Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Today's double post deals with lasagna.
I absolutely love lasagna. Add that to the cooling temperatures of autumn (my favorite season), when a hearty, hot meal hits the spot, and it becomes instant hit.
Here are six yummy lasagna recipes to try out, including Traditional Lasagna and Hearty Lasagna. Enjoy!
SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
This is from Lauren Allen, whose site, Tastes Better From Scratch is one that you really, really should check out. Seriously. I’ll wait…
This yummy recipe makes 5 servings, and can be viewed on Lauren’s site here.
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (I use hot)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 large onion, chopped*
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp parsley
2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 (8 oz) package regular lasagna noodles, uncooked
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1-1/2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and water. Stir and simmer 15-20 minutes. (You could make the sauce in advance!)
Spread a fourth of the meat sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over the sauce (break the noodles to fit, if necessary). Combine the mozzarella, cottage cheese and parmesan cheese; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.
Recipe Notes
*You could substitute 1-2 Tbsp dried minced onion
HEARTY LASAGNA
This was in the October 2016 issue Runner's World, page 46. Makes 6 to 8 servings. It is adapted from Scratch: Home Cooking for Everyone Made Simple, Fun, and Totally Delicious, by Maria Rodale. Available in October, published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/have-a-pasta-party-from-scratch/.
Ingredients
1 12-oz. box dried lasagna sheets
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground beef (or sausage or both)
6 cups tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, shredded
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a single layer on parchment paper. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until golden. Add meat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and herbs, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce for 15 minutes to thicken. Spoon 1/4 of sauce onto the bottom of a 13" x 3" x 9" pan. Top with single layer of pasta sheets, followed by 1/3 of remaining sauce, making sure sheets are well covered. Layer with 1/3 each of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. Repeat twice, for 3 layers total. Top with fresh mozzarella and Romano. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Rest for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving (for 6): 809;Protein: 56 g; Carbs: 71 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g; Total fat: 35 g; Saturated fat: 17 g; Sodium: 825 mg
SPINACH LASAGNA ROLL UPS
This is from Diana Rattray, The Spruce’s Southern Cooking guide. Diana wrote, “These lasagna roll-ups are a fun change of pace, and your family will love them. Instead of layers, the cooked lasagna noodles are wrapped around a spinach and ricotta filling and baked with a meaty sauce.
“Alternatively, you could use a purchased marinara or spaghetti sauce for a meat-free dinner. Serve this delicious lasagna with garlic bread and a tossed salad.
“See the tips and variations below the recipe for some shortcuts and freezing tips.”
Total Time: 115 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 90 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped (6 cups)
1 large (28-ounce) can crushed Italian plum tomatoes
1 pound ground chuck or lean ground beef
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (about 3 cups)
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 drops hot sauce, optional
1 (15-ounce) carton ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 eggs, slightly beaten
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 ground nutmeg
Directions
Place spinach in 4-quart Dutch oven. Cover and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until wilted. Drain the spinach in a colander, pressing with a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Puree the tomatoes in a blender until smooth.
Cook ground chuck, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in the same Dutch oven over medium heat for 10 minutes or until ground beef is browned. Pour off excess fat. Add the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, oregano, basil, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and hot sauce. Blend well. Cook over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low; simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the drained spinach, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, the beaten eggs, 4 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg; mix well.
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Pour 1 1/2 cups of the prepared sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan (3-quart) or baking dish.
Spread 1/3 cup of the spinach-cheese filling on a cooked lasagna noodle; roll up and place on the sauce in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
Top the rolls with the remaining sauce and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
Bake the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
Substitute a package of frozen spinach for the fresh spinach and follow the package directions for cooking. Drain it well, pressing or squeezing out excess moisture.
Use a large jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce, with or without meat and skip the meat sauce prep.
Lasagna freezes well, so don't worry about leftovers. Or, make two pans! Freeze it in freezer bags or wrap in plastic wrap then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost lasagna in the refrigerator or microwave and then cover the baking dish with foil and bake until hot. Leftover or reheated casseroles should alway be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165° F.
EGGPLANT LASAGNA
This recipe begins, “An extra set of hands from a little helper can shave minutes off the assembly of this Eggplant Lasagna, while getting a youngster excited about digging into a veggie-centric dinner.”
Yield: 8 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1320
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1320.shtml
Ingredients
Pam Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 1/4-inch thick lengthwise slices
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 package (20 ounces) ground turkey
3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt's Original Diced Tomatoes, No Salt Added, drained
1/4 cup Hunt's Tomato Paste (or Hunt’s Organic)
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 350F.
Spray 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning; set aside.
Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush eggplant slices with oil; sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
In batches, place eggplant on grill pan. Cook each side 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. Remove and place on baking sheet lined with paper towels; pat to remove excess moisture.
Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onion and garlic; cook 2-3 minutes more or until onion is tender and turkey is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain.
Add drained tomatoes, tomato paste and basil to skillet; stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes more.
Assemble lasagna by spreading 3/4 cup meat mixture over bottom of dish. Place 3 eggplant slices over meat mixture, top with 3/4 cup meat mixture, half of ricotta cheese mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers, ending with a layer of eggplant slices topped with meat mixture and remaining mozzarella cheese.
Spray underside of aluminum foil with cooking spray; cover dish tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 318; Protein: 22 g; Fat: 19 g; Sodium: 363 mg; Cholesterol: 72 mg; Saturated Fat: 7 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g ; Carbohydrates: 13 g
ROASTED VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “Roasted vegetable purée gives lasagna a new twist! For variety, substitute zucchini or yellow squash for the eggplant.”
POINTS® Value: 5; Servings 6; Preparation Time: 25 min; Cooking Time: 65 min; Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
3 medium raw eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 medium sweet red pepper(s), chopped
4 small tomato(es), plum, seeded and chopped
4 medium garlic clove(s), peeled and chopped
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp table salt, or more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or more to taste
9 serving dry lasagna noodles, 9 noodles, cooked and drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In roasting pan, combine vegetables and garlic with olive oil. Bake 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Place half of vegetables, salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup water in food processor and process until smooth. Spoon 1/2 cup of vegetable purée into bottom of a 9 X 13-inch baking dish. Place three noodles over purée. Top with 1/2 cup of purée, 1/2 of remaining vegetables, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers and then top with remaining 3 noodles, purée and cheese. Bake until bubbly, about 45 minutes. Slice into 6 pieces and serve.
TRADITIONAL LASAGNA
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 12 servings.
Source: Dreamfields Healthy Carb Pasta
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/581.shtml
Ingredients
12 pieces of Dreamfields Lasagna
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
8 ounces lean ground beef
8 ounces Italian sausage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Prepare lasagna according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain well.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and saute garlic, onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.
Using the same skillet on medium heat, brown hamburger and Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, stirring and crumbling meats. Cook about 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain juices. Mix in vegetable mixture.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray 13x9x3 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
To Assemble:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on bottom of baking dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the meat mixture, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce.
Layer remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, meat mixture, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Cover pan with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove tin foil and bake another 10 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 322; Protein: 22 g; Fat: 19 g; Sodium: 769 mg; Cholesterol: 55 mg; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Diabetic Thursday
It's time for another Diabetic Thursday post. Here are six yummy recipes that prove that diabetic doesn't have to mean boring, including Iced Mocha Sherbet and Traditional Lasagna. Enjoy!
CHICKEN SPINACH CASSEROLE
Makes 6 servings.
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/980.shtml
Ingredients
1 broiler-fryer chicken, cooked, skinned, chopped
10 ounces frozen spinach
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
1 cup low fat mozzarella cheese
Directions
Cook spinach according to package directions, eliminating salt; drain.
Mix onions with spinach.
Arrange spinach in bottom of 1-1/2 quart baking dish; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
Arrange mushrooms on spinach and drizzle with melted margarine.
Place chicken on mushrooms and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Place in 350F oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 202; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 205 mg; Cholesterol: 74 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g
ICED MOCHA SHERBET
Yield: 4 servings
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Find this recipe at: 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: 121; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 117 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Milk, 1/2 Fruit
CURRIED CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS
Makes 6 servings.
