Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include 30-Minute Chili with Ground Beef and Beans and Easy Homemade Meatloaf. Enjoy!
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
Confessions of a Foodie
Showing posts with label Vegetable Manicotti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegetable Manicotti. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2026
Monday, November 3, 2025
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include 30-Minute Chili with Ground Beef and Beans and Easy Homemade Meatloaf. Enjoy!
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Pasta
I've loved Pasta for as long as I can remember. If you love pasta, too, today's post is sure to please. Check out the One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs, the Chicken Spaghetti, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This also come from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/ 2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes – we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This also come from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/ 2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes – we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include 30-Minutes Chili with Ground Beef and Beans and Easy Homemade Meatloaf. Enjoy!
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Pasta
I've loved Pasta for as long as I can remember. If you love pasta, too, today's post is sure to please. Check out the One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs, the Chicken Spaghetti, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This also come from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/ 2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes – we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This also come from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/ 2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes – we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Pasta
I've loved pasta for as long as I can remember. If you love pasta, too, then today's post is sure to please. Check out the Fettuccine Alfredo, the Vegetable Manicotti, and the rest of today's post. Enjoy!
INSTANT POT CHEESY TACO PASTA
This yummy recipe is from Christin Mahrlig on her very cool site, Spicy Southern Kitchen. If you’ve never heard of her site (or you have, but never checked it out), I suggest you check it out ASAP. Go ahead, I’ll wait…(Tap, tap, tap…).
Anyway, the recipe begins, “Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor No need to precook the pasta. This easy recipe can be on the table in under 30 minutes.”
Prep Time: 20 mins; Cook Time: 4 mins; Total Time: 24 mins; Servings: 6
To view this recipe online, go to https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/instant-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta/.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 cup salsa
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
8 ounces uncooked pasta shells
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
sour cream, olives, red onion, cilantro for serving
Instructions
Lightly spray the Instant Pot with cooking spray and set to "Saute" mode. When hot add the ground beef and onion. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
When meat is almost cooked through, add taco seasoning. Stir it in and continue to cook until the meat is cooked. Turn Instant Pot off.
Add beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure nothing is stuck on the bottom.
Add salsa, green chilies, and pasta shells. Press pasta down in the liquid as much as you can. Place the lid on and set to "Pressure Cook" for 4 minutes.
Once time is up, open up the valve to release the pressure. Once the pin drops, remove the lid. Add shredded cheese and cream cheese and stir it in. Place lid back on for a minute or two to help melt the cheese.
Stir well and serve with toppings.
Recipe Notes
If you want your pasta extra meaty, use 1.5 pounds of ground beef.
I find 4 minutes of pressure cooking is perfect for al dente pasta. If you want your pasta softer, try 5 minutes.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directionss
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This also come from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/ 2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
ONE-POT PASTA BOLOGNESE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This flavorful one-pot pasta is rich, meaty and filling--perfect for a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, diced (about 3 cups)
2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/4 cup canned Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ beef broth
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 lb uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Directions
In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Cook onions, carrots and salt in oil 5 to 8 minutes or until softened. Add beef; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
Stir in tomato paste and tomatoes. Stir in broth, pepper flakes and Italian seasoning; heat to simmering. Break pasta in half, then thoroughly rinse under cold water. Tuck pasta into simmering liquid, covering completely. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 13 to 15 minutes or until pasta is soft and sauce is reduced slightly.
Top with Parmesan cheese and basil.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Mix up this dish with different shapes of pasta, like penne or fusilli.
Tip 2
For an extra veggie boost, stir in a couple of cups of spinach or baby kale just before serving.
INSTANT POT CHEESY TACO PASTA
This yummy recipe is from Christin Mahrlig on her very cool site, Spicy Southern Kitchen. If you’ve never heard of her site (or you have, but never checked it out), I suggest you check it out ASAP. Go ahead, I’ll wait…(Tap, tap, tap…).
Anyway, the recipe begins, “Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor No need to precook the pasta. This easy recipe can be on the table in under 30 minutes.”
Prep Time: 20 mins; Cook Time: 4 mins; Total Time: 24 mins; Servings: 6
To view this recipe online, go to https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/instant-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta/.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 cup salsa
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
8 ounces uncooked pasta shells
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
sour cream, olives, red onion, cilantro for serving
Instructions
Lightly spray the Instant Pot with cooking spray and set to "Saute" mode. When hot add the ground beef and onion. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
When meat is almost cooked through, add taco seasoning. Stir it in and continue to cook until the meat is cooked. Turn Instant Pot off.
