If you've lost track of time, as I have, here's today's news: It's finally Friday. Yay! Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Supreme Pizza Lasagna and Slow-Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta. Enjoy!
JIM HARRISON’S CARIBBEAN STEW
This is from Sam Sifton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Jim Harrison, the poet and epicure, hunter and fisherman, novelist, essayist and enthusiastic cook, published a version of this recipe in the literary magazine Smoke Signals in 1981. I adapted it more than three decades later, after Harrison's death in 2016. The key ingredients: a lot of tomato paste and a good, floral hot sauce, ideally made with Scotch bonnet peppers, which combine in marvelous ways. Parboiling the ribs allows the recipe to come together relatively quickly, and the cooking otherwise is totally serial: one step after another until you slide the pot into the oven and allow the heat to do its work. Substitute different meats, or fewer, if you like, depending on availability.”
Time: 2 hours; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in “A Larger-Than-Life Caribbean Stew”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018697-jim-harrisons-caribbean-stew.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds pork spareribs, cut into single ribs
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 Italian sausages, hot or sweet
1 large yellow onion, peeled and sliced
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons hot-pepper sauce, ideally one made with Scotch bonnet peppers, or to taste
1 cup chicken stock, homemade or low-sodium
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
Preparation
Place spareribs in a pot, and cover with water. Place pot over high heat, and bring to a boil. Lower heat slightly, and cook, covered, for 15 or 20 minutes, then remove ribs to a large bowl and discard the water.
While the ribs cook, pour the oil into a Dutch oven set over high heat, and swirl it around. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and when the oil begins to shimmer and is about to smoke, add them to the pan, skin-side down. Brown the chicken aggressively, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, then add the chicken to the bowl with the ribs. Repeat with the sausages, browning them on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then add to the bowl with the chicken and the ribs. Cook the onions and garlic in the fat remaining in the Dutch oven, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Heat oven to 300. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, lemon juice, hot-pepper sauce, chicken stock, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chile powder and paprika to the onions and garlic in the Dutch oven, then stir to combine, and allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the meats to the Dutch oven, stirring and tossing them so that they are well covered with the sauce, then cover the pot, and place in the oven to cook, undisturbed, for approximately 90 minutes, or until the meats are tender and, in the case of the chicken and the ribs, pulling from the bone.
JOOK
This is from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “I first encountered jook, also known as congee, in Hong Kong at dawn after a very long night. I was steered to an anonymous little place, where, I am quite sure, I was not the only person with a headache. It was there that I discovered that this savory Chinese rice porridge was among the world's best breakfasts, especially after a night of indulgence.
“It is transcendent stuff. You might think of it as Chinese risotto, though infinitely less pretentious. It is delightfully creamy, forgiving in its preparation and variable beyond belief.”
Time 2hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
This was featured in “The Minimalist; From China, Hangover Help”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1839-jook.
Ingredients
1 cup short-grain rice
2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade, or water
1 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 pound slab bacon, optional
Soy sauce or salt to taste
1/4 cup crispy cooked bacon, minced, optional
1/4 cup minced scallions
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, optional
Sesame oil for drizzling, optional
Preparation
Wash rice, and put it in a stock pot with chicken stock or water. Place over high heat until stock boils, then add about 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, and turn heat to low. Partly cover pot, simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as necessary (probably about 2 cups more).
Add ginger and slab bacon, and simmer for an hour more or so. Jook should have a porridgelike consistency. If it becomes very thick, add water. When done, jook will be soupy and creamy, like loose oatmeal.
Remove slab bacon, and serve jook in individual bowls. Season with salt or soy sauce, then garnish with minced bacon, scallions and peanuts. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.
SLOW-COOKER CHEESY CHICKEN ENCHILADA PASTA
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This slow-cooker pasta packed with Mexican-inspired flavors is cheesy, easy and sure to have everyone asking for seconds every time you make it."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes; Servings; 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild enchilada sauce
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
8 oz cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained as directed on package (about 3 cups)
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Directions
Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix enchilada sauce, taco seasoning mix and chicken until chicken is coated.
Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and green chiles to slow cooker; mix well. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).
Remove chicken from slow cooker, and transfer to cutting board; let stand about 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, stir cream cheese and Cheddar cheese into slow cooker. Cover; cook on High heat setting 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
Meanwhile, shred chicken with 2 forks; return to slow cooker, and stir in cooked pasta. Cover; cook on High heat setting 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Expert Tips
Cavatappi pasta is available in the pasta aisle of the grocery store. For a similar substitute, try penne or rotini pasta, which also are great for soaking up that delicious enchilada-flavored sauce.
Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce also comes in a hot variety, for those who prefer more spicy heat.
SUPREME PIZZA LASAGNA
This is from Ree Drummond of the Food Network's The Pioneer Woman.
Active Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/supreme-pizza-lasagna-2316523.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds Italian sausage
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 large onion, diced
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
One 15-ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/3 cup finely minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sliced black olives
30 ounces whole-milk ricotta
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling
8 lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente
24 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices
Directions
Drizzle the olive oil into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, ground beef and pepperoni and stir, breaking the meat up as it begins to cook. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until brown, and then remove the meat to a plate.
Add the mushrooms, garlic, bell peppers and onions to the pot and saute until the mushrooms have softened and the others have some color. Add the meat back in along with the tomatoes, tomato paste, pesto, half the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Add the black olives and stir.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
To make the cheese mixture: Combine the ricotta and eggs in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan, the rest of the parsley and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir the mixture until totally combined.
To assemble the lasagna: Overlap 4 lasagna noodles in the bottom of a large rectangular baking dish. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the noodles and smooth it out into a flat layer. Lay half of the mozzarella slices on top followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more and top with some extra Parmesan. Bake until heated through and bubbly on the top, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cook’s Note
The lasagna can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge, unbaked. It can also be frozen, unbaked. Just thaw before you're ready to bake it.
MEATLOAF EXPRESS
This is also from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “Making them mini not only slashes the cook time, but makes mealtime fun, too. These single-serve meatloaves bake under a sweet and savory topping to ensure moist and flavorful little loaves that your whole family will love.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 6 people
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/meatloaf-express/.
Ingredients
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed French Onion Soup
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey mustard (honey Dijon-style)
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Set the oven to 425°F. Stir the soup, ketchup and honey mustard in a medium bowl.
Thoroughly mix the beef, bread crumbs, egg and 1/4 cup soup mixture in a large bowl. Season the beef mixture as desired.
Shape the beef mixture into 6 mini meatloaves. Place the mini meatloaves into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the meatloaves.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the meatloaves are cooked through.
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
Confessions of a Foodie
Friday, August 6, 2021
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Turkey Recipes
Many of us in the U.S. grew up thinking of turkey as a holiday meal. While it is, there's no reason why turkey can't be cooked at other times of the year.
Today's offerings of six turkey recipes include Turkey Sliders with Avocado Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese and Baked Turkey Enchiladas. Enjoy!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND TURKEY CHILI
This comes from the Food Network, and begins, "This recipe captures many of the traditional flavors of chili, but boosts its texture, color and vitamins. We've used protein-rich black beans, lean ground turkey and sweet butternut squash, as well adding some unexpected crunch and thickening power with chia seeds."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/butternut-squash-and-turkey-chili-3363131.
Ingredients
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound 99 percent fat-free ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Kosher salt
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
4 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
Two 14-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chia seeds
Freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Directions
Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up chunks with the side of a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Push the turkey to the edges of the pan, leaving the middle empty. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, then the onion and garlic to the center of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin and coriander and stir about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the paste begins to darken in color, about 30 seconds. Then add the squash, tomatoes and 4 cups water, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Bring to a simmer, adjust the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chili has thickened and the squash is tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
Stir the beans and chia seeds into the chili and heat through, about 5 minutes. Season with an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, then taste the chili and stir in up to 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Spoon the chili into bowls and top each bowl with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
TURKEY LONDON BROIL
Recipe Yield: Serves: 6
To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/turkey-london-broil.
Ingredients
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (2 pounds)
Directions
Combine garlic, oil, lemon rind and juice, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper and wine in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
Place turkey breast, smooth side down, on a cutting board. Starting in center of thickest part on one half of the breast, cut meat horizontally in half but not all the way through. Spread meat out like an open book. Press lightly on thickest parts to make a rectangle of even thickness.
Place turkey in marinade in dish; turn several times to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to marinate.
Heat broiler, or prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Place broiler pan or grill rack 4 inches from source of heat.
Remove turkey from marinade. Bring marinade to boiling in a small saucepan; boil 5 minutes. Broil or grill turkey 8 to 10 minutes per side or until internal temperature registers 170 degrees on an instant-read thermometer; baste with marinade every minute until last 3 or 4 minutes. Let turkey rest about 5 minutes. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 297; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 158 mg; Cholesterol: 102 mg; Protein: 37 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4-1/2 Low-Fat Meat
TURKEY BREAST ROULADE WITH GARLIC AND ROSMARY
This recipe is by Ina Garten and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Ina Garten has been known as the Barefoot Contessa since she opened a gourmet store by that name in East Hampton, N.Y., in 1985. She shared this recipe from her book “Modern Comfort Food” with The Times for Thanksgiving in 2020, when many cooks were looking for alternatives to whole turkey. If you don’t like fennel seeds, leave them out: Garlic, sage and rosemary give this roast the flavors of Italian porchetta, and it will still be fragrant, juicy and delicious without them."
