If you love Mexican food as much as I do, today's post is for you. Check out the six yummy recipes in today's post, including Light Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas and Bush’s® Black Bean Quesadillas. Enjoy!
SPICY BEAN & RICE BURRITOS
This is from Eden Foods, and is very yummy. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
16 ounces Eden Spicy Refried Pinto Beans or Eden Spicy Refried Black Beans
1 Tbsp Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup onions, minced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced
1 cup cooked brown rice
4 whole whole grain flour tortillas
1/2 cup prepared salsa
Directions
Place tortillas in a covered casserole dish and heat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic, onion and bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes. Add refried beans and rice, mix and cook until hot, stirring frequently.
Spread 1/2 cup bean mixture on each tortilla. Top with salsa and roll up. Slice and serve.
Nutritional Information: Per serving - 409 calories, 10 g fat (21% calories from fat), 13 g protein, 71 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 642 mg sodium
EASY SALSA VERDE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "These saucy chicken enchiladas are filled with green chiles and cheese and drizzled with Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce. They’re easy to throw together for a quick weeknight dinner."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-salsa-verde-chicken-enchiladas.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
2 cans (10 oz each) Old El Paso™ Green Enchilada Sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas for soft tacos & fajitas, 6 inch
1 package Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (8 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
1/2 cup chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish or pan with cooking spray.
In 10-inch skillet, heat chicken, 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce and the chiles to simmering over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.
Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly in baking dish. Spread 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese. Wrap tortillas tightly around filling, placing seam side down in baking dish. Top with remaining enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving; drizzle with sauce. Top with tomatoes and green onions.
Expert Tips
Try adding chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture, in addition to the chopped green chiles, for some added spicy heat.
Chopped cilantro is a great fresh topper addition.
Nutrition: 5 servings (2 enchiladas each); 1 Serving Calories 530 (Calories from Fat 260); Total Fat 29g (Saturated Fat 11g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 110mg; Sodium 1550mg; Total Carbohydrate 36g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 5g); Protein 32g; % Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 35%; Iron 15%; Exchanges: 2 1/2 Starch, 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat, 1 High-Fat Meat, 3 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 2.5
LIGHT SOUR CREAM CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
Recipe Yield: Servings: 6 (2 Enchiladas each)
Source: Cooking Healthy and Fast
Book Title: Cooking Healthy and Fast
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/light-sour-cream-chicken-enchiladas.
Ingredients
1 (8oz) container light sour cream
1 (8oz) container nonfat plain yogurt
1 (10-3/4oz) can cream of chicken soup with 1/3 less salt
1 (4oz) can diced green chilies
12 (6-7 inch) white corn or flour tortillas
1 Cup (4oz) shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1-1/2 Cups chopped cooked chicken
1/4 Cup sliced green onions
Directions
Heat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 13x9-inch (3 Qt) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In med. bowl, combine sour cream, yogurt, soup and chilies; mix well. Spoon bout 3 Tbsp sour cream mixture down center of each tortilla. Reserve 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese; sprinkle each tortilla with remaining cheese, chicken and onions. Roll tortillas and place in spray-coated dish, seam side down. Spoon remaining sour cream mixture over tortillas. Cover with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil; sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup cheese. Return to oven & bake, uncovered, an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 358; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 590 mg; Cholesterol: 63 m; Carbohydrates: 35 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat, 2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Milk, 1 Fat
BUSH'S® BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS
This comes from (you guessed it) Bush's Best. The recipe, which couldn't be easier, begins, "For a quick and hearty lunch, these Black Bean and cheese quesadillas with salsa are perfect.
"These recipes were created with our vegetarian friends in mind. However, we recommend reading each label to make sure every ingredient suits your dietary needs. Please also remember that product formulations can change, so if you ever have any questions, make sure to contact the product manufacturer!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 6 minutes; Total Time: 21 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://bushbeans.com/en_US/recipe/black-bean-and-cheese-quesadillas.
Ingredients
2 cans (15 oz) BUSH'S® Seasoned Black Beans, drained
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1/3 cup sour cream
Directions
Mash one can of beans.
Mix in remaining can of beans, salsa.
Spread mixture evenly on 4 tortillas; top with cheese.
Cover with remaining tortillas.
Heat skillet & cook quesadillas 2 minutes.
Cut into wedges & serve with salsa & sour cream on the side.
NO-ROLL MEXICAN RICE ENCHILADAS
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Take the mess out of making a Mexican favorite: just fill, fold, and bake these vegetarian rice-bean-cheese enchiladas."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Servings: 5
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/no-roll-mexican-rice-enchiladas/f2afcaed-9e8e-4826-8764-b8e3ccb74a1f.
Ingredients
1 box (6.4 oz) rice and vermicelli mix with Spanish seasonings
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 1/4 cups water
1 can (19 oz) Old El Paso™ mild enchilada sauce
1 can (16 oz) pinto beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (11 oz) Southwestern style corn, drained
1 package (8.2 oz) Old El Paso™ flour tortillas for soft tacos & fajitas (ten 6-inch tortillas)
2 cups finely shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
Directions
Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook rice and vermicelli with butter over medium heat until rice mixture is golden brown, stirring frequently. Stir in water and seasoning mix from rice box. Heat to boiling. Cover; reduce heat to low. Cook 15 to 20 minutes or until rice mixture is tender. Stir in 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce, the pinto beans and corn.
Heat oven to 350°F. Place about 1/2 cup rice mixture on center of each tortilla; top rice mixture in each tortilla with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese. Fold each in half. Arrange tortillas in 2 rows of 5 in baking dish, placing tortillas open end up, slanting and overlapping. Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over enchiladas. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until hot and sauce begins to bubble. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered about 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Expert Tips
Enchiladas can be assembled earlier in the day. Pour the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas just before baking. Refrigerate enchiladas and sauce until just before baking. Enchiladas may need to bake 5 to 10 minutes longer.
Note: The recipe also adds, “One and a half cups finely chopped cooked chicken can be used in place of the beans.” Of course, that no longer makes it vegetarian...
EASY ENCHILADAS
This comes from My Food and Family, and begins, "Spice up your mealtime with our Easy Enchilada Recipe. Ready in under a half hour, our Easy Enchilada Recipe is finished with salsa and shredded cheese."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/126792/easy-enchilada-recipe.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground chicken
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Mexican Style Shredded Four Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL® Thick & Chunky Salsa, divided
12 flour tortillas (6 inch)
Directions
Cook chicken in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray until done, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add dry seasonings, 1 cup cheese and 1/2 cup salsa; mix well.
Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining salsa onto each of 2 microwaveable plates. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place 6 roll-ups, seam sides down, in single layer on each prepared plate. Top with remaining salsa and cheese. Cover loosely with waxed paper.
Microwave enchiladas, 1 plate at a time, on HIGH 2 to 3 min. or until cheese is melted and enchiladas are heated through.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1
Heat oven to 350ºF. Spread 1 cup salsa onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top tortillas as directed; roll up and place, seam sides down, in prepared baking dish. Top with remaining salsa. Bake 20 min. or until heated through, topping with remaining cheese after 15 min.
Tip 2
Top each serving with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and a small spoonful of BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream.
Tip 3
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Monday, September 21, 2020
Desserts - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with desserts, and includes Easy Chocolate Saucepan Brownies and Crème Brûlée Pie. Enjoy!
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS
This is from Erin Jeanne McDowell in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Erin wrote, “Great for picnics or potlucks, these portable cheesecake bars incorporate cooked berries directly into the custard, which means they take on a rosy hue. You can even add a few drops of red food coloring if you want to make up for out-of-season berries, which are less vibrantly colored, or if you just want a livelier result. Feel free to use frozen berries in place of fresh, though you’ll need to thaw them fully before beginning the process.”
Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan (about 15 bars); Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020178-strawberry-cheesecake-bars.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
Nonstick cooking spray
10 1/2 ounces shortbread cookies
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
For the Filling:
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved (about 4 cups)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring, as needed
For the Topping:
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
3/4 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they form fine crumbs (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Add the salt and pulse briefly to combine, then add the melted butter and pulse until uniformly incorporated. Press the crust into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan and wipe out the bowl of the food processor. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the crust has browned slightly and appears set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Make the filling: In a medium pot, toss the strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to soften and the mixture becomes juicy, 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the firmness of the berries. Cool for 15 minutes.
Transfer the strawberries and their juices to the food processor and purée until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the berry purée to a large bowl and set aside. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and the cream cheese to the food processor bowl and blend until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and pulse until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla and pulse to combine. Scrape the custard into the berry purée and stir to combine. The batter should be a pale pink. If it’s not, add 3 to 5 drops red food coloring and mix to combine. Pour the cheesecake custard into the cooled crust.
Bake the cheesecake until the edges appear set and the center still appears slightly jiggly, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, then refrigerate until firm (at least 4 hours, and up to overnight).
Make the topping: In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar to medium peaks, 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on the chilled cheesecake in an even layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top. (Arranging them in stripes makes it a bit easier to cut rows out of the bars later.) Use a sharp knife to release the edges of the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into 15 even pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the clean, sharp edges.
NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE BARS
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, “Ethereal and ready to melt in your mouth, chocolate mousse bars are easy to make and even easier to eat. With so few ingredients, it’s important to use a chocolate you would be perfectly happy to snack out of hand. The instant espresso powder is optional but adds depth to this simple dessert. To cut beautiful, neat slices, use a long sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped clean before each cut.”
Yield: 24 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019316-no-bake-chocolate-mousse-bars.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
18 whole graham crackers (about 9 1/2 ounces)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Filling:
1 pound semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 cups cold heavy cream, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional)
Preparation
Make the crust: Line a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. In a food processor, or in a resealable plastic bag, crush the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs (but stop before you have dust). You should have about 2 1/4 cups. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl. Add the butter, sugar and salt and stir until evenly moistened. Tip the crumbs into the prepared pan and press them down into an even layer on the bottom. Transfer to the freezer while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling: Set the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup cream, espresso powder and salt until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool completely.
In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 2 cups heavy cream until you have stiff peaks. Add the chocolate mixture and gently fold to combine. Pour the mixture over the prepared crust, and spread it out into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours. To serve, cut the two edges without parchment free with a sharp knife then use the parchment overhang to transfer the bar to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
SUMMER FRUIT “CREAM” WITH LADYFINGERS
This is from the July/August 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times(page 33). It begins, “Elegant and creamy, this fruit dessert comes together in a snap. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it, or assemble it while the coffee perks.”
Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 plain ladyfingers
1 12.3-oz. pkg. silken soft tofu
1/2 12.3-oz. pkg. silken firm tofu
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 pint fresh raspberries, rinsed
1/2 pint fresh blackberries, rinsed
1 3-oz. pkg. dried tart cherries
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Preparation
Line bottom of 3-qt. bowl with ladyfingers; set aside.
Put all tofu into food processor or blender, and purée until smooth (or beat with electric mixer until smooth). Add extracts and confectioners’ sugar, and blend well. Transfer to large bowl, and gently stir in berries.
Pour mixture over ladyfingers, and top with dried cherries. If making ahead, chill. Before serving, garnish with almonds.
EASY CHOCOLATE SAUCEPAN BROWNIES
This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “Chocolate saucepan brownies are a quick, super-easy and delicious preparation. Just melt the butter and chocolate, beat in the sugar, eggs, and dry ingredients, then bake. That's all there is to it!”
Total: 35 mins; Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 16 Brownies (16 servings)
To view this yummy brownie online, click here.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions
Heat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool. With a whisk, beat in the vanilla and sugar. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir flour, measure into a small bowl, and stir in the baking powder and salt, blending well. With a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the first mixture.
Stir in the chopped nuts, if using, blending well. Spoon into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake the brownies for about 25 minutes.
Recipe Variations
Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
STRAWBERRY MARGARITA CHEESECAKE MINIS
This is from Better Homes & Gardens, and begins, “With plenty of strawberry, lime, and even a pretzel crust (for a nod to the salty rim!) there's only thing missing from this mini cheesecake recipe to make it just like a strawberry margarita: a shot of tequila!”
Prep: 1 hr; Bake: 15 mins at 325°; Cool: 10 mins; Chill: 4 hrs to 1 day; Yield: 36 mini cheesecakes
View this online here.
Ingredients
1 recipe Salted Pretzel Crust (below)
1 1/2 8 ounces tubs cream cheese spread, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded lime peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup sliced small strawberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
Finely shredded lime peel (optional)
Salted Pretzel Crust Ingredients
1 3/4 cups pretzel sticks
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Place pretzel sticks in a resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Crush pretzels with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form (you should have 1 cup). In a medium bowl stir together crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line thirty-six 1 3/4-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside. Prepare Salted Pretzel Crust. Press about 1 1/2 teaspoons pretzel mixture into the bottom and up the side of each muffin cup. Bake for 5 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack.
Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, flour, the 1 1/2 teaspoons lime peel, and vanilla; beat until combined. Add egg; beat on low speed just until combined.
Spoon filling into muffin cups, filling each three-fourths full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in muffin cups on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cheesecakes from cups. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
Before serving, in a small bowl stir together strawberries, the 1 tablespoon sugar, and lime juice. Spoon on top of cheesecakes. If desired, sprinkle with additional lime peel.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 68 calories, (3 g saturated fat, 0 g polyunsaturated fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat), 18 mg cholesterol, 119 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 1 g protein.
CREME BRULEE PIE
This comes from Jerrelle Guy on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Jerrelle wrote, “This crowd-pleasing dessert imitates the velvety custard and caramelized sugar shell of a crème brûlée, with the added bonus of a flaky crust. A food processor makes easy work of the all-butter pie shell, which can be chilled, then baked, a day in advance. Unlike traditional crème brûlée, there’s no need to simmer the cream on a stovetop or use a blow torch, ramekins or water bath to pull this dessert together. The filling is simply blended together, baked in the pie shell, then chilled. Broil the pie just before serving to achieve that characteristic crackle on top.”
Time: 3 hours, plus chilling; Yield: One 9-inch pie (about 8 servings).
This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020556-creme-brulee-pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cubed and chilled
7 to 9 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
3/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Preparation
Prepare the crust: In a food processor, blend the flour and 3/4 teaspoon salt on high for 5 seconds to combine. Open the lid and scatter the cubes of butter evenly across the top, reattach the lid, and pulse until the butter is about the size of peas or a little larger. Drizzle in 5 tablespoons of the water through the lid while continuing to pulse. If the mixture is still dry, drizzle in more water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and stopping once the dough is properly moist. Check as you go by pinching the mixture between your fingertips: It should look crumbly but it should hold together when you squeeze it. You should be able to compress it without it sticking too much to your fingers.
Set a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and dump the dough into the center of it. Wrap it up tightly and compress the dough into a flat, smooth disk. Refrigerate the disk at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured work surface, quickly roll the dough out into an even 13-inch round, making sure to occasionally turn, flip and lightly dust the dough and rolling pin as you go. Carefully transfer the crust to a 9-inch glass pie plate, making sure not to stretch it as you nestle it into the corners of the plate.
Using scissors, trim away the rough edges of the dough and tuck the remaining overhang under itself to create a thicker edge that rests on the rim of the pan. Crimp the edges using your fingertips or the tines of a fork, then place the entire plate in the freezer for another 30 minutes to harden.
Heat the oven to 425 degrees and position a rack in the center of the oven. Remove the crust from the freezer and place a sheet of parchment on top of the pie crust, making sure it extends far beyond the edges of the pie, and top the paper with pie weights or uncooked beans. Bake for 30 minutes before removing the weights and parchment, and then bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the bottom is light golden brown. Transfer the pie crust in its pie plate to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
While the pie crust cools, heat the oven to 300 degrees and prepare the filling: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, egg yolks, vanilla bean paste, salt and nutmeg, and beat on high speed for 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through. The mixture will be very pale and have a marshmallow-like consistency. Reduce the speed to medium, and with the mixer still running, slowly drizzle in the heavy cream, beating until completely combined.
Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake until the pie is set around the edges and jiggly in the center, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 20 minutes before placing in the fridge, uncovered, to chill overnight (or at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days).
When ready to serve, heat the oven to broil and place a rack 3 to 4 inches away from the heat source. Remove the pie from the fridge and using a sheet of aluminum foil and a pair of scissors, cut a hole out of the center of the foil to create a frame that will expose the filling of the pie but covers the crust. Secure it firmly so it’s hugging the crust and sides of the plate. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons granulated sugar over the filling, and place the pie directly under the broiler for 3 to 6 minutes, watching closely and rotating the pan and foil as needed, until the sugar begins to bubble and burn all over.
Remove from the oven, allow 3 to 5 minutes to cool so the sugar can harden, then gently tap the surface with a knife to break up the sheet of sugar around the areas you intend to cut. Slice and serve immediately, before the sugar softens.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS
This is from Erin Jeanne McDowell in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Erin wrote, “Great for picnics or potlucks, these portable cheesecake bars incorporate cooked berries directly into the custard, which means they take on a rosy hue. You can even add a few drops of red food coloring if you want to make up for out-of-season berries, which are less vibrantly colored, or if you just want a livelier result. Feel free to use frozen berries in place of fresh, though you’ll need to thaw them fully before beginning the process.”
Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan (about 15 bars); Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020178-strawberry-cheesecake-bars.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
Nonstick cooking spray
10 1/2 ounces shortbread cookies
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
For the Filling:
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved (about 4 cups)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring, as needed
For the Topping:
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
3/4 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they form fine crumbs (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Add the salt and pulse briefly to combine, then add the melted butter and pulse until uniformly incorporated. Press the crust into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan and wipe out the bowl of the food processor. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the crust has browned slightly and appears set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Make the filling: In a medium pot, toss the strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to soften and the mixture becomes juicy, 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the firmness of the berries. Cool for 15 minutes.
Transfer the strawberries and their juices to the food processor and purée until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the berry purée to a large bowl and set aside. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and the cream cheese to the food processor bowl and blend until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and pulse until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla and pulse to combine. Scrape the custard into the berry purée and stir to combine. The batter should be a pale pink. If it’s not, add 3 to 5 drops red food coloring and mix to combine. Pour the cheesecake custard into the cooled crust.
Bake the cheesecake until the edges appear set and the center still appears slightly jiggly, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, then refrigerate until firm (at least 4 hours, and up to overnight).
Make the topping: In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar to medium peaks, 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on the chilled cheesecake in an even layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top. (Arranging them in stripes makes it a bit easier to cut rows out of the bars later.) Use a sharp knife to release the edges of the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into 15 even pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the clean, sharp edges.
NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE BARS
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, “Ethereal and ready to melt in your mouth, chocolate mousse bars are easy to make and even easier to eat. With so few ingredients, it’s important to use a chocolate you would be perfectly happy to snack out of hand. The instant espresso powder is optional but adds depth to this simple dessert. To cut beautiful, neat slices, use a long sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped clean before each cut.”
Yield: 24 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019316-no-bake-chocolate-mousse-bars.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
18 whole graham crackers (about 9 1/2 ounces)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Filling:
1 pound semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 cups cold heavy cream, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional)
Preparation
Make the crust: Line a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. In a food processor, or in a resealable plastic bag, crush the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs (but stop before you have dust). You should have about 2 1/4 cups. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl. Add the butter, sugar and salt and stir until evenly moistened. Tip the crumbs into the prepared pan and press them down into an even layer on the bottom. Transfer to the freezer while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling: Set the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup cream, espresso powder and salt until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool completely.
In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 2 cups heavy cream until you have stiff peaks. Add the chocolate mixture and gently fold to combine. Pour the mixture over the prepared crust, and spread it out into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours. To serve, cut the two edges without parchment free with a sharp knife then use the parchment overhang to transfer the bar to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
SUMMER FRUIT “CREAM” WITH LADYFINGERS
This is from the July/August 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times(page 33). It begins, “Elegant and creamy, this fruit dessert comes together in a snap. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it, or assemble it while the coffee perks.”
Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 plain ladyfingers
1 12.3-oz. pkg. silken soft tofu
1/2 12.3-oz. pkg. silken firm tofu
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 pint fresh raspberries, rinsed
1/2 pint fresh blackberries, rinsed
1 3-oz. pkg. dried tart cherries
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Preparation
Line bottom of 3-qt. bowl with ladyfingers; set aside.
Put all tofu into food processor or blender, and purée until smooth (or beat with electric mixer until smooth). Add extracts and confectioners’ sugar, and blend well. Transfer to large bowl, and gently stir in berries.
Pour mixture over ladyfingers, and top with dried cherries. If making ahead, chill. Before serving, garnish with almonds.
EASY CHOCOLATE SAUCEPAN BROWNIES
This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “Chocolate saucepan brownies are a quick, super-easy and delicious preparation. Just melt the butter and chocolate, beat in the sugar, eggs, and dry ingredients, then bake. That's all there is to it!”
Total: 35 mins; Prep: 10 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 16 Brownies (16 servings)
To view this yummy brownie online, click here.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions
Heat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool. With a whisk, beat in the vanilla and sugar. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir flour, measure into a small bowl, and stir in the baking powder and salt, blending well. With a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the first mixture.
