Christmas is one week from today. If you're looking for a few more dishes to put on the holiday table, here are six that will help round out the meal, including Raisin Bread Pudding and Triple Fruit Pie, as well as helping you through the weekend. Enjoy!
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
TRIPLE FRUIT PIE
This was in an email from FamilyTime, and begins, “Berries and rhubarb are plentiful and inexpensive. Try making this pie. It is so good!!”
Serves: 6-8; Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 30
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
1-1/4 cups fresh raspberries
1-1/4 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pastry shell, for double-crust pie (9 inches)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits and extract; toss to coat. In another bowl, combine sugar, tapioca, nutmeg and salt. Add to fruit; stir gently. Let stand for 15 minutes. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Stir lemon juice into fruit mixture; spoon into the crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 30 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Note: Frozen berries and rhubarb may be substituted for fresh; thaw and drain before using.
CHEESECAKE-STUFFED RED VELVET COOKIES
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “The classic flavors of red velvet cake are transformed into cookies with the cream cheese baked right inside.”
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Active Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 12 cookies; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Filling:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cookies:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, scooped and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for coating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling at a time onto the parchment so that you have 12 dollops. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Make the cookies: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes (it will still be soft).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Coat your hands generously with confectioners' sugar and scoop a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough into your hand. Put one of the frozen cream cheese dollops in the middle of the dough and place another tablespoon of the dough on top of the cream cheese. Shape the dough around it to completely enclose the cream cheese, and then roll to coat in the confectioners' sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese, coating your hands in confectioners' sugar as needed.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are firm around the edges and can be easily lifted with a spatula, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
COZY CROCK COMFORT IN SLOW COOKER
This is from an old (10+ year old) email. Possibly Weight Watchers, according to the email’s header. But very yummy food!
Ingredients
16 ounces gound 90% lean turkey or beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups (15 ounces) diced raw potatoes
1/3 cup (1 ounce) uncooked regular rice
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup finely diced celery
1 1/2 cups Healthy Request tomato juice or any reduced-sodium tomato juice
1 (10 1/4) can Healthy Request Tomato Soup
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Directions
In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat.
Place browned meat in a slow cooker container. Add onion, potatoes, uncooked rice, carrots, and celery. Mix well to combine.
Stir in tomato juice, tomato soup, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Mix well before serving. 6 servings ~ 5 points each
Serves 6 - Each serving equals: 2 protein, 1 1/2 vegetables, 2/3 bread, 10 optional calories, 243 calories, 7 gm fat, 16 gm protein, 29 gm carbohydrate, 290 mg sodium, 33 mg calcium, 3 gm fiber
Diabetic: 2 meat, 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
This comes from GE Appliances, and begins, “Don't let risotto intimidate you! With a little bit of time and patience you can enjoy this delicious dish. The creamy risotto is combined with sweet butternut squash, fragrant sage and rosemary for a perfect dish to usher in the cool days of fall.”
Makes 6 servings in 40 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (see my note)
7-1/2 cups vegetable stock, heated (see my note)
5-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauti pan. Add squash. Sauti for about 5 minutes, then cover; cook on medium heat until almost tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add shallots; cook and stir for 5 minutes until the shallots begin to soften, then stir in the rice. Continue cooking until the rice is glossy and begins to turn translucent on the edges, about 5 minutes. Mix in sage and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the white wine; cook, stir until it is absorbed. Add a large ladleful of the hot chicken stock (about 1/2 cup) reduce heat to medium. Cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, stirring occasionally. Continue adding the chicken stock to the rice 1/2 a cup at a time until the rice is creamy but is still slightly firm when tasted, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, remaining tablespoon of butter, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
CHEF'S NOTES:
You can cut up your own squash or use pre-cubed butternut squash from your favorite grocery store. Just make sure the squash is cut into 1/2" cubes so it gets tender enough in the risotto.
My note: If, like me, you don’t have alcohol around your house, feel free to use either non-alcohol white wine or just plain water.
Also, the recipe also called for chicken stock. I substituted vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
Showing posts with label Raisin Bread Pudding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raisin Bread Pudding. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2020
Friday, December 20, 2019
Friday Recipes
It's only a few more days until Christmas. If you're looking for a few more dishes to put on the holiday table, here are six that will help round out the meal, including Raisin Bread Pudding and Triple Fruit Pie. Enjoy!
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
TRIPLE FRUIT PIE
This was in an email from FamilyTime, and begins, “Berries and rhubarb are plentiful and inexpensive. Try making this pie. It is so good!!”
Serves: 6-8; Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 30
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
1-1/4 cups fresh raspberries
1-1/4 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pastry shell, for double-crust pie (9 inches)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits and extract; toss to coat. In another bowl, combine sugar, tapioca, nutmeg and salt. Add to fruit; stir gently. Let stand for 15 minutes. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Stir lemon juice into fruit mixture; spoon into the crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 30 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Note: Frozen berries and rhubarb may be substituted for fresh; thaw and drain before using.
CHEESECAKE-STUFFED RED VELVET COOKIES
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “The classic flavors of red velvet cake are transformed into cookies with the cream cheese baked right inside.”
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Active Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 12 cookies; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Filling:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cookies:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, scooped and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for coating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling at a time onto the parchment so that you have 12 dollops. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Make the cookies: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes (it will still be soft).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Coat your hands generously with confectioners' sugar and scoop a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough into your hand. Put one of the frozen cream cheese dollops in the middle of the dough and place another tablespoon of the dough on top of the cream cheese. Shape the dough around it to completely enclose the cream cheese, and then roll to coat in the confectioners' sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese, coating your hands in confectioners' sugar as needed.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are firm around the edges and can be easily lifted with a spatula, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
COZY CROCK COMFORT IN SLOW COOKER
This is from an old (10+ year old) email. Possibly Weight Watchers, according to the email’s header. But very yummy food!
Ingredients
16 ounces gound 90% lean turkey or beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups (15 ounces) diced raw potatoes
1/3 cup (1 ounce) uncooked regular rice
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup finely diced celery
1 1/2 cups Healthy Request tomato juice or any reduced-sodium tomato juice
1 (10 1/4) can Healthy Request Tomato Soup
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Directions
In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat.
Place browned meat in a slow cooker container. Add onion, potatoes, uncooked rice, carrots, and celery. Mix well to combine.
Stir in tomato juice, tomato soup, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Mix well before serving. 6 servings ~ 5 points each
Serves 6 - Each serving equals: 2 protein, 1 1/2 vegetables, 2/3 bread, 10 optional calories, 243 calories, 7 gm fat, 16 gm protein, 29 gm carbohydrate, 290 mg sodium, 33 mg calcium, 3 gm fiber
Diabetic: 2 meat, 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
This comes from GE Appliances, and begins, “Don't let risotto intimidate you! With a little bit of time and patience you can enjoy this delicious dish. The creamy risotto is combined with sweet butternut squash, fragrant sage and rosemary for a perfect dish to usher in the cool days of fall.”
Makes 6 servings in 40 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (see my note)
7-1/2 cups vegetable stock, heated (see my note)
5-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauti pan. Add squash. Sauti for about 5 minutes, then cover; cook on medium heat until almost tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add shallots; cook and stir for 5 minutes until the shallots begin to soften, then stir in the rice. Continue cooking until the rice is glossy and begins to turn translucent on the edges, about 5 minutes. Mix in sage and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the white wine; cook, stir until it is absorbed. Add a large ladleful of the hot chicken stock (about 1/2 cup) reduce heat to medium. Cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, stirring occasionally. Continue adding the chicken stock to the rice 1/2 a cup at a time until the rice is creamy but is still slightly firm when tasted, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, remaining tablespoon of butter, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
CHEF'S NOTES:
You can cut up your own squash or use pre-cubed butternut squash from your favorite grocery store. Just make sure the squash is cut into 1/2" cubes so it gets tender enough in the risotto.
My note: If, like me, you don’t have alcohol around your house, feel free to use either non-alcohol white wine or just plain water.
Also, the recipe also called for chicken stock. I substituted vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
TRIPLE FRUIT PIE
This was in an email from FamilyTime, and begins, “Berries and rhubarb are plentiful and inexpensive. Try making this pie. It is so good!!”
Serves: 6-8; Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 30
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
1-1/4 cups fresh raspberries
1-1/4 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pastry shell, for double-crust pie (9 inches)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits and extract; toss to coat. In another bowl, combine sugar, tapioca, nutmeg and salt. Add to fruit; stir gently. Let stand for 15 minutes. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Stir lemon juice into fruit mixture; spoon into the crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 30 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Note: Frozen berries and rhubarb may be substituted for fresh; thaw and drain before using.
