Confessions of a Foodie

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Diabetic Thursday

Today is Thursday, which means it's Diabetic Thursday - time for posting diabetic-safe food. Here are six diabetic recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

ICED MOCHA SHERBET

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/576.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups evaporated non-fat milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons carob powder

1 tablespoon crystalline fructose

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1 tablespoon part-skim ricotta cheese

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in blender and turn into metal trays.

Place in freezer and stir with fork from time to time to break up ice crystals.

When ready to serve, process again so the sherbet is soft.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 12; Protein: 8g; Sodium: 117mg; Cholesterol: 5mg; Fat: 0.5g; Carbohydrates: 22g

CREAM OF POTATO SOUP

Yield: 6 servings

Source: "Cooking with the Diabetic Chef" by Chris Smith

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/23.shtml

Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 quart chicken stock

1 pound potatoes, peeled and quartered

1/2 teaspoon marjoram

1 cup low-fat (1%) milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

4 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the chicken stock, potatoes, marjoram, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cover to cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth. Whisk in the milk until the mixture is then enough. Add the salt and pepper and mix well. Serve with 1 tablespoon of parsley overtop of each bowl.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (About 1 cup): Calories: 121, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 6 mg, Sodium: 296 mg, Carbohydrate: 19 g, Protein: 5 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1/2 Fat

QUICK MINESTRONE

Servings: 8

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/244.shtml

Source: Deliciously Healthy Favorite Foods Cookbook

Ingredients

1/4 pound lean ham, cut into small pieces

1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed onion soup

2 cups canned tomatoes (with juice), cut into pieces

1/2 cup each: diced carrot and celery

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon each: dried thyme leaves, marjoram, basil and pepper

5 cups water

1 cup broken uncooked spaghetti

1 can (15 oz.) cannellini, navy or other white beans, undrained

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large soup pot, combine ham, soup, tomatoes, carrot, celery, zucchini, garlic, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, basil, pepper and water. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.

Add spaghetti and beans with liquid and cook 30 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 122; Protein: 8.9 g; Fat: 2.4 g; Sodium: 871 mg; Cholesterol: 6.1 mg; Carbohydrates: 17.2 g; Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 1 Bread/Starch

PINEAPPLE CAKE

Yield: 18 servings

Source: The Diabetic Four Ingredient Cookbook

View online:http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/538.shtml

Ingredients

5 egg whites

1 can (20 oz. ) water packed pineapple (crushed, drained)

1 yellow reduced fat cake mix

1 tablespoon sugar or equivalent alternative sweetener

Directions

Beat egg whites with electric mixer until foamy. Add drained pineapple then cake mix.

Spread mix in a floured 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Sprinkle with sugar or sweetener.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 71; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 100 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch

SIMPLE CHICKEN MOLE

In a Mexican mole sauce, the chocolate isn't even sweetened. Sliced red peppers, sauteed onions and grated carrots are delicious accompaniments for this chicken with chocolatey sauce.

Makes 4 servings.

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/686.shtmlIngredients

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 3 oz. each

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 clove minced garlic

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground coriander

1-1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. chipotle or regular chili powder

1/4 cup no-sodium diced tomatoes with juice

2 Tbsp. sliced almonds, toasted for 3-4 minutes

2 Tbsp. raisins

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed

Salt, to taste

2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

In large skillet, heat tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken to pan and saute, turning once, until cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil and place in oven to keep warm.

Add remaining oil to pan. Add onion to skillet and saute for 3 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add cumin, coriander, cocoa powder and chili powder, stirring to coat onions well. Add tomatoes, almonds, raisins, broth and salt. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Transfer to blender and puree until smooth, adding more chicken broth if needed, for desired consistency. Place chicken on serving dish and pour sauce over top. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 280 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g

EGGPLANT AND TOMATO CASSEROLE

Yield: 8 servings

Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details.22.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/310.shtml

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

1/3 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 eggs

3 medium tomatoes, sliced

1/4 cup grated fat-free Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook eggplant in 2 inches simmering water in covered medium saucepan until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well. Mash eggplant with fork; mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, basil, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.

Spoon eggplant mixture into 11x7-inch baking dish. Arrange tomatoes in rows over eggplant; sprinkle with cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F. until hot through, about 20 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 5.1g; Sodium: 245mg; Cholesterol: 53.3mg; Fat: 1.9g; Carbohydrates: 16.9g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Wednesday Recipes

We're now half-way through the week, and more than half-way through January. Wasn't the beginning of the holiday season just last week? It seems that way. Today would have been one of my grandmother's birthday. I still remember her saying how she hated blinking, since every time she did, another month had flown by. I think most of us can relate.

In honor of my grandmother's birthday, the first five recipes are from my grandmother and come from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.