Stir in the chopped nuts, if using, blending well. Spoon into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake the brownies for about 25 minutes.
Recipe Variations
Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
STRAWBERRY MARGARITA CHEESECAKE MINIS
This is from Better Homes & Gardens, and begins, “With plenty of strawberry, lime, and even a pretzel crust (for a nod to the salty rim!) there's only thing missing from this mini cheesecake recipe to make it just like a strawberry margarita: a shot of tequila!”
Prep: 1 hr; Bake: 15 mins at 325°; Cool: 10 mins; Chill: 4 hrs to 1 day; Yield: 36 mini cheesecakes
View this online here.
Ingredients
1 recipe Salted Pretzel Crust (below)
1 1/2 8 ounces tubs cream cheese spread, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded lime peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup sliced small strawberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
Finely shredded lime peel (optional)
Salted Pretzel Crust Ingredients
1 3/4 cups pretzel sticks
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Place pretzel sticks in a resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Crush pretzels with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form (you should have 1 cup). In a medium bowl stir together crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line thirty-six 1 3/4-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside. Prepare Salted Pretzel Crust. Press about 1 1/2 teaspoons pretzel mixture into the bottom and up the side of each muffin cup. Bake for 5 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack.
Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, flour, the 1 1/2 teaspoons lime peel, and vanilla; beat until combined. Add egg; beat on low speed just until combined.
Spoon filling into muffin cups, filling each three-fourths full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in muffin cups on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cheesecakes from cups. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
Before serving, in a small bowl stir together strawberries, the 1 tablespoon sugar, and lime juice. Spoon on top of cheesecakes. If desired, sprinkle with additional lime peel.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 68 calories, (3 g saturated fat, 0 g polyunsaturated fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat), 18 mg cholesterol, 119 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 1 g protein.
CREME BRULEE PIE
This comes from Jerrelle Guy on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Jerrelle wrote, “This crowd-pleasing dessert imitates the velvety custard and caramelized sugar shell of a crème brûlée, with the added bonus of a flaky crust. A food processor makes easy work of the all-butter pie shell, which can be chilled, then baked, a day in advance. Unlike traditional crème brûlée, there’s no need to simmer the cream on a stovetop or use a blow torch, ramekins or water bath to pull this dessert together. The filling is simply blended together, baked in the pie shell, then chilled. Broil the pie just before serving to achieve that characteristic crackle on top.”
Time: 3 hours, plus chilling; Yield: One 9-inch pie (about 8 servings).
This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020556-creme-brulee-pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cubed and chilled
7 to 9 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
3/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Preparation
Prepare the crust: In a food processor, blend the flour and 3/4 teaspoon salt on high for 5 seconds to combine. Open the lid and scatter the cubes of butter evenly across the top, reattach the lid, and pulse until the butter is about the size of peas or a little larger. Drizzle in 5 tablespoons of the water through the lid while continuing to pulse. If the mixture is still dry, drizzle in more water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and stopping once the dough is properly moist. Check as you go by pinching the mixture between your fingertips: It should look crumbly but it should hold together when you squeeze it. You should be able to compress it without it sticking too much to your fingers.
Set a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and dump the dough into the center of it. Wrap it up tightly and compress the dough into a flat, smooth disk. Refrigerate the disk at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured work surface, quickly roll the dough out into an even 13-inch round, making sure to occasionally turn, flip and lightly dust the dough and rolling pin as you go. Carefully transfer the crust to a 9-inch glass pie plate, making sure not to stretch it as you nestle it into the corners of the plate.
Using scissors, trim away the rough edges of the dough and tuck the remaining overhang under itself to create a thicker edge that rests on the rim of the pan. Crimp the edges using your fingertips or the tines of a fork, then place the entire plate in the freezer for another 30 minutes to harden.
Heat the oven to 425 degrees and position a rack in the center of the oven. Remove the crust from the freezer and place a sheet of parchment on top of the pie crust, making sure it extends far beyond the edges of the pie, and top the paper with pie weights or uncooked beans. Bake for 30 minutes before removing the weights and parchment, and then bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the bottom is light golden brown. Transfer the pie crust in its pie plate to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
While the pie crust cools, heat the oven to 300 degrees and prepare the filling: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, egg yolks, vanilla bean paste, salt and nutmeg, and beat on high speed for 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through. The mixture will be very pale and have a marshmallow-like consistency. Reduce the speed to medium, and with the mixer still running, slowly drizzle in the heavy cream, beating until completely combined.
Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake until the pie is set around the edges and jiggly in the center, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 20 minutes before placing in the fridge, uncovered, to chill overnight (or at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days).
When ready to serve, heat the oven to broil and place a rack 3 to 4 inches away from the heat source. Remove the pie from the fridge and using a sheet of aluminum foil and a pair of scissors, cut a hole out of the center of the foil to create a frame that will expose the filling of the pie but covers the crust. Secure it firmly so it’s hugging the crust and sides of the plate. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons granulated sugar over the filling, and place the pie directly under the broiler for 3 to 6 minutes, watching closely and rotating the pan and foil as needed, until the sugar begins to bubble and burn all over.
Remove from the oven, allow 3 to 5 minutes to cool so the sugar can harden, then gently tap the surface with a knife to break up the sheet of sugar around the areas you intend to cut. Slice and serve immediately, before the sugar softens.
Taco Tuesday
If it's Tuesday (and it appears that it is), it's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's yummy taco offerings include Outrageous Ranch Tacos and Taco Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy!
PULLED PORK TACOS WITH PINEAPPLE SLAW
This is from Delish. The recipe begins, “You'll want to use the pineapple slaw on everything.”
Yields: 8; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 lb. pork shoulder
1 c. barbecue sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
Juice of 3 limes, divided
2 tbsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1 whole pineapple, cut and diced
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small red onion, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
8 corn tortillas
Directions
In a 6-quart slow-cooker, add pork. In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, juice of 2 limes, garlic powder, chili powder, and cayenne, then mix together into a thick paste and spread all over pork.
Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low 8 to 9 hours, until tender, then shred.
When ready to eat, make pineapple slaw: Combine cabbage, pineapple, remaining lime juice, olive oil, red onions, green onions, and red pepper flakes.
Top tortillas with shredded pork and pineapple slaw.
INSTANT POT SPICY CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Makinze Gore on Delish. She wrote, “If we knew the Instant Pot could turn out delicious, juicy chicken tacos, then we would have bought one a lot sooner. If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon already you're going to want to for these.”
Yields: 12; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4)
1 (15-oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 c. hot sauce
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
Corn tortillas
Avocado, diced
Jalapeño, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Freshly chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Directions
In a 6-quart Instant Pot add chicken, diced tomatoes, broth, hot sauce, and seasonings. Lock lid and set to Pressure Cook on High for 12 minutes.
Follow manufacturer’s guide for quick release, making sure to wait until cycle is complete before unlocking and removing lid. Shred chicken with two forks.
Use a slotted spoon to serve chicken on tortillas with desired toppings.
OUTRAGEOUS RANCH TACOS
This is from Hidden Valley. Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/outrageous-ranch-tacos/.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
3 cups shredded lettuce
1/2 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® dressing
8 large taco shells, heated
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
Directions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the ground beef and taco seasoning and cook for about 10 minutes, or until browned; drain.
In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
Fill each taco shell with the beef mixture and top with lettuce, cheese and tomato. Serve immediately.
Notes: For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
For dips, make and enjoy your dip creation. Then, refrigerate within 2 hours or discard.
TACO STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Lauren Miyahira on Delish, and begins, “Taco 'bout a healthy dinner!”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 Onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Chopped cilantro
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
3 bell peppers, halved (seeds removed)
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
1 c. Shredded lettuce
Pico de gallo, for serving
Hot sauce, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add onion and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain fat.
Add chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika to beef mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the peppers, cut side up, in the baking dish and spoon meat mixture into each pepper. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the peppers are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.
Top each pepper with lettuce and serve with pico de gallo, hot sauce, and lime wedges.
LIME CHICKEN TACOS
This comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Tracy Gunter (of Boise, Idaho), "Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad."
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 5 1/2 hours; Makes: 6 servings
View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lime-chicken-tacos/.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup chunky salsa
12 fat-free flour tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Optional: Sour cream, pickled onions, shredded lettuce and shredded cheddar or Cotija cheese
Directions
Place chicken in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine lime juice and chili powder; pour over chicken. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 5-6 hours.
Remove chicken. When cool enough to handle, shred meat with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Stir in corn and salsa. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, about 30 minutes. Place filling on tortillas; if desired, serve with sour cream, pickled onions, lettuce and cheese.
CHILI-LIME MUSHROOM TACOS
This also comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Greg Fontenot (The Woodlands, Texas), "I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty."
Prep/Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes: 4 servings
View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-lime-mushroom-tacos/.
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms (about 3/4 pound)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
8 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Directions
Remove stems from mushrooms; if desired, remove gills using a spoon. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-in. slices.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms, red pepper and onion until mushrooms are tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasonings, lime zest and juice; cook and stir 1 minute. Serve in tortillas; top with cheese.
Health Tip: Making these tacos with lean ground beef adds almost 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. That’s a good reason for a meatless taco Tuesday!
PULLED PORK TACOS WITH PINEAPPLE SLAW
This is from Delish. The recipe begins, “You'll want to use the pineapple slaw on everything.”
Yields: 8; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 lb. pork shoulder
1 c. barbecue sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
Juice of 3 limes, divided
2 tbsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1 whole pineapple, cut and diced
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small red onion, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
8 corn tortillas
Directions
In a 6-quart slow-cooker, add pork. In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, juice of 2 limes, garlic powder, chili powder, and cayenne, then mix together into a thick paste and spread all over pork.
Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low 8 to 9 hours, until tender, then shred.
When ready to eat, make pineapple slaw: Combine cabbage, pineapple, remaining lime juice, olive oil, red onions, green onions, and red pepper flakes.
Top tortillas with shredded pork and pineapple slaw.
INSTANT POT SPICY CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Makinze Gore on Delish. She wrote, “If we knew the Instant Pot could turn out delicious, juicy chicken tacos, then we would have bought one a lot sooner. If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon already you're going to want to for these.”
Yields: 12; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4)
1 (15-oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 c. hot sauce
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
Corn tortillas
Avocado, diced
Jalapeño, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Freshly chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Directions
In a 6-quart Instant Pot add chicken, diced tomatoes, broth, hot sauce, and seasonings. Lock lid and set to Pressure Cook on High for 12 minutes.
