Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Computer problems...
Hi, readers! In case you've been wondering what's up, I'm having computer issues (again). I should be up and running by Friday. Here's hoping! See you then...
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Cookies!
Is there anything yummier than homemade cookies? The taste, the way they make scent your home with their aroma...yum! I still have wonderful memories of my grandmother bringing over huge batches of her oatmeal cookies and peanut butter cookies - sometimes at the same time - and insisting on sharing them with us over a cup of tea, then regaling us with stories of her childhood.
Here are six cookie recipes to help you through the day, including my grandmother's aforementioned Oatmeal Cookies and Peanut Butter Cookies. There's also a recipe for Chocolate Espresso Oatmeal Cookies and more. Enjoy!
CREAM CHEESE COOKIES
This recipe, from The Food Network, begins, “A triple dose of cream cheese (mixed into the batter, in chunks in the dough and as a glaze on top) makes these pillowy cookies extra tangy. Freezing the cream cheese before stirring it into the dough makes it easier to cut into clean pieces and keeps the chunks from disintegrating when shaping the dough into balls.” Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Prep: 40 min; Inactive: 1 hr. 30 min; Cook: 1 hr 15 min; Yield: 3 dozen cookies; Level: Easy.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cream-cheese-cookies.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
2 3/4 sticks (1 cup plus 6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, 6 ounces at room temperature, 2 ounces frozen
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 large egg yolk
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for flouring (see Cook's Note)
2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more if needed
Very finely grated lime zest or finely minced cranberries, for garnish, optional
Directions
Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Combine the butter, vanilla, 4 ounces of the room-temperature cream cheese and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups of the sugar and beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and beat until smooth, then add the flour and beat on low until the dough just comes together. Remove the frozen cream cheese from the freezer and chop into 1/4-inch cubes. Add the cubes to the dough, quickly stirring with a rubber spatula to evenly incorporate them into the dough. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
Using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons, scoop 12 portions of dough, roll into balls and transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Lightly flour the bottom of a 1/2-cup measuring cup and use it to flatten each cookie into a disk about 1/2 inch thick, re-flouring the cup after each cookie.
Bake, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the cookies look set but are still pale and barely brown on the bottom, 20 to 24 minutes. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.
Meanwhile, combine the remaining 2 ounces room-temperature cream cheese, 2 cups sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture forms a thick paste. Add the milk and stir slowly until a thick glaze forms.
When the cookies are cool, dip the entire surface of the top of each cookie in the glaze and lift up, letting the excess glaze drip off, then flip the cookie right-side up and onto the cooling rack. If the glaze is too thick, add another teaspoon of milk to loosen it. If using the cranberries or lime zest, sprinkle on top of the cookies while the glaze is still wet. Allow the glaze to set before serving, at least 10 minutes. Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Special equipment: a 1-ounce ice cream scoop, optional
Cook's Note: When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
GRANDMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This was one of my grandmother's recipes, along with the oatmeal cookie recipe that follows. You can find them in my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking.
1/2 C butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES
Another one of my grandmother's recipes. When it came to baking, cookies were her specialty. You can also find these in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking
1 C flour
1 C brown sugar
3 C quick cooking oatmeal (NOT the instant oats!)
1 C butter or margarine
1/4 C boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookie dough, taken from the freezer; showing first cuts before baking
Then cut down the center, like so:
Placed on parchment paper-covered baking sheet, for easier handling
CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO OATMEAL COOKIES
Makes 48 cookies.
From the December 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 75. This begins, “Take chocolate chip cookies to the next level with this espresso-spiked dough that's laced with chewy oats.”
To view this online, click here.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 oz. (1 stick) margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in bowl.
Cream margarine and sugar together with electric mixer in bowl. Beat in espresso and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, adding up to 1/2 cup more if necessary to make thick dough. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Divide dough in half. Transfer each dough half to large sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use plastic wrap to shape dough into 2 2-inch-diameter logs with plastic wrap or wax paper. Wrap tightly, and chill 2 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Slice dough logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Transfer slices to greased or parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake 8 to 11 minutes, or until cookies look dry on top. Cool cookies 3 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.
nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 56; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 43 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; vegan
SOFT GINGER COOKIES
This is from Gesine Bullock-Prado in the January 2013 issue of Runners' World, page 36 (“The Athlete's Palate”). Genise writes, “Dates keep these whole-grain cookies moist without using butter or oil. 'Crystallized ginger adds the perfect bite--spicy and chewy at the same time,' says Bullock-Prado.” Makes 30 cookies.
To view this online, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/soft-ginger-cookies.
3/4 cup hot coffee
1 cup chopped, pitted dates
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs at room temperature
1/4 cup organic blackstrap molasses
1 1/2 cups organic spelt flour or whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine coffee and dates and stir in baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Put mixture in a food processor; process until nearly smooth. In a bowl, whisk eggs and molasses. Continue whisking and add date puree. In a small bowl, whisk flour, salt, and spices. Stir into date mixture. Stir in ginger pieces until just combined. Freeze till very firm but scoopable (30 minutes). Using a teaspoon, drop dough into little mounds, a few inches apart, on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle sugar over cookies. Bake 10 minutes or until they feel spongy yet firm and spring back when gently poked.
Calories Per Cookie: 66; Carbs: 14 g; Fiber: 1 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: .5 g
CHOCOLATE CHIP ICEBOX COOKIES
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, “These icebox cookies are filled with ground chocolate chips. Use a small food processor or chopper to grind or chop the chocolate chips for these cookies. The dough is chilled slightly and then it's rolled into logs and thoroughly chilled until it's very firm. Plant to let the dough logs chill for at least four hours, or leave them in the refrigerator overnight.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 11 minutes; Total Time: 26 minutes; Yield: About 3 dozen
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup butter (8 ounces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, 13 1/2 ounces
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ground or finely chopped
Preparation
In large mixing bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter and sugars together until light; add eggs, vanilla and salt and beat until light and fluffy.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour. Stir in the ground chocolate chips.
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape.
Divide dough into 2 portions; form each portion into a log and wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper.
Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 4 hours, or until very firm.
Heat the oven to 350° F (180° C/Gas 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or lightly grease the pan.
Cut a log into 1/4-inch slices and place on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes.
Here are six cookie recipes to help you through the day, including my grandmother's aforementioned Oatmeal Cookies and Peanut Butter Cookies. There's also a recipe for Chocolate Espresso Oatmeal Cookies and more. Enjoy!
CREAM CHEESE COOKIES
This recipe, from The Food Network, begins, “A triple dose of cream cheese (mixed into the batter, in chunks in the dough and as a glaze on top) makes these pillowy cookies extra tangy. Freezing the cream cheese before stirring it into the dough makes it easier to cut into clean pieces and keeps the chunks from disintegrating when shaping the dough into balls.” Total Time: 3 hr 25 min; Prep: 40 min; Inactive: 1 hr. 30 min; Cook: 1 hr 15 min; Yield: 3 dozen cookies; Level: Easy.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cream-cheese-cookies.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
2 3/4 sticks (1 cup plus 6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, 6 ounces at room temperature, 2 ounces frozen
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 large egg yolk
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for flouring (see Cook's Note)
2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more if needed
Very finely grated lime zest or finely minced cranberries, for garnish, optional
Directions
Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Combine the butter, vanilla, 4 ounces of the room-temperature cream cheese and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups of the sugar and beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and beat until smooth, then add the flour and beat on low until the dough just comes together. Remove the frozen cream cheese from the freezer and chop into 1/4-inch cubes. Add the cubes to the dough, quickly stirring with a rubber spatula to evenly incorporate them into the dough. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
Using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons, scoop 12 portions of dough, roll into balls and transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Lightly flour the bottom of a 1/2-cup measuring cup and use it to flatten each cookie into a disk about 1/2 inch thick, re-flouring the cup after each cookie.
