During the end of the 1990s, my better-half and I broke down and got cable TV. We'd gotten tired of having Florida's rainy weather doing a number with the outside antenna. Nothing like having one person standing outside in the pouring rain (especially during a thunderstorm; shocking!), turning the antenna while someone else stands at the front door, yelling, "Turn it a little more! Wait, stop! Now, back it up just a little bit! Perfect!" to convince one that it's time to get cable. Of course, now it's almost impossible to watch TV without cable or a converter box. No matter...
While channel-surfing one dreary January afternoon, I stumbled across a cooking show that I found absolutely intriguing. I love cooking shows, and will usually stop for a minute to see if it's something I might be interested in. Some will get only a few minutes of viewing before I check out the next station; others become ones I love to watch on a daily basis (anyone else love watching Paula Deen?).
This particular show featured a monk! And he was talking about baking bread! Anyone who knows me knows I love baking bread. Haven't had enough time to do that in recent years, but it's so cathartic and makes the house smell so good (not to mention that homemade bread just tastes so wonderful!) that it's still a favorite thing to do.
The show was called Breaking Bread With Father Dominic, and while I can't remember if it was on one of the local PBS stations or the Food Network (maybe both), it's no longer on TV. (Darn!) It would be great if it was brought back to TV.
I've included several of the recipes from the show (and yes, I'm giving full credit to the show - again, it was Breaking Bread With Father Dominic). And if you'd like to buy Father Dominic's cookbooks, they can be found here. Enjoy!
TEXAS MOPPIN' ROLLS
Yield:12 rolls.
I frequently make these to go with chili or homemade spaghetti. Definitely yummy!
2 packages FLEISCHMANN'S Active Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon honey
2 cups lukewarm water
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
6 1/2 to 7 cups all-purpose flour, divided
Directions:
Combine yeast, honey and warm water in large bowl; stir until completely dissolved. Add salt, hot red pepper flakes, onion, Monterey Jack cheese and Cheddar cheese; stir until thoroughly mixed. Add 6 cups of the flour, 2 cups at a time, mixing after each addition until the flour is completely incorporated.
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 6 to 8 minutes, adding enough of remaining flour to form a fairly stiff dough. Rinse and dry the bowl, then oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a clean, dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place about 1 hour, or until doubled.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a fat oval. Place rolls in a lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan (three rolls across, four down). Let rise about 20 minutes, or until nearly doubled.
While rolls are rising, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place on middle rack of oven and bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until top crust is browned. Remove rolls from pan and let cool on racks.
Note: "With so many different palates to please, our abbey cooks are usually pretty cautious about spicy seasonings. As a result, sometimes monastery food is a bit bland, so I like to create breads with strong flavors. Every time I serve these rolls, one of the brothers is sure to comment on how he expected "just another roll" and got a mouthful of pepper-and-cheese-bread-with-an-attitude. These rolls are actually pretty mild compared to a lot of Tex-Mex food, so feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper.
"I used ordinary dried crushed red pepper (hot red pepper flakes) for this recipe, but if you keep fresh jalapenos or other hot peppers in the fridge, by all means use them. Three 3-inch jalapenos, minced fine, provide moderate heat. You can experiment with other peppers as well." (All notes after the recipes are Father Dominic's notes.)
PUMPKIN BUBBLE SPICE RING
YIELD:1 ring; about 12 servings.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, divided
2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese
Directions:
Combine 1 cup of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and yeast in medium bowl; stir until well mixed. Combine pumpkin puree and milk in small saucepan; heat to 120 to 130 degrees. Pour pumpkin mixture into flour mixture; stir until well blended. Add egg; mix well. Add 1 cup of the flour; stir until flour is thoroughly incorporated. Add enough of the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, to make a rather soft dough.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes. Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine corn syrup, brown sugar and butter in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Lightly grease a 10-inch fluted tube or Bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the nuts in bottom of pan; pour in half of the caramel mixture.
Cut cream cheese into 20 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Knead dough one minute, then divide dough into 20 pieces. Flatten each piece of dough and wrap it around a piece of cream cheese. Arrange 10 pieces of cream cheese-filled dough in a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. Arrange remaining 10 pieces of cream cheese-filled dough on top of first layer. Pour remaining caramel mixture over all. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place about 1 hour, or until doubled. The risen dough will not quite reach the top of the pan.
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. Can be served warm or cool.
Note: The dough itself isn’t very sweet, because I think the caramel sauce has enough sugar. You could make a nicely sweet pumpkin bread by increasing the sugar to 1/2 cup and simply forming the dough into a loaf for a lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. The baking time would be about the same.
MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD
YIELD:1 loaf.
Ingredients:
1 package FLEISCHMANN'S Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
For decoration: tubes of colored frosting, candies, gumdrops, licorice, etc.
DIRECTIONS:
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand about 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Combine milk, peanut butter, sugar and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Let cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until flour is thoroughly incorporated.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed to keep dough manageable. Rinse and dry bowl, then lightly oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 1 hour.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Roll dough into a rope about 24 inches long. Form rope into a large S shape on a lightly greased 18x12-inch baking sheet. Using a butter knife or dough scraper, chop rope into 3-inch sections, but do not separate completely. Cover with a cloth and let rise about 30 minutes. (The caterpillar will magically grow back together during rising and baking.)
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaf 25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cooled loaf with frosting and gumdrops or other candy. Poke holes in the sides with a wooden pick and insert sections of licorice for legs.
Note: Decorating gel doesn't work as well as frosting as a glue for the candy decorations, so make sure you pick up the right tube at the store. Any candies will work to make spots for the caterpillar's sections. Thin red licorice makes the perfect legs and antennae, unless you know your youngsters prefer the flavor of black licorice.
THREE-PEPPER CALZONES
YIELD:4 calzones.
Ingredients:
Dough:
2 1/4 to 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 envelope FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup very warm water (120 to 130 degrees)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Three-Pepper Cheese Filling:
1 1/2 cups sliced bell peppers (combine red, green and yellow)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 ounces pepperoni, cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) grated provolone or fontina cheese
Olive oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, cornmeal, undissolved yeast and salt. Stir water and oil into flour mixture. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. On lightly floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into 8-inch circle. Place about 1 cup Three-Pepper Cheese Filling on one half of each circle; moisten edges. Fold dough over filling; press with tines of fork to seal. Place on greased baking sheet. With sharp knife, make 3 1-inch slits across top of each calzone. Brush tops with olive oil. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper.
Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Serve warm.
Three-Pepper Cheese Filling: In large skillet, combine bell peppers, onion, pepperoni and garlic. Cook over medium heat until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool. Stir in cheeses.
Suggested Variation: ALL-VEGETABLE CALZONES: Prepare filling as directed except replace pepperoni with 1 tablespoon olive oil and add 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Proceed with recipe as directed.
PIZZA DOUGH
YIELD:Enough dough for 2 large thick-crust pizzas or 3 large thin-crust pizzas.
INGREDIENTS:
1 package FLEISCHMANN's Active Dry Yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups lukewarm water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
DIRECTIONS:
Combine yeast, brown sugar and the whole wheat flour in a large bowl; mix thoroughly. Add water; stir until well mixed. Let yeast develop about 15 minutes. (During this time you can be chopping vegetables or browning sausage for your pizza topping.)
Add oil and salt to yeast mixture; mix well. Add 2 cups of the white flour; beat for 200 strokes. Add two cups white flour; beat another 200 strokes. Add enough of the remaining white flour to make a stiff dough. Knead about 8 minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place, draft-free place about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough. Knead one minute. Return dough to bowl. Cover top with plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Remove dough from the fridge about 30 minutes before you're going to use it. Divide dough into 2 or 3 equal portions. Roll each portion out to the size of your pan; a heavier-gauge pizza pan is recommended. Prick the crust all over with a fork or other tool (I use an angel food cake cutter). This pricking keeps the dough from inflating like a pita pocket in the oven.
Top with your favorite ingredients. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven 15 to 20 minutes or until crust begins to brown.
Notes: You can use it after the first rising, but the quality of the crust will be much better if the dough gets a second slow rising in the fridge.
For thick crusts, I usually roll out the dough and bake it for 5 or 10 minutes before I put any toppings on. This seals the crust and keeps it from getting soggy.
If you're not going to need this much dough, take the remaining dough and make focaccia, which is an Italian hearth bread. Just form the dough like you're making an extra thick pizza crust. Press the dough all over with fingertips to form dimples. Brush heavily with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, or other Italian herbs, and a little coarse salt. Allow to rise about 15 minutes, then bake on a pizza stone at 450 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. I like to sprinkle a little asiago cheese on the top as it comes out of the oven.
BASIC WHITE BREAD
YIELD:2 loaves.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups warm water
2 packages FLEISCHMANN'S Active Dry Yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 to 6 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
DIRECTIONS:
Put water in a large bowl. Add yeast; stir to dissolve. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes, or until foamy. Add sugar, salt and oil; stir to mix. Add 5 cups of the flour; mix well. By hand, work in enough of remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead 6 to 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in large oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place about one hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Divide dough into two equal pieces and form each piece into a loaf. Place in greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise about 45 minutes, or until nearly doubled.
Bake on lower shelf of a preheated 400-degree oven about 35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Remove from pans immediately; let cool on wire rack. Yield: 2 loaves.
Note: You could add 1 tablespoon of any dried herb or herb mixture to this dough to make an herb-flavored loaf.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Pumpkin stuff
Most of us associate certain foods with certain seasons or holidays: fresh blueberries, hot dogs, and ice tea with summer, stews and soups with fall and winter. Pumpkins are also associated with fall and winter, at least in North America. Yet it is one of those foods that can be enjoyed year 'round. While its flavor wows our taste buds, the pumpkin is packed with vitamin A and loaded with fiber. It tastes good, even as it's good for you.
Enjoy!
Marbled Pumpkin Brownies
I'm really not sure where I found the first two recipes. The brownie recipe makes 10 servings.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
vanilla ice cream, optional
caramel sauce, warmed, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 8-inch square glass baking dish.
Beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add brown sugar and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat to blend. Add flour, baking powder, spices and salt and beat until well mixed.
Beat in pumpkin. Stir in nuts. Spread batter in prepared pan (batter will be thick).
Mix cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, egg yolk, whipping cream and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in bowl to blend. Drop cream cheese mixture by heaping tablespoons on top of the pumpkin batter.