CHEESECAKE-STUFFED RED VELVET COOKIES
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “The classic flavors of red velvet cake are transformed into cookies with the cream cheese baked right inside.”
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Active Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 12 cookies; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Filling:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cookies:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, scooped and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for coating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling at a time onto the parchment so that you have 12 dollops. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Make the cookies: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes (it will still be soft).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Coat your hands generously with confectioners' sugar and scoop a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough into your hand. Put one of the frozen cream cheese dollops in the middle of the dough and place another tablespoon of the dough on top of the cream cheese. Shape the dough around it to completely enclose the cream cheese, and then roll to coat in the confectioners' sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese, coating your hands in confectioners' sugar as needed.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are firm around the edges and can be easily lifted with a spatula, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
COZY CROCK COMFORT IN SLOW COOKER
This is from an old (10+ year old) email. Possibly Weight Watchers, according to the email’s header. But very yummy food!
Ingredients
16 ounces gound 90% lean turkey or beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups (15 ounces) diced raw potatoes
1/3 cup (1 ounce) uncooked regular rice
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup finely diced celery
1 1/2 cups Healthy Request tomato juice or any reduced-sodium tomato juice
1 (10 1/4) can Healthy Request Tomato Soup
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Directions
In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat.
Place browned meat in a slow cooker container. Add onion, potatoes, uncooked rice, carrots, and celery. Mix well to combine.
Stir in tomato juice, tomato soup, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Mix well before serving. 6 servings ~ 5 points each
Serves 6 - Each serving equals: 2 protein, 1 1/2 vegetables, 2/3 bread, 10 optional calories, 243 calories, 7 gm fat, 16 gm protein, 29 gm carbohydrate, 290 mg sodium, 33 mg calcium, 3 gm fiber
Diabetic: 2 meat, 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
This comes from GE Appliances, and begins, “Don't let risotto intimidate you! With a little bit of time and patience you can enjoy this delicious dish. The creamy risotto is combined with sweet butternut squash, fragrant sage and rosemary for a perfect dish to usher in the cool days of fall.”
Makes 6 servings in 40 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (see my note)
7-1/2 cups vegetable stock, heated (see my note)
5-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauti pan. Add squash. Sauti for about 5 minutes, then cover; cook on medium heat until almost tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add shallots; cook and stir for 5 minutes until the shallots begin to soften, then stir in the rice. Continue cooking until the rice is glossy and begins to turn translucent on the edges, about 5 minutes. Mix in sage and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the white wine; cook, stir until it is absorbed. Add a large ladleful of the hot chicken stock (about 1/2 cup) reduce heat to medium. Cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, stirring occasionally. Continue adding the chicken stock to the rice 1/2 a cup at a time until the rice is creamy but is still slightly firm when tasted, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, remaining tablespoon of butter, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
CHEF'S NOTES:
You can cut up your own squash or use pre-cubed butternut squash from your favorite grocery store. Just make sure the squash is cut into 1/2" cubes so it gets tender enough in the risotto.
My note: If, like me, you don’t have alcohol around your house, feel free to use either non-alcohol white wine or just plain water.
Also, the recipe also called for chicken stock. I substituted vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Sides
Here are some last-minute baking ideas to round out your Christmas dinner, including Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread and a Christmas Tree Cookie Forest. Enjoy!
BANANA-OATMEAL BREAD
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “This nutritious bread is easy to mix up and will make the whole house smell wonderful.”
POINTS® Value: 4; Servings: 10; Preparation Time: 10 min; Cooking Time: 50 min; Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tsp canola oil
1 large egg(s), beaten
2 medium egg white(s), beaten
3 large banana(s), ripe
1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add oil and eggs; mix thoroughly.
In a smaller bowl, mash bananas with a potato masher or fork. Add bananas and oatmeal to batter.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake until top of loaf is firm to touch, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Flip out and cool on a wire rack for another 10 minutes.
RED VELVET VAMPIRE CUPCAKES
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “No, these cupcakes don't need bandages. What looks like a gory encounter with the Count himself is just raspberry jam brightened with a drop of red food coloring. And if you dare sink your own teeth into them, you'll find that more raspberry jam and chocolate await in the center.”
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Active: 1 hour; Yield: 12 cupcakes; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 3/4 cups cake flour (see Cook's Note)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon red food coloring, plus a drop for the filling
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
One 3-ounce semisweet chocolate bar
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 cup raspberry jam
Cream Cheese Frosting:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Special equipment: a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and a plastic straw
For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, sour cream, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla and egg in another large bowl.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with a few moist crumbs, 16 to 18 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and cool completely on a wire rack.
Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil together in a small microwave-safe bowl until mostly melted, about 1 minute. Stir, then microwave again until completely smooth, about 15 seconds more.
Use a small sharp knife to cut out and remove a plug from the middle of each cupcake, making sure not to go all the way to the bottom and leaving a 1/4-inch border around the side (eat the plugs). Brush the holes with the melted chocolate and place in the freezer until the chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.
Whisk together the jam, 1 drop of red food coloring and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the jam into each of the chocolate holes; set aside.
For the cream cheese frosting: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the butter until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe on top of the cupcakes so the jam is covered.
Poke 2 holes into the frosting on each cupcake using the end of a plastic straw to resemble vampire bites, making sure you hit the cupcake and not the jam-filled hole. Drizzle the remaining jam into the holes to resemble blood.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIE FOREST
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “Make your cookie platter vertical (and extra-impressive!) with this 3D Christmas tree forest. Chilling the dough after it's cut helps the shapes stay sharp during baking.”
Total Time: 10 hours; Active: 2 hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 tree cookies; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough:
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook's Note)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 sticks (24 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Royal Icing:
1 pound (about 3 1/2 cups) confectioners' sugar, plus more for thickening and decorating the forest
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Forest green gel food coloring
White sprinkles, for decorating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment: tree-shaped cookie cutters (we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters); 2 pastry bags; 2 small no. 4 round tips
For the dough: Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat together the vanilla and 2 eggs in a small bowl.
Beat the butter, granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed. Once they are incorporated, increase the speed to medium and, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, beat until slightly creamy, about 3 minutes.
Reduce the speed to low, slowly pour in the egg mixture and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, increasing the speed as the dough gets thicker to keep the beaters spinning and scraping down the sides of the bowl and the beaters as needed. Once all the flour is just incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is very smooth, about 5 minutes.
Turn the dough out of the bowl and bring it together on a clean surface. Divide into 2 pieces. Shape each piece into a flat square and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
To cut and bake the forest: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment.
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out a piece of dough until about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the other piece refrigerated while you work. Punch out shapes in the dough with tree cookie cutters of various sizes and cut off the dough trunks; for every 3D tree you will need 2 tree cutouts of the same size so punch out the shapes in pairs. For our forest we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters. Put the trees on the prepared baking sheets and chill while you roll and cut trees from the remaining dough. Combine the scraps of the 2 squares. Chill again, reroll and cut out more trees You should have 8 to 10 pairs of trees, depending on the size of your cutters. Freeze the cutout cookies for at least 30 minutes.
Rearrange the cookies on the baking sheets so that the pairs are next to each other. For the first cookie of each pair, use a sharp paring knife to cut a 1/2-inch-wide slot from the bottom to a little more than halfway up the cookie. For the second cookie of each pair, cut a similar slot but from the top of the tree down to a little past the middle. You will fit the cookies together with these slots after they are baked. Return the cookies to the freezer for 30 minutes more.
Whisk together the remaining egg with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer of egg wash on the cookies right before baking.
Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets front to back and bottom to top about halfway through, until golden brown and dry on top, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets set on a cooling rack, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the royal icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and vanilla in a large bowl. Add 5 tablespoons water and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the icing forms thick and glossy peaks, about 2 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water, if needed.
Remove a third of the royal icing and place it in a pastry bag fitted with a small no. 4 round tip. Color the remaining icing with the green food coloring, one drop at a time, until it's a shade you like. If the frosting is still very stiff, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Fill a second pastry bag fitted with another small no. 4 round tip with the green frosting.
Use a sharp paring knife to shave the cookie edges so they are smooth and flat: Pay attention to the tree bottoms (so the trees will stand straight) and the inner edges of the slots. Assemble the trees by sliding the top-slot trees into the bottom-slot trees. Shave the cookies as needed for a smooth fit, then disassemble them and place the pieces on a flat surface. Don't worry if a tree breaks; glue the pieces together with green royal icing.
To decorate the forest: Decorate each cookie with the green icing, leaving a blank strip up the center without icing; this is where the pieces will fit together. We used a zigzag line of green on each side. Sprinkle with white sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes. Turn the cookies over and decorate the backs in the same fashion. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.
