It's time for another Diabetic Thursday. Today's six yummy diabetic recipes include Marinated Steak Kabobs and Warm Turkey and White Bean Salad. Enjoy!
CHICKEN GUMBO SOUP
Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup
Source: The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes
View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chicken-gumbo-soup
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
3 cups reduced-sodium, reduced-fat chicken broth, divided
3 cups water
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp sage
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp thyme
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
1 cup frozen okra
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 cup flour
2 cups cooked brown rice
Directions
Place the chicken in a large soup pot with 1 cup of broth. Bring to a boil.
Add the additional broth, water, onion, garlic, salt (omit this if you need to reduce total sodium), pepper, bay leaf, sage, red pepper flakes, and thyme and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, corn, and okra and simmer for 15 minutes.
In a separate pan, heat the oil and flour and stir until the flour and oil are golden brown and bubbly, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of the soup broth to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
Add the mixture back to the soup pot and whisk until dissolved. Simmer 30 minutes. Stir in the rice the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 279; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 720 mg; Cholesterol: 43 mg; Protein: 23 g; Carbohydrates: 31 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch; 2 Lean Meat
SESAME SOBA NOODLES
Recipe Yield: Serves: 6
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Book Title: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/sesame-soba-noodles.
Ingredients
8 ounces soba noodles (Japanese buckwheat) or whole-wheat noodles
6 tablespoons Chicken Broth
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon gingerroot
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoon tahini (sesame butter) or peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
Dash red (cayenne) pepper
Pinch salt
3 tablespoons warm water
3 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Directions
Bring a large kettle of water to a boil and cook noodles until al dente, about 5 minutes. Run under cold water for a few seconds, drain, and turn into a serving bowl. Toss with 2 tablespoons of broth. Place in the freezer to chill quickly. In a small bowl, combine garlic, gingerroot, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, tahini, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, salt and water. When pasta is room temperature, toss with sesame sauce until coated. Add remaining lime juice and broth; toss. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 143; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 136 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch/Bread
MARINATED STEAK KABOBS
Recipe Yield: Serving Size: 4 ounces meat, Total Servings: 4
Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Book Title: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/marinated-steak-kabobs.
Ingredients
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed of any fat and cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
1 large green pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares
1 large red pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares
Directions
Combine the soy sauce, honey, sherry, zest, and oil in a zippered plastic bag. Add the beef and close the bag. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Drain marinade. Soak wooden skewers in a pan of warm water for 30 minutes. Thread the steak and peppers alternately onto skewers.
Prepare an oven broiler or outdoor grill with the rack set 4 inches from the heat source. Grill on each side over medium heat for a total of about 10 minutes, or until desired degree of doneness.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194, Fat: 7 g, Sodium: 354 mg, Cholesterol: 64 mg, Protein: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat, 2 Vegetable
GREEN BEANS AND RED ONION SALAD
This recipe begins, “This picnic salad is perfect to pack along for a meal alfresco. If made ahead, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.”
Recipe Yield: Serves 4
Source: NPB
To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/green-beans-and-red-onion-salad.
Ingredients
1 10-oz package French-cut green beans
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons non-fat Italian dressing
Directions
Cook green beans according to package directions, drain and place in serving dish; toss gently with red onion slices and dressing and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 30, Sodium: 150 mg, Protein: 1 g, Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Vegetable
WARM TURKEY AND WHITE BEAN SALAD
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking
Book Title: Express Lane Diabetic Cooking
View online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/warm-turkey-and-white-bean-salad
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed (used to flavor pan)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 pound cooked turkey breast, cubed
1 cup sliced roasted red peppers from jar
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 cup frozen cut green beans, thawed
1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 small head romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces
Directions
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add crushed garlic and saute 1 minute. Remove the garlic from the skillet and discard.
Add mushrooms and saute 2-3 minutes. Add turkey and saute 2 minutes. Add peppers, onions, and beans and cook 2 minutes. Add vinegar and pesto and heat thoroughly. Serve salad over lettuce. Garnish with walnuts if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 256; Fat: 8 g; Cholesterol: 26 mg; Protein: 21 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 2 Lean Meat
LEMON CHICKEN WITH BROCCOLI AND GINGER
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings.
Source: AICR
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-chicken-with-broccoli-and-ginger
Ingredients
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground white or black pepper
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, divided
1 lb. skinless and boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 Tbsp. grated or finely chopped ginger, plus 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup sliced leek, white and pale green parts, 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup thinly slice red onion, in crescents
3 cups broccoli florets, cut to bite-size
1/4 cup chopped scallions, green and white parts
Directions
In measuring cup, combine broth, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat a wok over high heat. When wok is hot, drizzle half of the oil around sides, then lift and swirl wok to coat it. Add chicken, and stir-fry until no pink color shows, 2 minutes. Scoop out chicken and place on plate.
Drizzle remaining oil into wok and swirl to coat. Add fresh ginger, ground ginger and garlic and stir fry until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add leek and onion and stir fry for 1 minute. Pour in broth mixture, cover wok and cook for 2 minutes until broccoli looks bright green. Return chicken to wok and stir fry until pieces are white in the center, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn contents of wok out onto serving platter. Sprinkle on scallions and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 452 mg; Protein: 29 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Macaroni and Cheese
Is there any meal that says comfort food more than macaroni and cheese? Maybe not.
Here are six mac and cheese recipes to help you through the day, including Benecol Macaroni and Cheese and Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Enjoy!
HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
I had been looking for a really simple but good homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, and this fits the bill. My daughter and granddaughter had come over on my granddaughter's birthday; while they were here, my daughter whipped up this recipe. She'd been making it for quite a while. It was a definite hit with everyone in the house.
Ingredients
1 box (16 ounce) cannelloni pasta (see Note)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: Just about any tubular pasta can be used in this recipe, though it seems to work best with something bigger than elbow macaroni. Some of the better substitutes for the cannelloni would be ziti, penne, rigatoni, or elicoidali.
Directions
Turn oven on to 350 degrees.
Cook pasta according to package directions. If the package gives you a bracket – say, 12 – 14 minutes – lean toward the lower time, since you don't want the pasta to be too mushy. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter on low heat, then add flour, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add milk and cook on medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat and add macaroni, stirring it into mixture. Add the shredded cheese, and stir in completely.
Pour mixture into a 13 X 9 inch pan and bake at 350 for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove carefully, as it will be hot. (You knew that, right?) Dig in.
This makes 4 – 5 servings.
Photo: Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, on the left in the blue dish, and Benecol Macaroni and Cheese, on right, in orange casserole dish (from Avon)
BENECOL MACARONI AND CHEESE
For several years, there was a magazine dedicated to walking, titled Walking Magazine. It had many good articles, tips and recipes for those of us who feel a little more comfortable race-walking than running. Unfortunately, the magazine folded several years ago. This recipe was in it during its final year. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. small shell style macaroni
4 Tbs. Benecol
3 Tbs. all purpose flour
3 Tbs. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 C 2% milk, warmed
few drops Tabasco Sauce
1-pint nonfat cottage (or ricotta) cheese
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C flavored bread crumbs
1 Tbs. olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9 inch pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Cook shells according to package directions, strain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
To prepare sauce, melt Benecol in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Quickly whisk in flour, add onions, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour milk into flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Tabasco Sauce and cook an additional minute. Whisk in cheese and salt, and blend in shells; transfer mixture to prepared pan.
In small bowl, mix oil and bread crumbs together; spoon over top of macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
Per Serving: 510 calories; 27.2% calories from fat; 3G saturated fat; 65G carbohydrates; 12MG cholesterol; 612MG sodium; 2G fiber
GRANDMA'S MAC AND CHEESE
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Both of my grandmas were characters—I could write a book about either one. This is my dad's mom's version of the ultimate comfort food. She told me she made this for my dad and my uncle when they were kids. Very simple, but very good.
Ingredients
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1 – 2 jars of Cheese Whiz
Directions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Heat Cheese Whiz, either in microwave or boiling water. (Remove lids from jars first.) Drain macaroni, dump into a large bowl, add heated Cheese Whiz, stir, and PIG OUT!!!
SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from country music star Trisha Yearwood, who also stars in The Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 3 hr 15 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/crockpot-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Cooking spray
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick ) of butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Two 10-ounce bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups)
Dash of paprika
Directions
In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.
ONE-POT MAC ’N’ CHEESE
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “This one-pot wonder has humble beginnings: just milk and macaroni. As the pasta cooks, the starch released helps thicken the milk to make the perfect base for a sauce. The cheeses and seasonings are stirred in at the very end, and everything comes together magically.”
Total: 20 min; Active: 10 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-mac-n-cheese.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
3/4 pound elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
8 ounces mild Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces part-skim mozzarella, shredded (about 1 cup)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Large pinch cayenne pepper
Large pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt
Directions
Put the milk and macaroni in a medium saucepan. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping, then cook, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, butter, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Serve hot. (The dish will thicken as it cools; thin it out with a little hot water if desired.)
Cook's Note
Be sure to buy blocks of cheese and shred it yourself. The pre-shredded cheese that comes in bags is often tossed with starchy cellulose, which can give this mac 'n' cheese a clumpy texture.