OVEN POT ROAST

This is from my Grandma Hallock. She added, "I sometimes add soy sauce to thicken & for color. This is an easy meal."

4 lbs. chuck beef (boneless)

1/3 C flour

1/4 C oil

2 C carrots, cut up

2 C onions, sliced

2 C celery, cut up

1 C tomatoes (opt.) or 1 small can tomato paste

1 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 can mushroom soup (optional)

Wash & flour meat. Brown in fat on stove top (all sides of meat). Put in large casserole or Dutch oven. Cook at 400 degrees for 3 1/2 - 4 hours. Put vegetables around. Last 1/2 hour, add soup. Add 1 T cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 C water to thicken gravy (if necessary). Serves 6.

BEEF ROLLS

Another one of Grandma Hallock’s recipes. She wrote, "Made these a lot when we were young. Kids loved them. Used flank steak." She also sent a recipe for Baked Butter Carrots which, she also wrote, are "good with Beef Rolls."

1 1/2 lbs. flank steak, sliced thin

1 egg

1 tsp. salt

1/2 C boiling water

1/2 tsp. onion flakes

2 tsp. lemon juice

3/4 C bread crumbs

3/4 tsp. poultry seasoning

flour

1/8 tsp. pepper

butter for browning

Wash meat, trim fat. Cut into 6 slices, making them as square as possible. Beat egg. Add crumbs & seasonings. Place in center of pieces of meat, then pin 4 corners of meat with toothpick or tie with string. Flour them, then brown in butter. Add 2 T flour to thicken sauce around meat. Put in casserole. Pour boiling water over it. Cover & bake in oven at 275 degrees for 3 hours or 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Serves 6.

BAKED BUTTER CARROTS

Also from my Grandma, who was a fantastic cook. She wrote, “Good with Veal Birds (Beef Rolls).” Eat & enjoy!

2 1/2 lbs. carrots

1 T salt

2 T oleo or butter

1 1/2 tsp. sugar

dash of pepper

2 tsp. lemon juice

Peel carrots. Cut into lengthwise slices. Put them & rest of ingredients into casserole. Cover & bake at 275 degrees for 3 hours. Uncover & brown on top for 15 minutes. Serves 6.

GRANDMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

This and the next recipe (Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies) are from my Grandma Hallock (my mom's mom). They can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.





1/2 C butter

1 1/4 C flour

1/2 C peanut butter

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 C sugar

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 egg, well beaten

1/4 tsp. salt

Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES

Cookies were one of Grandma Hallock's specialties. Both of her cookie recipes included here were extremely popular.



1 C flour

1 C butter or margarine

1 C brown sugar

1/4 C boiling water

3 C quick cooking oatmeal

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

FRENCH GREEN BEANS AND SHALLOTS

This is the only recipe not from my grandmother, though I suspect she would have approved of this. It comes from Jacques Pepin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Jacques wrote, “These are perfect green beans: simple flavors combined into an elegant dish that goes with almost anything. Mr. Pepin suggests a roast chicken, but they would pair equally well with a celebratory roast.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 21 minutes.

This was featured in “The Chicken Dinner, Both Humble and Noble” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

4 cups water

1 pound very small, firm green beans, cleaned

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation

Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.

At serving time, heat the butter in a skillet, add the shallots and saute for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown.

Add the beans, salt and pepper, and saute briefly. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with the chicken.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Taco Tuesday

It seems like I've been hearing a lot about Taco Tuesday the past few months. I started posting Taco Tuesday recipes on my vegetarian blog for a while now, and have had quite a few hits for the taco recipes. So I figured...Why not have Taco Tuesday here?

Why not, indeed? Today is the first time I'll be posting Taco Tuesday here. Let me know what you think. (Yes, I really do want to know!!!) Taco Tuesday, yes? No? Maybe? Or how about, Well, let me think about it and see what you post!?

All that said, here are today's six taco recipes for you to try. Enjoy!

CHICKEN CHILI TACOS

This is from the TODAY Show Recipes e-newsletter. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)

2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted

2 cloves garlic. minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)

Preparation

Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)

Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.

Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.

JAMAICAN CURRIED TEMPEH TACOS

This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The yellow curry filling, mustard greens, and red pepper strips lend these spicy tacos the colors of the tropics.” Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. peanut oil

1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, diced (1 cup)

1 8-oz. pkg. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

2 Tbs. chopped cilantro

2 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 Tbs. lime juice

1 tsp. grated lime zest

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup curly mustard greens, finely chopped

2 Tbs. chopped peanuts, optional

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened. Stir in tempeh, pineapple juice, cilantro, curry powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes, or until pineapple juice evaporates and tempeh starts to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.

Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture. Add red bell pepper and mustard greens. Top with peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 313 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g

STIR-FRY VEGETABLE TACOS

This one also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Spice up these tacos with sliced pickled ginger, crushed wasabi peas, and sriracha chile sauce, for garnish." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

3 Tbs. peanut oil

2 cups shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced (6 oz.)

1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 cup frozen shelled edamame

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

3 Tbs. white miso

2 Tbs. orange juice

2 tsp. rice vinegar

2 cups broccoli slaw

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

2 Tbs. sliced green onions

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms, sugar snap peas, edamame, and cayenne pepper; cook 7 to 9 minutes, or until vegetables start to turn golden, stirring occasionally. Transfer to bowl, and cool 10 minutes in refrigerator.

Meanwhile, whisk together miso, orange juice, and rice vinegar in small bowl. Drizzle over mushroom mixture. Stir in broccoli slaw. Fill tortillas with vegetable mixture, and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 272; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 35 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 386 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g

BUFFALO TURKEY TACOS

Makes 8 servings

Source: Jennie-O

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1341.shtml

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package JENNIE-O Lean Ground Turkey

1/3 cup hot pepper wing sauce

8 hard corn taco shells, heated as specified on package

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing

Directions

Cook turkey as specified on package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Add hot pepper sauce. Stir to combine.

Fill tacos shells with lettuce, turkey mixture, tomatoes and avocado.

Drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 260 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

CHICKEN TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE

This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “For good tacos, you need fresh, hot tortillas and a zesty filling. Canned chipotle chiles will do the trick with their smoky heat; it's an easy way to get flavor fast. Look for small cans with “chipotle chiles in adobo” on the label. And Mexican groceries generally have better-quality tortillas than the ones you find in supermarkets; it's worth seeking those out and heating them gently over steam, or by toasting them in a dry cast-iron pan. You can also use this recipe with precooked chicken, which makes this already quite simple recipe as easy as falling out of bed.”

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “Chichen Tacos Let You Think Fast” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

4 large bone-in chicken thighs, about 1 1/2 pounds

3 scallions, left whole

1 bay leaf

1 thyme branch

3 black peppercorns

1 allspice berry

2 cloves

Kosher salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 or 3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped

3 tablespoons adobo sauce, from the can

1/2 cup broth (use broth from simmered chicken)

8 fresh corn tortillas

For Garnish:

1 small white onion, finely chopped, soaked in ice water for 10 minutes and drained

Thinly sliced serrano chile

Thinly sliced radishes

Sliced avocado

Crumbled queso fresco or mild feta cheese

Crème fraîche or Mexican crema

Cilantro sprigs

Dried oregano

Lime wedges

Preparation

Put chicken thighs in a saucepan and cover with 3 cups water. Add scallions, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns, allspice, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove chicken and cool. Shred chicken with your fingers, discarding chicken skin and bone. Strain broth and reserve. You should have about 2 cups shredded chicken.

Put olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, season with salt and cook until softened and a bit browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute more. Add chopped chipotle chile and adobo sauce and stir to combine. Add shredded chicken, salt lightly and stir to coat. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes, until sauce has thickened somewhat. Keep warm.

Heat the tortillas over steam or by your favorite method, keeping them soft and pliable.

Build the tacos quickly: Put a spoonful of the saucy chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top with a teaspoon of chopped white onion, a few slivers of serrano chile, some radish and avocado slices, a teaspoon of queso fresco and a teaspoon of crème fraîche. Add a few cilantro springs and a small pinch of oregano. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS

This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, diced

1 tsp. chili powder

1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks

1 tsp. ground cumin

8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed

Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.

PER SERVING: protein: 8 g; fat: 17 g; carbohydrate: 42 g; fiber: 10 g; sodium: 261 mg; cholesterol: 0 mg; calories: 334.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Meatless Monday

It's Monday, which, of course, translates into Meatless Monday, at least here. That said, here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

ALMOND CAKE

This comes from Mark Bittman and Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “This moist and fragrant cake from Molly Wizenberg, the author of the popular food blog Orangette, calls for a whole orange and lemon, almonds and olive oil. It does require a little effort and the use of some equipment – a food processor and a mixer – but the ingredient list is short, and once you've boiled and puréed the citrus and ground the almonds, the whole thing comes together in a snap. It's excellent on its own, but we also like it with poached pears or grilled figs.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

This was featured in “Feast In A Day” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 small to medium orange

1 lemon

6 ounces raw almonds

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

2/3 cup olive oil

Confectioners’ sugar

Preparation

Place the orange and the lemon in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and cool.

Heat the oven to 325 degrees, and set a rack in the middle position. Bake the almonds 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. When the almonds are cool, pulse them in a food processor until ground.

Set oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

When the citrus is cool, cut the lemon in half, and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut the orange in half, and discard seeds. Put the fruits in the food processor and process almost to a paste.