Using small knife, gently swirl cream cheese mixture into batter, creating marbled pattern. Bake about 35 minutes or until tester inserted into center comes out clean and top is firm.
Cool. Cover with foil and let stand at room temperature. Reheat covered in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes before serving. Cut warm brownies into squares and serve topped with a scoop of ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce if desired.
Pumpkin Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 20 minutes; Serves 6
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
one 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree
one 8-ounce jar applesauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
freshly ground pepper, to taste
croutons, optional
Heat the butter in a large saucepan and saute the onions over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until mixed. Add the chicken broth and pumpkin and stir until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients except the cream, pepper, and croutons. Stir well, cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until hot and the flavors have blended.
Stir in the cream and heat until hot. Garnish with freshly ground pepper and serve immediately with crisp croutons, if desired.
Pumpkin Bubble Spice Ring
Years ago, when my family and I broke down and got cable TV. One chilly, dreary January day, I was channel surfing and ran across Breaking Bread With Father Dominic on the Food Network. Unfortunately, his show no longer airs on the network.
This recipe and the next were from Breaking Bread.
YIELD: 1 ring; about 12 servings.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, divided
2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese
Combine 1 cup of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and yeast in medium bowl; stir until well mixed. Combine pumpkin puree and milk in small saucepan; heat to 120 to 130 degrees. Pour pumpkin mixture into flour mixture; stir until well blended. Add egg; mix well. Add 1 cup of the flour; stir until flour is thoroughly incorporated. Add enough of the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, to make a rather soft dough.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes. Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine corn syrup, brown sugar and butter in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Lightly grease a 10-inch fluted tube or Bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the nuts in bottom of pan; pour in half of the caramel mixture.
Cut cream cheese into 20 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Knead dough one minute, then divide dough into 20 pieces. Flatten each piece of dough and wrap it around a piece of cream cheese. Arrange 10 pieces of cream cheese-filled dough in a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. Arrange remaining 10 pieces of cream cheese-filled dough on top of first layer. Pour remaining caramel mixture over all. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place about 1 hour, or until doubled. The risen dough will not quite reach the top of the pan.
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. Can be served warm or cool.
Note: The dough itself isn’t very sweet, because I think the caramel sauce has enough sugar. You could make a nicely sweet pumpkin bread by increasing the sugar to 1/2 cup and simply forming the dough into a loaf for a lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. The baking time would be about the same.
Pumpkin Raisin Batter Cake (from Breaking Bread)
YIELD: 1 cake
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN'S RapidRise Yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Powdered sugar, optional
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, brown sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat milk, water, pumpkin, and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg, vanilla extract, and 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in raisins, pecans, and remaining flour to make a stiff batter.
Turn into heavily greased 12-cup fluted tube pan. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
Pumpkin Soup
This last recipe is from an article on WebMD titled "Three Tasty Reasons to Move Pumpkins From the Porch to the Pantry," by Jeanie Lerche Davis. It can be found at http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/pumpkin-recipes-packed-nutrition
Makes 6 Servings
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup peeled and cubed (1/2-inch) sweet potato
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 14 1/2-ounce cans fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
1. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in flour, curry powder, cumin, nutmeg, and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add sweet potato, salt, broth, and pumpkin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, 20 minutes or until potato is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool 10 minutes.
2. Place half of pumpkin mixture in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Pour pureed soup into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining pumpkin mixture. Return soup to pan; stir in milk. Cook over medium heat 6 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring often. (Do not boil.) Remove from heat; stir in juice. Garnish with chives, if desired. Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup).
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
CALORIES 121 (21% from fat); FAT 2.8g (satfat 1.6g, monofat 0.7g, polyfat 0.2g); PROTEIN 5.1g; CARBOHYDRATES 19.7g; FIBER 3.5g; CHOLESTEROL 7mg; IRON 1.5mg; SODIUM 565mg; CALCIUM 85mg.
Enjoy!
Marbled Pumpkin Brownies
I'm really not sure where I found the first two recipes. The brownie recipe makes 10 servings.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
vanilla ice cream, optional
caramel sauce, warmed, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 8-inch square glass baking dish.
Beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add brown sugar and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat to blend. Add flour, baking powder, spices and salt and beat until well mixed.
Beat in pumpkin. Stir in nuts. Spread batter in prepared pan (batter will be thick).
Mix cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, egg yolk, whipping cream and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in bowl to blend. Drop cream cheese mixture by heaping tablespoons on top of the pumpkin batter.
Using small knife, gently swirl cream cheese mixture into batter, creating marbled pattern. Bake about 35 minutes or until tester inserted into center comes out clean and top is firm.
Cool. Cover with foil and let stand at room temperature. Reheat covered in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes before serving. Cut warm brownies into squares and serve topped with a scoop of ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce if desired.
Pumpkin Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 20 minutes; Serves 6
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups chicken broth
one 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree
one 8-ounce jar applesauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
freshly ground pepper, to taste
croutons, optional
Heat the butter in a large saucepan and saute the onions over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until mixed. Add the chicken broth and pumpkin and stir until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients except the cream, pepper, and croutons. Stir well, cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until hot and the flavors have blended.
Stir in the cream and heat until hot. Garnish with freshly ground pepper and serve immediately with crisp croutons, if desired.
Pumpkin Bubble Spice Ring
Years ago, when my family and I broke down and got cable TV. One chilly, dreary January day, I was channel surfing and ran across Breaking Bread With Father Dominic on the Food Network. Unfortunately, his show no longer airs on the network.
This recipe and the next were from Breaking Bread.
YIELD: 1 ring; about 12 servings.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, divided
2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese
Combine 1 cup of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and yeast in medium bowl; stir until well mixed. Combine pumpkin puree and milk in small saucepan; heat to 120 to 130 degrees. Pour pumpkin mixture into flour mixture; stir until well blended. Add egg; mix well. Add 1 cup of the flour; stir until flour is thoroughly incorporated. Add enough of the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, to make a rather soft dough.
Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes. Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine corn syrup, brown sugar and butter in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Lightly grease a 10-inch fluted tube or Bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the nuts in bottom of pan; pour in half of the caramel mixture.
Cut cream cheese into 20 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Knead dough one minute, then divide dough into 20 pieces. Flatten each piece of dough and wrap it around a piece of cream cheese. Arrange 10 pieces of cream cheese-filled dough in a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. Arrange remaining 10 pieces of cream cheese-filled dough on top of first layer. Pour remaining caramel mixture over all. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place about 1 hour, or until doubled. The risen dough will not quite reach the top of the pan.
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. Can be served warm or cool.
Note: The dough itself isn’t very sweet, because I think the caramel sauce has enough sugar. You could make a nicely sweet pumpkin bread by increasing the sugar to 1/2 cup and simply forming the dough into a loaf for a lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. The baking time would be about the same.
Pumpkin Raisin Batter Cake (from Breaking Bread)
YIELD: 1 cake
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN'S RapidRise Yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Powdered sugar, optional
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, brown sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat milk, water, pumpkin, and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg, vanilla extract, and 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in raisins, pecans, and remaining flour to make a stiff batter.
Turn into heavily greased 12-cup fluted tube pan. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
Pumpkin Soup
This last recipe is from an article on WebMD titled "Three Tasty Reasons to Move Pumpkins From the Porch to the Pantry," by Jeanie Lerche Davis. It can be found at http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/pumpkin-recipes-packed-nutrition
Makes 6 Servings
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup peeled and cubed (1/2-inch) sweet potato
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 14 1/2-ounce cans fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
1. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in flour, curry powder, cumin, nutmeg, and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add sweet potato, salt, broth, and pumpkin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, 20 minutes or until potato is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool 10 minutes.
2. Place half of pumpkin mixture in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Pour pureed soup into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining pumpkin mixture. Return soup to pan; stir in milk. Cook over medium heat 6 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring often. (Do not boil.) Remove from heat; stir in juice. Garnish with chives, if desired. Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup).
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
CALORIES 121 (21% from fat); FAT 2.8g (satfat 1.6g, monofat 0.7g, polyfat 0.2g); PROTEIN 5.1g; CARBOHYDRATES 19.7g; FIBER 3.5g; CHOLESTEROL 7mg; IRON 1.5mg; SODIUM 565mg; CALCIUM 85mg.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Soup, Chicken Sandwiches, Quick Bread, and Mac And Cheese
It seems that winter demands warm comfort food. But we also have to keep an eye on our health, too. Four of these five recipes are from various Weight Watchers' emailing lists. They're several years old, and Weight Watchers has gone through several changes, from Points/Core, Points Plus, and now their new 360 program. Does this make W.W. wrong? No. Like all good programs, it changes to both keep up with the times (while helping people lose weight and get healthy), while finding new ways to help (while teaching members how to learn how to eat well). While I know others love other diet plans, W.W. helps you keep the weight off and learn how to maintain. You simply have to remember what you've learned.
Disclaimer:No, I am not a paid spokesperson for W.W., nor am I receiving any compensation for writing what I've just written. I just know what works by the results I've seen.
And now, food!
Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup
This warm, comforting soup will stick to your ribs on cold days. Roasting the vegetables helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Points: 2 Servings: 8
1 large onion(s), cut into large chunks
4 large carrot(s), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
6 medium parsnip(s), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
4 cup winter squash, such as butternut, peeled and cubed
2 sprays cooking spray
3 cup fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Preheat oven to 400ºF. In large roasting pan combine onion, carrots, parsnips and squash; coat with cooking spray. Roast for 15 minutes. Place vegetables in large pot. Add broth & milk; season to taste. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Transfer mixture to blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender in pot, & blend until smooth. (Puree soup in batches if necessary to prevent hot liquid from splattering. Or allow soup to cool before pureeing.) Yields about 1-1/2 cups per serving.
From: Weight Watchers
You can add more water or broth to the pureed soup to achieve desired thickness.
Spiced Carrot Soup
Points: 2 Servings: 4
Who says home cooking takes hours? We used canned carrots in this curry & chili powder-seasoned soup to save on both preparation & cooking times.
2 tsp canola oil
1/4 cup shallot(s), or red onion, chopped
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/8 tsp chili powder, chipotle-variety
29 oz canned carrots, sliced (undrained)
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp fresh lemon juice, divided
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Heat oil in medium saucepan; add shallot, curry powder & chili powder. Cook over medium heat until shallot is tender, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add carrots, including can liquid, to saucepan.