CRUSTY MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “Macaroni and cheese may seem an easy proposition. Noodles, cheese. But the secret to this creamy dish with a crunchy and crisp top is American cheese. This is no place for fancy cheeses or fancy noodles. Leave the whole-wheat penne and artisanal orecchiette in the cupboard and bring on the elbow pasta.” Yield: 8 to 12 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
12 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
12 ounces American cheese or cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1 pound elbow pasta, boiled in salted water until just tender, drained, and rinsed under cold water
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Salt
2/3 cup whole milk
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Use one tablespoon butter to thickly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Combine grated cheeses and set aside two heaping cups for topping.
In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, cheeses, cayenne (if using) and salt to taste. Place in prepared pan and evenly pour milk over surface. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top, dot with remaining butter and bake, uncovered, 45 minutes. Raise heat to 400 degrees and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until crusty on top and bottom.
Here are six mac and cheese recipes to help you through the day, including Benecol Macaroni and Cheese and Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Enjoy!
HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
I had been looking for a really simple but good homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, and this fits the bill. My daughter and granddaughter had come over on my granddaughter's birthday; while they were here, my daughter whipped up this recipe. She'd been making it for quite a while. It was a definite hit with everyone in the house.
Ingredients
1 box (16 ounce) cannelloni pasta (see Note)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: Just about any tubular pasta can be used in this recipe, though it seems to work best with something bigger than elbow macaroni. Some of the better substitutes for the cannelloni would be ziti, penne, rigatoni, or elicoidali.
Directions
Turn oven on to 350 degrees.
Cook pasta according to package directions. If the package gives you a bracket – say, 12 – 14 minutes – lean toward the lower time, since you don't want the pasta to be too mushy. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter on low heat, then add flour, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add milk and cook on medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
Remove from heat and add macaroni, stirring it into mixture. Add the shredded cheese, and stir in completely.
Pour mixture into a 13 X 9 inch pan and bake at 350 for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove carefully, as it will be hot. (You knew that, right?) Dig in.
This makes 4 – 5 servings.
Photo: Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, on the left in the blue dish, and Benecol Macaroni and Cheese, on right, in orange casserole dish (from Avon)
BENECOL MACARONI AND CHEESE
For several years, there was a magazine dedicated to walking, titled Walking Magazine. It had many good articles, tips and recipes for those of us who feel a little more comfortable race-walking than running. Unfortunately, the magazine folded several years ago. This recipe was in it during its final year. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. small shell style macaroni
4 Tbs. Benecol
3 Tbs. all purpose flour
3 Tbs. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 C 2% milk, warmed
few drops Tabasco Sauce
1-pint nonfat cottage (or ricotta) cheese
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C flavored bread crumbs
1 Tbs. olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9 inch pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Cook shells according to package directions, strain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
To prepare sauce, melt Benecol in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Quickly whisk in flour, add onions, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour milk into flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Tabasco Sauce and cook an additional minute. Whisk in cheese and salt, and blend in shells; transfer mixture to prepared pan.
In small bowl, mix oil and bread crumbs together; spoon over top of macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
Per Serving: 510 calories; 27.2% calories from fat; 3G saturated fat; 65G carbohydrates; 12MG cholesterol; 612MG sodium; 2G fiber
GRANDMA'S MAC AND CHEESE
This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.
Both of my grandmas were characters—I could write a book about either one. This is my dad's mom's version of the ultimate comfort food. She told me she made this for my dad and my uncle when they were kids. Very simple, but very good.
Ingredients
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1 – 2 jars of Cheese Whiz
Directions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Heat Cheese Whiz, either in microwave or boiling water. (Remove lids from jars first.) Drain macaroni, dump into a large bowl, add heated Cheese Whiz, stir, and PIG OUT!!!
SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from country music star Trisha Yearwood, who also stars in The Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 3 hr 15 min; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/crockpot-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
Cooking spray
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick ) of butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Two 10-ounce bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups)
Dash of paprika
Directions
In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.
ONE-POT MAC ’N’ CHEESE
This is from The Food Network, and begins, “This one-pot wonder has humble beginnings: just milk and macaroni. As the pasta cooks, the starch released helps thicken the milk to make the perfect base for a sauce. The cheeses and seasonings are stirred in at the very end, and everything comes together magically.”
Total: 20 min; Active: 10 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-mac-n-cheese.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
3/4 pound elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
8 ounces mild Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces part-skim mozzarella, shredded (about 1 cup)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Large pinch cayenne pepper
Large pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt
Directions
Put the milk and macaroni in a medium saucepan. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping, then cook, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, butter, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Serve hot. (The dish will thicken as it cools; thin it out with a little hot water if desired.)
Cook's Note
Be sure to buy blocks of cheese and shred it yourself. The pre-shredded cheese that comes in bags is often tossed with starchy cellulose, which can give this mac 'n' cheese a clumpy texture.
CRUSTY MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “Macaroni and cheese may seem an easy proposition. Noodles, cheese. But the secret to this creamy dish with a crunchy and crisp top is American cheese. This is no place for fancy cheeses or fancy noodles. Leave the whole-wheat penne and artisanal orecchiette in the cupboard and bring on the elbow pasta.” Yield: 8 to 12 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
12 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
12 ounces American cheese or cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1 pound elbow pasta, boiled in salted water until just tender, drained, and rinsed under cold water
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Salt
2/3 cup whole milk
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Use one tablespoon butter to thickly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Combine grated cheeses and set aside two heaping cups for topping.
In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, cheeses, cayenne (if using) and salt to taste. Place in prepared pan and evenly pour milk over surface. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top, dot with remaining butter and bake, uncovered, 45 minutes. Raise heat to 400 degrees and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until crusty on top and bottom.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Drinks - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with drinks
I can almost hear someone ask, "Drink recipes?"
Well, sure. While we need to eat, we also need something yummy to drink. That said, today's six recipes deal with drinks, including Homemade Ginger Tea and Cafe De Olla. Enjoy!
RUMPLEMAYER’S HOT CHOCOLATE
As the weather starts cooling off (or gets down-right cold), is there any drink yummier than hot chocolate? This yummy recipe is from Molly O’Neill in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Molly wrote, “Hot chocolate is traceable to the Aztecs, who regarded the dark and bitter drink as a sacred brew. The hot cocoa that Columbus offered his patrons tasted “bitter, scummy and peppery,” according to Chantal Coady's account in “The Chocolate Companion,” which explains, no doubt, why they disliked it intensely. Sometime later, Cortez offered the same beverage to Charles V and his courtiers and succeeded in capturing their imagination with the addition, Ms. Coady writes, of some sugar and vanilla. This version, adapted from Rumplemayer's, a now-closed New York restaurant once known for its hot chocolate and pastries, falls into the latter camp; it is rich, sweet and smooth. It calls for real semisweet chocolate (we bet a mix of semisweet and bittersweet would be delightful, too) so there's none of the chalky aftertaste hot cocoa often leaves behind. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you wish, take it over the top.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 2 minutes.
This was featured in “Food; Loco for Cocoa,” and can be viewed here.
Ingredients
4 cups milk
6 tablespoons sugar
7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Combine the milk, sugar and chocolate in a large saucepan. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Ladle the hot chocolate into 4 mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.
CHERRY SMOOTHIE
This comes from Yishane Lee in the July 2012 issue of Runner’s World, page 48. I couldn’t find a link for it…
Ingredients
1 cup pitted cherries
3/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup ice
Preparation
Place ingredients in blender and blend. Yum!
CLASSIC STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
This is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Whether you've got a busy morning and need a meal on the go, or you're looking for a way to give the kids their morning boost of protein and vitamins, this classic strawberry smoothie is a healthy dish in a cup.”
Yield: For 2 people; Time: 8 minutes.
To view this online, go to https://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/classic_strawberry_smoothie.php.
Ingredients
8 strawberries, hulled
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ice cubes, crushed
Directions
In a blender combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, sugar and vanilla. Toss in the ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve.
CHOCOLATE AVOCADO SMOOTHIE
This is from Christel Oerum on DiabetesStrong. Christel wrote, “Avocado and chocolate are a killer combination in this easy chocolate avocado smoothie with coconut milk recipe! This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan!”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes; Servings: 2
To view this online, go to https://diabetesstrong.com/chocolate-avocado-smoothie/.
Ingredients
1/2 ripe avocado
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. lime juice
pinch mineral salt
6-7 drops liquid Stevia
Fresh mint (for decoration)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Chopping the ingredients beforehand will help the blender process everything better.
Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the taste to your liking by adding more avocado for creaminess or liquid Stevia for more sweetness.
Serve immediately with fresh mint and a straw.
Recipe Notes
You can store this smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
CAFE DE OLLA
The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
4 allspice berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)
2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional
Directions
Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.
Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free
I can almost hear someone ask, "Drink recipes?"
Well, sure. While we need to eat, we also need something yummy to drink. That said, today's six recipes deal with drinks, including Homemade Ginger Tea and Cafe De Olla. Enjoy!