Assemble the trees. Pipe a thin line of white icing on the outer edges of the trees for snow. Let set before serving, 30 to 45 minutes. Arrange the trees on a serving platter to create a forest. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for snow.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.) If you don't have tree-shaped cutters, you can make a stencil. Use a ruler to draw the outline of a tree on paper. Cut it out and use it as a guide for trimming the dough with a paring knife.
CAST IRON SKILLET CORN BREAD
This comes from Alex Guarnaschelli of the Food Network's Alex's Day Off. Total Time: 55 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15; Cook: 25 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cast-iron-skillet-corn-bread-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups coarsely ground cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
This recipe begins, “This is a great recipe and tastes better, I find, when cooked in a cast iron skillet and served hot tableside. I have also served this recipe for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether with jam and butter or fried chicken on the side, there are rarely leftovers!”
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat while you make the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the milk, buttermilk, and eggs. Whisk in almost all of the melted butter, reserving about 1 tablespoon for the skillet later on.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of the hot skillet with the remaining butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and place it in the center of the oven. Bake until the center is firm and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes and serve.
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN BAR COOKIE - CUKROVI
This was in a long-since-forgotten emailing list, though I kind-of think it might have been in what had been About.com (now Dotdash).
The recipe begins, “Czechoslovakian cukrovi is the generic term for cookies made during Christmas time. This recipe was given to me in the early '70s by a lovely Czech woman. Everyone seems to have it but the filling is usually apricot. I've never come across a recipe like this for almond and strawberry filling. The almond, while very sweet, seems to cut the richness of the dough. This recipe is definitely party size, but it can be cut in half with no loss in quality.”
Makes about 54 Czechoslovakian Cookies; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
2 cups butter (1 pound), softened
2 cups sugar
4 large egg yolks
4 cups flour
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (8- to 12-ounce) container almond paste
1 (12-ounce) container strawberry filling
Confectioners' sugar
Preparation:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add yolks and mix well. Add flour and nuts and mix until well incorporated.
Divide dough in half and pat into a 15 1/2 inch by 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan with slightly dampened hands, if necessary. Spread almond paste over surface to within 1/4 inch of edges. Top with strawberry filling2 and spread in the same way.
Crumble remaining dough half over entire surface of filling, and pat or spread to completely cover. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown.
Cut into 9 horizontal rows and 6 vertical rows (to make 54 bars) while still warm. Cool completely and dust with confectioners' sugar. Transfer to paper cups and a pretty serving tray or store tightly covered.
BANANA-OATMEAL BREAD
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “This nutritious bread is easy to mix up and will make the whole house smell wonderful.”
POINTS® Value: 4; Servings: 10; Preparation Time: 10 min; Cooking Time: 50 min; Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tsp canola oil
1 large egg(s), beaten
2 medium egg white(s), beaten
3 large banana(s), ripe
1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add oil and eggs; mix thoroughly.
In a smaller bowl, mash bananas with a potato masher or fork. Add bananas and oatmeal to batter.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake until top of loaf is firm to touch, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Flip out and cool on a wire rack for another 10 minutes.
RED VELVET VAMPIRE CUPCAKES
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “No, these cupcakes don't need bandages. What looks like a gory encounter with the Count himself is just raspberry jam brightened with a drop of red food coloring. And if you dare sink your own teeth into them, you'll find that more raspberry jam and chocolate await in the center.”
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Active: 1 hour; Yield: 12 cupcakes; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 3/4 cups cake flour (see Cook's Note)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon red food coloring, plus a drop for the filling
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
One 3-ounce semisweet chocolate bar
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 cup raspberry jam
Cream Cheese Frosting:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Special equipment: a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and a plastic straw
For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, sour cream, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla and egg in another large bowl.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with a few moist crumbs, 16 to 18 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and cool completely on a wire rack.
Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil together in a small microwave-safe bowl until mostly melted, about 1 minute. Stir, then microwave again until completely smooth, about 15 seconds more.
Use a small sharp knife to cut out and remove a plug from the middle of each cupcake, making sure not to go all the way to the bottom and leaving a 1/4-inch border around the side (eat the plugs). Brush the holes with the melted chocolate and place in the freezer until the chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.
Whisk together the jam, 1 drop of red food coloring and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the jam into each of the chocolate holes; set aside.
For the cream cheese frosting: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the butter until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe on top of the cupcakes so the jam is covered.
Poke 2 holes into the frosting on each cupcake using the end of a plastic straw to resemble vampire bites, making sure you hit the cupcake and not the jam-filled hole. Drizzle the remaining jam into the holes to resemble blood.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIE FOREST
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “Make your cookie platter vertical (and extra-impressive!) with this 3D Christmas tree forest. Chilling the dough after it's cut helps the shapes stay sharp during baking.”
Total Time: 10 hours; Active: 2 hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 tree cookies; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough:
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook's Note)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 sticks (24 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Royal Icing:
1 pound (about 3 1/2 cups) confectioners' sugar, plus more for thickening and decorating the forest
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Forest green gel food coloring
White sprinkles, for decorating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment: tree-shaped cookie cutters (we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters); 2 pastry bags; 2 small no. 4 round tips
For the dough: Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat together the vanilla and 2 eggs in a small bowl.
Beat the butter, granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed. Once they are incorporated, increase the speed to medium and, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, beat until slightly creamy, about 3 minutes.
Reduce the speed to low, slowly pour in the egg mixture and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, increasing the speed as the dough gets thicker to keep the beaters spinning and scraping down the sides of the bowl and the beaters as needed. Once all the flour is just incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is very smooth, about 5 minutes.
Turn the dough out of the bowl and bring it together on a clean surface. Divide into 2 pieces. Shape each piece into a flat square and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
To cut and bake the forest: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment.
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out a piece of dough until about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the other piece refrigerated while you work. Punch out shapes in the dough with tree cookie cutters of various sizes and cut off the dough trunks; for every 3D tree you will need 2 tree cutouts of the same size so punch out the shapes in pairs. For our forest we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters. Put the trees on the prepared baking sheets and chill while you roll and cut trees from the remaining dough. Combine the scraps of the 2 squares. Chill again, reroll and cut out more trees You should have 8 to 10 pairs of trees, depending on the size of your cutters. Freeze the cutout cookies for at least 30 minutes.
Rearrange the cookies on the baking sheets so that the pairs are next to each other. For the first cookie of each pair, use a sharp paring knife to cut a 1/2-inch-wide slot from the bottom to a little more than halfway up the cookie. For the second cookie of each pair, cut a similar slot but from the top of the tree down to a little past the middle. You will fit the cookies together with these slots after they are baked. Return the cookies to the freezer for 30 minutes more.
Whisk together the remaining egg with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer of egg wash on the cookies right before baking.
Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets front to back and bottom to top about halfway through, until golden brown and dry on top, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets set on a cooling rack, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the royal icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and vanilla in a large bowl. Add 5 tablespoons water and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the icing forms thick and glossy peaks, about 2 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water, if needed.
Remove a third of the royal icing and place it in a pastry bag fitted with a small no. 4 round tip. Color the remaining icing with the green food coloring, one drop at a time, until it's a shade you like. If the frosting is still very stiff, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Fill a second pastry bag fitted with another small no. 4 round tip with the green frosting.
Use a sharp paring knife to shave the cookie edges so they are smooth and flat: Pay attention to the tree bottoms (so the trees will stand straight) and the inner edges of the slots. Assemble the trees by sliding the top-slot trees into the bottom-slot trees. Shave the cookies as needed for a smooth fit, then disassemble them and place the pieces on a flat surface. Don't worry if a tree breaks; glue the pieces together with green royal icing.
To decorate the forest: Decorate each cookie with the green icing, leaving a blank strip up the center without icing; this is where the pieces will fit together. We used a zigzag line of green on each side. Sprinkle with white sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes. Turn the cookies over and decorate the backs in the same fashion. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.
Assemble the trees. Pipe a thin line of white icing on the outer edges of the trees for snow. Let set before serving, 30 to 45 minutes. Arrange the trees on a serving platter to create a forest. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for snow.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.) If you don't have tree-shaped cutters, you can make a stencil. Use a ruler to draw the outline of a tree on paper. Cut it out and use it as a guide for trimming the dough with a paring knife.
CAST IRON SKILLET CORN BREAD
This comes from Alex Guarnaschelli of the Food Network's Alex's Day Off. Total Time: 55 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15; Cook: 25 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cast-iron-skillet-corn-bread-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups coarsely ground cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
This recipe begins, “This is a great recipe and tastes better, I find, when cooked in a cast iron skillet and served hot tableside. I have also served this recipe for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether with jam and butter or fried chicken on the side, there are rarely leftovers!”