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This yummy recipe (and aren't most of Ina's recipes yummy?) was featured in "How Does Ina Do It?", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021643-turkey-breast-roulade-with-garlic-and-rosemary.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus 4 whole sage leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 whole butterflied boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 cup dry white wine, such as Chablis
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel seeds and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the chopped sage and the rosemary; set aside to cool.
Set the turkey breast on a cutting board and open it up, skin side down. If necessary, pound the turkey to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Sprinkle the turkey with 4 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Once the onion mixture has cooled, spread it evenly on the meat. Grate the butter and sprinkle it on top. Arrange the prosciutto on top to totally cover the filling and meat.
Starting at one long end of the turkey breast, roll the meat up jelly-roll style to make a compact cylindrical roulade, ending with the seam side down. Tie the roulade tightly with kitchen twine at 2 to 2 1/2-inch intervals to ensure that it will roast evenly. Slip the whole sage leaves under the twine down the center of the roulade.
Place the roulade, seam side down, in a roasting pan and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Brush the skin with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour the wine and 1 cup water into the roasting pan, surrounding the turkey with the liquids without pouring them directly over the roulade. Roast for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature is 150 degrees.
Remove from the oven, cover the turkey with foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the string, slice the roulade crosswise in 1/2-inch-thick slices, and serve warm with the pan juices.
BAKED TURKEY ENCHILADAS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a contributor at The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " Turkey enchiladas are made with leftover turkey, cheese, sour cream, and tortillas. Serve these flavorful turkey enchiladas with rice and refried beans.
"Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas, but you can use corn or flour in these turkey enchiladas. The easy sauce is made with mild chile peppers, but if you like a little heat, add some finely chopped jalapeno rings."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 62 minutes; Total: 82 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/baked-turkey-enchiladas-recipe-3061803.
Ingredients
3 cups turkey (shredded)
2 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded or a Mexican blend of cheeses, divided)
1 teaspoon salt
12 (10-inch) tortillas (corn or flour)
1/3 cup corn oil
For the Sauce
2 cans mild green chile peppers (4 ounces each)
Ingredients
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds stewed tomatoes
2 cups onion (chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup water
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
Combine the shredded turkey with sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and salt. Stir to blend thoroughly.
Heat the oil and dip tortillas in until soft and drain. Or, follow package directions for heating tortillas in the microwave oven or conventional oven.
Stuff the warm tortillas with turkey mixture and roll up. Arrange the filled rolls seam side down, side-by-side in the prepared baking pan.
Gather the sauce ingredients.
In a skillet, saute the chile peppers with garlic in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stewed tomatoes, onions, salt, oregano, and water. Simmer uncovered until the sauce is reduced and thickened, or about 1/2 hour.
Pour the chile sauce over enchiladas and bake them for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and return them to the oven for a few minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Make the enchiladas with cooked shredded chicken instead of turkey. Chicken thighs make a good filling.
Replace the cheddar or cheddar jack cheese with pepper jack or a taco seasoned blend.
Add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro to the filling.
Garnish the enchiladas with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or some sliced green onion tops when they come out of the oven.
Add 1 cup of cooked or canned black beans or pinto beans to the turkey filling or replace some of the turkey with the beans. It's a good, budget-friendly way to stretch the turkey.
TURKEY SLIDERS WITH AVOCADO, MUSHROOMS, AND SWISS CHEESE
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, "These mini turkey burgers just melt in your mouth thanks to gooey cheese, warm mushrooms, and creamy avocado."
Makes 4 servings; Serving Size: 2 sliders
To view this yumminess online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/turkey-sliders-with-avocado-mushrooms-and-swiss-cheese.
Ingredients
8 whole-grain slider buns (lowest sodium available)
1 1/4 pounds ground skinless turkey breast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced brown (cremimi) mushrooms
4 slices low-fat Swiss cheese, cut in half
1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed with a fork
1 medium tomato, cut into 8 slices (about 1/4-inch thick)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Arrange the buns with the cut side up in a single layer on a baking sheet. Set aside.
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the turkey into 8 patties, each about 3 inches in diameter. (The uncooked patties will be larger than the bun and will shrink as they cook.) Sprinkle the salt over each patty.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the patties are no longer pink in the center and register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Transfer the patties to the bottoms of the buns.
In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently.
Spoon the mushrooms onto each patty. Top with the Swiss cheese.
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake the sliders for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove from the oven.
Spread the avocado over the Swiss cheese. Top with the tomato slices. Put the tops of the buns on the sliders.
Using four short skewers, pierce two sliders with each skewer, if desired. Serve immediately.
TURKEY BURGERS
4 Servings
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/423.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg white
1 thin slice whole-wheat bread
1 small onion, grated
1 pound ground turkey
2 teaspoons ground coriander
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons virgin olive oil
Directions
In a large bowl, lightly beat egg white.
Tear bread into small pieces; soak in egg white 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, except oil and thoroughly mix. Shape into four patties.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil. Cook patties over medium heat about 10 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 208; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 195 mg; Cholesterol: 48 mg; Carbohydrates: 5 g, Exchanges: 3 Meat
Today's offerings of six turkey recipes include Turkey Sliders with Avocado Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese and Baked Turkey Enchiladas. Enjoy!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND TURKEY CHILI
This comes from the Food Network, and begins, "This recipe captures many of the traditional flavors of chili, but boosts its texture, color and vitamins. We've used protein-rich black beans, lean ground turkey and sweet butternut squash, as well adding some unexpected crunch and thickening power with chia seeds."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/butternut-squash-and-turkey-chili-3363131.
Ingredients
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound 99 percent fat-free ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Kosher salt
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
4 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
Two 14-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chia seeds
Freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Directions
Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up chunks with the side of a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Push the turkey to the edges of the pan, leaving the middle empty. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, then the onion and garlic to the center of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin and coriander and stir about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the paste begins to darken in color, about 30 seconds. Then add the squash, tomatoes and 4 cups water, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Bring to a simmer, adjust the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chili has thickened and the squash is tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
Stir the beans and chia seeds into the chili and heat through, about 5 minutes. Season with an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, then taste the chili and stir in up to 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Spoon the chili into bowls and top each bowl with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
TURKEY LONDON BROIL
Recipe Yield: Serves: 6
To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/turkey-london-broil.
Ingredients
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (2 pounds)
Directions
Combine garlic, oil, lemon rind and juice, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper and wine in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
Place turkey breast, smooth side down, on a cutting board. Starting in center of thickest part on one half of the breast, cut meat horizontally in half but not all the way through. Spread meat out like an open book. Press lightly on thickest parts to make a rectangle of even thickness.
Place turkey in marinade in dish; turn several times to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to marinate.
Heat broiler, or prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Place broiler pan or grill rack 4 inches from source of heat.
Remove turkey from marinade. Bring marinade to boiling in a small saucepan; boil 5 minutes. Broil or grill turkey 8 to 10 minutes per side or until internal temperature registers 170 degrees on an instant-read thermometer; baste with marinade every minute until last 3 or 4 minutes. Let turkey rest about 5 minutes. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 297; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 158 mg; Cholesterol: 102 mg; Protein: 37 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4-1/2 Low-Fat Meat
TURKEY BREAST ROULADE WITH GARLIC AND ROSMARY
This recipe is by Ina Garten and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Ina Garten has been known as the Barefoot Contessa since she opened a gourmet store by that name in East Hampton, N.Y., in 1985. She shared this recipe from her book “Modern Comfort Food” with The Times for Thanksgiving in 2020, when many cooks were looking for alternatives to whole turkey. If you don’t like fennel seeds, leave them out: Garlic, sage and rosemary give this roast the flavors of Italian porchetta, and it will still be fragrant, juicy and delicious without them."
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This yummy recipe (and aren't most of Ina's recipes yummy?) was featured in "How Does Ina Do It?", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021643-turkey-breast-roulade-with-garlic-and-rosemary.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus 4 whole sage leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 whole butterflied boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 cup dry white wine, such as Chablis
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel seeds and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the chopped sage and the rosemary; set aside to cool.
Set the turkey breast on a cutting board and open it up, skin side down. If necessary, pound the turkey to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Sprinkle the turkey with 4 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Once the onion mixture has cooled, spread it evenly on the meat. Grate the butter and sprinkle it on top. Arrange the prosciutto on top to totally cover the filling and meat.
Starting at one long end of the turkey breast, roll the meat up jelly-roll style to make a compact cylindrical roulade, ending with the seam side down. Tie the roulade tightly with kitchen twine at 2 to 2 1/2-inch intervals to ensure that it will roast evenly. Slip the whole sage leaves under the twine down the center of the roulade.
Place the roulade, seam side down, in a roasting pan and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Brush the skin with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour the wine and 1 cup water into the roasting pan, surrounding the turkey with the liquids without pouring them directly over the roulade. Roast for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature is 150 degrees.