In a small bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Combine eggs and salt. Beat until foamy. Beat in the sugar. Fold in the flour mixture. Add the citrus, almonds and olive oil, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Pour the batter into the pan, and bake for about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes, unmold and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

BASIC CORN CHOWDER

This comes from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, “This is chowder at its simplest: corn, onion, potatoes and milk, with a couple of chopped tomatoes and a handful of parsley to add flavor and color. Starting with bacon and finishing with cream makes a richer version of the dish. But you could easily expand its borders by adding curry powder and ginger, sour cream and cilantro. Or when the potato is replaced by rice and the cream with coconut milk, Southeast Asian seasonings can be added to make a chowder that has little in common with the original, save for its intense corn flavor.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

This was featured in “Don't Toss Out the Cobs” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

4 to 6 ears of corn

1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped (optional)

1 cup whole or low-fat milk

1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Preparation

Shuck corn, and use a paring knife to strip kernels into a bowl. Put cobs in a pot with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer while you continue.

Put butter or oil in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium-high. When butter melts or oil is hot, add onion and potatoes, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another minute or two.

After corncobs have cooked at least 10 minutes, strain liquid into onion-potato mixture; bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. When potatoes are tender, add corn kernels and milk, and heat through. Taste, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley, and serve.

Tip

Curried corn chowder: In Step 2, use oil, and add 1 tablespoon each curry powder and peeled and minced ginger to the onions. In Step 3, use sour cream in place of milk; garnish with cilantro in place of parsley.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

Yield: 8 servings

Serving Size: 3 strawberries

Source: California Strawberry Commission

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/754.shtml

Ingredients

2 pint baskets California strawberries

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios (optional)

Directions

Line large baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse strawberries and pat dry with paper towels.

In separate small, microwave-safe bowls (such as custard cups) melt chocolates, one at a time, in microwave at 50-percent (medium) power, allowing 1-1/2 to 2 minutes each. Stir until smooth. (If not completely melted, microwave a few seconds longer.) Or, melt chocolate as package directs.

Holding strawberry by stem end, dip into chocolate to cover about three-fourths of berry; dip into nuts, if desired, and lay on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries, chocolate and nuts.

Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

For Double- and Triple- Dipped Strawberries:

After first coating of chocolate is set, dip into contrasting chocolate, leaving part of the first chocolate exposed. Repeat with third chocolate, if you wish, allowing each layer to set between dips.

To Drizzle Strawberries with Chocolate:

Microwave chocolate in small plastic bag until melted; squeeze into one corner of bag. Lay strawberries close together on baking sheet. With scissors, cut a small hole in corner of bag, and move back and forth over strawberries, squeezing bag gently. Or, drizzle contrasting chocolate over strawberries that have been dipped. Refrigerate until set.

NOTES: Microwave melting times vary with amount of chocolate and wattage of your oven. Chocolate amounts are approximate; amount needed depends on size of strawberries, and whether or not they are single, double, triple-dipped or drizzled.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 59 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

Another of my inventions. Fresh strawberries are okay, but frozen ones give this a nice chill on a hot day. This and the Eastern Sunrise Smoothie can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.

1 C orange juice

1/2 C yogurt

6-8 strawberries

1 T wheat germ

1 banana

Blend. Serves 1.

EASTERN SUNRISE SMOOTHIE

The fruits used are from the eastern U.S.: orange juice and strawberries from Florida, cranberries from Massachusetts. Top that off with a beautiful pink color. It’s a yummy way to start the morning.

1 C orange juice

1/2 C yogurt

4-6 frozen strawberries

1 T wheat germ

1/2 C frozen cranberries

Blend juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ & blend about 15 seconds more.

PASTA WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND SUMMER HERBS

This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “The easiest summer dinner known to man, pasta con salsa crudo, is a one-bowl, infinitely variable riot of seasonal flavors. It can be made with fancy Italian tuna and local heirloom tomatoes for foodies, or with supermarket mozzarella and tomatoes for children, or with excellent olives and extra pine nuts for vegetarians. It puts you in the kitchen for about a half-hour at the tail end of lunchtime. After that, all there is to do is cook the pasta, and serve with or without crusty bread, boiled corn, sliced tomatoes, or a nice, simple green salad.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

This was featured in “The House, the Food and Issues in Between” and can also be viewed online here.

Ingredients

About 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered if small, diced if large

Salt

2 cans olive oil-packed tuna or 1 pound mozzarella cheese, diced (optional)

2/3 cup pitted oil-cured black olives, halved, or 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped, or 3 tablespoons capers (optional)

2/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, scallion tops, or a combination), more for garnish

Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

About 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

2 pounds short pasta, like fusilli, farfalle or penne

Hot red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Preparation

Up to 4 hours before serving, put tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle all over with salt. Set aside for 30 minutes, then drain off liquid.

