Finally, Friday! While it's been a good week (at least for me), it's still been a long one. (Yay, Friday!) I hope your week has been decent, and that your weekend is better. And now, for your weekend recipes. Enjoy!
VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP
This comes from The Food Network. It starts off, "This soup is just as good for dinner as it is for lunch - it's warming and comforting and perfect for a rainy day." Total Time: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings, about 4 cups; level: easy
To read this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/vegetable-noodle-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 rib celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
1 medium carrot, sliced (about 3/4 cup)
1 clove garlic, smashed
1/4 medium onion, about 1/2 cup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup orzo or other small pasta or egg noodles or broken up spaghetti
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1 quart box, or 2 cans)
Small handful fresh parsley leaves, basil or dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
Freshly ground black pepper
Serving suggestion: Whole-wheat crackers and cheese sticks
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add all the vegetables, garlic and onion. Season with the salt, and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until slightly toasted and golden, about 2 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, covered, until pasta is just tender, about 8 minutes.
Stir in whatever herb suits you (or your young eater) and lemon juice. Season with pepper and additional salt, to taste. Fill thermos, pack in a lunch sack with crackers and cheese sticks and send off to school.
TIP: This soup freezes well, so freeze any leftovers or make a double batch to have plenty on hand. Also, you can stir in some cooked chicken or mini-meatballs, if desired, for another meal.
RANCHER'S BREAKFAST PIE
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Yields 6 servings
6 eggs, beaten
1/3 C milk
2 C (8 oz) shredded milk cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
3 T chopped green onion
2 T chopped green bell pepper
1/4 t white pepper
2 C refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
1/2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1 T butter or margarine, melted
Paprika
In large bowl, combine eggs and milk. Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, bell pepper and white pepper. Pour into well buttered 9 inch pie plate. Toss potatoes with salt and black pepper; sprinkle over egg mixture. Drizzle butter over potatoes; sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 325 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
NEW ENGLAND MINI CORN CAKES
Yield: 12 servings
Source: "200 Healthy Recipes in 30 minutes or Less!" by Robyn Webb
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/74.shtml
Notes: Make silver dollar pancakes the easy way, with a muffin tin.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1-1/3 cups yellow cornmeal
1-1/3 cups unbleached white flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup evaporated fat-free milk
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons low-calorie margarine
3 teaspoons maple extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Spray 24 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients and mix until blended.
Fill each muffin cup one-third full with batter. Bake for 13 minutes until browned. Each pancake should be 1/2 inch high.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (2 cakes): Calories: 163, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 54 mg, Sodium: 177 mg, Carbohydrate: 29 g, Dietary Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 5 g, Protein: 6 g Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch
MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD
Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live, although the episodes can still be found here. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/.This recipe and the next (Raisin Walnut Bread) are from Breaking Bread... This recipe yields 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.
RAISIN WALNUT BREAD
Also from Breaking Bread with Father Dominic. Yield:2 loaves.
Ingredients:
1 cup lukewarm milk
1 cup lukewarm water
2 packages FLEISCHMANN's Active Dry Yeast
2 tablespoons light molasses
2 cups rye flour, divided
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I prefer canola)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 to 3 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
2 cups raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Directions:
Combine milk, water, yeast, molasses and 1 cup of the rye flour in a large mixing bowl; stir to mix well. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Add oil and salt; mix well. Stir in the remaining 1 cup rye flour. Let dough rest 10 minutes; the rye flour will absorb moisture.
Add 3 cups of the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously 8 to 10 minutes, adding enough of the remaining 1/2 cup bread flour to make a firm (but not stiff) dough that is slightly sticky. Lightly oil surface of dough, and put in the rinsed mixing bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 60 to 75 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough. Knead briefly to work out the larger air bubbles. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Sprinkle raisins and walnuts on top of dough. Fold the edges of the dough toward the center. Knead dough a few minutes to evenly distribute the raisins and walnuts. (At first the dough will be messy and seem to be falling apart, but be patient; it will all come together.)
Divide dough in half and shape each half into a loaf. Place loaves in lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans. Cover with a towel and let rise 40 minutes, or until nearly doubled in bulk.
About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, or until loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans and let cool on wire racks.
Note: If you would prefer smaller loaves, divide the dough into four pieces and use mini-loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. I like the smaller size for gift breads or for a light buffet.
EASY VEGETARIAN COUSCOUS SALAD
Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “Like couscous salads? This one is just about perfect. It's an easy vegetarian and vegan couscous salad recipe with chickpeas and cucumbers in a light lemon Dijon dressing with chopped fresh parsley. Couscous salad is always a good choice to bring to a vegetarian potluck or picnic.”
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked couscous
6 green onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans) pre-cooked or canned
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
dash pepper to taste
Preparation:
Combine the couscous, onions, tomatoes, cucumber chickpeas and parsley in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk or blend together the remaining ingredients and pour over the couscous, tossing gently to coat.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Diabetic Thursday
While very few of us choose to have diabetes (or have loved ones with it), we do have a choice about whether to eat boring food, or something that really tastes good. These recipes fit the latter bill. And while you don't have to be diabetic to enjoy these recipes, it's nice to know that if you're fixing it for yourself and a diabetic, you both can eat these. Enjoy!
CAPPUCCINO PIE
Yield: 8 servings
Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/838.shtml
Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive?details/61.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup room temperature coffee
1 envelope (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup coffee liqueur
1 cup nonfat or light ricotta cheese
Sugar substitute equal to 1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups nonfat or light whipped topping
1 Chocolate-Almond Piecrust (recipe follows)
1-1/2 tablespoons shaved dark chocolate
Directions
Place 2 tablespoons of the coffee in a blender. Sprinkle the gelatin over the coffee and let sit for 2 minutes.
Bring the remaining coffee to a boil and pour over the mixture in the blender. Blend for 1 minute, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Add the liqueur to the blender mixture and blend to mix. Add the ricotta, sugar substitute, and cinnamon and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the consistency of pudding. Whisk until smooth and then fold in the whipped topping.
Spread the ricotta mixture into the piecrust, swirling the top. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top.
Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or until set.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 208; Protein: 7.2 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 128 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1.1 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Exchanges: 2 Carbohydrate: 1-1/2 Fat
CHOCOLATE-ALMOND PIECRUST
Yield: 8 servings
Find this recipe at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/839.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs
Sugar substitute equal to 3 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons melted margarine or butter
1-1/2 teaspoons fat-free egg substitute
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the almonds and sugar in a food processor and process until the almonds are finely ground. Add the graham cracker crumbs and sugar substitute and process to mix well.
Add the margarine or butter and the egg substitute and process, pulsing for a few seconds at a time, until the mixture is moistened.
Coat a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture firmly over the bottom and sides of the pan. (Place your hand inside a small plastic bag as you press to prevent sticking.)
Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool to room temperature before filling.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 109; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 89 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Fat
REALLY RASPBERRY PARFAITS
Yield: 4 servings
Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/837.shtml
Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/61.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup light raspberry yogurt
1/2 cup nonfat or light whipped topping
2 cups fresh raspberries, rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Directions
Place the yogurt in a bowl and fold in the whipped topping.
Place 1/4 cup of raspberries in each of four 8-ounce wine glasses. Top the berries in each glass with 3 tablespoons of the yogurt mixture.
Repeat the layers and top each serving with a sprinkling of almonds.
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 83; Protein: 2.7 g; Fat: 2.3 g; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Dietary Fiber: 4.5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS
Servings: 12
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/170.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/4 cup oat bran cereal; uncooked
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Coat 12 medium-size cups with vegetables oil or line with paper baking cups.
In a medium bowl combine oat bran cereal, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In large bowl combine applesauce, honey, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in apple.
Fill prepared muffin cup almost full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1 Fat; 1/2 Fruit
HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Yield: 5 servings
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/901.shtml
Source: Mr. Food Every Day's A Holiday Diabetic Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/89.shtml
Ingredients
2 cans (14 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 pound firm tofu, cut into small chunks
1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Directions
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup chicken broth and the cornstarch; mix well and set aside.
In a soup pot, combine the remaining chicken broth, the tofu, mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and pepper; mix well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low; stir in the cornstarch mixture until thickened.
Slowy stir in the beaten egg to form egg strands.
Add the bean sprouts and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add the sesame oil; mix well and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 89; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 644 mg; Cholesterol: 43 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Meat
QUESADILLAS
Yield: 8 servings (2 wedges)
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/899.shtml
Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/12.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup shredded Mexican Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or brick cheese
1 green onion, minced
1-3 tablespoons canned chopped green chilies (to taste)
4 8-inch flour tortillas
Chunky salsa, for topping or dip
Directions
In a medium bowl, toss together the cheese, green onion, and chilies; set aside.