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat while you make the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the milk, buttermilk, and eggs. Whisk in almost all of the melted butter, reserving about 1 tablespoon for the skillet later on.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of the hot skillet with the remaining butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and place it in the center of the oven. Bake until the center is firm and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes and serve.
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN BAR COOKIE - CUKROVI
This was in a long-since-forgotten emailing list, though I kind-of think it might have been in what had been About.com (now Dotdash).
The recipe begins, “Czechoslovakian cukrovi is the generic term for cookies made during Christmas time. This recipe was given to me in the early '70s by a lovely Czech woman. Everyone seems to have it but the filling is usually apricot. I've never come across a recipe like this for almond and strawberry filling. The almond, while very sweet, seems to cut the richness of the dough. This recipe is definitely party size, but it can be cut in half with no loss in quality.”
Makes about 54 Czechoslovakian Cookies; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
2 cups butter (1 pound), softened
2 cups sugar
4 large egg yolks
4 cups flour
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (8- to 12-ounce) container almond paste
1 (12-ounce) container strawberry filling
Confectioners' sugar
Preparation:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add yolks and mix well. Add flour and nuts and mix until well incorporated.
Divide dough in half and pat into a 15 1/2 inch by 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan with slightly dampened hands, if necessary. Spread almond paste over surface to within 1/4 inch of edges. Top with strawberry filling2 and spread in the same way.
Crumble remaining dough half over entire surface of filling, and pat or spread to completely cover. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown.
Cut into 9 horizontal rows and 6 vertical rows (to make 54 bars) while still warm. Cool completely and dust with confectioners' sugar. Transfer to paper cups and a pretty serving tray or store tightly covered.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Christmas Baking
Here are some last-minute baking ideas to round out your Christmas dinner, including Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread and a Christmas Tree Cookie Forest. Enjoy!
Note: Since tomorrow is Christmas, I'll be taking the day off. But I will return to posting recipes on Tuesday, December 26. Merry Christmas!
BANANA-OATMEAL BREAD
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “This nutritious bread is easy to mix up and will make the whole house smell wonderful.”
POINTS® Value: 4; Servings: 10; Preparation Time: 10 min; Cooking Time: 50 min; Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tsp canola oil
1 large egg(s), beaten
2 medium egg white(s), beaten
3 large banana(s), ripe
1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add oil and eggs; mix thoroughly.
In a smaller bowl, mash bananas with a potato masher or fork. Add bananas and oatmeal to batter.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake until top of loaf is firm to touch, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Flip out and cool on a wire rack for another 10 minutes.
RED VELVET VAMPIRE CUPCAKES
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “No, these cupcakes don't need bandages. What looks like a gory encounter with the Count himself is just raspberry jam brightened with a drop of red food coloring. And if you dare sink your own teeth into them, you'll find that more raspberry jam and chocolate await in the center.”
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Active: 1 hour; Yield: 12 cupcakes; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 3/4 cups cake flour (see Cook's Note)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon red food coloring, plus a drop for the filling
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
One 3-ounce semisweet chocolate bar
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 cup raspberry jam
Cream Cheese Frosting:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Special equipment: a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and a plastic straw
For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, sour cream, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla and egg in another large bowl.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with a few moist crumbs, 16 to 18 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and cool completely on a wire rack.
Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil together in a small microwave-safe bowl until mostly melted, about 1 minute. Stir, then microwave again until completely smooth, about 15 seconds more.
Use a small sharp knife to cut out and remove a plug from the middle of each cupcake, making sure not to go all the way to the bottom and leaving a 1/4-inch border around the side (eat the plugs). Brush the holes with the melted chocolate and place in the freezer until the chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.
Whisk together the jam, 1 drop of red food coloring and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the jam into each of the chocolate holes; set aside.
For the cream cheese frosting: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the butter until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe on top of the cupcakes so the jam is covered.
Poke 2 holes into the frosting on each cupcake using the end of a plastic straw to resemble vampire bites, making sure you hit the cupcake and not the jam-filled hole. Drizzle the remaining jam into the holes to resemble blood.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIE FOREST
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “Make your cookie platter vertical (and extra-impressive!) with this 3D Christmas tree forest. Chilling the dough after it's cut helps the shapes stay sharp during baking.”
Total Time: 10 hours; Active: 2 hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 tree cookies; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough:
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook's Note)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 sticks (24 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Royal Icing:
1 pound (about 3 1/2 cups) confectioners' sugar, plus more for thickening and decorating the forest
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Forest green gel food coloring
White sprinkles, for decorating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment: tree-shaped cookie cutters (we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters); 2 pastry bags; 2 small no. 4 round tips
For the dough: Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat together the vanilla and 2 eggs in a small bowl.
Beat the butter, granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed. Once they are incorporated, increase the speed to medium and, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, beat until slightly creamy, about 3 minutes.
Reduce the speed to low, slowly pour in the egg mixture and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, increasing the speed as the dough gets thicker to keep the beaters spinning and scraping down the sides of the bowl and the beaters as needed. Once all the flour is just incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is very smooth, about 5 minutes.
Turn the dough out of the bowl and bring it together on a clean surface. Divide into 2 pieces. Shape each piece into a flat square and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
To cut and bake the forest: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment.
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out a piece of dough until about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the other piece refrigerated while you work. Punch out shapes in the dough with tree cookie cutters of various sizes and cut off the dough trunks; for every 3D tree you will need 2 tree cutouts of the same size so punch out the shapes in pairs. For our forest we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters. Put the trees on the prepared baking sheets and chill while you roll and cut trees from the remaining dough. Combine the scraps of the 2 squares. Chill again, reroll and cut out more trees You should have 8 to 10 pairs of trees, depending on the size of your cutters. Freeze the cutout cookies for at least 30 minutes.
Rearrange the cookies on the baking sheets so that the pairs are next to each other. For the first cookie of each pair, use a sharp paring knife to cut a 1/2-inch-wide slot from the bottom to a little more than halfway up the cookie. For the second cookie of each pair, cut a similar slot but from the top of the tree down to a little past the middle. You will fit the cookies together with these slots after they are baked. Return the cookies to the freezer for 30 minutes more.
Whisk together the remaining egg with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer of egg wash on the cookies right before baking.
Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets front to back and bottom to top about halfway through, until golden brown and dry on top, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets set on a cooling rack, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the royal icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and vanilla in a large bowl. Add 5 tablespoons water and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the icing forms thick and glossy peaks, about 2 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water, if needed.
Remove a third of the royal icing and place it in a pastry bag fitted with a small no. 4 round tip. Color the remaining icing with the green food coloring, one drop at a time, until it's a shade you like. If the frosting is still very stiff, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Fill a second pastry bag fitted with another small no. 4 round tip with the green frosting.
Use a sharp paring knife to shave the cookie edges so they are smooth and flat: Pay attention to the tree bottoms (so the trees will stand straight) and the inner edges of the slots. Assemble the trees by sliding the top-slot trees into the bottom-slot trees. Shave the cookies as needed for a smooth fit, then disassemble them and place the pieces on a flat surface. Don't worry if a tree breaks; glue the pieces together with green royal icing.
To decorate the forest: Decorate each cookie with the green icing, leaving a blank strip up the center without icing; this is where the pieces will fit together. We used a zigzag line of green on each side. Sprinkle with white sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes. Turn the cookies over and decorate the backs in the same fashion. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.
Assemble the trees. Pipe a thin line of white icing on the outer edges of the trees for snow. Let set before serving, 30 to 45 minutes. Arrange the trees on a serving platter to create a forest. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for snow.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.) If you don't have tree-shaped cutters, you can make a stencil. Use a ruler to draw the outline of a tree on paper. Cut it out and use it as a guide for trimming the dough with a paring knife.
CAST IRON SKILLET CORN BREAD
This comes from Alex Guarnaschelli of the Food Network's Alex's Day Off. Total Time: 55 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15; Cook: 25 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cast-iron-skillet-corn-bread-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups coarsely ground cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
This recipe begins, “This is a great recipe and tastes better, I find, when cooked in a cast iron skillet and served hot tableside. I have also served this recipe for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether with jam and butter or fried chicken on the side, there are rarely leftovers!”
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat while you make the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the milk, buttermilk, and eggs. Whisk in almost all of the melted butter, reserving about 1 tablespoon for the skillet later on.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of the hot skillet with the remaining butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and place it in the center of the oven. Bake until the center is firm and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes and serve.
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN BAR COOKIE - CUKROVI
This was in a long-since-forgotten emailing list, though I kind-of think it might have been in what had been About.com (now Dotdash).