Add tuna and its oil, olives or capers, if using. Add herbs and zest. Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and stir gently, flaking tuna into pieces. Cover and set aside at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water. Drain very well. Combine tomatoes and pasta well, then taste and add more oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using, and chopped herbs. Serve immediately.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Friday Recipes

It's Friday of a three-day weekend. (Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.) And while many people have the day off, I'll be posting here.

By the way, next week there'll be a slight change in this blog. Mondays will still be Meatless Monday, and I'll still be posting diabetic recipes on Thursdays. But on Tuesdays...I'll be posting Taco Tuesday recipes. It's been fairly well received on my vegetarian blog, so I figured I'd try it here. We'll see how well it goes.

And now, for today's six recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!

LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE

This yummy cake is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking email. Melissa wrote, “This light and moist lemon poundcake has a crunchy sugar glaze that crystallizes on top, giving a contrasting texture to the soft crumb underneath. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cake that’s excellent on its own but takes well to embellishments. A scoop of ice cream or sorbet, fruit compote and-or lemon curd are all wonderful alongside.” Yield: 24 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus cooling.

This was featured in “’The Great British Bake Off’ Changes the Way the British Bake” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened, more for greasing pan

2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

5 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Finely grated zest and juice of 2 1/2 lemons

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1/4 cup whole milk

Preparation

Heat oven to 325 degrees and place a rack in the center. Grease a 9-by-12-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing a 2-inch overhang on the long sides.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and lemon zest.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together butter and half of the sugar (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, then beat in milk, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary (mixture will look curdled, and that’s O.K.). Mix in flour mixture until combined, then scrape into prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.

Bake until golden brown and springy, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then use the paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan; transfer to wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and carefully remove paper.

While cake bakes, in a small bowl mix together remaining half of the sugar (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) and enough lemon juice to make a runny mixture. While cake is still warm, spoon the sugar mixture evenly over the top. (The cake has to be cooled slightly to prevent topping from melting, but warm enough that it soaks into the cake, leaving a crunchy sugar coat on top.) Let cool, then cut into squares.

WILD MUSHROOM QUESADILLAS

Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always been a little leery about going out picking wild mushrooms. I wasn’t wild about mushrooms as a kid, but I’ve grown to just about like them. But wild mushrooms? Nah-ah, no thanks. I’ve heard too many horror stories…

That said, this comes from Kim Severson, also in The New York Times cooking email. Kim wrote, “You don't have to use wild mushrooms, of course, but if you can get chanterelles — oh man. It takes a bit of time at the stove, but when the quesadilla is done, you have a great handheld food that is, among other things, very kid friendly.” Phew! Thank you, Kim, for adding that disclaimer about not having to use wild mushrooms!!!

This recipe yields 8 servings (Time: 30 minutes) and was featured in “THE CHEF: TRACI DES JARDINS; Tortillas Let a Cook Come Home Again”. It can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound chanterelles, black trumpet or other wild mushrooms (or substitute oyster, crimini or clamshell mushrooms; do not use shiitake), roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup minced yellow onion

4 ounces grated Oaxaca or domestic Muenster cheese

4 ounces grated panela or aged mozzarella cheese

4 ounces grated cotija or Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch of ground coriander

8 8-inch flour or corn tortillas, preferably homemade (recipe follows)

Preparation

Place a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When oil shimmers, add mushrooms and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté until mushrooms release their liquid, liquid evaporates and mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes.

Add onions. Sauté, adjusting heat as necessary, until onions are soft and entire mixture is golden brown but not burned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Using a food processor or a knife, finely chop mushroom-onion mixture, then transfer to a large bowl. Add grated cheeses, cilantro, oregano and coriander. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place a large nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat, and add remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. While pan heats, place a large spoonful of mushroom-cheese mixture into center of a tortilla, and fold tortilla in half to make a half-moon. Place filled tortilla in preheated skillet and cook, turning once, until tortilla is nicely browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Repeat to make 8 filled tortillas. Serve immediately.

GRANDMA SALAZAR’S TORTILLAS

This also comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times cooking email. Kim wrote, “This recipe for flour tortillas came to The Times in 2005 from Traci Des Jardins, a San Francisco chef whose heritage is Cajun on one side and Mexican on the other, via her maternal grandmother, Angela Salazar. You’ll see ‘bacon drippings’ in the ingredients. These make for really delicious tortillas.” Makes 12 8-inch tortillas.

This was featured in “THE CHEF: TRACI DES JARDINS; Tortillas Let a Cook Come Home Again” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons bacon drippings, lard or vegetable shortening

Preparation

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add bacon drippings and mix by hand or with a pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. Slowly mix in 1 cup cold water. Add just enough additional water (about 1/3 cup) to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Divide dough into 12 balls of equal size. Place on a board or baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel; allow to rest for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll tortillas into 8-inch rounds. Place between sheets of waxed paper. At this point dough may be covered and refrigerated until cooking time, or used immediately.

