It's time for another Meatless Monday. Since it's almost Halloween, I figured a few Halloween recipes would be in order, including Maple-Apple Pie and LIBBY'S® Pumpkin Roll. Enjoy!
PUMPKIN PANCAKES WITH HOT CIDER SYRUP
This is from a long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it's apparently a diabetic emailing list that I was on for a while.
Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup canned pumpkin, mashed
4 egg yolks
4 ounces melted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites, stiffly beaten
Directions
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, combine milk, pumpkin, egg yolks, butter and vanilla extract. Pour combined liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Carefully fold in egg whites. Cook pancakes on a light oiled griddle.
Hot Cider Syrup
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup corn syrup
2 ounces butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Grated rind from 1 lemon
2 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon rind. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add apples. Heat for several minutes more. Serve over pancakes.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1 Fruit; 5 1/2 Fat; 4 1/2 Other Carbohydrates
Per serving: 786 Calories (kcal); 29g Total Fat; (32% calories from fat); 11g Protein; 124g Carbohydrate; 212mg Cholesterol; 977mg Sodium
LIBBY'S® PUMPKIN ROLL
This is from Very Best Baking by Nestle, and begins, "Dazzle family and friends with Libby's® Pumpkin Roll; moist and creamy, with a tantalizing aroma and beautiful presentation." My take on this? Yum!
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Cookingi Time: 13 minutes; Skill Level: Intermediate; Makes 14 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/32372/libbys-pumpkin-roll/.
Ingredients
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (optional for decoration)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark-colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes.) Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
Beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Cooking Tip:
Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.
SPICY PUMPKIN AND COLLARDS
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
You can view this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/spicy-pumpkin-and-collards-recipe-2108870.
Ingredients
2 2-to-3-pound sugar pumpkins
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
1 plum tomato, diced
1 Scotch bonnet chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
1 pound frozen chopped collard greens, thawed
Kosher salt
1 cup evaporated milk
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Slice off the top 1 1/2 inches of the pumpkins and discard. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, tomato, chile pepper, thyme and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion is slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the scallions and collard greens, add 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring, until the greens are slightly tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the evaporated milk and nutmeg and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, the cheddar cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and cook, stirring, until the cheese melts and the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Put the pumpkins in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and fill evenly with the collard greens mixture.
Toss the remaining 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs with the parmesan. Sprinkle over the filling. Add 1 inch of boiling water to the baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake until the pumpkins are tender, about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until browned and bubbly on top, about 30 more minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then scrape the pumpkin flesh and serve with the collards.
APPLE-PUMPKIN BROWN BETTY
This is from the Food Network. Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
You can view this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/apple-pumpkin-brown-betty-recipe-2108907.
Ingredients
1 2-to-3-pound sugar pumpkin
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup cubed bread (preferably from a baguette)
2 Gala apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon rum (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Kosher salt
Maple syrup, for drizzling
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Slice off and reserve the top 1 1/2 inches of the pumpkin. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 4 minutes; transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the apples, brown sugar and raisins to the skillet and cook until the apples are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the rum, vanilla, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Return the bread to the skillet.
Put the pumpkin in a small baking dish and fill the pumpkin with the apple mixture. Cover with the pumpkin top and add 1 inch of boiling water to the baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake until the pumpkin is tender, 2 hours to 2 hours, 30 minutes. Remove the foil and pumpkin top and return the stuffed pumpkin to the oven. Bake until the filling is lightly browned, about 10 more minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with maple syrup. To serve, scrape the pumpkin flesh and stir into the apple mixture.
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Get ready to meet your new favorite fall cookie! Pumpkin and chocolate chips make a powerful pair in these cakey treats with rich pumpkin pie spice flavor and loads of semi-sweet morsels. The cookies don't spread much in the oven, so flattening the dough is key."
Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: About 4 dozen cookies; Level: Easy
View this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-8899244.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
One 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
Whisk the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
Add the butter and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer). Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla and beat until combined.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto each prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound into a 2 1/2-inch round with slightly wet hands. The cookies will not spread much during baking.
Bake until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
When the baking sheets have cooled completely, repeat with the remaining dough to bake more cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Cook’s Note
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
MAPLE-APPLE PIE
Here's another recipe from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. This one begins, “Experience a whole new apple pie taste! Just a touch of syrup adds the sweet familiar taste of maple for a flavorful new twist on a classic dessert.”
Ingredients
Double-Crust Pastry (See Below)
6 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples, (5 medium)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
6 tablespoons maple-flavored syrup
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Make Double Crust Pastry.
Mix apples and brown sugar. Turn into pastry-lined pie plate. Drizzle with butter and 3 tablespoons of the syrup. Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1/2 inch from rim of plate. Cover with top pastry that has slits cut in it; trim overhanging edge 1 inch from rim of plate. Fold and roll top edge under lower edge, pressing on rim to seal; flute as desired.
Bake 15 minutes. Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart through top crust. Pour remaining syrup over top. Cover edge with 2- to 3-inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. Bake about 25 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown. Cool.
Double-Crust Pastry
Ingredients
2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening
4 to 6 tablespoons cold water
Directions
Mix flour and salt in medium bowl. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost leaves side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary). Gather pastry into a ball. Divide in half and shape into 2 flattened rounds on lightly floured surface. Wrap flattened rounds of pastry in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm, which helps make the baked pastry more flaky. If refrigerated longer, let pastry soften slightly before rolling.
Roll one round on lightly floured surface, using floured rolling pin, into circle 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate. Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate. Unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side.
Monday, October 24, 2022
Friday, October 21, 2022
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday, after a crazy week. (Don't ask!) Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff, Southern Macaroni and Cheese, and Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate. Enjoy!
SIMPLE MEATLOAF WITH OPTIONAL TOPPING
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This delicious and simple meatloaf recipe is a great fit for Sunday dinner. Feel free to use plain ketchup to top this dish, or, if you're feeling a little adventurous, make the optional topping. For a tasty meal, serve the meatloaf with homemade mashed potatoes and peas and carrots or your favorite vegetables.
“Note: Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 80 minutes; Total Time: 95 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Optional Glaze/Topping:
4 tablespoons ketchup
4 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons Dijon (or similar mustard)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs (plain)
2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup finely minced fresh onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons burger seasoning (or 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper)
1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping, if desired)
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Heat over to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
If using the optional topping, in a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons ketchup, maple syrup, mustard and Worcestershire until well mixed. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, burger seasoning, and 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Mix until well blended and pack into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess fat and then top the loaf with the optional topping mixture or about 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips
Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
Experiment with meat mixtures in meatloaf. While beef gives excellent flavor and holds together well, adding a portion of lean ground pork will provide juiciness. Ground veal would add lightness to a loaf, and ground chicken or turkey would reduce some of the fat and calories.
Top the meatloaf with prepared barbecue sauce just before it's finished baking.
Use cracker crumbs or soft breadcrumbs in the meatloaf instead of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Line the loaf pan with parchment paper or foil, like a sling. Just grab the ends of the paper or foil and lift the meatloaf out of the pan when it's done.
Bake the meatloaf in individual muffin cups. Use about 1/4 cup of meatloaf mixture for each muffin cup.
Pack the meatloaf mixture into individual oiled ramekins, and then invert them onto a rimmed baking sheet for perfectly shaped individual meatloaves.
Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed cheese crackers in the meat mixture.
Top a meatloaf with strips of bacon before baking, or add crumbled cooked bacon to the meat mixture.
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Kiera Wright-Ruiz in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, "There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It’s adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can’t find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time 45 minutes, plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020515-southern-macaroni-and-cheese.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
STEAK, ROASTED TOMATO AND BEAN CHILI
Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings.