The recipe begins, “Czechoslovakian cukrovi is the generic term for cookies made during Christmas time. This recipe was given to me in the early '70s by a lovely Czech woman. Everyone seems to have it but the filling is usually apricot. I've never come across a recipe like this for almond and strawberry filling. The almond, while very sweet, seems to cut the richness of the dough. This recipe is definitely party size, but it can be cut in half with no loss in quality.”
Makes about 54 Czechoslovakian Cookies; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
2 cups butter (1 pound), softened
2 cups sugar
4 large egg yolks
4 cups flour
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (8- to 12-ounce) container almond paste
1 (12-ounce) container strawberry filling
Confectioners' sugar
Preparation:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add yolks and mix well. Add flour and nuts and mix until well incorporated.
Divide dough in half and pat into a 15 1/2 inch by 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan with slightly dampened hands, if necessary. Spread almond paste over surface to within 1/4 inch of edges. Top with strawberry filling2 and spread in the same way.
Crumble remaining dough half over entire surface of filling, and pat or spread to completely cover. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown.
Cut into 9 horizontal rows and 6 vertical rows (to make 54 bars) while still warm. Cool completely and dust with confectioners' sugar. Transfer to paper cups and a pretty serving tray or store tightly covered.
Note: Since tomorrow is Christmas, I'll be taking the day off. But I will return to posting recipes on Tuesday, December 26. Merry Christmas!
BANANA-OATMEAL BREAD
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “This nutritious bread is easy to mix up and will make the whole house smell wonderful.”
POINTS® Value: 4; Servings: 10; Preparation Time: 10 min; Cooking Time: 50 min; Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tsp canola oil
1 large egg(s), beaten
2 medium egg white(s), beaten
3 large banana(s), ripe
1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add oil and eggs; mix thoroughly.
In a smaller bowl, mash bananas with a potato masher or fork. Add bananas and oatmeal to batter.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake until top of loaf is firm to touch, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Flip out and cool on a wire rack for another 10 minutes.
RED VELVET VAMPIRE CUPCAKES
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “No, these cupcakes don't need bandages. What looks like a gory encounter with the Count himself is just raspberry jam brightened with a drop of red food coloring. And if you dare sink your own teeth into them, you'll find that more raspberry jam and chocolate await in the center.”
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Active: 1 hour; Yield: 12 cupcakes; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 3/4 cups cake flour (see Cook's Note)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon red food coloring, plus a drop for the filling
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
One 3-ounce semisweet chocolate bar
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 cup raspberry jam
Cream Cheese Frosting:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Special equipment: a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and a plastic straw
For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, sour cream, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla and egg in another large bowl.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with a few moist crumbs, 16 to 18 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and cool completely on a wire rack.
Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil together in a small microwave-safe bowl until mostly melted, about 1 minute. Stir, then microwave again until completely smooth, about 15 seconds more.
Use a small sharp knife to cut out and remove a plug from the middle of each cupcake, making sure not to go all the way to the bottom and leaving a 1/4-inch border around the side (eat the plugs). Brush the holes with the melted chocolate and place in the freezer until the chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.
Whisk together the jam, 1 drop of red food coloring and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the jam into each of the chocolate holes; set aside.
For the cream cheese frosting: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the butter until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe on top of the cupcakes so the jam is covered.
Poke 2 holes into the frosting on each cupcake using the end of a plastic straw to resemble vampire bites, making sure you hit the cupcake and not the jam-filled hole. Drizzle the remaining jam into the holes to resemble blood.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIE FOREST
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “Make your cookie platter vertical (and extra-impressive!) with this 3D Christmas tree forest. Chilling the dough after it's cut helps the shapes stay sharp during baking.”
Total Time: 10 hours; Active: 2 hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 tree cookies; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough:
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook's Note)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 sticks (24 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Royal Icing:
1 pound (about 3 1/2 cups) confectioners' sugar, plus more for thickening and decorating the forest
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Forest green gel food coloring
White sprinkles, for decorating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment: tree-shaped cookie cutters (we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters); 2 pastry bags; 2 small no. 4 round tips
For the dough: Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat together the vanilla and 2 eggs in a small bowl.
Beat the butter, granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed. Once they are incorporated, increase the speed to medium and, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, beat until slightly creamy, about 3 minutes.
Reduce the speed to low, slowly pour in the egg mixture and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, increasing the speed as the dough gets thicker to keep the beaters spinning and scraping down the sides of the bowl and the beaters as needed. Once all the flour is just incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is very smooth, about 5 minutes.
Turn the dough out of the bowl and bring it together on a clean surface. Divide into 2 pieces. Shape each piece into a flat square and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
To cut and bake the forest: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment.
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out a piece of dough until about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the other piece refrigerated while you work. Punch out shapes in the dough with tree cookie cutters of various sizes and cut off the dough trunks; for every 3D tree you will need 2 tree cutouts of the same size so punch out the shapes in pairs. For our forest we used 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch cutters. Put the trees on the prepared baking sheets and chill while you roll and cut trees from the remaining dough. Combine the scraps of the 2 squares. Chill again, reroll and cut out more trees You should have 8 to 10 pairs of trees, depending on the size of your cutters. Freeze the cutout cookies for at least 30 minutes.
Rearrange the cookies on the baking sheets so that the pairs are next to each other. For the first cookie of each pair, use a sharp paring knife to cut a 1/2-inch-wide slot from the bottom to a little more than halfway up the cookie. For the second cookie of each pair, cut a similar slot but from the top of the tree down to a little past the middle. You will fit the cookies together with these slots after they are baked. Return the cookies to the freezer for 30 minutes more.
Whisk together the remaining egg with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Brush a thin layer of egg wash on the cookies right before baking.
Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets front to back and bottom to top about halfway through, until golden brown and dry on top, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets set on a cooling rack, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the royal icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and vanilla in a large bowl. Add 5 tablespoons water and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the icing forms thick and glossy peaks, about 2 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water, if needed.
Remove a third of the royal icing and place it in a pastry bag fitted with a small no. 4 round tip. Color the remaining icing with the green food coloring, one drop at a time, until it's a shade you like. If the frosting is still very stiff, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Fill a second pastry bag fitted with another small no. 4 round tip with the green frosting.
Use a sharp paring knife to shave the cookie edges so they are smooth and flat: Pay attention to the tree bottoms (so the trees will stand straight) and the inner edges of the slots. Assemble the trees by sliding the top-slot trees into the bottom-slot trees. Shave the cookies as needed for a smooth fit, then disassemble them and place the pieces on a flat surface. Don't worry if a tree breaks; glue the pieces together with green royal icing.
To decorate the forest: Decorate each cookie with the green icing, leaving a blank strip up the center without icing; this is where the pieces will fit together. We used a zigzag line of green on each side. Sprinkle with white sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes. Turn the cookies over and decorate the backs in the same fashion. Let set until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.
Assemble the trees. Pipe a thin line of white icing on the outer edges of the trees for snow. Let set before serving, 30 to 45 minutes. Arrange the trees on a serving platter to create a forest. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for snow.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.) If you don't have tree-shaped cutters, you can make a stencil. Use a ruler to draw the outline of a tree on paper. Cut it out and use it as a guide for trimming the dough with a paring knife.
CAST IRON SKILLET CORN BREAD
This comes from Alex Guarnaschelli of the Food Network's Alex's Day Off. Total Time: 55 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15; Cook: 25 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cast-iron-skillet-corn-bread-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups coarsely ground cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
This recipe begins, “This is a great recipe and tastes better, I find, when cooked in a cast iron skillet and served hot tableside. I have also served this recipe for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether with jam and butter or fried chicken on the side, there are rarely leftovers!”
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat while you make the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the milk, buttermilk, and eggs. Whisk in almost all of the melted butter, reserving about 1 tablespoon for the skillet later on.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of the hot skillet with the remaining butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and place it in the center of the oven. Bake until the center is firm and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes and serve.
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN BAR COOKIE - CUKROVI
This was in a long-since-forgotten emailing list, though I kind-of think it might have been in what had been About.com (now Dotdash).
The recipe begins, “Czechoslovakian cukrovi is the generic term for cookies made during Christmas time. This recipe was given to me in the early '70s by a lovely Czech woman. Everyone seems to have it but the filling is usually apricot. I've never come across a recipe like this for almond and strawberry filling. The almond, while very sweet, seems to cut the richness of the dough. This recipe is definitely party size, but it can be cut in half with no loss in quality.”
Makes about 54 Czechoslovakian Cookies; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
2 cups butter (1 pound), softened
2 cups sugar
4 large egg yolks
4 cups flour
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (8- to 12-ounce) container almond paste
1 (12-ounce) container strawberry filling
Confectioners' sugar
Preparation:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add yolks and mix well. Add flour and nuts and mix until well incorporated.