Spray a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat.
When hot, add 1 tortilla and sprinkle it with one-fourth of the cheese mixture.
When the cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute, fold the tortilla in half.
Continue cooking until lightly browned and crisp on both sides, about 1 minute.
Transfer to a cutting board.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cut into 4 wedges with a knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately with the salsa.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 134; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 211 mg; Cholesterol: 12 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g ; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fat
CAPPUCCINO PIE
Yield: 8 servings
Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/838.shtml
Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive?details/61.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup room temperature coffee
1 envelope (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup coffee liqueur
1 cup nonfat or light ricotta cheese
Sugar substitute equal to 1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups nonfat or light whipped topping
1 Chocolate-Almond Piecrust (recipe follows)
1-1/2 tablespoons shaved dark chocolate
Directions
Place 2 tablespoons of the coffee in a blender. Sprinkle the gelatin over the coffee and let sit for 2 minutes.
Bring the remaining coffee to a boil and pour over the mixture in the blender. Blend for 1 minute, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Add the liqueur to the blender mixture and blend to mix. Add the ricotta, sugar substitute, and cinnamon and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the consistency of pudding. Whisk until smooth and then fold in the whipped topping.
Spread the ricotta mixture into the piecrust, swirling the top. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top.
Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or until set.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 208; Protein: 7.2 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 128 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1.1 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Exchanges: 2 Carbohydrate: 1-1/2 Fat
CHOCOLATE-ALMOND PIECRUST
Yield: 8 servings
Find this recipe at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/839.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs
Sugar substitute equal to 3 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons melted margarine or butter
1-1/2 teaspoons fat-free egg substitute
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the almonds and sugar in a food processor and process until the almonds are finely ground. Add the graham cracker crumbs and sugar substitute and process to mix well.
Add the margarine or butter and the egg substitute and process, pulsing for a few seconds at a time, until the mixture is moistened.
Coat a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture firmly over the bottom and sides of the pan. (Place your hand inside a small plastic bag as you press to prevent sticking.)
Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool to room temperature before filling.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 109; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 89 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Fat
REALLY RASPBERRY PARFAITS
Yield: 4 servings
Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/837.shtml
Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/61.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup light raspberry yogurt
1/2 cup nonfat or light whipped topping
2 cups fresh raspberries, rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Directions
Place the yogurt in a bowl and fold in the whipped topping.
Place 1/4 cup of raspberries in each of four 8-ounce wine glasses. Top the berries in each glass with 3 tablespoons of the yogurt mixture.
Repeat the layers and top each serving with a sprinkling of almonds.
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 83; Protein: 2.7 g; Fat: 2.3 g; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Dietary Fiber: 4.5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS
Servings: 12
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/170.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/4 cup oat bran cereal; uncooked
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Coat 12 medium-size cups with vegetables oil or line with paper baking cups.
In a medium bowl combine oat bran cereal, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In large bowl combine applesauce, honey, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in apple.
Fill prepared muffin cup almost full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1 Fat; 1/2 Fruit
HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Yield: 5 servings
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/901.shtml
Source: Mr. Food Every Day's A Holiday Diabetic Cookbook
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/89.shtml
Ingredients
2 cans (14 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 pound firm tofu, cut into small chunks
1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Directions
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup chicken broth and the cornstarch; mix well and set aside.
In a soup pot, combine the remaining chicken broth, the tofu, mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and pepper; mix well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low; stir in the cornstarch mixture until thickened.
Slowy stir in the beaten egg to form egg strands.
Add the bean sprouts and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add the sesame oil; mix well and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 89; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 644 mg; Cholesterol: 43 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Meat
QUESADILLAS
Yield: 8 servings (2 wedges)
Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/899.shtml
Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/12.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup shredded Mexican Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or brick cheese
1 green onion, minced
1-3 tablespoons canned chopped green chilies (to taste)
4 8-inch flour tortillas
Chunky salsa, for topping or dip
Directions
In a medium bowl, toss together the cheese, green onion, and chilies; set aside.
Spray a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat.
When hot, add 1 tortilla and sprinkle it with one-fourth of the cheese mixture.
When the cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute, fold the tortilla in half.
Continue cooking until lightly browned and crisp on both sides, about 1 minute.
Transfer to a cutting board.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cut into 4 wedges with a knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately with the salsa.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 134; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 211 mg; Cholesterol: 12 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g ; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fat
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Wednesday Food
Here are your Wednesday recipes. Enjoy!
ORANGE AND PEAR SALAD
This comes from FamilyTime's newsletter. This one starts off, “A tasty treat! Fresh, seasonal fruit tastes great in this salad, dressed with a honeyed plain yogurt dressing.” Serves 4. Prep Time: 20; Cook Time: 5 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 oranges
2 medium pears, cored and sliced
1/2 cup lowfat yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups mixed salad greens, torn
1/4 cup chopped pecans, chopped
Directions
Grate 1/4 tsp. zest from one oranged; set aside. Cut peel from oranges; then working over a bowl to catch juices, cut oranges into sections. Remove and set aside 1 Tbs. Of juice from the bowl. Add pears to bowl and toss lightly to mix.
For dressing, combine reserved orange zest and juice, the yogurt and honey. In a 6 1/2 cup bow, place greens. Arrange orange and pear slices over greens, then pour dressing over all.
Toss lightly to mix; then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD
Yield: 6 servings
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/908.shtml
Source: 200 Healthy Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less!
http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/74.shtml
Ingredients
Salad:
1 cup cooked corn kernels
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup green peas, frozen and thawed
1/2 cup each sliced red and green pepper
1/3 cup canned black beans, drained
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast
Dressing:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
Directions
Combine all salad ingredients. In a blender or food processor, blend all dressing ingredients. Toss the dressing with the salad and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 181; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 94 mg; Cholesterol: 42 mg ; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Exchanges: 2 Very Lean Meat, 1 Starch, 1/2 Monounsaturated Fat
LEMON TART
This comes from Rebecca Franklin, About.com's French Food expert. She writes, "This is the quintessential French tart, found at patisseries and cafes year-round. Cool, sharp lemon filling contrasts nicely with the flaky, slightly sweet pastry. A little dollop of Chantilly cream served with the dessert makes the ideal treat." Prep Time: 120 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 165 minutesTo view this online, click here.Ingredients
Pastry:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons cold butter
3 tablespoons cold water
Lemon Filling:
8 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup crème fraiche or sour cream
2 eggs
3 egg yolks
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons lemon zest
Preparation
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, large-tined fork, or a food processor on pulse setting, cut the chilled butter into the flour until it resembles coarse sand with a few pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Sprinkle the cold water onto the mixture and toss gently a few times, just until it forms a ball that holds together.
Separate the dough into two balls, flatten slightly into thick disk shapes, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for several hours before working with it.
Preheat an oven to 375F. Roll and trim the dough to make a circle large enough to fit a 10-inch fluted tart pan. Fit the circle into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Line the line the dough with pie weights or dried beans and bake it for 15 minutes. Remove the pie weights and bake the shell for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside the pastry shell, still in the tart pan, to cool.
In a double boiler or a medium size saucepan set a large pan of simmering water, stir together 8 tablespoons butter and the crème fraiche. Once this mixture is thoroughly combined, set it aside.
In a separate pan set over the double boiler, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Stir the lemon juice into the mixture and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and butter-crème fraiche mixture to the eggs and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pastry and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, until it turns golden brown and the filling is set.
Allow the tart to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Serve at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
This lemon tart recipe makes 8 to 10 servings.
VANILLA CHANTILLY CREAM
This is also from Rebecca Franklin, and goes with the Lemon Tart recipe above. She writes, "A good Chantilly cream recipe is essential to every French kitchen. Rich whipped cream infused with vanilla extract is a classic embellishment to French pastry, Génoise cakes, and tarts." Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together on high speed until soft peaks form in the mixture. Chill any unused Chantilly cream.
Makes enough cream for one average-size cake or pastry recipe.
'CHICKEN' AND DUMPLINGS
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
3/4 cup soy milk
For the Soup: 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 lb. faux chicken, torn into small pieces (try Worthington brand Chickette or Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chick'n Strips)
1 bay leaf
Combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a bowl.
Mix the margarine with the dry mixture until crumbly. Add the soy milk, stirring until moistened. Add more soy milk, as needed, if the mixture is too dry.