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/steak-roasted-tomato-and-bean-chili.
Ingredients
3 pounds Shoulder Steaks, cut 3/4-inch thick
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2-1/2 cups no-salt added roasted tomato salsa
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cans (15 ounces each) no-salt added black beans, rinsed, drained
Optional Toppings/Additions
Guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped purple onion, chopped tomato, shredded cheese
Directions
Cut beef steaks into 3/4-inch pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown beef in three batches. Set aside.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, bell pepper and onion to same stockpot. Cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Return beef and accumulated juices to stockpot.
Add salsa, chili powder and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
Stir in beans; cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until beans are heated through, stirring occasionally.
Serve chili in bowls. Garnish with Toppings, as desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 289; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 264 mg; Cholesterol: 78 mg; Protein: 32 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
SLOW-COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "When you transform a classic special-occasion meal into an easy-breezy weeknight dinner, it’s no wonder that you’re a top-rated recipe by hundreds of home cooks. Find out what all the buzz is about and try this beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe the next time you’re in need of mealtime inspiration."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 3x1/2x1/4-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed golden mushroom or cream of mushroom soup
1 carton (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 oz cream cheese, cubed (from 8-oz package)
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice
Directions
In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, onion and garlic; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until beef is browned.
In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef mixture, soup, mushrooms, salt and pepper.
Cover; cook on low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until beef is tender.
Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir in sour cream until well blended. Serve over noodles.
Expert Tips
Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Beef sirloin steak is more tender than other cuts of beef that are used for stews. Cooking the beef in butter until browned, results in the best flavor. Then the very low heat of the slow cooker keeps the meat tender.
With the slow braising of the stroganoff, the cream cheese creates an instantly smooth sauce, that combined with the sour cream stays thick and rich.
It’s easier to cut the beef into clean slices when it’s partially frozen for about 1 hour.
To save precious minutes in the morning, use minced garlic in a jar. You could also cut up the beef the night before and refrigerate.
CREAMY VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This came from Genevieve Ko at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Genevieve wrote, "For a vegan hot chocolate that rivals even the creamiest dairy-laden variety, add a few tablespoons of nut butter like almond, sunflower or peanut to the nondairy milk, chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Whisking is also essential here; nondairy products tend to contain stabilizers that keep them emulsified, so they can separate when boiled. If you keep whisking the mix as it heats and remove it from the stove when it’s nice and steaming, but before it boils, you’ll end up with perfectly smooth hot chocolate. Don’t worry if it breaks: You can simply blend it with a whisk or immersion blender over low heat to bring it back together."
Yield: 2 cups; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019960-creamy-vegan-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
1/3 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 ounces)
3 tablespoons vegan unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons creamy nut or seed butter, such as almond, sunflower or peanut
Pinch of kosher salt
1-1/2 to 2 cups unsweetened nut or grain milk, such as macadamia, walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, oat or rice milk
1 to 3 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
Preparation
Combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, nut butter, salt and 1/2 cup nut or grain milk in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, about 1-1/2 minutes.
Whisk in 1 cup nut or grain milk in a slow, steady stream, and continue whisking until cocoa is steaming, about 1-1/2 minutes. Don’t let it come to a boil or the cocoa will separate.
Taste a spoonful. (Be careful: It’s hot.) If you prefer a thinner hot cocoa, add up to 1/2 cup additional milk. If you prefer it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar at a time, tasting after each addition. Divide among cups and serve hot.
SIMPLE MEATLOAF WITH OPTIONAL TOPPING
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This delicious and simple meatloaf recipe is a great fit for Sunday dinner. Feel free to use plain ketchup to top this dish, or, if you're feeling a little adventurous, make the optional topping. For a tasty meal, serve the meatloaf with homemade mashed potatoes and peas and carrots or your favorite vegetables.