RUMPLEMAYER’S HOT CHOCOLATE
As the weather starts cooling off (or gets down-right cold), is there any drink yummier than hot chocolate? This yummy recipe is from Molly O’Neill in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Molly wrote, “Hot chocolate is traceable to the Aztecs, who regarded the dark and bitter drink as a sacred brew. The hot cocoa that Columbus offered his patrons tasted “bitter, scummy and peppery,” according to Chantal Coady's account in “The Chocolate Companion,” which explains, no doubt, why they disliked it intensely. Sometime later, Cortez offered the same beverage to Charles V and his courtiers and succeeded in capturing their imagination with the addition, Ms. Coady writes, of some sugar and vanilla. This version, adapted from Rumplemayer's, a now-closed New York restaurant once known for its hot chocolate and pastries, falls into the latter camp; it is rich, sweet and smooth. It calls for real semisweet chocolate (we bet a mix of semisweet and bittersweet would be delightful, too) so there's none of the chalky aftertaste hot cocoa often leaves behind. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you wish, take it over the top.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 2 minutes.
This was featured in “Food; Loco for Cocoa,” and can be viewed here.
Ingredients
4 cups milk
6 tablespoons sugar
7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Combine the milk, sugar and chocolate in a large saucepan. Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Ladle the hot chocolate into 4 mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.
CHERRY SMOOTHIE
This comes from Yishane Lee in the July 2012 issue of Runner’s World, page 48. I couldn’t find a link for it…
Ingredients
1 cup pitted cherries
3/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup ice
Preparation
Place ingredients in blender and blend. Yum!
CLASSIC STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
This is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Whether you've got a busy morning and need a meal on the go, or you're looking for a way to give the kids their morning boost of protein and vitamins, this classic strawberry smoothie is a healthy dish in a cup.”
Yield: For 2 people; Time: 8 minutes.
To view this online, go to https://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/classic_strawberry_smoothie.php.
Ingredients
8 strawberries, hulled
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ice cubes, crushed
Directions
In a blender combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, sugar and vanilla. Toss in the ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve.
CHOCOLATE AVOCADO SMOOTHIE
This is from Christel Oerum on DiabetesStrong. Christel wrote, “Avocado and chocolate are a killer combination in this easy chocolate avocado smoothie with coconut milk recipe! This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan!”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes; Servings: 2
To view this online, go to https://diabetesstrong.com/chocolate-avocado-smoothie/.
Ingredients
1/2 ripe avocado
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. lime juice
pinch mineral salt
6-7 drops liquid Stevia
Fresh mint (for decoration)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Chopping the ingredients beforehand will help the blender process everything better.
Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the taste to your liking by adding more avocado for creaminess or liquid Stevia for more sweetness.
Serve immediately with fresh mint and a straw.
Recipe Notes
You can store this smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
CAFE DE OLLA
The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
4 allspice berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)
2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional
Directions
Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.
Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free
Taco Tuesday
If it's Thursday (and my calendar indicates that it is), it's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Spicy Grilled Tempeh Tacos with Frijoles Molidos and Homemade Sour Cream and Steak Carnitas Meat in the Crockpot. Enjoy!
SPAGHETTI SQUASH & BLACK BEAN TACOS
This comes from Kelly, whose site, Mountain Mama Cooks is really pretty awesome. I highly recommend checking it out!
This recipe begins, “Crispy blue corn shells filled with black beans, savory spaghetti squash, cotija cheese and plenty of hot sauce. Vegetarian tacos never looked so good.”
To view this online on Kelly’s site, go to https://mountainmamacooks.com/spaghetti-squash-black-bean-tacos/.
Ingredients
1– 2 lb spaghetti squash (if you go bigger, increase spices accordingly)
2 tablespoons melted butter
juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 14oz can black beans, thoroughly rinsed
8–10 crispy blue corn tortillas
crumbled cojita cheese
cilantro
hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, throw about 1 teaspoon olive oil on each half and roast both halves face down on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast the squash halves in the pre-heated oven until tender and easily pierced with a fork, 45-60 minutes. (Alternately, you can microwave the squash if you’re short on time.)
Meanwhile, combine melted butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, cumin and garlic powder in a small bowl.
When spaghetti squash is done remove from oven and let cool a few minutes until you can handle it easily. Working over a large bowl, gently scrape out the flesh with a fork. Add butter mixture to the squash and toss well to combine.
In the bottom of each corn tortilla, spread out a small handful (about 2 tablespoons) of black beans. Top with some spaghetti squash (about 1/4 cup). Top again with crumbled cojita cheese.
Line the tacos in a 9×13 baking dish or similar and bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
To serve, top with fresh cilantro and hot sauce if desired.
SPICY GRILLED TEMPEH TACOS WITH FRIJOLES MOLIDOS AND HOMEMADE SOUR CREAM [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]
This recipe comes from OneGreenPlanet, and is Dairy Free; Gluten-free; Vegan; Wheat Free.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tempeh and Tacos:
Tempeh, as needed
Spicy bean paste, as needed
Tortillas (gluten-free if necessary)
Pico de gallo
Guacamole
For the Frijoles:
6 cloves roasted garlic
4-5 cups cooked red beans
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cumin
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sour Cream
1 cup raw, pre-soaked cashews
1 cup rejuvelac (see notes)
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Preparation
Brush the tempeh with the bean paste and then grill.
Lightly grill tortillas for about 30 seconds/side.
To make the sour cream, put all ingredients in a high-speed blender and run until very smooth. Then set out in a covered glass container to culture for at least 24 hours. Taste for sourness. Colder climates will require more time. 24 hours at 85°F is about perfect. Refrigerate until thickened.
To make the beans, roast your garlic or pan fry them whole in a skillet until brown. Then cook the beans a minute or two longer than normal, drain, but reserve your bean juice.
Mash the garlic cloves with a fork, then add the beans and spices over low heat. Allow them to simmer for a couple minutes while you go to work with a potato masher. Add the lime juice, olive oil, and bean juice to keep the mixture soft and workable.
Assemble tacos and add pico de gallo and guacamole.
Notes:
Rejuvelac is a fermented liquid you can buy online or make at home.
CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Makinze Gore on Delish. She wrote, “These chicken tacos are loaded with all the best spices. They pair perfectly with watermelon margaritas.”
Yields: 4 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" strips
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne
8 corn tortillas, warmed
Toppings
Thinly sliced red onion
Diced tomatoes
Shredded Monterey Jack
Diced avocados
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to skillet. Cook until golden, 6 minutes. Add spices and stir until coated, 1 minute more.
Build tacos: In tortillas, layer chicken and desired toppings. Serve with lime wedges.
TURKEY TACO SOUP
This comes from Laurel Randolph, one of the writers on The Spruce. Laurel wrote, “Taco soup is an easy, one-bowl version of everyone's favorite dinner: taco night. All of the ingredients simmer together to make a robust, flavorful soup that's especially good with a side of crispy tortilla chips. And with only one dirty pot and a few dirty soup bowls, it's totally carefree. The typical ground beef is replaced with shredded turkey for a lighter meal—or you can replace it with cooked chicken, if that's what you have on hand.
“We love to make this soup after Thanksgiving, when we have leftover turkey to use up and we want to do as little cooking as possible. It's a great way to repurpose cooked, shredded breast or dark meat to create a totally different dish. No one will be complaining of leftover fatigue with this recipe.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: Serves 3 - 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola (or grapeseed oil)
1 small red onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup packed shredded cooked turkey
3 cups turkey or chicken broth
Salt and pepper
1 avocado (diced, or sour cream for serving)
Optional: Chips (for serving)
Directions
Preheat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the oil followed by the onion. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, jalapeño and garlic. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes and juice, pinto beans, turkey and broth, and stir. Season with salt and pepper.
Turn up the heat and bring to a simmer.
Turn the heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Serve topped with diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips.
BEEF TACO BOATS
These are from Lauren Miyashiro on Delish. Lauren wrote, “Your new favorite way to eat a taco.”
Yields: 4; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53019/beef-taco-boats-recipe/.
Ingredients
4 medium flour tortillas
Uncooked rice
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Shredded lettuce
1/2 c. shredded cheddar
Pico de gallo
Guacamole
Sour cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Shape a large piece of foil (smaller than the size of your tortillas) into a boat. Place one tortilla inside foil boat so that the perimeter of tortilla comes up the sides. Repeat to make 4 boats. Fill each boat with rice.
Bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool in foil until ready to serve.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add ground beef, chili powder, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat.
Remove rice and foil from tortilla boats and fill each with ground beef. Top with lettuce, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
STEAK CARNITAS MEAT IN THE CROCKPOT
I originally found this at NoshOn.it; the link to this is at http://noshon.it/recipes/crockpot-steak-carnitas-tacos/ and takes you here. (Bless this Mess, run by “food lover, chicken wrangler, house builder, goodness seeker, mom of 5” Melissa Griffiths, looks like a really good place for more recipes. Check it out!)
This recipe Serves 6-8.
Ingredients
For the spice rub:
1 T. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin or smoked cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs flank steak
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
Serving Options:
Corn tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Grated cheese
Tomato
Sour cream
Salsa
Instructions
Mix all of the spice together in a small bowl for the spice rub. Rub the spices into each side of the steak, using all of the mixture.
Place the spice rubbed-steak in the bottom of the crock pot. Place the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno on top of the steak. Cook for on low for 7 to 8 hours.