Add beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure nothing is stuck on the bottom.
Add salsa, green chilies, and pasta shells. Press pasta down in the liquid as much as you can. Place the lid on and set to "Pressure Cook" for 4 minutes.
Once time is up, open up the valve to release the pressure. Once the pin drops, remove the lid. Add shredded cheese and cream cheese and stir it in. Place lid back on for a minute or two to help melt the cheese.
Stir well and serve with toppings.
Recipe Notes
If you want your pasta extra meaty, use 1.5 pounds of ground beef.
I find 4 minutes of pressure cooking is perfect for al dente pasta. If you want your pasta softer, try 5 minutes.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directionss
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This also come from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/ 2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
ONE-POT PASTA BOLOGNESE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This flavorful one-pot pasta is rich, meaty and filling--perfect for a fast weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, diced (about 3 cups)
2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/4 cup canned Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ beef broth
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 lb uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Directions
In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Cook onions, carrots and salt in oil 5 to 8 minutes or until softened. Add beef; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
Stir in tomato paste and tomatoes. Stir in broth, pepper flakes and Italian seasoning; heat to simmering. Break pasta in half, then thoroughly rinse under cold water. Tuck pasta into simmering liquid, covering completely. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 13 to 15 minutes or until pasta is soft and sauce is reduced slightly.
Top with Parmesan cheese and basil.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Mix up this dish with different shapes of pasta, like penne or fusilli.
Tip 2
For an extra veggie boost, stir in a couple of cups of spinach or baby kale just before serving.
Monday, January 15, 2024
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include 30-Minutes Chili with Ground Beef and Beans and Easy Homemade Meatloaf. Enjoy!
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
FABULOUS VEGAN FUDGE CAKE WITH BITTERSWEET ICING
This recipe, from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66, begins, “'I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,' says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. 'I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.'” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour
1-2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.
Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
from the September 2012 issue, p.66
nutritional information
Per Slice:
Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well.
Form into a loaf.
Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.
Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
PUFF PUFF
This is from Yewande Komolafe in the The New York Times cooking email. Yewande wrote, “The genius of puff puff is in the simplicity of the dough: A nutmeg-spiked batter, a bit of patience for the yeast to rise and time to fry up the balls will result in the most delightful little puffs. If the batter seems wet, you are on the right track. The consistency should be similar to a yeasted pancake or waffle batter. Tossing the fried dough in spiced sugar is optional, but recommended: The added layer creates an irresistible crunch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 32 puffs); Time: 30 minutes, plus rising
This was featured in “Yewande Komolafe’s 10 Essential Nigerian Recipes” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020287-puff-puff.
Ingredients
For the Puff Puff:
1 1/2 cups warm water or whole milk (110 degrees)
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 to 4 cups canola oil or other neutral oil, for frying
For the Spiced Sugar:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Combine, stirring with a wooden spoon, to incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth batter. The batter should be wet and slightly loose, similar to a yeasted waffle batter.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel, and allow dough to double in size, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the spiced sugar: In a medium bowl, toss the sugar, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to combine; set aside.
Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Once the batter has doubled in size, heat the oil over medium-high to 350 degrees. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Fry the puff puff, turning frequently until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per batch. (Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the exteriors will become overly dark before the interiors are cooked through.) Move the puff puff to the rack or paper towels to drain and repeat the process until all the batter has been fried.
Toss the puff puff in the spiced sugar to coat while still warm. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Email List Recipes - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post has a common link running through it: all of these recipes came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Let's face it: most of us who've had emails for any length of time manage to collect emails from a variety of places – family, friends, businesses, as well as long-since-forgotten lists. These recipes are from lists that I no longer remember, but are still worth posting, including Low Fat Banana Orange Bread and Vegetable Manicotti. Enjoy!
BEST EVER NO FAT BANANA BREAD
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 16; Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg substitutes
1/4 cup water or soymilk
1 2/3 cups flour of choice (I use whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
cinnamon to taste (I use several shakes worth)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees & spray a 9 inch square pan with non-stick cooking spray. If using a standard loaf pan, increase heat to 350.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together first five ingredients until well incorporated.