Follow manufacturer’s guide for quick release, making sure to wait until cycle is complete before unlocking and removing lid. Shred chicken with two forks.
Use a slotted spoon to serve chicken on tortillas with desired toppings.
OUTRAGEOUS RANCH TACOS
This is from Hidden Valley. Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/outrageous-ranch-tacos/.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
3 cups shredded lettuce
1/2 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® dressing
8 large taco shells, heated
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
Directions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the ground beef and taco seasoning and cook for about 10 minutes, or until browned; drain.
In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
Fill each taco shell with the beef mixture and top with lettuce, cheese and tomato. Serve immediately.
Notes: For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
For dips, make and enjoy your dip creation. Then, refrigerate within 2 hours or discard.
TACO STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Lauren Miyahira on Delish, and begins, “Taco 'bout a healthy dinner!”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 Onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Chopped cilantro
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
3 bell peppers, halved (seeds removed)
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
1 c. Shredded lettuce
Pico de gallo, for serving
Hot sauce, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add onion and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain fat.
Add chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika to beef mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the peppers, cut side up, in the baking dish and spoon meat mixture into each pepper. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the peppers are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.
Top each pepper with lettuce and serve with pico de gallo, hot sauce, and lime wedges.
LIME CHICKEN TACOS
This comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Tracy Gunter (of Boise, Idaho), "Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad."
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 5 1/2 hours; Makes: 6 servings
View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lime-chicken-tacos/.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup chunky salsa
12 fat-free flour tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Optional: Sour cream, pickled onions, shredded lettuce and shredded cheddar or Cotija cheese
Directions
Place chicken in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine lime juice and chili powder; pour over chicken. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 5-6 hours.
Remove chicken. When cool enough to handle, shred meat with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Stir in corn and salsa. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, about 30 minutes. Place filling on tortillas; if desired, serve with sour cream, pickled onions, lettuce and cheese.
CHILI-LIME MUSHROOM TACOS
This also comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Greg Fontenot (The Woodlands, Texas), "I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty."
Prep/Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes: 4 servings
View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-lime-mushroom-tacos/.
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms (about 3/4 pound)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
8 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Directions
Remove stems from mushrooms; if desired, remove gills using a spoon. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-in. slices.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms, red pepper and onion until mushrooms are tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasonings, lime zest and juice; cook and stir 1 minute. Serve in tortillas; top with cheese.
Health Tip: Making these tacos with lean ground beef adds almost 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. That’s a good reason for a meatless taco Tuesday!
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Beef - Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post deals with (of all things) beef, so that you get both Meatless Monday and meat. Today's offerings include Hamburger Stroganoff Skillet, Beef Empanadas, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Meatloaf. Enjoy!
CARIBBEAN BEEF BURGERS WITH MANGO SALSA
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/caribbean-beef-burgers-with-mango-salsa.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds 95% lean ground beef
2 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning
Salt
Mango Salsa:
1 large mango, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Directions
Combine Ground Beef and jerk seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.
Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes), until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.
Meanwhile, combine salsa ingredients in medium bowl, mixing lightly. Serve burgers with salsa.
Note: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1.1 g; Sodium: 51 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g
CHILI CARNIVALE
Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chili-carnivale.
Ingredients
2 pounds Ground Beef (95% lean)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
1 can (14 to 14-1/2 ounces) regular or reduced-sodium beef broth
1 bottle (12 ounces) regular or light beer
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium green, red, yellow or orange bell peppers, diced
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/3 cup chili powder
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed, drained
Lime wedges and baked tortillas chips (optional)
Toppings:
Sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced serranos or jalapenos, chopped onion
Directions
Heat stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove drippings.
Add tomatoes, beef broth, beer, onions, bell peppers, tomato paste, chili powder, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cumin and oregano to stockpot, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in black beans and continue to simmer 15 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and black pepper, as desired. Garnish with Toppings, as desired. Serve with lime wedges and baked tortilla chips, if desired.
Note: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 318; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 7.5 g; Sodium: 955 mg; Cholesterol: 76 mg; Protein: 32 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g
HAN OAK GALBIJJIM
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "This is a home cook’s take on the short-rib stew the chef Peter Cho serves at Han Oak, the beautiful homestyle Korean restaurant in Portland, Ore., that he runs with his wife, Sun Young Park. It is fragrant and sweet, with deep caramelized flavors that come in part from roasting the meat and vegetables separately before combining them in the braising liquid. Cho fries rice cakes before adding them to the stew, but you can just slide them in plain, if you prefer. Either way, the addition of greens at the end gives the dish an exciting brightness, a zip that many galbijjims lack."
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 2 hours
This was featured in "A Secret Ingredient Makes This Chef’s Galbijjim Perfect. Just Don’t Tell Mom.", and cam be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019918-han-oak-galbijjim.
Ingredients
3 pounds mixed root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, onions and sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
5 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 pounds bone-in short ribs, cut by a butcher into 2-inch pieces
2 medium-size Asian pears, peeled, cored and diced
1 large red onion, peeled and diced
12 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons roughly chopped ginger
3 cups chicken stock
1 12-ounce can Coca-Cola
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes), or to taste
4 cups roughly chopped kale, optional
1 pound Korean rice cakes, optional
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 scallions, trimmed and both white and green parts thinly sliced
3 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
Sesame seeds, to taste
Preparation
Heat oven to 425. Toss the root vegetables in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of oil, and season with an aggressive amount of salt and pepper. Turn the vegetables onto a sheet pan. Put the short ribs in the same bowl, and toss with 1 tablespoon of oil and a lot of salt and pepper, then put the ribs on another sheet pan, bone sides down. Place both pans in the oven and roast, turning the pans once or twice, until the vegetables are soft and caramelized and the ribs are well browned, approximately 40 minutes. Set the pans aside until ready to use.
While the vegetables and ribs cook, place a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and swirl into it the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. When it shimmers, add the pears, onion, garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and browning, approximately 15 minutes.
Turn heat to high, add the stock, Coca-Cola, honey, soy sauce, rice-wine vinegar and gochugaru, and bring the mixture to a lively simmer. Cook until pears are tender, approximately 20 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor, and purée the sauce until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Add the cooked short ribs and whatever fat has rendered from them to the pot, cover it and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 90 minutes, or until very tender.
When the meat can be flaked from the bone, add the roasted vegetables to the pot, along with the rice cakes. Cook until the vegetables are hot and the rice cakes (if using) are sticky, then add the greens, and stir them around until they have just started to turn tender.
Drizzle with the sesame oil, top with the scallions, radishes and sesame seeds to taste. Serve immediately.
HAMBURGER STROGANOFF
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Give ground beef the stroganoff treatment by combining it with sauteed mushrooms and rich cream. Cook pasta right in the sauce for an easy one-pan dinner."
Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/hamburger-stroganoff-skillet-5478672.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 10-ounce package white mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 15-ounce can low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups dried penne pasta
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, leaving behind any drippings, and reduce the heat to medium.
To the same skillet, add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to the bowl with the beef. Add the oil, paprika, garlic, carrot and onion to the skillet and cook until the carrots are soft and the onion is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the tomato paste has toasted and is evenly coating the vegetables, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire and 1 1/2 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Uncover, stir in the reserved beef and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, chives and parsley until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF
This is from John Mitzewich, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. John wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender and delicious. This great recipe is finished with a glossy brown sugar glaze that's a perfect compliment to the flavorful meat. If you're craving meatloaf but on a stricter diet, you can also try kept meatloaf."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)
For the Glaze:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Directions
While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.
For the Meatloaf:
Gather the ingredients.
In a sauté pan, on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a large bowl add the ground beef, the onions, and all the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Mix to incorporate.
Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.
Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide, by about 3 to 4 inches high.
Bake for 30 minutes.
For the Glaze:
Gather the ingredients.
While the meatloaf is baking combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl for the glaze.
After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to check to make sure meatloaf is done—at least 160 F/70 C.
Serve and enjoy!
Tip
Enjoy with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
BEEF EMPANADAS
This is from Angela Dimayuga in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Angela wrote, "Filipinos take snacking seriously, so much so that we devote an entire meal to it: merienda, which may take place midmorning or midafternoon, if not both. Empanadas are a great treat for this in-between time, but also keep well at room temperature — the grace of food built for a warm climate — so you can graze all day. (My family used to buy these by the tray for parties, but it’s nice to make your own and store them in the freezer for later.) In these, a ground-beef filling is tucked inside sturdy but flaky dough, with raisins added early in the cooking to plump with the beef juices. There are variations on empanadas all over Latin America; ours rely on the potency of onion and garlic, and exploit it to the hilt."
Yield: 40 empanadas; Time: 2 hours
This was featured in "Angela Dimayuga’s 10 Essential Filipino Recipes", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020490-beef-empanadas.
Ingredients
For the empanada dough:
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), diced
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2/3 cup ice water
For the filling:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 large green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 large red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 medium russet potato, peeled and cut into 1-centimeter cubes (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup raisins
3/4 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 (48-ounce) bottle neutral oil, such as canola, for frying
Preparation
Prepare the empanada dough: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, combine the flour and 1 tablespoon salt, and mix well. Add the butter and incorporate it into the flour using your hands or a food processor. Combine until mixture is sandy. Combine the egg mixture, vinegar and 2/3 cup ice water, whisking to break up the egg. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, and beat with a fork to bring dough together.
Sprinkle a light layer of flour over a work surface. Place the dough on top. Bring dough together by pressing and folding dough onto itself a few times with the palms of your hands. Being careful not to overwork, split dough in half and form into two equal logs about the thickness of a small sausage, 1 1/2- to 2-inches thick. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
While the dough rests, prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high and bring to a shimmer. Add the tomato paste and toast, stirring frequently, until darkened and caramelized, about 3 minutes. Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the potato and raisins, and cook, stirring, until mixture starts to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the beef, increase the temperature to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in oyster sauce and soy sauce until coated, then stir in chicken stock. (Mixture should be glossy but not overtly wet; cook for another 5 minutes or so to reduce liquid, if need be.) Transfer to a sheet pan, dispersing in a thin layer, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 20 minutes.
Fill a small bowl with some cool water for sealing your empanadas, and another small bowl with flour for dusting. Working with one log at a time, remove dough from fridge. Cut each log in half crosswise, then cut each half crosswise into 10 equal pieces, which will be the shape of thick coins. Using a bit of flour, dust your work surface. Round each coin slightly using your thumb and forefinger and on your surface with your hands press each coin lightly to coax it into a flat round shape. Switch to a rolling pin and roll each piece of empanada dough into a 4 1/2-inch circle. You can lightly dust and stack your circles off to the side or transfer them to a parchment lined baking sheet and chill until you are ready to assemble (they are easier to work with when kept cool). Repeat with remaining log. When you have all your pieces rolled out, you are ready to assemble your empanadas. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each circle, leaving at least a 1/2-inch border. Using a brush or your finger, wet the edges of the dough with water and fold the crust over the filling, forming half-moon empanada shapes, sealing out as much air as possible. Crimp the edges of the empanada with the tines of a fork to seal.
