Confessions of a Foodie

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Return of the Chili

This is a rerun of a blog post from January 21 of this year. The recipes are really good, and, since we're heading into autumn, I figured several chili recipes would come in handy. So, without any further introduction, I bring you five chili recipes. (Actually, four recipes and a very tweaked variation.)

Winter meals and summer meals tend to be different. When it's cold out, we tend to want something to warm us up, while the hot summer months make cooking over a hot stove almost unbearable.

During these chilly months, chili seems like a natural option. I've added five chili recipes here. Actually, it started out as four recipes, but one of them has been tweaked: The Vegetarian Chili is originally from an issue of Runner's World; after fixing it many times, I began to change it to where it's different from what was published in Runner's World. Both recipes are marked accordingly so that there is no question as to which is which.

It seems that another one of the recipes might have been discovered in an airline magazine while in flight decades and decades ago (we're talking over forty years ago!). However, since my dad discovered it while flying home, and airlines have folded, merged with others, etc., I have no idea where it came from and how much Dad changed it. If anyone knows the origins of the Texas Chili (as far as airline, etc.), please let me know so that I can give credit where it's due.

TEXAS CHILI

One of my dad’s recipes. Note: Actually, it is the one he said he found in the airline magazine. Whenever Dad fixed this, he’d have to make 2 batches of chili: this for those brave enough to try it, another for everyone else, somewhat cooler.

A funny anecdote: Dad had been involved in Civil Defense when we lived in New York. He had a friend who was also in C.D. who swore that since he'd grown up in New Mexico, he could eat anything spicy hot without it bothering him; in fact, the hotter it was, the better he liked it.

One evening, Larry and his wife came to dinner. Dad had invited them, fixing up a batch of this chili, along with the milder batch. Larry was served the hot stuff. Next time Dad went to a C.D. meeting, he overheard Larry state, "I can eat anything hot - except John S's chili!" Be forewarned!

3 balls ground beef suet

4 slices bacon, cut up

2 lbs. stew beef, cut small

2 lbs. chopped chuck

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Bernudea onions, chopped

1 T paprika

3/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne

6-9 T chili powder

2-4 walnut-size pieces suet

1 can beef broth

1 tsp. oregano

3 cans measured water

3/4 tsp. cumin

6 C tomatoes & juice

1 2/3 T salt

1 1/2 lbs. drained kidney beans

In heavy pot place 3 balls suet with bacon. Cook out fat. Add & brown beef & chopped chuck. After browning, add garlic. Cook lightly. Add remainder of spices. In another pot, heat 2-4 pieces of suet. Add onions. Cook until almost burned. Add to meat pot. Deglaze pot with meat broth. Add water, tomatoes & juice. Mash tomatoes into chili. Cover & simmer slowly 1 1/2-2 hours. Uncover. Cook down for about 1/2 hour, adding kidney beans. Serves 6-8.

SUPER CHILI

One of my inventions.

2 C pinto beans

4 C water

4-8 cloves garlic, minced

2-4 onions, chopped

2 T chili powder

6 oz. can tomato paste

2 T oil or butter

1 lb. ground beef

1/4 lb. bacon, chopped

28 oz. can tomatoes (undrained)

1 tsp. oregano

1 T chili powder

Soak beans in water for several hours. Drain & place in 4 C water. Add 2-4 cloves gar-lic, 1 onion & 1 T chili powder. Bring to boil, stir, reduce heat, cover & simmer several hours, or until soft & creamy. Add tomato paste & 1 T chili powder & water as needed. Stir, cover & let simmer 30 more minutes. While beans are simmering, brown 1-3 onions, 2-4 cloves garlic & ground beef in butter. Add to beans. Cook bacon & add to beans. Add tomatoes, oregano & 1 T chili powder. Cook for 1-1 1/2 hours. Great for anyone who likes good, hot chili. Better the next day.