In a medium bowl, mix the remaining ingredients.
Dump flour mixture into the wet and stir just until uniformly moist. DO NOT OVERMIX! Depending on the type of flour you use, you may need to add a little extra water or soymilk to reach the right consistency. The dough should be somewhere in between pancake batter and cookie dough.
Dump into prepared pan and give it a couple shakes to distribute the batter.
Place on the middle oven rack and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. (If using a standard loaf pan, increase baking time.) Check the bread at around 30 minutes. It is done when just starting to brown around the edges and still a little moist looking in the middle. Allow to cool ten minutes before cutting into squares or slices.
The recipe ends with, “Cover and hide the bread so no one else eats it!!”
LOW FAT BANANA ORANGE BREAD
This also came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
2/3 c. shortening (Promise butter)
1 c. sugar
4 eggs (substitute Egg Beaters, 1 lg. carton)
2 1/2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. mashed ripe bananas
1 c. orange juice
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 tbsp. grated orange peel
Directions
Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs; beat well. Sift dry ingredients, add to creamed mixture alternating with mashed banana and orange juice; blend well. Add orange peel. Stir in nuts. Pour into 2 well greased loaf pans, 9"x5"x3". Bake 45 to 50 minutes until done. Remove. Cool on rack. Wrap. Freeze one. Yield: 2 loaves.
MINI APPLE PIES
Another recipe from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. The notes on here are from the original author.
Ingredients
4 ramekins (small glazed ceramic serving bowls)
2 large tart-sweet apples (I use ones that are half green half red)
2 Tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch or 1 Tablespoons flour
1-2 Tablespoons vegan margarine (I use Earth Balance)
2 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
apple pie spice
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 Tablespoons flour
raw sugar
The ingredient amounts are approximations, I just guess as I go!
Directions
Cut apples into 1/2 " dice and place into a bowl. Add 2 Tablespoons arrowroot, a few big shakes of pie spice and the liquid sweetener. Mix until evenly coated and pack down into ramekins leaving 1/2" from top.
In a bowl mix oats and margarine until combined add flour. Mixture should look like crumbly oats, if too dry add more margarine.
Distribute between ramekins, lightly packing on top, sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. The top will give when pressed, & you will see bubbling.
GLAZED BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 12 lb. ham
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard
1/4 cup pineapple juice
6 slices fresh or canned pineapple
6 maraschino cherries
Place ham, fat side up on rack in open roasting pan. Bake in 350*F oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Combine sugar, mustard & pineapple juice. Remove ham from oven 45 minutes prior to completed baking time. Pour off excess fat. Spread 1/3 of the glaze on fat side. Arrange pineapple slices & cherries on the glaze, pressing firmly. Return to oven & baste with remaining glaze at 15 minute intervals.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This recipe begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
Another one from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
7 cups halved and thinly-sliced onions
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/3 cup dry sherry
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 French bread loaf, cut 1/2" thick slices
10 ounces shredded Jarlsberg or Gruyere cheese
Directions
In large, heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil over medium heat. Stir in onions, sugar, & salt. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Reduce heat, cover & cook 10 minutes. Remove lid & cook 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized & very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in flour & cook 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in broth, sherry, thyme, salt to taste & pepper. Cover & simmer 15 minutes, adding more salt if needed. Preheat broiler. Lightly toast bread slices. Ladle soup into 6 ovenproof bowls or crocks & arrange on baking sheet. Put enough bread on top of each serving, cutting & fitting if necessary to cover soup. Sprinkle bread with shredded cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly & golden. Serve hot. Serves 8.
Let's face it: most of us who've had emails for any length of time manage to collect emails from a variety of places – family, friends, businesses, as well as long-since-forgotten lists. These recipes are from lists that I no longer remember, but are still worth posting, including Low Fat Banana Orange Bread and Vegetable Manicotti. Enjoy!
BEST EVER NO FAT BANANA BREAD
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 16; Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg substitutes
1/4 cup water or soymilk
1 2/3 cups flour of choice (I use whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
cinnamon to taste (I use several shakes worth)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees & spray a 9 inch square pan with non-stick cooking spray. If using a standard loaf pan, increase heat to 350.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together first five ingredients until well incorporated.
In a medium bowl, mix the remaining ingredients.