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/988.shtml
Ingredients
6 chicken breast halves, skinned
6 ounces dried apricots, cut in half
1/4 cup raisins
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 bay leaf, broken
1/4 cup skim milk
Directions
In small bowl, place apricots and raisins. Add orange juice and let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In small dish, place margarine. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, ginger and bay leaf; stir to mix well.
In greased 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange chicken in single layer. Spread spice mixture evenly over chicken. With slotted spoon, remove apricots and raisins from orange juice and arrange in dish with chicken. To orange juice, add skim milk; pour over chicken.
Cover and bake in 350F. oven about 1 hour, removing cover after 45 minutes and cooking uncovered for final 15 minutes.
If desired, garnish with red cherries and serve with rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g
COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
Serves: 8
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/987.shtml
Note: For added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract.
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie
4 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated *
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.
Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg ; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat
CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
This delicious chocolate cheesecake is not only greatly reduced in fat, but also has 76% less carbohydrates than the traditional recipe. It will become a favorite!
Yield: 16 servings
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/989.shtml
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 ounces (4 squares) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Fresh raspberries, optional
Fresh mint, optional
* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener.
Directions
For Crust, spray bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle almonds over bottom, patting gently onto pan; set aside.
For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently mix in chocolate until blended. Pour batter over crust.
Bake in preheated 325F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 197; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 231 mg; Cholesterol: 67 mg ; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 3 fat
TRADITIONAL LASAGNA
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 12 servings.
Source: Dreamfields Healthy Carb Pasta
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/581.shtml
Ingredients
12 pieces of Dreamfields Lasagna
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
8 ounces lean ground beef
8 ounces Italian sausage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Prepare lasagna according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain well.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and saute garlic, onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.
Using the same skillet on medium heat, brown hamburger and Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, stirring and crumbling meats. Cook about 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain juices. Mix in vegetable mixture.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray 13x9x3 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
To Assemble:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on bottom of baking dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the meat mixture, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce.
Layer remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, meat mixture, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Cover pan with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove tin foil and bake another 10 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 322; Protein: 22 g; Fat: 19 g; Sodium: 769 mg; Cholesterol: 55 mg; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g
CHICKEN SPINACH CASSEROLE
Makes 6 servings.
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/980.shtml
Ingredients
1 broiler-fryer chicken, cooked, skinned, chopped
10 ounces frozen spinach
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
1 cup low fat mozzarella cheese
Directions
Cook spinach according to package directions, eliminating salt; drain.
Mix onions with spinach.
Arrange spinach in bottom of 1-1/2 quart baking dish; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
Arrange mushrooms on spinach and drizzle with melted margarine.
Place chicken on mushrooms and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Place in 350F oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 202; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 205 mg; Cholesterol: 74 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g
ICED MOCHA SHERBET
Yield: 4 servings
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Find this recipe at: 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: 121; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 117 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Milk, 1/2 Fruit
CURRIED CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS
Makes 6 servings.
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/988.shtml
Ingredients
6 chicken breast halves, skinned
6 ounces dried apricots, cut in half
1/4 cup raisins
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 bay leaf, broken
1/4 cup skim milk
Directions
In small bowl, place apricots and raisins. Add orange juice and let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In small dish, place margarine. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, chili powder, salt, ginger and bay leaf; stir to mix well.
In greased 2-quart shallow baking dish, arrange chicken in single layer. Spread spice mixture evenly over chicken. With slotted spoon, remove apricots and raisins from orange juice and arrange in dish with chicken. To orange juice, add skim milk; pour over chicken.
Cover and bake in 350F. oven about 1 hour, removing cover after 45 minutes and cooking uncovered for final 15 minutes.
If desired, garnish with red cherries and serve with rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 21 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 300 mg; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g
COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
Serves: 8
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/987.shtml
Note: For added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract.
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie
4 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated *
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.
Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg ; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat
CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
This delicious chocolate cheesecake is not only greatly reduced in fat, but also has 76% less carbohydrates than the traditional recipe. It will become a favorite!
Yield: 16 servings
See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/989.shtml
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
Cheesecake Ingredients:
3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 ounces (4 squares) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Fresh raspberries, optional
Fresh mint, optional
* May substitute 30 packets Equal sweetener.
Directions
For Crust, spray bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle almonds over bottom, patting gently onto pan; set aside.
For Cheesecake, beat cream cheese and Equal in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in eggs, egg whites and salt. Fold in sour cream and vanilla until combined. Gently mix in chocolate until blended. Pour batter over crust.
Bake in preheated 325F oven 40 to 45 minutes or until center of cake is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Gently run metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake. Let cheesecake cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. To serve, remove side of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mint, if desired. Cut cake into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 197; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 231 mg; Cholesterol: 67 mg ; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 3 fat
TRADITIONAL LASAGNA
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 12 servings.
Source: Dreamfields Healthy Carb Pasta
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/581.shtml
Ingredients
12 pieces of Dreamfields Lasagna
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
8 ounces lean ground beef
8 ounces Italian sausage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Prepare lasagna according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain well.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and saute garlic, onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.
Using the same skillet on medium heat, brown hamburger and Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, stirring and crumbling meats. Cook about 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain juices. Mix in vegetable mixture.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray 13x9x3 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
To Assemble:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on bottom of baking dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the meat mixture, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce.
Layer remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, meat mixture, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Cover pan with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove tin foil and bake another 10 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 322; Protein: 22 g; Fat: 19 g; Sodium: 769 mg; Cholesterol: 55 mg; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Where's the Beef?
Here are six beefy recipes to help you through the day, including Hawaiian Burgers and Slow Cooker Lasagna. Enjoy!
COMFORT MEATBALLS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 2 hr; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 45 min; Cook: 1 hr; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/comfort-meatballs-recipe-2042533
Ingredients
Meatballs:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons very finely minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Plenty of ground black pepper
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
4 to 6 tablespoons minced onion
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Directions
For the meatballs: In bowl, combine the ground beef and oats. Pour in the milk, and then add the onions, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate them for 30 to 45 minutes to firm.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge the meatballs in the flour, and then brown the meatballs in batches until light brown. As they brown, place them into a rectangular baking dish.
For the sauce: Stir together the ketchup, onions, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Drizzle the sauce evenly on the meatballs.
Bake until bubbly and hot, about 45 minutes.
SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
This is from Lauren Allen, whose site, Tastes Better From Scratch is one that you really, really should check out. Seriously. I’ll wait…
This yummy recipe makes 5 servings, and can be viewed on Lauren’s site here.
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (I use hot)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 large onion, chopped*
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp parsley
2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 (8 oz) package regular lasagna noodles, uncooked
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1-1/2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and water. Stir and simmer 15-20 minutes. (You could make the sauce in advance!)
Spread a fourth of the meat sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over the sauce (break the noodles to fit, if necessary). Combine the mozzarella, cottage cheese and parmesan cheese; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.
Recipe Notes
*You could substitute 1-2 Tbsp dried minced onion
BLACK BEAN SOUP
This is from Rian Handler on Delish. The recipe begins, “A warm and spicy black bean soup.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
To view the recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. minced jalapeños
1 tbsp. tomato paste
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, with liquid
1 qt. low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
sour cream, for garnish
Sliced avocado, for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir to coat vegetables, and cook about a minute more. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin and stir to coat.
Add black beans with their liquid and chicken broth. Stir soup, add bay leaf and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer and let simmer until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the soup to desired consistency.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and cilantro.
CLASSIC BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS
This comes from Danny Seo, also in a recent TODAY Show Recipes email. This begins, “Green lifestyle guru Danny Seo uses grass-fed beef in his delicious classic chili. Since there are no strict standards for grass fed beef in the United States, the next best thing is to look for a mark on the package from a third party operation. The best mark is from the American Grassfed Association, which most sustainability experts agree has the best definition, procedures and certification methods for ensuring you're getting real grass fed products.” Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and medium diced
1 pound ground grass-fed beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups beef broth
15 ounces canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes
16 ounces jarred store-bought tomato salsa
15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and red pepper. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef, cover the pot, and cook for 5 minutes, until the beef is browned.