Pour buttermilk into saucepan; swirl milk in pan to ‘pick up’ any remaining spices. Add salt, pepper & 1 teaspoon of lemon juice; puree in saucepan using an immersion blender. (Or puree in batches in a blender, careful not to splatter hot liquid). Taste soup & add remaining teaspoon of lemon juice, if desired.
Divide soup among 4 bowls & garnish with sour cream. Yields about 1 cup of soup & 1 tablespoon of sour cream per serving.
We used canned carrots because they cut cooking time considerably (you may use fresh carrots though, if you prefer). If you prefer a tangy-tasting soup, swap 1/2 cup of buttermilk for 1/2 cup of plain fat-free yogurt (may affect POINTS values).
For a festive look, spoon sour cream in the center of each serving. Using a toothpick, draw out "spokes" of sour cream from the center to create a starburst design.
From: Weight Watchers
Crockpot Maple BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
1/2 C. maple flavored syrup
2 T. prepared mustard
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 t. lemon juice
1/2 t. chili powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
4 boneless, skinned chicken breasts
Place all ingredients in crockpot & cook on LOW for about 7 to 8 hours or until chicken is done.
You can either eat the breasts whole or shred them on buns or rice for more points.
4 servings = 225 calories, 4g fat, 1g fiber.
5 points per serving
From: Weight Watchers crockpot email list
Irish Honey Oat Quick Bread
2 tablespoons plus 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking (not instant) oats, divided
1 1/3 cups whole-wheat flour or white whole-wheat flour (see Tip)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 8-ounce container (scant 1 cup) nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
1 large egg
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup clover honey or other mild honey
3/4 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
Position rack in middle of oven; preheat to 375°F. Generously coat 9-by-5-inch (or similar size) loaf pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon oats in the pan. Tip pan back & forth to coat sides & bottom with oats; set aside another 1 tablespoon oats for garnishing the loaf.
Thoroughly stir together whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda & salt in a large bowl. Using a fork, beat together the remaining 1 cup oats, yogurt, egg, oil & honey in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in milk. Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture just until thoroughly incorporated but not over-mixed (excess mixing can cause toughening). Immediately scrape batter into the pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the reserved 1 tablespoon oats over top.
Bake loaf until well browned on top & a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. (It's normal for the top to crack.) Let stand in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a table knife around & under the loaf to loosen it & turn it out onto the rack. Let cool until barely warm, about 45 minutes.
Makes 12 slices; 4 points
Nutrition Information: Per slice: 192 calories; 6 g fat (0 g sat, 3 g mono); 18 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 2 g fiber; 395 mg sodium; 64 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Iron (15% daily value).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat
TIP: White whole-wheat flour, made from a special variety of white wheat, is light in color and flavor but has the same nutritional properties as regular whole-wheat flour. Two companies that distribute the flour nationally are King Arthur Flour (kingarthurflour.com) and Bob's Red Mill (bobsredmill.com).
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store cooled bread, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 day at room temperature. If desired, warm (wrapped in foil) at 375°F before serving.
This bread has a pleasant flavor and divinely moist, tender crumb. It goes well with almost any soup or chowder. Plus, the recipe requires minimal mixing and cleanup, calls for ingredients usually stocked in the pantry, and is tasty yet healthful.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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
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.
Serves: 8; 5 Points
Disclaimer:No, I am not a paid spokesperson for W.W., nor am I receiving any compensation for writing what I've just written. I just know what works by the results I've seen.
And now, food!
Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup
This warm, comforting soup will stick to your ribs on cold days. Roasting the vegetables helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Points: 2 Servings: 8
1 large onion(s), cut into large chunks
4 large carrot(s), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
6 medium parsnip(s), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
4 cup winter squash, such as butternut, peeled and cubed
2 sprays cooking spray
3 cup fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Preheat oven to 400ºF. In large roasting pan combine onion, carrots, parsnips and squash; coat with cooking spray. Roast for 15 minutes. Place vegetables in large pot. Add broth & milk; season to taste. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Transfer mixture to blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender in pot, & blend until smooth. (Puree soup in batches if necessary to prevent hot liquid from splattering. Or allow soup to cool before pureeing.) Yields about 1-1/2 cups per serving.
From: Weight Watchers
You can add more water or broth to the pureed soup to achieve desired thickness.
Spiced Carrot Soup
Points: 2 Servings: 4
Who says home cooking takes hours? We used canned carrots in this curry & chili powder-seasoned soup to save on both preparation & cooking times.
2 tsp canola oil
1/4 cup shallot(s), or red onion, chopped
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/8 tsp chili powder, chipotle-variety
29 oz canned carrots, sliced (undrained)
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp fresh lemon juice, divided
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Heat oil in medium saucepan; add shallot, curry powder & chili powder. Cook over medium heat until shallot is tender, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add carrots, including can liquid, to saucepan.
Pour buttermilk into saucepan; swirl milk in pan to ‘pick up’ any remaining spices. Add salt, pepper & 1 teaspoon of lemon juice; puree in saucepan using an immersion blender. (Or puree in batches in a blender, careful not to splatter hot liquid). Taste soup & add remaining teaspoon of lemon juice, if desired.
Divide soup among 4 bowls & garnish with sour cream. Yields about 1 cup of soup & 1 tablespoon of sour cream per serving.
We used canned carrots because they cut cooking time considerably (you may use fresh carrots though, if you prefer). If you prefer a tangy-tasting soup, swap 1/2 cup of buttermilk for 1/2 cup of plain fat-free yogurt (may affect POINTS values).
For a festive look, spoon sour cream in the center of each serving. Using a toothpick, draw out "spokes" of sour cream from the center to create a starburst design.
From: Weight Watchers
Crockpot Maple BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
1/2 C. maple flavored syrup
2 T. prepared mustard
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 t. lemon juice
1/2 t. chili powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
4 boneless, skinned chicken breasts
Place all ingredients in crockpot & cook on LOW for about 7 to 8 hours or until chicken is done.
You can either eat the breasts whole or shred them on buns or rice for more points.
4 servings = 225 calories, 4g fat, 1g fiber.
5 points per serving
From: Weight Watchers crockpot email list
Irish Honey Oat Quick Bread
2 tablespoons plus 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking (not instant) oats, divided
1 1/3 cups whole-wheat flour or white whole-wheat flour (see Tip)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 8-ounce container (scant 1 cup) nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
1 large egg
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup clover honey or other mild honey
3/4 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
Position rack in middle of oven; preheat to 375°F. Generously coat 9-by-5-inch (or similar size) loaf pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon oats in the pan. Tip pan back & forth to coat sides & bottom with oats; set aside another 1 tablespoon oats for garnishing the loaf.
Thoroughly stir together whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda & salt in a large bowl. Using a fork, beat together the remaining 1 cup oats, yogurt, egg, oil & honey in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in milk. Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture just until thoroughly incorporated but not over-mixed (excess mixing can cause toughening). Immediately scrape batter into the pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the reserved 1 tablespoon oats over top.
Bake loaf until well browned on top & a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. (It's normal for the top to crack.) Let stand in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a table knife around & under the loaf to loosen it & turn it out onto the rack. Let cool until barely warm, about 45 minutes.
Makes 12 slices; 4 points
Nutrition Information: Per slice: 192 calories; 6 g fat (0 g sat, 3 g mono); 18 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 2 g fiber; 395 mg sodium; 64 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Iron (15% daily value).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat
TIP: White whole-wheat flour, made from a special variety of white wheat, is light in color and flavor but has the same nutritional properties as regular whole-wheat flour. Two companies that distribute the flour nationally are King Arthur Flour (kingarthurflour.com) and Bob's Red Mill (bobsredmill.com).
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store cooled bread, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 day at room temperature. If desired, warm (wrapped in foil) at 375°F before serving.
This bread has a pleasant flavor and divinely moist, tender crumb. It goes well with almost any soup or chowder. Plus, the recipe requires minimal mixing and cleanup, calls for ingredients usually stocked in the pantry, and is tasty yet healthful.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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
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.
Serves: 8; 5 Points
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Just Desserts
We all know that we need to eat good, solid meals: chicken, fish, and lean beef (if we're so inclined), good vegetarian meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner with plenty of nutritian.
But most of us crave a little something extra: Dessert! For those of us who want something snacky, here are today's offerings. They're from my online cooking (http://www.amazon.com/Off-The-Wall-Cooking-ebook/dp/B009K7D2C2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361922217&sr=8-1&keywords=Off+the+wall+cooking).
Squash Pie
This is from Grandma Hallock. She wrote, "I was given several large yellow winter squash by Grandma Carpenter & Grandma said, 'Make pumpkin pie' & I did. They were our favorite from then on."
2 T butter
3/4 C sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp.cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 C mashed yellow winter (hubbard) squash
1 1/4 C milk
Cream butter. Add sugar & eggs. Mix well. Add rest of ingredients. Line 9” pie plate with crust. Pour filling into unbaked pastry shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream
Cranberry Pie
Dad sent this in a letter dated "18 No 79". He wrote, "Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it."
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want.)
Variation
2 T cornstarch
1/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
1 1/4 C hot water
Pie crust
Make as above.
Egg Nog Pumpkin Pie
1 C canned eggnog
1 egg
18 oz. can pumpkin pie filling
9" pie crust
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl, combine egg nog, egg & pie filling; blend well. Pour into crust. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Garnish with whipped cream.
Peach Pie
4 C peaches, cut up
1 - 1 1/4 C sugar
3 T unbleached flour
dash salt
2 T butter
1 unbaked pie shell and lattice top
Arrange peaches in unbaked pie shell. Mix sugar, flour & salt. Sprinkle over peaches. Dot with butter. Cover with lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
Peanut Butter Cookies
One of Grandma Hallock’s cookie recipes.
1/2 C butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar & brown sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookies
Another of Grandma Hallock’s cookie recipes. Cookies were her specialty.
1 C flour
1 C brown sugar
3 C quick cooking (old fashioned) oatmeal
1 C butter or margarine
1/4 C boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Chocolate Cream Pie
The first time I made this pie, I was 15 and wanted to impress a boyfriend. I did, but not the way I’d planned: the crust came out tasting like under-cooked pizza dough, I burned the chocolate pudding, and the whipped cream came out almost to butter. Hmmm...
9 " pie crust
1 large package chocolate pudding(not instant)
whipped cream
Cook pudding according to package directions. Pour into baked pie crust. White cream & place on pie. Chill.
NOTE: Now, what could be easier?