Dump flour mixture into the wet and stir just until uniformly moist. DO NOT OVERMIX! Depending on the type of flour you use, you may need to add a little extra water or soymilk to reach the right consistency. The dough should be somewhere in between pancake batter and cookie dough.
Dump into prepared pan and give it a couple shakes to distribute the batter.
Place on the middle oven rack and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. (If using a standard loaf pan, increase baking time.) Check the bread at around 30 minutes. It is done when just starting to brown around the edges and still a little moist looking in the middle. Allow to cool ten minutes before cutting into squares or slices.
The recipe ends with, “Cover and hide the bread so no one else eats it!!”
LOW FAT BANANA ORANGE BREAD
This also came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
2/3 c. shortening (Promise butter)
1 c. sugar
4 eggs (substitute Egg Beaters, 1 lg. carton)
2 1/2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. mashed ripe bananas
1 c. orange juice
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 tbsp. grated orange peel
Directions
Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs; beat well. Sift dry ingredients, add to creamed mixture alternating with mashed banana and orange juice; blend well. Add orange peel. Stir in nuts. Pour into 2 well greased loaf pans, 9"x5"x3". Bake 45 to 50 minutes until done. Remove. Cool on rack. Wrap. Freeze one. Yield: 2 loaves.
MINI APPLE PIES
Another recipe from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. The notes on here are from the original author.
Ingredients
4 ramekins (small glazed ceramic serving bowls)
2 large tart-sweet apples (I use ones that are half green half red)
2 Tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch or 1 Tablespoons flour
1-2 Tablespoons vegan margarine (I use Earth Balance)
2 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
apple pie spice
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 Tablespoons flour
raw sugar
The ingredient amounts are approximations, I just guess as I go!
Directions
Cut apples into 1/2 " dice and place into a bowl. Add 2 Tablespoons arrowroot, a few big shakes of pie spice and the liquid sweetener. Mix until evenly coated and pack down into ramekins leaving 1/2" from top.
In a bowl mix oats and margarine until combined add flour. Mixture should look like crumbly oats, if too dry add more margarine.
Distribute between ramekins, lightly packing on top, sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. The top will give when pressed, & you will see bubbling.
GLAZED BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 12 lb. ham
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard
1/4 cup pineapple juice
6 slices fresh or canned pineapple
6 maraschino cherries
Place ham, fat side up on rack in open roasting pan. Bake in 350*F oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Combine sugar, mustard & pineapple juice. Remove ham from oven 45 minutes prior to completed baking time. Pour off excess fat. Spread 1/3 of the glaze on fat side. Arrange pineapple slices & cherries on the glaze, pressing firmly. Return to oven & baste with remaining glaze at 15 minute intervals.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This recipe begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
Another one from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
7 cups halved and thinly-sliced onions
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/3 cup dry sherry
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 French bread loaf, cut 1/2" thick slices
10 ounces shredded Jarlsberg or Gruyere cheese
Directions
In large, heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil over medium heat. Stir in onions, sugar, & salt. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Reduce heat, cover & cook 10 minutes. Remove lid & cook 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized & very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in flour & cook 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in broth, sherry, thyme, salt to taste & pepper. Cover & simmer 15 minutes, adding more salt if needed. Preheat broiler. Lightly toast bread slices. Ladle soup into 6 ovenproof bowls or crocks & arrange on baking sheet. Put enough bread on top of each serving, cutting & fitting if necessary to cover soup. Sprinkle bread with shredded cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly & golden. Serve hot. Serves 8.
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Emailing Lists - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because not everyone loves tacos). Today's double post deals with emailing list recipes. These were from a variety of people on different emailing lists that I subscribed to years ago, and am no longer on. But the recipes were good, so I hung onto them. None of them are my creatiion, but were on those lists. Check out the Cola Baked Ham, the Mississippi Mud Pie, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!
GLAZED BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 12 lb. ham
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard
1/4 cup pineapple juice
6 slices fresh or canned pineapple
6 maraschino cherries
Place ham, fat side up on rack in open roasting pan. Bake in 350*F oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Combine sugar, mustard & pineapple juice. Remove ham from oven 45 minutes prior to completed baking time. Pour off excess fat. Spread 1/3 of the glaze on fat side. Arrange pineapple slices & cherries on the glaze, pressing firmly. Return to oven & baste with remaining glaze at 15 minute intervals.
