tips:
Try a blend of Mexican cheese instead of cheddar for a little extra cheesy flavor in your Quesarito!
Before you roll up your Quesaritos, add a little fresh cilantro and squeeze a sprinkle of fresh lime juice over your ingredients for an added flavor boost.
Make your own homemade guacamole for this recipe! Try our famous recipe for Guacamole with Queso Fresco for a rich and creamy guacamole - perfect for your quesaritos or just great alone with a bag of corn chips.
We are firm believers that chips and dip should be eaten as often as possible. Try our easy and amazing microwave recipe for Taco Salad Dip that the whole family is sure to love.
CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS
This comes from MyRecipes, and begins, "Chipotles can be a touch spicy, but you can use only half of what's called for to decrease heat and still get great smoky flavor."
Hands-on Time: 23 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings (serving size: 2 enchiladas, 2 tablespoons salsa, and 1 tablespoon sour cream)
To view this online, go to .
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped poblano chile
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 tablespoon pureed canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
2 (8-ounce) cans unsalted tomato sauce
3 cups shredded cooked skinless chicken breast
1 (15.5-ounce) can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained
4 ounces shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
16 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup prepared salsa
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, poblano, and garlic; sauté 4 minutes or until onion and poblano are tender. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add stock, chipotles, and tomato sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer; cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Combine chicken and black beans in a medium bowl; add half of sauce mixture. Combine cheeses in a bowl; add 1/2 cup cheese mixture to chicken mixture. Toss to combine.
Place 8 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate; cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave at HIGH for 45 seconds or until warm. Working with 1 tortilla at a time, place tortilla on a flat work surface; spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture onto 1 end of tortilla. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Repeat procedure with remaining tortillas, heating up second batch of tortillas when first batch is used up. Arrange enchiladas, seam side down, in prepared dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas; sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve enchiladas with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, if desired.
TOSTADAS
This is from Rick A. Martinez in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this wonderful recipe, Rick wrote, "In Spanish, tostada is used as an adjective and a noun to refer to a tortilla that has been toasted on a comal or griddle, crisped in the oven, or in some regions of Mexico, fried until golden brown. Stateside, store-bought corn tortillas are made using preservatives to extend their shelf life, but they can also add a sour taste and smell to the product. This is masked by toasting or frying them, which enhances the flavor of the corn, making them taste more like something you would find in Mexico. Tostadas can be used to hold whatever fillings you want to pile on top, but in this recipe, chorizo and canned beans make a quick meal perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner."
Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024440-tostadas. While there, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, please do so. Great recipes, lots of great info.
Ingredients
For the Chorizo and Beans
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 ounces raw chorizo (casings removed, if necessary)
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained, or 3 cups frijoles de olla
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Sea salt
8 prepared tostadas, warmed (or, to make from scratch, see recipe below)
Crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped onion, salsa, crema, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado and lime wedges, for serving (optional)
For the Tostadas
1 cup vegetable oil
8 (5- to 6-inch) corn tortillas
Preparation
Make the chorizo and beans: Heat oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high. Cook chorizo, breaking up the meat in the skillet, until browned and cooked through, 7 to 9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a medium bowl, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible. Cover to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and half of the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until tender and beginning to brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Add beans and broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan, until liquid is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if necessary.
Using a potato masher, smash beans in the skillet until no whole beans remain and the mixture is thick and creamy. Remove from heat, taste and season with salt, if necessary. Let cool slightly; the mixture will thicken a bit more as it sits. Cover to keep warm.
Make tostadas, if not using prepared: Heat oil in a small (8-inch) skillet over high until it bubbles vigorously when the edge of a tortilla touches its surface. Fry 1 tortilla at a time, turning once using tongs, until it’s crispy, puffed in places and deeply golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the tostada to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Reheat chorizo, if necessary (30 to 60 seconds in the microwave). Warm beans in the same skillet over medium heat, stirring and adding up to 1/4 cup of water to thin them out, if necessary. Spread about 1/3 cup refried beans over each tostada, then evenly distribute chorizo on top. Serve as you like with queso fresco, cilantro, reserved onion, salsa, crema, lettuce, avocado and lime.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
MEXICAN-STYLE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. This one begins, “In this Latin twist on stuffed bell peppers, black beans replace the traditional rice and salsa stands in for the standard tomato sauce.” Serves 4; 1 stuffed bell pepper per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Mexican-Style-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers/.