Remove from the oven, cover the turkey with foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the string, slice the roulade crosswise in 1/2-inch-thick slices, and serve warm with the pan juices.
BAKED TURKEY ENCHILADAS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a contributor at The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " Turkey enchiladas are made with leftover turkey, cheese, sour cream, and tortillas. Serve these flavorful turkey enchiladas with rice and refried beans.
"Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas, but you can use corn or flour in these turkey enchiladas. The easy sauce is made with mild chile peppers, but if you like a little heat, add some finely chopped jalapeno rings."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 62 minutes; Total: 82 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/baked-turkey-enchiladas-recipe-3061803.
Ingredients
3 cups turkey (shredded)
2 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded or a Mexican blend of cheeses, divided)
1 teaspoon salt
12 (10-inch) tortillas (corn or flour)
1/3 cup corn oil
For the Sauce
2 cans mild green chile peppers (4 ounces each)
Ingredients
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds stewed tomatoes
2 cups onion (chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup water
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
Combine the shredded turkey with sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and salt. Stir to blend thoroughly.
Heat the oil and dip tortillas in until soft and drain. Or, follow package directions for heating tortillas in the microwave oven or conventional oven.
Stuff the warm tortillas with turkey mixture and roll up. Arrange the filled rolls seam side down, side-by-side in the prepared baking pan.
Gather the sauce ingredients.
In a skillet, saute the chile peppers with garlic in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stewed tomatoes, onions, salt, oregano, and water. Simmer uncovered until the sauce is reduced and thickened, or about 1/2 hour.
Pour the chile sauce over enchiladas and bake them for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and return them to the oven for a few minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Make the enchiladas with cooked shredded chicken instead of turkey. Chicken thighs make a good filling.
Replace the cheddar or cheddar jack cheese with pepper jack or a taco seasoned blend.
Add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro to the filling.
Garnish the enchiladas with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or some sliced green onion tops when they come out of the oven.
Add 1 cup of cooked or canned black beans or pinto beans to the turkey filling or replace some of the turkey with the beans. It's a good, budget-friendly way to stretch the turkey.
TURKEY SLIDERS WITH AVOCADO, MUSHROOMS, AND SWISS CHEESE
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, "These mini turkey burgers just melt in your mouth thanks to gooey cheese, warm mushrooms, and creamy avocado."
Makes 4 servings; Serving Size: 2 sliders
To view this yumminess online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/turkey-sliders-with-avocado-mushrooms-and-swiss-cheese.
Ingredients
8 whole-grain slider buns (lowest sodium available)
1 1/4 pounds ground skinless turkey breast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced brown (cremimi) mushrooms
4 slices low-fat Swiss cheese, cut in half
1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed with a fork
1 medium tomato, cut into 8 slices (about 1/4-inch thick)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Arrange the buns with the cut side up in a single layer on a baking sheet. Set aside.
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the turkey into 8 patties, each about 3 inches in diameter. (The uncooked patties will be larger than the bun and will shrink as they cook.) Sprinkle the salt over each patty.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the patties are no longer pink in the center and register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Transfer the patties to the bottoms of the buns.
In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently.
Spoon the mushrooms onto each patty. Top with the Swiss cheese.
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake the sliders for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove from the oven.
Spread the avocado over the Swiss cheese. Top with the tomato slices. Put the tops of the buns on the sliders.
Using four short skewers, pierce two sliders with each skewer, if desired. Serve immediately.
TURKEY BURGERS
4 Servings
Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/423.shtml
Ingredients
1 egg white
1 thin slice whole-wheat bread
1 small onion, grated
1 pound ground turkey
2 teaspoons ground coriander
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons virgin olive oil
Directions
In a large bowl, lightly beat egg white.
Tear bread into small pieces; soak in egg white 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, except oil and thoroughly mix. Shape into four patties.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil. Cook patties over medium heat about 10 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 208; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 195 mg; Cholesterol: 48 mg; Carbohydrates: 5 g, Exchanges: 3 Meat
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Pasta
Pasta is one of my favorite food groups. There's just something wonderful about a bowl or plateful of steaming pasta with sauce, veggies, or any combination of yumminess. Heck, even a plateful of spaghetti with butter and pepper is yummy. (The latter was my sister's favorite way of eating spaghetti when we were kids.)
Here are six yummy pasta recipes for your enjoyment, including Fettuccine Carbonnaise and Slow-Cooker Bolognese. Enjoy!
PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO
This is from Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network show Everyday Italian. This has got to be one of the easiest pasta recipes I've run across in a long time (if not the easiest).
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online at the Food Network site, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe-1942250.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
2 garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, blend the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor and blend until the tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer the tomato mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the Parmesan.
Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper and serve.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
FETTUCCINE CARBONNAISE
This is from Linda Larsen, a contributor to The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " We wanted to make spaghetti carbonara but was out of spaghetti and cream. Then we started casting around for some substitutions that might work. We know that you can make carbonara without cream, but we love the added richness and smoothness that cream adds to the recipe.
"Fettuccine was my first idea to use instead of the spaghetti; we love the substantial strands. This long pasta combines well with creamy sauces and really holds onto them, which is what we had in mind."
She goes on to write about this recipe, all of which you can read at https://www.thespruceeats.com/fettuccine-carbonnaise-recipe-481964 (along with viewing the recipe online).
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
2 clove garlic (minced)
1 pound fettuccine
4 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the bacon until crisp and browned in a large pan over medium heat. Remove bacon from pan, place on paper towels to drain, then crumble. Drain most of the fat from the pan. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
Scrape the garlic and bacon fat remaining in the pan into a small bowl.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to flavor, then add the pasta. Stir. Cook until the pasta is just al dente, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, add the eggs, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper to the bacon in the small bowl and beat well with a wire whisk until blended and smooth.
When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot immediately.
Off the heat, add the mayonnaise mixture. Toss with tongs until the mixture coats the pasta, adding cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese and toss again and serve immediately.
EASY MAKE-AHEAD PASTA SAUCE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This rich and meaty pasta sauce is a keeper for a few reasons: It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but has cooked-all-day flavor, it can be made ahead and frozen, and it makes enough for several meals. Whip up a batch, and use it in whatever Italian dish you’re craving, from spaghetti to lasagna!"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 16
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
2 cans (28 oz each) Muir Glen™ organic fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 cup Progresso™ beef-flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)
Directions
In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef over high heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Reduce heat to medium; add onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Continue to cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is softened. Add tomato paste; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and broth; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Serve over pasta, if desired.
To freeze: Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes. Divide sauce among four 1-quart freezer containers; freeze up to 2 months. To use: Place frozen sauce container in large bowl filled with hot water about 5 minutes or until sauce can be slid out of container into saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is heated through. Use as desired.
Expert Tips
We find that about 2 3/4 cups of sauce per pound of pasta works well.
Reheat sauce, and add cooked pasta. Cook and stir over medium-low heat 1 minute to allow pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
16 oz uncooked spaghetti
3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.
In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.
Here are six yummy pasta recipes for your enjoyment, including Fettuccine Carbonnaise and Slow-Cooker Bolognese. Enjoy!
PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO
This is from Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network show Everyday Italian. This has got to be one of the easiest pasta recipes I've run across in a long time (if not the easiest).
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online at the Food Network site, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe-1942250.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
2 garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, blend the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor and blend until the tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer the tomato mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the Parmesan.
Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper and serve.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
FETTUCCINE CARBONNAISE
This is from Linda Larsen, a contributor to The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " We wanted to make spaghetti carbonara but was out of spaghetti and cream. Then we started casting around for some substitutions that might work. We know that you can make carbonara without cream, but we love the added richness and smoothness that cream adds to the recipe.
"Fettuccine was my first idea to use instead of the spaghetti; we love the substantial strands. This long pasta combines well with creamy sauces and really holds onto them, which is what we had in mind."
She goes on to write about this recipe, all of which you can read at https://www.thespruceeats.com/fettuccine-carbonnaise-recipe-481964 (along with viewing the recipe online).
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
2 clove garlic (minced)
1 pound fettuccine
4 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the bacon until crisp and browned in a large pan over medium heat. Remove bacon from pan, place on paper towels to drain, then crumble. Drain most of the fat from the pan. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
Scrape the garlic and bacon fat remaining in the pan into a small bowl.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to flavor, then add the pasta. Stir. Cook until the pasta is just al dente, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, add the eggs, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper to the bacon in the small bowl and beat well with a wire whisk until blended and smooth.
When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot immediately.
Off the heat, add the mayonnaise mixture. Toss with tongs until the mixture coats the pasta, adding cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese and toss again and serve immediately.
EASY MAKE-AHEAD PASTA SAUCE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This rich and meaty pasta sauce is a keeper for a few reasons: It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but has cooked-all-day flavor, it can be made ahead and frozen, and it makes enough for several meals. Whip up a batch, and use it in whatever Italian dish you’re craving, from spaghetti to lasagna!"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 16
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
2 cans (28 oz each) Muir Glen™ organic fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 cup Progresso™ beef-flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)
Directions
In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef over high heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Reduce heat to medium; add onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Continue to cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is softened. Add tomato paste; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and broth; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Serve over pasta, if desired.