Knead the dough for 30 seconds on a well-floured surface, then roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Place the margarine, onion, and celery for the soup in a large saucepan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to make a thick paste. Slowly mix in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the carrots, faux chicken, and bay leaf.
Add the dumpling squares one at a time, stirring gently. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.
FRAGRANT FRENCH ONION SOUP
From another forgotten emailing list. It starts off, "A classic that’s so simple, you’ll wonder what you did before you started serving this staple soup." Makes 4 servings
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil or water
2-3 large onions, sliced
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
4 cups water
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
4 slices French bread, toasted, or croutons
Heat the oil or water in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir until the onions are well coated. Add the water and soy sauce or tamari and stir well. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer, covered, until the onions are tender. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Serve in individual bowls topped with the French bread or croutons.
ORANGE AND PEAR SALAD
This comes from FamilyTime's newsletter. This one starts off, “A tasty treat! Fresh, seasonal fruit tastes great in this salad, dressed with a honeyed plain yogurt dressing.” Serves 4. Prep Time: 20; Cook Time: 5 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 oranges
2 medium pears, cored and sliced
1/2 cup lowfat yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups mixed salad greens, torn
1/4 cup chopped pecans, chopped
Directions
Grate 1/4 tsp. zest from one oranged; set aside. Cut peel from oranges; then working over a bowl to catch juices, cut oranges into sections. Remove and set aside 1 Tbs. Of juice from the bowl. Add pears to bowl and toss lightly to mix.
For dressing, combine reserved orange zest and juice, the yogurt and honey. In a 6 1/2 cup bow, place greens. Arrange orange and pear slices over greens, then pour dressing over all.
Toss lightly to mix; then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD
Yield: 6 servings
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/908.shtml
Source: 200 Healthy Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less!
http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/74.shtml
Ingredients
Salad:
1 cup cooked corn kernels
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup green peas, frozen and thawed
1/2 cup each sliced red and green pepper
1/3 cup canned black beans, drained
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast
Dressing:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
Directions
Combine all salad ingredients. In a blender or food processor, blend all dressing ingredients. Toss the dressing with the salad and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 181; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 94 mg; Cholesterol: 42 mg ; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Exchanges: 2 Very Lean Meat, 1 Starch, 1/2 Monounsaturated Fat
LEMON TART
This comes from Rebecca Franklin, About.com's French Food expert. She writes, "This is the quintessential French tart, found at patisseries and cafes year-round. Cool, sharp lemon filling contrasts nicely with the flaky, slightly sweet pastry. A little dollop of Chantilly cream served with the dessert makes the ideal treat." Prep Time: 120 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 165 minutesTo view this online, click here.Ingredients
Pastry:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons cold butter
3 tablespoons cold water
Lemon Filling:
8 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup crème fraiche or sour cream
2 eggs
3 egg yolks
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons lemon zest
Preparation
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, large-tined fork, or a food processor on pulse setting, cut the chilled butter into the flour until it resembles coarse sand with a few pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Sprinkle the cold water onto the mixture and toss gently a few times, just until it forms a ball that holds together.
Separate the dough into two balls, flatten slightly into thick disk shapes, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for several hours before working with it.
Preheat an oven to 375F. Roll and trim the dough to make a circle large enough to fit a 10-inch fluted tart pan. Fit the circle into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Line the line the dough with pie weights or dried beans and bake it for 15 minutes. Remove the pie weights and bake the shell for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside the pastry shell, still in the tart pan, to cool.
In a double boiler or a medium size saucepan set a large pan of simmering water, stir together 8 tablespoons butter and the crème fraiche. Once this mixture is thoroughly combined, set it aside.
In a separate pan set over the double boiler, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Stir the lemon juice into the mixture and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and butter-crème fraiche mixture to the eggs and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pastry and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, until it turns golden brown and the filling is set.
Allow the tart to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Serve at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
This lemon tart recipe makes 8 to 10 servings.
VANILLA CHANTILLY CREAM
This is also from Rebecca Franklin, and goes with the Lemon Tart recipe above. She writes, "A good Chantilly cream recipe is essential to every French kitchen. Rich whipped cream infused with vanilla extract is a classic embellishment to French pastry, Génoise cakes, and tarts." Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together on high speed until soft peaks form in the mixture. Chill any unused Chantilly cream.
Makes enough cream for one average-size cake or pastry recipe.
'CHICKEN' AND DUMPLINGS
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
3/4 cup soy milk
For the Soup: 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 lb. faux chicken, torn into small pieces (try Worthington brand Chickette or Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chick'n Strips)
1 bay leaf
Combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a bowl.
Mix the margarine with the dry mixture until crumbly. Add the soy milk, stirring until moistened. Add more soy milk, as needed, if the mixture is too dry.
Knead the dough for 30 seconds on a well-floured surface, then roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Place the margarine, onion, and celery for the soup in a large saucepan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to make a thick paste. Slowly mix in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the carrots, faux chicken, and bay leaf.
Add the dumpling squares one at a time, stirring gently. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.
FRAGRANT FRENCH ONION SOUP
From another forgotten emailing list. It starts off, "A classic that’s so simple, you’ll wonder what you did before you started serving this staple soup." Makes 4 servings
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil or water
2-3 large onions, sliced
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
4 cups water
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
4 slices French bread, toasted, or croutons
Heat the oil or water in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir until the onions are well coated. Add the water and soy sauce or tamari and stir well. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer, covered, until the onions are tender. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Serve in individual bowls topped with the French bread or croutons.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Weekday Recipes
Here's another batch of recipes for your eating pleasure. Enjoy!
SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH POTATO TOPPING
This is from Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food expert. She writes, “Although this dish is called a 'pie,' there isn’t any pastry involved. It is simply a mix of ground turkey and vegetables in a sauce with a topping of mashed potatoes. The dish is browned in the oven for a delicious example of comfort food. For a pretty effect, pipe the topping over the filling, using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Serve this hearty meal with a steamed green vegetable.” Yield: Serves 6 to 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Potato Topping
3 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inches pieces
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup thawed frozen peas
3/4 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Preparation
Make the potato topping: In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes with enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well in a colander. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper to taste. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a small saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes to blanch. Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Stir in the ground turkey, breaking up the large pieces with a fork, and cook until browned. Add the blanched carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well. Cook, stirring often, until the flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Season with black pepper to taste.
Spray a 3-quart gratin dish or shallow casserole with vegetable oil spray. Spoon the vegetable-turkey mixture into the prepared dish. Top with dollops of mashed potatoes. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes:
• You can mash any type of potato, but those with a high starch/low water content, such as russet and Yukon Gold, produce perfect results. The starch creates a fluffy texture, and the low water content allows them to absorb milk and butter without becoming gummy.
• Never try to whip potatoes in a food processor or you will have a gluey mess.
• Ideally, mashed potatoes should be served freshly made, but this is not always possible. Mash them up to 1 hour before serving, reserving one-third of the milk. Place them in a heatproof bowl, set over a pan of barely simmering water. Pour the reserved milk over the top. Just before serving, stir the milk into the potatoes.
• Potatoes are more fragile than you might think, so handle them carefully to prevent bruising. Keep them unwashed in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. If stored in a place that is too hot, the sugar will convert to starch and the potatoes will lose their natural sweetness.
• Choose fairly clean, smooth, firm potatoes. For even cooking, pick potatoes that are about the same size. Do not select ones with wrinkled skins, soft dark spots, cut surfaces, or green areas. Green spots mean they have been exposed to light; cut the spot off before cooking to eliminate bitterness.
EASY CLASSIC TOMATO SOUP
This is also from Kathy Kinglsey, who writes, “There's nothing better than a bowl of good ol' tomato soup, and when it's homemade it will be all that more delicious. Serve this home-style soup with some crusty sourdough bread.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: Serves 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes in their juices, preferably San Marzano
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 sprig thyme
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
Sour cream and chopped scallion greens for garnish
Preparation
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until butter is meted and oil is shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low heat until the tomatoes break down, about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the thyme sprig and bay leaves.
Preheat the broiler. Using a handheld immersion blender, puree the soup in the pot until smooth, or alternatively puree it in batches in a blender. Strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Return the soup to the pot and season again with salt and pepper. Add the cream and stir over medium-low heat just until heated through.
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped scallions.
Recipe Notes and Tips
• You can refrigerate the soup in airtight container for up to 4 days, or store it in the freezer for up to three months.