Bake, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the cookies look set but are still pale and barely brown on the bottom, 20 to 24 minutes. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.
Meanwhile, combine the remaining 2 ounces room-temperature cream cheese, 2 cups sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture forms a thick paste. Add the milk and stir slowly until a thick glaze forms.
When the cookies are cool, dip the entire surface of the top of each cookie in the glaze and lift up, letting the excess glaze drip off, then flip the cookie right-side up and onto the cooling rack. If the glaze is too thick, add another teaspoon of milk to loosen it. If using the cranberries or lime zest, sprinkle on top of the cookies while the glaze is still wet. Allow the glaze to set before serving, at least 10 minutes. Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Special equipment: a 1-ounce ice cream scoop, optional
Cook's Note: When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
GRANDMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This was one of my grandmother's recipes, along with the oatmeal cookie recipe that follows. You can find them in my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking.
1/2 C butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES
Another one of my grandmother's recipes. When it came to baking, cookies were her specialty. You can also find these in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking
1 C flour
1 C brown sugar
3 C quick cooking oatmeal (NOT the instant oats!)
1 C butter or margarine
1/4 C boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookie dough, taken from the freezer; showing first cuts before baking
Then cut down the center, like so:
Placed on parchment paper-covered baking sheet, for easier handling
CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO OATMEAL COOKIES
Makes 48 cookies.
From the December 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 75. This begins, “Take chocolate chip cookies to the next level with this espresso-spiked dough that's laced with chewy oats.”
To view this online, click here.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 oz. (1 stick) margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in bowl.
Cream margarine and sugar together with electric mixer in bowl. Beat in espresso and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, adding up to 1/2 cup more if necessary to make thick dough. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Divide dough in half. Transfer each dough half to large sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use plastic wrap to shape dough into 2 2-inch-diameter logs with plastic wrap or wax paper. Wrap tightly, and chill 2 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Slice dough logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Transfer slices to greased or parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake 8 to 11 minutes, or until cookies look dry on top. Cool cookies 3 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.
nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 56; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 43 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; vegan
SOFT GINGER COOKIES
This is from Gesine Bullock-Prado in the January 2013 issue of Runners' World, page 36 (“The Athlete's Palate”). Genise writes, “Dates keep these whole-grain cookies moist without using butter or oil. 'Crystallized ginger adds the perfect bite--spicy and chewy at the same time,' says Bullock-Prado.” Makes 30 cookies.
To view this online, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/soft-ginger-cookies.
3/4 cup hot coffee
1 cup chopped, pitted dates
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs at room temperature
1/4 cup organic blackstrap molasses
1 1/2 cups organic spelt flour or whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine coffee and dates and stir in baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Put mixture in a food processor; process until nearly smooth. In a bowl, whisk eggs and molasses. Continue whisking and add date puree. In a small bowl, whisk flour, salt, and spices. Stir into date mixture. Stir in ginger pieces until just combined. Freeze till very firm but scoopable (30 minutes). Using a teaspoon, drop dough into little mounds, a few inches apart, on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle sugar over cookies. Bake 10 minutes or until they feel spongy yet firm and spring back when gently poked.
Calories Per Cookie: 66; Carbs: 14 g; Fiber: 1 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: .5 g
CHOCOLATE CHIP ICEBOX COOKIES
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. She writes, “These icebox cookies are filled with ground chocolate chips. Use a small food processor or chopper to grind or chop the chocolate chips for these cookies. The dough is chilled slightly and then it's rolled into logs and thoroughly chilled until it's very firm. Plant to let the dough logs chill for at least four hours, or leave them in the refrigerator overnight.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 11 minutes; Total Time: 26 minutes; Yield: About 3 dozen
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup butter (8 ounces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, 13 1/2 ounces
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ground or finely chopped
Preparation
In large mixing bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter and sugars together until light; add eggs, vanilla and salt and beat until light and fluffy.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour. Stir in the ground chocolate chips.
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape.
Divide dough into 2 portions; form each portion into a log and wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper.
Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 4 hours, or until very firm.
Heat the oven to 350° F (180° C/Gas 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or lightly grease the pan.
Cut a log into 1/4-inch slices and place on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Taco Tuesday
Yay, Taco Tuesday! This week's offerings include Irish Tacos (St. Patrick's Day is Friday) and American BBQ Tacos. Enjoy!
IRISH TACOS
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “You can certainly eat corned beef with boiled cabbage and carrots, but it can be a great deal more exciting to pile the shredded meat — ruddy pink, salty, fatty and meltingly sweet — into warm flour tortillas, then top it with a bright, crunchy, slightly fiery cabbage slaw. The contrast between the soft and the crisp, the salt and the sweet, is fantastic — particularly if you adorn each taco with a few pickled jalapeños and, perhaps, an additional swipe of mayonnaise. It’s not fusion cooking, nor appropriation. It’s just the fact that everything tastes good on a warm tortilla.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “What if You Could Make Great Corned Beef?” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 to 2 1/2 pounds corned beef (see recipe)
1 small head of green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced into julienne
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce, or to taste
12 to 16 flour tortillas, warmed
Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
Preparation
Warm the corned beef in its cooking liquid, or wrap it in foil and set on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes or so.
Make the coleslaw: Mix cabbage and carrots together in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, cider vinegar, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce to taste.
Pour half the sauce over the cabbage and carrots and toss to coat thoroughly. Season to taste. Reserve remaining sauce.
When the corned beef is hot, remove from liquid or foil and use two forks to shred it. Serve with the warmed tortillas, sliced jalapeños, the slaw, remaining white sauce and some hot pepper sauce.
AMERICAN BBQ TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “For authentic Southern flavor, top these tacos with prepared coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce.” Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
BBQ Sauce
1 1/2 Tbs. ketchup
1 Tbs. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. honey
1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste
Tacos
1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup soy crumbles, such as Lightlife Gimme Lean
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
2 Tbs. chopped red onion
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded Romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbs. pickle relish, optional
Instructions:
To make BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in bowl.
To make Tacos: Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook 3 minutes, or until vegetables are softened, stirring halfway through. Add soy crumbles and 2 Tbs. BBQ Sauce. Cook 8 minutes, or until soy crumbles are browned.
Fill tortillas with soy crumble mixture. Top with red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and relish, if desired. Serve with BBQ Sauce.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 178; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Sodium: 409 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 4 g
STEAK CARNITAS MEAT IN THE CROCKPOT
I realize that this doesn't specifically say tacos, but the meat is served on corn tortillas with shredded lettuce and other taco toppings.
I originally found this at NoshOn.it; the link to this is at http://noshon.it/recipes/crockpot-steak-carnitas-tacos/ and takes you here. (Bless this Mess, run by “food lover, chicken wrangler, house builder, goodness seeker, mom of 5” Melissa Griffiths, looks like a really good place for more recipes. Check it out!)
This recipe Serves 6-8.
Ingredients
For the spice rub:
1 T. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin or smoked cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs flank steak
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
Serving Options:
Corn tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Grated cheese
Tomato
Sour cream
Salsa
Instructions
Mix all of the spice together in a small bowl for the spice rub. Rub the spices into each side of the steak, using all of the mixture.
Place the spice rubbed-steak in the bottom of the crock pot. Place the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno on top of the steak. Cook for on low for 7 to 8 hours.
After the cooking time has lapsed, remove the steak from the crock pot and shred with two forks. Serve immediately or return to the crock pot for a few hours until you are ready to eat.
Serve on corn tortillas with your favorite topping.
Notes
Flank steak is generally a tougher, and therefore cheaper piece of meat. It's a great candidate for the crock pot. I actually have used everything from elk steaks, lamb, and pork and loved them all in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or what's on sale... if it's a leaner cut of meat you may need to add a bit of beef stock at the end to make sure it doesn't dry out before cooking.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH TACOS WITH CRANBERRY-JALAPENO RELISH
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings; Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
Relish adapted from The New York Times
Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/butternut-squash-tacos-with-cranberry-jalapeno-relish/
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked black beans
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until cranberries start to pop and mixture has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and ginger and remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Serve the tortillas stuffed with the butternut squash and black beans, and topped with the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish.