After the cooking time has lapsed, remove the steak from the crock pot and shred with two forks. Serve immediately or return to the crock pot for a few hours until you are ready to eat.
Serve on corn tortillas with your favorite topping.
Notes
Flank steak is generally a tougher, and therefore cheaper piece of meat. It's a great candidate for the crock pot. I actually have used everything from elk steaks, lamb, and pork and loved them all in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or what's on sale... if it's a leaner cut of meat you may need to add a bit of beef stock at the end to make sure it doesn't dry out before cooking.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH & BLACK BEAN TACOS
This comes from Kelly, whose site, Mountain Mama Cooks is really pretty awesome. I highly recommend checking it out!
This recipe begins, “Crispy blue corn shells filled with black beans, savory spaghetti squash, cotija cheese and plenty of hot sauce. Vegetarian tacos never looked so good.”
To view this online on Kelly’s site, go to https://mountainmamacooks.com/spaghetti-squash-black-bean-tacos/.
Ingredients
1– 2 lb spaghetti squash (if you go bigger, increase spices accordingly)
2 tablespoons melted butter
juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 14oz can black beans, thoroughly rinsed
8–10 crispy blue corn tortillas
crumbled cojita cheese
cilantro
hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, throw about 1 teaspoon olive oil on each half and roast both halves face down on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast the squash halves in the pre-heated oven until tender and easily pierced with a fork, 45-60 minutes. (Alternately, you can microwave the squash if you’re short on time.)
Meanwhile, combine melted butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, cumin and garlic powder in a small bowl.
When spaghetti squash is done remove from oven and let cool a few minutes until you can handle it easily. Working over a large bowl, gently scrape out the flesh with a fork. Add butter mixture to the squash and toss well to combine.
In the bottom of each corn tortilla, spread out a small handful (about 2 tablespoons) of black beans. Top with some spaghetti squash (about 1/4 cup). Top again with crumbled cojita cheese.
Line the tacos in a 9×13 baking dish or similar and bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
To serve, top with fresh cilantro and hot sauce if desired.
SPICY GRILLED TEMPEH TACOS WITH FRIJOLES MOLIDOS AND HOMEMADE SOUR CREAM [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]
This recipe comes from OneGreenPlanet, and is Dairy Free; Gluten-free; Vegan; Wheat Free.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tempeh and Tacos:
Tempeh, as needed
Spicy bean paste, as needed
Tortillas (gluten-free if necessary)
Pico de gallo
Guacamole
For the Frijoles:
6 cloves roasted garlic
4-5 cups cooked red beans
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cumin
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sour Cream
1 cup raw, pre-soaked cashews
1 cup rejuvelac (see notes)
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Preparation
Brush the tempeh with the bean paste and then grill.
Lightly grill tortillas for about 30 seconds/side.
To make the sour cream, put all ingredients in a high-speed blender and run until very smooth. Then set out in a covered glass container to culture for at least 24 hours. Taste for sourness. Colder climates will require more time. 24 hours at 85°F is about perfect. Refrigerate until thickened.
To make the beans, roast your garlic or pan fry them whole in a skillet until brown. Then cook the beans a minute or two longer than normal, drain, but reserve your bean juice.
Mash the garlic cloves with a fork, then add the beans and spices over low heat. Allow them to simmer for a couple minutes while you go to work with a potato masher. Add the lime juice, olive oil, and bean juice to keep the mixture soft and workable.
Assemble tacos and add pico de gallo and guacamole.
Notes:
Rejuvelac is a fermented liquid you can buy online or make at home.
CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Makinze Gore on Delish. She wrote, “These chicken tacos are loaded with all the best spices. They pair perfectly with watermelon margaritas.”
Yields: 4 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" strips
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne
8 corn tortillas, warmed
Toppings
Thinly sliced red onion
Diced tomatoes
Shredded Monterey Jack
Diced avocados
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to skillet. Cook until golden, 6 minutes. Add spices and stir until coated, 1 minute more.
Build tacos: In tortillas, layer chicken and desired toppings. Serve with lime wedges.
TURKEY TACO SOUP
This comes from Laurel Randolph, one of the writers on The Spruce. Laurel wrote, “Taco soup is an easy, one-bowl version of everyone's favorite dinner: taco night. All of the ingredients simmer together to make a robust, flavorful soup that's especially good with a side of crispy tortilla chips. And with only one dirty pot and a few dirty soup bowls, it's totally carefree. The typical ground beef is replaced with shredded turkey for a lighter meal—or you can replace it with cooked chicken, if that's what you have on hand.
“We love to make this soup after Thanksgiving, when we have leftover turkey to use up and we want to do as little cooking as possible. It's a great way to repurpose cooked, shredded breast or dark meat to create a totally different dish. No one will be complaining of leftover fatigue with this recipe.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: Serves 3 - 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola (or grapeseed oil)
1 small red onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup packed shredded cooked turkey
3 cups turkey or chicken broth
Salt and pepper
1 avocado (diced, or sour cream for serving)
Optional: Chips (for serving)
Directions
Preheat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the oil followed by the onion. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, jalapeño and garlic. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes and juice, pinto beans, turkey and broth, and stir. Season with salt and pepper.
Turn up the heat and bring to a simmer.
Turn the heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Serve topped with diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips.
BEEF TACO BOATS
These are from Lauren Miyashiro on Delish. Lauren wrote, “Your new favorite way to eat a taco.”
Yields: 4; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53019/beef-taco-boats-recipe/.
Ingredients
4 medium flour tortillas
Uncooked rice
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Shredded lettuce
1/2 c. shredded cheddar
Pico de gallo
Guacamole
Sour cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Shape a large piece of foil (smaller than the size of your tortillas) into a boat. Place one tortilla inside foil boat so that the perimeter of tortilla comes up the sides. Repeat to make 4 boats. Fill each boat with rice.
Bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool in foil until ready to serve.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add ground beef, chili powder, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat.
Remove rice and foil from tortilla boats and fill each with ground beef. Top with lettuce, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
STEAK CARNITAS MEAT IN THE CROCKPOT
I originally found this at NoshOn.it; the link to this is at http://noshon.it/recipes/crockpot-steak-carnitas-tacos/ and takes you here. (Bless this Mess, run by “food lover, chicken wrangler, house builder, goodness seeker, mom of 5” Melissa Griffiths, looks like a really good place for more recipes. Check it out!)
This recipe Serves 6-8.
Ingredients
For the spice rub:
1 T. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin or smoked cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs flank steak
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
Serving Options:
Corn tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Grated cheese
Tomato
Sour cream
Salsa
Instructions
Mix all of the spice together in a small bowl for the spice rub. Rub the spices into each side of the steak, using all of the mixture.
Place the spice rubbed-steak in the bottom of the crock pot. Place the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno on top of the steak. Cook for on low for 7 to 8 hours.
After the cooking time has lapsed, remove the steak from the crock pot and shred with two forks. Serve immediately or return to the crock pot for a few hours until you are ready to eat.
Serve on corn tortillas with your favorite topping.
Notes
Flank steak is generally a tougher, and therefore cheaper piece of meat. It's a great candidate for the crock pot. I actually have used everything from elk steaks, lamb, and pork and loved them all in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or what's on sale... if it's a leaner cut of meat you may need to add a bit of beef stock at the end to make sure it doesn't dry out before cooking.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. After all, not everyone wants to try a day without meat. (I know there are people out there nodding their heads at that!)
Anyway, today's double post includes Easy Tuna Carbonara and Best Mac and Cheese. Enjoy!
TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE
This comes from the American Heart Association, and begins, “This sweet, delicious smoothie includes both fruit and vegetables.”
This recipe (along with a photo) can be viewed online at https://recipes.heart.org/recipes/2094/tropical-green-smoothie. Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 cup coconut water
1 teaspoon honey
1 orange
3/4 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 banana
2 handfuls, about 1 ounce handfuls spinach
ice (until consistency you like)
Directions
Put Coconut water, spinach and honey in the blender until blended.
Place the rest of the fruit in blender and blend until smooth.
Add ice until desired smoothie consistency.
EASY 30-MINUTE MEXICAN ENCHILADAS
This is from Chelsea Kenyon of The Spruce Eats. Chelsea wrote, “This easy Mexican enchiladas recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare for a filling family meal. They can be prepared simply with just cheese, or be spruced up by adding a little bit of beef or chicken to appeal to the meat eaters in your household.
“Warning: The sauce can make things a bit messy, so wear an apron!
“For step-by-step instructions, we recommend checking out our photo tutorial on how to make Mexican enchiladas.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings Mexican enchiladas.
Ingredients
1 cup cooking oil
16 corn tortillas
1 (28-ounce) can enchilada sauce (or 1 recipe homemade red enchilada sauce)
2 cups cheese (such as mozzarella or queso blanco, grated or shredded)
1/2 cup Cotija cheese
Optional: 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded beef, chicken, or pork
Directions
Heat oven to 400 F.
Pour oil into a medium-sized saucepan and heat until it's hot, but not sizzling. You want to warm the tortillas in the oil, not fry them.
Using tongs, dip each tortilla, one at a time, into the hot oil until it is warmed through and pliable. Remove tortilla from oil and drain it briefly on a paper towel.