To freeze: Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes. Divide sauce among four 1-quart freezer containers; freeze up to 2 months. To use: Place frozen sauce container in large bowl filled with hot water about 5 minutes or until sauce can be slid out of container into saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is heated through. Use as desired.
Expert Tips
We find that about 2 3/4 cups of sauce per pound of pasta works well.
Reheat sauce, and add cooked pasta. Cook and stir over medium-low heat 1 minute to allow pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
16 oz uncooked spaghetti
3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.
In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Dessert - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with dessert, and includes Maple-Cider Oven Doughnuts and Vegan Frozen Chocolate Soufflé. Enjoy!
APPLE-CRANBERRY DESSERT
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, and begins, “Bake someone happy with a cranberry-studded apple dessert crowned with a crunchy topping.”
Ingredients
6 cups sliced peeled apples (about 6 medium)
2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons maple-flavored syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened Vanilla ice cream, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375ºF. In large bowl, mix apples, cranberries, cinnamon, syrup and lemon juice. Spoon into ungreased 8-inch square baking dish.
In medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients except ice cream with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit mixture.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender, juices are bubbly and topping is golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):
Bake 43 to 48 minutes.
BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/blueberry-crumble-recipe-1956497.
Ingredients
Filling:
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
2 pints blueberries, or any other berry
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup apple cider or orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/2 cup toasted oats
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
For the filling: In a bowl, add the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, cider, and vanilla, Carefully mix the ingredients together with a spatula, leaving the blueberries whole. Set aside while you assemble the topping.
For the topping: In the bowl of a mixer, add the flour, sugars, and butter. Using the paddle attachment, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks mealy or crumbly. (This can be done by hand.) Stir in the oats and nuts.
Pour the filling into an 8-inch square baking dish and evenly distribute the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Cool slightly and serve warm.
KEY LIME PIE
This recipe is from Joyce LaFray Young and adapted by The New York Times cooking newsletter. The recipe begins, "This recipe came to The Times in a 1991 magazine article by film critic David Edelstein about Florida culinary specialties like conch chowder, alligator, stone crabs and Key lime pie. Key limes are small, yellowish, seedy and wildly more tart than their ordinary Persian counterparts. Unfortunately, Key limes grow slowly, so many Florida farmers replaced their Key lime trees with Persian ones. You can buy bottled Key lime juice at most supermarkets, but you can also make this easy pie with regular limes, although it won't be quite as delightfully tart."
Yield: One 9-inch pie; Time: 30 minutes, plus 3 hours' freezing
This was originally featured in "Food; That Old Poisoned Arrow", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/10862-key-lime-pie.
Note: I enjoyed reading the article that this was in (check the link above), especially the part about eating alligator (mentioned as "chicken-of-the-swamp"). (Hint: apparently, it didn't taste like chicken.) I highly recommend reading the article.
Ingredients
4 egg yolks
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup Key lime juice (see note)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 9-inch graham cracker crust
Whipped cream
Preparation
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. With an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks on high speed until thick and light in color. Add the condensed milk and mix on low speed. Still on low speed, add half the lime juice, cream of tartar and then the remaining lime juice, mixing after each addition. Mix well until blended.
Pour into pie crust and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the center is firm and dry to the touch. Freeze for at least 3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.
Tip
Key lime juice is a tricky one. You generally have to buy it bottled, even in the Keys (it's usually found in specialty markets). The pie is great with regular limes, but it's not as distinctively tart. (One possibility is to mix regular lime juice with a bit of lemon juice.)
CHOCOLATE-ORANGE MAPLE SNAPS
This is from March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 71), and begins, "These snaps are great on their own, or as wafers for sandwich cookies. Maple syrup lends flavor and moisture, which lets you cut down on oil in the dough." Makes 40 cookies in 30 minutes or less.
This can be viewed online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/chocolate-orange-maple-snaps/.
Ingredients
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbs. cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. grated orange zest
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat three baking sheets with cooking spray.
Whisk together maple syrup, oil, cornstarch mixture, vanilla, and orange zest in large bowl.
Sift together flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
Measure out cookie dough in 1-tsp. scoops, and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are firm on top and edges have darkened.
MAPLE-CIDER OVEN DOUGHNUTS
This is from March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 69), and begins, "Hard cider adds zip to this traditional Vermont doughnut." Makes 12 doughnuts
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/maple-cider-oven-doughnuts/.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
1 12-oz. bottle hard cider
1 cup maple syrup, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
Topping
1/2 cup maple sugar or brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
Preparation
To make Doughnuts: Bring hard cider and 1/4 cup maple syrup to a boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 30 minutes, or until mixture has cooked down to 1/3 cup. Cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F, and coat 12-cup doughnut or muffin pan with cooking spray.
Mix together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Make well in center, and add egg, melted butter, remaining 3/4 cup maple syrup, buttermilk, and hard cider syrup; mix until just combined.
Scoop batter into prepared molds, and bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until Doughnuts spring back when lightly touched. Cool.
To make Topping: Combine maple sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Pour melted butter into shallow soup plate. Dip top of each Doughnut into melted butter, then dip into sugar mixture.
VEGAN FROZEN CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE
This comes from Vegetarian Times (July/August 2005 issue, page 63), and begins, "You could serve this at a fancy dinner party in Paris, and no one would ever guess that it’s vegan! Strong coffee gives it flavor depth. Folding in Hip Whip, a vegan whipped topping available in the frozen foods section of most natural foods stores, keeps it light, smooth and creamy when frozen." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/vegan-frozen-chocolate-souffle/.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups vegan carob chips
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup hot, strong coffee
2 Tbs. maple syrup or corn syrup
1 16-oz. pkg. silken tofu, drained
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 7.5-oz. tub vegan frozen whipped topping, thawed
Preparation
Cut strips of aluminum foil long enough to wrap around 6 3-oz. demitasse cups and high enough to make a 1 1/2-inch collar over rims. Secure with a rubber band. (Or, tear a length of foil long enough to go around a 10-oz. soufflé dish. Fold foil in half lengthwise, wind it around dish so it's at least 3 inches above rim. Tie with string.)
Put carob chips into heatproof bowl over pan of simmering water, and melt. Meanwhile, whisk together cocoa, coffee and maple syrup, and stir into melted carob mixture.
Put tofu in blender or food processor; purée 3 minutes, or until smooth. Add carob mixture and vanilla, and process until smooth. Transfer mixture to large bowl.
Whisk thawed whipped topping into carob-tofu mixture. Fill cups 1 inch above rim, or fill dish 2 inches above rim. Freeze 3 hours, or overnight. Remove from freezer 20 to 30 minutes before serving to soften. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
APPLE-CRANBERRY DESSERT
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, and begins, “Bake someone happy with a cranberry-studded apple dessert crowned with a crunchy topping.”
Ingredients
6 cups sliced peeled apples (about 6 medium)
2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons maple-flavored syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened Vanilla ice cream, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375ºF. In large bowl, mix apples, cranberries, cinnamon, syrup and lemon juice. Spoon into ungreased 8-inch square baking dish.
In medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients except ice cream with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit mixture.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender, juices are bubbly and topping is golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):
Bake 43 to 48 minutes.
BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/blueberry-crumble-recipe-1956497.
Ingredients
Filling:
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
2 pints blueberries, or any other berry
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup apple cider or orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/2 cup toasted oats
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
For the filling: In a bowl, add the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, cider, and vanilla, Carefully mix the ingredients together with a spatula, leaving the blueberries whole. Set aside while you assemble the topping.
For the topping: In the bowl of a mixer, add the flour, sugars, and butter. Using the paddle attachment, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks mealy or crumbly. (This can be done by hand.) Stir in the oats and nuts.
Pour the filling into an 8-inch square baking dish and evenly distribute the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Cool slightly and serve warm.
KEY LIME PIE
This recipe is from Joyce LaFray Young and adapted by The New York Times cooking newsletter. The recipe begins, "This recipe came to The Times in a 1991 magazine article by film critic David Edelstein about Florida culinary specialties like conch chowder, alligator, stone crabs and Key lime pie. Key limes are small, yellowish, seedy and wildly more tart than their ordinary Persian counterparts. Unfortunately, Key limes grow slowly, so many Florida farmers replaced their Key lime trees with Persian ones. You can buy bottled Key lime juice at most supermarkets, but you can also make this easy pie with regular limes, although it won't be quite as delightfully tart."
Yield: One 9-inch pie; Time: 30 minutes, plus 3 hours' freezing
This was originally featured in "Food; That Old Poisoned Arrow", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/10862-key-lime-pie.
Note: I enjoyed reading the article that this was in (check the link above), especially the part about eating alligator (mentioned as "chicken-of-the-swamp"). (Hint: apparently, it didn't taste like chicken.) I highly recommend reading the article.
Ingredients
4 egg yolks
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup Key lime juice (see note)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 9-inch graham cracker crust
Whipped cream
Preparation
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. With an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks on high speed until thick and light in color. Add the condensed milk and mix on low speed. Still on low speed, add half the lime juice, cream of tartar and then the remaining lime juice, mixing after each addition. Mix well until blended.
Pour into pie crust and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the center is firm and dry to the touch. Freeze for at least 3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.
