Confessions of a Foodie

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Showing posts with label Tutti-Frutti Smoothie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tutti-Frutti Smoothie. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Drinks

While food is something we need on a regular basis (of course!), so are drinks. We simply can not get by with something to drink on a daily basis.

That said, today's post deals with yummy drinks to add to your meals or any time in between, including Cafe de Olla and Slow-Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Enjoy!

BERRY VANILLA SENSATION

This recipe, as well as the next one (Tutti-Frutti Smoothie)are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Vanilla yogurt adds a touch of sweetness to this tangy fruit smoothie recipe.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

1 cup (8 oz) fat-free vanilla yogurt

Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple juice. Add the yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 192; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 41 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 35 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 86.5 mg

TUTTI-FRUTTI SMOOTHIE

This recipe begins, “A splash of orange juice infuses summer citrus into this healthy and refreshing snack.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup loose-pack mixed frozen berries or strawberries

1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple in juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup orange juice

Combine the berries, pineapple (with juice), yogurt, banana, and orange juice in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, in a blender, or in a large measuring cup with an immersion blender. Process for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 140; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 2.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 30 mg

HOMEMADE GINGER TEA

This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.

”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.

“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea

To check this out online, click here.

Ingredients

About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)

1 1/2 to 2 cups water

1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)

Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)

Directions

First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.

Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.

Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.

The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.

Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.

CAFE DE OLLA

The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

4 cinnamon sticks

4 star anise

4 allspice berries

4 whole cloves

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)

2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans

2 cups low-fat milk

1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional

Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.

Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free

CAPPUCCINO SLUSHY

This came from Weight Watchers, and begins, “This coffee-based slushy gives delicious new meaning to the term iced coffee.”

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Serves: 1; Difficulty: Easy; Points: 4

Ingredients

1 tsp sugar

2 pinch ground cinnamon, or more to taste

1/2 C black coffee, Italian or French roast

1/4 C 2% reduced fat milk

1/4 C aerosol whipped cream

Directions

Stir sugar and 1 pinch cinnamon into coffee. Pour into ice cube tray; freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

Blend frozen coffee ice cubes and milk in a mini-food processor until slushy. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and a generous pinch of cinnamon.

SLOW-COOKER PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE

This comes from The Food Network, and starts off, “Made and served in the same pot, our slow-cooker cocoa is thickened and enriched with dark chocolate. Set up an add-ons bar beside the cooker (mini marshmallows, crushed candies and peppermint schnapps take cocoa to a whole new holiday level), then stick a ladle in the pot and let guests help themselves.” The recipe's last ingredient is peppermint schnapps, which is optional. I don't use it, and, if this is being served to children and/or people who normally don't drink – or if you're not sure – don't use it. I find that it really doesn't need it. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 5 min; Cook: 2 hr; Yield: 14 cups; Level: Easy

To read more, go to: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder

12 cups whole milk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon kosher salt

8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

24 peppermint candies, crushed (about 1 cup), for serving

3 cups mini marshmallows, for serving

2 cups peppermint schnapps, optional, for serving

Directions

Whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder in a 6-quart slow cooker. Turn the cooker to high, and slowly whisk in the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Add the vanilla and salt, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours. The sugar and cocoa powder should be completely dissolved.

Whisk in the chopped chocolate a little at a time until it is all incorporated. Replace the lid, and cook until thickened, 30 minutes more.

Turn the cooker to warm, and serve with small bowls of the peppermint candies and mini marshmallows and a small pitcher of schnapps, if using. For minty cocoa, let a few teaspoons of the peppermints melt in an 8-ounce cup or add 2 tablespoons of schnapps.

Friday, June 22, 2018

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday, and time to start looking towards the weekend. Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Grilled Soy-Basted Chicken Thighs with Spicy Cashews and Berry Vanilla Sensation. Enjoy!

PICADILLO

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Picadillo is one of the great dishes of the Cuban diaspora: a soft, fragrant stew of ground beef and tomatoes, with raisins added for sweetness and olives for salt. Versions of it exist across the Caribbean and into Latin America. This one combines ground beef with intensely seasoned dried Spanish chorizo in a sofrito of onions, garlic and tomatoes, and scents it with red-wine vinegar, cinnamon and cumin, along with bay leaves and pinches of ground cloves and nutmeg. For the olives you may experiment with fancy and plain, but rigorous testing here suggests the use of pimento-stuffed green olives is the best practice. A scattering of capers would be welcome as well.”

Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour

This was featured in “The Ultimate Cuban Comfort Food: Picadillo”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 medium-size yellow onions, peeled and chopped

2 ounces dried chorizo, diced

4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 ripe tomatoes, chopped, or one 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and crushed

2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 bay leaves

Pinch of ground cloves

Pinch of nutmeg

2/3 cup raisins

2/3 cup pitted stuffed olives

Preparation

Put the olive oil in a large, heavy pan set over a medium-high flame, and heat until it begins to shimmer. Add onions, chorizo and garlic, stir to combine and cook until the onions have started to soften, approximately 10 minutes.

Add the ground beef, and allow it to brown, crumbling the meat with a fork as it does. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Add tomatoes, vinegar, cinnamon, cumin, bay leaves, cloves and nutmeg and stir to combine. Lower the heat, and let the stew simmer, covered, for approximately 30 minutes.

Uncover the pan, and add the raisins and the olives. Allow the stew to cook for another 15 minutes or so, then serve, accompanied by white rice.

BERRY VANILLA SENSATION

This recipe, as well as the next one (Tutti-Frutti Smoothie)are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Vanilla yogurt adds a touch of sweetness to this tangy fruit smoothie recipe.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

1 cup (8 oz) fat-free vanilla yogurt

Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple juice. Add the yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 192; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 41 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 35 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 86.5 mg

TUTTI-FRUTTI SMOOTHIE

This recipe begins, “A splash of orange juice infuses summer citrus into this healthy and refreshing snack.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup loose-pack mixed frozen berries or strawberries

1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple in juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup orange juice

Combine the berries, pineapple (with juice), yogurt, banana, and orange juice in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, in a blender, or in a large measuring cup with an immersion blender. Process for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 140; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 2.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 30 mg

GRILLED SOY-BASTED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH SPICY CASHEWS

This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here's a hack I performed on a recipe for an appetizer portion of skewered chunked chicken thighs that the great live-fire cooks and cookbook writers Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby wrote many years ago, and that I have slowly altered into a main-course grilled dinner. The skinless chicken browns nicely over a medium flame, and the sugary soy basting sauce lacquers it beautifully in the final few minutes of cooking. It's terrific with rice, or as a topping for a salad of sturdy greens. You may wish to double the recipe for Sriracha-roasted cashews. Those are addictive, and for them you will find many delicious uses.”

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour

This was featured in “Charcoal Or Gas? Depends On What You’re Grilling” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted cashews

2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

Hot sauce, to taste

2 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs

1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark) or molasses

2 tablespoons peeled and minced ginger

4 scallions, sliced thin

5 or 6 springs cilantro, tough stems removed and roughly chopped (approximately 2 tablespoons)

Preparation

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Combine cashews and Sriracha sauce in a small bowl and stir until nuts are coated. Line a small baking pan with foil and spread the coated cashews out on it, then place in the oven and bake until nuts are dry, approximately 20 minutes. Carefully remove the nuts from the foil and let cool, then chop roughly and set aside in a small bowl.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, 1/2 cup soy sauce, the hoisin sauce and the black pepper, and hot sauce if using. Add chicken thighs and stir to coat. Refrigerate until ready to cook.

For the basting sauce, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, the brown sugar and the ginger in a small bowl, and whisk until the sugar has dissolved.

When you are ready to cook the chicken, build a fire in a charcoal grill, leaving about 1/3 of the cooking space free of coals. When coals are covered with gray ash and the temperature is medium (you can hold your hand 5 inches above the coals for 5 to 7 seconds), you are ready to cook. (For a gas grill, turn one burner to high, leaving the others off, then lower cover and heat for 15 minutes.)

Using tongs, remove chicken thighs from marinade and cook, directly over the coals, turning every few minutes, until they are well-browned but not crusty, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Then, using a pastry brush, begin to baste them with the soy, ginger and sugar mixture, until they develop a lacquer, an additional 8 to 10 minutes, again turning every few minutes. (If chicken threatens to burn, place it over the part of the grill without coals.)

Transfer chicken to a warmed platter, sprinkle with the chopped cashews, the scallions and the cilantro, and serve.

CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour

To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.

Ingredients

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta

Kosher salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

1 clove garlic, finely grated

1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika

Freshly ground pepper

12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated

12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated

For the Topping (Optional):

1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko

4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.

Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).

Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

PEPPER-JACK CHICKEN WITH SUCCOTASH

This comes from the Food Network kitchen.