Notes
Both the butternut squash and relish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat the butternut squash before stuffing it into the tortillas.
TACO SALAD WITH CUMIN DRESSING
Servings: 8
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/41.shtml
Ingredients
8 tortillas
1 teaspoon powdered mustard
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
8 cups romaine lettuce
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
4 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
Toast the tortillas on a baking sheet in a 400F oven for about 10 minutes.
While hot, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.
Cool and break into bite-size pieces.
Chop the lettuce and arrange it in the bottom of a salad bowl.
Make the cumin dressing by combining the salt, vinegar, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, mustard, cumin, water and oil in a bowl or jar.
Heat the turkey in a skillet with the cumin seeds.
Sprinkle chunks of turkey over the lettuce.
Add the tomato pieces and cheese.
Pour on the cumin dressing and top with tortilla chips.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 205; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Exchanges: 1 Fat; 1/2 Bread/Starch; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Lean Meat
IRISH TACOS
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “You can certainly eat corned beef with boiled cabbage and carrots, but it can be a great deal more exciting to pile the shredded meat — ruddy pink, salty, fatty and meltingly sweet — into warm flour tortillas, then top it with a bright, crunchy, slightly fiery cabbage slaw. The contrast between the soft and the crisp, the salt and the sweet, is fantastic — particularly if you adorn each taco with a few pickled jalapeños and, perhaps, an additional swipe of mayonnaise. It’s not fusion cooking, nor appropriation. It’s just the fact that everything tastes good on a warm tortilla.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “What if You Could Make Great Corned Beef?” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 to 2 1/2 pounds corned beef (see recipe)
1 small head of green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced into julienne
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce, or to taste
12 to 16 flour tortillas, warmed
Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
Preparation
Warm the corned beef in its cooking liquid, or wrap it in foil and set on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes or so.
Make the coleslaw: Mix cabbage and carrots together in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, cider vinegar, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce to taste.
Pour half the sauce over the cabbage and carrots and toss to coat thoroughly. Season to taste. Reserve remaining sauce.
When the corned beef is hot, remove from liquid or foil and use two forks to shred it. Serve with the warmed tortillas, sliced jalapeños, the slaw, remaining white sauce and some hot pepper sauce.
AMERICAN BBQ TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “For authentic Southern flavor, top these tacos with prepared coleslaw instead of shredded lettuce.” Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
BBQ Sauce
1 1/2 Tbs. ketchup
1 Tbs. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. honey
1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste
Tacos
1 1/2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup soy crumbles, such as Lightlife Gimme Lean
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
2 Tbs. chopped red onion
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded Romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbs. pickle relish, optional
Instructions:
To make BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in bowl.
To make Tacos: Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots, and cook 3 minutes, or until vegetables are softened, stirring halfway through. Add soy crumbles and 2 Tbs. BBQ Sauce. Cook 8 minutes, or until soy crumbles are browned.
Fill tortillas with soy crumble mixture. Top with red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and relish, if desired. Serve with BBQ Sauce.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 178; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Sodium: 409 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 4 g
STEAK CARNITAS MEAT IN THE CROCKPOT
I realize that this doesn't specifically say tacos, but the meat is served on corn tortillas with shredded lettuce and other taco toppings.
I originally found this at NoshOn.it; the link to this is at http://noshon.it/recipes/crockpot-steak-carnitas-tacos/ and takes you here. (Bless this Mess, run by “food lover, chicken wrangler, house builder, goodness seeker, mom of 5” Melissa Griffiths, looks like a really good place for more recipes. Check it out!)
This recipe Serves 6-8.
Ingredients
For the spice rub:
1 T. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin or smoked cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs flank steak
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
Serving Options:
Corn tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Grated cheese
Tomato
Sour cream
Salsa
Instructions
Mix all of the spice together in a small bowl for the spice rub. Rub the spices into each side of the steak, using all of the mixture.
Place the spice rubbed-steak in the bottom of the crock pot. Place the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno on top of the steak. Cook for on low for 7 to 8 hours.
After the cooking time has lapsed, remove the steak from the crock pot and shred with two forks. Serve immediately or return to the crock pot for a few hours until you are ready to eat.
Serve on corn tortillas with your favorite topping.
Notes
Flank steak is generally a tougher, and therefore cheaper piece of meat. It's a great candidate for the crock pot. I actually have used everything from elk steaks, lamb, and pork and loved them all in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or what's on sale... if it's a leaner cut of meat you may need to add a bit of beef stock at the end to make sure it doesn't dry out before cooking.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH TACOS WITH CRANBERRY-JALAPENO RELISH
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings; Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
Relish adapted from The New York Times
Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/butternut-squash-tacos-with-cranberry-jalapeno-relish/
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked black beans
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until cranberries start to pop and mixture has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and ginger and remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Serve the tortillas stuffed with the butternut squash and black beans, and topped with the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish.
Notes
Both the butternut squash and relish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat the butternut squash before stuffing it into the tortillas.
TACO SALAD WITH CUMIN DRESSING
Servings: 8
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/41.shtml
Ingredients
8 tortillas
1 teaspoon powdered mustard
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
8 cups romaine lettuce
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
4 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
Toast the tortillas on a baking sheet in a 400F oven for about 10 minutes.
While hot, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.
Cool and break into bite-size pieces.
Chop the lettuce and arrange it in the bottom of a salad bowl.
Make the cumin dressing by combining the salt, vinegar, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, mustard, cumin, water and oil in a bowl or jar.
Heat the turkey in a skillet with the cumin seeds.
Sprinkle chunks of turkey over the lettuce.
Add the tomato pieces and cheese.
Pour on the cumin dressing and top with tortilla chips.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 205; Protein: 17 g; Fat: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Exchanges: 1 Fat; 1/2 Bread/Starch; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Lean Meat
Monday, March 13, 2017
Meatless Monday
It's Monday, which means Meatless Monday. Here are today's six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!
SPINACH-ARTICHOKE DEEP-DISH PIZZA
This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Bake homemade pizza in a cast-iron skillet for irresistibly crispy crust.” Total Time: 40 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 (5-oz.) container baby spinach, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 c. ricotta
1 1/2 oz. Parmesan, grated (about 1/3 c.)
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. crush red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tbsp. cornmeal
1 lb. store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
6 oz. Fontina cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 c.)
1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
Fresh basil leaves, torn, for serving
Directions
Heat oven to 450 degrees F with the rack in the lowest position. Heat oil in a 10" skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and garlic and cook until wilted and liquid has evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Cool skillet slightly and wipe clean.
Stir together ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle skillet with cornmeal. Stretch dough into a 12" round. Carefully press dough into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet.
Top dough with ricotta mixture, spinach, Fontina, and artichokes. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 20 to 24 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
Serve sprinkled with basil and cut into wedges.
PER SERVING: protein: 32 g; fat: 32 g; carbohydrate: 67 g; fiber: 5 g; sodium: 1,186 mg; cholesterol: 74 mg; calories: 676.
CHOCOLATE-CRUSTED PUMPKIN PIE
This comes from the October 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It starts off, "Tweak the holiday pie tradition with a chocolate crust and pumpkin filling that's thickened with cornstarch, not eggs." Makes 1 9-inch pie (serves 8)
This recipe can be viewed online here.
Crust
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 stick Earth Balance margarine, cubed
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Filling
1 1/2 cups Oven-Roasted Pumpkin Purée or 1 15-oz. can puréed pumpkin
1 cup almond milk
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
6 Tbs. Earth Balance margarine, melted
To make Crust: Pulse flour, cocoa, and confectioners’ sugar in food processor until combined. Add margarine, and process until mixture resembles sand. With processor running, add vanilla and 3 to 4 Tbs. cold water, and process until smooth dough forms. Chill 2 hours.