Tip
Key lime juice is a tricky one. You generally have to buy it bottled, even in the Keys (it's usually found in specialty markets). The pie is great with regular limes, but it's not as distinctively tart. (One possibility is to mix regular lime juice with a bit of lemon juice.)
CHOCOLATE-ORANGE MAPLE SNAPS
This is from March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 71), and begins, "These snaps are great on their own, or as wafers for sandwich cookies. Maple syrup lends flavor and moisture, which lets you cut down on oil in the dough." Makes 40 cookies in 30 minutes or less.
This can be viewed online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/chocolate-orange-maple-snaps/.
Ingredients
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbs. cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. grated orange zest
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat three baking sheets with cooking spray.
Whisk together maple syrup, oil, cornstarch mixture, vanilla, and orange zest in large bowl.
Sift together flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
Measure out cookie dough in 1-tsp. scoops, and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are firm on top and edges have darkened.
MAPLE-CIDER OVEN DOUGHNUTS
This is from March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 69), and begins, "Hard cider adds zip to this traditional Vermont doughnut." Makes 12 doughnuts
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/maple-cider-oven-doughnuts/.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
1 12-oz. bottle hard cider
1 cup maple syrup, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
Topping
1/2 cup maple sugar or brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
Preparation
To make Doughnuts: Bring hard cider and 1/4 cup maple syrup to a boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 30 minutes, or until mixture has cooked down to 1/3 cup. Cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F, and coat 12-cup doughnut or muffin pan with cooking spray.
Mix together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Make well in center, and add egg, melted butter, remaining 3/4 cup maple syrup, buttermilk, and hard cider syrup; mix until just combined.
Scoop batter into prepared molds, and bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until Doughnuts spring back when lightly touched. Cool.
To make Topping: Combine maple sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Pour melted butter into shallow soup plate. Dip top of each Doughnut into melted butter, then dip into sugar mixture.
VEGAN FROZEN CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE
This comes from Vegetarian Times (July/August 2005 issue, page 63), and begins, "You could serve this at a fancy dinner party in Paris, and no one would ever guess that it’s vegan! Strong coffee gives it flavor depth. Folding in Hip Whip, a vegan whipped topping available in the frozen foods section of most natural foods stores, keeps it light, smooth and creamy when frozen." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/vegan-frozen-chocolate-souffle/.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups vegan carob chips
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup hot, strong coffee
2 Tbs. maple syrup or corn syrup
1 16-oz. pkg. silken tofu, drained
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 7.5-oz. tub vegan frozen whipped topping, thawed
Preparation
Cut strips of aluminum foil long enough to wrap around 6 3-oz. demitasse cups and high enough to make a 1 1/2-inch collar over rims. Secure with a rubber band. (Or, tear a length of foil long enough to go around a 10-oz. soufflé dish. Fold foil in half lengthwise, wind it around dish so it's at least 3 inches above rim. Tie with string.)
Put carob chips into heatproof bowl over pan of simmering water, and melt. Meanwhile, whisk together cocoa, coffee and maple syrup, and stir into melted carob mixture.
Put tofu in blender or food processor; purée 3 minutes, or until smooth. Add carob mixture and vanilla, and process until smooth. Transfer mixture to large bowl.
Whisk thawed whipped topping into carob-tofu mixture. Fill cups 1 inch above rim, or fill dish 2 inches above rim. Freeze 3 hours, or overnight. Remove from freezer 20 to 30 minutes before serving to soften. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. What could be yummier? Today's offerings include Southwest Chipotle Fish Tacos, Chicken and Veggie Fajitas, and Banana Chocolate Tacos. Enjoy!
IMPOSSIBLE™ TACO BOWL WITH FRESH GUACAMOLE
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Creamy, flavorful, from-scratch guacamole is easy to make and the perfect complement to the Impossible™ Burger taco filling in these simple, but impressive taco bowls."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/impossible-taco-bowls-with-fresh-guacamole.
Ingredients
2 ripe medium avocados, pitted, peeled and mashed
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ soft tortilla bowls, heated as directed on package
1 cup Old El Paso™ Monterey Jack or shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Preparation
In small bowl, stir together Guacamole ingredients. Set aside.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Divide taco filling among heated tortilla bowls; top with cheese, lettuce, guacamole and tomatoes.
Expert Tips
Red onion or cilantro would make a lovely garnish for these taco bowls.
Lime wedges can be served on the side for an extra squeeze of acidity.
If you like your guacamole spicy, just substitute serrano chile for the jalapeño in this recipe. If you like it even spicier, don’t seed the chile before chopping.
CHICKEN AND VEGGIE FAJITAS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "No need to go out for delicious chicken fajitas when you can make this restaurant-inspired version at home. Ready to go big on homemade flavor? These fresh chicken fajitas use seasoned chicken strips, colorful sautéed peppers, sliced red onions and loads of fresh toppings all wrapped in flour tortillas. Chicken and Veggie Fajitas are perfect for picky eaters because they're almost infinitely customizable. Set out your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes and lime wedges. You'll be serving up a sizzling skillet of flavors in no time."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/chicken-and-veggie-fajitas.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers
1 cup thinly sliced red onions
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (8.2 oz) Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas For Soft Tacos & Fajitas (6 inch), heated as directed on package
Toppings as desired, such as Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend, sliced jalapeño chiles, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde Sauce, Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana, guacamole, pico de gallo salsa
Preparation
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Spoon vegetables onto platter; cover to keep warm.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to same skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Add to platter with vegetables.
To serve, fill tortillas with warmed chicken, bell pepper mixture and your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat chicken slices dry before adding to a hot skillet.
Try Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend to replace Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a little extra heat for your chicken fajitas.
Short on time? Use 3 cups frozen pepper and onion stir-fry blend to replace fresh bell peppers and onions. Cook according to package directions; add to platter, and cover to keep warm. Continue with recipe.
Fajitas are almost infinitely customizable, so set out your favorite toppings so people can make their own perfect fajita combos.
The word “fajita” is the diminutive form of the Spanish “faja,” which means “strip” or “belt.” So “fajitas” literally means “little strips.”
SPICY QUINOA TACOS
This is from Katelyn Drake in the Share Reader Recipe in Vegetarian Times (April/May 2015, page 12). Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, diced (1 cup)
1 rib celery, diced (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1 Tbs. chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 15-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup)
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
12 6-inch corn tortillas
Directions
Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne, and saute 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes with liquid. Cook 2 minutes, then stir in quinoa, carrots, and broth. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Mix in black beans and corn. Serve in tortillas.
SOUTHWEST CHIPOTLE FISH TACOS
This is from Hidden Valley. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/southwest-chipotle-fish-tacos/.
Ingredients
8 frozen fish fillets
1/2 pound coleslaw or shredded cabbage
1/4 cup Hidden Valley® Spicy Ranch Dressing
8 corn tortillas
1 cup salsa
Directions
Prepare fish fillets according to package directions.
In a medium bowl, toss coleslaw and dressing until well-combined.
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds or until warm.
To assemble, place 1 fish fillet on each tortilla, top with coleslaw and salsa. Serve immediately.
Notes: For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
For dips, make and enjoy your dip creation. Then, refrigerate within 2 hours or discard.
BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS
Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one is from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”
This can be found here.
Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1–2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package
1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.
Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.
SOFT BEAN TACOS
This also comes from Vegetarian Times. Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1/4 cup water
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
16-oz. can spicy fat-free refried beans
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, reduced-fat if desired, or soy cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and warm in oven.
In large saucepan, combine water and bell pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, 2 minutes. Add corn, green onions, jalapeño pepper and refried beans. Stir gently until mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Remove tortillas from oven. Spread some of the filling on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a small amount of cheese. Fold over and arrange on individual plates. Top with salsa and yogurt if desired.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 260; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 455 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: g; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
IMPOSSIBLE™ TACO BOWL WITH FRESH GUACAMOLE
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Creamy, flavorful, from-scratch guacamole is easy to make and the perfect complement to the Impossible™ Burger taco filling in these simple, but impressive taco bowls."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/impossible-taco-bowls-with-fresh-guacamole.
Ingredients
2 ripe medium avocados, pitted, peeled and mashed
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (12 oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ soft tortilla bowls, heated as directed on package
1 cup Old El Paso™ Monterey Jack or shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Preparation
In small bowl, stir together Guacamole ingredients. Set aside.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Divide taco filling among heated tortilla bowls; top with cheese, lettuce, guacamole and tomatoes.
Expert Tips
Red onion or cilantro would make a lovely garnish for these taco bowls.
Lime wedges can be served on the side for an extra squeeze of acidity.
If you like your guacamole spicy, just substitute serrano chile for the jalapeño in this recipe. If you like it even spicier, don’t seed the chile before chopping.
CHICKEN AND VEGGIE FAJITAS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "No need to go out for delicious chicken fajitas when you can make this restaurant-inspired version at home. Ready to go big on homemade flavor? These fresh chicken fajitas use seasoned chicken strips, colorful sautéed peppers, sliced red onions and loads of fresh toppings all wrapped in flour tortillas. Chicken and Veggie Fajitas are perfect for picky eaters because they're almost infinitely customizable. Set out your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes and lime wedges. You'll be serving up a sizzling skillet of flavors in no time."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/chicken-and-veggie-fajitas.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers
1 cup thinly sliced red onions
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (8.2 oz) Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas For Soft Tacos & Fajitas (6 inch), heated as directed on package
Toppings as desired, such as Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend, sliced jalapeño chiles, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde Sauce, Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana, guacamole, pico de gallo salsa
Preparation
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Spoon vegetables onto platter; cover to keep warm.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to same skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Add to platter with vegetables.