Ingredients
4 large red or green bell peppers, or a combination, stems, seeds, and ribs discarded, tops chopped and reserved
Cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces 95% fat-free ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salsa (lowest sodium available)
1 cup canned no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1/4 cup low-fat shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a microwave oven, place the bell peppers with the cut side up on a paper towel. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Transfer with the cut side up to a 9-inch square baking dish or shallow casserole dish.
Meanwhile, lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Cook the chopped bell pepper tops, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn and break up the beef. Discard any drippings.
Sprinkle the beef mixture with the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salsa. Remove from the heat.
Gently stir in the beans and cup cilantro. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Top the peppers with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.
EASY BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "This Southwest breakfast is quick enough for busy weekends. Or, you can try our make-ahead tip to freeze and reheat for a winning grab-and-go breakfast all week long."
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-breakfast-burritos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles (from 4.5-oz can)
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces
1 bag (1 lb 4 oz) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (from 11-oz package)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
Preparation
In large bowl, beat 6 eggs, 2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until well blended. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, cook eggs, stirring occasionally, until scrambled. Stir in 6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces; heat until warm. Set aside.
Cook 1 bag (1 lb. 4 oz.) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes as directed on bag; set aside.
To assemble burritos, spoon line of hash browns down center of each of 6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos. Top with 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend and the scrambled eggs.
Roll up each tortilla tightly to secure filling. Serve immediately, or freeze as directed below.
To freeze, wrap each burrito in paper towel; wrap in foil. Freeze. To reheat, remove and discard foil. Microwave each frozen paper towel-wrapped burrito on High 2 minutes 30 seconds, turning burrito over halfway through heating.
Expert Tips
Change breakfast sausage out for cooked chorizo pork sausage for a delightful Southwest kick!
Wrapping the breakfast burrito in a paper towel before the foil helps to absorb the moisture from the burrito and prevent a soggy tortilla. It’s also perfect for microwaving on the go or at work when plates are not necessarily available.
COPYCAT TACO BELL QUESARITO
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Forget about needing to leave the house to go to the drive-through, you can make this amazingly-good copycat recipe for Taco Bell™ Quesaritos easily at home! Roll up spicy beef, Old El Paso™ fiesta rice, cheese and guacamole inside two quesadillas packed with freshly-melted cheese. Add in your own ingredients to make these your own custom masterpiece or keep it classic by making them mimic the Taco Bell™ recipe. Either way, you get the satisfaction of making these amazing Quesaritos at home and the freedom to make (and of course eat) as many as you want!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 8 servings
Want to view this online? Go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/copycat-taco-bell-quesarito.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 packet Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
1 packet Old El Paso™ heat & serve fiesta rice
16 Old El Paso™ Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
8 tablespoons sour cream
8 tablespoons prepared guacamole
Preparation
Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir often to break up the meat until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Drain the grease from the meat and stir in the packet of taco seasoning and water, as called for on the seasoning packet. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from the heat.
While the meat is cooking, cook the rice according to package instructions.
Lay one tortilla on a microwave-safe plate and top with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese. Top with a second tortilla. Microwave for 15 seconds or until the cheese has melted.
Spoon a bit of rice onto the tortilla, topped with the ground beef, more cheese, sour cream, and guacamole as desired. Don’t overfill your tortillas or they’ll be difficult to close.
Fold the ends of the tortillas up and bring the center over the filling. Roll the burritos closed.
Expert Tips:
Try a blend of Mexican cheese instead of cheddar for a little extra cheesy flavor in your Quesarito!
Before you roll up your Quesaritos, add a little fresh cilantro and squeeze a sprinkle of fresh lime juice over your ingredients for an added flavor boost.
Make your own homemade guacamole for this recipe! Try our famous recipe for Guacamole with Queso Fresco for a rich and creamy guacamole - perfect for your quesaritos or just great alone with a bag of corn chips.
We are firm believers that chips and dip should be eaten as often as possible. Try our easy and amazing microwave recipe for Taco Salad Dip that the whole family is sure to love.
CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS
This comes from MyRecipes, and begins, "Chipotles can be a touch spicy, but you can use only half of what's called for to decrease heat and still get great smoky flavor."
Hands-on Time: 23 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings (serving size: 2 enchiladas, 2 tablespoons salsa, and 1 tablespoon sour cream)
To view this online, go to .