Divide dough in half and pat into a 15 1/2 inch by 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan with slightly dampened hands, if necessary. Spread almond paste over surface to within 1/4 inch of edges. Top with strawberry filling2 and spread in the same way.
Crumble remaining dough half over entire surface of filling, and pat or spread to completely cover. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown.
Cut into 9 horizontal rows and 6 vertical rows (to make 54 bars) while still warm. Cool completely and dust with confectioners' sugar. Transfer to paper cups and a pretty serving tray or store tightly covered.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Friday Recipes
It's only a few more days until Christmas. If you're looking for a few more dishes to put on the holiday table, here are six that will help round out the meal, including Raisin Bread Pudding and Triple Fruit Pie. Enjoy!
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
TRIPLE FRUIT PIE
This was in an email from FamilyTime, and begins, “Berries and rhubarb are plentiful and inexpensive. Try making this pie. It is so good!!”
Serves: 6-8; Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 30
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
1-1/4 cups fresh raspberries
1-1/4 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pastry shell, for double-crust pie (9 inches)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits and extract; toss to coat. In another bowl, combine sugar, tapioca, nutmeg and salt. Add to fruit; stir gently. Let stand for 15 minutes. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Stir lemon juice into fruit mixture; spoon into the crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 30 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Note: Frozen berries and rhubarb may be substituted for fresh; thaw and drain before using.
CHEESECAKE-STUFFED RED VELVET COOKIES
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “The classic flavors of red velvet cake are transformed into cookies with the cream cheese baked right inside.”
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Active Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 12 cookies; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Filling:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cookies:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, scooped and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for coating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling at a time onto the parchment so that you have 12 dollops. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Make the cookies: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes (it will still be soft).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Coat your hands generously with confectioners' sugar and scoop a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough into your hand. Put one of the frozen cream cheese dollops in the middle of the dough and place another tablespoon of the dough on top of the cream cheese. Shape the dough around it to completely enclose the cream cheese, and then roll to coat in the confectioners' sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese, coating your hands in confectioners' sugar as needed.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are firm around the edges and can be easily lifted with a spatula, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
COZY CROCK COMFORT IN SLOW COOKER
This is from an old (10+ year old) email. Possibly Weight Watchers, according to the email’s header. But very yummy food!
16 ounces gound 90% lean turkey or beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups (15 ounces) diced raw potatoes
1/3 cup (1 ounce) uncooked regular rice
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup finely diced celery
1 1/2 cups Healthy Request tomato juice or any reduced-sodium tomato juice
1 (10 1/4) can Healthy Request Tomato Soup
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat.
Place browned meat in a slow cooker container. Add onion, potatoes, uncooked rice, carrots, and celery. Mix well to combine.
Stir in tomato juice, tomato soup, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Mix well before serving. 6 servings ~ 5 points each
Serves 6 - Each serving equals: 2 protein, 1 1/2 vegetables, 2/3 bread, 10 optional calories, 243 calories, 7 gm fat, 16 gm protein, 29 gm carbohydrate, 290 mg sodium, 33 mg calcium, 3 gm fiber
Diabetic: 2 meat, 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
This comes from GE Appliances, and begins, “Don't let risotto intimidate you! With a little bit of time and patience you can enjoy this delicious dish. The creamy risotto is combined with sweet butternut squash, fragrant sage and rosemary for a perfect dish to usher in the cool days of fall.”
Makes 6 servings in 40 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (see my note)
7-1/2 cups vegetable stock, heated (see my note)
5-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauti pan. Add squash. Sauti for about 5 minutes, then cover; cook on medium heat until almost tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add shallots; cook and stir for 5 minutes until the shallots begin to soften, then stir in the rice. Continue cooking until the rice is glossy and begins to turn translucent on the edges, about 5 minutes. Mix in sage and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the white wine; cook, stir until it is absorbed. Add a large ladleful of the hot chicken stock (about 1/2 cup) reduce heat to medium. Cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, stirring occasionally. Continue adding the chicken stock to the rice 1/2 a cup at a time until the rice is creamy but is still slightly firm when tasted, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, remaining tablespoon of butter, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
CHEF'S NOTES:
You can cut up your own squash or use pre-cubed butternut squash from your favorite grocery store. Just make sure the squash is cut into 1/2" cubes so it gets tender enough in the risotto.
My note: If, like me, you don’t have alcohol around your house, feel free to use either non-alcohol white wine or just plain water.
Also, the recipe also called for chicken stock. I substituted vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
TRIPLE FRUIT PIE
This was in an email from FamilyTime, and begins, “Berries and rhubarb are plentiful and inexpensive. Try making this pie. It is so good!!”
Serves: 6-8; Prep. time: 5 minutes; Cooking time: 30
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
1-1/4 cups fresh raspberries
1-1/4 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pastry shell, for double-crust pie (9 inches)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits and extract; toss to coat. In another bowl, combine sugar, tapioca, nutmeg and salt. Add to fruit; stir gently. Let stand for 15 minutes. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Stir lemon juice into fruit mixture; spoon into the crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 30 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Note: Frozen berries and rhubarb may be substituted for fresh; thaw and drain before using.
CHEESECAKE-STUFFED RED VELVET COOKIES
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “The classic flavors of red velvet cake are transformed into cookies with the cream cheese baked right inside.”
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Active Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 12 cookies; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Filling:
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cookies:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, scooped and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for coating
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Make the filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling at a time onto the parchment so that you have 12 dollops. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Make the cookies: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes (it will still be soft).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Coat your hands generously with confectioners' sugar and scoop a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough into your hand. Put one of the frozen cream cheese dollops in the middle of the dough and place another tablespoon of the dough on top of the cream cheese. Shape the dough around it to completely enclose the cream cheese, and then roll to coat in the confectioners' sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese, coating your hands in confectioners' sugar as needed.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are firm around the edges and can be easily lifted with a spatula, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Cook's Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
COZY CROCK COMFORT IN SLOW COOKER
This is from an old (10+ year old) email. Possibly Weight Watchers, according to the email’s header. But very yummy food!
16 ounces gound 90% lean turkey or beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups (15 ounces) diced raw potatoes
1/3 cup (1 ounce) uncooked regular rice
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup finely diced celery
1 1/2 cups Healthy Request tomato juice or any reduced-sodium tomato juice
1 (10 1/4) can Healthy Request Tomato Soup
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat.
Place browned meat in a slow cooker container. Add onion, potatoes, uncooked rice, carrots, and celery. Mix well to combine.
Stir in tomato juice, tomato soup, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Mix well before serving. 6 servings ~ 5 points each
Serves 6 - Each serving equals: 2 protein, 1 1/2 vegetables, 2/3 bread, 10 optional calories, 243 calories, 7 gm fat, 16 gm protein, 29 gm carbohydrate, 290 mg sodium, 33 mg calcium, 3 gm fiber
Diabetic: 2 meat, 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
This comes from GE Appliances, and begins, “Don't let risotto intimidate you! With a little bit of time and patience you can enjoy this delicious dish. The creamy risotto is combined with sweet butternut squash, fragrant sage and rosemary for a perfect dish to usher in the cool days of fall.”
Makes 6 servings in 40 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (see my note)
7-1/2 cups vegetable stock, heated (see my note)
5-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauti pan. Add squash. Sauti for about 5 minutes, then cover; cook on medium heat until almost tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add shallots; cook and stir for 5 minutes until the shallots begin to soften, then stir in the rice. Continue cooking until the rice is glossy and begins to turn translucent on the edges, about 5 minutes. Mix in sage and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the white wine; cook, stir until it is absorbed. Add a large ladleful of the hot chicken stock (about 1/2 cup) reduce heat to medium. Cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, stirring occasionally. Continue adding the chicken stock to the rice 1/2 a cup at a time until the rice is creamy but is still slightly firm when tasted, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, remaining tablespoon of butter, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
CHEF'S NOTES:
You can cut up your own squash or use pre-cubed butternut squash from your favorite grocery store. Just make sure the squash is cut into 1/2" cubes so it gets tender enough in the risotto.
My note: If, like me, you don’t have alcohol around your house, feel free to use either non-alcohol white wine or just plain water.
Also, the recipe also called for chicken stock. I substituted vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Easy Chicken Pot Pie and Chile Relleno Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy!
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
From a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Prep Time 15 minutes; Cooking Time 60 minutes; Serves 10
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg, (or 2 egg whites)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 cups chicken broth
6 cups water
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
2/3 cup orzo, (tiny rice shaped grains of pasta)
2 cups thinly sliced escarole
grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine first 7 ingredients and form into tiny balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Bring 6 cups of water to a slow boil in a stockpot. Add the chicken broth and season with onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meatballs, and cook for a few minutes until done. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon. Add the orzo and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the escarole. Add the meatballs back to the soup pot, heat and serve.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips
The secret to this recipe's flavor is the cheese, add a tablespoon or two to the finished soup to enhance the flavor!