Roll out dough to 11-inch circle on floured work surface. Press into 9-inch pie pan. Chill 30 minutes.
To make Filling: Drain pumpkin in mesh strainer over bowl 30 minutes.
Combine almond milk and lemon juice in bowl. Whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves in bowl. Whisk in almond milk mixture, then pumpkin and margarine.
Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place Crust on baking sheet, top with parchment paper, and fill with dried beans to weigh down. Reduce oven heat to 350˚F, and bake Crust 10 minutes. Remove parchment and beans, and bake 5 minutes.
Pour Filling into Crust, and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until Filling is bubbling in center. Cool completely before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 377; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 20 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 47 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 361 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 24 g; Vegan
BAKED RISOTTO WITH WINTER SQUASH
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This is not a classic stirred risotto, in which broth is added little by little, requiring the cook to stir and stir. Instead, the rice is tossed with squash and cheese then baked under a layer of bread crumbs until fragrant and browned on top. Welcome as a hearty meatless main course, it may also be served alongside a roasted chicken. Use any kind of hard winter squash, such as butternut, kabocha or Hubbard.” Time: 1 hour; Makes 6 to 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 pound winter squash
1 pound Carnaroli or Arborio rice
4 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons for greasing dish
1 medium onion, diced, about 1 cup
1 medium leek, white and tender green part, diced, about 1 cup
Pinch of saffron (optional)
Salt and pepper
3 cups squash broth (see note) or chicken broth, hot
8 ounces Gruyère or Fontina, grated, about 2 loosely packed cups
1 cup fresh ricotta
4 ounces Parmesan, grated, about 3/4 cup
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 cup coarse dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
Preparation
Peel squash and cut into very thin slices, 1/16-inch thick. Then cut slices into flat 2-inch squares. (Reserve the scraps, including peels, to make squash stock if desired.)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice and let simmer for 8 minutes so it is parcooked, with the grains still hard in the center. Drain rice in a colander, rinse with cold water, then spread on a baking sheet to cool. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
In a Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add leek and saffron, if using, and stir to coat. When leek is softened but still green, after 2 minutes, add squash, stir to coat and turn off heat. Season well with salt and pepper.
Add parcooked rice, hot broth, Gruyère, ricotta, Parmesan and lemon zest, mixing gently with a wooden spoon. Pour rice mixture into a buttered 3-quart baking dish.
Sprinkle top with bread crumbs, pressing down to smooth surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Tent with foil if necessary. Garnish with parsley just before serving.
CRANBERRY-NUT RUGALACH
Not sure if someone sent this to me on an emailing list, or if I simply sent it to myself so I wouldn't lose the recipe. Either way, it's originally from Weight Watchers. The points value is from 2007.
POINTS® Value: 2
Servings: 16
Preparation Time: 12 min; Cooking Time: 15 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
The recipe begins, “There's just one word for these flaky, traditional Jewish cookies filled with cranberries and nuts: Delicious! Try them for the Jewish New Year.”
Ingredients
1 sprays cooking spray
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (coat knife with cooking spray before chopping to prevent sticking)
1/4 cup walnut halves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp sugar, granulated
8 oz Pillsbury Reduced-Fat Crescent(s), or similar product
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
To make filling, combine cranberries, walnuts and granulated sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Roll out crescent rolls on a lightly floured surface (use 1 tablespoon flour) to an 11-inch square. Separate along perforations into 8 triangles. Cut each in half lengthwise, making 16 long triangles. Spoon a generous teaspoon of filling onto each triangle, leaving bare pastry at top and bottom of triangle. Roll each triangle from wide end to narrow tip.
Spread out rolled wedges on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes. Move rugalach close together so they are just touching each other. Place powdered sugar in a sieve and dust over rugalach. Yields 1 cookie per serving. (Note: These cookies taste best served warm. Reheat for 5 minutes in a preheated 325°F oven. Do not microwave – it will toughen the dough.)
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, 1 1/2 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.
BAKED PUMPKIN PASTA
This recipe is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona wrote, "Break out of the mac and cheese mold with this delicious baked pumpkin pasta dish. Perfect for fall, this pumpkin pasta makes a great weeknight meal on cold evenings.” She also adds, “If you make this with fat-free ricotta, you'll save a further 3 grams of fat and 2 grams of saturated fat, but you'll gain another 110mg of sodium.” Prep Time: 0 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, then sliced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
1 15 ounce can pure pumpkin
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup water reserved from pasta pot
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to directions on package, less 2 minutes, and reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water when done.
Meanwhile heat oil in large skillet. Sauté onions and garlic for 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in zucchini and herbs, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in canned pumpkin and ricotta cheese.
Empty drained pasta plus 1/2 cup of reserved cooking water into skillet and mix well.
Spoon pasta into a 11 x 7 baking dish. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Per Serving: Calories 349, Calories from Fat 71, Total Fat 7.7g (sat 3.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 168mg, Carbohydrate 54.4g, Fiber 5.2g, Protein 15.9g
SPINACH-ARTICHOKE DEEP-DISH PIZZA
This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Bake homemade pizza in a cast-iron skillet for irresistibly crispy crust.” Total Time: 40 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 (5-oz.) container baby spinach, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 c. ricotta
1 1/2 oz. Parmesan, grated (about 1/3 c.)
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. crush red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tbsp. cornmeal
1 lb. store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
6 oz. Fontina cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 c.)
1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
Fresh basil leaves, torn, for serving
Directions
Heat oven to 450 degrees F with the rack in the lowest position. Heat oil in a 10" skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and garlic and cook until wilted and liquid has evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Cool skillet slightly and wipe clean.
Stir together ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle skillet with cornmeal. Stretch dough into a 12" round. Carefully press dough into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet.
Top dough with ricotta mixture, spinach, Fontina, and artichokes. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 20 to 24 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
Serve sprinkled with basil and cut into wedges.
PER SERVING: protein: 32 g; fat: 32 g; carbohydrate: 67 g; fiber: 5 g; sodium: 1,186 mg; cholesterol: 74 mg; calories: 676.
CHOCOLATE-CRUSTED PUMPKIN PIE
This comes from the October 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It starts off, "Tweak the holiday pie tradition with a chocolate crust and pumpkin filling that's thickened with cornstarch, not eggs." Makes 1 9-inch pie (serves 8)
This recipe can be viewed online here.
Crust
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 stick Earth Balance margarine, cubed
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Filling
1 1/2 cups Oven-Roasted Pumpkin Purée or 1 15-oz. can puréed pumpkin
1 cup almond milk
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
6 Tbs. Earth Balance margarine, melted
To make Crust: Pulse flour, cocoa, and confectioners’ sugar in food processor until combined. Add margarine, and process until mixture resembles sand. With processor running, add vanilla and 3 to 4 Tbs. cold water, and process until smooth dough forms. Chill 2 hours.
Roll out dough to 11-inch circle on floured work surface. Press into 9-inch pie pan. Chill 30 minutes.
To make Filling: Drain pumpkin in mesh strainer over bowl 30 minutes.
Combine almond milk and lemon juice in bowl. Whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves in bowl. Whisk in almond milk mixture, then pumpkin and margarine.
Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place Crust on baking sheet, top with parchment paper, and fill with dried beans to weigh down. Reduce oven heat to 350˚F, and bake Crust 10 minutes. Remove parchment and beans, and bake 5 minutes.