VEGETARIAN CHILI

This is from Runner's World. Apparently, it was in the December 1999 issue and repeated after someone mentioned it in a letter in the February 2000 issue. I'm always amazed at the great food coming out of there!

1 onion, chopped

1 sweet green pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon soybean or olive oil

1 16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled

1 or 2 19-once cans of beans (kidney, pinto, or white)

1 28-ounce can stewed tomatoes

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Salt & Pepper to taste

Sauté the onion, pepper & garlic in oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and sauté until crisp & lightly browned (about 10 minutes). Add the beans, stewed tomatoes, carrots, chili powder, cumin, hot sauce, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 50-60 minutes. Serves 4.

From Runner’s World, December, 1999/letters Feb. 2000

REWORKED VEGETARIAN CHILI

I've fixed this recipe probably several hundred times, easily. I started off with the above Runner's World recipe; it slowly morphed into this recipes.

Note: I have a habit of buying anywhere from 16 to 20 (or more) peppers of varying colors at the same time, then chopping them all up, putting them into several containers, and freezing them. When I put them into the containers, they're not separated by color, but, rather, dumped in together. This way, I end up with containers with red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers all thrown in together. Then, whenever I need cut up peppers, I end up with a colorful bunch of peppers in whatever I'm putting them in. If you prefer, you can buy one or two peppers as needed (like for this recipe) and cut it up at that time. You can use whichever color bell pepper you want; if I'm out of frozen peppers, and am planning to buy only one or two for this recipe, I usually go with the green peppers, since they're usually the cheapest.

Also, with the onions, I usually try to have both yellow and red onions on hand; when I do, I use one of each in this recipe. Finally, for the cans of beans, I lean toward one can of black beans and one can of either Navy or Great Northern beans, both of which are white. Between the multi-colored peppers, two different kinds of onions, and different colored beans, it makes for a more colorful chili. But if you only have two cans of white, red or black beans, that's fine, too.

2 T olive oil

2 onions, chopped

4-6 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 peppers, chopped

16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled

2 19-once cans of beans, drained

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt & Pepper to taste

Sauté the onion, pepper & garlic in oil over medium heat. Add tofu and sauté until crisp & lightly browned. While this is cooking, peel and cut the carrots. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, carrots, chili powder, cumin, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 50-60 minutes. Serve over noodles. Serves 4.

QUICK AND EASY CHILI

I first had this at my former in-laws' house. It is about as quick and simple as you can get. It took me a while to warm up to this chili, after eating Dad's Texas Chili. No matter; my younger two love it, and I've grown to like it.

Note:The beans were pretty much required for this recipe. I usually don't push certain brands, and I suppose that other cans of chili beans could be used. But when I fix their dad's/paternal grandparents' chili, I use the beans listed. I've also added the oil to this, but this was not an original part of the recipe.

2 T olive oil

1 pound ground beef

4 cans Ranch Style beans

1 can tomato soup

Chili powder, to taste

Brown ground beef in oil. Add beans, soup, and chili powder. Stir, heat, eat.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Vegan Delights

One of my favorite magazines is Vegetarian Times. Other magazines may come and go on my I-like/love-this-magazine list, but this is one of three that always makes the list.

Today's offerings come from Vegetarian Times' emailing list, and are also available on the Vegetarian Times website. I make no claims that they are my recipes, nor are they my creations. If you click on the recipe's name, the link will take you to V.T.'s page where you can view the recipe; I've also included the issue that each recipe can be found in.

Enjoy!

Decadent Dairy-Free Chocolate Truffles

Serves 10 (makes about 30 truffles)

The recipe comes with this disclaimer: "Truffles are usually made with heavy cream, but you'll never miss the dairy in these luscious vegan chocolates."

6 oz. high-quality dark chocolate (60% cocoa), finely chopped

1/4 cup walnut, almond or canola oil

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1. Place chocolate, oil and 1/3 cup water in microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in microwave 1 minute. Stir; heat 1 minute more, or until chocolate has melted. Whisk until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and chill 6 hours, or overnight.