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped poblano chile
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 tablespoon pureed canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
2 (8-ounce) cans unsalted tomato sauce
3 cups shredded cooked skinless chicken breast
1 (15.5-ounce) can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained
4 ounces shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
16 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup prepared salsa
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, poblano, and garlic; sauté 4 minutes or until onion and poblano are tender. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add stock, chipotles, and tomato sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer; cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Combine chicken and black beans in a medium bowl; add half of sauce mixture. Combine cheeses in a bowl; add 1/2 cup cheese mixture to chicken mixture. Toss to combine.
Place 8 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate; cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave at HIGH for 45 seconds or until warm. Working with 1 tortilla at a time, place tortilla on a flat work surface; spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture onto 1 end of tortilla. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Repeat procedure with remaining tortillas, heating up second batch of tortillas when first batch is used up. Arrange enchiladas, seam side down, in prepared dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas; sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve enchiladas with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, if desired.
Monday, June 14, 2021
Meatless Monday
It's Monday again. Did that weekend fly by for you, too? It seems they always go by way too quickly.
Since it is Monday, it's time for another Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to get your week started off just right, including Pesto Lentil Burgers, Zucchini Lasagna, and, for dessert, Key Lime Pie Bars With Vanilla Wafer Crust. Enjoy!
JOANNE CHANG'S MAPLE-BLUEBERRY SCONES
This comes from Dorie Greenspan in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Dorie wrote, "These scones, created by Joanne Chang for her Flour Bakery + Café in Boston, are studded with fresh blueberries, sweetened with maple syrup and made with a blend of whole-wheat and all-purpose flours — but don’t think of them as health food. They’ve also got crème fraîche and plenty of butter. They’re big. They’re glazed. And they’ve got a singular texture: tender, like a layer cake, but also flaky, like a traditional scone. It wasn’t until I made them myself that I realized that their texture is different because the technique is different: Most scone recipes call for the butter to be rubbed into the flour mixture until it’s coated with flour. In Chang’s recipe, half the butter gets this treatment, which makes the scones characteristically flaky. The other half of the butter is beaten into the dry ingredients so that it becomes the coating for the flour, making the scones tender."
Yield: 8 scones; Time: 1 hour, plus chilling and cooling
This was featured in "This Giant Blueberry Scone Is Self-Care With Butter and Flour", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021206-joanne-changs-maple-blueberry-scones.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
1 2/3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup crème fraîche, Greek yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 cup fresh blueberries
For the glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Preparation
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, briefly mix both flours, the baking powder, baking soda and salt on low speed. Add half the butter and paddle until fully mixed into the flour, 2 to 3 minutes. (This will coat the flour with butter so the scones are tender.)
Add the remaining butter to the bowl of the stand mixer. Pulse the mixer three or four times to mix the pieces into the dough while keeping them whole. (This step will give you small pieces of butter in the dough, which will help the scones be a bit flaky.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, maple syrup, buttermilk and yolk until thoroughly mixed. Stir in the blueberries. With the mixer on low, pour the blueberry mixture into the flour mixture, and paddle on low for about 10 seconds to get some of the liquid mixed into the flour. Stop the mixer, and mix the rest of the loose flour into the dough by hand: Gather and lift the dough with your hands and turn it over in the bowl several times until all the loose flour is mixed in. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to 1 day. (This gives the flour time to fully absorb the liquid.)
Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a 1/2-cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, scoop out 8 mounds of chilled dough, and place them on the baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake scones for 35 to 45 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway through the baking time, until the scones are evenly golden brown and firm when you press them.
While the scones are baking, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and enough maple syrup to make a thick, spreadable glaze. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Rewhisk before using.
As soon as you remove the scones from the oven, use a pastry brush to brush them with the glaze while they’re warm. Let cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes, then serve.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This was in an email from Optum, and begins, "Lasagna is often a go-to recipe for family dinners. It's easy and delicious, but can be unhealthy. Why not try this healthier twist on the standard recipe? It's sure to be a hit."
To view this online, go to https://www.optumcare.com/resources/health-wellness-resources/library/zucchini-lasagna.html.
Ingredients
1/2 pound cooked lasagna noodles, cooked in unsalted water
3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, fat-free*
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups raw zucchini, sliced
2 1/2 cups low-sodium tomato sauce
2 TSP basil, dried
2 TSP oregano, dried
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 TSP black pepper
*To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cottage cheese. New sodium content for each serving is 165 mg.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-by-13 inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
In a small bowl, combine 1/8 cup mozzarella and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese with all the cottage cheese. Mix well and set aside.