TACO STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Lauren Miyahira on Delish, and begins, “Taco 'bout a healthy dinner!”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 Onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Chopped cilantro
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
3 bell peppers, halved (seeds removed)
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
1 c. Shredded lettuce
Pico de gallo, for serving
Hot sauce, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add onion and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain fat.
Add chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika to beef mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the peppers, cut side up, in the baking dish and spoon meat mixture into each pepper. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the peppers are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.
Top each pepper with lettuce and serve with pico de gallo, hot sauce, and lime wedges.
QUICK SKILLET ZITI
This is from Family Time, and begins, “Ground beef and pasta are a winning combination for quick weekday meals that are nostalgic and full of good taste.”
Serves 4 (1 1/4 cups each); Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Prego® Marinara Italian Sauce or 1 jar (24 ounces) Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
5 cups tube-shaped pasta (ziti), cooked and drained
Grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet until it's well browned, stirring often to break up the meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the sauce and pasta in the skillet and heat through. Sprinkle with the cheese.
EASY CHICKEN POT PIE
This comes from Christin Mahrlig of Spicy Southern Kitcen. Christin wrote, “This easy to make Chicken Pot Pie utilizes refrigerated pie crusts and rotisserie chicken to make a super delicious and comforting pot pie loaded with chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots.”
Prep Time: 20 mins; Cook Time: 30 mins; Total Time: 50 mins
To view this online, go to https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/easy-chicken-pot-pie/.
Ingredients
1 cup peeled and diced potato
3/4 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup Challenge butter
2/3 cup diced onion
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken
1 cup peas
2 refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg beaten together with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place potatoes and carrots in a small saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 5-8 minutes to soften. Drain.
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large sauté pan. Add onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Sprinkle flour on top and cook for 1 minute, stirring to evenly cook the flour.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and then milk. Add potatoes and carrots and let simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if desired.
Stir in chicken and peas. Turn heat off.
Fit 1 pie crust into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate. Pour filling into pie shell.
Place second pie crust on top and trim excess. Press the two pie crusts together to seal and crimp edge using your fingers.
Brush egg white on top of the pot pie and use a knife to cut 4 slits to let steam escape.
Place on a baking sheet and place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.
CHILE RELLENO STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Molly Watson, a Local Foods Expert for The Spruce. Molly wrote, “Stuffed peppers don't have to be bland and boring, these chile relleno-inspired peppers are full of tons of flavor. The zesty and satisfying filling of spicy chorizo, diced zucchini, poblano chile, and potatoes gets a creamy edge from queso fresco. The topping of melted and browned jack cheese ain't too shabby either.
“Note that the potatoes and cheese add a bit of filling power, while the peppers, zucchini, and aromatics mean you're getting a decent dose of veggies in the mix. Rice and beans on the side are tasty and round out these peppers nicely, but simply a few tortillas or some bread fills out the meal too. You might also like these Baked Chiles Rellenos.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 80 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 green bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 small red onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 links Mexican chorizo (the kind in casings like bratwurst or Italian sausages)
2 Russett potatoes
1 zucchini
1 poblano chile
2 cloves garlic
6 ounces queso fresco*
3 ounces Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
Directions
Preheat an oven to 375F.
Rinse the peppers clean and pat them dry. Use a sharp knife to cut out and remove the stems. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise; cut out and discard any white-ish parts from inside, and discard any seeds clinging to the sides.
Lightly grease a large baking dish using about a teaspoon of the olive oil, lay the peppers inside in a single layer, and set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, add the onion and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
Remove the chorizo from its casings and add it to the onion. Continue to cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the chorizo into small bits as it cooks.
Meanwhile, peel and chop the potatoes. Add the to the pan, cover and cook, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking, until the potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
While the potato cooks, chop the zucchini and chile and add them to the mixture for the last 5 minutes of the potato cooking time.
While that all cooks, peel and mince the garlic. Add it to the mixture and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Crumble in the queso fresco and toss to combine. Divide the mixture between the 8 peppers halves.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. While they bake, grate the jack cheese. Uncover the pan sprinkle it on top of the stuffed peppers, and bake until bubbling and browned.
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, if you like.
Make Ahead Tip: Make the peppers up through step 9 the day or morning before, cover and chill until ready to bake.
*Queso fresco means "fresh cheese" and is a softly firm milky cheese common in Mexican cooking. Look for it in the dairy case with other cheese. It crumbles easily into creamy chunks. If you can't find it, ricotta is frequently mentioned as a suitable substitute, although won't look as nice, or make the bit of effort and drain cottage cheese (just put it in a sieve or fine colander for about ten minutes) to dry it out a bit—it works great!
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
From a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Prep Time 15 minutes; Cooking Time 60 minutes; Serves 10
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg, (or 2 egg whites)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 cups chicken broth
6 cups water
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
2/3 cup orzo, (tiny rice shaped grains of pasta)
2 cups thinly sliced escarole
grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine first 7 ingredients and form into tiny balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Bring 6 cups of water to a slow boil in a stockpot. Add the chicken broth and season with onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meatballs, and cook for a few minutes until done. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon. Add the orzo and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the escarole. Add the meatballs back to the soup pot, heat and serve.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips
The secret to this recipe's flavor is the cheese, add a tablespoon or two to the finished soup to enhance the flavor!
TACO STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Lauren Miyahira on Delish, and begins, “Taco 'bout a healthy dinner!”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 Onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Chopped cilantro
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
3 bell peppers, halved (seeds removed)
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
1 c. Shredded lettuce
Pico de gallo, for serving
Hot sauce, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add onion and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain fat.
Add chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika to beef mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the peppers, cut side up, in the baking dish and spoon meat mixture into each pepper. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the peppers are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.
Top each pepper with lettuce and serve with pico de gallo, hot sauce, and lime wedges.
QUICK SKILLET ZITI
This is from Family Time, and begins, “Ground beef and pasta are a winning combination for quick weekday meals that are nostalgic and full of good taste.”
Serves 4 (1 1/4 cups each); Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Prego® Marinara Italian Sauce or 1 jar (24 ounces) Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
5 cups tube-shaped pasta (ziti), cooked and drained
Grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet until it's well browned, stirring often to break up the meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the sauce and pasta in the skillet and heat through. Sprinkle with the cheese.
EASY CHICKEN POT PIE
This comes from Christin Mahrlig of Spicy Southern Kitcen. Christin wrote, “This easy to make Chicken Pot Pie utilizes refrigerated pie crusts and rotisserie chicken to make a super delicious and comforting pot pie loaded with chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots.”
Prep Time: 20 mins; Cook Time: 30 mins; Total Time: 50 mins
To view this online, go to https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/easy-chicken-pot-pie/.
Ingredients
1 cup peeled and diced potato
3/4 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup Challenge butter
2/3 cup diced onion
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken
1 cup peas
2 refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg beaten together with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place potatoes and carrots in a small saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 5-8 minutes to soften. Drain.
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large sauté pan. Add onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Sprinkle flour on top and cook for 1 minute, stirring to evenly cook the flour.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and then milk. Add potatoes and carrots and let simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if desired.
Stir in chicken and peas. Turn heat off.
Fit 1 pie crust into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate. Pour filling into pie shell.
Place second pie crust on top and trim excess. Press the two pie crusts together to seal and crimp edge using your fingers.
Brush egg white on top of the pot pie and use a knife to cut 4 slits to let steam escape.
Place on a baking sheet and place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.
CHILE RELLENO STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Molly Watson, a Local Foods Expert for The Spruce. Molly wrote, “Stuffed peppers don't have to be bland and boring, these chile relleno-inspired peppers are full of tons of flavor. The zesty and satisfying filling of spicy chorizo, diced zucchini, poblano chile, and potatoes gets a creamy edge from queso fresco. The topping of melted and browned jack cheese ain't too shabby either.
“Note that the potatoes and cheese add a bit of filling power, while the peppers, zucchini, and aromatics mean you're getting a decent dose of veggies in the mix. Rice and beans on the side are tasty and round out these peppers nicely, but simply a few tortillas or some bread fills out the meal too. You might also like these Baked Chiles Rellenos.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 80 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 green bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 small red onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 links Mexican chorizo (the kind in casings like bratwurst or Italian sausages)
2 Russett potatoes
1 zucchini
1 poblano chile
2 cloves garlic
6 ounces queso fresco*
3 ounces Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
Directions
Preheat an oven to 375F.