In a large heavy Dutch oven or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high. Heat oil to 365 degrees. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pan, maintaining an even heat, fry the empanadas, turning frequently, until they start to bob, 4 to 5 minutes. (They should be crisp and golden brown, the pastry should be cooked through and the meat should be warmed through.) Transfer to a paper-towel lined baking sheet and fry remaining empanadas. Serve warm.
CARIBBEAN BEEF BURGERS WITH MANGO SALSA
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/caribbean-beef-burgers-with-mango-salsa.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds 95% lean ground beef
2 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning
Salt
Mango Salsa:
1 large mango, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Directions
Combine Ground Beef and jerk seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.
Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes), until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160F, turning occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.
Meanwhile, combine salsa ingredients in medium bowl, mixing lightly. Serve burgers with salsa.
Note: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 1.1 g; Sodium: 51 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g
CHILI CARNIVALE
Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/chili-carnivale.
Ingredients
2 pounds Ground Beef (95% lean)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
1 can (14 to 14-1/2 ounces) regular or reduced-sodium beef broth
1 bottle (12 ounces) regular or light beer
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium green, red, yellow or orange bell peppers, diced
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/3 cup chili powder
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed, drained
Lime wedges and baked tortillas chips (optional)
Toppings:
Sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced serranos or jalapenos, chopped onion
Directions
Heat stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove drippings.
Add tomatoes, beef broth, beer, onions, bell peppers, tomato paste, chili powder, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cumin and oregano to stockpot, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in black beans and continue to simmer 15 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and black pepper, as desired. Garnish with Toppings, as desired. Serve with lime wedges and baked tortilla chips, if desired.
Note: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 318; Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 7.5 g; Sodium: 955 mg; Cholesterol: 76 mg; Protein: 32 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g
HAN OAK GALBIJJIM
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, "This is a home cook’s take on the short-rib stew the chef Peter Cho serves at Han Oak, the beautiful homestyle Korean restaurant in Portland, Ore., that he runs with his wife, Sun Young Park. It is fragrant and sweet, with deep caramelized flavors that come in part from roasting the meat and vegetables separately before combining them in the braising liquid. Cho fries rice cakes before adding them to the stew, but you can just slide them in plain, if you prefer. Either way, the addition of greens at the end gives the dish an exciting brightness, a zip that many galbijjims lack."
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 2 hours
This was featured in "A Secret Ingredient Makes This Chef’s Galbijjim Perfect. Just Don’t Tell Mom.", and cam be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019918-han-oak-galbijjim.
Ingredients
3 pounds mixed root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, onions and sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
5 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 pounds bone-in short ribs, cut by a butcher into 2-inch pieces
2 medium-size Asian pears, peeled, cored and diced
1 large red onion, peeled and diced
12 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons roughly chopped ginger
3 cups chicken stock
1 12-ounce can Coca-Cola
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes), or to taste
4 cups roughly chopped kale, optional
1 pound Korean rice cakes, optional
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 scallions, trimmed and both white and green parts thinly sliced
3 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
Sesame seeds, to taste
Preparation
Heat oven to 425. Toss the root vegetables in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of oil, and season with an aggressive amount of salt and pepper. Turn the vegetables onto a sheet pan. Put the short ribs in the same bowl, and toss with 1 tablespoon of oil and a lot of salt and pepper, then put the ribs on another sheet pan, bone sides down. Place both pans in the oven and roast, turning the pans once or twice, until the vegetables are soft and caramelized and the ribs are well browned, approximately 40 minutes. Set the pans aside until ready to use.
While the vegetables and ribs cook, place a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and swirl into it the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. When it shimmers, add the pears, onion, garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and browning, approximately 15 minutes.
Turn heat to high, add the stock, Coca-Cola, honey, soy sauce, rice-wine vinegar and gochugaru, and bring the mixture to a lively simmer. Cook until pears are tender, approximately 20 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor, and purée the sauce until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Add the cooked short ribs and whatever fat has rendered from them to the pot, cover it and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 90 minutes, or until very tender.
When the meat can be flaked from the bone, add the roasted vegetables to the pot, along with the rice cakes. Cook until the vegetables are hot and the rice cakes (if using) are sticky, then add the greens, and stir them around until they have just started to turn tender.
Drizzle with the sesame oil, top with the scallions, radishes and sesame seeds to taste. Serve immediately.
HAMBURGER STROGANOFF
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Give ground beef the stroganoff treatment by combining it with sauteed mushrooms and rich cream. Cook pasta right in the sauce for an easy one-pan dinner."
Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/hamburger-stroganoff-skillet-5478672.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 10-ounce package white mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 15-ounce can low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups dried penne pasta
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, leaving behind any drippings, and reduce the heat to medium.
To the same skillet, add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to the bowl with the beef. Add the oil, paprika, garlic, carrot and onion to the skillet and cook until the carrots are soft and the onion is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the tomato paste has toasted and is evenly coating the vegetables, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire and 1 1/2 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Uncover, stir in the reserved beef and mushrooms and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, chives and parsley until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF
This is from John Mitzewich, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. John wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender and delicious. This great recipe is finished with a glossy brown sugar glaze that's a perfect compliment to the flavorful meat. If you're craving meatloaf but on a stricter diet, you can also try kept meatloaf."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)
For the Glaze:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Directions
While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.
For the Meatloaf:
Gather the ingredients.
In a sauté pan, on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a large bowl add the ground beef, the onions, and all the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Mix to incorporate.
Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.
Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide, by about 3 to 4 inches high.
Bake for 30 minutes.
For the Glaze:
Gather the ingredients.
While the meatloaf is baking combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl for the glaze.
After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to check to make sure meatloaf is done—at least 160 F/70 C.
Serve and enjoy!
Tip
Enjoy with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
BEEF EMPANADAS
This is from Angela Dimayuga in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Angela wrote, "Filipinos take snacking seriously, so much so that we devote an entire meal to it: merienda, which may take place midmorning or midafternoon, if not both. Empanadas are a great treat for this in-between time, but also keep well at room temperature — the grace of food built for a warm climate — so you can graze all day. (My family used to buy these by the tray for parties, but it’s nice to make your own and store them in the freezer for later.) In these, a ground-beef filling is tucked inside sturdy but flaky dough, with raisins added early in the cooking to plump with the beef juices. There are variations on empanadas all over Latin America; ours rely on the potency of onion and garlic, and exploit it to the hilt."
Yield: 40 empanadas; Time: 2 hours
This was featured in "Angela Dimayuga’s 10 Essential Filipino Recipes", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020490-beef-empanadas.
Ingredients
For the empanada dough:
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), diced
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2/3 cup ice water
For the filling:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 large green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 large red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 medium russet potato, peeled and cut into 1-centimeter cubes (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup raisins
3/4 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 (48-ounce) bottle neutral oil, such as canola, for frying
Preparation
Prepare the empanada dough: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, combine the flour and 1 tablespoon salt, and mix well. Add the butter and incorporate it into the flour using your hands or a food processor. Combine until mixture is sandy. Combine the egg mixture, vinegar and 2/3 cup ice water, whisking to break up the egg. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, and beat with a fork to bring dough together.
Sprinkle a light layer of flour over a work surface. Place the dough on top. Bring dough together by pressing and folding dough onto itself a few times with the palms of your hands. Being careful not to overwork, split dough in half and form into two equal logs about the thickness of a small sausage, 1 1/2- to 2-inches thick. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
While the dough rests, prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high and bring to a shimmer. Add the tomato paste and toast, stirring frequently, until darkened and caramelized, about 3 minutes. Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the potato and raisins, and cook, stirring, until mixture starts to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the beef, increase the temperature to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in oyster sauce and soy sauce until coated, then stir in chicken stock. (Mixture should be glossy but not overtly wet; cook for another 5 minutes or so to reduce liquid, if need be.) Transfer to a sheet pan, dispersing in a thin layer, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 20 minutes.
Fill a small bowl with some cool water for sealing your empanadas, and another small bowl with flour for dusting. Working with one log at a time, remove dough from fridge. Cut each log in half crosswise, then cut each half crosswise into 10 equal pieces, which will be the shape of thick coins. Using a bit of flour, dust your work surface. Round each coin slightly using your thumb and forefinger and on your surface with your hands press each coin lightly to coax it into a flat round shape. Switch to a rolling pin and roll each piece of empanada dough into a 4 1/2-inch circle. You can lightly dust and stack your circles off to the side or transfer them to a parchment lined baking sheet and chill until you are ready to assemble (they are easier to work with when kept cool). Repeat with remaining log. When you have all your pieces rolled out, you are ready to assemble your empanadas. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each circle, leaving at least a 1/2-inch border. Using a brush or your finger, wet the edges of the dough with water and fold the crust over the filling, forming half-moon empanada shapes, sealing out as much air as possible. Crimp the edges of the empanada with the tines of a fork to seal.
In a large heavy Dutch oven or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high. Heat oil to 365 degrees. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pan, maintaining an even heat, fry the empanadas, turning frequently, until they start to bob, 4 to 5 minutes. (They should be crisp and golden brown, the pastry should be cooked through and the meat should be warmed through.) Transfer to a paper-towel lined baking sheet and fry remaining empanadas. Serve warm.
Meatless Monday
It's Monday, time for another Meatless Monday. And if you're like me, your weekend went by just a little too quickly! I know I didn't get half the stuff done that I'd planned on doing. No matter, there's always next weekend.
Here are six recipes to get your week off to a good start, including Vegan Lentil Burgers, Homemade Ginger Tea and Vegetarian Delhi Dum Aloo. Enjoy!
LEMON-ALMOND BUTTER CAKE
This was in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This buttery almond cake with lemon curd baked inside is like the ultimate citrus tart, without the heartbreak of pie crust. It's fancy enough to be served as a dinner party dessert, yet substantial enough to be served with Sunday brunch. (Bonus: you'll have several tablespoons of lemon curd left over. It's delicious on toast or pancakes.)”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, plus cooling time.