But most of us crave a little something extra: Dessert! For those of us who want something snacky, here are today's offerings. They're from my online cooking (http://www.amazon.com/Off-The-Wall-Cooking-ebook/dp/B009K7D2C2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361922217&sr=8-1&keywords=Off+the+wall+cooking).
Squash Pie
This is from Grandma Hallock. She wrote, "I was given several large yellow winter squash by Grandma Carpenter & Grandma said, 'Make pumpkin pie' & I did. They were our favorite from then on."
2 T butter
3/4 C sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp.cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 C mashed yellow winter (hubbard) squash
1 1/4 C milk
Cream butter. Add sugar & eggs. Mix well. Add rest of ingredients. Line 9” pie plate with crust. Pour filling into unbaked pastry shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream
Cranberry Pie
Dad sent this in a letter dated "18 No 79". He wrote, "Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it."
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want.)
Variation
2 T cornstarch
1/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
1 1/4 C hot water
Pie crust
Make as above.
Egg Nog Pumpkin Pie
1 C canned eggnog
1 egg
18 oz. can pumpkin pie filling
9" pie crust
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl, combine egg nog, egg & pie filling; blend well. Pour into crust. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Garnish with whipped cream.
Peach Pie
4 C peaches, cut up
1 - 1 1/4 C sugar
3 T unbleached flour
dash salt
2 T butter
1 unbaked pie shell and lattice top
Arrange peaches in unbaked pie shell. Mix sugar, flour & salt. Sprinkle over peaches. Dot with butter. Cover with lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
Peanut Butter Cookies
One of Grandma Hallock’s cookie recipes.
1/2 C butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar & brown sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookies
Another of Grandma Hallock’s cookie recipes. Cookies were her specialty.
1 C flour
1 C brown sugar
3 C quick cooking (old fashioned) oatmeal
1 C butter or margarine
1/4 C boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Chocolate Cream Pie
The first time I made this pie, I was 15 and wanted to impress a boyfriend. I did, but not the way I’d planned: the crust came out tasting like under-cooked pizza dough, I burned the chocolate pudding, and the whipped cream came out almost to butter. Hmmm...
9 " pie crust
1 large package chocolate pudding(not instant)
whipped cream
Cook pudding according to package directions. Pour into baked pie crust. White cream & place on pie. Chill.
NOTE: Now, what could be easier?
Monday, February 25, 2013
More Veggie Meals
I've been going vegetarian for years. The hardest part is at the holidays, when turkey seems to be the food d'jour. But that's beside the point.
This evening, I've picked a few recipes from VegKitchen (http://www.vegkitchen.com). Just a few to get you started.
PASTA WITH GREENS, CHICKPEAS, AND OLIVES
This recipe is listed as their recipe of the month. According to the site, "This quick and nourishing year-round pasta recipe calls for chard, kale, or spinach, but you can use a combination or even substitute broccoli rabe or mustard greens. My personal favorite in this dish is chard, as it’s so good in the Italian-style trio of pasta with greens and legumes. Just add a colorful salad and you’ve got a meal. Recipe from Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas."
Serves: 4 to 6
10 to 12 ounces rotini, rotelle, or cavatappi (spiral pasta, see note)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips
10 to 12 ounces chard, kale, or spinach, any variety
3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
15- to 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sliced pitted oil-cured olives (such as Kalamata)
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes, optional
Cook the pasta in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente, then drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
If using any variety of chard, cut the leaves away from the stems and chop coarsely or cut into ribbons. If you plan on using the stems from chard, trim an inch or so away from the bottom, then slice thinly. If using kale, strip the leaves from the stems, and cut into narrow ribbons or small bite-size pieces. Thinly slice the stems if you plan to use them, otherwise, discard. Stem larger spinach leaves and chop coarsely; if using baby spinach, use the leaves whole.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and bell pepper and sauté over medium heat until the garlic is lightly golden and the bell pepper softens, about 3 minutes.
Add the greens and stir in quickly to coat with the oil. If using spinach, cover and let it wilt for 30 seconds or so. If using kale or chard, add a couple tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until wilted and bright green.
Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, and oregano. Stir together and cook, stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Combine the mixture from the skillet with the pasta in the serving bowl and toss together. Toss with the skillet mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sprinkle optional pine nuts over the pasta, and serve.
Note: In this dish, I used a spelt rotini, but you can use any kind of short twisty pasta, and of course go for a gluten-free variety if that’s your preference.
Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/front-page/pasta-with-greens-chickpeas-and-olives/#Zmm5GfhgzlAAE8dT.99
cBLACK-EYED PEAS WITH SPINACH AND HERBS
"Here’s an easy and unusual recipe that highlights fresh spinach. If you use baby spinach, you can skip stemming, making the recipe even quicker than it already is. This Persian recipe is a Sabzi—referring to a recipe using greens and herbs, ingredients so typical to this cuisine. Serve with a fresh flatbread and a salad of chickpeas and tomatoes," according to the recipe.
Serves: 6
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped leek (white part only), well rinsed
Two 16-ounce cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 large or 3 medium tomatoes, diced
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 to 12 ounces fresh spinach, stemmed and well rinsed (or baby spinach, well rinsed)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or more, to taste
4 scallions, sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Hot cooked rice or other grain, optional
Heat the oil in an extra-large skillet or a steep-sided stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent.
Add the leek and sauté another 5 minutes or so, until both it and the onion are golden.
Stir in the black-eyed peas, tomatoes, lemon juice, and spices. Cook until everything is hot and the tomatoes have softened, about 5 minutes.
Add half of the spinach, cover and cook until wilted down, then add the rest. Once it’s all wilted down, stir it in along with the parsley, and scallion. Cook for just a minute or two longer, just until then season with salt and pepper.
Serve at once over hot cooked rice or other grain, if desired.
Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/bountiful-beans/bean-main-dishes/black-eyed-peas-with-spinach-and-herbs/#sDx8kzIPtIHIW3To.99.
SIMPLE QUINOA, BROCCOLI, AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
"This easy casserole offers maximum nourishment. Serve with microwaved or baked sweet potatoes (start the sweet potatoes in the oven about 45 minutes before starting to bake the casserole) and a salad of dark greens and ripe tomatoes," according to the website's description. My description? "Yum!"
Serves: 6
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed in a fine sieve
1 vegetable bouillon cube
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
2 large broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes or sliced black olives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups grated vegan cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 400º F.
Bring 3 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa and bouillon cube, cover, and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté until golden. Add the broccoli and enough water to keep the skillet moist. Cover and steam until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the broccoli mixture, dried tomatoes or olives, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled, shallow two-quart casserole. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining cheese. Bake until the top is golden and crisp, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes, and serve.
Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/everyday-meals/simple-quinoa-broccoli-and-cheese-casserole/#RuCMjlCL11gQJ4PC.99
And finally, this link (http://www.vegkitchen.com/meatless-monday-musings/cheap-eats-for-tough-times/) is to their article "Cheap Eats for Tough Times," listed under "Meatless Mondays." We could all use some help when it comes to buying nutritious food these days, right? Enjoy!
This evening, I've picked a few recipes from VegKitchen (http://www.vegkitchen.com). Just a few to get you started.
PASTA WITH GREENS, CHICKPEAS, AND OLIVES
This recipe is listed as their recipe of the month. According to the site, "This quick and nourishing year-round pasta recipe calls for chard, kale, or spinach, but you can use a combination or even substitute broccoli rabe or mustard greens. My personal favorite in this dish is chard, as it’s so good in the Italian-style trio of pasta with greens and legumes. Just add a colorful salad and you’ve got a meal. Recipe from Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas."
Serves: 4 to 6
10 to 12 ounces rotini, rotelle, or cavatappi (spiral pasta, see note)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips
10 to 12 ounces chard, kale, or spinach, any variety
3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
15- to 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sliced pitted oil-cured olives (such as Kalamata)
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes, optional
Cook the pasta in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente, then drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
If using any variety of chard, cut the leaves away from the stems and chop coarsely or cut into ribbons. If you plan on using the stems from chard, trim an inch or so away from the bottom, then slice thinly. If using kale, strip the leaves from the stems, and cut into narrow ribbons or small bite-size pieces. Thinly slice the stems if you plan to use them, otherwise, discard. Stem larger spinach leaves and chop coarsely; if using baby spinach, use the leaves whole.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and bell pepper and sauté over medium heat until the garlic is lightly golden and the bell pepper softens, about 3 minutes.
Add the greens and stir in quickly to coat with the oil. If using spinach, cover and let it wilt for 30 seconds or so. If using kale or chard, add a couple tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until wilted and bright green.
Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, and oregano. Stir together and cook, stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Combine the mixture from the skillet with the pasta in the serving bowl and toss together. Toss with the skillet mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sprinkle optional pine nuts over the pasta, and serve.
Note: In this dish, I used a spelt rotini, but you can use any kind of short twisty pasta, and of course go for a gluten-free variety if that’s your preference.
Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/front-page/pasta-with-greens-chickpeas-and-olives/#Zmm5GfhgzlAAE8dT.99
cBLACK-EYED PEAS WITH SPINACH AND HERBS
"Here’s an easy and unusual recipe that highlights fresh spinach. If you use baby spinach, you can skip stemming, making the recipe even quicker than it already is. This Persian recipe is a Sabzi—referring to a recipe using greens and herbs, ingredients so typical to this cuisine. Serve with a fresh flatbread and a salad of chickpeas and tomatoes," according to the recipe.
Serves: 6
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped leek (white part only), well rinsed
Two 16-ounce cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 large or 3 medium tomatoes, diced
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 to 12 ounces fresh spinach, stemmed and well rinsed (or baby spinach, well rinsed)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or more, to taste
4 scallions, sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Hot cooked rice or other grain, optional
Heat the oil in an extra-large skillet or a steep-sided stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent.
Add the leek and sauté another 5 minutes or so, until both it and the onion are golden.
Stir in the black-eyed peas, tomatoes, lemon juice, and spices. Cook until everything is hot and the tomatoes have softened, about 5 minutes.
Add half of the spinach, cover and cook until wilted down, then add the rest. Once it’s all wilted down, stir it in along with the parsley, and scallion. Cook for just a minute or two longer, just until then season with salt and pepper.
Serve at once over hot cooked rice or other grain, if desired.
Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/bountiful-beans/bean-main-dishes/black-eyed-peas-with-spinach-and-herbs/#sDx8kzIPtIHIW3To.99.