“Note: Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 80 minutes; Total Time: 95 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Optional Glaze/Topping:
4 tablespoons ketchup
4 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons Dijon (or similar mustard)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs (plain)
2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup finely minced fresh onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons burger seasoning (or 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper)
1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping, if desired)
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Heat over to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
If using the optional topping, in a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons ketchup, maple syrup, mustard and Worcestershire until well mixed. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, burger seasoning, and 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Mix until well blended and pack into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess fat and then top the loaf with the optional topping mixture or about 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips
Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
Experiment with meat mixtures in meatloaf. While beef gives excellent flavor and holds together well, adding a portion of lean ground pork will provide juiciness. Ground veal would add lightness to a loaf, and ground chicken or turkey would reduce some of the fat and calories.
Top the meatloaf with prepared barbecue sauce just before it's finished baking.
Use cracker crumbs or soft breadcrumbs in the meatloaf instead of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Line the loaf pan with parchment paper or foil, like a sling. Just grab the ends of the paper or foil and lift the meatloaf out of the pan when it's done.
Bake the meatloaf in individual muffin cups. Use about 1/4 cup of meatloaf mixture for each muffin cup.
Pack the meatloaf mixture into individual oiled ramekins, and then invert them onto a rimmed baking sheet for perfectly shaped individual meatloaves.
Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed cheese crackers in the meat mixture.
Top a meatloaf with strips of bacon before baking, or add crumbled cooked bacon to the meat mixture.
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Kiera Wright-Ruiz in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, "There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It’s adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can’t find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time 45 minutes, plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020515-southern-macaroni-and-cheese.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
STEAK, ROASTED TOMATO AND BEAN CHILI
Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings.
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/steak-roasted-tomato-and-bean-chili.
Ingredients
3 pounds Shoulder Steaks, cut 3/4-inch thick
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2-1/2 cups no-salt added roasted tomato salsa
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cans (15 ounces each) no-salt added black beans, rinsed, drained
Optional Toppings/Additions
Guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped purple onion, chopped tomato, shredded cheese
Directions
Cut beef steaks into 3/4-inch pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown beef in three batches. Set aside.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, bell pepper and onion to same stockpot. Cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Return beef and accumulated juices to stockpot.
Add salsa, chili powder and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
Stir in beans; cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until beans are heated through, stirring occasionally.
Serve chili in bowls. Garnish with Toppings, as desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 289; Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 264 mg; Cholesterol: 78 mg; Protein: 32 g; Carbohydrates: 23 g
MEXICAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH HASH BROWN TOP
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Bored of the same ol’ breakfast every morning? This irresistible hash brown casserole will pull you out of your rut – golden crunchy potato crust and tender layers of eggs, cheese, tortilla, peppers and chiles."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mexican-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-brown-top.
Ingredients
16 large eggs
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 large Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4.5 ounce can Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 packet Old El Paso™ Low Sodium Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crema (optional)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a large 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cut the tortillas in to 1/2 inch by 1 inch strips. Whisk the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Then mix in the shredded cheese, chopped bell pepper, chiles, 1 cup chopped green onions, salt and tortillas. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded potato with the Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning. Then drizzle the butter over the top of the potatoes and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the shredded potatoes over the egg mixture in an even layer. Then place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is puffed up and the hash brown top is crispy. Serve warm, drizzled with crema and sprinkled with green onions if desired.
SLOW-COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "When you transform a classic special-occasion meal into an easy-breezy weeknight dinner, it’s no wonder that you’re a top-rated recipe by hundreds of home cooks. Find out what all the buzz is about and try this beef stroganoff slow cooker recipe the next time you’re in need of mealtime inspiration."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 3x1/2x1/4-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed golden mushroom or cream of mushroom soup
1 carton (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 oz cream cheese, cubed (from 8-oz package)
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice
Directions
In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, onion and garlic; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until beef is browned.
In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef mixture, soup, mushrooms, salt and pepper.
Cover; cook on low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until beef is tender.
Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir in sour cream until well blended. Serve over noodles.
Expert Tips
Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Beef sirloin steak is more tender than other cuts of beef that are used for stews. Cooking the beef in butter until browned, results in the best flavor. Then the very low heat of the slow cooker keeps the meat tender.
With the slow braising of the stroganoff, the cream cheese creates an instantly smooth sauce, that combined with the sour cream stays thick and rich.
It’s easier to cut the beef into clean slices when it’s partially frozen for about 1 hour.
To save precious minutes in the morning, use minced garlic in a jar. You could also cut up the beef the night before and refrigerate.
CREAMY VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE
This came from Genevieve Ko at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Genevieve wrote, "For a vegan hot chocolate that rivals even the creamiest dairy-laden variety, add a few tablespoons of nut butter like almond, sunflower or peanut to the nondairy milk, chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Whisking is also essential here; nondairy products tend to contain stabilizers that keep them emulsified, so they can separate when boiled. If you keep whisking the mix as it heats and remove it from the stove when it’s nice and steaming, but before it boils, you’ll end up with perfectly smooth hot chocolate. Don’t worry if it breaks: You can simply blend it with a whisk or immersion blender over low heat to bring it back together."
Yield: 2 cups; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019960-creamy-vegan-hot-chocolate.
Ingredients
1/3 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 ounces)
3 tablespoons vegan unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons creamy nut or seed butter, such as almond, sunflower or peanut
Pinch of kosher salt
1-1/2 to 2 cups unsweetened nut or grain milk, such as macadamia, walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, oat or rice milk
1 to 3 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
Preparation
Combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, nut butter, salt and 1/2 cup nut or grain milk in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, about 1-1/2 minutes.
Whisk in 1 cup nut or grain milk in a slow, steady stream, and continue whisking until cocoa is steaming, about 1-1/2 minutes. Don’t let it come to a boil or the cocoa will separate.
Taste a spoonful. (Be careful: It’s hot.) If you prefer a thinner hot cocoa, add up to 1/2 cup additional milk. If you prefer it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar at a time, tasting after each addition. Divide among cups and serve hot.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Chicken
There was a time when chicken was relegated to the Sunday dinner table. (Think early- to mid-twentieth century.)
But now, it's an anytime meal. To that end, here are six yummy chicken recipes to help you through the day, including Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff and Fried Chicken Biscuits With Hot Honey Butter. Enjoy!
COUNTRY CAPTAIN
This recipe is from Rohan Kamicheril and adapted by Ligaya Mishan on The New York Times cooking site. Ligaya wrote, "The American South has long laid claim to Country Captain, but the dish’s origins can be traced back to the British Raj. It’s an Anglo-Indian legacy of colonials with palates newly awakened to the possibilities of spice. In this version from Rohan Kamicheril, who grew up in Bangalore, only a few seasonings are called for: turmeric, ginger-garlic paste — easy to mash up quickly or buy premade — and Kashmiri chile powder, which has a gentle heat that can be approximated with a mix of paprika and cayenne. Vinegar is the last, vital touch, its sourness twangs the nerve and startles the other flavors into focus. The recipe is simple, but it takes skill to make, and should be eaten immediately."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Chicken and Potatoes With Commanding Flavor", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022978-country-captain.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chile powder or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne plus 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola, for frying
1 large onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Salt
Soft white bread, such as a Pullman loaf or Japanese milk bread, for serving
Preparation
Combine the ginger-garlic paste with the turmeric, chile powder and vinegar in a large bowl, then toss the chicken in the marinade to coat. Let the chicken rest at room temperature while cooking the vegetables to give the spices time to infuse the meat.
Heat an inch of oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high until it reaches 340 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, drop a nub of potato into the oil to test: If you get a fervent sizzle, the oil is hot enough.) Add the onion and fry, turning occasionally with a spider or slotted spoon, until the onion is soft and uniformly dark chestnut brown in color, 9 to 11 minutes. Scoop out the onion and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Bring the oil back up to 340 degrees. Add the diced potato and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Scoop out the potatoes and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Season generously with salt while still hot.