This was featured in “Not The Usual Chef On The Shelf” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Curd:
Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
4 extra-large eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cake:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
1 cup plus 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 extra-large eggs
1/2 cup ground toasted almonds
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
About 1/2 cup heavy cream for garnish
1 tablespoon almond liqueur (optional)
Preparation
For the curd, combine zest, juice, sugar and eggs in a heatproof bowl, and beat well. Add butter, and place over a saucepan full of simmering water. Cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, until mixture thickens into curd, about 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl, and press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming.
Refrigerate until cool, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch spring-form pan with 1 tablespoon butter, and dust with 1 tablespoon flour, shaking out excess.
With an electric mixer, cream the remaining butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. Sift together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt, and stir in. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they start to foam. Do not overbeat or the cake will be tough. Add eggs and ground almonds to batter, and mix well.
Scrape batter into the prepared pan. Drop 8 individual tablespoons lemon curd around perimeter of batter, leaving a 1-inch border, and taking care to space drops evenly. Drop 3 to 4 tablespoons curd into center of batter. Refrigerate remaining curd for another use. Sprinkle cake with toasted almonds and 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, depending on taste.
Bake until cake is toasty brown on top and a toothpick inserted into cake (not curd) comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool on rack 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan, and cool completely.
Whip cream with almond liqueur. Present cake at table, and offer whipped cream on the side.
VEGAN LENTIL BURGERS
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “These burgers are packed with flavor, fiber and protein while still being low in fat. We love them grilled, but you can also pan-fry them: Heat 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and fry patties until well browned, about 2 minutes per side. (Remember: The extra oil will alter the calorie and fat totals.)”
Total: 2 hr 10 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr Cook: 50 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-lentil-burgers-3362403.
Ingredients
3/4 cup brown lentils, rinsed, strained and picked through
1 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon low-sodium vegetable broth or water
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, half finely chopped and half thinly sliced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt
8 ounces fresh baby spinach
2 large cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
Cooking spray
6 whole-grain vegan hamburger buns
Baby arugula, basil, roasted red bell peppers and spicy mustard, for serving, optional
Directions
Bring the lentils and 1 3/4 cup of the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover and simmer until the lentils are fully softened and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl with the remaining 1 tablespoon broth and mash well with a potato masher. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the spinach, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper and cumin and stir until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
Add the spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, walnuts and 3/4 teaspoon salt to the lentils and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Form the mixture into six 4-inch patties and spray with cooking spray on each side. Grill until nice grill marks form, about 3 minutes per side. Place the patties in the buns with the sliced onion and other toppings, as desired, and serve.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH HOME FRIES
This comes from page 26 of the October 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Eggs with a medley of quick-cooked squash and cherry peppers create a colorful breakfast or brunch. For speedy peeling and cubing, use the “neck” portion of a large butternut squash so you can cut the peel straight down off the sides.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
4 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
1 medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
5 large red cherry peppers, seeded and chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
4 green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
4 large eggs
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash and onion; toss to blend. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, or until squash begins to brown. Stir, cover, and cook 5 to 6 minutes more, or until squash is tender and onions start to caramelize.
Add peppers and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper,if desired. Mix in green onions; cook 1 minute more. Divide among four plates or shallow bowls.
Return skillet to medium-high heat; coat with cooking spray. Drop in eggs. Cover, and cook 2 minutes, or until whites are firm but yolks are still soft. Top home fries with eggs.
nutritional information Per Per serving : 1 cup squash and 1 egg: Calories: 211; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 186 mg; Sodium: 84 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
MORGAN’S VEGGIE PATTIES
This comes from Guy Fieri of The Food Network show Guy’s Big Bite. It’s a little labor-intensive (you’re not going to have this on the table 20 minutes after getting home from work), but it’s well worth it.
Total: 1 hr 21 min; Prep: 45 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 6 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.
Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.
VEGETARIAN DELHI DUM ALOO
This was in Yoga Journal, and begins, “Delhi Dum Aloo is a delicious North Indian vegetarian classic using tomato and potatoes along with a host of spices to develop deep flavor. India has a rich culinary heritage dating back hundreds of years. This tradition continues through the dedication and excellence of the Master Chefs of ITC Hotels, which guide all Kitchens of India products.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb Baby Potatoes
1 tsp Turmeric powder
4 Tbs Ghee (alt. butter/oil)
1 Medium Onion (diced)
2 Tbs Ginger paste (alt. minced ginger)
1 Tbs Garlic paste (alt. minced garlic)
1 lb Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 oz Cashews
2 oz Red chili paste (alt. diced Fresno or Jalapeno chili)
1 Tbs Chili powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tps Coriander powder
2 Bay leaves
1 tps Garam Masala powder
1 bunch Cilantro leaves (chopped)
Directions
Peel and pierce the potatoes. Boil until fork tender in a medium saucepan with turmeric and a tablespoon of salt, with water to cover. Strain and reserve.
Puree tomatoes in blender and reserve.
In dutch oven (alt. cast-iron/heavy saute pan), add ghee and shallow fry cashews until roasted.
Transfer cashews (leaving ghee in the pan) to a blender and puree, adding water as needed to make a paste.
Add bay leaves and onion to pan and saute until just beginning to color. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 1 min more.
Add tomato puree, cashew paste, chili paste & powder, salt, cumin, and coriander and cook for 10 min to allow flavors to blend.
Add 1 cup of water to pan and return to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minute until sauce reduces and thickens.
Finish with Garam Masala and serve with Basmati rice and naan (if desired).
Here are six recipes to get your week off to a good start, including Vegan Lentil Burgers, Homemade Ginger Tea and Vegetarian Delhi Dum Aloo. Enjoy!
LEMON-ALMOND BUTTER CAKE
This was in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This buttery almond cake with lemon curd baked inside is like the ultimate citrus tart, without the heartbreak of pie crust. It's fancy enough to be served as a dinner party dessert, yet substantial enough to be served with Sunday brunch. (Bonus: you'll have several tablespoons of lemon curd left over. It's delicious on toast or pancakes.)”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, plus cooling time.
This was featured in “Not The Usual Chef On The Shelf” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Curd:
Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
4 extra-large eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cake:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
1 cup plus 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 extra-large eggs
1/2 cup ground toasted almonds
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
About 1/2 cup heavy cream for garnish
1 tablespoon almond liqueur (optional)
Preparation
For the curd, combine zest, juice, sugar and eggs in a heatproof bowl, and beat well. Add butter, and place over a saucepan full of simmering water. Cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, until mixture thickens into curd, about 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl, and press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming.
Refrigerate until cool, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch spring-form pan with 1 tablespoon butter, and dust with 1 tablespoon flour, shaking out excess.
With an electric mixer, cream the remaining butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. Sift together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt, and stir in. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they start to foam. Do not overbeat or the cake will be tough. Add eggs and ground almonds to batter, and mix well.
Scrape batter into the prepared pan. Drop 8 individual tablespoons lemon curd around perimeter of batter, leaving a 1-inch border, and taking care to space drops evenly. Drop 3 to 4 tablespoons curd into center of batter. Refrigerate remaining curd for another use. Sprinkle cake with toasted almonds and 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, depending on taste.
Bake until cake is toasty brown on top and a toothpick inserted into cake (not curd) comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool on rack 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan, and cool completely.
Whip cream with almond liqueur. Present cake at table, and offer whipped cream on the side.
VEGAN LENTIL BURGERS
This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “These burgers are packed with flavor, fiber and protein while still being low in fat. We love them grilled, but you can also pan-fry them: Heat 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and fry patties until well browned, about 2 minutes per side. (Remember: The extra oil will alter the calorie and fat totals.)”
Total: 2 hr 10 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 1 hr Cook: 50 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-lentil-burgers-3362403.
Ingredients
3/4 cup brown lentils, rinsed, strained and picked through
1 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon low-sodium vegetable broth or water
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, half finely chopped and half thinly sliced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt
8 ounces fresh baby spinach
2 large cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
Cooking spray
6 whole-grain vegan hamburger buns
Baby arugula, basil, roasted red bell peppers and spicy mustard, for serving, optional
Directions
Bring the lentils and 1 3/4 cup of the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover and simmer until the lentils are fully softened and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl with the remaining 1 tablespoon broth and mash well with a potato masher. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the spinach, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper and cumin and stir until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
Add the spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, walnuts and 3/4 teaspoon salt to the lentils and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Form the mixture into six 4-inch patties and spray with cooking spray on each side. Grill until nice grill marks form, about 3 minutes per side. Place the patties in the buns with the sliced onion and other toppings, as desired, and serve.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH HOME FRIES
This comes from page 26 of the October 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Eggs with a medley of quick-cooked squash and cherry peppers create a colorful breakfast or brunch. For speedy peeling and cubing, use the “neck” portion of a large butternut squash so you can cut the peel straight down off the sides.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
4 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
1 medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
5 large red cherry peppers, seeded and chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
4 green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
4 large eggs
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash and onion; toss to blend. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, or until squash begins to brown. Stir, cover, and cook 5 to 6 minutes more, or until squash is tender and onions start to caramelize.
Add peppers and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper,if desired. Mix in green onions; cook 1 minute more. Divide among four plates or shallow bowls.
Return skillet to medium-high heat; coat with cooking spray. Drop in eggs. Cover, and cook 2 minutes, or until whites are firm but yolks are still soft. Top home fries with eggs.
nutritional information Per Per serving : 1 cup squash and 1 egg: Calories: 211; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 186 mg; Sodium: 84 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
MORGAN’S VEGGIE PATTIES
This comes from Guy Fieri of The Food Network show Guy’s Big Bite. It’s a little labor-intensive (you’re not going to have this on the table 20 minutes after getting home from work), but it’s well worth it.
Total: 1 hr 21 min; Prep: 45 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 6 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.
Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.
VEGETARIAN DELHI DUM ALOO
This was in Yoga Journal, and begins, “Delhi Dum Aloo is a delicious North Indian vegetarian classic using tomato and potatoes along with a host of spices to develop deep flavor. India has a rich culinary heritage dating back hundreds of years. This tradition continues through the dedication and excellence of the Master Chefs of ITC Hotels, which guide all Kitchens of India products.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb Baby Potatoes
1 tsp Turmeric powder
4 Tbs Ghee (alt. butter/oil)
1 Medium Onion (diced)
2 Tbs Ginger paste (alt. minced ginger)
1 Tbs Garlic paste (alt. minced garlic)
1 lb Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 oz Cashews
2 oz Red chili paste (alt. diced Fresno or Jalapeno chili)
1 Tbs Chili powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tps Coriander powder
2 Bay leaves
1 tps Garam Masala powder
1 bunch Cilantro leaves (chopped)
Directions
Peel and pierce the potatoes. Boil until fork tender in a medium saucepan with turmeric and a tablespoon of salt, with water to cover. Strain and reserve.