SIMPLE QUINOA, BROCCOLI, AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
"This easy casserole offers maximum nourishment. Serve with microwaved or baked sweet potatoes (start the sweet potatoes in the oven about 45 minutes before starting to bake the casserole) and a salad of dark greens and ripe tomatoes," according to the website's description. My description? "Yum!"
Serves: 6
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed in a fine sieve
1 vegetable bouillon cube
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
2 large broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes or sliced black olives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups grated vegan cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 400º F.
Bring 3 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa and bouillon cube, cover, and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté until golden. Add the broccoli and enough water to keep the skillet moist. Cover and steam until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the broccoli mixture, dried tomatoes or olives, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled, shallow two-quart casserole. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining cheese. Bake until the top is golden and crisp, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes, and serve.
Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/everyday-meals/simple-quinoa-broccoli-and-cheese-casserole/#RuCMjlCL11gQJ4PC.99
And finally, this link (http://www.vegkitchen.com/meatless-monday-musings/cheap-eats-for-tough-times/) is to their article "Cheap Eats for Tough Times," listed under "Meatless Mondays." We could all use some help when it comes to buying nutritious food these days, right? Enjoy!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Some more heart healthy recipes
Here are some more recipes from the Healing Heart Foundation at http://heart.kumu.org.
Quick Fixes
Pronto Personal Pizza
A snack or a full meal in minutes
4 whole-wheat pita (pocket) breads
2 oz fat free soy cheese (see note below)
4 T soy or rice parmesan cheese, grated
4 T pasta sauce (any low fat spaghetti sauce)
1 tomato
4 slices of veggie pepperoni (or other veggie 'meats')
1/2 onion, sliced thin
1/2 C mushrooms
1 C vegetables, in small pieces (your favorites)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread 1 T pasta sauce on each pita. Place a layer of sliced soy cheese to cover the entire pita, then sprinkle on ¼ soy parmesan on each. Add layers of mushrooms, veggies, soy 'meats', thinly sliced tomato, and then very thinly sliced onion on top.
Bake for about five to ten minutes, or until veggies are tender and the bottom of the pita bread is as crisp as desired. (The bread is fully baked, so this pizza only needs to be heated until the veggies are ready. For a quicker pizza, precook the veggies in a microwave or steamer.)
4 pizzas, each 167 calories: 6% from fat (1.3 g), 79% from carbohydrates (35.1 g), 15% from protein (6.7 g). Sodium 248 mg, Fiber 6.5 g.
Healing Heart Hint
"Fat free soy or rice cheese is available in mozzarella, jack, swiss, cheddar, jalapeno-jack and American styles. Mozzarella or jack makes a more typical pizza," according to the website.
Meatless and fat free pepperoni slices as well as Canadian bacon, salami, sausage and other favorites are available in most larger health food stores.
Because these are fat free, they should not be on top of the pizza, where they will dry out during baking.
Substitute or add whatever makes this pizza each person's favorite.
Sloppy Joes
You'd never know it's meatless
1 large onion, chopped
1 to 2 C celery, chopped
1 t balsamic vinegar (other vinegar can be used)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed (or 2 t dried minced garlic or garlic powder)
1 T chili powder (will not make it too hot)
2 T cumin
2 1/2 C tomato sauce (or a 6 oz can tomato paste + 1 C tomato juice + 1 C water)
1 T prepared yellow mustard
1 T ground dry mustard
1 T brown sugar
1 t black strap molasses
1 1/2 cups dry TVP granules
1 1/2 C boiling water
optional spicy version: 1 to 3 t hot sauce or roasted chilies
Saute onion and celery in balsamic vinegar and a little water on medium heat. Add more water if needed. Add garlic, peppers and spices and saute for a few more minutes. Add everything else and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over whole wheat buns, rice or pasta.
Adding a can of chili beans makes a very filling dish, changing it slightly to Sloppy Josés.
6 servings, each: Calories 152, Fat 1.85 g. (10% cff), Carbohydrate 19.86 g., Protein 17.44 g
Colcannon
A traditional old-world dish of creamed kale, leeks and potatoes
4 medium or 3 large potatoes
3 1/2 C chopped kale (one bunch)*
3 leeks
1 onion
1/3 C non-fat Soy Moo or any low-fat soy or rice milk
1/4 C fresh parsley, chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Cut up the potatoes and steam until soft (potatoes can be microwaved in a bowl with a little water for about 15 minutes). Meanwhile, chop the onion and saute in a non-stick pan with a little water (no oil). Chop and wash the kale, and when the onion is soft, add the kale to the skillet; cover and let the kale steam in the water that stays on the leaves after washing. When the potatoes are done, drain if necessary and mash (with or without the skin, as you prefer). Mix in the soy or rice milk, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste, combine with the kale and onions, and serve. 3 large or 4 medium servings
* If kale is hard to find, most greens (mustard, turnip, collard), boy choy or choy sum can be used. Green or red cabbage is also a traditional colcannon ingredient.
3 servings, each: Calories 262, Fat 1.2 g. (4% cff), Carbohydrate 57.6 g., Protein 8.3 g.
Soups
Chili's Southwestern Vegetable Soup
Our clone of the national restaurant's popular soup
7 C vegetable broth
1 C canned dark red kidney beans, with liquid
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 C fresh or frozen cut green beans
1 C canned, frozen or fresh yellow corn kernals
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
1/2 C diced onion, Spanish if available1/2 C tomato sauce
6 corn tortillas, chopped in small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
dash garlic powder
Garnish:
1 cup grated non-fat soy cheddar and/or soy jack cheese blended
1 cup crumbled baked corn tortilla chips
Combine all the soup ingredients and chopped corn tortillas in a large saucepan or soup pot over high heat. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the soup has thickened and tortilla pieces have mostly dissolved. If salt-free broth is used, add salt to taste near the end of cooking.
To serve, ladle about 1½ cups into a bowl. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of the grated cheddar/jack cheese blend over the top of the soup, and then a heaping tablespoon of crumbled corn tortilla chips over the cheese.
6 servings, each 209 calories: 9% from fat (2.0 g), 61% from carbohydrates (29.9 g), 10% from protein (14.6 g). Sodium 320 mg, Fiber 5.6 g.
Healing Heart Hint
If baked corn tortilla chips are not available, preheat oven to 325 F. and place yellow corn tortillas on the wire rack. Bake until they begin to turn a darker color, about ten minutes, but remove immediately, as they will burn if left in the oven any longer. After they are cooled, the chips can be crumbled for the recipe above or eaten alone or with salsa as a low-fat treat.
To make non-fat crispy taco shells, place each tortilla so that it is centered over two of the wires on the rack, placing the edges of the torillas under the other wires. Bake as above - they will curl around in an upside-down 'U' shape to make perfect taco shells.
Instant Creme of Tomato Soup
A country-style low-sodium, vegan version
8 oz can of 'no sodium added' tomato sauce
1/2 C non-fat plain soy or rice milk
pinch of dried oregano
pinch of dried basil
pepper to taste
1 t powdered onion
salt-reduced soy sauce, tamari or Bragg's Liquid Aminos to taste
Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer 3 minutes, but do not boil.
One 12 oz serving, 99.3 calories: 1% from fat (0.07 g), 82% from carbohydrates (20.15 g), 17% from protein (4.3 g). Sodium 66 mg, Fiber 3.4 g.
Healing Heart Hint
For those on a very low sodium diet, this soup can be made without any added salt. A small amount of salt enhances this recipe, but it will still be very low sodium compared to traditional tomato soups. Each teaspoon of low-salt soy sauce or tamari will add 100 mg of sodium per 12 oz serving.
Onion powder can be made with dried chopped onions in a coffee mill.
This recipe, thickened with a little corn starch or whole wheat flour, can be used as a pasta sauce or over vegetables, rice or potatoes.
For tomato-rice soup, mix in 1/2 C cooked brown rice.
Main Meals
Rice TreatLoaf
A meatloaf alternative from whole grain rice
1 3/4 C cooked brown rice
1/4 C cooked wild rice
1 C celery, finely chopped
2 T salt-reduced tamari or soy sauce
1 cup low-fat 'lite' soy or rice milk
2 T chopped fresh parsley (or 1 T dried)
1 t dried basil
2 C whole-wheat bread crumbs
1/2 t sage
1/4 t paprika
1 1/2 C onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped finely or pureed
1/4 t black pepper
1 T egg replacer
Add egg replacer to 1/4 C soy or rice milk and beat with a fork until foamy. Place all other ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Fold in foamy liquid mixture. Press firmly into a nonstick loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let cool and turn upside-down on serving plate to remove from pan (separating edges at the side of pan with a knife often helps). Serve with mushroom gravy, ketchup or barbeque sauce.
8 servings, each 157 calories: 9% from fat (1.6 g), 78% from carbohydrates (31.1 g), 12% from protein (4.9 g). Sodium 337 mg, Fiber 2.2 g.
Healing Heart Hint
This loaf can also be used as a stuffing. Small squares of whole wheat bread can be substituted for breadcrumbs. Do not pack the pan as firmly and break apart when cool.
If desired, any variety of vegetables can be added. Peas, chopped bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli are just a few suggestions.
Mock Tuna-Pasta Melt
An easy casserole favorite
8-oz. package baked marinated tofu (any flavor), finely diced
2 large stalks celery, finely diced
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 C fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 C ketchup
1 T sweet pickle relish (sour pickle relish may be used if preferred)
1 t Dijon mustard
3 oz non-fat soy cheddar cheese, grated or finely diced
10 oz. whole wheat pasta elbows (or any small fancy pasta)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add pasta. Boil until almost tender, but not soft (about ¾ of regular cooking time). Rinse with cool running water to stop cooking, drain. Transfer to an oven-proof casserole or baking dish. Gently mix together all other ingredients except cheese, addding in the cooked pasta and sprinkle soy cheese on top. Oven bake for 25 minutes at 350 F. or microwave just long enough for the cheese to melt.
6 servings, each 184 calories: 6% from fat (1.4 g), 78% from carbohydrates (41.5 g), 16% from protein (8.8 g). Sodium 208 mg, Fiber 7.1 g.
Healing Heart Hint
Baked tofu is available in most health food stores. You can bake regular low-fat tofu after marinading (soy sauce, bbq sauce, etc) overnight in a moderate oven for 25 to 50 minutes, or until it starts to become firm.