• San Marzano are considered by many to be best tomatoes from Italy. They are grown in the rich volcanic soil at the base of Mount Vesuvius, which gives them a sweet flavor and low acidity and they are coveted for their firm pulp, deep red color, easy to remove skin and low seed count.are plum tomatoes.
• Instead of canned tomatoes you can substitute 3 1/2 pounds of good-quality ripe fresh tomatoes, and use just 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth or water, and proceed as directed.
• To give the soup a little kick, stir 2 teaspoons of well-drained horseradish or several drops of hot sauce into the soup.
• More options for garnishes include, crumbled crisp bacon, chopped chives, shredded Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or croutons.
* For a heartier soup, stir some cooked, shredded chicken into the soup just before serving.
MARBLED PUMPKIN BROWNIES
This comes from a long-forgotten emailing list. Makes 10 servings
Ingredients:
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
Preparation:
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.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Most of us have at least one or two mac and cheese recipes. I think that this may have come from About.com, but I really can't be sure, as it's been kicking around in my email inbox since early 2009 without any notations to its origin. This one starts off, “This is a classic macaroni and cheese recipe, made with sharp Cheddar cheese and topped with bread crumbs.” Serves 4 to 6.
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire
3 cups milk
1 small onion, grated
3/4 pound shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (3 cups)
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
Preparation:
In saucepan over medium low heat melt 4 tablespoons butter; blend in flour and seasonings, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook and stir until thick and smooth. Stir in grated onion and cheese. Place cooked drained macaroni in a buttered 3-quart casserole. Pour sauce over macaroni and gently mix to blend. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the macaroni. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
CHOCOLATE FILLED CAKE ROLL
Servings: 12 one-inch slices
To view online, click here.
Ingredients
Cake:
5 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 packets of Sweet'n Low
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling:
2 cups skim milk
1 package sugar-free chocolate instant pudding mix
Topping:
2 teaspoons sugar-free cocoa mix
Directions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Grease and line the bottom of a 10x15" jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
Beat eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer until fluffy.
Sprinkle sugar, Sweet'n Low and vanilla over eggs; continue beating for 2 minutes.
Sift flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together.
Sprinkle half the mixture over batter; fold in with spatula.
Repeat with remaining flour mixture.
Spread batter evenly in pan.
Bake on center rack in oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Arrange a towel on work surface and cover with aluminum foil.
Loosen edges of cake; unmold on foil.
Roll cake jelly roll style, using towel as a guide.
Leave cake rolled until it cools into jelly roll shape.
To make filling, blend milk with pudding mix according to package directions.
Refrigerate pudding until it thickens.
Unroll cake, spread evenly with pudding, and reroll.
Lightly sprinkle sugar-free cocoa over the top to decorate.
Cut into 1" slices and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 122; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 197 mg; Cholesterol: 92 mg; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1/2 Skim Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1 Starch
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well. Form into a loaf. Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan. Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258 ; Protein: 7 g ; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH POTATO TOPPING
This is from Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food expert. She writes, “Although this dish is called a 'pie,' there isn’t any pastry involved. It is simply a mix of ground turkey and vegetables in a sauce with a topping of mashed potatoes. The dish is browned in the oven for a delicious example of comfort food. For a pretty effect, pipe the topping over the filling, using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Serve this hearty meal with a steamed green vegetable.” Yield: Serves 6 to 8.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Potato Topping
3 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inches pieces
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup thawed frozen peas
3/4 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Preparation
Make the potato topping: In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes with enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well in a colander. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper to taste. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a small saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes to blanch. Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Stir in the ground turkey, breaking up the large pieces with a fork, and cook until browned. Add the blanched carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well. Cook, stirring often, until the flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Season with black pepper to taste.
Spray a 3-quart gratin dish or shallow casserole with vegetable oil spray. Spoon the vegetable-turkey mixture into the prepared dish. Top with dollops of mashed potatoes. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes:
• You can mash any type of potato, but those with a high starch/low water content, such as russet and Yukon Gold, produce perfect results. The starch creates a fluffy texture, and the low water content allows them to absorb milk and butter without becoming gummy.
• Never try to whip potatoes in a food processor or you will have a gluey mess.
• Ideally, mashed potatoes should be served freshly made, but this is not always possible. Mash them up to 1 hour before serving, reserving one-third of the milk. Place them in a heatproof bowl, set over a pan of barely simmering water. Pour the reserved milk over the top. Just before serving, stir the milk into the potatoes.
• Potatoes are more fragile than you might think, so handle them carefully to prevent bruising. Keep them unwashed in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. If stored in a place that is too hot, the sugar will convert to starch and the potatoes will lose their natural sweetness.
• Choose fairly clean, smooth, firm potatoes. For even cooking, pick potatoes that are about the same size. Do not select ones with wrinkled skins, soft dark spots, cut surfaces, or green areas. Green spots mean they have been exposed to light; cut the spot off before cooking to eliminate bitterness.
EASY CLASSIC TOMATO SOUP
This is also from Kathy Kinglsey, who writes, “There's nothing better than a bowl of good ol' tomato soup, and when it's homemade it will be all that more delicious. Serve this home-style soup with some crusty sourdough bread.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: Serves 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes in their juices, preferably San Marzano
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 sprig thyme
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
Sour cream and chopped scallion greens for garnish
Preparation
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until butter is meted and oil is shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low heat until the tomatoes break down, about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the thyme sprig and bay leaves.
Preheat the broiler. Using a handheld immersion blender, puree the soup in the pot until smooth, or alternatively puree it in batches in a blender. Strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Return the soup to the pot and season again with salt and pepper. Add the cream and stir over medium-low heat just until heated through.
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped scallions.
Recipe Notes and Tips
• You can refrigerate the soup in airtight container for up to 4 days, or store it in the freezer for up to three months.
• San Marzano are considered by many to be best tomatoes from Italy. They are grown in the rich volcanic soil at the base of Mount Vesuvius, which gives them a sweet flavor and low acidity and they are coveted for their firm pulp, deep red color, easy to remove skin and low seed count.are plum tomatoes.
• Instead of canned tomatoes you can substitute 3 1/2 pounds of good-quality ripe fresh tomatoes, and use just 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth or water, and proceed as directed.
• To give the soup a little kick, stir 2 teaspoons of well-drained horseradish or several drops of hot sauce into the soup.
• More options for garnishes include, crumbled crisp bacon, chopped chives, shredded Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or croutons.
* For a heartier soup, stir some cooked, shredded chicken into the soup just before serving.
MARBLED PUMPKIN BROWNIES
This comes from a long-forgotten emailing list. Makes 10 servings
Ingredients:
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
Preparation:
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.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Most of us have at least one or two mac and cheese recipes. I think that this may have come from About.com, but I really can't be sure, as it's been kicking around in my email inbox since early 2009 without any notations to its origin. This one starts off, “This is a classic macaroni and cheese recipe, made with sharp Cheddar cheese and topped with bread crumbs.” Serves 4 to 6.
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire
3 cups milk
1 small onion, grated
3/4 pound shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (3 cups)
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
Preparation:
In saucepan over medium low heat melt 4 tablespoons butter; blend in flour and seasonings, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook and stir until thick and smooth. Stir in grated onion and cheese. Place cooked drained macaroni in a buttered 3-quart casserole. Pour sauce over macaroni and gently mix to blend. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the macaroni. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
CHOCOLATE FILLED CAKE ROLL
Servings: 12 one-inch slices
To view online, click here.
Ingredients
Cake:
5 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 packets of Sweet'n Low
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling:
2 cups skim milk
1 package sugar-free chocolate instant pudding mix
Topping:
2 teaspoons sugar-free cocoa mix
Directions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Grease and line the bottom of a 10x15" jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
Beat eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer until fluffy.
Sprinkle sugar, Sweet'n Low and vanilla over eggs; continue beating for 2 minutes.
Sift flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together.
Sprinkle half the mixture over batter; fold in with spatula.
Repeat with remaining flour mixture.
Spread batter evenly in pan.
Bake on center rack in oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Arrange a towel on work surface and cover with aluminum foil.
Loosen edges of cake; unmold on foil.
Roll cake jelly roll style, using towel as a guide.
Leave cake rolled until it cools into jelly roll shape.
To make filling, blend milk with pudding mix according to package directions.
Refrigerate pudding until it thickens.
Unroll cake, spread evenly with pudding, and reroll.
Lightly sprinkle sugar-free cocoa over the top to decorate.