Pour Filling into Crust, and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until Filling is bubbling in center. Cool completely before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 377; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 20 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 47 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 361 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 24 g; Vegan
BAKED RISOTTO WITH WINTER SQUASH
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This is not a classic stirred risotto, in which broth is added little by little, requiring the cook to stir and stir. Instead, the rice is tossed with squash and cheese then baked under a layer of bread crumbs until fragrant and browned on top. Welcome as a hearty meatless main course, it may also be served alongside a roasted chicken. Use any kind of hard winter squash, such as butternut, kabocha or Hubbard.” Time: 1 hour; Makes 6 to 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 pound winter squash
1 pound Carnaroli or Arborio rice
4 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons for greasing dish
1 medium onion, diced, about 1 cup
1 medium leek, white and tender green part, diced, about 1 cup
Pinch of saffron (optional)
Salt and pepper
3 cups squash broth (see note) or chicken broth, hot
8 ounces Gruyère or Fontina, grated, about 2 loosely packed cups
1 cup fresh ricotta
4 ounces Parmesan, grated, about 3/4 cup
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 cup coarse dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
Preparation
Peel squash and cut into very thin slices, 1/16-inch thick. Then cut slices into flat 2-inch squares. (Reserve the scraps, including peels, to make squash stock if desired.)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice and let simmer for 8 minutes so it is parcooked, with the grains still hard in the center. Drain rice in a colander, rinse with cold water, then spread on a baking sheet to cool. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
In a Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add leek and saffron, if using, and stir to coat. When leek is softened but still green, after 2 minutes, add squash, stir to coat and turn off heat. Season well with salt and pepper.
Add parcooked rice, hot broth, Gruyère, ricotta, Parmesan and lemon zest, mixing gently with a wooden spoon. Pour rice mixture into a buttered 3-quart baking dish.
Sprinkle top with bread crumbs, pressing down to smooth surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Tent with foil if necessary. Garnish with parsley just before serving.
CRANBERRY-NUT RUGALACH
Not sure if someone sent this to me on an emailing list, or if I simply sent it to myself so I wouldn't lose the recipe. Either way, it's originally from Weight Watchers. The points value is from 2007.
POINTS® Value: 2
Servings: 16
Preparation Time: 12 min; Cooking Time: 15 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
The recipe begins, “There's just one word for these flaky, traditional Jewish cookies filled with cranberries and nuts: Delicious! Try them for the Jewish New Year.”
Ingredients
1 sprays cooking spray
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (coat knife with cooking spray before chopping to prevent sticking)
1/4 cup walnut halves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp sugar, granulated
8 oz Pillsbury Reduced-Fat Crescent(s), or similar product
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
To make filling, combine cranberries, walnuts and granulated sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Roll out crescent rolls on a lightly floured surface (use 1 tablespoon flour) to an 11-inch square. Separate along perforations into 8 triangles. Cut each in half lengthwise, making 16 long triangles. Spoon a generous teaspoon of filling onto each triangle, leaving bare pastry at top and bottom of triangle. Roll each triangle from wide end to narrow tip.
Spread out rolled wedges on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes. Move rugalach close together so they are just touching each other. Place powdered sugar in a sieve and dust over rugalach. Yields 1 cookie per serving. (Note: These cookies taste best served warm. Reheat for 5 minutes in a preheated 325°F oven. Do not microwave – it will toughen the dough.)
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, 1 1/2 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.
BAKED PUMPKIN PASTA
This recipe is from Fiona Haynes, About.com's Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona wrote, "Break out of the mac and cheese mold with this delicious baked pumpkin pasta dish. Perfect for fall, this pumpkin pasta makes a great weeknight meal on cold evenings.” She also adds, “If you make this with fat-free ricotta, you'll save a further 3 grams of fat and 2 grams of saturated fat, but you'll gain another 110mg of sodium.” Prep Time: 0 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, then sliced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
1 15 ounce can pure pumpkin
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup water reserved from pasta pot
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to directions on package, less 2 minutes, and reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water when done.
Meanwhile heat oil in large skillet. Sauté onions and garlic for 5-6 minutes, until softened. Stir in zucchini and herbs, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in canned pumpkin and ricotta cheese.
Empty drained pasta plus 1/2 cup of reserved cooking water into skillet and mix well.
Spoon pasta into a 11 x 7 baking dish. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Per Serving: Calories 349, Calories from Fat 71, Total Fat 7.7g (sat 3.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 168mg, Carbohydrate 54.4g, Fiber 5.2g, Protein 15.9g
Friday, March 10, 2017
Friday Recipes
It's Friday, time to get ready for the weekend. And if you're in an area that follows Daylight saving time, it's that time of spring again when we'll move the clocks forward. (Remember the old ditty of "spring forward, fall back".)
There was one newscaster in the Tampa Bay area of Florida who would get up at 2:00 a.m. during the time change - both spring and fall - to set his clocks to the appropriate time. He has since retired, but he was beloved by coworkers and viewers to the point that his coworkers are known to mention him during the days leading up to each time change.
Anyway, here are today's six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Peanut Butter Balls and Savory Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!
HIGH-ALTITUTDE BISON MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE
This dinner recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 80, and begins, “In a rush? Simply sauté meatball ingredients minus the almond meal and egg.”
This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
Makes 4 servings.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.
Ingredients
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 cup finely minced kale (about 4 leaves), stems discarded (a food processor works great for this)
1/4 cup almond meal or almond flour or fine bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
3/4 tsp. fine sea salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 lb. ground bison or ground beef (preferably not lean)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Prepared marinara sauce
12 oz. dried spaghetti (gluten-free if sensitive)
8 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, stir together the egg, Parmesan, kale, almond meal, garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper flakes. Add the bison (or beef) and use your hands to combine the meat. Form the mixture into 12 2-inch meatballs, rolling each meatball firmly in your hands.
In a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in the pot in a single layer without crowding them, and cook, turning the meatballs so they brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot as you go. If using ground beef, pour out all but 1 to 2 Tbsp. of the fat prior to adding the sauce.
Add marinara sauce to meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 30 to 45 minutes. Cover and keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
To serve, divide the pasta among 4 pasta bowls and arrange the meatballs on top, along with a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Makes 4 servings.
PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT
This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”
This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
Makes 12 muffins.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.
Ingredients (for the pecan butter)
2 cups pecans
10 Deglet dates, pitted
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Ingredients (for the coating)
2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil
3 Tbsp. maple syrup
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. coarse sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.
Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.
To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.
Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.
Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.
SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE
This is from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “When a chicken pot pie bubbles and oozes this much creamy comfort in every bite, you know you’re home.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose baking mix
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F.
Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic powder.
Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Whisk egg and milk in medium bowl until blended. Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.
Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.
PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
This is from Gale Gand on The Food Network show Sweet Dreams. If I wasn’t getting hungry just thinking of the show’s name, reading this recipe will do it.
Total Time: 1 hr 3 min; Prep: 1 hr; Cook: 3 min; Yield: 32 balls
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peanut-butter-balls-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
18 ounces peanut butter, recipe follows
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar
1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
12 ounces milk chocolate, melted
Peanut Butter:
3 cups peanuts, shelled, unsalted and dry roasted
Peanut oil, if necessary
Directions
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and butter. Mash together until combined. Form the mixture into balls. Transfer to the refrigerator until hardened, about 30 minutes. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and set inside mini paper cupcake forms. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Peanut Butter:
Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the peanuts until smooth. With the motor of the food processor running, add peanut oil if necessary, and puree until the peanuts are the consistency of peanut butter.
SOUTHERN CORNBREAD
Servings: 12
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/32.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon salt substitute
1 cup flour
1 medium egg, slightly beaten
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup skim milk
Directions
Sift dry ingredients together.
Add egg and milk, mix well.
Pour into 12x8-inch pan which has been sprayed with a non-stick vegetable spray.
Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes.
Cut into 12 squares.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 81; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread
ENGAGEMENT ROAST CHICKEN
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 5 min; Yield: 3 servings; Level: Intermediate.
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/engagement-roast-chicken-recipe.
Ingredients
1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 lemons
1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise
Good olive oil
2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.
Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.
Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.
There was one newscaster in the Tampa Bay area of Florida who would get up at 2:00 a.m. during the time change - both spring and fall - to set his clocks to the appropriate time. He has since retired, but he was beloved by coworkers and viewers to the point that his coworkers are known to mention him during the days leading up to each time change.
Anyway, here are today's six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Peanut Butter Balls and Savory Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!
HIGH-ALTITUTDE BISON MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE
This dinner recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 80, and begins, “In a rush? Simply sauté meatball ingredients minus the almond meal and egg.”
This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
Makes 4 servings.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.
Ingredients
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 cup finely minced kale (about 4 leaves), stems discarded (a food processor works great for this)
1/4 cup almond meal or almond flour or fine bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
3/4 tsp. fine sea salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 lb. ground bison or ground beef (preferably not lean)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Prepared marinara sauce
12 oz. dried spaghetti (gluten-free if sensitive)
8 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, stir together the egg, Parmesan, kale, almond meal, garlic, oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper flakes. Add the bison (or beef) and use your hands to combine the meat. Form the mixture into 12 2-inch meatballs, rolling each meatball firmly in your hands.
In a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in the pot in a single layer without crowding them, and cook, turning the meatballs so they brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot as you go. If using ground beef, pour out all but 1 to 2 Tbsp. of the fat prior to adding the sauce.
Add marinara sauce to meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 30 to 45 minutes. Cover and keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
To serve, divide the pasta among 4 pasta bowls and arrange the meatballs on top, along with a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Makes 4 servings.
PECAN BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH SEA SALT
This dessert recipe is from the September 2016 issue of Runner's World, page 81, and begins, “Easy-to-digest dates are high in minerals, including potassium.”
This is adapted from Run Fast, Eat Slow: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes, by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. Published by Rodale, owner of Runner’s World.
Makes 12 muffins.
This can be viewed online at http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/run-fast-eat-slow.
Ingredients (for the pecan butter)
2 cups pecans
10 Deglet dates, pitted
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Ingredients (for the coating)
2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil
3 Tbsp. maple syrup
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. coarse sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
To make the pecan butter: Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and roast in the center of the oven for 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Allow the pecans to cool completely.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pecans, dates, and cinnamon. Pulse or blend on high until smooth. Do not overprocess—you want the pecan butter thick. Transfer to a small bowl.
Use your hands to roll the pecan butter into bite-size balls. (If the nut butter is warm or liquid-y, chill it in the fridge to make it easier to handle.) Place the balls on the baking sheet.
To make the coating: Place the oil in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until almost completely melted. (Alternatively, the oil can be melted in a small saucepan over low heat.) Stir in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until smooth.
Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork to lift out, and return it to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Top each truffle with a small pinch of the salt.
Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 18 balls.
SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE
This is from Kraft Recipes, and begins, “When a chicken pot pie bubbles and oozes this much creamy comfort in every bite, you know you’re home.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose baking mix
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F.
Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic powder.
Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Whisk egg and milk in medium bowl until blended. Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.
Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.
PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
This is from Gale Gand on The Food Network show Sweet Dreams. If I wasn’t getting hungry just thinking of the show’s name, reading this recipe will do it.
Total Time: 1 hr 3 min; Prep: 1 hr; Cook: 3 min; Yield: 32 balls
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peanut-butter-balls-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
18 ounces peanut butter, recipe follows
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar
1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
12 ounces milk chocolate, melted
Peanut Butter:
3 cups peanuts, shelled, unsalted and dry roasted
Peanut oil, if necessary
Directions
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and butter. Mash together until combined. Form the mixture into balls. Transfer to the refrigerator until hardened, about 30 minutes. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and set inside mini paper cupcake forms. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Peanut Butter:
Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the peanuts until smooth. With the motor of the food processor running, add peanut oil if necessary, and puree until the peanuts are the consistency of peanut butter.
SOUTHERN CORNBREAD
Servings: 12
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/32.shtml
Ingredients
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 teaspoon salt substitute
1 cup flour
1 medium egg, slightly beaten
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup skim milk
Directions
Sift dry ingredients together.
Add egg and milk, mix well.
Pour into 12x8-inch pan which has been sprayed with a non-stick vegetable spray.
Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes.
Cut into 12 squares.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 81; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread
ENGAGEMENT ROAST CHICKEN
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 40 min; Active: 5 min; Yield: 3 servings; Level: Intermediate.
To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/engagement-roast-chicken-recipe.
Ingredients
1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 lemons
1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise
Good olive oil
2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.
Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.
Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Where's the Beef?
It's time for another Double-Post Thursday. Here are six beefy recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!
MAKE-AHEAD ITALIAN MEATBALLS
This comes from FamilyTime.com, and begins, “Keep these easy-to-make meatballs on hand for last-minute dinner creations. Tossed with pasta or baked into a casserole, the possibilities are endless!” Serves: makes 30 appetizer meatballs; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup Progresso® dry bread crumbs, (any flavor)
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup cold water
1 jar (12 ounces) tomato pasta sauce, (any variety)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Directions
Heat oven to 400ºF.
Mix ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt and pepper. Shape mixture into thirty 1-inch balls. Place in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.
Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until no longer pink in center and juice is clear. (To serve immediately, continue as directed in step 5--except decrease simmer time to 15 minutes.)
Place meatballs on ungreased cookie sheet. Freeze uncovered about 20 minutes or until firm. Place partially frozen meatballs in heavy plastic bag or freezer container. Seal, label and freeze no longer than 3 months.
About 25 minutes before serving, mix chili sauce, water, pasta sauce and mustard in 2-quart saucepan. Add meatballs. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until meatballs are hot.
SWEDISH MEATBALLS
This comes from PureWow, and begins, “Listen, if you can brave the cafeteria line at Ikea for a taste of those famous meatballs, then you can absolutely make this recipe in your own kitchen. Our version sticks pretty closely to the classic in terms of flavors--but it's how we cook the meatballs that makes all the difference. Serve them as an appetizer (an excuse to bust out those cocktail toothpicks) or over mashed potatoes for a warming dinner.” Makes 6 entree servings; start to finish: 1 hour
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
Sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease it lightly with nonstick spray.
Make the meatballs: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, mix the cooled onion mixture with the beef, egg, salt, pepper, allspice and nutmeg to combine. Add the bread crumbs and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and then transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, 15 to 18 minutes.
Make the sauce: In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
When the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve warm (preferably over mashed potatoes), garnished with parsley.
MEAT LOAF
This comes from Ina Garten fro, The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 45 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 25 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/meat-loaf-recipe.html?oc=linkback.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF AND RICE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com’s Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “These traditional stuffed peppers are filled with ground beef and rice. It's classic comfort food, and it is one of our favorite recipes. This is a tried-and-true old-fashioned favorite. Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious meal with a tossed salad, or served with mashed or baked potatoes.
“Bake these stuffed peppers for a satisfying everyday family meal.”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 85 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Yield: 6 Servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 green peppers, or use a combination of green and red bell peppers or other colors
1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (at least 85%)
1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
Shredded mild Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional
Preparation
Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and rinse them under cold water; remove seeds and cut away the membranes, which might be bitter. Chop the edible part of tops and set aside. Place peppers in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot and the butter is foamy. Sauté the chopped bell pepper (from the tops), chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add the (undrained) canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Mix well.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Stuff the peppers loosely with the meat mixture and place in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed peppers.
Bake the peppers for about 45 minutes, or until the meat mixture is thoroughly cooked. To check the internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer. The temperature should be at least 160° F for ground beef, pork or lamb, or 165° F for ground turkey or chicken.
Tips and Variations
Top stuffed peppers with a little shredded Cheddar cheese just before they are done and then return them to the oven and bake just until the cheese has melted.
Use green bell peppers or red bell peppers, or any combination of colors.
Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the ground beef in the recipe.