If baked tofu isn't desired or available, rehydrated TVP flakes or dried bean curd will work as an excellent 'tuna' substitute
For a 'gourmet' touch, bake as above for 20 minutes, then place in hollowed-out tomatoes and bake 5 minutes more before serving.
Again, check out the Healing Heart Foundation at http://heart.kumu.org for more recipes and hints.
Quick Fixes
Pronto Personal Pizza
A snack or a full meal in minutes
4 whole-wheat pita (pocket) breads
2 oz fat free soy cheese (see note below)
4 T soy or rice parmesan cheese, grated
4 T pasta sauce (any low fat spaghetti sauce)
1 tomato
4 slices of veggie pepperoni (or other veggie 'meats')
1/2 onion, sliced thin
1/2 C mushrooms
1 C vegetables, in small pieces (your favorites)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread 1 T pasta sauce on each pita. Place a layer of sliced soy cheese to cover the entire pita, then sprinkle on ¼ soy parmesan on each. Add layers of mushrooms, veggies, soy 'meats', thinly sliced tomato, and then very thinly sliced onion on top.
Bake for about five to ten minutes, or until veggies are tender and the bottom of the pita bread is as crisp as desired. (The bread is fully baked, so this pizza only needs to be heated until the veggies are ready. For a quicker pizza, precook the veggies in a microwave or steamer.)
4 pizzas, each 167 calories: 6% from fat (1.3 g), 79% from carbohydrates (35.1 g), 15% from protein (6.7 g). Sodium 248 mg, Fiber 6.5 g.
Healing Heart Hint
"Fat free soy or rice cheese is available in mozzarella, jack, swiss, cheddar, jalapeno-jack and American styles. Mozzarella or jack makes a more typical pizza," according to the website.
Meatless and fat free pepperoni slices as well as Canadian bacon, salami, sausage and other favorites are available in most larger health food stores.
Because these are fat free, they should not be on top of the pizza, where they will dry out during baking.
Substitute or add whatever makes this pizza each person's favorite.
Sloppy Joes
You'd never know it's meatless
1 large onion, chopped
1 to 2 C celery, chopped
1 t balsamic vinegar (other vinegar can be used)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed (or 2 t dried minced garlic or garlic powder)
1 T chili powder (will not make it too hot)
2 T cumin
2 1/2 C tomato sauce (or a 6 oz can tomato paste + 1 C tomato juice + 1 C water)
1 T prepared yellow mustard
1 T ground dry mustard
1 T brown sugar
1 t black strap molasses
1 1/2 cups dry TVP granules
1 1/2 C boiling water
optional spicy version: 1 to 3 t hot sauce or roasted chilies
Saute onion and celery in balsamic vinegar and a little water on medium heat. Add more water if needed. Add garlic, peppers and spices and saute for a few more minutes. Add everything else and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over whole wheat buns, rice or pasta.
Adding a can of chili beans makes a very filling dish, changing it slightly to Sloppy Josés.
6 servings, each: Calories 152, Fat 1.85 g. (10% cff), Carbohydrate 19.86 g., Protein 17.44 g
Colcannon
A traditional old-world dish of creamed kale, leeks and potatoes
4 medium or 3 large potatoes
3 1/2 C chopped kale (one bunch)*
3 leeks
1 onion
1/3 C non-fat Soy Moo or any low-fat soy or rice milk
1/4 C fresh parsley, chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Cut up the potatoes and steam until soft (potatoes can be microwaved in a bowl with a little water for about 15 minutes). Meanwhile, chop the onion and saute in a non-stick pan with a little water (no oil). Chop and wash the kale, and when the onion is soft, add the kale to the skillet; cover and let the kale steam in the water that stays on the leaves after washing. When the potatoes are done, drain if necessary and mash (with or without the skin, as you prefer). Mix in the soy or rice milk, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste, combine with the kale and onions, and serve. 3 large or 4 medium servings
* If kale is hard to find, most greens (mustard, turnip, collard), boy choy or choy sum can be used. Green or red cabbage is also a traditional colcannon ingredient.
3 servings, each: Calories 262, Fat 1.2 g. (4% cff), Carbohydrate 57.6 g., Protein 8.3 g.
Soups
Chili's Southwestern Vegetable Soup
Our clone of the national restaurant's popular soup
7 C vegetable broth
1 C canned dark red kidney beans, with liquid
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 C fresh or frozen cut green beans
1 C canned, frozen or fresh yellow corn kernals
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
1/2 C diced onion, Spanish if available1/2 C tomato sauce
6 corn tortillas, chopped in small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
dash garlic powder
Garnish:
1 cup grated non-fat soy cheddar and/or soy jack cheese blended
1 cup crumbled baked corn tortilla chips
Combine all the soup ingredients and chopped corn tortillas in a large saucepan or soup pot over high heat. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the soup has thickened and tortilla pieces have mostly dissolved. If salt-free broth is used, add salt to taste near the end of cooking.
To serve, ladle about 1½ cups into a bowl. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of the grated cheddar/jack cheese blend over the top of the soup, and then a heaping tablespoon of crumbled corn tortilla chips over the cheese.
6 servings, each 209 calories: 9% from fat (2.0 g), 61% from carbohydrates (29.9 g), 10% from protein (14.6 g). Sodium 320 mg, Fiber 5.6 g.
Healing Heart Hint
If baked corn tortilla chips are not available, preheat oven to 325 F. and place yellow corn tortillas on the wire rack. Bake until they begin to turn a darker color, about ten minutes, but remove immediately, as they will burn if left in the oven any longer. After they are cooled, the chips can be crumbled for the recipe above or eaten alone or with salsa as a low-fat treat.
To make non-fat crispy taco shells, place each tortilla so that it is centered over two of the wires on the rack, placing the edges of the torillas under the other wires. Bake as above - they will curl around in an upside-down 'U' shape to make perfect taco shells.
Instant Creme of Tomato Soup
A country-style low-sodium, vegan version
8 oz can of 'no sodium added' tomato sauce
1/2 C non-fat plain soy or rice milk
pinch of dried oregano
pinch of dried basil
pepper to taste
1 t powdered onion
salt-reduced soy sauce, tamari or Bragg's Liquid Aminos to taste
Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer 3 minutes, but do not boil.
One 12 oz serving, 99.3 calories: 1% from fat (0.07 g), 82% from carbohydrates (20.15 g), 17% from protein (4.3 g). Sodium 66 mg, Fiber 3.4 g.
Healing Heart Hint
For those on a very low sodium diet, this soup can be made without any added salt. A small amount of salt enhances this recipe, but it will still be very low sodium compared to traditional tomato soups. Each teaspoon of low-salt soy sauce or tamari will add 100 mg of sodium per 12 oz serving.
Onion powder can be made with dried chopped onions in a coffee mill.
This recipe, thickened with a little corn starch or whole wheat flour, can be used as a pasta sauce or over vegetables, rice or potatoes.
For tomato-rice soup, mix in 1/2 C cooked brown rice.
Main Meals
Rice TreatLoaf
A meatloaf alternative from whole grain rice
1 3/4 C cooked brown rice
1/4 C cooked wild rice
1 C celery, finely chopped
2 T salt-reduced tamari or soy sauce
1 cup low-fat 'lite' soy or rice milk
2 T chopped fresh parsley (or 1 T dried)
1 t dried basil
2 C whole-wheat bread crumbs
1/2 t sage
1/4 t paprika
1 1/2 C onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped finely or pureed
1/4 t black pepper
1 T egg replacer
Add egg replacer to 1/4 C soy or rice milk and beat with a fork until foamy. Place all other ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Fold in foamy liquid mixture. Press firmly into a nonstick loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let cool and turn upside-down on serving plate to remove from pan (separating edges at the side of pan with a knife often helps). Serve with mushroom gravy, ketchup or barbeque sauce.
8 servings, each 157 calories: 9% from fat (1.6 g), 78% from carbohydrates (31.1 g), 12% from protein (4.9 g). Sodium 337 mg, Fiber 2.2 g.
Healing Heart Hint
This loaf can also be used as a stuffing. Small squares of whole wheat bread can be substituted for breadcrumbs. Do not pack the pan as firmly and break apart when cool.
If desired, any variety of vegetables can be added. Peas, chopped bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli are just a few suggestions.
Mock Tuna-Pasta Melt
An easy casserole favorite
8-oz. package baked marinated tofu (any flavor), finely diced
2 large stalks celery, finely diced
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 C fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 C ketchup
1 T sweet pickle relish (sour pickle relish may be used if preferred)
1 t Dijon mustard
3 oz non-fat soy cheddar cheese, grated or finely diced
10 oz. whole wheat pasta elbows (or any small fancy pasta)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add pasta. Boil until almost tender, but not soft (about ¾ of regular cooking time). Rinse with cool running water to stop cooking, drain. Transfer to an oven-proof casserole or baking dish. Gently mix together all other ingredients except cheese, addding in the cooked pasta and sprinkle soy cheese on top. Oven bake for 25 minutes at 350 F. or microwave just long enough for the cheese to melt.
6 servings, each 184 calories: 6% from fat (1.4 g), 78% from carbohydrates (41.5 g), 16% from protein (8.8 g). Sodium 208 mg, Fiber 7.1 g.
Healing Heart Hint
Baked tofu is available in most health food stores. You can bake regular low-fat tofu after marinading (soy sauce, bbq sauce, etc) overnight in a moderate oven for 25 to 50 minutes, or until it starts to become firm.
If baked tofu isn't desired or available, rehydrated TVP flakes or dried bean curd will work as an excellent 'tuna' substitute
For a 'gourmet' touch, bake as above for 20 minutes, then place in hollowed-out tomatoes and bake 5 minutes more before serving.
Again, check out the Healing Heart Foundation at http://heart.kumu.org for more recipes and hints.
For the Health of it...
So, my son had a medical incident recently that convinced him (and the rest of the family) that maybe it would be best to really eat healthy. Isn't that how it goes, though? Most of us need something to smack us up side the head to get our attention.
Years ago, I found an online bunch of vegetarian recipes, listed under Healthy Heart Handbook; the link, if you'd like to follow it, is http://heart.kumu.org/. I figured this might be a good time to share a few of their recipes. So, without further adieu, here we go...