2. Place cocoa and nuts on separate plates. Shape truffle mixture by heaping teaspoonfuls into small, 3/4-inch balls. Roll in cocoa or chopped nuts. Chill until ready to serve.

from the May 2006 issue

nutritional information

Per TRUFFLE:

Calories: 66; Protein: 1 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan

Fabulous Vegan Fudge Cake with Bittersweet Icing

Serves 8

From the website: “I’ve tried vegan cake recipes in the past, but didn’t like the sour taste of the vinegar that is usually used to activate the leavening,” says single mom and café manager Shelly Platten. “I tinkered with some recipes that didn’t use vinegar to come up with a fudgy, satisfying cake.”

1 1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic unbleached white flour

1 2/3 cups Florida Crystals organic cane sugar, divided

1 1/3 cups Chatfield’s cocoa powder, divided

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup Silk vanilla soymilk, divided

1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup canola oil, divided

1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch round pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.

Whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Whisk together 2/3 cup soymilk, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/2 cup water in separate bowl. Stir soymilk mixture into flour mixture. Spread in prepared pan, and bake 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Unmold onto plate.

Warm remaining 2/3 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup oil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining 1/3 cup soymilk, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread icing over warm cake, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

from the September 2012 issue, p.66

nutritional information

Per Slice:

Calories: 525; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 67 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 315 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 43 g

Chocolate Espresso Oatmeal Cookies

Makes 48 cookies

from the recipe: "Take chocolate chip cookies to the next level with this espresso-spiked dough that's laced with chewy oats."

3/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

4 oz. (1 stick) margarine, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups oats

1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in bowl.

Cream margarine and sugar together with electric mixer in bowl. Beat in espresso and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, adding up to 1/2 cup more if necessary to make thick dough. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.

Divide dough in half. Transfer each dough half to large sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use plastic wrap to shape dough into 2 2-inch-diameter logs with plastic wrap or wax paper. Wrap tightly, and chill 2 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Slice dough logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Transfer slices to greased or parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake 8 to 11 minutes, or until cookies look dry on top. Cool cookies 3 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.

from the December 2011 issue, p.75

nutritional information

Per Cookie:

Calories: 56; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 43 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Two Mac and Cheeses, Two quick breads, a crock pot rice pudding, and a dump cake

It's been a while since I've posted any recipes here, so I went through my "recipes from the internet" folder. Unfortunately, while the first mac and cheese recipe is (I'm pretty sure) an old Weight Watchers' recipes, I'm not sure where the others are from. But hopefully you'll find something you'll want to try.

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

CROCKPOT MACARONI AND CHEESE

time to make 1 1/2 hours 20 min prep

3/4 finely chopped onion

3/4 finely chopped green bell pepper

3 1/2 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground red pepper

1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 ounces processed cheese (Velveeta)

1 (2 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained

Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion & bell pepper; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Place onion mixture & macaroni in 3-quart electric slow cooker coated with cooking spray.

Place flour & next 4 ingredients in small bowl; gradually add milk, stirring with whisk until well blended. Add milk mixture, cheeses, & pimiento to slow cooker; stir well. Cover lid; cook on high-heat setting 1-1/2 hours or until thick & creamy, stirring after 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts

Calculated for 1 serving (315g); Recipe makes 4 servings

Calories 418, Calories from Fat 136 (32%)

Amount Per Serving %DV: Total Fat 15.1g 23%, Saturated Fat 9.0g 44%, Polyunsat. Fat 0.9g, Monounsat. Fat 4.2g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 43mg 14%, Sodium 520mg 21%, Potassium 357mg 10%, Total Carbohydrate 49.3g 16%, Dietary Fiber 3.3g 13%

ORANGE BREAD

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. oil

2 tbsp. milk

2 eggs

1 1/2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. fresh or frozen orange juice

Mix together. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake 350 degrees 50-55 min.