Total: 40 min; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 25 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 ounces pepper-jack cheese, shredded

2 cups baby arugula, roughly chopped

2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (12 ounces each)

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing

Kosher salt

1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons Cajun spice blend

Vegetable oil, for the grill

1 cup frozen lima beans, thawed

1 medium yellow summer squash, diced

2 cups corn kernels

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Juice of 1 lime

Directions

Combine the cheese and arugula in a bowl. Cut a deep 2-inch-wide pocket in the thickest part of each chicken breast with a paring knife. Stuff with the arugula mixture. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and the Cajun spice blend.

Preheat a grill to high and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Grill the chicken until blackened and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 155 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the lima beans, squash and corn, season with salt and cook until the squash is just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Slice the chicken and serve with the succotash.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Double-Post Monday

Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Here are six chicken recipes to help you through the day, including Ginger-Blueberry Parfait and Crispy Chickpeas With Ground Meat. Enjoy!

BERRY VANILLA SENSATION

This recipe, as well as the next one (Tutti-Frutti Smoothie)are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Vanilla yogurt adds a touch of sweetness to this tangy fruit smoothie recipe.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

1 cup (8 oz) fat-free vanilla yogurt

Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple juice. Add the yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 192; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 41 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 35 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 86.5 mg

TUTTI-FRUTTI SMOOTHIE

This recipe begins, “A splash of orange juice infuses summer citrus into this healthy and refreshing snack.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup loose-pack mixed frozen berries or strawberries

1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple in juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup orange juice

Combine the berries, pineapple (with juice), yogurt, banana, and orange juice in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, in a blender, or in a large measuring cup with an immersion blender. Process for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 140; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 2.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 30 mg

SKILLET CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES, PANCETTA AND MOZZARELLA

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “With a topping of tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella, it’s no wonder that I always think of this easy skillet dish as "pizza chicken." It’s a tangy, milky, gooey, lovable meal that’s somewhat reminiscent of chicken Parmesan, but with succulent bone-in chicken pieces instead of breaded and fried cutlets. Even better, it has pancetta and anchovies for complexity of flavor, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour.”

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes

This was originally featured in “Skillet Chicken Swimming in Tomato Sauce” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (or use a 31/2 pound chicken cut into 8 pieces)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

5 ounces pancetta, diced

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 anchovy fillets

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes

1 large basil sprig, plus more chopped basil for serving

8 ounces bocconcini, halved (or use mozzarella cut into 3/4-inch pieces)

Preparation

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

In a large oven-proof skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Add chicken to skillet. Sear, turning only occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon oil.

Add garlic, anchovy and red pepper flakes to skillet; fry 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and basil. Cook, breaking up tomatoes with a spatula, until sauce thickens somewhat, about 10 minutes.

Return chicken to skillet. Transfer skillet to oven and cook, uncovered, until chicken is no longer pink, about 30 minutes.

Scatter bocconcini or mozzarella pieces over skillet. Adjust oven temperature to broil. Return skillet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes (watch carefully to see that it does not burn). Garnish with pancetta and chopped basil before serving.

CRISPY CHICKPEAS WITH GROUND MEAT

This is from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, “Chickpeas have characteristics other legumes don't share. When cooked until tender, they don't turn to mush, and their cooking broth is delicious. This recipe takes advantage of both assets. Related to a classic chili, it combines chickpeas, meat and spices. The cooked chickpeas are sautéed over high heat until browned and slightly crisp, and the pan is deglazed with chickpea cooking liquid.

“This dish works equally well with canned or homecooked chickpeas, and if you like a bit more kick, double or triple the ancho chiles or chile powder. Turmeric or saffron, as a couple of readers suggested, also work well. Don't want to use ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken or pork would sub in well here. For a bit more flavor, add a clove or two of chopped garlic to the browning meat. The point is: Improvise. This recipe begs for it.”

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in “THE MINIMALIST; Chickpeas, Dressed Up To Show Off’ and can be viewed onlinehere.

Ingredients

1/2 to 1 pound ground beef or other meat

4 cups cooked chickpeas (about 1 28-ounce can), drained (reserve 1 cup liquid)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 ancho or chipotle chile, soaked, stemmed, seeded and minced; or 1 teaspoon good chile powder

2 teaspoons minced garlic

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Minced cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Turn heat to high under a large, deep skillet, and add meat a little at a time, breaking it into small pieces as you do. Stir and break up meat a bit more, then add chickpeas. Keep heat high, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until chickpeas begin to brown and pop, 5 to 10 minutes. Don't worry if mixture sticks a bit, but if it begins to scorch, lower heat slightly.