Pour just enough sauce in the bottom of a 13x9-inch glass baking dish to cover it. Pour the rest of the sauce in a large bowl. Dip a warm tortilla into the sauce and then place it in the bottom of the baking dish.
Place a little less than 1/4 cup of cheese down the center of the tortilla. If you are adding meat, use a little less cheese. Fold half of the tortilla over the cheese, then the other half, so that the tortilla is rolled around the cheese. Turn it over so it is seam-side down and the weight of the cheese will help keep it in place.
Repeat each of those steps for each of the tortillas making two layers of enchiladas in the dish, if necessary. Pour any remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the Cotija cheese over the enchiladas.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until enchiladas are hot throughout and cheese is melted.
Serve your enchiladas with a spatula, four to a plate.
Authentic vs. Modern Enchiladas
In their simplest form, authentic enchiladas are simply corn tortillas dipped in a chile sauce and eaten with a fork. They might or might not have a filling and are sometimes topped with a sprinkling of grated cheese or a drizzle of cream.
As enchiladas became popular across the Southwestern United States, they evolved into an oven-baked dish as that appliance is used more commonly in North America than South of the Border. Enchiladas are now associated with the casserole classic that we know today.
EASY TUNA CARBONARA
This comes from Linda Larsen on The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, “This recipe for Tuna Carbonara is ready to eat in about 20 minutes, start to finish. It uses ingredients you most likely have on hand in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, so it's a great choice to make when you haven't been to the store for a while or if you're stranded due to weather or illness.
“You can substitute leftover cooked tuna, or salmon for that matter, for the canned tuna in this recipe or use canned salmon or canned chicken if you'd like. The whole point of a recipe like this is to use what you have in the house. If you don't have bell peppers, use sliced mushrooms or some sliced zucchini, grated carrots, or yellow summer squash. If you don't have pasta, linguine or fettuccine will do just fine. The only things you really need for this recipe are some kind of pasta, bacon, eggs, cream, tuna, and Parmesan or Romano cheese.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package spaghetti pasta
4 slices bacon
4 eggs (beaten)
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 onion (chopped)
1 6-ounce can white tuna (drained)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
Directions
Bring a large of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente, or "to the tooth." When the pasta is al dente, remove about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.
Cook bacon until crisp in a large saucepan over medium heat; drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.
Beat the eggs in a large bowl and add cream; beat again.
In the saucepan you used to cook the bacon, add butter and oil and melt together over medium heat. Sauté the bell pepper, garlic, and onion in the fat until tender.
Drain the pasta and add immediately to the pan with the peppers.
Add the tuna and cook, stirring, until heated through.
Add the egg mixture to pan. Cook and stir, lifting pasta with tongs to allow the sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Stir in the cheese, reserved bacon, and parsley, and serve immediately.
SHANGHAI WALNUT CHICKEN
Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/shanghai-walnut-chicken
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. rice vinegar
1/4 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp. peanut or canola oil, divided
3/4 lb. chicken cutlets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 green bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 green chile pepper, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 can (8 oz.) diced or sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, broth and cornstarch. Mix in the sesame oil. Set the seasoning sauce aside.
Set a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Drizzle in 2 teaspoons of the canola oil, swirling to coat the cooking surface. Stir-fry the chicken until it is white. Turn it out onto a plate.
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry the green, red, and chile peppers, and the garlic, for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the water chestnuts and walnuts. Restir the seasoning sauce and add. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately, along with cooked rice, preferably brown.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 247; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 378 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Medium-Fat Meat, 2 Vegetable
EASY TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE
This yumminess comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “For when you are looking to switch up your dinner routine, or just craving a bit of tuna, here's a quick and tasty tuna noodle casserole that is great for an everyday family meal, and is easy on the budget too. What more could you ask for?
“If you'd like to jazz up your tuna noodle casserole, instead of using bread crumb topping try crumbling up some potato chips or French fried onion rings over the casserole before baking. This alternative still provides a bit of a crunch, but offers a different flavor while doing so, in case you have any family members who aren't fans of onions.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 ounces medium egg noodles (cooked and drained)
2 cups green peas (cooked)
2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
2 (6-ounce) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Directions
Heat oven to 350 F.
Grease a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish.
Combine the noodles, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
Toss breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle over the top or the casserole.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and crumbs are browned.
Tips and Variations
Top the casserole with French fried onions, crumbled cheese crackers, or crumbled potato chips and omit the soft bread crumbs and melted butter.
Instead of peas, use 2 cups of cooked peas and carrots or mixed vegetables.
Add some sliced sauteed mushrooms to the casserole mixture.
Add a few tablespoons of diced drained pimientos to the casserole.
Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup. Or, if you prefer a homemade sauce, omit the soups and the 1/2 cup of milk and replace them with about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of thickened white sauce.
BEST MAC AND CHEESE
This comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Put this lower fat version of a kiddie classic on the menu, and the dinner table. Fair warning, it might be a quiet dinner once the kids get a bite of this cheesy favorite.”
For 6 people; Ready in 20 min.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon(s) butter
2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup(s) skim milk
1 1/2 cup(s) (6 oz) reduced fat, shredded sharp cheddar
3 tablespoon(s) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon(s) low sodium Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon(s) dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon(s) pepper
1/8 teaspoon(s) hot sauce
4 cup(s) cooked elbow macaroni
Directions
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add cheeses and next 4 ingredients, stirring until cheeses melt. Combine cheese sauce and macaroni in a bowl; stir well. Serve immediately.
Anyway, today's double post includes Easy Tuna Carbonara and Best Mac and Cheese. Enjoy!
TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE
This comes from the American Heart Association, and begins, “This sweet, delicious smoothie includes both fruit and vegetables.”
This recipe (along with a photo) can be viewed online at https://recipes.heart.org/recipes/2094/tropical-green-smoothie. Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 cup coconut water
1 teaspoon honey
1 orange
3/4 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 banana
2 handfuls, about 1 ounce handfuls spinach
ice (until consistency you like)
Directions
Put Coconut water, spinach and honey in the blender until blended.
Place the rest of the fruit in blender and blend until smooth.
Add ice until desired smoothie consistency.
EASY 30-MINUTE MEXICAN ENCHILADAS
This is from Chelsea Kenyon of The Spruce Eats. Chelsea wrote, “This easy Mexican enchiladas recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare for a filling family meal. They can be prepared simply with just cheese, or be spruced up by adding a little bit of beef or chicken to appeal to the meat eaters in your household.
“Warning: The sauce can make things a bit messy, so wear an apron!
“For step-by-step instructions, we recommend checking out our photo tutorial on how to make Mexican enchiladas.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings Mexican enchiladas.
Ingredients
1 cup cooking oil
16 corn tortillas
1 (28-ounce) can enchilada sauce (or 1 recipe homemade red enchilada sauce)
2 cups cheese (such as mozzarella or queso blanco, grated or shredded)
1/2 cup Cotija cheese
Optional: 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded beef, chicken, or pork
Directions
Heat oven to 400 F.
Pour oil into a medium-sized saucepan and heat until it's hot, but not sizzling. You want to warm the tortillas in the oil, not fry them.
Using tongs, dip each tortilla, one at a time, into the hot oil until it is warmed through and pliable. Remove tortilla from oil and drain it briefly on a paper towel.
Pour just enough sauce in the bottom of a 13x9-inch glass baking dish to cover it. Pour the rest of the sauce in a large bowl. Dip a warm tortilla into the sauce and then place it in the bottom of the baking dish.
Place a little less than 1/4 cup of cheese down the center of the tortilla. If you are adding meat, use a little less cheese. Fold half of the tortilla over the cheese, then the other half, so that the tortilla is rolled around the cheese. Turn it over so it is seam-side down and the weight of the cheese will help keep it in place.
Repeat each of those steps for each of the tortillas making two layers of enchiladas in the dish, if necessary. Pour any remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the Cotija cheese over the enchiladas.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until enchiladas are hot throughout and cheese is melted.
Serve your enchiladas with a spatula, four to a plate.
Authentic vs. Modern Enchiladas
In their simplest form, authentic enchiladas are simply corn tortillas dipped in a chile sauce and eaten with a fork. They might or might not have a filling and are sometimes topped with a sprinkling of grated cheese or a drizzle of cream.
As enchiladas became popular across the Southwestern United States, they evolved into an oven-baked dish as that appliance is used more commonly in North America than South of the Border. Enchiladas are now associated with the casserole classic that we know today.
EASY TUNA CARBONARA
This comes from Linda Larsen on The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, “This recipe for Tuna Carbonara is ready to eat in about 20 minutes, start to finish. It uses ingredients you most likely have on hand in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, so it's a great choice to make when you haven't been to the store for a while or if you're stranded due to weather or illness.
“You can substitute leftover cooked tuna, or salmon for that matter, for the canned tuna in this recipe or use canned salmon or canned chicken if you'd like. The whole point of a recipe like this is to use what you have in the house. If you don't have bell peppers, use sliced mushrooms or some sliced zucchini, grated carrots, or yellow summer squash. If you don't have pasta, linguine or fettuccine will do just fine. The only things you really need for this recipe are some kind of pasta, bacon, eggs, cream, tuna, and Parmesan or Romano cheese.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package spaghetti pasta
4 slices bacon
4 eggs (beaten)
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 onion (chopped)
1 6-ounce can white tuna (drained)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
Directions
Bring a large of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente, or "to the tooth." When the pasta is al dente, remove about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.