Appetizers
Hummus
A Mediterranean spread for dips, sandwiches & hors d'oevres
4 C (or 2 cans) cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1/4 C fat-free no-egg mayonnaise (see note)
1/2 t ground cumin
juice of one lemon
2 t Dijon mustard
The following are optional and reflect the various preferences of different Mediterranean cultures. Add any or all to your taste:
1/8 C fresh parsley or cilantro
2 T sweet pickle relish
2 green onions
cayenne pepper or hot sauce
pinch of salt (omit for sodium restricted diets)
Drain and reserve liquid from canned beans, if used, and mix in a blender or food processor, adding reserved liquid or water to the desired consistency, a little thinner than peanut butter. Flavor improves if refrigerated in a closed container for a few hours or overnight. Makes about 4 cups.
8 servings, each 195 calories: 10% from fat (2.5 g), 69% from carbohydrates (34.2 g), 21% from protein (10.4 g). Sodium 154 mg, Fiber 0.1 g.
Healing Heart Hint:
Hummus is traditionally made with tahini (sesame seed paste), which is very high fat. For a hummus closest to traditional, a few drops of dark sesame oil or a 1/4 t of tahini can be added, although this will raise the fat content slightly.
If using canned beans, be sure to use the ones with no salt added.
NOTE: My favorite is Nayonnaise brand. This, as well as other vegetarian mayo substitutes can be found in health food stores. The taste is a little different, so my advice is to buy the smallest jar until you find one that you like.
Roasted Garbanzo Beans
A quick and portable snack
1 can garbanzo beans, no salt added
seasonings to taste (see hint below)
Rinse and drain a can of garbanzo beans. Shake in a zipper bag with spice of your choice. Lay out on a non-stick cookie sheet and sprinkle with your choice of flavorings (see Hint below). Bake at 400° for 25 minutes.
Each 4 oz serving: 186 calories: 12% from fat (3 g), 66% from carbohydrates (31 g), 22% from protein (9.4 g). Sodium: 1 mg (but salty spices will increase this) Fiber: 10 g
Healing Heart Hint
For flavorings try Spike, hickory-smoked tortula yeast, curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder or cinnamon and sugar (all have no sodium). Other flavors may raise sodium content, but if salt is not a concern: cajun flavor, artificial butter-flavor salt (for popcorn), or any others your imagination can provide.
Potato Pearls
These tasty appetizers can be prepared in advance, frozen, and baked later
1 pound potatoes
1/2 C chives or green onions, finely chopped
1/2 C wheat germ
1/2 t paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375° F. Cover potatoes with water and boil until soft. Peel and mash, adding onions, salt and pepper. Shape into 1-inch balls. Mix the paprika and wheat germ together in a dish and roll potato balls in mixture until coated. Coat baking sheet with 1 second of a non-stick spray and spread with a paper towel. Bake for about 20 minutes. Serve hot, a toothpick in each.
10 servings, each: Calories 54, Fat: 0.64 g (10% cff), Carbohydrate 10.02 g, Protein 2.46 g (18%)
Healing Heart Hint:
Many foods that were formerly fried can be baked or broiled. Vegetables can be coated with a savory coating and heated till golden brown. For an easy shake-bake coating mix 1/2 C corn flakes. finely crumbled, 1 t light seasoned salt, 1/2 t each: paprika, sage, onion powder, 1/4 t each: garlic powder, thyme, pepper. The foods to be coated can be moistened or dipped a mixture of 4 T EnerG egg replacer and 8 T water, beaten to a foam. Bake at 375° F. for 15 minutes or until browned and crispy. Serve and eat immediately.
Temple Rolls
delicate Vietnamese spring rolls
16 rice paper rounds
8 dried shiitake or wood mushrooms
2 packages bean thread noodles (long rice)
2 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup snow peas, chopped steamed broccoli or other vegetable
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1 cup mung bean sprouts
3 scallions, cut into thin slivers
1 bunch mint leaves (about 24)
sprig Thai basil (at least 12 leaves)
Dipping sauce (see Hint below)
Rehydrate mushrooms in warm water for at least 20 minutes, then julienne cut. Immerse bean threads in cold water for 20 minutes and cook in 2 quarts boiling water until slightly soft, about 1 minute. Save water. In a colander, rinse bean threads in cold water and drain. Blanch carrots, snow peas or other vegetables 1 minute in saved boiling water. Blanch bean sprouts for 30 seconds. Rinse all in cold water.
Fill a large dish or bowl with cold water. Soak each sheet of rice paper for a minute and then transfer to a slightly damp cotton dish towel or paper towel.
To assemble rolls, arrange 1/12 of noodles, mushrooms, carrots, scallions and snow peas or vegetables, 2 mint leaves and one basil leaf in a row on top. Roll up rice paper tightly, folding in flaps at the first turn. Rolls will keep for 8 hours, if refrigerated and covered. Serve whole or diagonally cut in half with bowls of dipping sauce.
12 rolls, each 135 calories: 2% from fat (0.36 g), 83% from carbohydrates (20.3 g), 14% from protein (4.96 g). Sodium 198 mg, Fiber 1.1 g.
Healing Heart Hint:
Traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce contains nuoc mam, a very salty fish sauce. A delicious alternate sauce can be made from ¼ C Hoisin sauce, 1 T vinegar, 1 T water and as much hot pepper or hot sauce as desired.
Thai basil is slightly different from Western basil, with a mint-like flavor. It is available in most Asian food markets. The stems and flowers are usually purple.
Rice paper is a thin, brittle sheet of dried rice flour, about the size of a tortilla. Handle with care, they break easily. They can be found in most Asian markets.
Snacks and Treats
Kool Kim Chee
Less spicy and lower sodium version of Korean cabbage slaw
6 C Napa or Won Bok (Chinese) cabbage, shredded
1 t salt
3 T ginger, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (see Hint below)
1/2 C cilantro (Chinese parsley), chopped
2 T vinegar
In a large ceramic or plastic bowl, add cabbage and sprinkle on salt, tossing well. Place a weight on the cabbage (a bowl or plate with anything heavy on it) and let sit a half hour. Drain. Add all other ingredients except the vinegar and mix well. Add vinegar and mix thoroughly. Let sit 30 minutes (overnight in refrigerator is better) before serving.
4 servings, each 38.7 calories: 4% from fat (0.2 g), 74% from carbohydrates (8.5 g), 22% from protein (2.5 g). Sodium 138 mg, Fiber 2.8 g.
Healing Heart Hint
Red jalapeno pepper adds color, but green will work as well. Remove stem and seeds before using. If fresh jalapeno is not available, canned will work, or use an Asian hot sauce, starting with 1/2 t and increasing to the hotness you prefer.
When working with hot peppers we recommend wearing rubber gloves and to be careful not to touch near one's eyes.
Pumpkin Croquettes
Surprisingly tasty patties from the Middle East
1 C fine bulgur wheat (soaked in 2 C warm water)
2 C mashed cooked pumpkins (about 2½ pounds raw) see hint or 16 oz canned pumpkin (not spiced pie filling)
1 C whole wheat flour
1/2 C water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ground coriander
1/2 t grated black pepper
1/4 t ground allspice
1/4 t ground cumin
1 pinch red or cayenne (to taste)
Soak the bulgur wheat in warm water for 20 minutes, drain. Puree the bulgur wheat and all remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender. Add more flour to thicken, if needed. Shape into croquettes (1 inch round, two inches long) or patties about 2-inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick. In a non-stick pan, fry patties, turning once, until they're lightly brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6 servings, each 201 calories: 6% from fat (1.44 g), 81% from carbohydrates (44.2 g), 13% from protein (6.2 g). Sodium 187 mg, Fiber 6.7 g.
Healing Heart Hint
To cook fresh pumpkin, cut into eighths, place in a large pot of lightly salted water, cover, and simmer over low heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, cut off the peel, and mash. Gently press in a strainer to remove the excess liquid.
Hard Rock Cafe's Creamy Cole Slaw
"Our very low-fat taste-alike," according to the web site.
1 1/3 C fat-free mayonnaise
3 T white vinegar
3 T granulated sugar
2 T soy milk or rice milk
dash salt
8 C chopped cabbage (1 head)
1/2 C shredded carrot
Combine all ingredients except the cabbage and carrots in a large bowl and blend until smooth with a hand or electric mixer. Add cabbage and carrots and toss well. Cover and refrigerate overnight in a plastic or ceramic container (don't use metal).
8 servings, each 96.7 calories: 4% from fat (0.04 g), 82% from carbohydrates (22.4 g), 14% from protein (3.92 g). Sodium 76 mg, Fiber 4 g.
Healing Heart Hint
To bring out the full flavors, keep one or two days in the refrigerator before serving.
For variety (but not like the Hard Rock Cafe's slaw), try adding golden or brown raisins, poppy seeds or chopped chestnuts.
For a kimchi-style slaw add garlic and chili paste.
Hard Rock Cafe's Bar-B-Q Beans
The low-fat vegetarian clone of HRC's famous beans
2 15-ounce cans low-sodium pinto beans (with liquid)
2 T water
2 t cornstarch
1/2 C ketchup
1/3 C white vinegar
1/4 C brown sugar
2 T diced onion
1 t prepared mustard
1/2 t chili powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/2 C soy imitation bacon bits
Preheat oven to 350° F. Empty the cans of pinto beans and liquid in a casserole dish. Dissolve cornstarch in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the beans. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and cover. Bake for 90 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Stir every half hour. Remove from oven and let cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish.
6 servings, each 337 calories: 10% from fat (2.6 g), 70% from carbohydrates (42.6 g), 20% from protein (11.8 g). Sodium 638 mg, Fiber 4 g.
Starbucks Frappuccino
Make this popular frozen delight at home, without the caffeine buzz(or with it)
1 1/2 cups strong cold decaffeinated coffee
1/2 cup fat-free or low-fat soy or rice milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups crushed ice or ice cubes
Combine the coffee, milk, sugar, chocolate syrup and salt in a blender and mix on medium speed for 15 seconds to dissolve sugar. Add the vanilla extract and ice then blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend. Pour into two 16-ounce glasses.
2 - 16 oz servings, each 191 calories: <1% from fat (0.029 g), 99% from carbohydrates (47.7 g), 1% from protein (0.24 g). Sodium 282 mg, Fiber 0 g.
Again, all these and more can be found at http://heart.kumu.org/.
Years ago, I found an online bunch of vegetarian recipes, listed under Healthy Heart Handbook; the link, if you'd like to follow it, is http://heart.kumu.org/. I figured this might be a good time to share a few of their recipes. So, without further adieu, here we go...