Add cumin, chili or chili powder and garlic. Cook, stirring, for about a minute. Add reserved cooking liquid, and stir, scraping bottom of pan to loosen any browned bits. Season with salt and pepper, then turn heat to medium-low. Continue to cook until mixture is no longer soupy but not dry.

Stir in olive oil, then taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish if you like, and serve immediately, with rice or pita bread.

BLUEBERRY SAUCE

This recipe and the next one (Ginger-Blueberry Parfait) are from an article on Prevention, titled “11 Recipes with Fresh Blueberries.” Click here to see the article and all twelve recipes.

This sauce would go well over ice cream. Yum!

SERVINGS: 4 – 6

1 pt fresh blueberries (2 C)

1/4 C + 1 Tbsp confectioners' sugar

1/4 C water

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp butter

Put blueberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon in medium saucepan.

Cover and cook over medium heat until blueberries have broken down a bit and mixture becomes soupy, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and swirl in butter. Serve warm or at room temperature over waffles, pancakes, ice cream, or pound cake.

NUTRITION (per serving) 140 cal, 1 g pro, 22 g carb, 2 g fiber, 6 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat, 50 mg sodium

GINGER-BLUEBERRY PARFAIT

SERVINGS: 4

1 C blueberries

1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger

4 Tbsp maple syrup, divided

1 Hass avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped

1 C part-skim ricotta cheese

4 sprigs fresh mint

Combine the blueberries, ginger, and 1 Tbsp of the maple syrup in a small bowl until well mixed. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the avocado, ricotta, and the remaining 3 Tbsp maple syrup. Puree the mixture.

Layer the blueberry mixture with the ricotta mixture alternately in 4 parfait glasses or dessert dishes, ending with the berries. Garnish with the mint sprigs.

NUTRITION (per serving) 217 cal, 8 g pro, 25 g carb, 10 g fat, 4 g sat fat,3 g fiber, 83 mg sodium

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are six more recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

BERRY VANILLA SENSATION

This recipe, as well as the next one (Tutti-Frutti Smoothie)are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Vanilla yogurt adds a touch of sweetness to this tangy fruit smoothie recipe.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

1 cup (8 oz) fat-free vanilla yogurt

Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple juice. Add the yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 192; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 41 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 35 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 86.5 mg

TUTTI-FRUTTI SMOOTHIE

This recipe begins, “A splash of orange juice infuses summer citrus into this healthy and refreshing snack.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup loose-pack mixed frozen berries or strawberries

1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple in juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup orange juice

Combine the berries, pineapple (with juice), yogurt, banana, and orange juice in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, in a blender, or in a large measuring cup with an immersion blender. Process for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 140; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 2.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 30 mg

S’MORES BLOSSOM COOKIES

This comes from The Food Network, and begins, “Toasted, gooey marshmallows found their way into your peanut butter-chocolate blossom cookies and life couldn't be any better. Enjoy these treats warm or at room temperature -- and be thankful you didn't have to build a campfire.”

Total: 1 hr 45 min; Active: 30 min;Yield: about 2 dozen cookies; Level: Easy

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

12 marshmallows, cut in half crosswise

24 milk chocolate candies, such as Hershey's Kisses

Directions

Position the oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

Beat the peanut butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar and salt, in a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and egg.

Put some granulated sugar in a small bowl. Shape scant tablespoons of the dough into balls and roll each ball in the sugar to coat. Evenly space the balls on the prepared baking sheets. Press each ball down with the tines of a fork to flatten it slightly.

Bake until the bottoms are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the broiler on.

Top each cookie with a marshmallow, sticky-side-down, and put 1 baking sheet at a time under the broiler until lightly golden, about 30 seconds. While the marshmallow is still hot, press a chocolate candy into it. Repeat with the remaining baking sheet. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

SPICE-RUBBED SPATCHCOCKED CHICKEN

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “A spatchcocked chicken, also called a butterflied chicken, cooks more quickly and evenly than a whole bird, giving you juicy white meat as well as dark meat in less than an hour. Here the chicken is marinated in a brown sugar and chile spice rub before being roasted until its skin is crisp and deeply flavored. If you aren’t up for spatchcocking your own bird, you can ask your butcher to do it for you.”