While cake is still warm, make glaze:

2 tbsp. orange juice

1/4 c. sugar

Pour over warm cake.

CROCK POT RICE PUDDING

2 1/2 c. cooked rice

1 1/2 c. scalded milk

2/3 c. white or brown sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 c. raisins

3 tbsp. soft butter

Combine all ingredients. Pour into lightly greased crock pot. Cook on high 1 to 2 hours. Stir during first 30 minutes. Recipe can be doubled.

DUMP CAKE

1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple

1 (18 oz) pkg. yellow cake mix

8 oz. chopped walnuts

1/2 C. butter (melted)

In a 9x13 pan mix cherry pie filling and pineapple.  Sprinkle dry cake mix over pineapple and cherry mixture, stir until just combined.  Then sprinkle walnuts over top.  Drizzle top with melted butter.  Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

IRISH SPICE BREAD

1 & 1/4 c Flour

2 ts Baking powder

1/2 ts Baking soda

1 ts Mixed spice *

1/2 ts Ginger, ground

4 oz Sugar, brown, light

2 oz Citron, candied; chopped

6 oz Raisins, plain or golden

4 oz Butter

6 oz light corn syrup karo

1 lg Egg; beaten

4 tb Milk

* Equal parts of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.

Sift the flour with the soda and baking powder, and the mixed spice and ginger: then add the brown sugar, chopped peel and raisins: mix. Make a well in the center. Melt the butter with the syrup over low heat, then pour into the well in the mixture. Add the beaten egg and milk and mix very well. Pour into a greased 2-lb loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 325 F for 40-50 minutes, or until it tests done.

This bread will keep moist for several days, and actually improves somewhat during this period.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Email List Desserts

By now, you probably know that I've been on several email recipe lists. The following are from a few more lists. I've listed where they're from. Enjoy!

Best Pineapple Orange Sorbet Recipe #387103

This was from Recipezaar's email list, found at http://www.recipezaar.com. It was sent in by someone calling herself (?) "Hungrykitten," who writes, "From mydailymoment.com. I like this recipe because you don't need an ice cream maker. Cooking time is freezing time."

by hungrykitten

2 1/4 hours | 15 min prep

SERVES 10

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cups orange juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 (20 ounce) can pineapple, crushed

2 teaspoons orange zest, freshly grated

In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a simmer over medium high heat until sugar is dissolved.

In a blender, puree pineapple with its juice until smooth. Transfer to a metal bowl, and stir in lemon juice, orange juice, and orange zest. Freeze until slightly firm, but not frozen and process mixture again in the blender until smooth. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

From http://www.recipezaar.com Share your experience with others, and post your comments on the recipe. Type 387103 in the Search box at the top of Recipezaar, to get back to this recipe easily.

Treacle Cake (Gingerbread) Recipe

Brought to you by The Red Castle Inn Historic Lodgings; sent in by "Virginia" in Cranberry Twp., PA

Cook Time: 25 min

Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup molasses

1 tablespoon honey

5 tablespoons soft butter

1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375F. Butter a 9x9 inch square baking pan.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and spices.

In another bowl, mix together the molasses, honey, butter, and boiling water. Working quickly, add the wet ingredients to the dry, combine well and pour into the prepared pan.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cut into 16 squares and serve warm in muffin papers.

Apple-Cranberry Crisp

2 pounds Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced

3/4 cup cranberries

1/4 cup white sugar

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/3 cup quick-cooking oats

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) Butter an 8 inch square baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix together apples, cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place evenly into baking dish.

In the same bowl, combine oats, flour and brown sugar. With a fork, mix in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over apples.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until topping is golden brown, and apples are tender.

Sent in by "Dorie" to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HolidayNSeasonalRecipes/

SOUTHERN FRUIT AMBROSIA

11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained

15 oz can pineapple tidbits, drained

8 oz can fruit cocktail, drained

1.5 cups mini marshmallows

1/2 cup coconut, shredded

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 cup sour cream

Combine ingredients and let set overnight. Serves ten.