To serve, fill tortillas with warmed chicken, bell pepper mixture and your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat chicken slices dry before adding to a hot skillet.
Try Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend to replace Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend for a little extra heat for your chicken fajitas.
Short on time? Use 3 cups frozen pepper and onion stir-fry blend to replace fresh bell peppers and onions. Cook according to package directions; add to platter, and cover to keep warm. Continue with recipe.
Fajitas are almost infinitely customizable, so set out your favorite toppings so people can make their own perfect fajita combos.
The word “fajita” is the diminutive form of the Spanish “faja,” which means “strip” or “belt.” So “fajitas” literally means “little strips.”
SPICY QUINOA TACOS
This is from Katelyn Drake in the Share Reader Recipe in Vegetarian Times (April/May 2015, page 12). Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, diced (1 cup)
1 rib celery, diced (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1 Tbs. chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 15-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup)
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
12 6-inch corn tortillas
Directions
Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne, and saute 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes with liquid. Cook 2 minutes, then stir in quinoa, carrots, and broth. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Mix in black beans and corn. Serve in tortillas.
SOUTHWEST CHIPOTLE FISH TACOS
This is from Hidden Valley. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/southwest-chipotle-fish-tacos/.
Ingredients
8 frozen fish fillets
1/2 pound coleslaw or shredded cabbage
1/4 cup Hidden Valley® Spicy Ranch Dressing
8 corn tortillas
1 cup salsa
Directions
Prepare fish fillets according to package directions.
In a medium bowl, toss coleslaw and dressing until well-combined.
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds or until warm.
To assemble, place 1 fish fillet on each tortilla, top with coleslaw and salsa. Serve immediately.
Notes: For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
For dips, make and enjoy your dip creation. Then, refrigerate within 2 hours or discard.
BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS
Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one is from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”
This can be found here.
Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1–2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package
1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.
Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.
SOFT BEAN TACOS
This also comes from Vegetarian Times. Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1/4 cup water
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
16-oz. can spicy fat-free refried beans
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, reduced-fat if desired, or soy cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and warm in oven.
In large saucepan, combine water and bell pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, 2 minutes. Add corn, green onions, jalapeño pepper and refried beans. Stir gently until mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Remove tortillas from oven. Spread some of the filling on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a small amount of cheese. Fold over and arrange on individual plates. Top with salsa and yogurt if desired.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 260; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 455 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: g; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
Monday, August 2, 2021
Stroganoff - Double-Post Monday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post deals with stroganoff.
Stroganoff was something my dad used to make periodically, and was something I looked forward to. There was just something very satisfying about the stuff. It was especially wonderful if the choice came down to Dad's stroganoff (which I loved) or having mom cook liver and onions. (I still am not a fan of liver and onions; it seems to be one of those love it or hate it meals, with little in-between-ness.)
No matter...here are six yummy stroganoff recipes to help you through the day, including Easy Beef Stroganoff and Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff. Enjoy!
BEEF STROGANOFF
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewletter. Sam wrote, "Forget what you think you remember about this putatively Russian dish, which saw its zenith in American kitchens during the 1950s and its nadir in school cafeterias two decades later. Beef stroganoff makes for an outstanding dinner: a vat of tender sautéed meat in a silken gravy studded with caramelized mushrooms, alongside a huge tangle of buttered noodles. Be careful when adding the cream at the end: Sour cream easily curdles in the heat, while crème fraîche or heavy cream offer smoother results."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "How Cooking Dinner Can Change Your Life", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020862-beef-stroganoff.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds sirloin roast, or beef tenderloin, if you’re feeling fancy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
2 small shallots, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cut the beef against the grain into 1/2-inch slices, pound lightly, then cut those slices into 1-inch-wide strips.
Add the flour, paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper to a large shallow bowl and toss to combine. Dredge the strips of meat in the flour mixture, shake them to remove excess flour, then transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.
Place a large skillet over high heat and swirl in the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, sauté the beef slices, in two batches, until they are well browned on both sides but rare inside, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared meat to the baking sheet. Turn the heat down slightly.
Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pan. When it has melted and started to foam, add the mushrooms, toss to coat them with the fat, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are a deep, dark brown, 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway into the process, add the sliced shallots and 1 tablespoon butter and stir to combine.
While the mushrooms cook, add the noodles to the boiling water, and cook until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain the noodles, and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
When the mushrooms and shallots are soft and caramelized, deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping at all the stuck-on bits on the pan’s surface. When the wine has reduced by about half, slowly stir in the cream, followed by the Worcestershire and mustard. Add the meat, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the dish is hot and the beef is medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste, and adjust the seasonings.
Serve the noodles under or alongside the stroganoff; sprinkle stroganoff with parsley.
SLOW-COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "When you transform a classic special-occasion meal into an easy-breezy weeknight dinner, it’s no wonder that you’re a top-rated recipe by hundreds of home cooks. Find out what all the buzz is about and try this beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe the next time you’re in need of mealtime inspiration."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 3x1/2x1/4-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed golden mushroom or cream of mushroom soup
1 carton (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 oz cream cheese, cubed (from 8-oz package)
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice
Directions
In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, onion and garlic; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until beef is browned.
In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef mixture, soup, mushrooms, salt and pepper.
Cover; cook on low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until beef is tender.
Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir in sour cream until well blended. Serve over noodles.
Expert Tips
Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Beef sirloin steak is more tender than other cuts of beef that are used for stews. Cooking the beef in butter until browned, results in the best flavor. Then the very low heat of the slow cooker keeps the meat tender.
With the slow braising of the stroganoff, the cream cheese creates an instantly smooth sauce, that combined with the sour cream stays thick and rich.
It’s easier to cut the beef into clean slices when it’s partially frozen for about 1 hour.
To save precious minutes in the morning, use minced garlic in a jar. You could also cut up the beef the night before and refrigerate.
BEST BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Bri22 on Food. Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6 - 8
To view this online, click here..
Ingredients
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
canned mushroom stems and pieces, 2-3 cans, drained
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I always use the top name brand)
1 (12 ounce) bag egg noodles, cooked
Directions
Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat.
Stir in ground beef and brown stir in flour, salt, mushrooms, and pepper cook 5 minutes, then stir in soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
Stir in sour cream until heated. Serve over noodles.
HAMBURGER STROGANOFF SKILLET
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Give ground beef the stroganoff treatment by combining it with sauteed mushrooms and rich cream. Cook pasta right in the sauce for an easy one-pan dinner."
Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/hamburger-stroganoff-skillet-5478672.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 10-ounce package white mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 15-ounce can low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups dried penne pasta
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, leaving behind any drippings, and reduce the heat to medium.
To the same skillet, add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to the bowl with the beef. Add the oil, paprika, garlic, carrot and onion to the skillet and cook until the carrots are soft and the onion is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the tomato paste has toasted and is evenly coating the vegetables, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire and 1 1/2 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Uncover, stir in the reserved beef and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, chives and parsley until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STROGANOFF
This comes from Judi Ann at Allrecipes. Judi Ann wrote, "Cubed chicken breast cooked in the slow cooker with a simple, creamy sauce mixture. This is so good, and so easy to make on a busy day. Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours; Total: 5 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17227/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff/.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1/8 cup margarine
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Directions
Put chicken, margarine and dressing mix in slow cooker; mix together and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Add cream cheese and soup, mix together and cook on high for another 1/2 hour or until heated through and warm.
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF
This comes from Stephanie Gallagher, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Stephanie wrote, "This beef stroganoff recipe is a cinch to prepare because it starts with leftover cooked roast beef, pot roast, brisket, or even store-bought roast beef from the deli counter. You can even use leftover steak; you don't even have to worry about whether or not it's tough or overcooked. When using cooked beef in this way, a stroganoff brings the beef back to life. So all you have to do is make the sauce. To save time, look for presliced mushrooms if you like.
"This recipe is also easy because it incorporates a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. If you'd like to upgrade the recipe a bit, some stores and brands, such as Trader Joe's and Pacific Natural Foods, respectively, sell versions of condensed cream of mushroom soup made with all-natural ingredients. You can even make your own condensed cream soup if you like.
"Serve this stroganoff with hot cooked egg noodles and a green salad. It tends to be a kid's kind of stroganoff because of the noodles and the creamy nature of the beef. You can also try it with rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onions
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 tablespoons sour cream
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cooked leftover beef, such as roast beef, pot roast, beef brisket, or deli roast beef
Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Freshly chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and mushrooms, and cook until softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, and stir until the flour is well coated with the fat and drippings in the pan.
Add the broth, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix in the cooked beef, and cook a few minutes until heated through.
Serve the stroganoff over hot cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy.
Tips
If you want to brown the mushrooms, which is a good idea because it will deepen the flavor of the stroganoff, simply cook the onions separately first.