Combine tomato sauce with all remaining ingredients, except zucchini. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of cooked noodles. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top. Add a layer of zucchini.
Repeat layering until you’ve used all ingredients. Top with a layer of sauce and remaining cheese mixture. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into six portions.
VEGAN LENTIL CHILI
This comes from Emily Weinberger at the Food Network. The recipe begins, "This vegan chili is every bit as comforting as the meat-filled counterpart, thanks to hearty lentils, beans and vegetables."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
This can be viewed online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-lentil-chili-9483281.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, light- and dark-green parts separated
1 red bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced
1 orange bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juices
1 cup dried red lentils
Two 14.5-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen diced butternut squash (from a 10-ounce bag)
1 tablespoon agave syrup or maple syrup
Assorted garnishes such as thinly sliced radish and jalapeno, cubed avocado and pepitas, for serving
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the light-green scallion parts, both bell peppers, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste, garlic, ancho chile powder, cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens in color and the garlic is softened, about 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes and their juices, lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Fold in the kidney beans, butternut squash and agave syrup and cook, stirring once or twice, until the squash is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with the radish, jalapeno, avocado, pepitas and dark-green scallion parts as desired.
PESTO LENTIL BURGERS
This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and can be found at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/vegan-vegetarian-recipes/entrees/5-healthy-plant-based-burger-recipes/. It begins, “Infusing these burgers with creamy goat cheese and lively pesto guarantees they don’t taste too, well, lentil-y. Walnuts add a little crunch, while flame-licked zucchini gives this savory dish serious Insta-cred. Plus, each patty packs nearly a day’s worth of fiber, thwarting hunger pangs for hours.”
Hands-On Time: 25 Minutes; Cook Time: 8 Minutes; Makes: 4 Servings
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups dried green or brown lentils
4 cups water
1/3 cup ground flaxseeds
4 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 small zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
oil for brushing
4 whole-grain buns
1/4 cup pesto
2 cups baby spinach
Directions
Bring lentils and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. Blot excess moisture with paper towels. Add lentils to a food processor container and pulse until half the lentils are broken down and the other half is still intact. Add flaxseeds, goat cheese, walnuts, garlic, balsamic vinegar, mustard, cumin, salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Slice each zucchini half into 4 thin slices and brush with oil. Heat grill to medium and grease grates. Cook burgers 4 minutes per side, or until they have darkened and developed a crispy crust. Grill zucchini slices until tender, flipping once, about 4 minutes. Spread bun bottoms with pesto and serve burgers topped with zucchini and spinach.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): calories 554, fat 21 g, carbs 68 g, fiber 24 g, sugar 4 g, protein 28 g, sodium 630 mg
Nutrition boost: Walnuts and flaxseeds supply heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, which research shows help keep your ticker beating strong.
KEY LIME PIE BARS WITH VANILLA WAFER CRUST
This is from Samantha Seneviratne at The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, "Some say that a Key lime’s juice is slightly more floral than that of its more well-known cousin, the Persian lime, the kind you can find in every supermarket and corner deli. Key limes are hard to find, though, so use bottled Key lime juice or conventional lime juice in this easy recipe that's great for a crowd."
Yield: 16 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling
This was featured in "A Sweet-Tart Treat for Summer", and can viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019472-key-lime-pie-bars-with-vanilla-wafer-crust.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafers
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
1 3/4 cup condensed milk (1 14-ounce can plus 1/2 cup)
5 large egg yolks
3/4 cup Key lime or conventional lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
For the Topping:
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. In a food processor, combine vanilla wafers and sugar, and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Add butter and process until evenly moistened. Transfer mixture to prepared pan and press it down into an even layer. Bake until fragrant and a shade darker, 15 to 17 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice and lime zest.
Since it is Monday, it's time for another Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to get your week started off just right, including Pesto Lentil Burgers, Zucchini Lasagna, and, for dessert, Key Lime Pie Bars With Vanilla Wafer Crust. Enjoy!