Cut into 1" slices and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 122; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 197 mg; Cholesterol: 92 mg; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1/2 Skim Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1 Starch
EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF
Servings: 6
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 egg
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine
2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)
1 teaspoon salt
2 slice bread, cubed fine
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup catsup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/3 cup onion, chopped fine
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients well. Form into a loaf. Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan. Bake until done (15-20 minutes).
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258 ; Protein: 7 g ; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat
Monday, January 12, 2015
Meatless Monday
Another Meatless Monday. Enjoy!
SMOTHERED CHEESE GRITS AND STEAMED GREENS
This is from the January/February 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 46. It starts off, “A bowl of grits and a mess of greens might not sound like dinner party fare, but served on a platter and smothered with caramelized onions, this tasty combination looks downright fancy.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
2 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, halved and thinly sliced
3/4 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned white hominy grits (not instant)
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1 lb. curly kale, tough stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces (14 cups)
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
2 oz. (1/2 cup) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, plus more for sprinkling, optional Toasted sesame seeds, optional
Heat 2 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, cover, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, or until onions are softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep warm.
Meanwhile, cook grits according to package directions. Stir in corn and milk, and return to a simmer, stirring constantly to incorporate milk. Keep warm.
Steam kale in basket steamer 4 to 5 minutes, or until wilted but still bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to bowl, and stir in vinegar and remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve: Stir cheese into grits, and transfer to serving platter. Top with kale, then onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and grated cheese (if using).
nutritional information Per Serving (3/4 cup grits, 3/4 cup kale, and 1/2 cup onions): Calories: 210; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Sodium: 84 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
SPAGHETTI WITH LEMON AND TOASTED WALNUTS
From the December 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 62. It starts off, “This simple Italian combination is tasty on its own, or it can be filled out with roasted or steamed vegetables.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
1 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tsp. grated organic lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. spaghetti
1 cup Italian parsley, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on baking sheet 10 minutes. Cool, and coarsely chop.
Whisk together cheese, oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and pepper in large bowl.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Add drained pasta to cheese mixture, and toss to combine, adding some pasta water if mixture seems too thick. Stir in parsley and walnuts, and season with salt and more pepper, if desired.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 387; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 83 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 1 g
CORNBREAD AND PINTO BEAN SHEPHERD'S PIE
This comes from the January/February 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It starts off, “Serve this dish with taco toppings (such as salsa, chile and bell peppers, radishes, and shredded lettuce) that can be sprinkled over each serving.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
2 14.5-oz. cans pinto beans, drained, 1½ cups bean liquid reserved
3 Tbs. tomato paste
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 large red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 1/2 cups), divided
2 1/2 Tbs. chili powder
3 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped (1 1/2 cups), divided
6 Tbs. whole-grain cornbread and muffin mix, such as Arrowhead Mills
1 1/3 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt, divided
1 large egg
1 1/2 Tbs. sugar
Place oven rack in top position, and preheat oven to 425°F. Coat 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray. Whisk reserved bean liquid with tomato paste in bowl.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups onion. Cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add chili powder, and stir 10 seconds to coat onions. Stir in tomato paste mixture, 1 cup tomatoes, and then beans. Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered, 6 minutes, or until flavors blend and chili liquids thicken. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Meanwhile, combine cornbread mix, 1/3 cup yogurt, egg, sugar, and 1 Tbs. water in medium bowl.
Spread chili beans in prepared pie dish. Pour cornbread batter over beans, spreading with back of spoon. Bake 10 minutes, or until cornbread is set and golden.
Meanwhile, finely chop remaining 1/2 cup onion. Place in small bowl; mix in remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Divide shepherd’s pie among shallow bowls. Serve with tomato salsa and remaining 1 cup yogurt.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe 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, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
ROASTED SQUASH AND APPLE CHOWDER WITH COLORFUL POTATOES
This is from the October 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It starts off, “Puréed roasted butternut squash provides the creamy base for a hearty chowder. If making the chowder ahead, prepare the recipe through step 3, then assemble and reheat just before serving.” Serves 8.
2 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (6 cups), divided
3 medium apples, peeled and diced (3 cups), divided
2 large leeks, white parts cut into 1-inch chunks (1 cup), plus 1/2 cup thinly sliced leek greens, divided
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1 lb. multicolored potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1/2 cup apple juice
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine 5 cups butternut squash chunks, 2 cups diced apple, leek whites, oil, and maple syrup in large bowl, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread squash mixture in single layer on prepared baking sheet, and roast 30 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Cook potato chunks and remaining 1 cup butternut squash in boiling, salted water 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, and set aside.
Purée roasted vegetables in blender until smooth. Add purée and apple juice to large soup pot with 4 cups water. Whisk in vinegar, and heat over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add boiled potatoes and squash, remaining 1 cup diced apple, and leek greens, and simmer 5 minutes, or until hot.
nutritional information Per 1 1/4-cup serving: Calories: 162; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 12 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
CREAMY SPINACH SOUP WITH PANEER CROUTONS
This is from the October 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. It starts out, “Paneer, a mild Indian cheese, tops this tasty soup. If you can’t find paneer, substitute cubed fresh mozzarella or tofu.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
2 Tbs. butter, divided
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. black mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1 cup frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
3 2/3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 1-lb. pkg. frozen spinach
4 oz. paneer cheese, cubed (1 cup)
Heat 1 Tbs. butter in pot over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in ginger, garlic, curry powder, mustard seeds, and turmeric. Cook 1 minute. Add hash browns and broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 7 minutes. Stir in spinach, and cook 2 minutes more, or until wilted. Purée with immersion blender until smooth.
Heat remaining 1 Tbs. butter in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add paneer cubes, and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Spoon paneer over soup, and serve hot.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 264; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 453 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 6 g; Gluten-Free
SMOTHERED CHEESE GRITS AND STEAMED GREENS
This is from the January/February 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 46. It starts off, “A bowl of grits and a mess of greens might not sound like dinner party fare, but served on a platter and smothered with caramelized onions, this tasty combination looks downright fancy.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
To view online, click here.
3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
2 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, halved and thinly sliced
3/4 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned white hominy grits (not instant)
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1 lb. curly kale, tough stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces (14 cups)
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
2 oz. (1/2 cup) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, plus more for sprinkling, optional Toasted sesame seeds, optional
Heat 2 Tbs. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, cover, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, or until onions are softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and keep warm.
Meanwhile, cook grits according to package directions. Stir in corn and milk, and return to a simmer, stirring constantly to incorporate milk. Keep warm.
Steam kale in basket steamer 4 to 5 minutes, or until wilted but still bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to bowl, and stir in vinegar and remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
To serve: Stir cheese into grits, and transfer to serving platter. Top with kale, then onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and grated cheese (if using).
nutritional information Per Serving (3/4 cup grits, 3/4 cup kale, and 1/2 cup onions): Calories: 210; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Sodium: 84 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
SPAGHETTI WITH LEMON AND TOASTED WALNUTS
From the December 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 62. It starts off, “This simple Italian combination is tasty on its own, or it can be filled out with roasted or steamed vegetables.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.
1 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tsp. grated organic lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. spaghetti
1 cup Italian parsley, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on baking sheet 10 minutes. Cool, and coarsely chop.
Whisk together cheese, oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and pepper in large bowl.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Add drained pasta to cheese mixture, and toss to combine, adding some pasta water if mixture seems too thick. Stir in parsley and walnuts, and season with salt and more pepper, if desired.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 387; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 83 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 1 g
CORNBREAD AND PINTO BEAN SHEPHERD'S PIE
This comes from the January/February 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It starts off, “Serve this dish with taco toppings (such as salsa, chile and bell peppers, radishes, and shredded lettuce) that can be sprinkled over each serving.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
2 14.5-oz. cans pinto beans, drained, 1½ cups bean liquid reserved
3 Tbs. tomato paste
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 large red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 1/2 cups), divided
2 1/2 Tbs. chili powder
3 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped (1 1/2 cups), divided
6 Tbs. whole-grain cornbread and muffin mix, such as Arrowhead Mills
1 1/3 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt, divided
1 large egg
1 1/2 Tbs. sugar
Place oven rack in top position, and preheat oven to 425°F. Coat 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray. Whisk reserved bean liquid with tomato paste in bowl.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups onion. Cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add chili powder, and stir 10 seconds to coat onions. Stir in tomato paste mixture, 1 cup tomatoes, and then beans. Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered, 6 minutes, or until flavors blend and chili liquids thicken. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Meanwhile, combine cornbread mix, 1/3 cup yogurt, egg, sugar, and 1 Tbs. water in medium bowl.