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Remove tortillas from waxed paper and cook one at a time until puffy and slightly brown, about 30 seconds a side. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm until serving.

KFC’S COLESLAW

Okay, I admit it: I love KFC’s Coleslaw. When I drove cab for a living, I used to pick up some of their coleslaw probably once a week.

This copycat recipe comes from Recipe Lion; it was one of the recipes in their e-cookbook, titled “24 New Top Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes.” The site has quite a few free e-cookbooks to check out. Please feel free to do so!

This recipe begins, “KFC copycat recipes are always delicious, and this one is an all-time favorite. When you're preparing for your next picnic or potluck with friends, consider this easy coleslaw recipe. It's always a crowd pleaser any time it's served and it couldn't be any easier to make.”

Ingredients

8 1/8 cups cabbage

1/3 cup carrots, shredded

1 teaspoon onion, chopped fine

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/8 cup milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Core the cabbage, then shred using the slicing disk for the shredder attachment to the food processor.

Shred the carrot the same way or use pre-shredded carrots.

Mix together cabbage, carrot and onion.

In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice with a whisk until well combined.

Add the salt and pepper.

Add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in.

Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Mix thoroughly before serving.

WEIGHT WATCHERS SLOW-COOKER SOUP
This came in a Weight Watchers’ email several years ago, with a points value of 0. I have no idea what the points value would be now, nor do I have a link to it.

10 oz baby spinach leaves

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 medium celery ribs, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium garlic clove, minced

4 C vegetable broth

28 oz canned diced tomatoes

2 bay leaves

1 Tbsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed

Place all ingredients in slow cooker; cover & cook on high for 5 hours. Remove bay leaves, stir, & serve. Yields about 1 C/serving.

Note: If you need the soup fast, simply add prepped ingredients in a large pot on stovetop. Bring to boil & then reduce heat to low; simmer, partly covered, about 10 minutes.

GULLA SUPPER SOUP

This comes from the Margaret Holmes Tomatoes, Okra & Corn cans.

Years ago, my better-half had changed pharmacies to one in a local Publix. At the time, the Publix we normally went to didn't have a pharmacy (it does now), so we went to another one that had a pharmacy. Of course, since it was laid out a little differently, so we had to look around to find what we'd planned to buy.

It was while exploring this new (to us) Publix that I stumbled across cans of Margaret Holmes Tomatoes, Okra & Corn. I wasn't familiar with the Margaret Holmes brand, but the word “okra” jumped out at me. My better-half had spent most of his life in the south (as he liked to tell people, “It took me six months to crawl from Detroit to Florida.”), and absolutely loved okra, as well as many other southern foods that I'd never really tried.

So, of course, I had to pick up a couple of cans of this, as well as the other ingredients to make this. It soon became an absolute favorite in our house. We tended to double the recipe. Give this a try – if you're like us, you won't regret it!

2 cans Margaret Holmes Tomatoes, Okra and Corn

1/2 stick butter

1 medium onion, peeled & chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 C green cabbage, chopped

1/2 C green pepper, seeded & chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Big pinch fresh thyme

Big pinch chopped parsley

1/2 C cooked rice

Melt butter in medium saucepan, add onions, celery, cabbage & green pep-per. Cook for about 10 minutes over medium high heat until vegetables are softened. Add tomatoes & juice; cook for about 10 more minutes.

Stir in seasonings & cooked rice. Bring back to simmer & cook for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Diabetic Thursday

It's Thursday, which means it's Diabetic Thursday. Here are today's six diabetic recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

ASPARAGUS AND EDAMAME SALAD

This quick and easy Asparagus and Edamame Salad, features fresh vegetables tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Makes 8 servings

Source: Jennie-O

View online with photo and print version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1334.shtml

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

8 cups green leaf lettuce leaves, torn

1 cup sliced radishes

1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn

1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

Directions

Bring medium saucepan of salted water to a boil.

Add asparagus and cook 1 minute or until crisp tender.

Immediately plunge in ice water; drain completely.

In large bowl, toss together lettuce leaves, asparagus, radishes, fennel, edamame, mint and egg.

In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and sugar.

Drizzle desired amount over salad and toss.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 160 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

TOMATO AND MINT TABBOULEH

Yield: 12 side-dish servings

Source: The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/695.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups bulgur wheat

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1-1/2 cups boiling water

1 pound ripe tomatoes (3 medium), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium cucumber (8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3 green onions, chopped

3/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

In medium bowl, combine bulgur, lemon juice, and boiling water, stirring to mix. Let stand until liquid has been absorbed, about 30 minutes.