JOANNE CHANG'S MAPLE-BLUEBERRY SCONES
This comes from Dorie Greenspan in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Dorie wrote, "These scones, created by Joanne Chang for her Flour Bakery + Café in Boston, are studded with fresh blueberries, sweetened with maple syrup and made with a blend of whole-wheat and all-purpose flours — but don’t think of them as health food. They’ve also got crème fraîche and plenty of butter. They’re big. They’re glazed. And they’ve got a singular texture: tender, like a layer cake, but also flaky, like a traditional scone. It wasn’t until I made them myself that I realized that their texture is different because the technique is different: Most scone recipes call for the butter to be rubbed into the flour mixture until it’s coated with flour. In Chang’s recipe, half the butter gets this treatment, which makes the scones characteristically flaky. The other half of the butter is beaten into the dry ingredients so that it becomes the coating for the flour, making the scones tender."
Yield: 8 scones; Time: 1 hour, plus chilling and cooling
This was featured in "This Giant Blueberry Scone Is Self-Care With Butter and Flour", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021206-joanne-changs-maple-blueberry-scones.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
1 2/3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup crème fraîche, Greek yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 cup fresh blueberries
For the glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Preparation
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, briefly mix both flours, the baking powder, baking soda and salt on low speed. Add half the butter and paddle until fully mixed into the flour, 2 to 3 minutes. (This will coat the flour with butter so the scones are tender.)
Add the remaining butter to the bowl of the stand mixer. Pulse the mixer three or four times to mix the pieces into the dough while keeping them whole. (This step will give you small pieces of butter in the dough, which will help the scones be a bit flaky.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, maple syrup, buttermilk and yolk until thoroughly mixed. Stir in the blueberries. With the mixer on low, pour the blueberry mixture into the flour mixture, and paddle on low for about 10 seconds to get some of the liquid mixed into the flour. Stop the mixer, and mix the rest of the loose flour into the dough by hand: Gather and lift the dough with your hands and turn it over in the bowl several times until all the loose flour is mixed in. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to 1 day. (This gives the flour time to fully absorb the liquid.)
Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a 1/2-cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, scoop out 8 mounds of chilled dough, and place them on the baking sheet a few inches apart. Bake scones for 35 to 45 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway through the baking time, until the scones are evenly golden brown and firm when you press them.
While the scones are baking, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and enough maple syrup to make a thick, spreadable glaze. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Rewhisk before using.
As soon as you remove the scones from the oven, use a pastry brush to brush them with the glaze while they’re warm. Let cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes, then serve.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This was in an email from Optum, and begins, "Lasagna is often a go-to recipe for family dinners. It's easy and delicious, but can be unhealthy. Why not try this healthier twist on the standard recipe? It's sure to be a hit."
To view this online, go to https://www.optumcare.com/resources/health-wellness-resources/library/zucchini-lasagna.html.
Ingredients
1/2 pound cooked lasagna noodles, cooked in unsalted water
3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, fat-free*
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups raw zucchini, sliced
2 1/2 cups low-sodium tomato sauce
2 TSP basil, dried
2 TSP oregano, dried
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 TSP black pepper
*To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cottage cheese. New sodium content for each serving is 165 mg.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-by-13 inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
In a small bowl, combine 1/8 cup mozzarella and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese with all the cottage cheese. Mix well and set aside.
Combine tomato sauce with all remaining ingredients, except zucchini. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of cooked noodles. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top. Add a layer of zucchini.
Repeat layering until you’ve used all ingredients. Top with a layer of sauce and remaining cheese mixture. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into six portions.
VEGAN LENTIL CHILI
This comes from Emily Weinberger at the Food Network. The recipe begins, "This vegan chili is every bit as comforting as the meat-filled counterpart, thanks to hearty lentils, beans and vegetables."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
This can be viewed online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-lentil-chili-9483281.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, light- and dark-green parts separated
1 red bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced
1 orange bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juices
1 cup dried red lentils
Two 14.5-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen diced butternut squash (from a 10-ounce bag)
1 tablespoon agave syrup or maple syrup
Assorted garnishes such as thinly sliced radish and jalapeno, cubed avocado and pepitas, for serving
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the light-green scallion parts, both bell peppers, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste, garlic, ancho chile powder, cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens in color and the garlic is softened, about 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes and their juices, lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Fold in the kidney beans, butternut squash and agave syrup and cook, stirring once or twice, until the squash is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with the radish, jalapeno, avocado, pepitas and dark-green scallion parts as desired.