When they are translucent, remove the onions from the skillet, and add a little more butter if the skillet is dry.
Add about half the mushrooms in a single layer. Don't crowd them, because they will steam instead of brown.
Cook, without stirring, until the mushrooms are golden brown with a slight crust on the bottom. Turn, and cook a few minutes on the other side (the second side won't take as long).
Repeat with the remaining mushrooms. Then return both the onions and all of the mushrooms to the pan and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Variations
You can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream if you like. You can also use thinned-out cream cheese, too, which will make the sauce a little thicker.
Feel free to use a little bit of dried or fresh thyme when cooking the mushrooms if you like the savory combination of thyme and mushrooms.
How to Store and Freeze Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff will keep for three to four days in the fridge if it's in an airtight sealed container. You can also freeze beef stroganoff for up to three months if it's in a sealed container, but that's best done if you leave out the egg noodles and just freeze the stroganoff itself. Noodles in a sauce tend to become mushy when defrosted. Reheat the stroganoff gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
Stroganoff was something my dad used to make periodically, and was something I looked forward to. There was just something very satisfying about the stuff. It was especially wonderful if the choice came down to Dad's stroganoff (which I loved) or having mom cook liver and onions. (I still am not a fan of liver and onions; it seems to be one of those love it or hate it meals, with little in-between-ness.)
No matter...here are six yummy stroganoff recipes to help you through the day, including Easy Beef Stroganoff and Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff. Enjoy!
BEEF STROGANOFF
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewletter. Sam wrote, "Forget what you think you remember about this putatively Russian dish, which saw its zenith in American kitchens during the 1950s and its nadir in school cafeterias two decades later. Beef stroganoff makes for an outstanding dinner: a vat of tender sautéed meat in a silken gravy studded with caramelized mushrooms, alongside a huge tangle of buttered noodles. Be careful when adding the cream at the end: Sour cream easily curdles in the heat, while crème fraîche or heavy cream offer smoother results."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "How Cooking Dinner Can Change Your Life", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020862-beef-stroganoff.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds sirloin roast, or beef tenderloin, if you’re feeling fancy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
2 small shallots, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cut the beef against the grain into 1/2-inch slices, pound lightly, then cut those slices into 1-inch-wide strips.
Add the flour, paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper to a large shallow bowl and toss to combine. Dredge the strips of meat in the flour mixture, shake them to remove excess flour, then transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.
Place a large skillet over high heat and swirl in the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, sauté the beef slices, in two batches, until they are well browned on both sides but rare inside, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared meat to the baking sheet. Turn the heat down slightly.
Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pan. When it has melted and started to foam, add the mushrooms, toss to coat them with the fat, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are a deep, dark brown, 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway into the process, add the sliced shallots and 1 tablespoon butter and stir to combine.
While the mushrooms cook, add the noodles to the boiling water, and cook until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain the noodles, and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
When the mushrooms and shallots are soft and caramelized, deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping at all the stuck-on bits on the pan’s surface. When the wine has reduced by about half, slowly stir in the cream, followed by the Worcestershire and mustard. Add the meat, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the dish is hot and the beef is medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste, and adjust the seasonings.
Serve the noodles under or alongside the stroganoff; sprinkle stroganoff with parsley.
SLOW-COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "When you transform a classic special-occasion meal into an easy-breezy weeknight dinner, it’s no wonder that you’re a top-rated recipe by hundreds of home cooks. Find out what all the buzz is about and try this beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe the next time you’re in need of mealtime inspiration."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 3x1/2x1/4-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed golden mushroom or cream of mushroom soup
1 carton (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 oz cream cheese, cubed (from 8-oz package)
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice
Directions
In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, onion and garlic; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until beef is browned.
In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef mixture, soup, mushrooms, salt and pepper.
Cover; cook on low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until beef is tender.
Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir in sour cream until well blended. Serve over noodles.
Expert Tips
Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Beef sirloin steak is more tender than other cuts of beef that are used for stews. Cooking the beef in butter until browned, results in the best flavor. Then the very low heat of the slow cooker keeps the meat tender.
With the slow braising of the stroganoff, the cream cheese creates an instantly smooth sauce, that combined with the sour cream stays thick and rich.
It’s easier to cut the beef into clean slices when it’s partially frozen for about 1 hour.
To save precious minutes in the morning, use minced garlic in a jar. You could also cut up the beef the night before and refrigerate.
BEST BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Bri22 on Food. Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6 - 8
To view this online, click here..
Ingredients
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
canned mushroom stems and pieces, 2-3 cans, drained
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I always use the top name brand)
1 (12 ounce) bag egg noodles, cooked
Directions
Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat.
Stir in ground beef and brown stir in flour, salt, mushrooms, and pepper cook 5 minutes, then stir in soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
Stir in sour cream until heated. Serve over noodles.
HAMBURGER STROGANOFF SKILLET
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Give ground beef the stroganoff treatment by combining it with sauteed mushrooms and rich cream. Cook pasta right in the sauce for an easy one-pan dinner."
Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/hamburger-stroganoff-skillet-5478672.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 10-ounce package white mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 15-ounce can low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups dried penne pasta
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, leaving behind any drippings, and reduce the heat to medium.
To the same skillet, add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to the bowl with the beef. Add the oil, paprika, garlic, carrot and onion to the skillet and cook until the carrots are soft and the onion is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the tomato paste has toasted and is evenly coating the vegetables, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire and 1 1/2 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Uncover, stir in the reserved beef and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, chives and parsley until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STROGANOFF
This comes from Judi Ann at Allrecipes. Judi Ann wrote, "Cubed chicken breast cooked in the slow cooker with a simple, creamy sauce mixture. This is so good, and so easy to make on a busy day. Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours; Total: 5 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17227/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff/.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1/8 cup margarine
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Directions
Put chicken, margarine and dressing mix in slow cooker; mix together and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Add cream cheese and soup, mix together and cook on high for another 1/2 hour or until heated through and warm.
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF
This comes from Stephanie Gallagher, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Stephanie wrote, "This beef stroganoff recipe is a cinch to prepare because it starts with leftover cooked roast beef, pot roast, brisket, or even store-bought roast beef from the deli counter. You can even use leftover steak; you don't even have to worry about whether or not it's tough or overcooked. When using cooked beef in this way, a stroganoff brings the beef back to life. So all you have to do is make the sauce. To save time, look for presliced mushrooms if you like.
"This recipe is also easy because it incorporates a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. If you'd like to upgrade the recipe a bit, some stores and brands, such as Trader Joe's and Pacific Natural Foods, respectively, sell versions of condensed cream of mushroom soup made with all-natural ingredients. You can even make your own condensed cream soup if you like.
"Serve this stroganoff with hot cooked egg noodles and a green salad. It tends to be a kid's kind of stroganoff because of the noodles and the creamy nature of the beef. You can also try it with rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onions
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 tablespoons sour cream
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cooked leftover beef, such as roast beef, pot roast, beef brisket, or deli roast beef
Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Freshly chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and mushrooms, and cook until softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, and stir until the flour is well coated with the fat and drippings in the pan.
Add the broth, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix in the cooked beef, and cook a few minutes until heated through.
Serve the stroganoff over hot cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy.
Tips
If you want to brown the mushrooms, which is a good idea because it will deepen the flavor of the stroganoff, simply cook the onions separately first.
When they are translucent, remove the onions from the skillet, and add a little more butter if the skillet is dry.
Add about half the mushrooms in a single layer. Don't crowd them, because they will steam instead of brown.
Cook, without stirring, until the mushrooms are golden brown with a slight crust on the bottom. Turn, and cook a few minutes on the other side (the second side won't take as long).
Repeat with the remaining mushrooms. Then return both the onions and all of the mushrooms to the pan and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Variations
You can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream if you like. You can also use thinned-out cream cheese, too, which will make the sauce a little thicker.
Feel free to use a little bit of dried or fresh thyme when cooking the mushrooms if you like the savory combination of thyme and mushrooms.
How to Store and Freeze Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff will keep for three to four days in the fridge if it's in an airtight sealed container. You can also freeze beef stroganoff for up to three months if it's in a sealed container, but that's best done if you leave out the egg noodles and just freeze the stroganoff itself. Noodles in a sauce tend to become mushy when defrosted. Reheat the stroganoff gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
Meatless Monday
Hope your weekend was good. If, like me, you didn't get everything done that you wanted to, at least there's still next weekend.
In the meantime, it's Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Chipotle Asparagus Quesadillas and Red Velvet Cheesecake. Enjoy!
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This came from a Weight Watchers email list maybe a decade or more ago. The points value is from then.
Serves: 8; 5 points
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow-type
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz low-fat cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Cook pasta according to package directions without added fat or salt; drain & transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream; set aside.
Heat milk in small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges. Reduce heat to low, add cheese & simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly with wire whisk, about 2 minutes; remove from heat & stir in mustard, salt, pepper & nutmeg.