Stir in the chile powder, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes and salsa. Bring to a simmer, then add the kidney and pinto beans. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve the chili garnished with the cheese, scallions, and cilantro. Accompany with tortilla chips.
HAWAIIAN BURGERS
Servings: 4
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/25.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
4 slices fresh pineapple, or canned, unsweetened, water packed variety
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scallions, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
4 slices- 1 ounce each french bread
Directions
Mix the beef, garlic, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce together and form in 4 patties of equal size about 3/4" thick.
Grill or broil 4" from souce of heat, for 7 minutes for medium-rare turning once. Grill longer for well done burgers.
While burgers are grilling, brush 4 slices of fresh or canned water-packed unsweetened pineapple with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Grill until pineapple is heated through and seared with grill marks, about 6 minutes (2 minutes for canned pineapple).
Serve each patty open-face on a 1 oz toasted slice of French bread, topped with grilled slice, and garnished with 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 282; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 401 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g
HONOLULU BOB'S BURGERS
This comes from Country Bob's. Yield: 4 servings.
2 pounds ground beef
Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
4 slices Cheddar Cheese
4 well-drained canned pineapple slices
Divide ground beef into 4 portions & shape each into a patty. Grill over hot coals until cooked on one side. Turn patties over. Spread with Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & top with pineapple slices. Grill for several min-utes or until cooked through. Add cheese slices. Grill until cheese melts. Top with additional Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & serve as desired.
COMFORT MEATBALLS
This is from Ree Drummond of The Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman.
Total: 2 hr; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 45 min; Cook: 1 hr; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/comfort-meatballs-recipe-2042533
Ingredients
Meatballs:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons very finely minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Plenty of ground black pepper
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
4 to 6 tablespoons minced onion
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Directions
For the meatballs: In bowl, combine the ground beef and oats. Pour in the milk, and then add the onions, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate them for 30 to 45 minutes to firm.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge the meatballs in the flour, and then brown the meatballs in batches until light brown. As they brown, place them into a rectangular baking dish.
For the sauce: Stir together the ketchup, onions, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Drizzle the sauce evenly on the meatballs.
Bake until bubbly and hot, about 45 minutes.
SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
This is from Lauren Allen, whose site, Tastes Better From Scratch is one that you really, really should check out. Seriously. I’ll wait…
This yummy recipe makes 5 servings, and can be viewed on Lauren’s site here.
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (I use hot)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 large onion, chopped*
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp parsley
2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 (8 oz) package regular lasagna noodles, uncooked
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1-1/2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and water. Stir and simmer 15-20 minutes. (You could make the sauce in advance!)
Spread a fourth of the meat sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over the sauce (break the noodles to fit, if necessary). Combine the mozzarella, cottage cheese and parmesan cheese; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.
Recipe Notes
*You could substitute 1-2 Tbsp dried minced onion
BLACK BEAN SOUP
This is from Rian Handler on Delish. The recipe begins, “A warm and spicy black bean soup.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
To view the recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. minced jalapeños
1 tbsp. tomato paste
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, with liquid
1 qt. low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
sour cream, for garnish
Sliced avocado, for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir to coat vegetables, and cook about a minute more. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin and stir to coat.
Add black beans with their liquid and chicken broth. Stir soup, add bay leaf and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer and let simmer until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the soup to desired consistency.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and cilantro.
CLASSIC BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS
This comes from Danny Seo, also in a recent TODAY Show Recipes email. This begins, “Green lifestyle guru Danny Seo uses grass-fed beef in his delicious classic chili. Since there are no strict standards for grass fed beef in the United States, the next best thing is to look for a mark on the package from a third party operation. The best mark is from the American Grassfed Association, which most sustainability experts agree has the best definition, procedures and certification methods for ensuring you're getting real grass fed products.” Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and medium diced
1 pound ground grass-fed beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups beef broth
15 ounces canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes
16 ounces jarred store-bought tomato salsa
15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and red pepper. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef, cover the pot, and cook for 5 minutes, until the beef is browned.
Stir in the chile powder, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes and salsa. Bring to a simmer, then add the kidney and pinto beans. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve the chili garnished with the cheese, scallions, and cilantro. Accompany with tortilla chips.
HAWAIIAN BURGERS
Servings: 4
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/25.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
4 slices fresh pineapple, or canned, unsweetened, water packed variety
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scallions, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
4 slices- 1 ounce each french bread
Directions
Mix the beef, garlic, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce together and form in 4 patties of equal size about 3/4" thick.
Grill or broil 4" from souce of heat, for 7 minutes for medium-rare turning once. Grill longer for well done burgers.
While burgers are grilling, brush 4 slices of fresh or canned water-packed unsweetened pineapple with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Grill until pineapple is heated through and seared with grill marks, about 6 minutes (2 minutes for canned pineapple).
Serve each patty open-face on a 1 oz toasted slice of French bread, topped with grilled slice, and garnished with 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 282; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 401 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g
HONOLULU BOB'S BURGERS
This comes from Country Bob's. Yield: 4 servings.
2 pounds ground beef
Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
4 slices Cheddar Cheese
4 well-drained canned pineapple slices
Divide ground beef into 4 portions & shape each into a patty. Grill over hot coals until cooked on one side. Turn patties over. Spread with Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & top with pineapple slices. Grill for several min-utes or until cooked through. Add cheese slices. Grill until cheese melts. Top with additional Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce & serve as desired.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are today's six recipes to help you through the day, including Devil's Food Marshmallow Cupcakes and One-Pot Chicken & Potatoes. Enjoy!
AWESOME SLOW COOKIER POT ROAST PLUS EXTRAS
This was posted on Allrecipes.com by “The Boss of Sauce (TBOS)”. The recipe begins, "This simple pot roast makes its own gravy in the slow cooker. As a single parent to girls, I am always trying to get the food groups into my abbreviated meals. I threw in potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini to add to the original base recipe. They love stew, so this leads them in that direction, but is still a roast. It was a hit. I hope you enjoy it!" Time: 3 hours 15 minutes; makes 16 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/4 cups water
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
5 1/2 pounds pot roast
2 potatoes, cut into cubes
2 carrots, sliced and halved
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
Directions
Stir cream of mushroom soup, water, and dry onion soup mix together in a slow cooker. Set pot roast into the soup mixture and spoon liquid over the meat. Add potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini.
Cook on High until the beef is cooked through, 3 to 4 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). You can also cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours.
DEVIL’S FOOD MARSHMALLOW CUPCAKES
This comes from Nichelle Stephens, About.com’s Cupcakes expert. Nichelle wrote, “Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, and Cocoa Cremes are the chocolate snack cakes that have been the dessert for kids and adults lunches for decades. However, there's a better way to get a chocolate fix by baking the cakes from scratch. The essential components are chocolate cupcake, marshmallow filling and chocolate ganache frosting.
“Tip: An easy way to make chocolate ganache is to use chocolate candy melts. I have used Chocoley's Bada Bing dark chocolate candy melts.
“This chocolate cupcake recipe is from the cookbook, Home Baked Comfort by Kim Laidlaw.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 18 cupcakes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Devil’s Food Cupcakes
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup natural cocoa powder
2/3 cup boiling water
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cream Filling
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
1 cup of dark chocolate candy melts
6 tbsp of heavy cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Place one 12 cupcake cavity and one 6 cavity pan with cupcake liners. In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder into the boiling water. Let cool to lukewarm, then whisk in the buttermilk. In a small bowl, pour the cocoa powder into the boiling water and whisk. Let cool and set aside. Using another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, use the attachment to butter and sugars together on medium until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add the vanilla along with the final egg. Reduce speed to low to add the dry ingredients ins 3 additions alternately with the cocoa buttermilk mixture in 2 additions. Beat until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Use a scoop to divide the batter evenly into 18 wells of the baking pans.
Bake until the cupcakes are puffed and slightly springy to the touch and toothpick inserted into one of the cupcakes comes out clean which will be about 20 minutes. Let cool in pans for about 5 minutes. Then remove from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the filling, in the mixing bowl, sift the sugar over the butter. Use the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the marshmallow fluff, vanilla and cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
Using a paring knife or an apple corer, create a hollow about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hollow with a spoonful of the filling.