PESTO LENTIL BURGERS
This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and can be found at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/vegan-vegetarian-recipes/entrees/5-healthy-plant-based-burger-recipes/. It begins, “Infusing these burgers with creamy goat cheese and lively pesto guarantees they don’t taste too, well, lentil-y. Walnuts add a little crunch, while flame-licked zucchini gives this savory dish serious Insta-cred. Plus, each patty packs nearly a day’s worth of fiber, thwarting hunger pangs for hours.”
Hands-On Time: 25 Minutes; Cook Time: 8 Minutes; Makes: 4 Servings
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups dried green or brown lentils
4 cups water
1/3 cup ground flaxseeds
4 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 small zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
oil for brushing
4 whole-grain buns
1/4 cup pesto
2 cups baby spinach
Directions
Bring lentils and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. Blot excess moisture with paper towels. Add lentils to a food processor container and pulse until half the lentils are broken down and the other half is still intact. Add flaxseeds, goat cheese, walnuts, garlic, balsamic vinegar, mustard, cumin, salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Slice each zucchini half into 4 thin slices and brush with oil. Heat grill to medium and grease grates. Cook burgers 4 minutes per side, or until they have darkened and developed a crispy crust. Grill zucchini slices until tender, flipping once, about 4 minutes. Spread bun bottoms with pesto and serve burgers topped with zucchini and spinach.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): calories 554, fat 21 g, carbs 68 g, fiber 24 g, sugar 4 g, protein 28 g, sodium 630 mg
Nutrition boost: Walnuts and flaxseeds supply heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, which research shows help keep your ticker beating strong.
KEY LIME PIE BARS WITH VANILLA WAFER CRUST
This is from Samantha Seneviratne at The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, "Some say that a Key lime’s juice is slightly more floral than that of its more well-known cousin, the Persian lime, the kind you can find in every supermarket and corner deli. Key limes are hard to find, though, so use bottled Key lime juice or conventional lime juice in this easy recipe that's great for a crowd."
Yield: 16 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling
This was featured in "A Sweet-Tart Treat for Summer", and can viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019472-key-lime-pie-bars-with-vanilla-wafer-crust.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafers
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
1 3/4 cup condensed milk (1 14-ounce can plus 1/2 cup)
5 large egg yolks
3/4 cup Key lime or conventional lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
For the Topping:
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. In a food processor, combine vanilla wafers and sugar, and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Add butter and process until evenly moistened. Transfer mixture to prepared pan and press it down into an even layer. Bake until fragrant and a shade darker, 15 to 17 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice and lime zest.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Breakfast - Double-Post Thursday
Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Today's double post deals with breakfast.
When I was growing up (more years ago than seems possible), two of my friends - a brother and sister - lived next door. They were the oldest of four kids, and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging around with them. Frequently, when my mother was fixing dinner, I'd wander over to Robbie and Audrey's place to see what they were doing.
At one point, I noticed that on Thursday evenings (the last night before pay-day for most families in our neighborhood), their mother would have the four kids at the table, wolfing down cereal, pancakes, French toast, or other breakfast foods for dinner. If it was a cereal night, all the remaining cereal boxes from the previous shopping trip would be on the table, along with a gallon of milk, happy slurping noises coming from the table.
"Eat up!" their mother would admonish. "We'll get more cereal tomorrow, so you guys can finish those boxes up."
I so envied them. "Why can't we have cereal (or pancakes or French toast) for dinner?" I'd ask my mom. This, of course, was especially true whenever she was making that dreaded of meals, liver and onions.
"Those are breakfast things," Mom would explain, as though to a slow child.
Mom, with my younger brother, circa early 1960s
No matter. Since moving out on my own, and starting my own family (who are now grown), I occasionally made breakfast for dinner. There's nothing wrong with that, opinions to the contrary.
And so, here are six breakfast recipes that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including Easy Breakfast Burritos and Strawberries and Cream Pancakes. Enjoy!
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM PANCAKES
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
2 cups buttermilk biscuit baking mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 can pressurized whipped cream
Directions
Stir baking mix, milk and eggs until blended. Pour by scant 1/4 cupsful onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. Spoon strawberries over pancakes. Decorate with whipped cream.
SAUSAGE-PEACH BAKE
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Makes about 8 servings.
Ingredients
2 cups Bisquick
1 (16 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained and juice reserved
1 package brown-and-serve sausage links
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Mix Bisquick, egg and milk, then spread into prepared pan.
Slice each sausage link into four or six pieces. Lay over batter, and top with peach slices. Bake for 30 minutes or until done.