Cook bacon until crisp in a large saucepan over medium heat; drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.
Beat the eggs in a large bowl and add cream; beat again.
In the saucepan you used to cook the bacon, add butter and oil and melt together over medium heat. Sauté the bell pepper, garlic, and onion in the fat until tender.
Drain the pasta and add immediately to the pan with the peppers.
Add the tuna and cook, stirring, until heated through.
Add the egg mixture to pan. Cook and stir, lifting pasta with tongs to allow the sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Stir in the cheese, reserved bacon, and parsley, and serve immediately.
SHANGHAI WALNUT CHICKEN
Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 4 servings
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/shanghai-walnut-chicken
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. rice vinegar
1/4 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp. peanut or canola oil, divided
3/4 lb. chicken cutlets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 green bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 green chile pepper, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 can (8 oz.) diced or sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, broth and cornstarch. Mix in the sesame oil. Set the seasoning sauce aside.
Set a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Drizzle in 2 teaspoons of the canola oil, swirling to coat the cooking surface. Stir-fry the chicken until it is white. Turn it out onto a plate.
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry the green, red, and chile peppers, and the garlic, for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the water chestnuts and walnuts. Restir the seasoning sauce and add. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately, along with cooked rice, preferably brown.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 247; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 378 mg; Protein: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Medium-Fat Meat, 2 Vegetable
EASY TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE
This yumminess comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “For when you are looking to switch up your dinner routine, or just craving a bit of tuna, here's a quick and tasty tuna noodle casserole that is great for an everyday family meal, and is easy on the budget too. What more could you ask for?
“If you'd like to jazz up your tuna noodle casserole, instead of using bread crumb topping try crumbling up some potato chips or French fried onion rings over the casserole before baking. This alternative still provides a bit of a crunch, but offers a different flavor while doing so, in case you have any family members who aren't fans of onions.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 ounces medium egg noodles (cooked and drained)
2 cups green peas (cooked)
2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
2 (6-ounce) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Directions
Heat oven to 350 F.
Grease a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish.
Combine the noodles, peas, soup, milk, cheese, and tuna. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
Toss breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle over the top or the casserole.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and crumbs are browned.
Tips and Variations
Top the casserole with French fried onions, crumbled cheese crackers, or crumbled potato chips and omit the soft bread crumbs and melted butter.
Instead of peas, use 2 cups of cooked peas and carrots or mixed vegetables.
Add some sliced sauteed mushrooms to the casserole mixture.
Add a few tablespoons of diced drained pimientos to the casserole.
Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup. Or, if you prefer a homemade sauce, omit the soups and the 1/2 cup of milk and replace them with about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of thickened white sauce.
BEST MAC AND CHEESE
This comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Put this lower fat version of a kiddie classic on the menu, and the dinner table. Fair warning, it might be a quiet dinner once the kids get a bite of this cheesy favorite.”
For 6 people; Ready in 20 min.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon(s) butter
2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup(s) skim milk
1 1/2 cup(s) (6 oz) reduced fat, shredded sharp cheddar
3 tablespoon(s) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon(s) low sodium Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon(s) dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon(s) pepper
1/8 teaspoon(s) hot sauce
4 cup(s) cooked elbow macaroni
Directions
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add cheeses and next 4 ingredients, stirring until cheeses melt. Combine cheese sauce and macaroni in a bowl; stir well. Serve immediately.
Meatless Monday
If it's Monday, it's time to get started for the work week. It's also time to check out another edition of Meatless Monday, where we explore how yummy vegetarian food can be. Today's six yummy recipes include Vegan Lasagna and Flourless Black Bean Brownies. Enjoy!
BANANA RUM VEGAN CHEESECAKE WITH MAPLE RUM SAUCE
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, she wrote, “This gourmet banana rum vegan cheesecake with maple rum sauce has several steps, but the bananas, pecan crust and rum sauce can all be prepared in advance. Then, the only thing left is to blend the vegan cream cheese and the other ingredients and bake. Easy! If you're looking for a gourmet vegan cheesecake recipe, this is the one to try.”
Note: Unfortunately, the recipe for this, as well as the next two recipes from Jolinda are no longer available. If/when I find them, I'll repost with the links.
Ingredients
4 very ripe bananas
16 ounces nondairy cream cheese
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup dark rum
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Prepared pecan pie crust (recipe follows)
Prepared maple rum sauce (recipe follows)
Toasted pecan halves for garnish
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.Place 4 large, very ripe, unpeeled bananas on a roasting pan and roast for 15-20 minutes, until bananas are soft and skin turns dark brown. Let bananas cool to room temperature in the pan in their skins.
Turn oven up to 400 degrees.
Peel the roasted bananas and remove any obvious strings. Puree bananas in a food processor until very smooth. Add nondairy cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum, cornstarch and salt then pulse until smooth, scraping sides of bowl periodically. Do not overprocess or cream cheese will separate and curdle.
Pour the filling into the prepared pecan pie crust and bake at 400 for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake another 35-45 minutes, until the top is the color of light brown sugar and center is set. A toothpick inserted in center should come out clean.
Let cheesecake cool to room temperature on a rack for at least 1 hour, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Drizzle with prepared maple rum sauce just before serving and garnish with extra toasted pecan halves.
PECAN PIE CRUST
Jolinda Hackett's pecan pie crust can be used for either cheesecake or as a regular pie crust.
Ingredients
1 cup pecan nut flour (see instructions below)
1/2 cup spelt flour (white or whole wheat )
1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar
4 Tbsp vegan margarine, partially melted
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of sea salt
Preparation
Note: To make pecan nut flour, freeze the nuts overnight, then place in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Freezing the nuts prevents them from turning into nut butter when you process them.pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined and incorporated.
Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and put in freezer for 5 minutes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until crust is a little dry and edges are light golden. Let cool completely before using in a recipe.
VEGAN MAPLE RUM SAUCE RECIPE
Jolinda wrote, “Use this vegan maple rum sauce recipe to drizzle on top of a banana rum cheesecake or on top of ice cream or chocolate brownies.Yum!”
Ingredients
1 cup real maple syrup (grade B organic is best in this recipe)
4 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan butter
Sea salt
1 tablespoon dark rum
Preparation
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, vegan butter, and sea salt to taste and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in rum, stirring carefully, as sauce will bubble up a bit. Let cool for a few minutes then taste and add more salt if necessary.
Cool to room temperature, then transfer to a squeeze bottle.If not using immediately, the sauce can be rewarmed by putting the bottle in a pan of hot water off the heat.
VEGAN LASAGNA
This comes from Lena Abraham on Delish, and begins, “A lasagna you can feel good about.”
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 10-12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
1 box lasagna noodles
1 (14-oz) package firm tofu, drained
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano, divided
1 (8-oz) package baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 (10-oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained of excess liquid
For the White Sauce
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. marinara
3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 c. thinly sliced basil, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain.
Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels and place on a large plate. Place a pan or heavy plate on top of tofu in order to press out as much liquid as possible. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. When drained, crumble with two forks and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in thawed and drained spinach until completely combined. Remove from heat and set aside vegetables.
Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat to make white sauce: Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook until lightly golden and nutty, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in nut milk until smooth. Stir in nutritional yeast and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Build lasagna: In a large baking dish, spoon 1/4 c marinara into an even layer, then add a layer of noodles. Top with an even layer of vegetable mixture, tofu, marinara, and white sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending in marinara. Add a single layer of tomato rounds and season with salt, pepper and remaining oregano.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until tomatoes are cooked and lasagna is heated through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with basil and serve.
STUFFED SHELLS I
This is from SallyJun at AllRecipes. SallyJun wrote, "Jumbo macaroni shells stuffed with cheese mixture, covered with sauce, and baked."
Prep: 25 m; Cook: 25 m; Ready In: 50 m
View this online here.
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
4 cups large curd cottage cheese
12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pinch garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook shells according to package directions. Place in cold water to stop cooking. Drain.
Mix together cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, and garlic powder. Rub the dried herbs in the palms of your hands to pulverize them, and stir into the cheese mixture. Stuff mixture into the shells.
Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 15 x 10 inch pan. Place shells open side up, and close together in pan. Spread remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
FLOURLESS BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
This recipe comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD, who, besides running her own site (Lively Table), writes on VeryWellFit.
For this recipe, Kaleigh wrote, “If you have a sweet tooth, you may be used to eating dessert most days. Sometimes fruit or a fruit salad will do for a light dessert. Other days, you just need a brownie.
“Baked goods like brownies are often high in sodium, even though they don’t taste salty. Between leaveners like baking soda and baking powder, salted butter, and added salt, brownies and other baked goods can be sneaky sources of sodium! If you bake your own brownies at home, you can control the amount of sodium-containing ingredients for a better alternative.
“The secret to these flourless brownies is a can of low sodium black beans.Before you write them off, give them a try! Blending up black beans in a high-powered blender or food processor makes them nice and smooth, and when baked into brownies, gives them a nice chewy texture without any flour. They also add in extra fiber, iron, and folate.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 16 (2-inch square each).