To make the ganache, in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water in a saucepan. Melt the butter and chocolate with the corn syrup and cream, stirring constantly with a whisk until smooth. Remove from the heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Spread the filled cupcakes with the ganache. The filled and frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS
Servings: 12
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/170.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=170
Ingredients
1-1/4 cup oat bran cereal; uncooked
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Coat 12 medium-size cups with vegetables oil or line with paper baking cups.
In a medium bowl combine oat bran cereal, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In large bowl combine applesauce, honey, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in apple.
Fill prepared muffin cup almost full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1 Fat; 1/2 Fruit
ONE-POT CHICKEN AND POTATOES
This comes from The TODAY Show, and begins, “Get all the homey, satisfying flavors of a roast chicken dinner in one pan -- no carving or trussing necessary. Aromatic garlic, shallots and herbs bring the best out of simple chicken breasts for a filling weeknight meal.” Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt
2 cloves large garlic, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Parsley, for optional garnish
Rosemary sprigs, for optional garnish
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat the butter and oil in an ovenproof 10- to 12-inch skillet or 4-quart saute pan over medium-high heat until bubbling and steaming. Add the chicken breasts and cook about 2-3 minutes per side until just golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and add the potatoes, garlic, shallot, rosemary, and sage, tossing to coat in the butter and oil.
Place the chicken on top of the potatoes and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
SKILLET PUMPKIN CORNBREAD
This comes from Judy Kim on Delish. Judy wrote, “”Pumpkin bread goes the savory route.” Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6 servings.
Note: According to the footnote with the recipe, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.” If you’ve never been to her sit, I highly recommend doing so. Very nice site!
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 c. pumpkin purée
1 c. buttermilk
1 egg, room temperature
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
1 1/2 c. cornmeal
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Preheat oven 375 degrees F. Grease 10" cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon butter, set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together pumpkin, buttermilk, egg, brown sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter. Pour in cornmeal mixture and whisk together. Transfer to skillet and bake 25 to 30 minutes. (Test doneness by pricking center with a toothpick—it should come out clean.) Immediately spread remaining tablespoon butter all over.
Cool for 5 minutes and serve immediately.
GARLICKY GREEN BEANS WITH CRISPY ONIONS
This also comes from Judy Kim on Delish. Judy wrote, “Crispier and quicker than mushy casserole.” Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Canola oil, for frying
1 large onion, thinly sliced using a mandoline
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
kosher salt
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. green beans, trimmed
1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. Grated Cheddar
Directions
Heat a large pot with 2" oil over medium-high heat. In a large mixing bowl separate onions into rings and toss with flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Shake onions and discard excess flour. When oil is hot but not smoking, add handful of onions; fry until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with additional batches.
Meanwhile in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat melt butter with garlic. Add green beans and chicken broth; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and cover with lid to steam; cooked until al dente, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle cheese all over and cover with lid until melted.
Top with crispy onions and serve immediately.
AWESOME SLOW COOKIER POT ROAST PLUS EXTRAS
This was posted on Allrecipes.com by “The Boss of Sauce (TBOS)”. The recipe begins, "This simple pot roast makes its own gravy in the slow cooker. As a single parent to girls, I am always trying to get the food groups into my abbreviated meals. I threw in potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini to add to the original base recipe. They love stew, so this leads them in that direction, but is still a roast. It was a hit. I hope you enjoy it!" Time: 3 hours 15 minutes; makes 16 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/4 cups water
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
5 1/2 pounds pot roast
2 potatoes, cut into cubes
2 carrots, sliced and halved
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
Directions
Stir cream of mushroom soup, water, and dry onion soup mix together in a slow cooker. Set pot roast into the soup mixture and spoon liquid over the meat. Add potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini.
Cook on High until the beef is cooked through, 3 to 4 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). You can also cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours.
DEVIL’S FOOD MARSHMALLOW CUPCAKES
This comes from Nichelle Stephens, About.com’s Cupcakes expert. Nichelle wrote, “Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, and Cocoa Cremes are the chocolate snack cakes that have been the dessert for kids and adults lunches for decades. However, there's a better way to get a chocolate fix by baking the cakes from scratch. The essential components are chocolate cupcake, marshmallow filling and chocolate ganache frosting.
“Tip: An easy way to make chocolate ganache is to use chocolate candy melts. I have used Chocoley's Bada Bing dark chocolate candy melts.
“This chocolate cupcake recipe is from the cookbook, Home Baked Comfort by Kim Laidlaw.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 18 cupcakes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Devil’s Food Cupcakes
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup natural cocoa powder
2/3 cup boiling water
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cream Filling
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
1 cup of dark chocolate candy melts
6 tbsp of heavy cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Place one 12 cupcake cavity and one 6 cavity pan with cupcake liners. In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder into the boiling water. Let cool to lukewarm, then whisk in the buttermilk. In a small bowl, pour the cocoa powder into the boiling water and whisk. Let cool and set aside. Using another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, use the attachment to butter and sugars together on medium until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add the vanilla along with the final egg. Reduce speed to low to add the dry ingredients ins 3 additions alternately with the cocoa buttermilk mixture in 2 additions. Beat until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Use a scoop to divide the batter evenly into 18 wells of the baking pans.
Bake until the cupcakes are puffed and slightly springy to the touch and toothpick inserted into one of the cupcakes comes out clean which will be about 20 minutes. Let cool in pans for about 5 minutes. Then remove from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the filling, in the mixing bowl, sift the sugar over the butter. Use the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the marshmallow fluff, vanilla and cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
Using a paring knife or an apple corer, create a hollow about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hollow with a spoonful of the filling.
To make the ganache, in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water in a saucepan. Melt the butter and chocolate with the corn syrup and cream, stirring constantly with a whisk until smooth. Remove from the heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Spread the filled cupcakes with the ganache. The filled and frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS
Servings: 12
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/170.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=170
Ingredients
1-1/4 cup oat bran cereal; uncooked
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Coat 12 medium-size cups with vegetables oil or line with paper baking cups.
In a medium bowl combine oat bran cereal, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In large bowl combine applesauce, honey, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in apple.
Fill prepared muffin cup almost full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1 Fat; 1/2 Fruit
ONE-POT CHICKEN AND POTATOES
This comes from The TODAY Show, and begins, “Get all the homey, satisfying flavors of a roast chicken dinner in one pan -- no carving or trussing necessary. Aromatic garlic, shallots and herbs bring the best out of simple chicken breasts for a filling weeknight meal.” Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt
2 cloves large garlic, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Parsley, for optional garnish
Rosemary sprigs, for optional garnish
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat the butter and oil in an ovenproof 10- to 12-inch skillet or 4-quart saute pan over medium-high heat until bubbling and steaming. Add the chicken breasts and cook about 2-3 minutes per side until just golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and add the potatoes, garlic, shallot, rosemary, and sage, tossing to coat in the butter and oil.
Place the chicken on top of the potatoes and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
SKILLET PUMPKIN CORNBREAD
This comes from Judy Kim on Delish. Judy wrote, “”Pumpkin bread goes the savory route.” Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6 servings.
Note: According to the footnote with the recipe, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.” If you’ve never been to her sit, I highly recommend doing so. Very nice site!
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 c. pumpkin purée
1 c. buttermilk
1 egg, room temperature
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
1 1/2 c. cornmeal
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Preheat oven 375 degrees F. Grease 10" cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon butter, set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together pumpkin, buttermilk, egg, brown sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter. Pour in cornmeal mixture and whisk together. Transfer to skillet and bake 25 to 30 minutes. (Test doneness by pricking center with a toothpick—it should come out clean.) Immediately spread remaining tablespoon butter all over.
Cool for 5 minutes and serve immediately.
GARLICKY GREEN BEANS WITH CRISPY ONIONS
This also comes from Judy Kim on Delish. Judy wrote, “Crispier and quicker than mushy casserole.” Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Canola oil, for frying
1 large onion, thinly sliced using a mandoline
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
kosher salt
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. green beans, trimmed
1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c. Grated Cheddar
Directions
Heat a large pot with 2" oil over medium-high heat. In a large mixing bowl separate onions into rings and toss with flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Shake onions and discard excess flour. When oil is hot but not smoking, add handful of onions; fry until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with additional batches.