While mixture is baking, combine 1/2 cup of the peach juice, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan, then cook until mixture bubbles and thickens. Stir in syrup and butter. Remove baked mixture from oven, and cut into squares.
Serve with warm cooked sauce.
BAKED CHORIZO BREAKFAST BURRITO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Wake up and start the day with these easy-to-make and filling breakfast burrito bowls. Layers of shredded cheese, crispy potato crowns, chorizo seasoned pork and fluffy eggs packed inside soft tortilla bowls; warmed and then topped with your favorite fresh toppings."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/baked-chorizo-breakfast-burrito-bowls.
Ingredients
48 (about 3 1/3 cups) frozen seasoned shredded potato crowns (from 30-oz bag)
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 lb ground pork
1/3 cup water
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 tablespoon butter
6 eggs, slightly beaten
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup salsa
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 15x10x1-inch ungreased pan, spread frozen potatoes in single layer. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove to plate. Wipe out bottom of pan.
In same pan, place tortilla bowls standing up, next to each other. Divide 1 cup of the cheese among tortilla bowls. Top with potatoes (6 per tortilla bowl); set aside.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook pork over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Stir in water, taco seasoning mix and chiles; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Divide among tortilla bowls. Carefully wipe out skillet.
In same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add eggs; cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until set. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Divide among tortilla bowls.
Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until warmed. Top with sliced avocado, green onions and salsa. Sprinkle cilantro on top.
Expert Tips
To slice avocado, cut in half and remove pit. Using large spoon, scoop flesh from skin. Place one half avocado cut side down on cutting board. Cut lengthwise into strips. Repeat with other half of avocado.
Try a drizzle of hot sauce instead of salsa to add a nice kick to the burrito bowls.
Nutrition: 8 bowls; 1 Bowl Calories 430 (Calories from Fat 220); Total Fat 25g (Saturated Fat 10g, Trans Fat 2g); Cholesterol 185mg; Sodium 990mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 3g); Protein 17g; % Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 20%; Iron 15%; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 Lean Meat, 1 High-Fat Meat, 2 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 2
EASY BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "This Southwest breakfast is quick enough for busy weekends. Or, you can try our make-ahead tip to freeze and reheat for a winning grab-and-go breakfast all week long."
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-breakfast-burritos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles (from 4.5-oz can)
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces
1 bag (1 lb 4 oz) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (from 11-oz package)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
Preparation
In large bowl, beat 6 eggs, 2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until well blended. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, cook eggs, stirring occasionally, until scrambled. Stir in 6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces; heat until warm. Set aside.
Cook 1 bag (1 lb. 4 oz.) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes as directed on bag; set aside.
To assemble burritos, spoon line of hash browns down center of each of 6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos. Top with 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend and the scrambled eggs.
Roll up each tortilla tightly to secure filling. Serve immediately, or freeze as directed below.
To freeze, wrap each burrito in paper towel; wrap in foil. Freeze. To reheat, remove and discard foil. Microwave each frozen paper towel-wrapped burrito on High 2 minutes 30 seconds, turning burrito over halfway through heating.
Expert Tips
Change breakfast sausage out for cooked chorizo pork sausage for a delightful Southwest kick!
Wrapping the breakfast burrito in a paper towel before the foil helps to absorb the moisture from the burrito and prevent a soggy tortilla. It’s also perfect for microwaving on the go or at work when plates are not necessarily available.
When I was growing up (more years ago than seems possible), two of my friends - a brother and sister - lived next door. They were the oldest of four kids, and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging around with them. Frequently, when my mother was fixing dinner, I'd wander over to Robbie and Audrey's place to see what they were doing.
At one point, I noticed that on Thursday evenings (the last night before pay-day for most families in our neighborhood), their mother would have the four kids at the table, wolfing down cereal, pancakes, French toast, or other breakfast foods for dinner. If it was a cereal night, all the remaining cereal boxes from the previous shopping trip would be on the table, along with a gallon of milk, happy slurping noises coming from the table.
"Eat up!" their mother would admonish. "We'll get more cereal tomorrow, so you guys can finish those boxes up."
I so envied them. "Why can't we have cereal (or pancakes or French toast) for dinner?" I'd ask my mom. This, of course, was especially true whenever she was making that dreaded of meals, liver and onions.
"Those are breakfast things," Mom would explain, as though to a slow child.