The peppers may also be halved horizontally so you have two halves to fill. You won't have the extra chopped pepper from the tops, but you can chop an extra bell pepper.
HAWAIIAN BURGERS
Servings: 4
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/25.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
4 slices fresh pineapple, or canned, unsweetened, water packed variety
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scallions, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
4 slices- 1 ounce each french bread
Directions
Mix the beef, garlic, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce together and form in 4 patties of equal size about 3/4" thick.
Grill or broil 4" from souce of heat, for 7 minutes for medium-rare turning once. Grill longer for well done burgers.
While burgers are grilling, brush 4 slices of fresh or canned water-packed unsweetened pineapple with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Grill until pineapple is heated through and seared with grill marks, about 6 minutes (2 minutes for canned pineapple).
Serve each patty open-face on a 1 oz toasted slice of French bread, topped with grilled slice, and garnished with 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 282; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 401 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g
CHIPOTLE CRANBERRY MEATBALLS
This comes from Publix, and can be viewed online at http://www.publix.com/recipes-planning/aprons-recipes/chipotle-cranberry-meatballs.
Servings: 24
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb fresh ready-to-cook gourmet meatballs (any flavor)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 (8-oz) package Deli cranberry-orange relish*
2 tablespoons chipotle pepper sauce
1/2 cup presliced green onions
Directions
Prepare meatballs following package instructions for skillet (using the oil). Meanwhile, combine relish, pepper sauce, and onions.
Drain any extra fat from meatballs, if needed. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cranberry mixture; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring often, or until thoroughly heated. Serve.
*This is a seasonal item; you can also use canned whole-berry cranberry sauce.
MAKE-AHEAD ITALIAN MEATBALLS
This comes from FamilyTime.com, and begins, “Keep these easy-to-make meatballs on hand for last-minute dinner creations. Tossed with pasta or baked into a casserole, the possibilities are endless!” Serves: makes 30 appetizer meatballs; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup Progresso® dry bread crumbs, (any flavor)
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup cold water
1 jar (12 ounces) tomato pasta sauce, (any variety)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Directions
Heat oven to 400ºF.
Mix ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt and pepper. Shape mixture into thirty 1-inch balls. Place in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.
Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until no longer pink in center and juice is clear. (To serve immediately, continue as directed in step 5--except decrease simmer time to 15 minutes.)
Place meatballs on ungreased cookie sheet. Freeze uncovered about 20 minutes or until firm. Place partially frozen meatballs in heavy plastic bag or freezer container. Seal, label and freeze no longer than 3 months.
About 25 minutes before serving, mix chili sauce, water, pasta sauce and mustard in 2-quart saucepan. Add meatballs. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until meatballs are hot.
SWEDISH MEATBALLS
This comes from PureWow, and begins, “Listen, if you can brave the cafeteria line at Ikea for a taste of those famous meatballs, then you can absolutely make this recipe in your own kitchen. Our version sticks pretty closely to the classic in terms of flavors--but it's how we cook the meatballs that makes all the difference. Serve them as an appetizer (an excuse to bust out those cocktail toothpicks) or over mashed potatoes for a warming dinner.” Makes 6 entree servings; start to finish: 1 hour
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
Sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease it lightly with nonstick spray.
Make the meatballs: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, mix the cooled onion mixture with the beef, egg, salt, pepper, allspice and nutmeg to combine. Add the bread crumbs and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and then transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, 15 to 18 minutes.
Make the sauce: In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
When the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve warm (preferably over mashed potatoes), garnished with parsley.
MEAT LOAF
This comes from Ina Garten fro, The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 45 min; Prep: 20 min; Cook: 1 hr 25 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/meat-loaf-recipe.html?oc=linkback.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF AND RICE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com’s Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “These traditional stuffed peppers are filled with ground beef and rice. It's classic comfort food, and it is one of our favorite recipes. This is a tried-and-true old-fashioned favorite. Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious meal with a tossed salad, or served with mashed or baked potatoes.
“Bake these stuffed peppers for a satisfying everyday family meal.”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 85 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Yield: 6 Servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 green peppers, or use a combination of green and red bell peppers or other colors
1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (at least 85%)
1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
Shredded mild Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional
Preparation
Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and rinse them under cold water; remove seeds and cut away the membranes, which might be bitter. Chop the edible part of tops and set aside. Place peppers in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot and the butter is foamy. Sauté the chopped bell pepper (from the tops), chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add the (undrained) canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Mix well.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Stuff the peppers loosely with the meat mixture and place in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed peppers.
Bake the peppers for about 45 minutes, or until the meat mixture is thoroughly cooked. To check the internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer. The temperature should be at least 160° F for ground beef, pork or lamb, or 165° F for ground turkey or chicken.
Tips and Variations
Top stuffed peppers with a little shredded Cheddar cheese just before they are done and then return them to the oven and bake just until the cheese has melted.
Use green bell peppers or red bell peppers, or any combination of colors.
Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the ground beef in the recipe.
The peppers may also be halved horizontally so you have two halves to fill. You won't have the extra chopped pepper from the tops, but you can chop an extra bell pepper.
HAWAIIAN BURGERS
Servings: 4
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/25.shtml
Ingredients
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
4 slices fresh pineapple, or canned, unsweetened, water packed variety
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scallions, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
4 slices- 1 ounce each french bread
Directions
Mix the beef, garlic, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce together and form in 4 patties of equal size about 3/4" thick.
Grill or broil 4" from souce of heat, for 7 minutes for medium-rare turning once. Grill longer for well done burgers.
While burgers are grilling, brush 4 slices of fresh or canned water-packed unsweetened pineapple with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Grill until pineapple is heated through and seared with grill marks, about 6 minutes (2 minutes for canned pineapple).
Serve each patty open-face on a 1 oz toasted slice of French bread, topped with grilled slice, and garnished with 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 282; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 401 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g
CHIPOTLE CRANBERRY MEATBALLS
This comes from Publix, and can be viewed online at http://www.publix.com/recipes-planning/aprons-recipes/chipotle-cranberry-meatballs.
Servings: 24
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb fresh ready-to-cook gourmet meatballs (any flavor)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 (8-oz) package Deli cranberry-orange relish*
2 tablespoons chipotle pepper sauce
1/2 cup presliced green onions
Directions
Prepare meatballs following package instructions for skillet (using the oil). Meanwhile, combine relish, pepper sauce, and onions.
Drain any extra fat from meatballs, if needed. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cranberry mixture; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring often, or until thoroughly heated. Serve.
*This is a seasonal item; you can also use canned whole-berry cranberry sauce.
Diabetic Thursday
It's Thursday, which means it's Diabetic Thursday. Here are today's six diabetic recipes to help you through the weekend, including Pumpkin Risotto and Texas Red Chili. Enjoy!
BROCCOLI WITH PINE NUTS AND PARMESAN
Servings: 6
Source: Family Circle's All-Time Favorite Recipes
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/100.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=100
Ingredients
2 lbs broccoli, tough ends trimmed, stems peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
Cut broccoli stems into coins; cut heads into flowerets.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 45 seconds.
Add broccoli; cook, stirring constantly, until broccoli is bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Add broth; cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and toss.
If serving warm, add pine nuts; toss and serve.
If serving cold, cool slightly, place in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate.
Just before serving, add pine nuts and toss. Garnish with thin shavings of Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 138; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 263 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Low-fat Milk; 1 Fat; 1 Vegetable
CAROLINA COUNTRY STYLE RIBS
Serves 6.
Source: NPB
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/825.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup water, cold
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons molasses, OR 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Directions
Place ribs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, set aside. In 4-cup glass measure, stir together vinegar, water, oil, molasses, salt, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper until salt is dissolved.
Remove 1/2 cup marinade; set aside. Add remaining marinade to ribs; seal bag and marinate for 4 - 6 hours in the refrigerator. Remove ribs from marinade; discard marinade.