Spread chili beans in prepared pie dish. Pour cornbread batter over beans, spreading with back of spoon. Bake 10 minutes, or until cornbread is set and golden.
Meanwhile, finely chop remaining 1/2 cup onion. Place in small bowl; mix in remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Divide shepherd’s pie among shallow bowls. Serve with tomato salsa and remaining 1 cup yogurt.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe 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, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
ROASTED SQUASH AND APPLE CHOWDER WITH COLORFUL POTATOES
This is from the October 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It starts off, “Puréed roasted butternut squash provides the creamy base for a hearty chowder. If making the chowder ahead, prepare the recipe through step 3, then assemble and reheat just before serving.” Serves 8.
2 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (6 cups), divided
3 medium apples, peeled and diced (3 cups), divided
2 large leeks, white parts cut into 1-inch chunks (1 cup), plus 1/2 cup thinly sliced leek greens, divided
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1 lb. multicolored potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1/2 cup apple juice
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine 5 cups butternut squash chunks, 2 cups diced apple, leek whites, oil, and maple syrup in large bowl, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread squash mixture in single layer on prepared baking sheet, and roast 30 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Cook potato chunks and remaining 1 cup butternut squash in boiling, salted water 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, and set aside.
Purée roasted vegetables in blender until smooth. Add purée and apple juice to large soup pot with 4 cups water. Whisk in vinegar, and heat over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add boiled potatoes and squash, remaining 1 cup diced apple, and leek greens, and simmer 5 minutes, or until hot.
nutritional information Per 1 1/4-cup serving: Calories: 162; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 12 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
CREAMY SPINACH SOUP WITH PANEER CROUTONS
This is from the October 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. It starts out, “Paneer, a mild Indian cheese, tops this tasty soup. If you can’t find paneer, substitute cubed fresh mozzarella or tofu.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
2 Tbs. butter, divided
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. black mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1 cup frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
3 2/3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 1-lb. pkg. frozen spinach
4 oz. paneer cheese, cubed (1 cup)
Heat 1 Tbs. butter in pot over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in ginger, garlic, curry powder, mustard seeds, and turmeric. Cook 1 minute. Add hash browns and broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 7 minutes. Stir in spinach, and cook 2 minutes more, or until wilted. Purée with immersion blender until smooth.
Heat remaining 1 Tbs. butter in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add paneer cubes, and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Spoon paneer over soup, and serve hot.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 264; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 453 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 6 g; Gluten-Free
Friday, January 9, 2015
Weekend Food
Finally, Friday and the weekend! Here are a few recipes to help you with your weekend. Enjoy!
FONTINA & DELICATA SQUASH STRATA
This comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. It starts off, “Almost a cross between savory bread pudding and frittata, strata is always a crowd-pleaser. Layered with roasted squash, creamy Fontina, fresh herbs and toasted bits of sourdough bread, this dish makes a delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch gathering. Serve it alongside breakfast sausage and fresh seasonal fruit for a meal that's sure to hit the spot.” Serves 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Strata:
1 medium Delicata squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
*1/2 loaf (8 ounces) day-old Macrina Bakery bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
5 ounces Fontina cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 cup whole milk 1 cup half-and-half
2 large whole eggs
2 large egg yolks
*Preferably white bread, like our Macrina Casera.
For the Buerre Blanc Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons shallots, finely diced
1 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preparing the Strata:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Butter a 9-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish and set aside.
Wash, peel and seed the squash, then slice it into 1/2-inch half-moons. Place the squash and olive oil in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Spread the squash in a single layer on one of the baking sheets and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast the squash in the oven for 25 minutes or until slightly soft to the touch and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Remove the crust from the bread and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Place 6 ounces, or 4 cups, of the cubes into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the garlic. Cook over medium heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add the butter and garlic to the bread cubes and toss to thoroughly combine. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the second baking sheet and toast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, place in a medium bowl.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and half-and-half for about 2 minutes. Pour the milk mixture over the toasted bread and toss with a spoon to coat. Let cool for 10 minutes. Place the eggs and yolks in a medium bowl and whisk to combine well. Add to the soaked bread along with the squash, parsley, thyme, remaining salt and Fontina. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Loosely place the mixture in the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
Reduce oven temperature to 325° and place dish on the center rack. Bake for 45 minutes, then check to see if the custard has set. If it has set, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to crisp and caramelize the top.
Preparing the Buerre Blanc Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallots and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the shallots are translucent. Add the wine and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook down to 1/2 the volume and then turn the heat down to low. Begin gradually adding small amounts of butter, whisking constantly to blend into the oil, until all the butter is added and dissolved and the sauce has thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serving:
Serve the strata ladled with sauce alongside pan-roasted or grilled sausage.
FRIDGE-CLEARING LENTIL SOUP
This recipe come from Sara Kate Gillingham of TheKitchn newsletter. I absolutely love this newsletter, as well as its brother site, Apartment Therapy. If you haven't signed up for these newsletters, I highly recommend both.
Sara writes the following for this recipe: “The fridge-clearing soup is a staple at my house. In fact, fridge-clearing in general is a good way to characterize my cooking style. But there is something about a sack of lentils that brings out the best of vegetables that have seen better days.”
To view this online (and to see what else Sara writes about this recipe), click here. Serves 10 to 12.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (of any color), chopped
5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground tumeric
1/4 pound chopped bacon, pancetta or ham, optional
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2-inch to 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, optional
2 bay leaves
2 cups dried green lentils, picked over and rinsed
4 to 6 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chopped vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, leafy greens, etc.)
1 to 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
Toppings:
Yogurt, sour cream or crème fraîche
Chopped herbs
Chopped onion
In a large soup pot (6-quart or larger), heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion 1 to 2 minutes until softened, then add the garlic, cumin and tumeric. Stir to coat. Add the bacon. Add a teaspoon or so of salt and a few cranks of pepper. Cook until bacon browns a bit, another minute or so. Add the ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and lentils. Pour over enough stock to cover. Raise the heat to bring to a boil, then lower to medium-low heat, cover the pot, and simmer.
If using tomatoes or hard vegetables, like carrots, add them after 15 minutes. If adding medium-hard vegetables like cauliflower or summer squash, add after 20 minutes. If adding leafy greens, add them when lentils are almost cooked through.
Cook a total of 30 to 40 minutes, checking every 10 minutes to stir the pot. Soup is done when lentils and vegetables are tender, but not falling apart. If soup needs more liquid at any time, stir in a cup or two. (It should look like thick soup, but not like thick chili.) When everything is cooked through, add the vinegar and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed. Pull out the bay leaves and discard.
For a smoother soup, blend some or all of it in a blender or with an immersion blender. (Be careful blending when the soup is hot; blend in small batches.) Return the blended soup to the pot and stir. After blending, it may need more liquid. It also will probably need more liquid after cooling and reheated as leftovers.
Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, chopped onion and/or herbs.
ANYTIME BLACK FOREST BLIZZARD
This was also in the September 2012 issue of Runner’s World, page 50. Contributing chef Pam Anderson comes up with quite a few really yummy recipes. This recipe starts off, “Plain Greek yogurt has roughly twice the protein and half the sugar of plan traditional yogurt. Cherries contain antioxidants that help reduce postrun inflammation. ‘To add crunch, stir in Famous Chocolate Wafers,’ says Anderson.”
I doubt that Pam is reading this, but if she is, all I can say is: Keep it up, please!
1 heaping cup frozen, dark sweet cherries
1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1 C chocolate soymilk
1/4 C Greek yogurt
2 tsp honey or agave syrup
1/4 tsp almond extract
4 Famous Chocolate Wafers, crumbled
Place all the ingredients – except the Famous Chocolate Wafers – in a blender; process until creamy smooth. Divide between two glasses. Top each with a portion of crumbled Famous Chocolate Wafers. Serves two.
Calories per serving: 273; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 4 g
LITHUANIAN APPLE CAKE
This comes from Brett Moore, About.com's Gourmet Food's guide. He writes, “The apple cake recipe is simple to throw together at a moments notice but wonderfully delicious. A spongy light cake stuffed with tons of spiced apples! Decorate with dried apples and serve with vanilla ice cream for a fancy end to your dinner or leave plain and enjoy for breakfast with a cup of coffee.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Apples
5 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons of sugar
Batter
4 large eggs
1 cup of vegetable oil/melted margarine
1/4 cup of orange juice
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 cups of sifted flour
2 cups of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons of baking powder
Powdered sugar
Dried apple slices (optional)
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: Makes 1 9-inch cake
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Mix apples with cinnamon and sugar and let stand in bowl.