Puree tomatoes in blender and reserve.
In dutch oven (alt. cast-iron/heavy saute pan), add ghee and shallow fry cashews until roasted.
Transfer cashews (leaving ghee in the pan) to a blender and puree, adding water as needed to make a paste.
Add bay leaves and onion to pan and saute until just beginning to color. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 1 min more.
Add tomato puree, cashew paste, chili paste & powder, salt, cumin, and coriander and cook for 10 min to allow flavors to blend.
Add 1 cup of water to pan and return to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minute until sauce reduces and thickens.
Finish with Garam Masala and serve with Basmati rice and naan (if desired).
Friday, September 18, 2020
Friday Recipes
If you've lost track of time, as I have, here's today's news: It's finally Friday. Yay! Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Supreme Pizza Lasagna and Slow-Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta. Enjoy!
JIM HARRISON’S CARIBBEAN STEW
This is from Sam Sifton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Jim Harrison, the poet and epicure, hunter and fisherman, novelist, essayist and enthusiastic cook, published a version of this recipe in the literary magazine Smoke Signals in 1981. I adapted it more than three decades later, after Harrison's death in 2016. The key ingredients: a lot of tomato paste and a good, floral hot sauce, ideally made with Scotch bonnet peppers, which combine in marvelous ways. Parboiling the ribs allows the recipe to come together relatively quickly, and the cooking otherwise is totally serial: one step after another until you slide the pot into the oven and allow the heat to do its work. Substitute different meats, or fewer, if you like, depending on availability.”
Time: 2 hours; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in “A Larger-Than-Life Caribbean Stew”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018697-jim-harrisons-caribbean-stew.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds pork spareribs, cut into single ribs
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 Italian sausages, hot or sweet
1 large yellow onion, peeled and sliced
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons hot-pepper sauce, ideally one made with Scotch bonnet peppers, or to taste
1 cup chicken stock, homemade or low-sodium
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
Preparation
Place spareribs in a pot, and cover with water. Place pot over high heat, and bring to a boil. Lower heat slightly, and cook, covered, for 15 or 20 minutes, then remove ribs to a large bowl and discard the water.
While the ribs cook, pour the oil into a Dutch oven set over high heat, and swirl it around. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and when the oil begins to shimmer and is about to smoke, add them to the pan, skin-side down. Brown the chicken aggressively, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, then add the chicken to the bowl with the ribs. Repeat with the sausages, browning them on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then add to the bowl with the chicken and the ribs. Cook the onions and garlic in the fat remaining in the Dutch oven, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Heat oven to 300. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, lemon juice, hot-pepper sauce, chicken stock, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chile powder and paprika to the onions and garlic in the Dutch oven, then stir to combine, and allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the meats to the Dutch oven, stirring and tossing them so that they are well covered with the sauce, then cover the pot, and place in the oven to cook, undisturbed, for approximately 90 minutes, or until the meats are tender and, in the case of the chicken and the ribs, pulling from the bone.
JOOK
This is from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “I first encountered jook, also known as congee, in Hong Kong at dawn after a very long night. I was steered to an anonymous little place, where, I am quite sure, I was not the only person with a headache. It was there that I discovered that this savory Chinese rice porridge was among the world's best breakfasts, especially after a night of indulgence.
“It is transcendent stuff. You might think of it as Chinese risotto, though infinitely less pretentious. It is delightfully creamy, forgiving in its preparation and variable beyond belief.”
Time 2hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
This was featured in “The Minimalist; From China, Hangover Help”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1839-jook.
Ingredients
1 cup short-grain rice
2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade, or water
1 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 pound slab bacon, optional
Soy sauce or salt to taste
1/4 cup crispy cooked bacon, minced, optional
1/4 cup minced scallions
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, optional
Sesame oil for drizzling, optional
Preparation
Wash rice, and put it in a stock pot with chicken stock or water. Place over high heat until stock boils, then add about 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, and turn heat to low. Partly cover pot, simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as necessary (probably about 2 cups more).
Add ginger and slab bacon, and simmer for an hour more or so. Jook should have a porridgelike consistency. If it becomes very thick, add water. When done, jook will be soupy and creamy, like loose oatmeal.
Remove slab bacon, and serve jook in individual bowls. Season with salt or soy sauce, then garnish with minced bacon, scallions and peanuts. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.
SLOW-COOKER CHEESY CHICKEN ENCHILADA PASTA
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This slow-cooker pasta packed with Mexican-inspired flavors is cheesy, easy and sure to have everyone asking for seconds every time you make it."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes; Servings; 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild enchilada sauce
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
8 oz cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained as directed on package (about 3 cups)
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Directions
Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix enchilada sauce, taco seasoning mix and chicken until chicken is coated.
Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and green chiles to slow cooker; mix well. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).
Remove chicken from slow cooker, and transfer to cutting board; let stand about 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, stir cream cheese and Cheddar cheese into slow cooker. Cover; cook on High heat setting 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
Meanwhile, shred chicken with 2 forks; return to slow cooker, and stir in cooked pasta. Cover; cook on High heat setting 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Expert Tips
Cavatappi pasta is available in the pasta aisle of the grocery store. For a similar substitute, try penne or rotini pasta, which also are great for soaking up that delicious enchilada-flavored sauce.
Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce also comes in a hot variety, for those who prefer more spicy heat.
SUPREME PIZZA LASAGNA
This is from Ree Drummond of the Food Network's The Pioneer Woman.
Active Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/supreme-pizza-lasagna-2316523.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds Italian sausage
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 large onion, diced
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
One 15-ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/3 cup finely minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sliced black olives
30 ounces whole-milk ricotta
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling
8 lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente
24 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices
Directions
Drizzle the olive oil into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, ground beef and pepperoni and stir, breaking the meat up as it begins to cook. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until brown, and then remove the meat to a plate.
Add the mushrooms, garlic, bell peppers and onions to the pot and saute until the mushrooms have softened and the others have some color. Add the meat back in along with the tomatoes, tomato paste, pesto, half the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Add the black olives and stir.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
To make the cheese mixture: Combine the ricotta and eggs in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan, the rest of the parsley and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir the mixture until totally combined.
To assemble the lasagna: Overlap 4 lasagna noodles in the bottom of a large rectangular baking dish. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the noodles and smooth it out into a flat layer. Lay half of the mozzarella slices on top followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more and top with some extra Parmesan. Bake until heated through and bubbly on the top, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cook’s Note
The lasagna can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge, unbaked. It can also be frozen, unbaked. Just thaw before you're ready to bake it.
MEATLOAF EXPRESS
This is also from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “Making them mini not only slashes the cook time, but makes mealtime fun, too. These single-serve meatloaves bake under a sweet and savory topping to ensure moist and flavorful little loaves that your whole family will love.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 6 people
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/meatloaf-express/.
Ingredients
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed French Onion Soup
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey mustard (honey Dijon-style)
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Set the oven to 425°F. Stir the soup, ketchup and honey mustard in a medium bowl.
Thoroughly mix the beef, bread crumbs, egg and 1/4 cup soup mixture in a large bowl. Season the beef mixture as desired.
Shape the beef mixture into 6 mini meatloaves. Place the mini meatloaves into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the meatloaves.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the meatloaves are cooked through.
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
JIM HARRISON’S CARIBBEAN STEW
This is from Sam Sifton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Jim Harrison, the poet and epicure, hunter and fisherman, novelist, essayist and enthusiastic cook, published a version of this recipe in the literary magazine Smoke Signals in 1981. I adapted it more than three decades later, after Harrison's death in 2016. The key ingredients: a lot of tomato paste and a good, floral hot sauce, ideally made with Scotch bonnet peppers, which combine in marvelous ways. Parboiling the ribs allows the recipe to come together relatively quickly, and the cooking otherwise is totally serial: one step after another until you slide the pot into the oven and allow the heat to do its work. Substitute different meats, or fewer, if you like, depending on availability.”
Time: 2 hours; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in “A Larger-Than-Life Caribbean Stew”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018697-jim-harrisons-caribbean-stew.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds pork spareribs, cut into single ribs
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 Italian sausages, hot or sweet
1 large yellow onion, peeled and sliced
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons hot-pepper sauce, ideally one made with Scotch bonnet peppers, or to taste
1 cup chicken stock, homemade or low-sodium
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
Preparation
Place spareribs in a pot, and cover with water. Place pot over high heat, and bring to a boil. Lower heat slightly, and cook, covered, for 15 or 20 minutes, then remove ribs to a large bowl and discard the water.
While the ribs cook, pour the oil into a Dutch oven set over high heat, and swirl it around. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and when the oil begins to shimmer and is about to smoke, add them to the pan, skin-side down. Brown the chicken aggressively, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, then add the chicken to the bowl with the ribs. Repeat with the sausages, browning them on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then add to the bowl with the chicken and the ribs. Cook the onions and garlic in the fat remaining in the Dutch oven, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Heat oven to 300. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, lemon juice, hot-pepper sauce, chicken stock, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chile powder and paprika to the onions and garlic in the Dutch oven, then stir to combine, and allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the meats to the Dutch oven, stirring and tossing them so that they are well covered with the sauce, then cover the pot, and place in the oven to cook, undisturbed, for approximately 90 minutes, or until the meats are tender and, in the case of the chicken and the ribs, pulling from the bone.
JOOK
This is from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “I first encountered jook, also known as congee, in Hong Kong at dawn after a very long night. I was steered to an anonymous little place, where, I am quite sure, I was not the only person with a headache. It was there that I discovered that this savory Chinese rice porridge was among the world's best breakfasts, especially after a night of indulgence.
“It is transcendent stuff. You might think of it as Chinese risotto, though infinitely less pretentious. It is delightfully creamy, forgiving in its preparation and variable beyond belief.”
Time 2hours 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
This was featured in “The Minimalist; From China, Hangover Help”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1839-jook.
Ingredients
1 cup short-grain rice
2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade, or water
1 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 pound slab bacon, optional
Soy sauce or salt to taste
1/4 cup crispy cooked bacon, minced, optional
1/4 cup minced scallions
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, optional
Sesame oil for drizzling, optional
Preparation
Wash rice, and put it in a stock pot with chicken stock or water. Place over high heat until stock boils, then add about 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, and turn heat to low. Partly cover pot, simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as necessary (probably about 2 cups more).
Add ginger and slab bacon, and simmer for an hour more or so. Jook should have a porridgelike consistency. If it becomes very thick, add water. When done, jook will be soupy and creamy, like loose oatmeal.
Remove slab bacon, and serve jook in individual bowls. Season with salt or soy sauce, then garnish with minced bacon, scallions and peanuts. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.