From http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CreativeCutiesRecipes/

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Two Soups, Chicken Sandwiches, and Dessert (Weight Watchers recipes)

If you're like me, you probably get way more emails than you could possibly read on a daily basis. But you probably have certain people or emailing lists whose emails you almost always read.

Weight Watchers has several emailing lists that I've been on over the years. I really don't remember how long ago I received the following recipes, but it was long enough that it was still on one of the earlier Points programs. No matter how far back, though, these are still yummy.

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," according to theemail.

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," according to the instructions.

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," the email read.

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

Banana Muffins with Tart Lemon Icing

Points:3

Servings: 18

"If the mouth-puckering lemon icing isn’t enough flavor for you, try adding 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the flour mixture," the recipe reads.

1/2 cup sugar

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened, divided

1 large egg(s)

2 tsp vanilla extract, divided

2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup fat-free skim milk

4 large banana(s), ripe, mashed

1 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest, strips, or more to taste

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 18 muffin holes with paper liners.

Place sugar & 5 tablespoons of butter in a large bowl; cream with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg & 1 teaspoon of vanilla; beat until thoroughly mixed. In another large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder & baking soda. Add half of flour mixture to butter mixture; beat well with mixer. Add milk & remaining flour mixture; beat until batter is combined & then fold in mashed bananas.

Spoon batter into muffin liners about 3/4 full. Bake until muffins start to brown & tester inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Allow muffins to cool in pan about 2 minutes; remove to wire rack & cool completely before icing.

Meanwhile, to make icing, combine powdered sugar, remaining tablespoon butter, lemon juice, zest, & remaining teaspoon of vanilla in medium bowl; beat with electric mixer until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Ice cooled muffins; cover & refrigerate any uneaten muffins. Yields 1 muffin per serving.

From: WW email list

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Munchies

Most of us realize that we need to eat healthy foods. Many of us even try to eat healthy. But there are times we simply want something a little snacky. So, in honor of all snackiness, here are today's offerings. Enjoy!

Note: I've included where I got each recipe from immediately after the recipe's title.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

from Diabetic Gourmet Recipes Yield: 40 cookies

Serving size: 1 cookie

Source: Splenda

View Online with Photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1077.shtml

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/4 cups rolled oats

6 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons trans-free margarine, softened

1/2 cup Splenda Sugar Blend

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flour, oats, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

In bowl of electric mixer, beat margarine and Splenda Sugar Blend on medium speed 1 to 2 minutes, or until light and aerated. Beat in eggs for 1 minute, or until light. Beat in vanilla and almond extract. Stir in dry ingredients.

Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto lightly greased baking sheets and flatten each with the back of a fork dipped in water.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or just until puffed and no longer shiny on top. Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 50 ; Calories from Fat: 20 ; Protein: 1 g ; Fat: 2 g ; Sodium: 55 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg ; Saturated Fat: 0 g ; Dietary Fiber: 1 g ; Carbohydrates: 7 g

Find more great COOKIE recipes at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/Desserts/Cookies

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

From Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, guide at HomeCooking.about.com

Peggy writes, "These taste similar to the commercial peanut butter cups, but better! Great for gifts." Yum! Peggy always seems to come up with great recipes, so you might want to sign up for her emails. Just saying...

Prep Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter (4 Tbsp or 1/2 stick)

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar

1/8 cup butter (2 Tbsp or 1/4 stick)

1 ounce paraffin wax, chopped

Preparation:

Place 1-inch mini-muffin or candy1 papers in a mini-muffin tin.

In a double boiler, melt 4 ounces chocolate bar, peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter, mixing until smooth. Gently mix in graham cracker crumbs.

Place about 1 teaspoon chocolate5 graham cracker mixture in bottom of paper cups. Chill 15 to 30 minutes to harden.