Prepare medium-hot fire; grill ribs over indirect heat for 50 to 60 minutes or until pork is tender and the internal temperature reaches 160F. Baste ribs twice with reserved sauce mixture during last 15 minutes of grilling.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 198; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 355 mg; Cholesterol: 51 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g
TEXAS RED CHILI
Servings: 8
Source: Family Circle's "All-time Favorite Recipes"
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/90.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=90
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 beef brisket (about 2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 cup chopped onion
3 jalapeno chiles, halved, seeded and finely, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 can (13-3/4 ounces) beef broth
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
1 bay leaf
- Lime wedges for garnish
Directions
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, saute brisket until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Add onion, jalapenos and garlic to drippings in pot; cook over medium-low heat until onion is very tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper; cook 1 minute. Return meat to pot.
Stir in broth, tomatoes, beer and bay leaf. Heat to boiling. Lower heat; simmer with cover slightly ajar until meat is tender, about 1-1/2 hours. For last 20 minutes, uncover to thicken chili.
To serve, ladle chili into bowls. Garnish each bowl with lime wedge.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 334; Protein: 30 g; Fat: 17 g; Sodium: 712 mg; Cholesterol: 84 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch; 4 Medium-Fat Meat
OCTOBER BISQUE
Prep Time: 20 Minutes - Cost: $
Servings: 8 - Difficulty Level: 2
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/173.shtml
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
4 tbsp butter
4 cups chicken broth
1 (28oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained
1 tbsp sugar
2 (16oz) cans pumpkin, or 4 cups pureed pumpkin
2 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped, fresh chives
Directions
Sauté onion in butter until tender. Add broth and simmer 15 minutes.
Process tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add tomato and remaining ingredients to broth. Heat to serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 154; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 7.5 g; Sodium: 764 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1-1/2 Vegetable; 1-1/4 Fat
PUMPKIN RISOTTO
Yield: 2 pounds; Serves: 10
Serving Size: 3 ounces
Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/96.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/612.shtml
Ingredients
1 pint Chicken or Vegetable Stock
10-1/2 ounces diced cheese pumpkin or other turban squash
2 ounces onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 ounces arborio rice
2 fluid ounces dry white wine
1-1/4 ounces Romano cheese, grated
Directions
Heat the stock in a medium saucepan.
In a separate saucepan, sweat the pumpkin, onions, and garlic in a small amount of the stock until the onions are translucent. Add the rice and cook briefly.
Stirring constantly over medium to low heat, add the remaining hot stock in 3 additions, making sure the rice absorbs each addition of stock before adding the next. When properly cooked, the risotto should have a creamy texture and be firm to the bite. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the Romano.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 3 g; Sodium: 130 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1 Vegetable
GARLIC CHICKEN
Servings: 4
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/79.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=79
Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking
Ingredients
2 teaspoons oil
4 single chicken breasts (16 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, cut into 1" strips
5-6 cloves garlic, sliced
2-1/4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high.
Stir-fry chicken strips until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken pieces and set aside.
Saute garlic slices until soft and golden.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and wine.
When mixture is hot, reduce heat to medium and return chicken to skillet. Simmer a few minutes to heat through.
If desired, thicken sauce with pinch of instant potatoes. Serve over rice, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 165; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Exchanges: 3 Low-Fat Meat
BROCCOLI WITH PINE NUTS AND PARMESAN
Servings: 6
Source: Family Circle's All-Time Favorite Recipes
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/100.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=100
Ingredients
2 lbs broccoli, tough ends trimmed, stems peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
Cut broccoli stems into coins; cut heads into flowerets.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 45 seconds.
Add broccoli; cook, stirring constantly, until broccoli is bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Add broth; cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and toss.
If serving warm, add pine nuts; toss and serve.
If serving cold, cool slightly, place in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate.
Just before serving, add pine nuts and toss. Garnish with thin shavings of Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 138; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 263 mg; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Low-fat Milk; 1 Fat; 1 Vegetable
CAROLINA COUNTRY STYLE RIBS
Serves 6.
Source: NPB
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/825.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup water, cold
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons molasses, OR 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Directions
Place ribs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, set aside. In 4-cup glass measure, stir together vinegar, water, oil, molasses, salt, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper until salt is dissolved.
Remove 1/2 cup marinade; set aside. Add remaining marinade to ribs; seal bag and marinate for 4 - 6 hours in the refrigerator. Remove ribs from marinade; discard marinade.
Prepare medium-hot fire; grill ribs over indirect heat for 50 to 60 minutes or until pork is tender and the internal temperature reaches 160F. Baste ribs twice with reserved sauce mixture during last 15 minutes of grilling.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 198; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 14 g; Sodium: 355 mg; Cholesterol: 51 mg; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g
TEXAS RED CHILI
Servings: 8
Source: Family Circle's "All-time Favorite Recipes"
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/90.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=90
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 beef brisket (about 2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 cup chopped onion
3 jalapeno chiles, halved, seeded and finely, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 can (13-3/4 ounces) beef broth
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
1 bay leaf
- Lime wedges for garnish
Directions
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, saute brisket until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Add onion, jalapenos and garlic to drippings in pot; cook over medium-low heat until onion is very tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper; cook 1 minute. Return meat to pot.
Stir in broth, tomatoes, beer and bay leaf. Heat to boiling. Lower heat; simmer with cover slightly ajar until meat is tender, about 1-1/2 hours. For last 20 minutes, uncover to thicken chili.
To serve, ladle chili into bowls. Garnish each bowl with lime wedge.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 334; Protein: 30 g; Fat: 17 g; Sodium: 712 mg; Cholesterol: 84 mg; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch; 4 Medium-Fat Meat
OCTOBER BISQUE
Prep Time: 20 Minutes - Cost: $
Servings: 8 - Difficulty Level: 2
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/173.shtml
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
4 tbsp butter
4 cups chicken broth
1 (28oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained
1 tbsp sugar
2 (16oz) cans pumpkin, or 4 cups pureed pumpkin
2 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped, fresh chives
Directions
Sauté onion in butter until tender. Add broth and simmer 15 minutes.
Process tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add tomato and remaining ingredients to broth. Heat to serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 154; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 7.5 g; Sodium: 764 mg; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch/Bread; 1-1/2 Vegetable; 1-1/4 Fat
PUMPKIN RISOTTO
Yield: 2 pounds; Serves: 10
Serving Size: 3 ounces
Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/96.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/612.shtml
Ingredients
1 pint Chicken or Vegetable Stock
10-1/2 ounces diced cheese pumpkin or other turban squash
2 ounces onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 ounces arborio rice
2 fluid ounces dry white wine
1-1/4 ounces Romano cheese, grated
Directions
Heat the stock in a medium saucepan.
In a separate saucepan, sweat the pumpkin, onions, and garlic in a small amount of the stock until the onions are translucent. Add the rice and cook briefly.
Stirring constantly over medium to low heat, add the remaining hot stock in 3 additions, making sure the rice absorbs each addition of stock before adding the next. When properly cooked, the risotto should have a creamy texture and be firm to the bite. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the Romano.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 3 g; Sodium: 130 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Fat: 1.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1 Vegetable
GARLIC CHICKEN
Servings: 4
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/79.shtml
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=79
Source: Gourmet Inspirations Healthy Cooking
Ingredients
2 teaspoons oil
4 single chicken breasts (16 oz. raw weight) skinned, boned, washed, cut into 1" strips
5-6 cloves garlic, sliced
2-1/4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil to medium high.
Stir-fry chicken strips until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken pieces and set aside.
Saute garlic slices until soft and golden.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and wine.
When mixture is hot, reduce heat to medium and return chicken to skillet. Simmer a few minutes to heat through.
If desired, thicken sauce with pinch of instant potatoes. Serve over rice, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 165; Protein: 19 g; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Exchanges: 3 Low-Fat Meat
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