In another large bowl, mix together all batter ingredients except the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Butter and flour the cake pan (use a springform pan, deep 8-inch pan or a regular 9- by 13-inch pan). Pour half of the batter in the pan and arrange half of the apple slices on top of the batter. Pour the rest of the batter and arrange the remaining apple slices on top.
Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you like, decorate the top of the cake with dried apple slices. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Vanilla ice cream is a wonderful partner.
THREE-BEAN SOUP
This is one of my favorite quick meals that I usually only fix on weekends, especially if it happens to be cold and/or rainy. It’s from the November/December 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37, in that issue’s “30 Minutes; Quick, Fast Food” section. This vegan recipe serves 6, and starts off, “Here’s a straight-from-the-pantry soup that’ll become a weeknight favorite. (Or, in my case, weekend favorite.) Pureeing one of the cans of beans creates a creamy base without adding extra fat or cholesterol. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and serve with vegetable chips, if desired.”
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
1 15.5-oz. can navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbs.)
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
1 15.5-oz. can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onion 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft. Add navy beans, black beans and garlic, and continue cooking and stirring 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup broth.
Meanwhile, put great Northern beans and remaining 1 cup broth into food processor or blender, and puree until smooth. Pour puree into soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth or water, if desired.
Spoon into individual soup bowls, and serve hot.
Per serving: 231 calories; 13 g protein; 5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat); 39 g carbs; 0 mg cholesterol; 557 mg sodium; 11 g fiber; 5 g sugars
PUMPKIN MUFFINS
This comes from G.E. Appliances. Yields 12 muffins.
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Grease or spray a standard sized muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Cream butter and sugars with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in egg. Add pumpkin and nuts.
Mix dry ingredients together well and add to pumpkin mixture in thirds, alternating with milk. Blend just enough to mix ingredients.
Spoon into prepared muffin pan and bake for 20 minutes.
FONTINA & DELICATA SQUASH STRATA
This comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. It starts off, “Almost a cross between savory bread pudding and frittata, strata is always a crowd-pleaser. Layered with roasted squash, creamy Fontina, fresh herbs and toasted bits of sourdough bread, this dish makes a delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch gathering. Serve it alongside breakfast sausage and fresh seasonal fruit for a meal that's sure to hit the spot.” Serves 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Strata:
1 medium Delicata squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
*1/2 loaf (8 ounces) day-old Macrina Bakery bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
5 ounces Fontina cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 cup whole milk 1 cup half-and-half
2 large whole eggs
2 large egg yolks
*Preferably white bread, like our Macrina Casera.
For the Buerre Blanc Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons shallots, finely diced
1 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preparing the Strata:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Butter a 9-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish and set aside.
Wash, peel and seed the squash, then slice it into 1/2-inch half-moons. Place the squash and olive oil in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Spread the squash in a single layer on one of the baking sheets and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast the squash in the oven for 25 minutes or until slightly soft to the touch and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Remove the crust from the bread and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Place 6 ounces, or 4 cups, of the cubes into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the garlic. Cook over medium heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add the butter and garlic to the bread cubes and toss to thoroughly combine. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the second baking sheet and toast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, place in a medium bowl.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and half-and-half for about 2 minutes. Pour the milk mixture over the toasted bread and toss with a spoon to coat. Let cool for 10 minutes. Place the eggs and yolks in a medium bowl and whisk to combine well. Add to the soaked bread along with the squash, parsley, thyme, remaining salt and Fontina. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Loosely place the mixture in the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
Reduce oven temperature to 325° and place dish on the center rack. Bake for 45 minutes, then check to see if the custard has set. If it has set, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to crisp and caramelize the top.
Preparing the Buerre Blanc Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallots and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the shallots are translucent. Add the wine and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook down to 1/2 the volume and then turn the heat down to low. Begin gradually adding small amounts of butter, whisking constantly to blend into the oil, until all the butter is added and dissolved and the sauce has thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serving:
Serve the strata ladled with sauce alongside pan-roasted or grilled sausage.
FRIDGE-CLEARING LENTIL SOUP
This recipe come from Sara Kate Gillingham of TheKitchn newsletter. I absolutely love this newsletter, as well as its brother site, Apartment Therapy. If you haven't signed up for these newsletters, I highly recommend both.
Sara writes the following for this recipe: “The fridge-clearing soup is a staple at my house. In fact, fridge-clearing in general is a good way to characterize my cooking style. But there is something about a sack of lentils that brings out the best of vegetables that have seen better days.”
To view this online (and to see what else Sara writes about this recipe), click here. Serves 10 to 12.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (of any color), chopped
5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground tumeric
1/4 pound chopped bacon, pancetta or ham, optional
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2-inch to 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, optional
2 bay leaves
2 cups dried green lentils, picked over and rinsed
4 to 6 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chopped vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, leafy greens, etc.)
1 to 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
Toppings:
Yogurt, sour cream or crème fraîche
Chopped herbs
Chopped onion
In a large soup pot (6-quart or larger), heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion 1 to 2 minutes until softened, then add the garlic, cumin and tumeric. Stir to coat. Add the bacon. Add a teaspoon or so of salt and a few cranks of pepper. Cook until bacon browns a bit, another minute or so. Add the ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and lentils. Pour over enough stock to cover. Raise the heat to bring to a boil, then lower to medium-low heat, cover the pot, and simmer.
If using tomatoes or hard vegetables, like carrots, add them after 15 minutes. If adding medium-hard vegetables like cauliflower or summer squash, add after 20 minutes. If adding leafy greens, add them when lentils are almost cooked through.
Cook a total of 30 to 40 minutes, checking every 10 minutes to stir the pot. Soup is done when lentils and vegetables are tender, but not falling apart. If soup needs more liquid at any time, stir in a cup or two. (It should look like thick soup, but not like thick chili.) When everything is cooked through, add the vinegar and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed. Pull out the bay leaves and discard.
For a smoother soup, blend some or all of it in a blender or with an immersion blender. (Be careful blending when the soup is hot; blend in small batches.) Return the blended soup to the pot and stir. After blending, it may need more liquid. It also will probably need more liquid after cooling and reheated as leftovers.
Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, chopped onion and/or herbs.
ANYTIME BLACK FOREST BLIZZARD
This was also in the September 2012 issue of Runner’s World, page 50. Contributing chef Pam Anderson comes up with quite a few really yummy recipes. This recipe starts off, “Plain Greek yogurt has roughly twice the protein and half the sugar of plan traditional yogurt. Cherries contain antioxidants that help reduce postrun inflammation. ‘To add crunch, stir in Famous Chocolate Wafers,’ says Anderson.”
I doubt that Pam is reading this, but if she is, all I can say is: Keep it up, please!
1 heaping cup frozen, dark sweet cherries
1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1 C chocolate soymilk
1/4 C Greek yogurt
2 tsp honey or agave syrup
1/4 tsp almond extract
4 Famous Chocolate Wafers, crumbled
Place all the ingredients – except the Famous Chocolate Wafers – in a blender; process until creamy smooth. Divide between two glasses. Top each with a portion of crumbled Famous Chocolate Wafers. Serves two.
Calories per serving: 273; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 4 g
LITHUANIAN APPLE CAKE
This comes from Brett Moore, About.com's Gourmet Food's guide. He writes, “The apple cake recipe is simple to throw together at a moments notice but wonderfully delicious. A spongy light cake stuffed with tons of spiced apples! Decorate with dried apples and serve with vanilla ice cream for a fancy end to your dinner or leave plain and enjoy for breakfast with a cup of coffee.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Apples
5 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons of sugar
Batter
4 large eggs
1 cup of vegetable oil/melted margarine
1/4 cup of orange juice
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 cups of sifted flour
2 cups of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons of baking powder
Powdered sugar
Dried apple slices (optional)
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: Makes 1 9-inch cake
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Mix apples with cinnamon and sugar and let stand in bowl.
In another large bowl, mix together all batter ingredients except the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Butter and flour the cake pan (use a springform pan, deep 8-inch pan or a regular 9- by 13-inch pan). Pour half of the batter in the pan and arrange half of the apple slices on top of the batter. Pour the rest of the batter and arrange the remaining apple slices on top.
Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you like, decorate the top of the cake with dried apple slices. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Vanilla ice cream is a wonderful partner.