Place 3/4 cup peanut butter6 in a bowl over hot water to soften. Mix in powdered sugar and graham cracker7 crumbs. Place 1 teaspoon peanut butter8mixture on top of hardened chocolate9 cracker layer. Chill 15 to 30 minutes.

Melt 6 ounces chocolate10 bar with butter and paraffin wax11. Top the peanut butter12 layer with about 1 teaspoon chocolate13 mixture. Chill to harden. Refrigerate leftovers.

Yield: 3 dozen peanut butter cups

Chocolate Dunk Cookies

another offering from Diabetic Gourmet Recipes

Yield: 36 servings

Serving size: 1 cookie

Source: Splenda

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 squares Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) margarine, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon thawed Cool Whip Sugar Free Whipped Topping

1 teaspoon warm water

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. Chop 2 of the chocolate squares.

Beat margarine, brown sugar and Splenda Granulated Sweetener in large bowl with mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chopped chocolate.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake cookies 11 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets one minute; remove and place on wire racks. Cool completely.

Melt remaining 2 chocolate squares as directed on package. Stir in cool whip and water. Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate; let stand until firm.

Nutritional Information Per Serving Calories: 90; Calories from Fat: 45; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 90 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g

Whoopie Pies

from Carroll Pellegrinelli, guide at Baking.about.com

Carroll writes, "Want to make someone smile? Just offer them a Whoopie Pie. It's a cookie. It's a cake, but I can't think of it as a pie. It's also known as the official treat of Maine. Typically, it's top and bottom are chocolate cake with a middle fluffy frosting often made with marshmallow fluff. These days you can find fancier versions made of Red Velvet Cake, Pumpkin and/or Gingerbread Cake both with a cream cheese frosting filling. You'll note that I've included both a from-scratch cake and a cake mix recipe on this page. You could also make yours with a more traditional buttercream frosting. Personally, I prefer the taste and texture of the marshmallow cream frosting."

She always comes up with decadent dessert recipes; I recommend signing up for her emails, too. You won't regret it!

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 57 minutes

Yield: Makes 8 individual servings

Ingredients:

From-Scratch Whoopie Pies

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk*

Filling

1 cup butter, softened

7-ounce jar marshmallow fluff

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Cake Mix Version

one 18-ounce chocolate or Devil's Food cake mix

1/2 cup vegetable oil or softened butter

3 eggs

3/4 cup water

Preparation:

For From-Scratch Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Mix in egg. Slowly add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk. Ending with the buttermilk. Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into rounds on prepared baking sheet. You should be able to get 16 cakes. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks for cooling. Cool completely.

For Cake Mix Recipe

Mix ingredients in a bowl with a electric mixer to just moisten. Then, on medium for 2 minutes until well combined. Finish by following the above baking instructions.

Filling Instructions

Cream the butter and marshmallow fluff. Slowly add in the powdered sugar. Add vanilla and beat until smooth.

To Assemble Whoopie Pies

Place a couple of tablespoons of filling on the flat bottoms of half of the pies. Top the filling with the flat bottoms of the other pies.

Notes in the Margin: *Don't have buttermilk? Take a glass mixing cup and add one tablespoon of white vinegar. Fill the rest of the cup with milk. Stir and use instead of the buttermilk.

So, if these recipes, sound good, sign up for Carroll's and Peggy's emails (at about.com), as well as Diabetic Gourmet Recipes. You won't be disappointed!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Emailing List Recipes

I was on several foodie and recipe emailing lists for a number of years and discovered many wonderful recipes while on them. Unfortunately, some of the lists closed, others slowed down, and the rest...It got so that if I didn't check certain email accounts in a timely way, I'd end up overwhelmed. Now I'm not on any of them, though there are times I really miss them.

Here are a few recipes found from a few of the lists. If the recipes have where they came from, I've included that info.

Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

from: Bountiful Harvest Cookbook

Whoever posted this on the emailing list wrote, "I've had this recipe for years and make it often since Michigan has an abundance of apples. The caramel sauce is a special touch, especially when serving guests."

SERVINGS: 9

CATEGORY: Dessert

METHOD: Baked

TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups chopped peeled baking apples

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

CARAMEL SAUCE:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup cream or evaporated milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg. Combine flour, baking soda, nutmeg and cinnamon; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in apples and walnuts. Turn into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until cake tests done.

Meanwhile, for caramel sauce, blend brown sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add remaining ingredients; cook and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes. Serve cake warm or cold with warm caramel sauce.

Yield: 9 servings.

Nutrition Facts

One serving: (1 piece) Calories: 436 Fat: 21 g Saturated Fat: 11 g Cholesterol: 91 mg Sodium: 335 mg Carbohydrate: 60 g Fiber: 1 g Protein: 5 g

State Fair Corn Dogs

1 c. flour

3/4 c. yellow cornmeal

2 tbsp. sugar

2 tbsp. baking powder

1 tbsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. salt

1 c. milk

1 egg

2 tbsp. shortening

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening. Add milk and slightlybeaten egg. Mix quickly until nearly smooth. Pour batter into a tall glass for dunking hot dogs. Fry in hot deep fat until golden brown.

Pumpkin Apple Butter

A great butter for spreading on your toast, muffins, bagels, crackers, you name it! You'll find this pumpkin apple butter recipe is easy to make. And, it is so tasty, that it will quickly disappear.

Makes: 3 cups

1 3/4 cups Solid Pack Pumpkin

1 cup Apple Juice

1 cup(about 1 medium) Peeled and grated Apple

1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

3/4 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

Combine pumpkin, apple juice, apple, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Pour into container. Cover,chill. May be stored in refrigerator for up to two months.

Tiramisu

The email added, "A tiramisu made with sponge cake and sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone filling."

INGREDIENTS:

1 sponge cake (10-12 inch), about 3" tall

1/3 cup strong black coffee

5 tablespoons rum or brandy, good quality

1 1/2 pounds cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, room temperature

1 to 1/2 cups superfine or powdered sugar

sifted unsweetened cocoa powder

PREPARATION:

Cut across middle of sponge cake, making two even layers, each about 1 1/2 inches high. Combine coffee and brandy. Sprinkle enough of mixture over bottom half of cake to flavor strongly. Don't moisten cake too much. Beat room-temperature cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until sugar is completely dissolved and the cream cheese mixture is light and fluffy. Test for sweetness and add more sugar if necessary. Spread cut surface of bottom layer with half of the cheese mixture. Replace second layer and top this with remaining cheese mixture. Sprinkle top liberally with sifted cocoa. Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.

Fettuccine Alfredo

"This fettuccine recipe is purported to be similar to a famous Italian restaurant's fettuccine dish," according to the email sender.

Ingredients:

8 ounces fettuccine

8 ounces cream cheese, cut in small pieces

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter

1/2 cup milk

Preparation:

Cook fettuccine in boiling salted water following package directions. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and hot. do not boil. Toss the hot cooked pasta lightly with sauce, coating well.

Serves 4.

Pasta Roma Soup

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Someone wrote that it "Mimics Olive Garden's soup." If you'd prefer a vegetarian version of this, you could use a soy "bacon" in place of the bacon and vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup uncooked miniature pasta bow ties

2 cans (approx. 15 ounces each) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

6 slices bacon, cooked, drained, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

3/4 cup chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 cup julienne-cut carrots

1 can (14.5 ounces) tomatoes, diced

4 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground rosemary

2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley

Preparation:

Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Add garbanzo beans to food processor and pulse until beans are well mashed. Scrape down sides of work bowl occasionally. Set aside. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or stockpot. Add carrots, onions, celery and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add remaining ingredients except pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Keep warm. Add pasta to finished soup, heat through, and serve immediately.

Serves 4.