Rinse the peppers clean and pat them dry. Use a sharp knife to cut out and remove the stems. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise; cut out and discard any white-ish parts from inside, and discard any seeds clinging to the sides.
Lightly grease a large baking dish using about a teaspoon of the olive oil, lay the peppers inside in a single layer, and set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, add the onion and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
Remove the chorizo from its casings and add it to the onion. Continue to cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the chorizo into small bits as it cooks.
Meanwhile, peel and chop the potatoes. Add the to the pan, cover and cook, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking, until the potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
While the potato cooks, chop the zucchini and chile and add them to the mixture for the last 5 minutes of the potato cooking time.
While that all cooks, peel and mince the garlic. Add it to the mixture and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Crumble in the queso fresco and toss to combine. Divide the mixture between the 8 peppers halves.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. While they bake, grate the jack cheese. Uncover the pan sprinkle it on top of the stuffed peppers, and bake until bubbling and browned.
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, if you like.
Make Ahead Tip: Make the peppers up through step 9 the day or morning before, cover and chill until ready to bake.
*Queso fresco means "fresh cheese" and is a softly firm milky cheese common in Mexican cooking. Look for it in the dairy case with other cheese. It crumbles easily into creamy chunks. If you can't find it, ricotta is frequently mentioned as a suitable substitute, although won't look as nice, or make the bit of effort and drain cottage cheese (just put it in a sieve or fine colander for about ten minutes) to dry it out a bit—it works great!
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Wednesday Recipes
We're half-way through the work week. (Yay!) Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Raisin Bread Pudding and Hearty Turkey Chili. Enjoy!
EASY LASAGNA
This was posted on AllRecipes, and begins, "A super easy and fast beef lasagna recipe. It is made with a prepared sauce, and requires no boiling of the noodles.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese
1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until brown. Add mushrooms and onions; saute until onions are transparent. Stir in pasta sauce, and heat through.
In a medium size bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, reserving 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover pan with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.
HEARTY TURKEY CHILI
This comes from GE Appliances and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2-15oz. cans chili-ready beans in chili gravy
1-12oz bottle beer (can use non-alcoholic)
1-14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes (chili ready)
1/2 c. chili sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Directions
In a large saucepan, brown turkey and onion over medium/high heat until turkey is no longer pink and onions are tender.
Add meat to slow cooker.
Stir in undrained beans, beer, undrained tomatoes, chili sauce, chili powder, Cajun seasoning and garlic salt.
Cook in slow cooker on low for 4 hours.
CHEF'S NOTES:
If you are in a hurry, you can add the ingredients to a Dutch oven, cover and cook on stovetop over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Flavors will not develop as fully, but dinner is done much quicker!
QUICK PASTA PESTO
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “Pasta with cheese and cream sauces can rack up a lot of empty calories, but make simple substitutions, like swapping cream for evaporated skim milk, and you can enjoy your favorite pasta dishes anytime.”
POINTS® Value: 8; Servings: 4; Preparation Time | 5 min; Cooking Time: 10 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
3 Tbsp pesto sauce, sun-dried tomato variety preferred
3 cup mixed vegetables, chopped, fresh or frozen
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
4 cup cooked pasta
1 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Heat a large nonstick pan coated with cooking spray. Add pesto sauce and vegetables; cook, stirring until softened, about 2 minutes.
Add milk, bring to a boil and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in pasta and cheese; cook until heated through. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
EASY PUMPKIN PUDDING CAKE
This is from Ashley, a high school teacher turned blogger, on her wonderful site, The Recipe Rebel. This recipe begins, “This Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake takes just 10 minutes prep and makes it’s own caramel pudding sauce as it bakes! Perfect hot from the oven with a scoop of ice cream.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour (I use whole wheat!)
3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cloves
3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
1/3 cup milk (I use 1%)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Sauce
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 teaspoons corn starch
1 1/4 cup hot or boiling water
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9" pie plate or baking dish.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and cloves with a spoon.
Add in pumpkin, milk, oil and vanilla and stir until a thick batter forms. Spread into prepared pie plate.
In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar and corn starch until there are no clumps. Sprinkle over cake batter.
Add butter to hot water and stir until melted. Pour over brown sugar mixture in pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is completely set (keep in mind that there is a thick layer of caramel sauce in the bottom, so it may jiggle). Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheat perfectly!
SLOW-COOKER CHILI MAC ’N CHEESE
This is from Judy Kim on Delish, and begins, “Put in a little bit of prep in the morning, come home to an insanely delish dinner.”
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4.
According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. cayenne
2 lb. lean ground beef
2 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes
15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 lb. small pasta, such as macaroni or fusilli
2 c. shredded Cheddar
2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Scallions, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream, for garnish
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened. Add chili, cumin, and cayenne until fragrant, 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker along with tomatoes and kidney beans and season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low, 6 hours.
When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Add pasta and cheese to slow cooker and stir until melted. Serve with scallions, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, sour cream and cheese.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
EASY LASAGNA
This was posted on AllRecipes, and begins, "A super easy and fast beef lasagna recipe. It is made with a prepared sauce, and requires no boiling of the noodles.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese
1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until brown. Add mushrooms and onions; saute until onions are transparent. Stir in pasta sauce, and heat through.
In a medium size bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, reserving 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover pan with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.
HEARTY TURKEY CHILI
This comes from GE Appliances and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2-15oz. cans chili-ready beans in chili gravy
1-12oz bottle beer (can use non-alcoholic)
1-14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes (chili ready)
1/2 c. chili sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Directions
In a large saucepan, brown turkey and onion over medium/high heat until turkey is no longer pink and onions are tender.
Add meat to slow cooker.
Stir in undrained beans, beer, undrained tomatoes, chili sauce, chili powder, Cajun seasoning and garlic salt.
Cook in slow cooker on low for 4 hours.
CHEF'S NOTES:
If you are in a hurry, you can add the ingredients to a Dutch oven, cover and cook on stovetop over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Flavors will not develop as fully, but dinner is done much quicker!
QUICK PASTA PESTO
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “Pasta with cheese and cream sauces can rack up a lot of empty calories, but make simple substitutions, like swapping cream for evaporated skim milk, and you can enjoy your favorite pasta dishes anytime.”
POINTS® Value: 8; Servings: 4; Preparation Time | 5 min; Cooking Time: 10 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
3 Tbsp pesto sauce, sun-dried tomato variety preferred
3 cup mixed vegetables, chopped, fresh or frozen
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
4 cup cooked pasta
1 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Heat a large nonstick pan coated with cooking spray. Add pesto sauce and vegetables; cook, stirring until softened, about 2 minutes.
Add milk, bring to a boil and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in pasta and cheese; cook until heated through. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
EASY PUMPKIN PUDDING CAKE
This is from Ashley, a high school teacher turned blogger, on her wonderful site, The Recipe Rebel. This recipe begins, “This Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake takes just 10 minutes prep and makes it’s own caramel pudding sauce as it bakes! Perfect hot from the oven with a scoop of ice cream.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour (I use whole wheat!)
3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cloves
3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
1/3 cup milk (I use 1%)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Sauce
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 teaspoons corn starch
1 1/4 cup hot or boiling water
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9" pie plate or baking dish.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and cloves with a spoon.
Add in pumpkin, milk, oil and vanilla and stir until a thick batter forms. Spread into prepared pie plate.
In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar and corn starch until there are no clumps. Sprinkle over cake batter.
Add butter to hot water and stir until melted. Pour over brown sugar mixture in pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is completely set (keep in mind that there is a thick layer of caramel sauce in the bottom, so it may jiggle). Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheat perfectly!
SLOW-COOKER CHILI MAC ’N CHEESE
This is from Judy Kim on Delish, and begins, “Put in a little bit of prep in the morning, come home to an insanely delish dinner.”
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4.
According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. cayenne
2 lb. lean ground beef
2 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes
15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 lb. small pasta, such as macaroni or fusilli
2 c. shredded Cheddar
2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Scallions, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream, for garnish
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened. Add chili, cumin, and cayenne until fragrant, 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker along with tomatoes and kidney beans and season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low, 6 hours.
When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Add pasta and cheese to slow cooker and stir until melted. Serve with scallions, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, sour cream and cheese.
RAISIN BREAD PUDDING
This recipe begins, “Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and sweet memories of happy faces around your table. Serve this with whipped cream or with milk for breakfast for a change of pace.”
Prep. time: 20 minutes; Serves: 8; Cooking time: 35 minutes
Source: Nestle® Very Best Baking
Ingredients
16 slices bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
2 cans (12 oz. each) NESTLÉ ® Carnation ® Evaporated Milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 jar caramel sauce, (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread and raisins in large bowl. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture; combine well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
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