To bulgur mixture, add tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley, mint, oil, salt, and pepper, stirring to mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors or up to 4 hours.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 157 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread

SQUASH MEDLEY

Yield: 8 servings

Source: Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/77.shtml

Print: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/758.shtml

Ingredients

8 (up to 8 ounces total) summer squash, each about 4-inch long, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Half a small sweet green pepper, chopped

1 chicken bouillon cube

1/4 cup hot water

4 slices bacon, fried and crumbled

1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs

Directions

Sprinkle squash with salt.

In slow cooker, layer half the squash, tomatoes, onions, and pepper. Repeat layers.

Dissolve bouillon in hot water. Pour into slow cooker.

Top with bacon. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top.

Cover. Cook on LOW 4-6 hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 47; Protein: 2 g; Sodium: 339 mg; Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat

VEGETABLE BOUNTY ROTINI

Makes 6 servings.

Source: Dreamfields Healthy Carb Pasta

Author: Jim Coleman

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/769.shtml

Ingredients

1 box uncooked Dreamfields Rotini

2 tablespoons olive oil

3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, button or baby portabella)

1 small onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 small to medium zucchini, cut lengthwise and then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

2 small to medium yellow squash, cut lengthwise and then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

4 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup crumbled creamy goat cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pan.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion and garlic. Cook about 5 minutes until mushrooms have released most of their liquid, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes; cook 2 minutes or until squash are crisp tender, stirring frequently.

Add wine to skillet. Continue cooking and stirring 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in goat cheese and basil. Add pasta; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 333; Protein: 12 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 73 mg; Cholesterol: 7 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 8 g; Carbohydrates 54g

MINI CHOCOLATE MINT CHEESECAKES

This recipe begins, “Serve a decadent cheesecake to each of your guests at your next dinner party. They'll be calling you the Host of the Year.” If you're like me, once you read through this, you'll definitely want to try this out!

Makes 24 servings

Source: Jennie-O

View online with photo and print version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1337.shtml

Ingredients

1/2 cup crushed gluten-free chocolate wafer cookies

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute

1/3 cup chocolate chips, melted

1/3 cup chopped crème de menthe mint candy wafers

1/3 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sweetened whipped cream

Directions

Heat oven to 325F.

In small bowl, combine crushed cookie crumbs and melted butter.

Press cookie crumb mixture into bottom of individual small tart dishes custard cups or mini muffin cups.

In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until blended.

Add egg. Blend in melted chocolate, chopped candy, sour cream and vanilla.

Pour evenly over crumbs.

Bake 20 minutes.

Cool. Refrigerate until serving.

Before serving, top with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 100; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 55 mg; Cholesterol: 25 mg; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g

MEXICAN TURKEY FRITTATA

This recipe begins, “This flavorful egg and turkey frittata recipe will wake up your taste buds.”

Makes 9 servings

Source: Jennie-O

View online with photo and print version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1339.shtml

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package JENNIE-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cups sliced small mushrooms

1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

3 cups egg substitute or 12 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 cup shredded low-fat Mexican blend cheese

1/3 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Heat oven to 350F.

Mist 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Sprinkle with cumin; stir to mix.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, green pepper, mushrooms and chipotle peppers.

Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are cooked.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and cilantro until well mixed.

Stir in turkey, cheese, mushroom mixture and green onions.

Spoon mixture into baking dish.



tional Information Per Serving: Calories: 170; Protein: 24 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Wednesday Recipes

Here we are, half-way through the second week of the new year. Here are six recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

VERTAMAE SMART-GROSVENOR’S ONION PIE

I don’t know about you, but the idea of an onion pie seems a little strange - and just interesting enough to try! This comes from Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor’s 1970 cookbook, “Vibration Cooking, or the Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl,” combined memoir and recipes in a new way, and introduced many readers to a brilliant new voice in American food culture. This onion-pie recipe is like many of her recipes, simple and deeply satisfying home cooking rooted in the South, but with a truly global point of view. If you want, you can toss a handful of cooked ham or grated cheese or fresh chopped herbs into the mix before putting it in the oven. It’s especially delicious chilled, the next day, when the flavors have mellowed and the custard has become creamy.” Yield: Serves 8; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “A Pie Made With Onions — and Good Vibes”, and can be found online here.

Ingredients

3 large onions, finely sliced

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons peanut oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons flour

3 eggs

3/4 cup cream

1 9-inch pie crust, blind-baked

Preparation

Sauté the onions in butter and peanut oil until they are tender and translucent. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the flour, and cook for just a few more minutes, then turn off the heat. Whisk the eggs with the cream, and mix well with the onions, then add the mixture to a partly blind-baked pie crust. Bake at 350 until the egg mixture is set, about 30 minutes.