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
Preparation
Heat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8" baking dish with parchment or spray with oil.
Blend all ingredients except for unmelted chocolate in a high powered blender until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in chocolate and pour into prepared pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Use all chocolate chips if you don’t have a dark chocolate bar.
Cocoa powder, melted dark chocolate, and chocolate chips gives these brownies lots of rich chocolate flavor with a little boost from coffee granules.
If you don’t have the coffee granules don’t worry—you can leave them out and you’ll still have delicious chocolatey brownies!
Cooking and Serving Tips
Avoid over-cooking—the designated time should be just about enough, but you can check before removing from the oven. Brownies shouldn't be overly dry.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and heat for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before serving.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour
To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
BANANA RUM VEGAN CHEESECAKE WITH MAPLE RUM SAUCE
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, she wrote, “This gourmet banana rum vegan cheesecake with maple rum sauce has several steps, but the bananas, pecan crust and rum sauce can all be prepared in advance. Then, the only thing left is to blend the vegan cream cheese and the other ingredients and bake. Easy! If you're looking for a gourmet vegan cheesecake recipe, this is the one to try.”
Note: Unfortunately, the recipe for this, as well as the next two recipes from Jolinda are no longer available. If/when I find them, I'll repost with the links.
Ingredients
4 very ripe bananas
16 ounces nondairy cream cheese
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup dark rum
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Prepared pecan pie crust (recipe follows)
Prepared maple rum sauce (recipe follows)
Toasted pecan halves for garnish
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.Place 4 large, very ripe, unpeeled bananas on a roasting pan and roast for 15-20 minutes, until bananas are soft and skin turns dark brown. Let bananas cool to room temperature in the pan in their skins.
Turn oven up to 400 degrees.
Peel the roasted bananas and remove any obvious strings. Puree bananas in a food processor until very smooth. Add nondairy cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum, cornstarch and salt then pulse until smooth, scraping sides of bowl periodically. Do not overprocess or cream cheese will separate and curdle.
Pour the filling into the prepared pecan pie crust and bake at 400 for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake another 35-45 minutes, until the top is the color of light brown sugar and center is set. A toothpick inserted in center should come out clean.
Let cheesecake cool to room temperature on a rack for at least 1 hour, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Drizzle with prepared maple rum sauce just before serving and garnish with extra toasted pecan halves.
PECAN PIE CRUST
Jolinda Hackett's pecan pie crust can be used for either cheesecake or as a regular pie crust.
Ingredients
1 cup pecan nut flour (see instructions below)
1/2 cup spelt flour (white or whole wheat )
1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar
4 Tbsp vegan margarine, partially melted
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of sea salt
Preparation
Note: To make pecan nut flour, freeze the nuts overnight, then place in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Freezing the nuts prevents them from turning into nut butter when you process them.pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined and incorporated.
Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and put in freezer for 5 minutes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until crust is a little dry and edges are light golden. Let cool completely before using in a recipe.
VEGAN MAPLE RUM SAUCE RECIPE
Jolinda wrote, “Use this vegan maple rum sauce recipe to drizzle on top of a banana rum cheesecake or on top of ice cream or chocolate brownies.Yum!”
Ingredients
1 cup real maple syrup (grade B organic is best in this recipe)
4 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan butter
Sea salt
1 tablespoon dark rum
Preparation
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, vegan butter, and sea salt to taste and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in rum, stirring carefully, as sauce will bubble up a bit. Let cool for a few minutes then taste and add more salt if necessary.
Cool to room temperature, then transfer to a squeeze bottle.If not using immediately, the sauce can be rewarmed by putting the bottle in a pan of hot water off the heat.
VEGAN LASAGNA
This comes from Lena Abraham on Delish, and begins, “A lasagna you can feel good about.”
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 10-12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
1 box lasagna noodles
1 (14-oz) package firm tofu, drained
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano, divided
1 (8-oz) package baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 (10-oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained of excess liquid
For the White Sauce
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. marinara
3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 c. thinly sliced basil, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain.
Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels and place on a large plate. Place a pan or heavy plate on top of tofu in order to press out as much liquid as possible. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. When drained, crumble with two forks and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in thawed and drained spinach until completely combined. Remove from heat and set aside vegetables.
Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat to make white sauce: Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook until lightly golden and nutty, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in nut milk until smooth. Stir in nutritional yeast and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Build lasagna: In a large baking dish, spoon 1/4 c marinara into an even layer, then add a layer of noodles. Top with an even layer of vegetable mixture, tofu, marinara, and white sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending in marinara. Add a single layer of tomato rounds and season with salt, pepper and remaining oregano.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until tomatoes are cooked and lasagna is heated through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with basil and serve.
STUFFED SHELLS I
This is from SallyJun at AllRecipes. SallyJun wrote, "Jumbo macaroni shells stuffed with cheese mixture, covered with sauce, and baked."
Prep: 25 m; Cook: 25 m; Ready In: 50 m
View this online here.
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
4 cups large curd cottage cheese
12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pinch garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook shells according to package directions. Place in cold water to stop cooking. Drain.
Mix together cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, and garlic powder. Rub the dried herbs in the palms of your hands to pulverize them, and stir into the cheese mixture. Stuff mixture into the shells.
Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 15 x 10 inch pan. Place shells open side up, and close together in pan. Spread remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
FLOURLESS BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
This recipe comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD, who, besides running her own site (Lively Table), writes on VeryWellFit.
For this recipe, Kaleigh wrote, “If you have a sweet tooth, you may be used to eating dessert most days. Sometimes fruit or a fruit salad will do for a light dessert. Other days, you just need a brownie.
“Baked goods like brownies are often high in sodium, even though they don’t taste salty. Between leaveners like baking soda and baking powder, salted butter, and added salt, brownies and other baked goods can be sneaky sources of sodium! If you bake your own brownies at home, you can control the amount of sodium-containing ingredients for a better alternative.
“The secret to these flourless brownies is a can of low sodium black beans.Before you write them off, give them a try! Blending up black beans in a high-powered blender or food processor makes them nice and smooth, and when baked into brownies, gives them a nice chewy texture without any flour. They also add in extra fiber, iron, and folate.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 16 (2-inch square each).
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
Preparation
Heat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8" baking dish with parchment or spray with oil.
Blend all ingredients except for unmelted chocolate in a high powered blender until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in chocolate and pour into prepared pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Use all chocolate chips if you don’t have a dark chocolate bar.
Cocoa powder, melted dark chocolate, and chocolate chips gives these brownies lots of rich chocolate flavor with a little boost from coffee granules.
If you don’t have the coffee granules don’t worry—you can leave them out and you’ll still have delicious chocolatey brownies!
Cooking and Serving Tips
Avoid over-cooking—the designated time should be just about enough, but you can check before removing from the oven. Brownies shouldn't be overly dry.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and heat for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before serving.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: about 1 hour
To view this online at the Times’ website, click here.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It’s going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday, the first Friday of November. Hope you had a fun, safe Halloween last night.
And now, on to today's offerings to help you through the weekend. They include Old-Fashioned Meatloaf and Slow-Cooker Bolognese. Enjoy!
SAM SIFTON’S CUCUMBER KIMCHI
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, “This recipe came to The Times in 2011 as an accompaniment to bulgogi sloppy Joes, as envisioned by the chef Hooni Kim of Danji, but they add a tangy flavor to whatever they’re paired with. Making it is as simple as it gets — the cucumbers are quick pickled in rice vinegar and flavored deeply with gochugaru, or Korean red-pepper flakes. Serve it with the sloppy Joes, or alone, as a bar snack, with an ice cold beer.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: About 25 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration (optional).
This was featured in “Cucumber Kimchi”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013830-sam-siftons-cucumber-kimchi.
Ingredients
3 small cucumbers, cut into 1/8-inch slices
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
1/4 cup mirin
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon fermented krill or baby shrimp (optional)
Preparation
Place the cucumbers in a medium-size bowl, then sprinkle with the salt. Let stand 20 minutes.
Rinse cucumbers in cold water to remove salt, drain and pat dry.
Return cucumbers to bowl, add other ingredients, toss to combine, cover tightly and place in refrigerator overnight or until ready to use.
VEGAN LASAGNA
This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Lasagna
1 Tbs. salt
1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles
2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.
TRADITIONAL STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “Stuffed peppers are usually made with bell peppers, which makes sense—they are readily available, and they stand up in a baking dish. However, you can make them with poblano peppers just by splitting them lengthwise and making two filled peppers out of each one. These will be spicier than the usual stuffed peppers you may be used to, but it's a welcomed change from the norm if you're looking for a recipe twist. You can use any color of bell peppers to make this recipe—it's fun to have a mixture of two or three colors. You can also use whatever spice mixture strikes your fancy, from Middle Eastern to Asian. It can be fun to experiment a little once you get the basic recipe down.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 bell peppers, any color, medium or large*
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce or 4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder (or any spices you like)
1/3 cup fat-free mozzarella cheese
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Slice off the top of the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds. Either microwave them on a plate or baking dish (whatever fits in the microwave oven) covered with plastic wrap for 4 minutes or blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes.