Meanwhile in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat melt butter with garlic. Add green beans and chicken broth; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and cover with lid to steam; cooked until al dente, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle cheese all over and cover with lid until melted.
Top with crispy onions and serve immediately.
Taco Tuesday
When I was growing up, tacos seldom, if ever, made it to the dinner table. It really wasn't that big a deal in our house. Of course, this was during an era when other things were big on the menu.
It wasn't until we moved to Florida that I really started getting my first real taco experience. Once Mom discovered tacos, she fixed them with a vengeance at least once or twice a week. This usually meant a plate full of crispy taco shells and bowls full of shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and hamburger to choose from as we made our own tacos.
These days, there are so many more ways to choose from when making tacos. Here are six yummy taco recipes to help you through the day, including Jerk Chicken Tacos and Grilled Steak Tacos with Cherry Tomato-Avocado Salsa. Enjoy!
GRILLED PORTABELLA AND POBLANO TACOS
This is from Food.com. Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Pico de Gallo
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 finely minced garlic clove
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons lime juice
Grilled Portabella Filling
4 medium portabella mushrooms or 1 lb portabella mushroom
1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
1 teaspoon canola oil
salt and pepper
1 whole poblano chile
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
Assembly and Toppings
8 small corn tortillas, warmed
guacamole
fresh cilantro stem
lime wedge
monterey jack cheese (Shredded) or cheddar cheese (Shredded)
Directions
Preheat a lightly oiled grill on medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating up, prepare the pico de gallo. In a small mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, salt and lime juice. Set aside.
Next, prepare the grilled portabella filling. Remove the stems from the portabellas, and discard. Using a spoon, scrape out the dark gills from the underside of the mushroom caps.
Lightly brush the portabellas and the onions on both sides with canola oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Arrange the mushrooms, onion, and poblano on the hot grill, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the mushrooms are softened and the onion is lightly charred. Remove from heat and transfer to a cutting board.
Remove the stem and seeds from the poblano, and discard. Cut the poblano and the portabellas into thin strips, and roughly chop the onion. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with lime juice and chipotle powder until well coated.
To assemble, arrange 2 tortillas per plate, and divide the mushroom filling evenly between them. Serve with pico de gallo and bowls of the different toppings so that everyone can garnish their tacos as they please.
GRILLED STEAK TACOS WITH CHERRY TOMATO-AVOCADO SALSA
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “In this supremely summery taco recipe, chile-rubbed grilled steak is topped with a spicy tomato-avocado salsa before being rolled into warm corn tortillas. Grilling the onions, garlic and jalapeño for the salsa adds a concentrated sweetness, while lime zest keeps everything sharp and bright. If you don’t have access to a grill, feel free to use your broiler.”
Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons New Mexican or other mild chile powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large garlic clove, finely grated or minced
Finely grated zest of 1 lime (cut lime into wedges for serving)
2 1/2 pounds skirt steak (usually 2 steaks)
For the Salsa:
1 white onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch-thick slices
2 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 jalapeños
1 quart cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, more to taste
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
Sliced radishes, for serving
Mexican crema or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the steak: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, chile powder, coriander, cumin, garlic and lime zest. Rub mixture all over the steaks, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
Prepare the salsa: Light the grill or heat to medium-high (or heat the broiler). Grill onion, garlic and 1 jalapeño until tender and charred on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes (or place on a broiler pan and broil). Remove from heat until cool enough to handle, then roughly chop onions, peel garlic and remove seeds and stem from jalapeño.
Transfer grilled onion, garlic and jalapeño to a blender or mini food processor. Halve the fresh jalapeño and seed it, if desired, then add it to the blender. Process to a chunky paste. Scrape into a serving bowl and toss with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime juice and salt.
Add more charcoal to the grill, if needed, and grill the steaks until done to taste, about 2 minutes per side for rare (or broil). Let meat rest on a cutting board covered with foil for at least 7 minutes. Meanwhile, grill or broil the tortillas until warm.
To serve, slice the meat across the grain, and serve with the warm tortillas, radishes, lime wedges, salsa and crema. Let people assemble their own tacos at the table.
GRILLED VEGETABLE AND BLACK BEAN FAJITAS
This yummy recipe is from The Scrumptious Pumpkin.
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 12 fajitas, 6 servings (2 fajitas per serving; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here
Ingredients
For the Grilled Vegetable and Black Bean Fajitas:
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 organic zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
16 ounces organic black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 teaspoons cumin
3/4 teaspoons chili powder
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Fresh Homemade Salsa (recipe below)
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
12 organic whole wheat tortillas
Salt
For the Fresh Homemade Salsa:
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup green onions (scallions), chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, freshly squeezed
Salt
Instructions
For the Grilled Vegetable and Black Bean Fajitas:
Prepare the grill for 375 degrees F.
Layer first the onion, then the bell pepper, and finally the zucchini on a grill vegetable basket. Season with salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until vegetables are softened. Add the black beans to the basket, season with additional salt, and cook about 2 minutes more, or until beans are heated through.
Meanwhile, as vegetables are cooking, prepare the spice mixture. To a large mixing bowl, add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Season with a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
Immediately after removing the basket from the grill, pour the still-hot vegetables and beans into the mixing bowl. Stir and combine until the seasonings have melted into the vegetables and everything is well coated with oil.
Spoon the vegetable-black bean mixture onto whole wheat tortillas. Top with heaping spoonfuls of Fresh Homemade Salsa (recipe below) and slices of avocado. Roll up tortillas, and serve.
For the Fresh Homemade Salsa:
To a mixing bowl, add the tomato, green onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add the lime juice and season with salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Storage: refrigerate salsa in a covered, airtight container.
To assemble the tacos place some of the quinoa in a tortilla or shell. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, a large dollop the the roasted cranberry salsa, crumbled catija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro. Take in their beauty and then EAT!
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.
JERK CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Judy Kim on Delish. According to the site, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.” I’ve checked out The Judy Lab and have one word to say for it: Wow! I recommend checking it out.
This recipe begins, “Give your taco fillings a Caribbean twist.”
Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. white vinegar
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tbsp. jerk seasoning
1 tbsp. brown sugar
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. chicken breast, cut into 2" pieces
8 corn tortillas
1/4 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 c. Shredded cabbage
1 c. salsa verde
1/2 c. fresh chopped cilantro
2 limes, cut into wedges
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl combine soy sauce, vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, jerk seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper; add chicken and marinate for 5 minutes. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken without marinade; sear chicken on one side until deep golden brown, then flip chicken and add marinade to pan. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165° and sauce begins to reduce. Turn off heat and set aside. Shred chicken using 2 forks, mixing with pan sauce.
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet in batches. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and wrap to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk heavy cream and cheese until creamy.
Assemble tacos: Top tortillas with shredded cabbage, chicken, salsa, cheese sauce, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
CHEESEBURGER TACOS
This is from Family Time, and begins, “Cheeseburger tacos are a tasty take on tried-and-true burgers. Try them filled with lettuce, onion and pickle relish and seasoned with savory taco seasoning mix.”
Serves: 6; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean lean beef
3/4 cup water
1 packet (1.25-oz.) ORTEGA® Taco Seasoning Mix
8 ounces pasteurized prepared cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
12 ORTEGA® Taco Shells or White Corn Taco Shells, warmed
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups chopped tomato
1 cup sweet pickle relish
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup ORTEGA® Medium Taco Sauce
Directions
Brown beef; drain. Stir in water and seasoning mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened. Add cheese and mustard; stir until cheese is melted.
Fill taco shells with beef mixture. Top with lettuce, tomato, relish, onion and taco sauce.
It wasn't until we moved to Florida that I really started getting my first real taco experience. Once Mom discovered tacos, she fixed them with a vengeance at least once or twice a week. This usually meant a plate full of crispy taco shells and bowls full of shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and hamburger to choose from as we made our own tacos.