Appetizers
Hummus
A Mediterranean spread for dips, sandwiches & hors d'oevres
4 C (or 2 cans) cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1/4 C fat-free no-egg mayonnaise (see note)
1/2 t ground cumin
juice of one lemon
2 t Dijon mustard
The following are optional and reflect the various preferences of different Mediterranean cultures. Add any or all to your taste:
1/8 C fresh parsley or cilantro
2 T sweet pickle relish
2 green onions
cayenne pepper or hot sauce
pinch of salt (omit for sodium restricted diets)
Drain and reserve liquid from canned beans, if used, and mix in a blender or food processor, adding reserved liquid or water to the desired consistency, a little thinner than peanut butter. Flavor improves if refrigerated in a closed container for a few hours or overnight. Makes about 4 cups.
8 servings, each 195 calories: 10% from fat (2.5 g), 69% from carbohydrates (34.2 g), 21% from protein (10.4 g). Sodium 154 mg, Fiber 0.1 g.
Healing Heart Hint:
Hummus is traditionally made with tahini (sesame seed paste), which is very high fat. For a hummus closest to traditional, a few drops of dark sesame oil or a 1/4 t of tahini can be added, although this will raise the fat content slightly.
If using canned beans, be sure to use the ones with no salt added.
NOTE: My favorite is Nayonnaise brand. This, as well as other vegetarian mayo substitutes can be found in health food stores. The taste is a little different, so my advice is to buy the smallest jar until you find one that you like.
Roasted Garbanzo Beans
A quick and portable snack
1 can garbanzo beans, no salt added
seasonings to taste (see hint below)
Rinse and drain a can of garbanzo beans. Shake in a zipper bag with spice of your choice. Lay out on a non-stick cookie sheet and sprinkle with your choice of flavorings (see Hint below). Bake at 400° for 25 minutes.
Each 4 oz serving: 186 calories: 12% from fat (3 g), 66% from carbohydrates (31 g), 22% from protein (9.4 g). Sodium: 1 mg (but salty spices will increase this) Fiber: 10 g
Healing Heart Hint
For flavorings try Spike, hickory-smoked tortula yeast, curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder or cinnamon and sugar (all have no sodium). Other flavors may raise sodium content, but if salt is not a concern: cajun flavor, artificial butter-flavor salt (for popcorn), or any others your imagination can provide.
Potato Pearls
These tasty appetizers can be prepared in advance, frozen, and baked later
1 pound potatoes
1/2 C chives or green onions, finely chopped
1/2 C wheat germ
1/2 t paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375° F. Cover potatoes with water and boil until soft. Peel and mash, adding onions, salt and pepper. Shape into 1-inch balls. Mix the paprika and wheat germ together in a dish and roll potato balls in mixture until coated. Coat baking sheet with 1 second of a non-stick spray and spread with a paper towel. Bake for about 20 minutes. Serve hot, a toothpick in each.
10 servings, each: Calories 54, Fat: 0.64 g (10% cff), Carbohydrate 10.02 g, Protein 2.46 g (18%)
Healing Heart Hint:
Many foods that were formerly fried can be baked or broiled. Vegetables can be coated with a savory coating and heated till golden brown. For an easy shake-bake coating mix 1/2 C corn flakes. finely crumbled, 1 t light seasoned salt, 1/2 t each: paprika, sage, onion powder, 1/4 t each: garlic powder, thyme, pepper. The foods to be coated can be moistened or dipped a mixture of 4 T EnerG egg replacer and 8 T water, beaten to a foam. Bake at 375° F. for 15 minutes or until browned and crispy. Serve and eat immediately.
Temple Rolls
delicate Vietnamese spring rolls
16 rice paper rounds
8 dried shiitake or wood mushrooms
2 packages bean thread noodles (long rice)
2 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup snow peas, chopped steamed broccoli or other vegetable
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1 cup mung bean sprouts
3 scallions, cut into thin slivers
1 bunch mint leaves (about 24)
sprig Thai basil (at least 12 leaves)
Dipping sauce (see Hint below)
Rehydrate mushrooms in warm water for at least 20 minutes, then julienne cut. Immerse bean threads in cold water for 20 minutes and cook in 2 quarts boiling water until slightly soft, about 1 minute. Save water. In a colander, rinse bean threads in cold water and drain. Blanch carrots, snow peas or other vegetables 1 minute in saved boiling water. Blanch bean sprouts for 30 seconds. Rinse all in cold water.
Fill a large dish or bowl with cold water. Soak each sheet of rice paper for a minute and then transfer to a slightly damp cotton dish towel or paper towel.
To assemble rolls, arrange 1/12 of noodles, mushrooms, carrots, scallions and snow peas or vegetables, 2 mint leaves and one basil leaf in a row on top. Roll up rice paper tightly, folding in flaps at the first turn. Rolls will keep for 8 hours, if refrigerated and covered. Serve whole or diagonally cut in half with bowls of dipping sauce.
12 rolls, each 135 calories: 2% from fat (0.36 g), 83% from carbohydrates (20.3 g), 14% from protein (4.96 g). Sodium 198 mg, Fiber 1.1 g.
Healing Heart Hint:
Traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce contains nuoc mam, a very salty fish sauce. A delicious alternate sauce can be made from ¼ C Hoisin sauce, 1 T vinegar, 1 T water and as much hot pepper or hot sauce as desired.
Thai basil is slightly different from Western basil, with a mint-like flavor. It is available in most Asian food markets. The stems and flowers are usually purple.
Rice paper is a thin, brittle sheet of dried rice flour, about the size of a tortilla. Handle with care, they break easily. They can be found in most Asian markets.
Snacks and Treats
Kool Kim Chee
Less spicy and lower sodium version of Korean cabbage slaw
6 C Napa or Won Bok (Chinese) cabbage, shredded
1 t salt
3 T ginger, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (see Hint below)
1/2 C cilantro (Chinese parsley), chopped
2 T vinegar
In a large ceramic or plastic bowl, add cabbage and sprinkle on salt, tossing well. Place a weight on the cabbage (a bowl or plate with anything heavy on it) and let sit a half hour. Drain. Add all other ingredients except the vinegar and mix well. Add vinegar and mix thoroughly. Let sit 30 minutes (overnight in refrigerator is better) before serving.
4 servings, each 38.7 calories: 4% from fat (0.2 g), 74% from carbohydrates (8.5 g), 22% from protein (2.5 g). Sodium 138 mg, Fiber 2.8 g.
Healing Heart Hint
Red jalapeno pepper adds color, but green will work as well. Remove stem and seeds before using. If fresh jalapeno is not available, canned will work, or use an Asian hot sauce, starting with 1/2 t and increasing to the hotness you prefer.
When working with hot peppers we recommend wearing rubber gloves and to be careful not to touch near one's eyes.
Pumpkin Croquettes
Surprisingly tasty patties from the Middle East
1 C fine bulgur wheat (soaked in 2 C warm water)
2 C mashed cooked pumpkins (about 2½ pounds raw) see hint or 16 oz canned pumpkin (not spiced pie filling)
1 C whole wheat flour
1/2 C water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ground coriander
1/2 t grated black pepper
1/4 t ground allspice
1/4 t ground cumin
1 pinch red or cayenne (to taste)
Soak the bulgur wheat in warm water for 20 minutes, drain. Puree the bulgur wheat and all remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender. Add more flour to thicken, if needed. Shape into croquettes (1 inch round, two inches long) or patties about 2-inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick. In a non-stick pan, fry patties, turning once, until they're lightly brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6 servings, each 201 calories: 6% from fat (1.44 g), 81% from carbohydrates (44.2 g), 13% from protein (6.2 g). Sodium 187 mg, Fiber 6.7 g.
Healing Heart Hint
To cook fresh pumpkin, cut into eighths, place in a large pot of lightly salted water, cover, and simmer over low heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, cut off the peel, and mash. Gently press in a strainer to remove the excess liquid.
Hard Rock Cafe's Creamy Cole Slaw
"Our very low-fat taste-alike," according to the web site.
1 1/3 C fat-free mayonnaise
3 T white vinegar
3 T granulated sugar
2 T soy milk or rice milk
dash salt
8 C chopped cabbage (1 head)
1/2 C shredded carrot
Combine all ingredients except the cabbage and carrots in a large bowl and blend until smooth with a hand or electric mixer. Add cabbage and carrots and toss well. Cover and refrigerate overnight in a plastic or ceramic container (don't use metal).
8 servings, each 96.7 calories: 4% from fat (0.04 g), 82% from carbohydrates (22.4 g), 14% from protein (3.92 g). Sodium 76 mg, Fiber 4 g.
Healing Heart Hint
To bring out the full flavors, keep one or two days in the refrigerator before serving.
For variety (but not like the Hard Rock Cafe's slaw), try adding golden or brown raisins, poppy seeds or chopped chestnuts.
For a kimchi-style slaw add garlic and chili paste.
Hard Rock Cafe's Bar-B-Q Beans
The low-fat vegetarian clone of HRC's famous beans
2 15-ounce cans low-sodium pinto beans (with liquid)
2 T water
2 t cornstarch
1/2 C ketchup
1/3 C white vinegar
1/4 C brown sugar
2 T diced onion
1 t prepared mustard
1/2 t chili powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/2 C soy imitation bacon bits
Preheat oven to 350° F. Empty the cans of pinto beans and liquid in a casserole dish. Dissolve cornstarch in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the beans. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and cover. Bake for 90 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Stir every half hour. Remove from oven and let cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish.
6 servings, each 337 calories: 10% from fat (2.6 g), 70% from carbohydrates (42.6 g), 20% from protein (11.8 g). Sodium 638 mg, Fiber 4 g.
Starbucks Frappuccino
Make this popular frozen delight at home, without the caffeine buzz(or with it)
1 1/2 cups strong cold decaffeinated coffee
1/2 cup fat-free or low-fat soy or rice milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups crushed ice or ice cubes
Combine the coffee, milk, sugar, chocolate syrup and salt in a blender and mix on medium speed for 15 seconds to dissolve sugar. Add the vanilla extract and ice then blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend. Pour into two 16-ounce glasses.
2 - 16 oz servings, each 191 calories: <1% from fat (0.029 g), 99% from carbohydrates (47.7 g), 1% from protein (0.24 g). Sodium 282 mg, Fiber 0 g.
Again, all these and more can be found at http://heart.kumu.org/.
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