SLOW-COOKER CHEESY CHICKEN ENCHILADA PASTA
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This slow-cooker pasta packed with Mexican-inspired flavors is cheesy, easy and sure to have everyone asking for seconds every time you make it."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes; Servings; 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild enchilada sauce
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
8 oz cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained as directed on package (about 3 cups)
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Directions
Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix enchilada sauce, taco seasoning mix and chicken until chicken is coated.
Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and green chiles to slow cooker; mix well. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).
Remove chicken from slow cooker, and transfer to cutting board; let stand about 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, stir cream cheese and Cheddar cheese into slow cooker. Cover; cook on High heat setting 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
Meanwhile, shred chicken with 2 forks; return to slow cooker, and stir in cooked pasta. Cover; cook on High heat setting 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Expert Tips
Cavatappi pasta is available in the pasta aisle of the grocery store. For a similar substitute, try penne or rotini pasta, which also are great for soaking up that delicious enchilada-flavored sauce.
Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce also comes in a hot variety, for those who prefer more spicy heat.
SUPREME PIZZA LASAGNA
This is from Ree Drummond of the Food Network's The Pioneer Woman.
Active Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 12 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/supreme-pizza-lasagna-2316523.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds Italian sausage
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 large onion, diced
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
One 15-ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/3 cup finely minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sliced black olives
30 ounces whole-milk ricotta
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling
8 lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente
24 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices
Directions
Drizzle the olive oil into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, ground beef and pepperoni and stir, breaking the meat up as it begins to cook. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until brown, and then remove the meat to a plate.
Add the mushrooms, garlic, bell peppers and onions to the pot and saute until the mushrooms have softened and the others have some color. Add the meat back in along with the tomatoes, tomato paste, pesto, half the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Add the black olives and stir.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
To make the cheese mixture: Combine the ricotta and eggs in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan, the rest of the parsley and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir the mixture until totally combined.
To assemble the lasagna: Overlap 4 lasagna noodles in the bottom of a large rectangular baking dish. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the noodles and smooth it out into a flat layer. Lay half of the mozzarella slices on top followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more and top with some extra Parmesan. Bake until heated through and bubbly on the top, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cook’s Note
The lasagna can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge, unbaked. It can also be frozen, unbaked. Just thaw before you're ready to bake it.
MEATLOAF EXPRESS
This is also from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “Making them mini not only slashes the cook time, but makes mealtime fun, too. These single-serve meatloaves bake under a sweet and savory topping to ensure moist and flavorful little loaves that your whole family will love.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 6 people
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/meatloaf-express/.
Ingredients
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed French Onion Soup
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey mustard (honey Dijon-style)
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Set the oven to 425°F. Stir the soup, ketchup and honey mustard in a medium bowl.
Thoroughly mix the beef, bread crumbs, egg and 1/4 cup soup mixture in a large bowl. Season the beef mixture as desired.
Shape the beef mixture into 6 mini meatloaves. Place the mini meatloaves into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the meatloaves.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the meatloaves are cooked through.
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
This recipe is from MyDailyMoment, and begins, “Most people don't associate lasagna and healthy eating together, but that's exactly what you get with this dynamic dish. A meat and cheese lover's dream, use your noodle and enjoy this slow-cooked staple that's sure to become your go-to dish when you have a hankering for something Italian.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna pasta, uncooked
16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in fry pan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4 1/4 hours.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Pasta - Double-Post Thursday
Besides being Diabetic Thursday, it's also Double-Post Thursday. Today's double post deals with one of my all-time favorites, pasta.
After all, what's not to love? Layers of pasta - whether spaghetti, lasagna noodles, ziti, what-have-you - and sauce or veggies covering it all. Yum!
Today's offerings include Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet (from the magic of Betty Crocker) and Rigatoni with Summer Bolognese. Enjoy!
ELAINE'S FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from Alex Witchel in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alex wrote, "This recipe came to The Times in a 2004 article about Elaine Kaufman, the founder and proprietress of the famed New York restaurant and celebrity hot spot that bore her name and where this dish was served. There is nothing fancy or complicated about it – it's glorified macaroni and cheese, really – but it is delicious and deeply satisfying. (Fun fact: Jackie O was a fan.)"
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 15 minutes
This was featured in "The Salon Keeper", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9025-elaines-fettuccine-alfredo.
Ingredients
Salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 large egg yolk
1 pound fresh fettuccine
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation
Bring 6 quarts generously salted water to a boil.
While the water heats, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; saute until fragrant and sizzling, about 2 minutes. Whisk the cream with the egg yolk in a bowl until blended; pour into the garlic butter. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir until hot but not boiling. Keep warm over low heat.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta, partially covered, until al dente. (The pasta will float when it's done.) Drain in a colander, shaking out excess water, but reserve a little cooking water. Pour hot pasta into the cream mixture and toss to coat (still over low heat). Add the cheese and keep tossing gently until cream is mostly absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. If sauce is absorbed too much, toss with a little pasta water. Serve in warm bowls.
RIGATONI WITH SUMMER BOLOGNESE
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "The sauce for this dish is full of fresh tomatoes, which are high in skin-benefiting antioxidants."
Active Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/rigatoni-with-summer-bolognese-7119146.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
10 ounces rigatoni (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 small carrots, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente, about 12 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup cooking water, then drain.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the ground beef, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook until evenly combined, 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer until almost completely dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water, the tomatoes and half the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the mixture is saucy, 4 to 7 minutes.
Add the cheese to the sauce, then add the rigatoni; season with salt and pepper and toss, adding more cooking water as needed to loosen. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining basil and more parmesan.
TURKEY SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI PASTA
This is from the Food Network.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 2 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/turkey-sausage-and-broccoli-pasta-recipe-1957827.
Ingredients
8 ounces rigatoni
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound turkey sausage
Red pepper flakes, to taste
1 onion, chopped
3/4 cups chicken stock
1/2 red pepper, sliced
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
Directions
Prepare rigatoni according to directions on box. Remove sausage meat from casing, set aside. In hot skillet saute onions. Add pepper and crumbled sausage meat. Stir and cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add florets and cover to steam. Once broccoli is tender add rigatoni to pan. Stir to coat. Serve.
CHICKEN ALFREDO PASTA SKILLET
Here's a simple, yet yummy, meal from Betty Crocker that begins, "A scratch dinner done in 40 minutes using just one pan? It’s not too good to be true—but it is so very good! A classic homemade Alfredo sauce gets tossed with cooked chicken, peas and ziti pasta for an impressive meal that you can make on the fly."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online at the Betty Crocker site, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
3 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
8 oz uncooked ziti pasta (2 1/2 cups)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
3/4 cup frozen sweet peas
Chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, if desired
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted; add garlic. Cook and stir constantly about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add broth, pasta, salt and pepper; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of liquid is absorbed.
Stir in whipping cream and Parmesan cheese; cook over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until bubbly. Stir in chicken and frozen sweet peas; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated through.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Expert Tips
Leftover shredded cooked chicken may be used in place of deli rotisserie chicken.
Penne pasta may be substituted for the ziti pasta.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
After all, what's not to love? Layers of pasta - whether spaghetti, lasagna noodles, ziti, what-have-you - and sauce or veggies covering it all. Yum!
Today's offerings include Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet (from the magic of Betty Crocker) and Rigatoni with Summer Bolognese. Enjoy!
ELAINE'S FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from Alex Witchel in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alex wrote, "This recipe came to The Times in a 2004 article about Elaine Kaufman, the founder and proprietress of the famed New York restaurant and celebrity hot spot that bore her name and where this dish was served. There is nothing fancy or complicated about it – it's glorified macaroni and cheese, really – but it is delicious and deeply satisfying. (Fun fact: Jackie O was a fan.)"
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 15 minutes
This was featured in "The Salon Keeper", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9025-elaines-fettuccine-alfredo.
Ingredients
Salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 large egg yolk
1 pound fresh fettuccine
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation
Bring 6 quarts generously salted water to a boil.
While the water heats, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; saute until fragrant and sizzling, about 2 minutes. Whisk the cream with the egg yolk in a bowl until blended; pour into the garlic butter. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir until hot but not boiling. Keep warm over low heat.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta, partially covered, until al dente. (The pasta will float when it's done.) Drain in a colander, shaking out excess water, but reserve a little cooking water. Pour hot pasta into the cream mixture and toss to coat (still over low heat). Add the cheese and keep tossing gently until cream is mostly absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. If sauce is absorbed too much, toss with a little pasta water. Serve in warm bowls.
RIGATONI WITH SUMMER BOLOGNESE
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "The sauce for this dish is full of fresh tomatoes, which are high in skin-benefiting antioxidants."
Active Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/rigatoni-with-summer-bolognese-7119146.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
10 ounces rigatoni (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 small carrots, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente, about 12 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup cooking water, then drain.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the ground beef, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook until evenly combined, 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer until almost completely dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water, the tomatoes and half the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the mixture is saucy, 4 to 7 minutes.
Add the cheese to the sauce, then add the rigatoni; season with salt and pepper and toss, adding more cooking water as needed to loosen. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining basil and more parmesan.
TURKEY SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI PASTA
This is from the Food Network.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 2 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/turkey-sausage-and-broccoli-pasta-recipe-1957827.
Ingredients
8 ounces rigatoni
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound turkey sausage
Red pepper flakes, to taste
1 onion, chopped
3/4 cups chicken stock
1/2 red pepper, sliced
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
Directions
Prepare rigatoni according to directions on box. Remove sausage meat from casing, set aside. In hot skillet saute onions. Add pepper and crumbled sausage meat. Stir and cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add florets and cover to steam. Once broccoli is tender add rigatoni to pan. Stir to coat. Serve.
CHICKEN ALFREDO PASTA SKILLET
Here's a simple, yet yummy, meal from Betty Crocker that begins, "A scratch dinner done in 40 minutes using just one pan? It’s not too good to be true—but it is so very good! A classic homemade Alfredo sauce gets tossed with cooked chicken, peas and ziti pasta for an impressive meal that you can make on the fly."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online at the Betty Crocker site, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
3 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
8 oz uncooked ziti pasta (2 1/2 cups)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
3/4 cup frozen sweet peas
Chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, if desired
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted; add garlic. Cook and stir constantly about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add broth, pasta, salt and pepper; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of liquid is absorbed.
Stir in whipping cream and Parmesan cheese; cook over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until bubbly. Stir in chicken and frozen sweet peas; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated through.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Expert Tips
Leftover shredded cooked chicken may be used in place of deli rotisserie chicken.
Penne pasta may be substituted for the ziti pasta.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
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