Yield: 4 servings

This was featured in “A Chicken-Roasting Method All Good Cooks Know” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 chicken, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds, patted dry

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon ancho or New Mexico chile powder

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

2 bay leaves, torn or cut into pieces

Lime or lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation

Spatchcock the chicken by using poultry shears or kitchen scissors (or a sharp knife) to cut along one side of the backbone until the chicken opens. If you like you can cut along the other side of the backbone and remove it, or leave it attached to roast with the rest of the bird. Open up the bird and place it so it lies flat, breast side up. Press hard onto the center of the breast until you feel a pop, and the breast lies more or less flat.

In a small bowl, mix together sugar, salt, chile powder, paprika, mustard powder, oregano, pepper, allspice and bay leaves. Smear the mixture all over the chicken. Lay chicken, skin side up, on a rimmed baking sheet (or plate) and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.

Heat oven to 425 degrees. If the chicken isn’t on a rimmed baking sheet, transfer it to one. Roast chicken until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pricked with a fork (an instant-read thermometer plunged into the thickest part of the breast will read 150), 40 to 50 minutes.

Remove from oven, cover bird with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side.

5-INGREDIENT LEMON-ROSEMARY GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

This is from Grace Parisi in the Today Show cooking e-newsletter. According to the newsletter, “Grace Parisi is a New York City-based food writer, cookbook author and food stylist. Her book, Get Saucy, was nominated for a James Beard award. Her latest book, Quick Pickles comes out in Fall 2016.”

For this recipe, Grace wrote, “Crispy chicken skin is so delicious, but it's not easy to find boneless breasts with skin in the supermarket. You're more likely to find boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Most butchers will debone a breast for you, but it's easy enough to do yourself and you get to keep the bones for making stock in the future.”

She added this Note: “If you decide to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead, using a meat pounder, gently pound the chicken breasts so they are about 1/2-inch thick all around.” Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2.25 hours or overnight.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 chicken breast halves on the bone with skin, 10 to 12 ounces each, or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2-inch thick

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, plus 2 sprigs

1 lemon, zested and cut in half

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Prepare the chicken breasts:

Debone the skin-on chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, make a small incision near the wing joint. Leaving the skin intact, slip your finger into the incision, close to the bone. Working your finger back and forth, separate the meat from the bone as best you can. Use the knife to fully separate the meat. (Reserve the bones in the freezer for stock.) Using a meat pounder, gently pound the chicken breasts so they are about 1/2-inch thick all around.

For boneless chicken breasts: Using a meat pounder, gently pound the chicken breasts so they are about 1/2-inch thick all around.

In a small bowl, combine the oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chickens, add the rosemary sprigs and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

Light a grill and oil the grates. Grill the chicken, lemon halves, and rosemary sprigs over high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and firm to the touch, about 10 to 12 minutes. Squeeze the grilled lemon halves over the chicken and serve.

GRILLED MARGHERITA PIZZA

This comes from Al Roker of The Today Show, and begins, “Skip the oven and throw a pie on the grill!” Servings: 2 pizzas.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound pizza dough (homemade or thawed from frozen)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup fine to medium cornmeal

1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, lightly salted

1 bunch fresh basil

2 cups pizza sauce

Preparation

Place a pizza stone onto the grates of a hot grill, or into an oven heated to 500 degrees F.

For two thin-crust pizzas, about 10”- 12”, divide dough in half and shape each half into a ball. Place on lightly floured surface and cover with a light towel. Let sit and rest for about 10 minutes. [Alternately, use 1 pound dough to make 1 large thick-crust pizza.]

Mix the flour and cornmeal together and set aside.

Slice mozzarella thinly, about 1/8” to 1/4” thick.

Wash basil and pull off leaves. Blot them dry on paper toweling. Discard stems.

Sprinkle a pizza paddle or the back of a baking sheet with some of the cornmeal mixture and place 1 ball of dough in the center. Using floured hands, press the dough out into a flat circle, beginning in the center and working outwards while turning the dough to get an even thinness. Leave the outer edge a little thicker to form a crust.

Spread 1 cup pizza sauce over the dough but not on the crust edge, then top with half the mozzarella slices and half the basil leaves.

Using a fast back and forth motion, slide the dough to the edge of the paddle or baking sheet. Lean it toward the pizza stone and quickly slide the paddle out from underneath the pizza so that the dough is sitting directly on the pizza stone. Close the lid to the grill and cook 5-8 minutes, checking frequently for rapid browning. Depending on the heat of the grill, the pizza may be ready sooner or take a little longer. The oven should take about 8-10 minutes. Repeat with the second ball of dough.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Double-Post Monday

Since it's Monday, besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including "Better Than the Deli" Macaroni Salad and BBQ Chicken. Enjoy!