THREE-BEAN SOUP
This is one of my favorite quick meals that I usually only fix on weekends, especially if it happens to be cold and/or rainy. It’s from the November/December 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37, in that issue’s “30 Minutes; Quick, Fast Food” section. This vegan recipe serves 6, and starts off, “Here’s a straight-from-the-pantry soup that’ll become a weeknight favorite. (Or, in my case, weekend favorite.) Pureeing one of the cans of beans creates a creamy base without adding extra fat or cholesterol. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and serve with vegetable chips, if desired.”
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
1 15.5-oz. can navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbs.)
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
1 15.5-oz. can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onion 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft. Add navy beans, black beans and garlic, and continue cooking and stirring 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup broth.
Meanwhile, put great Northern beans and remaining 1 cup broth into food processor or blender, and puree until smooth. Pour puree into soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth or water, if desired.
Spoon into individual soup bowls, and serve hot.
Per serving: 231 calories; 13 g protein; 5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat); 39 g carbs; 0 mg cholesterol; 557 mg sodium; 11 g fiber; 5 g sugars
PUMPKIN MUFFINS
This comes from G.E. Appliances. Yields 12 muffins.
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Grease or spray a standard sized muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Cream butter and sugars with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in egg. Add pumpkin and nuts.
Mix dry ingredients together well and add to pumpkin mixture in thirds, alternating with milk. Blend just enough to mix ingredients.
Spoon into prepared muffin pan and bake for 20 minutes.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Diabetic Thursday
Another Thursday, with more yumminess. I know some of my readers have read here that diabetic food can taste good. Here are a few recipes to prove that point. Enjoy!
APRICOT BARS
Yield: 20 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/892.shtml
Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/12.shtml
Ingredients
3/4 cup dried apricots, divided
1/3 cup water
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, simmer 1/2 cup of the apricots in the water, covered, for 2 minutes. Cool, but do not drain. In a small bowl, diced the remaining apricots.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in the diced apricots.
In a blender, add the cooled apricot mixture and puree, about 1 minute. Add the egg, granulated sugar, oil, zest, and vanilla and mix until just blended, about 30 seconds.
Pour this mixture into the middle of the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Spread in the prepared pan and bake until golden brown and edges begin to crust, 18-20 minutes.
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm bars. Cool before cutting.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 59; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 38 mg; Cholesterol: 11 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate
BAKED CAJUN CHICKEN
Servings: 4
View online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/33.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 to 2 pounds split chicken breasts
1/2 dried thyme, crushed
Nonstick spray coating
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons nonfat milk
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut off skin and discard.
Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the chicken in the dish; meat side up. Brush lightly with milk.
In small bowl mix onion powder, thyme, garlic salt, white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper. Sprinkle over chicken.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 166; Protein: 25 g; Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 0 g; Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat
BOILED TOMATOES PARMESAN
Yield: 4 Servings (1/2 tomato)
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/888.shtml
Source: Magic Menus for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/3.shtml
Ingredients
2 medium ripe tomatoes (12 to 14 ounces total)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh soft bread crumbs, or 1 slice bread, crumbled
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (preferably imported)
Directions
Cut tomatoes in half crosswise. Gently squeeze out and discard the seeds. Place the tomatoes cut side up on a broiler pan prepared with non-stick pan spray.
Combine the garlic, oil, basil, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush evenly over the cut surfaces of the tomatoes. Broil 6 inches from the heat source until hot, about 5 minutes.
While the tomatoes are broiling, combine the crumbs and cheese in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over the tops of the hot tomatoes. Return to the broiler until the crumbs are browned, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 60; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 62 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
BREAD PUDDING WITH RAISINS
Yield: Makes 3 cups (6 servings)
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/885.shtml
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml
Ingredients
3 slices day-old white bread, cubed
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups fat-free milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten, or 1/2 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 1-1/2 quart baking dish with non-stick pan spray.
Mix the bread cubes and raisins in the prepared dish.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; pour the mixture over the bread and raisins; stir to blend.
Set the filled baking dish in a shallow pan on the middle rack of the oven. Pour hot water into the shallow pan to a depth of 1 inch around the baking dish. This creates a water bath to cook the pudding slowly.
Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the pudding comes out clean. Remove the pan from the water bath and serve warm or chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139 ; Protein: 6 g ; Fat: 2 g ; Sodium: 229 mg; Cholesterol: 72 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 16 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
Yield: 16 brownies
Photo and Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/880.shtml
Ingredients
6 tablespoons stick butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Chopped Walnuts
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Beat butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until blended. Stir in combined flour, Equal, chocolate chips, cocoa, baking powder, nuts (optional) and salt until blended.
Spread batter in sprayed 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until top springs back when gently touched.
Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 77 mg; Cholesterol: 38 mg ; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
Yield: 8 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/987.shtm
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie
4 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.
Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients (for added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract). Pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat
APRICOT BARS
Yield: 20 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/892.shtml
Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/12.shtml
Ingredients
3/4 cup dried apricots, divided
1/3 cup water
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, simmer 1/2 cup of the apricots in the water, covered, for 2 minutes. Cool, but do not drain. In a small bowl, diced the remaining apricots.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in the diced apricots.
In a blender, add the cooled apricot mixture and puree, about 1 minute. Add the egg, granulated sugar, oil, zest, and vanilla and mix until just blended, about 30 seconds.
Pour this mixture into the middle of the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Spread in the prepared pan and bake until golden brown and edges begin to crust, 18-20 minutes.
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm bars. Cool before cutting.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 59; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 38 mg; Cholesterol: 11 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate
BAKED CAJUN CHICKEN
Servings: 4
View online at http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/33.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 to 2 pounds split chicken breasts
1/2 dried thyme, crushed
Nonstick spray coating
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons nonfat milk
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut off skin and discard.
Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the chicken in the dish; meat side up. Brush lightly with milk.
In small bowl mix onion powder, thyme, garlic salt, white pepper, red pepper, and black pepper. Sprinkle over chicken.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 166; Protein: 25 g; Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 0 g; Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat
BOILED TOMATOES PARMESAN
Yield: 4 Servings (1/2 tomato)
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/888.shtml
Source: Magic Menus for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/3.shtml
Ingredients
2 medium ripe tomatoes (12 to 14 ounces total)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh soft bread crumbs, or 1 slice bread, crumbled
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (preferably imported)
Directions
Cut tomatoes in half crosswise. Gently squeeze out and discard the seeds. Place the tomatoes cut side up on a broiler pan prepared with non-stick pan spray.
Combine the garlic, oil, basil, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush evenly over the cut surfaces of the tomatoes. Broil 6 inches from the heat source until hot, about 5 minutes.
While the tomatoes are broiling, combine the crumbs and cheese in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over the tops of the hot tomatoes. Return to the broiler until the crumbs are browned, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 60; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 62 mg; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
BREAD PUDDING WITH RAISINS
Yield: Makes 3 cups (6 servings)
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/885.shtml
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml
Ingredients
3 slices day-old white bread, cubed
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups fat-free milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten, or 1/2 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 1-1/2 quart baking dish with non-stick pan spray.
Mix the bread cubes and raisins in the prepared dish.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; pour the mixture over the bread and raisins; stir to blend.
Set the filled baking dish in a shallow pan on the middle rack of the oven. Pour hot water into the shallow pan to a depth of 1 inch around the baking dish. This creates a water bath to cook the pudding slowly.
Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the pudding comes out clean. Remove the pan from the water bath and serve warm or chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 139 ; Protein: 6 g ; Fat: 2 g ; Sodium: 229 mg; Cholesterol: 72 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 16 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Exchanges: 1-1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
Yield: 16 brownies
Photo and Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/880.shtml
Ingredients
6 tablespoons stick butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Chopped Walnuts
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Beat butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until blended. Stir in combined flour, Equal, chocolate chips, cocoa, baking powder, nuts (optional) and salt until blended.
Spread batter in sprayed 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until top springs back when gently touched.
Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 105; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 7 g; Sodium: 77 mg; Cholesterol: 38 mg ; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
Yield: 8 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/987.shtm
Ingredients
Pastry for single-crust 9 inch pie
4 eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Set aside.
Beat eggs in large bowl about 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Whisk in milk and remaining ingredients (for added coconut flavor use the optional coconut extract). Pour mixture into pastry shell.
Bake pie in preheated 375F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until sharp knife inserted halfway between center and edge of pie comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 194; Protein: 6 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 301 mg; Cholesterol: 115 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1/2 milk, 1/2 starch, 2 fat
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