These days, there are so many more ways to choose from when making tacos. Here are six yummy taco recipes to help you through the day, including Jerk Chicken Tacos and Grilled Steak Tacos with Cherry Tomato-Avocado Salsa. Enjoy!
GRILLED PORTABELLA AND POBLANO TACOS
This is from Food.com. Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Pico de Gallo
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 finely minced garlic clove
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons lime juice
Grilled Portabella Filling
4 medium portabella mushrooms or 1 lb portabella mushroom
1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
1 teaspoon canola oil
salt and pepper
1 whole poblano chile
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
Assembly and Toppings
8 small corn tortillas, warmed
guacamole
fresh cilantro stem
lime wedge
monterey jack cheese (Shredded) or cheddar cheese (Shredded)
Directions
Preheat a lightly oiled grill on medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating up, prepare the pico de gallo. In a small mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, salt and lime juice. Set aside.
Next, prepare the grilled portabella filling. Remove the stems from the portabellas, and discard. Using a spoon, scrape out the dark gills from the underside of the mushroom caps.
Lightly brush the portabellas and the onions on both sides with canola oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Arrange the mushrooms, onion, and poblano on the hot grill, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the mushrooms are softened and the onion is lightly charred. Remove from heat and transfer to a cutting board.
Remove the stem and seeds from the poblano, and discard. Cut the poblano and the portabellas into thin strips, and roughly chop the onion. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with lime juice and chipotle powder until well coated.
To assemble, arrange 2 tortillas per plate, and divide the mushroom filling evenly between them. Serve with pico de gallo and bowls of the different toppings so that everyone can garnish their tacos as they please.
GRILLED STEAK TACOS WITH CHERRY TOMATO-AVOCADO SALSA
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “In this supremely summery taco recipe, chile-rubbed grilled steak is topped with a spicy tomato-avocado salsa before being rolled into warm corn tortillas. Grilling the onions, garlic and jalapeño for the salsa adds a concentrated sweetness, while lime zest keeps everything sharp and bright. If you don’t have access to a grill, feel free to use your broiler.”
Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons New Mexican or other mild chile powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large garlic clove, finely grated or minced
Finely grated zest of 1 lime (cut lime into wedges for serving)
2 1/2 pounds skirt steak (usually 2 steaks)
For the Salsa:
1 white onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch-thick slices
2 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 jalapeños
1 quart cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, more to taste
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
Sliced radishes, for serving
Mexican crema or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the steak: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, chile powder, coriander, cumin, garlic and lime zest. Rub mixture all over the steaks, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
Prepare the salsa: Light the grill or heat to medium-high (or heat the broiler). Grill onion, garlic and 1 jalapeño until tender and charred on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes (or place on a broiler pan and broil). Remove from heat until cool enough to handle, then roughly chop onions, peel garlic and remove seeds and stem from jalapeño.
Transfer grilled onion, garlic and jalapeño to a blender or mini food processor. Halve the fresh jalapeño and seed it, if desired, then add it to the blender. Process to a chunky paste. Scrape into a serving bowl and toss with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime juice and salt.
Add more charcoal to the grill, if needed, and grill the steaks until done to taste, about 2 minutes per side for rare (or broil). Let meat rest on a cutting board covered with foil for at least 7 minutes. Meanwhile, grill or broil the tortillas until warm.
To serve, slice the meat across the grain, and serve with the warm tortillas, radishes, lime wedges, salsa and crema. Let people assemble their own tacos at the table.
GRILLED VEGETABLE AND BLACK BEAN FAJITAS
This yummy recipe is from The Scrumptious Pumpkin.
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Yield: 12 fajitas, 6 servings (2 fajitas per serving; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here
Ingredients
For the Grilled Vegetable and Black Bean Fajitas:
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 organic zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
16 ounces organic black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 teaspoons cumin
3/4 teaspoons chili powder
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Fresh Homemade Salsa (recipe below)
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
12 organic whole wheat tortillas
Salt
For the Fresh Homemade Salsa:
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup green onions (scallions), chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, freshly squeezed
Salt
Instructions
For the Grilled Vegetable and Black Bean Fajitas:
Prepare the grill for 375 degrees F.
Layer first the onion, then the bell pepper, and finally the zucchini on a grill vegetable basket. Season with salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until vegetables are softened. Add the black beans to the basket, season with additional salt, and cook about 2 minutes more, or until beans are heated through.
Meanwhile, as vegetables are cooking, prepare the spice mixture. To a large mixing bowl, add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Season with a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
Immediately after removing the basket from the grill, pour the still-hot vegetables and beans into the mixing bowl. Stir and combine until the seasonings have melted into the vegetables and everything is well coated with oil.
Spoon the vegetable-black bean mixture onto whole wheat tortillas. Top with heaping spoonfuls of Fresh Homemade Salsa (recipe below) and slices of avocado. Roll up tortillas, and serve.
For the Fresh Homemade Salsa:
To a mixing bowl, add the tomato, green onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add the lime juice and season with salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Storage: refrigerate salsa in a covered, airtight container.
To assemble the tacos place some of the quinoa in a tortilla or shell. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, a large dollop the the roasted cranberry salsa, crumbled catija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro. Take in their beauty and then EAT!
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.
JERK CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Judy Kim on Delish. According to the site, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.” I’ve checked out The Judy Lab and have one word to say for it: Wow! I recommend checking it out.
This recipe begins, “Give your taco fillings a Caribbean twist.”
Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. white vinegar
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tbsp. jerk seasoning
1 tbsp. brown sugar
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. chicken breast, cut into 2" pieces
8 corn tortillas
1/4 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 c. Shredded cabbage
1 c. salsa verde
1/2 c. fresh chopped cilantro
2 limes, cut into wedges
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl combine soy sauce, vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, jerk seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper; add chicken and marinate for 5 minutes. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken without marinade; sear chicken on one side until deep golden brown, then flip chicken and add marinade to pan. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165° and sauce begins to reduce. Turn off heat and set aside. Shred chicken using 2 forks, mixing with pan sauce.
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet in batches. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and wrap to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk heavy cream and cheese until creamy.
Assemble tacos: Top tortillas with shredded cabbage, chicken, salsa, cheese sauce, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
CHEESEBURGER TACOS
This is from Family Time, and begins, “Cheeseburger tacos are a tasty take on tried-and-true burgers. Try them filled with lettuce, onion and pickle relish and seasoned with savory taco seasoning mix.”
Serves: 6; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound lean lean beef
3/4 cup water
1 packet (1.25-oz.) ORTEGA® Taco Seasoning Mix
8 ounces pasteurized prepared cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
12 ORTEGA® Taco Shells or White Corn Taco Shells, warmed
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups chopped tomato
1 cup sweet pickle relish
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup ORTEGA® Medium Taco Sauce
Directions
Brown beef; drain. Stir in water and seasoning mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened. Add cheese and mustard; stir until cheese is melted.
Fill taco shells with beef mixture. Top with lettuce, tomato, relish, onion and taco sauce.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Mexican Food - Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post deals with Mexican food, something I absolutely love! Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Skillet and Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Enjoy!
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This comes from The Food Network's Ree Drummond. Total Time: 1 hour; Prep: 20 minutes; Cook: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/simple-perfect-enchiladas-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Sauce:
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Canola oil, for frying
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1 cup chopped green onions
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Beans and/or rice, for serving
Directions
For the sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Brown the ground beef with the onions. Drain the fat, and then add the green chiles. Add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly fry the tortillas in canola oil just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortillas on a cookie sheet. Onto each tortilla, place some of the meat mixture, black olives and green onions. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas. Stir the cilantro into the sauce and ladle a little sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese. Bake the enchiladas until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro over the top. Serve with beans and/or rice.
SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS
This comes from The Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “These protein-packed fajitas cleverly use a foil-lined baking sheet and broiler to make a quick and healthy weeknight meal with easy clean up.”