Mom, with my younger brother, circa early 1960s
No matter. Since moving out on my own, and starting my own family (who are now grown), I occasionally made breakfast for dinner. There's nothing wrong with that, opinions to the contrary.
And so, here are six breakfast recipes that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including Easy Breakfast Burritos and Strawberries and Cream Pancakes. Enjoy!
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM PANCAKES
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
2 cups buttermilk biscuit baking mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 can pressurized whipped cream
Directions
Stir baking mix, milk and eggs until blended. Pour by scant 1/4 cupsful onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. Spoon strawberries over pancakes. Decorate with whipped cream.
SAUSAGE-PEACH BAKE
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Makes about 8 servings.
Ingredients
2 cups Bisquick
1 (16 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained and juice reserved
1 package brown-and-serve sausage links
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Mix Bisquick, egg and milk, then spread into prepared pan.
Slice each sausage link into four or six pieces. Lay over batter, and top with peach slices. Bake for 30 minutes or until done.
While mixture is baking, combine 1/2 cup of the peach juice, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan, then cook until mixture bubbles and thickens. Stir in syrup and butter. Remove baked mixture from oven, and cut into squares.
Serve with warm cooked sauce.
BAKED CHORIZO BREAKFAST BURRITO BOWLS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Wake up and start the day with these easy-to-make and filling breakfast burrito bowls. Layers of shredded cheese, crispy potato crowns, chorizo seasoned pork and fluffy eggs packed inside soft tortilla bowls; warmed and then topped with your favorite fresh toppings."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/baked-chorizo-breakfast-burrito-bowls.
Ingredients
48 (about 3 1/3 cups) frozen seasoned shredded potato crowns (from 30-oz bag)
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)
1/2 lb ground pork
1/3 cup water
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chorizo Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 tablespoon butter
6 eggs, slightly beaten
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup salsa
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. In 15x10x1-inch ungreased pan, spread frozen potatoes in single layer. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove to plate. Wipe out bottom of pan.
In same pan, place tortilla bowls standing up, next to each other. Divide 1 cup of the cheese among tortilla bowls. Top with potatoes (6 per tortilla bowl); set aside.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook pork over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; do not drain. Stir in water, taco seasoning mix and chiles; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Divide among tortilla bowls. Carefully wipe out skillet.
In same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add eggs; cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until set. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Divide among tortilla bowls.
Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until warmed. Top with sliced avocado, green onions and salsa. Sprinkle cilantro on top.
Expert Tips
To slice avocado, cut in half and remove pit. Using large spoon, scoop flesh from skin. Place one half avocado cut side down on cutting board. Cut lengthwise into strips. Repeat with other half of avocado.
Try a drizzle of hot sauce instead of salsa to add a nice kick to the burrito bowls.
Nutrition: 8 bowls; 1 Bowl Calories 430 (Calories from Fat 220); Total Fat 25g (Saturated Fat 10g, Trans Fat 2g); Cholesterol 185mg; Sodium 990mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 3g); Protein 17g; % Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 20%; Iron 15%; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 Lean Meat, 1 High-Fat Meat, 2 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 2
EASY BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "This Southwest breakfast is quick enough for busy weekends. Or, you can try our make-ahead tip to freeze and reheat for a winning grab-and-go breakfast all week long."
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-breakfast-burritos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles (from 4.5-oz can)
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces
1 bag (1 lb 4 oz) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos (from 11-oz package)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
Preparation
In large bowl, beat 6 eggs, 2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until well blended. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, cook eggs, stirring occasionally, until scrambled. Stir in 6 fully cooked breakfast sausage links, cut into small pieces; heat until warm. Set aside.
Cook 1 bag (1 lb. 4 oz.) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes as directed on bag; set aside.
To assemble burritos, spoon line of hash browns down center of each of 6 Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for burritos. Top with 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend and the scrambled eggs.
Roll up each tortilla tightly to secure filling. Serve immediately, or freeze as directed below.
To freeze, wrap each burrito in paper towel; wrap in foil. Freeze. To reheat, remove and discard foil. Microwave each frozen paper towel-wrapped burrito on High 2 minutes 30 seconds, turning burrito over halfway through heating.
Expert Tips
Change breakfast sausage out for cooked chorizo pork sausage for a delightful Southwest kick!
Wrapping the breakfast burrito in a paper towel before the foil helps to absorb the moisture from the burrito and prevent a soggy tortilla. It’s also perfect for microwaving on the go or at work when plates are not necessarily available.
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