Add cheese mixture to pasta; mix well. Transfer to a 4-quart casserole dish. Combine bread crumbs & Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta. Bake until top is golden, about 30 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
CHIPOTLE ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS
This comes from the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. It begins, “Canned chipotles in adobo sauce lend mellow, smoky heat to quesadillas. Leftover chipotles (there are usually four or five in a can) can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for future use.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Quesadillas
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
4 8-inch sprouted-grain tortillas
Chipotle Spread
3 Tbs. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced, drained chipotles in adobo sauce
1 Tbs. lime or lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
To make Quesadillas: Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, onion, oil, and oregano in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on large baking sheet, and roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, stirring once or twice.
Meanwhile, to make Chipotle Spread: blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread 1 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Spread on one side of each tortilla, spreading all the way out to edges. Top with 2/3 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over tortillas, pressing edges together to enclose filling and form half-moons.
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 273; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 235 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
RED VELVET CHEESECAKE
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Total: 2 hr; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 40 min; Yield: 10 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies (about 28 cookies)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Directions
Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake until set, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Transfer 2 cups batter to a bowl; stir in the cocoa powder and food coloring. Pour the red batter into the crust, then pour the white batter on top. Using a spoon, pull some of the red batter up from the bottom of the cake and swirl. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still wobbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Turn off the oven but keep the cake inside to cool, 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan (don't remove the springform side), then transfer to a rack to cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing.
VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This recipe was posted by DWYATT on AllRecipes, and begins, "This was the first vegetarian recipe I ever made--green peppers stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, nuts, dried cranberries, tofu and cheese. Substitute soy cheese for the Parmesan to create a vegan delight."
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes; Ready In: 1 hour 20 minutes
View this online here.
Note: If you're like me and don't have cooking sherry around, feel free to replace it with with alcohol-free cooking sherry (if there is such a thing) or 3 tablespoons of water. Personally, it's been decades since I've had cooking wine/sherry/etc in my house, as well as non-cooking (drinking) alcohol. When I want to celebrate, say at New Year's, etc., I've found that there are plenty of non-alcoholic sparkling juices on the market.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown rice
6 large green bell peppers
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons cooking sherry
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups extra firm tofu
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a saucepan bring 3 cups water to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, core and seed green peppers, leaving bottoms intact. Place peppers in a microwavable dish with about 1/2 inch of water in the bottom. Microwave on high for 6 minutes.
In a small frying pan bring soy sauce, wine and Worcestershire sauce to a simmer. Add tofu and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Combine rice (after it has cooled), tofu, cranberries, nuts, cheese, salt and pepper; mix and pack firmly into peppers. Return peppers to the dish you first microwaved them in, and bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine tomato sauce and brown sugar; heat until hot throughout. Spoon sauce over each serving.
FANTASTIC FRUIT SALAD
This comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “This refreshing fruit salad is delicious to the core, and if an apple a day keeps the doctor away, this will surely do the trick! No matter how you slice it, you're sure to be satisfied with healthy treat.”
Makes 4 servings.
View this online at https://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/fantastic_fruit_salad.php.
Ingredients
1 red apple, cored and chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
1 nectarine, pitted and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 cup(s) dried cranberries
1/2 cup(s) chopped walnuts
1 (8 oz.) container, nonfat lemon yogurt
Directions
In a large bowl, combine red apple, Granny Smith apple, nectarine, celery, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Mix in yogurt. Chill until ready to serve.
CRANBERRY-PECAN BAKED PEACHES
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. It begins, “Fresh peaches are halved and baked with a tantalizing blend of dried cranberries and finely chopped pecans.” Serves 4; 2 peach halves and 2 tablespoons cranberry mixture per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Cranberry-Pecan-Baked-Peaches/.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
4 medium unpeeled peaches, nectarines, or pears, halved, pitted, and skin pierced in several places with a fork
2 teaspoons light tub margarine
1/2 teaspoon grated peeled gingerroot
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray. Pour the honey into the pan. Heat the pan in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the honey is slightly runny. Remove from the oven, tilting the pan and swirling so the honey lightly coats the bottom.
Sprinkle the cranberries and pecans in the pan. Place the peaches with the cut side down over the cranberry mixture. (Some of the mixture may not be covered.) Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the peaches are tender.
Arrange the peaches with the cut side up on a serving plate. Stir the margarine and gingerroot into the pan juices. Spoon the cranberry mixture into the cavities in the peaches. Spoon the pan juices over all. Serve warm or at room temperature.
In the meantime, it's Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the day, including Chipotle Asparagus Quesadillas and Red Velvet Cheesecake. Enjoy!
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This came from a Weight Watchers email list maybe a decade or more ago. The points value is from then.
Serves: 8; 5 points
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow-type
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz low-fat cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Cook pasta according to package directions without added fat or salt; drain & transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream; set aside.
Heat milk in small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges. Reduce heat to low, add cheese & simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly with wire whisk, about 2 minutes; remove from heat & stir in mustard, salt, pepper & nutmeg.
Add cheese mixture to pasta; mix well. Transfer to a 4-quart casserole dish. Combine bread crumbs & Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta. Bake until top is golden, about 30 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
CHIPOTLE ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS
This comes from the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. It begins, “Canned chipotles in adobo sauce lend mellow, smoky heat to quesadillas. Leftover chipotles (there are usually four or five in a can) can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for future use.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Quesadillas
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
4 8-inch sprouted-grain tortillas
Chipotle Spread
3 Tbs. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced, drained chipotles in adobo sauce
1 Tbs. lime or lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
To make Quesadillas: Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, onion, oil, and oregano in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on large baking sheet, and roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, stirring once or twice.
Meanwhile, to make Chipotle Spread: blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread 1 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Spread on one side of each tortilla, spreading all the way out to edges. Top with 2/3 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over tortillas, pressing edges together to enclose filling and form half-moons.
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 273; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 235 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
RED VELVET CHEESECAKE
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Total: 2 hr; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 40 min; Yield: 10 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies (about 28 cookies)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Directions
Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake until set, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Transfer 2 cups batter to a bowl; stir in the cocoa powder and food coloring. Pour the red batter into the crust, then pour the white batter on top. Using a spoon, pull some of the red batter up from the bottom of the cake and swirl. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still wobbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Turn off the oven but keep the cake inside to cool, 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan (don't remove the springform side), then transfer to a rack to cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing.
VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This recipe was posted by DWYATT on AllRecipes, and begins, "This was the first vegetarian recipe I ever made--green peppers stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, nuts, dried cranberries, tofu and cheese. Substitute soy cheese for the Parmesan to create a vegan delight."
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes; Ready In: 1 hour 20 minutes
View this online here.
Note: If you're like me and don't have cooking sherry around, feel free to replace it with with alcohol-free cooking sherry (if there is such a thing) or 3 tablespoons of water. Personally, it's been decades since I've had cooking wine/sherry/etc in my house, as well as non-cooking (drinking) alcohol. When I want to celebrate, say at New Year's, etc., I've found that there are plenty of non-alcoholic sparkling juices on the market.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown rice
6 large green bell peppers
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons cooking sherry
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups extra firm tofu
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a saucepan bring 3 cups water to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, core and seed green peppers, leaving bottoms intact. Place peppers in a microwavable dish with about 1/2 inch of water in the bottom. Microwave on high for 6 minutes.
In a small frying pan bring soy sauce, wine and Worcestershire sauce to a simmer. Add tofu and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Combine rice (after it has cooled), tofu, cranberries, nuts, cheese, salt and pepper; mix and pack firmly into peppers. Return peppers to the dish you first microwaved them in, and bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine tomato sauce and brown sugar; heat until hot throughout. Spoon sauce over each serving.
FANTASTIC FRUIT SALAD
This comes from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “This refreshing fruit salad is delicious to the core, and if an apple a day keeps the doctor away, this will surely do the trick! No matter how you slice it, you're sure to be satisfied with healthy treat.”
Makes 4 servings.
View this online at https://www.mydailymoment.com/recipes/fantastic_fruit_salad.php.
Ingredients
1 red apple, cored and chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
1 nectarine, pitted and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 cup(s) dried cranberries
1/2 cup(s) chopped walnuts
1 (8 oz.) container, nonfat lemon yogurt
Directions
In a large bowl, combine red apple, Granny Smith apple, nectarine, celery, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Mix in yogurt. Chill until ready to serve.
CRANBERRY-PECAN BAKED PEACHES
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. It begins, “Fresh peaches are halved and baked with a tantalizing blend of dried cranberries and finely chopped pecans.” Serves 4; 2 peach halves and 2 tablespoons cranberry mixture per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Cranberry-Pecan-Baked-Peaches/.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
4 medium unpeeled peaches, nectarines, or pears, halved, pitted, and skin pierced in several places with a fork
2 teaspoons light tub margarine
1/2 teaspoon grated peeled gingerroot
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray. Pour the honey into the pan. Heat the pan in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the honey is slightly runny. Remove from the oven, tilting the pan and swirling so the honey lightly coats the bottom.
Sprinkle the cranberries and pecans in the pan. Place the peaches with the cut side down over the cranberry mixture. (Some of the mixture may not be covered.) Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the peaches are tender.
Arrange the peaches with the cut side up on a serving plate. Stir the margarine and gingerroot into the pan juices. Spoon the cranberry mixture into the cavities in the peaches. Spoon the pan juices over all. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)