Total:30 min; Active: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sheet-pan-chicken-fajitas-3680272.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound baby bell peppers (12 to 15 peppers), halved, stemmed and seeded
1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges, for serving
8 fajita-size flour tortillas, warmed
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, hot sauce, salsa and sour cream, for serving
Directions
Preheat the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Combine the chili powder, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Put the peppers and onions on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season with half the chili powder mixture. Broil until softened and starting to char, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toss in a large bowl with the remaining chile powder mixture and 1 tablespoon oil.
After the peppers are softened and starting to char, about 10 minutes, scatter the chicken on top of the peppers and onions and return the baking sheet to the broiler until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown, about 5 minutes more. Drizzle with the lime juice.
Serve with the warmed tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, hot sauce, salsa, sour cream and lime wedges.
MEXICAN CHICKEN CHOWDER
This comes from Tbsp., and begins, “Fill up the freezer with this easy Mexican twist on chowder that comes together fast and heats up in a hurry.”
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 5
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 lb red potatoes, unpeeled, diced (3 cups)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned or frozen)
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 green onion, thinly sliced, whites only
1 tablespoon seeded and finely chopped jalapeño chile
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced (14 oz)
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1 container (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In medium bowl, mix butter and flour. Add potatoes, corn, bell pepper, green onion and jalapeño chile; stir. In another medium bowl, mix chicken and taco seasoning mix.
In 4-quart saucepan, mix broth, vegetable mixture and chicken mixture. Heat to simmering over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook uncovered 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center and potatoes are tender. Stir in whipping cream; return to simmering. Top with cilantro.
To freeze: In medium bowl, mix butter and flour. Add potatoes, corn, bell pepper, green onion and jalapeño chile; stir. Transfer to 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. In another 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag, mix chicken and taco seasoning mix. Freeze up to 3 months. When ready to serve: In 4-quart saucepan, mix broth, frozen vegetable mixture and frozen chicken mixture. Heat to simmering over high heat, stirring occasionally to break up frozen mixtures. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook uncovered 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center and potatoes are tender. Stir in whipping cream; return to simmering. Top with cilantro.
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
Find this recipe at: 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.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until set. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.
Nutritional 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
TEX-MEX BEEF AND RICE SKILLET
This is from tbsp., and begins, “Wherein we turn a humble pound of ground beef into a supremely satisfying and totally doable meal in a matter of minutes. Now you never have to wonder what’s for dinner. You’re welcome.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
3 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until brown. Drain, and wipe out skillet.
Add oil to skillet, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and corn. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
Stir in beef, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning mix. Heat to simmering; stir in rice. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is heated through.
Top with cheese and cilantro.
SIMPLE PERFECT ENCHILADAS
This comes from The Food Network's Ree Drummond. Total Time: 1 hour; Prep: 20 minutes; Cook: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/simple-perfect-enchiladas-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Sauce:
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada or Mexican red sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Meat:
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 to 14 corn tortillas
Canola oil, for frying
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1 cup chopped green onions
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Beans and/or rice, for serving
Directions
For the sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
For the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Brown the ground beef with the onions. Drain the fat, and then add the green chiles. Add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly fry the tortillas in canola oil just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Dip each tortilla into the sauce. Set the sauce-soaked tortillas on a cookie sheet. Onto each tortilla, place some of the meat mixture, black olives and green onions. Top with a generous portion of grated Cheddar. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.
Place the tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas. Stir the cilantro into the sauce and ladle a little sauce over the top. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese. Bake the enchiladas until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro over the top. Serve with beans and/or rice.
SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS
This comes from The Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “These protein-packed fajitas cleverly use a foil-lined baking sheet and broiler to make a quick and healthy weeknight meal with easy clean up.”
Total:30 min; Active: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sheet-pan-chicken-fajitas-3680272.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound baby bell peppers (12 to 15 peppers), halved, stemmed and seeded
1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges, for serving
8 fajita-size flour tortillas, warmed
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, hot sauce, salsa and sour cream, for serving
Directions
Preheat the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Combine the chili powder, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Put the peppers and onions on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season with half the chili powder mixture. Broil until softened and starting to char, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toss in a large bowl with the remaining chile powder mixture and 1 tablespoon oil.
After the peppers are softened and starting to char, about 10 minutes, scatter the chicken on top of the peppers and onions and return the baking sheet to the broiler until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown, about 5 minutes more. Drizzle with the lime juice.
Serve with the warmed tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, hot sauce, salsa, sour cream and lime wedges.
MEXICAN CHICKEN CHOWDER
This comes from Tbsp., and begins, “Fill up the freezer with this easy Mexican twist on chowder that comes together fast and heats up in a hurry.”
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 5
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 lb red potatoes, unpeeled, diced (3 cups)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned or frozen)
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 green onion, thinly sliced, whites only
1 tablespoon seeded and finely chopped jalapeño chile
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced (14 oz)
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1 container (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In medium bowl, mix butter and flour. Add potatoes, corn, bell pepper, green onion and jalapeño chile; stir. In another medium bowl, mix chicken and taco seasoning mix.
In 4-quart saucepan, mix broth, vegetable mixture and chicken mixture. Heat to simmering over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook uncovered 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center and potatoes are tender. Stir in whipping cream; return to simmering. Top with cilantro.
To freeze: In medium bowl, mix butter and flour. Add potatoes, corn, bell pepper, green onion and jalapeño chile; stir. Transfer to 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. In another 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag, mix chicken and taco seasoning mix. Freeze up to 3 months. When ready to serve: In 4-quart saucepan, mix broth, frozen vegetable mixture and frozen chicken mixture. Heat to simmering over high heat, stirring occasionally to break up frozen mixtures. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook uncovered 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center and potatoes are tender. Stir in whipping cream; return to simmering. Top with cilantro.
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
Find this recipe at: 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.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until set. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.
Nutritional 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
TEX-MEX BEEF AND RICE SKILLET
This is from tbsp., and begins, “Wherein we turn a humble pound of ground beef into a supremely satisfying and totally doable meal in a matter of minutes. Now you never have to wonder what’s for dinner. You’re welcome.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
3 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until brown. Drain, and wipe out skillet.
Add oil to skillet, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and corn. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
Stir in beef, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning mix. Heat to simmering; stir in rice. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is heated through.
Top with cheese and cilantro.
Meatless Monday
It's Meatless Monday, time to try at least one day without meat in your diet.
Of course, if you're a vegetarian, you already know the benefits of going meatless, not to mention the variety of foods you can eat.
Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Onions and Chocolate Dump-It Cake. Enjoy!
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 681 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 8 g; Yield: Serves 6
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RED ONIONS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is an easy, healthy addition to a Thanksgiving feast or weekday dinner from Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, which was included in a Julia Moskin video feature in 2013. Chop up a few red onions and a butternut squash, roast them in high heat, and drizzle them with tahini sauce, herbs and pistachios. That’s it. (Keep an eye on the onions, though. They may cook faster than the squash.)” Time: 1 hour; Makes 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
About 1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra for pans
4 large red onions
Coarse salt and black pepper
4 pounds butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch wedges, peeled or unpeeled
1/3 cup pine nuts or shelled green pistachio nuts (optional)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, mint, cilantro or a combination, for garnish
For Tahini Sauce (Optional):
1/4 cup tahini paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, crushed
Preparation
Heat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly coat two large baking sheets with olive oil.
Peel onions, leaving root ends intact. Cut each onion in half from stem to root. Cut each half into 4 wedges, leaving the root intact so that each wedge holds together. Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
Put the squash in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and about 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet, peel side down (if intact).
Place both pans in oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables have taken on some color and are cooked through. Keep an eye on the onions, as they may cook faster than the squash and need to be removed earlier.
If using nuts, pour 1 tablespoon oil into a small frying pan and place over medium-low heat. Add nuts and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Immediately remove from the heat and dump onto a cutting board to stop the cooking. If using pistachios, chop coarsely when cool enough to handle.
To make tahini sauce, place tahini in a bowl. Add lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until sauce is the consistency of honey, adding more water or a tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.
When the vegetables are cooked, set aside until ready to serve. (The vegetables should be served the same day they are made. They can be served at warm room temperature, or reheated just before serving.)
To serve, combine vegetables on a large serving platter. If using tahini sauce, drizzle on top. Sprinkle herbs and, if using, nuts on top and serve.