Heat a large skillet, and cook the beef, onions, garlic, and spices. If you are using tomato paste, include that as well. If you are using the tomato sauce, pour about 2/3 of the can in, and save the rest for a topping. Cook until the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft. If it gets too dry you can add a little water.
Loosely fill the peppers with the beef mixture, and sit upright in a baking dish. If you are using tomato sauce, spoon some of the leftover sauce on top of each pepper. Add about a tablespoon of cheese on each one. Bake for half an hour in the oven, or 12 minutes in the microwave, turning half-way through the cooking.
*Nutrition information calculated using large peppers.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This is from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8
This can be viewed online by clicking here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
ROAST CHICKENS WITH PLUMS
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This recipe, which roasts two chickens at the same time, has been engineered to feed a crowd. It's no harder than roasting one chicken. The birds get rubbed down with a garlicky sumac spice rub brightened with lemon zest. Then, as they cook, their fragrant drippings season sliced plums roasting in the pan underneath them, which caramelize into a fruity, chutney-like sauce. Feel free to halve the recipe if you’d rather, but be sure to reduce the oven temperature to 425 degrees. For two chickens you need the higher heat so they both crisp properly, but for only one chicken, slightly lower heat keeps the plums from burning.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Times: 1 1/2 hours, plus marinating
This was featured in “Roast Chicken With Plums Gets a Touch of Spice for Rosh Hashana”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017684-roast-chickens-with-plums.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large lemons
2 tablespoons ground sumac
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, grated or minced
2 chickens, 4 to 4 1/2 pounds each
1 bunch thyme, more for garnish
For the Plums:
2 1/4 pounds plums, halved or quartered if large
4 shallots, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 bay leaf, torn in half
Preparation:
Grate the zest from the lemons and place in a small bowl. Set aside the zested lemons.
Stir sumac, salt, pepper, cinnamon and allspice into the lemon zest. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic. The mixture should feel like wet sand. Rub it all over the chickens, including inside the cavity.
Divide thyme bunch in half and place in the chicken cavities. Place chickens on a roasting rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, and let marinate, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
When ready to roast, let chickens come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 450 degrees.
In a large roasting pan, toss together plums, shallots, honey, oil, salt, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf and 2 tablespoons water. Spread out plum mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Place chickens on the rack over the plums in the pan. Roast for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, squeeze 1 tablespoon juice from reserved lemon and mix it with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Drizzle this over the chicken, then continue to roast until the birds are golden-skinned and cooked through, about 30 to 45 minutes longer.
Let chickens rest, covered lightly with foil, for 10 minutes. Carve and serve with the plums and more thyme for garnish.
SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE
This comes from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Level: Easy; Total: 6 hr 45 min; Active: 45 min; Yield: 16 servings
This can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 onions, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cloves garlic, chopped
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
4 pounds ground beef
2 cups whole milk
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Parmesan rind, optional, plus grated Parmesan, for serving
Cooked spaghetti, for serving
Chopped fresh basil, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots and onions, season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute. Pour in the red wine and cook until it is mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes. Pour this mixture into a slow cooker.
Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons oil into the skillet, add the beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up any lumps, until it is nicely browned, about 15 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the milk and cook until it is mostly absorbed by the meat, about 5 minutes. Add this to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg and Parmesan rind if using. Add some salt. Give it a good stir, cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Skim off any fat on top and check the consistency. If it is too thick, add a bit of water. If it is too thin, cook for another 30 minutes with the cover off.
Remove the rind and serve over spaghetti with lots of grated Parmesan and topped with fresh basil and parsley. Extra sauce can be frozen for later use.
And now, on to today's offerings to help you through the weekend. They include Old-Fashioned Meatloaf and Slow-Cooker Bolognese. Enjoy!
SAM SIFTON’S CUCUMBER KIMCHI
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, “This recipe came to The Times in 2011 as an accompaniment to bulgogi sloppy Joes, as envisioned by the chef Hooni Kim of Danji, but they add a tangy flavor to whatever they’re paired with. Making it is as simple as it gets — the cucumbers are quick pickled in rice vinegar and flavored deeply with gochugaru, or Korean red-pepper flakes. Serve it with the sloppy Joes, or alone, as a bar snack, with an ice cold beer.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: About 25 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration (optional).
This was featured in “Cucumber Kimchi”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013830-sam-siftons-cucumber-kimchi.
Ingredients
3 small cucumbers, cut into 1/8-inch slices
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
1/4 cup mirin
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon fermented krill or baby shrimp (optional)
Preparation
Place the cucumbers in a medium-size bowl, then sprinkle with the salt. Let stand 20 minutes.
Rinse cucumbers in cold water to remove salt, drain and pat dry.
Return cucumbers to bowl, add other ingredients, toss to combine, cover tightly and place in refrigerator overnight or until ready to use.
VEGAN LASAGNA
This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Lasagna
1 Tbs. salt
1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles
2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.
TRADITIONAL STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “Stuffed peppers are usually made with bell peppers, which makes sense—they are readily available, and they stand up in a baking dish. However, you can make them with poblano peppers just by splitting them lengthwise and making two filled peppers out of each one. These will be spicier than the usual stuffed peppers you may be used to, but it's a welcomed change from the norm if you're looking for a recipe twist. You can use any color of bell peppers to make this recipe—it's fun to have a mixture of two or three colors. You can also use whatever spice mixture strikes your fancy, from Middle Eastern to Asian. It can be fun to experiment a little once you get the basic recipe down.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 bell peppers, any color, medium or large*
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce or 4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder (or any spices you like)
1/3 cup fat-free mozzarella cheese
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Slice off the top of the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds. Either microwave them on a plate or baking dish (whatever fits in the microwave oven) covered with plastic wrap for 4 minutes or blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes.
Heat a large skillet, and cook the beef, onions, garlic, and spices. If you are using tomato paste, include that as well. If you are using the tomato sauce, pour about 2/3 of the can in, and save the rest for a topping. Cook until the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft. If it gets too dry you can add a little water.
Loosely fill the peppers with the beef mixture, and sit upright in a baking dish. If you are using tomato sauce, spoon some of the leftover sauce on top of each pepper. Add about a tablespoon of cheese on each one. Bake for half an hour in the oven, or 12 minutes in the microwave, turning half-way through the cooking.
*Nutrition information calculated using large peppers.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This is from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8
This can be viewed online by clicking here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
ROAST CHICKENS WITH PLUMS
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This recipe, which roasts two chickens at the same time, has been engineered to feed a crowd. It's no harder than roasting one chicken. The birds get rubbed down with a garlicky sumac spice rub brightened with lemon zest. Then, as they cook, their fragrant drippings season sliced plums roasting in the pan underneath them, which caramelize into a fruity, chutney-like sauce. Feel free to halve the recipe if you’d rather, but be sure to reduce the oven temperature to 425 degrees. For two chickens you need the higher heat so they both crisp properly, but for only one chicken, slightly lower heat keeps the plums from burning.”
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Times: 1 1/2 hours, plus marinating
This was featured in “Roast Chicken With Plums Gets a Touch of Spice for Rosh Hashana”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017684-roast-chickens-with-plums.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large lemons
2 tablespoons ground sumac
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, grated or minced
2 chickens, 4 to 4 1/2 pounds each
1 bunch thyme, more for garnish
For the Plums:
2 1/4 pounds plums, halved or quartered if large
4 shallots, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 bay leaf, torn in half
Preparation:
Grate the zest from the lemons and place in a small bowl. Set aside the zested lemons.
Stir sumac, salt, pepper, cinnamon and allspice into the lemon zest. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic. The mixture should feel like wet sand. Rub it all over the chickens, including inside the cavity.
Divide thyme bunch in half and place in the chicken cavities. Place chickens on a roasting rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, and let marinate, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
When ready to roast, let chickens come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 450 degrees.
In a large roasting pan, toss together plums, shallots, honey, oil, salt, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf and 2 tablespoons water. Spread out plum mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Place chickens on the rack over the plums in the pan. Roast for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, squeeze 1 tablespoon juice from reserved lemon and mix it with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Drizzle this over the chicken, then continue to roast until the birds are golden-skinned and cooked through, about 30 to 45 minutes longer.
Let chickens rest, covered lightly with foil, for 10 minutes. Carve and serve with the plums and more thyme for garnish.
SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE
This comes from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Level: Easy; Total: 6 hr 45 min; Active: 45 min; Yield: 16 servings
This can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 onions, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cloves garlic, chopped
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
4 pounds ground beef
2 cups whole milk
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Parmesan rind, optional, plus grated Parmesan, for serving
Cooked spaghetti, for serving
Chopped fresh basil, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots and onions, season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute. Pour in the red wine and cook until it is mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes. Pour this mixture into a slow cooker.
Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons oil into the skillet, add the beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up any lumps, until it is nicely browned, about 15 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the milk and cook until it is mostly absorbed by the meat, about 5 minutes. Add this to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg and Parmesan rind if using. Add some salt. Give it a good stir, cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Skim off any fat on top and check the consistency. If it is too thick, add a bit of water. If it is too thin, cook for another 30 minutes with the cover off.
Remove the rind and serve over spaghetti with lots of grated Parmesan and topped with fresh basil and parsley. Extra sauce can be frozen for later use.
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