BBQ CHICKEN

This comes from the folks at GE Appliances, and begins, “This BBQ chicken recipe is a simple classic that will be the star of your next summer gathering.”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pound chicken drumsticks

1 pound chicken thighs

2-3 cups Italian dressing

2-3 Cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store bought)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine drumsticks and thighs in a bowl and add Italian dressing until chicken is covered. Let sit overnight (ideal) or for 3-4 hours.

Cooking:

Fire up a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, put chicken on, and cook for 20 minutes (about 10 minutes per side). After 20 minutes, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce. Turn chicken and add more BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch closely, so you don't burn the BBQ sauce.

BERRY VANILLA SENSATION

This recipe, as well as the next one (Tutti-Frutti Smoothie)are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Vanilla yogurt adds a touch of sweetness to this tangy fruit smoothie recipe.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

1 cup (8 oz) fat-free vanilla yogurt

Combine the raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple juice. Add the yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 192; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 41 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 35 g; Total fat: 0.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 86.5 mg

TUTTI-FRUTTI SMOOTHIE

This recipe begins, “A splash of orange juice infuses summer citrus into this healthy and refreshing snack.”

Servings: 2

1/2 cup loose-pack mixed frozen berries or strawberries

1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple in juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup orange juice

Combine the berries, pineapple (with juice), yogurt, banana, and orange juice in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, in a blender, or in a large measuring cup with an immersion blender. Process for about 2 minutes, or until smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 140; Protein: 3.5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sugar: 16 g; Total fat: 2.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 30 mg

"BETTER THAN THE DELI” MACARONI SALAD

Kathy Kingsley is one of About.com's American Food guides. Kathy wrote, “Take your time, and use your sharpest knife to get a nice fine dice on the veggies in this classic pasta salad. When made right, this is a macaroni salad where every forkful bursts with flavor.” Serves 8; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes

I couldn't find the original link to this recipe. If/when I do find it, I'll post it.

Ingredients:

1 pound dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained well

1 1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup finely diced celery

1/4 cup minced red onion

1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

1/4 finely grated carrot

2 tablespoons finely diced roasted red pepper or pimento

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Preparation:

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

TIE-DYE CHEESECAKE

This is from The Food Network, and begins, “This outrageous psychedelic cheesecake is an ode to all the tie-dye of the 1960s. Making the vibrant swirls is much easier to do than it looks; all you need is a wooden skewer – groovy!” Total: 10 hr 45 min; Active: 35 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 18 whole crackers)

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch fine salt

Filling:

Three 11.5-ounce containers whipped cream cheese

1 1/4 cups sugar

One 16-ounce container sour cream, at room temperature

1 cup heavy cream

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Neon blue, pink and purple food coloring

Yellow food coloring

Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

Special equipment: a 10-inch springform pan and a wooden skewer

Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.

For the crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and salt and press into bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely. Wrap up the bottom and sides of pan with a large piece of foil and put in a large roasting pan.

For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar, in a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined. Add the heavy cream and mix until just combined. Mix in the eggs, by hand, 1 at time. Then mix in the vanilla, lemon juice, by hand as well, until just combined. (Overmixing can turn your cheesecake into a souffle.)

Using a ladle, divide the cheesecake batter into 4 separate bowls. Dye each a separate color; blue, pink, purple and yellow. Add enough food coloring so that the colors are very vibrant and intense.

Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the crust, alternating the colors, until all the batter has been scooped. Use a wooden skewer and drag it through the colors to marble them for tie-dye effect, making sure the skewer reaches down to the bottom of the pan. Transfer the pan to the roasting pan. Add enough hot water to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan.

Bake until the outside of the cake is set and the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.

Unmold the cheesecake and transfer to a serving plate or cake stand. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.

CHEESY TACO NOODLES

This came from Delish, and starts off, “Say hello to your favorite new twist on tacos.”

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 large white onion, chopped

1/2 jalapeño, minced

salt for seasoning

1 lb. ground beef

2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning

12 oz. No Yolks® Extra Broad Noodles

1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

3 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 c. heavy cream

1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar

1 1/2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and season with salt. Cook until tender, 5 minutes, then add jalapeño. Cook 2 minutes more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 6 minutes, then drain the fat. Add the taco seasoning.

Add No Yolks noodles and stir until coated in beef mixture, then add fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until noodles are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.

Remove from heat and add both cheeses and toss to coat.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.