LENTIL AND RICE STUFFED SQUASH
Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: halved zucchini
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/783.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown basmati rice
1/3 cup French green lentils
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth
3 large summer squash (about 2-2 1/2 lb.), halved
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 whole scallions, chopped
3 cups escarole, rolled up and sliced thin
1-2 Tbsp. finely-chopped fresh dill (optional)
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
6 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a deep saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Cook, covered, until the rice and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
If using yellow squash, cut off the necks. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the squash 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. When completely cooled, pat the squash dry and set aside.
Place a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté the onion 3 minutes. Add the garlic and scallions. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the escarole and pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the escarole is wilted and bright green, about 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables into the rice mixture. Mix in the dill and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a baking dish just large enough to hold them, arrange the squash. Spoon in the filling, generously mounding it. Sprinkle on the feta. Pour 1/2 cup water into the baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is soft, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate, covered in foil, until ready to use. Reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 173; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 1 Reduced-Fat Milk, 1 Fat
'CHICKEN' AND DUMPLINGS
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
3/4 cup soy milk
For the Soup:
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 lb. faux chicken, torn into small pieces (try Worthington brand Chickette or Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chick'n Strips)
1 bay leaf
Combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a bowl.
Mix the margarine with the dry mixture until crumbly. Add the soy milk, stirring until moistened. Add more soy milk, as needed, if the mixture is too dry.
Knead the dough for 30 seconds on a well-floured surface, then roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Place the margarine, onion, and celery for the soup in a large saucepan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to make a thick paste. Slowly mix in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the carrots, faux chicken, and bay leaf.
Add the dumpling squares one at a time, stirring gently. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
CHICKPEA "MEAT" SAUCE OVER PASTA SHELLS [VEGAN]
This is also from the One Green Planet e-newsletter, and begins, “This recipe is the next best thing next to simmered-all-day pasta sauce. You'll have all your family and friends guessing how you managed to juggle your day while making such a fabulous meaty sauce – hey, we won't tell them it was super easy if you don’t!” High carb; vegan.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
A dash of red pepper flakes
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon red miso paste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/4 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or to taste
13 ounces gluten-free or whole wheat pasta shells
Vegan Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat a large skillet to medium-high, add a splash of water or vegetable broth, and sauté the chopped onion and carrot for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute.
While the carrots and onion cook, put the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to break them down. You don’t want hummus — but you also don’t want any whole chickpeas remaining. Set aside.
Stir the herbs and spices into the onion/carrot mixture and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and sauté for about 5 minutes, letting them brown a bit.
Add the crushed tomatoes, miso, tomato paste, and maple syrup, scraping up the yummy browned bits and stirring well to combine. Turn down the heat to low and let the sauce bubble for about 30 minutes. If you have one of those mesh screens, this is the time to use it.
Stir the sauce occasionally, adding broth or water if it becomes too thick. While it cooks, get the pasta water going and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of the pasta water, if desired (you can use this to further thin the sauce, if necessary).
When the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasonings. Pour the pasta into the sauce and stir well, making sure to coat each and every tender shell. Serve with copious amounts of vegan Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Of course, if you're a vegetarian, you already know the benefits of going meatless, not to mention the variety of foods you can eat.
Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Onions and Chocolate Dump-It Cake. Enjoy!
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 681 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 8 g; Yield: Serves 6
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RED ONIONS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is an easy, healthy addition to a Thanksgiving feast or weekday dinner from Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, which was included in a Julia Moskin video feature in 2013. Chop up a few red onions and a butternut squash, roast them in high heat, and drizzle them with tahini sauce, herbs and pistachios. That’s it. (Keep an eye on the onions, though. They may cook faster than the squash.)” Time: 1 hour; Makes 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
About 1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra for pans
4 large red onions
Coarse salt and black pepper
4 pounds butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch wedges, peeled or unpeeled
1/3 cup pine nuts or shelled green pistachio nuts (optional)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, mint, cilantro or a combination, for garnish
For Tahini Sauce (Optional):
1/4 cup tahini paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, crushed
Preparation
Heat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly coat two large baking sheets with olive oil.
Peel onions, leaving root ends intact. Cut each onion in half from stem to root. Cut each half into 4 wedges, leaving the root intact so that each wedge holds together. Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
Put the squash in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and about 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet, peel side down (if intact).
Place both pans in oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables have taken on some color and are cooked through. Keep an eye on the onions, as they may cook faster than the squash and need to be removed earlier.
If using nuts, pour 1 tablespoon oil into a small frying pan and place over medium-low heat. Add nuts and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Immediately remove from the heat and dump onto a cutting board to stop the cooking. If using pistachios, chop coarsely when cool enough to handle.
To make tahini sauce, place tahini in a bowl. Add lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until sauce is the consistency of honey, adding more water or a tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.
When the vegetables are cooked, set aside until ready to serve. (The vegetables should be served the same day they are made. They can be served at warm room temperature, or reheated just before serving.)
To serve, combine vegetables on a large serving platter. If using tahini sauce, drizzle on top. Sprinkle herbs and, if using, nuts on top and serve.
LENTIL AND RICE STUFFED SQUASH
Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: halved zucchini
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/783.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown basmati rice
1/3 cup French green lentils
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth
3 large summer squash (about 2-2 1/2 lb.), halved
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 whole scallions, chopped
3 cups escarole, rolled up and sliced thin
1-2 Tbsp. finely-chopped fresh dill (optional)
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
6 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a deep saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Cook, covered, until the rice and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
If using yellow squash, cut off the necks. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the squash 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. When completely cooled, pat the squash dry and set aside.
Place a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté the onion 3 minutes. Add the garlic and scallions. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the escarole and pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the escarole is wilted and bright green, about 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables into the rice mixture. Mix in the dill and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a baking dish just large enough to hold them, arrange the squash. Spoon in the filling, generously mounding it. Sprinkle on the feta. Pour 1/2 cup water into the baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is soft, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate, covered in foil, until ready to use. Reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 173; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 1 Reduced-Fat Milk, 1 Fat
'CHICKEN' AND DUMPLINGS
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
3/4 cup soy milk
For the Soup:
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 lb. faux chicken, torn into small pieces (try Worthington brand Chickette or Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chick'n Strips)
1 bay leaf
Combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a bowl.
Mix the margarine with the dry mixture until crumbly. Add the soy milk, stirring until moistened. Add more soy milk, as needed, if the mixture is too dry.
Knead the dough for 30 seconds on a well-floured surface, then roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Place the margarine, onion, and celery for the soup in a large saucepan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to make a thick paste. Slowly mix in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the carrots, faux chicken, and bay leaf.
Add the dumpling squares one at a time, stirring gently. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
CHICKPEA "MEAT" SAUCE OVER PASTA SHELLS [VEGAN]
This is also from the One Green Planet e-newsletter, and begins, “This recipe is the next best thing next to simmered-all-day pasta sauce. You'll have all your family and friends guessing how you managed to juggle your day while making such a fabulous meaty sauce – hey, we won't tell them it was super easy if you don’t!” High carb; vegan.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
A dash of red pepper flakes
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon red miso paste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/4 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or to taste
13 ounces gluten-free or whole wheat pasta shells
Vegan Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat a large skillet to medium-high, add a splash of water or vegetable broth, and sauté the chopped onion and carrot for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute.
While the carrots and onion cook, put the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to break them down. You don’t want hummus — but you also don’t want any whole chickpeas remaining. Set aside.
Stir the herbs and spices into the onion/carrot mixture and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and sauté for about 5 minutes, letting them brown a bit.
Add the crushed tomatoes, miso, tomato paste, and maple syrup, scraping up the yummy browned bits and stirring well to combine. Turn down the heat to low and let the sauce bubble for about 30 minutes. If you have one of those mesh screens, this is the time to use it.
Stir the sauce occasionally, adding broth or water if it becomes too thick. While it cooks, get the pasta water going and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of the pasta water, if desired (you can use this to further thin the sauce, if necessary).
When the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasonings. Pour the pasta into the sauce and stir well, making sure to coat each and every tender shell. Serve with copious amounts of vegan Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
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