COLA BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
1/2 uncooked ham (5-6 lb.)
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. Coca Cola
1 c. crushed pineapple (optional)
Directions
Wash ham thoroughly. Rub fat side with brown sugar. Pour Coca Cola over ham. Pour crushed pineapple over ham. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 3 hours.
BAKED HAM WITH HONEY GLAZE
This recipe makes 18 to 20 servings.
Ingredients
10 to 12 lb. fully cooked bone in ham
Whole cloves
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 Tbsp. orange juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thickest part. Bake, uncovered, 2 hours.
With sharp knife, remove skin, if any; then score fat into 1 inch diamonds; stud each with a clove.
Combine honey, sugar, mustard and orange juice in 1 quart saucepan. Over medium heat bring to a boil while stirring. Brush half of honey glaze over ham; bake 30 minutes. Brush with rest of glaze; bake 30 minutes until golden and thermometer reads 130 degrees. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This recipe begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE
One last one from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 prepared 9-inch chocolate crumb pie crust
1 cup Powdered sugar
1 cup (6 oz.) NESTLÉ ® TOLL HOUSE ® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, cut up
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped nuts, divided (optional)
2 pints coffee ice cream, softened slightly, divided
1 garnish of whipped cream (optional)
Directions
Heat sugar, morsels, butter, cream & corn syrup in small, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted & mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Cool until slightly warm.
Drizzle 1/3 cup chocolate sauce in bottom of crust; sprinkle with 1/4 cup nuts. Layer 1 pint ice cream, scooping thin slices with a large spoon; freeze for 1 hour. Repeat with 1/3 cup sauce, 1/4 cup nuts and remaining ice cream. Drizzle with remaining sauce; top with remaining nuts. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm. Top with whipped cream before serving.
GLAZED BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 12 lb. ham
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon mustard
1/4 cup pineapple juice
6 slices fresh or canned pineapple
6 maraschino cherries
Place ham, fat side up on rack in open roasting pan. Bake in 350*F oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Combine sugar, mustard & pineapple juice. Remove ham from oven 45 minutes prior to completed baking time. Pour off excess fat. Spread 1/3 of the glaze on fat side. Arrange pineapple slices & cherries on the glaze, pressing firmly. Return to oven & baste with remaining glaze at 15 minute intervals.
COLA BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
1/2 uncooked ham (5-6 lb.)
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. Coca Cola
1 c. crushed pineapple (optional)
Directions
Wash ham thoroughly. Rub fat side with brown sugar. Pour Coca Cola over ham. Pour crushed pineapple over ham. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 3 hours.
BAKED HAM WITH HONEY GLAZE
This recipe makes 18 to 20 servings.
Ingredients
10 to 12 lb. fully cooked bone in ham
Whole cloves
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 Tbsp. orange juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thickest part. Bake, uncovered, 2 hours.
With sharp knife, remove skin, if any; then score fat into 1 inch diamonds; stud each with a clove.
Combine honey, sugar, mustard and orange juice in 1 quart saucepan. Over medium heat bring to a boil while stirring. Brush half of honey glaze over ham; bake 30 minutes. Brush with rest of glaze; bake 30 minutes until golden and thermometer reads 130 degrees. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
VEGETABLE MANICOTTI
This recipe begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 cups plain yogurt cheese
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 manicotti shells, cooked
1 32oz jar tomato sauce
Directions
Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE
One last one from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 prepared 9-inch chocolate crumb pie crust
1 cup Powdered sugar
1 cup (6 oz.) NESTLÉ ® TOLL HOUSE ® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, cut up
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped nuts, divided (optional)
2 pints coffee ice cream, softened slightly, divided
1 garnish of whipped cream (optional)
Directions
Heat sugar, morsels, butter, cream & corn syrup in small, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted & mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Cool until slightly warm.
Drizzle 1/3 cup chocolate sauce in bottom of crust; sprinkle with 1/4 cup nuts. Layer 1 pint ice cream, scooping thin slices with a large spoon; freeze for 1 hour. Repeat with 1/3 cup sauce, 1/4 cup nuts and remaining ice cream. Drizzle with remaining sauce; top with remaining nuts. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm. Top with whipped cream before serving.
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