THE $250 COOKIE RECIPE

This comes from Barbara Whitaker, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Barbara wrote, “Almost everybody has heard the one about the woman lunching at the Neiman Marcus Cafe in Dallas, who enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies so much that she asked for the recipe. For "only two-fifty," the waitress said, it was hers. But when the credit card bill arrived, the woman found the total near $300. Turns out the recipe cost $250, the story goes. In 1997, after years of enduring the myth, Neiman Marcus came up with a recipe – and gave it out for free. It's a delicious variation on chocolate chip cookies, using ground oatmeal, nuts and adding extra chocolate with a grated Hershey bar (you can use any brand you love).” Guess that the woman from Dallas probably gave the recipe out to everyone and anyone and that after it got around, there was little choice on N.M.’s side but to let it out for free. Moral? Don’t p.o. your customers!

Yield: About 55 cookies; Time: 45 minutes.

The recipe was featured in “The $250 Cookie Recipe Exposed”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 cup butter

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups oatmeal

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

12 ounces chocolate chips

1 4-ounce milk chocolate bar

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream together butter and both sugars. Stir in eggs and vanilla.

Finely grind oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Combine the oatmeal, flour, salt, baking powder and soda in a medium bowl, and slowly add it to the wet ingredients. Beat just until combined. Grate chocolate bar using a microplane grater and add it, along with chocolate chips and nuts to the batter. Mix just to combine.

Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.

SALTED MAPLE CHESS PIE

This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven’t signed up for her emails, I highly recommend doing it!

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Single layer Pie Crust*

4 eggs, room temperature

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup maple syrup

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter, cooled

2 tablespoons cornmeal

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Flakey sea salt (Like Maldon)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425F.

In a large bowl beat the eggs until fluffy and blended. Add in the cream, vanilla, maple syrup and brown sugar, mixing on medium high until smooth. Add butter, cornmeal and vinegar and mix everything until smooth and free of any clumps or streaks.

Roll your pie crust into a 11 inch circle and drape onto your pie plate. Crimp or flute the edges with a fork or your fingers.

Pour the filling into the pie shell. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes and then reduce the heat to 325F and bake for 40 minutes until the edges are set but the middle is still wobbly. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.

Allow to cool completely before serving, or chill and serve cold. Serve plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Notes

*If you'd like to add the braided crust like I did, I recommend making 1½ times the regular pie crust recipe. Having a little extra allows you to try a few times and use your favorite braid on the crust. To attach it, brush the edge of your crust with egg wash and then gently press it on. Then brush the whole this with the egg wash and chill for 20 minutes before baking.

**If you like a crisper crust on the bottom, I recommend par baking the crust before adding the filling. Fill with parchment and beans or pie weights and then bake for 10 minutes. Remove the parchment and then add your filling.

STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE

This comes from Smuckers. Makes 2 1/2 C or 20 servings (2 Tbs).

1 C Smucker’s sugar free strawberry preserves

1/4 C balsamic vinegar

1/4 C Dijon mustard

1/2 - 1 tsp ground pepper

1/2 C Olive Oil

1/2 C water

In a medium bowl, using a wire whisk, whip together the preserves, vinegar, mustard & pepper, until thoroughly emulsified. Gradually whisk in 1/2 C oil, then 1/2 C of water (more, if desired).

SWEET POTATO, CARAMELIZED ONION, AND APPLE CIDER SOUP

This yummy soup comes from Soup for Every Body by Joanna Pruess w/Lauren Braun via Publix’s GreenWise magazine (December 2005). 1 1/2 hours prep time (includes baking time); Serves 4-6

1 1/2 lb sweet potatoes (or yams)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil

2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced

2 C fresh apple cider

1 Tbsp unsulphured molasses plus 3 Tbsp water

2 C chicken or vegetable stock

salt and white pepper

2 Tbsp finely chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

1 Tbsp finely shredded fresh sage leaves

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, about 1 hour. Set aside to cool, then peel. While potatoes are baking, heat butter or oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and adjust head to medium. Sauté until golden brown and very tender, about 20-25 minutes, stirring often.

Transfer onions, sweet potatoes, and apple cider to food processor. Puree until smooth.

Return puree to pan and stir in molasses and water. Add stock to the puree and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into heated bowls. Sprinkle a small amount of chopped walnuts and shredded sage leaves in center of each bowl and serve.

Per serving: 326 calories; 4 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 7 g fiber; 9 g total fat (4 g sta., 2 g mono, 2 g poly); 346 mg sodium; Vitamin A, B6, Manganese, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), C, E, Pantothenic acid, Copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium

MEAT LOAF

This comes from Ina Garten fro, The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 45 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 25 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/meat-loaf-recipe.html?oc=linkback.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon good olive oil

3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)

1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)

2 extra-large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.