While the potatoes cook, set a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over high heat. When the pan is just beginning to smoke, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil from the saucepan and swirl to cover the bottom of the pan. Add half of the marinated chicken, making sure to leave space between the pieces. Let cook undisturbed until browned and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook to brown the other sides, another 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape chicken and any accumulated juices onto a serving platter or bowl. Repeat with remaining chicken, cooking in 2 tablespoons oil from the saucepan.
Add the onion and potato to the dish with the chicken. Stir gently, just enough for the juices from the chicken to gloss the onion and potato. Serve immediately with the bread.
Tip
You can find ginger-garlic paste at Indian markets, but it’s easy to make at home, too. For the 2 tablespoons called for here, chop 3 large cloves of garlic and a fat 1-inch piece of ginger, then smash them together using a mortar and pestle or continue chopping until very finely minced. Season with a tiny pinch of salt. For a larger batch, keep a 1:1 ratio of garlic to ginger and combine in a blender with salt to taste.
SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Yasmin Fahr in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Yasmin wrote, "These zippy chicken burgers are loaded with ginger, garlic, cilantro and scallions for fresh flavor and some textural crunch. The secret ingredient is a little mashed avocado that’s added to the ground chicken before cooking, which keeps the burgers tender and light. A citrusy soy mayonnaise is used both inside the patties and slathered on top. (Fish sauce could be used in place of the soy. Decrease the amount and adjust to taste.) Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise made with rice wine vinegar and egg yolks rather than distilled vinegar and whole eggs, but you can just as easily use your preferred mayonnaise. Fresh jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch when biting into the burger, though pickled ones could be used for extra acidity."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023132-smashed-avocado-chicken-burgers.
While you're at it, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Very helpful!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about 1/2 avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form 1/2-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
Tip
Resist the urge to add more than 1/4 cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
FRIED CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH HOT HONEY BUTTER
This is from Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "This recipe for chicken biscuits could be a weeknight dinner with a side of greens, but it's made to travel, and perfectly suited for a picnic. The biscuit dough, adapted from Sam Sifton's all-purpose biscuit recipe, is lightly kneaded here, so it's not too tender to work in a sandwich. The chicken tenders, inspired by Masaharu Morimoto's katsu in the cookbook "Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking," are pounded and coated in panko for plenty of crunch. Prepare both components the day you want to eat them, giving yourself at least one extra hour for everything to cool before you assemble, so the sandwich stays crisp. You can also cook well in advance, and assemble the sandwiches the next day. Either way, cooling the chicken completely, on a wire rack, is crucial. If you prefer breast meat over thigh, feel free to swap it in."
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus cooling
This was featured in "Grab Your Picnic Baskets: The Party’s Moving Outside", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018818-fried-chicken-biscuits-with-hot-honey-butter.
Note: The article is well worth reading; I thoroughly enjoyed it! (Thanks for a great read, and great recipes, Tejal!) Also, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Fried Chicken". It's a helpful guide, whether you're a long-time cook, or just starting out.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups whole milk
For the chicken:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
3 eggs
3 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola or other neutral oil, for frying
For the butter:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
Hot sauce, a vinegary variety such as Crystal, to taste
Sliced dill pickles, for serving
Preparation
Prepare the biscuits: In a bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add butter and use the fork to mash it into the flour until the mixture resembles large, lumpy crumbs. Stir in milk until a dough comes together.
Flour your hands, then gently gather and knead the dough in the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it springs back slightly to the touch. (If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed.) Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap and rest dough in fridge for half hour.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough to 1 to 1 1/2 inch thickness. Use a floured knife or round cutter to cut 6 biscuits, about 3 1/2 inches wide. Reroll the scraps and cut again as needed.
Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and the tops are slightly golden. Let cool completely on a wired rack at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container if not using until the next day.
Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat and any membranes from the meat, then lightly hammer the thickest parts of the thighs with a mallet or rolling pin. Season each side with salt.
Mix flour, cayenne and salt in one wide bowl. Beat eggs in a second wide bowl, and place panko in a third. Dip each chicken thigh in flour, coating it all over and patting off the excess, then in egg, allowing extra egg to drip off, then in panko, making sure each thigh is entirely coated in bread crumbs, and using your hands to press loose crumbs into any places where they look scarce.
In a large, heavy bottomed skillet, pour in oil to a 2-inch depth and heat to 350 degrees. Fry 2 thighs at a time, flipping them over every two minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp all over, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined sheet pan and season lightly with salt. Let cool entirely at room temperature, at least 1 hour. At this point, you can assemble the sandwiches or transfer the rack to the fridge and leave the chicken uncovered overnight.
Assemble the sandwiches: When both the chicken and biscuits have cooled (or the next day), mix together soft butter, honey and hot sauce until smooth. Cut open cooled biscuits, smear each cut side with honey butter, and sandwich with a piece of chicken. If traveling, loosely wrap each sandwich in a piece of parchment paper and pack side by side in a hard container, in a single layer, so the sandwiches aren’t crushed. Serve with additional hot sauce and pickles on the side.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4 1⁄2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
GRANDMA'S CHICKEN CASSEROLE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "When it comes to weeknight dinner, casseroles are king. This super-simple, five-ingredient chicken casserole recipe comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully. It’s sure to be your quick-meal go to for at-home dinners and a reliable favorite for bake-and-take potluck dinners."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
3 cups Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Place chicken evenly in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spoon and spread soup evenly over chicken; sprinkle with cheese.
In medium bowl, stir bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over cheese. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are golden brown and thoroughly heated.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Your grandma probably didn’t use panko bread crumbs, which are crispy crumbs used in Japanese cooking. But she’d definitely embrace them if she were given a box. Panko makes topping a casserole quick and ensures there’s good texture and contrast to the creamy center of the hot dish.
tip 2
Leftover roast turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe—especially the day after Thanksgiving.
tip 3
Sub in crispy French-fried onions to top the casserole or try Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend instead of cheddar cheese.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STROGANOFF
This comes from Judi Ann at Allrecipes. Judi Ann wrote, "Cubed chicken breast cooked in the slow cooker with a simple, creamy sauce mixture. This is so good, and so easy to make on a busy day. Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours; Total: 5 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17227/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff/.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1/8 cup margarine
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Directions
Put chicken, margarine and dressing mix in slow cooker; mix together and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Add cream cheese and soup, mix together and cook on high for another 1/2 hour or until heated through and warm.
But now, it's an anytime meal. To that end, here are six yummy chicken recipes to help you through the day, including Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff and Fried Chicken Biscuits With Hot Honey Butter. Enjoy!
COUNTRY CAPTAIN
This recipe is from Rohan Kamicheril and adapted by Ligaya Mishan on The New York Times cooking site. Ligaya wrote, "The American South has long laid claim to Country Captain, but the dish’s origins can be traced back to the British Raj. It’s an Anglo-Indian legacy of colonials with palates newly awakened to the possibilities of spice. In this version from Rohan Kamicheril, who grew up in Bangalore, only a few seasonings are called for: turmeric, ginger-garlic paste — easy to mash up quickly or buy premade — and Kashmiri chile powder, which has a gentle heat that can be approximated with a mix of paprika and cayenne. Vinegar is the last, vital touch, its sourness twangs the nerve and startles the other flavors into focus. The recipe is simple, but it takes skill to make, and should be eaten immediately."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Chicken and Potatoes With Commanding Flavor", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022978-country-captain.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chile powder or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne plus 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola, for frying
1 large onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Salt
Soft white bread, such as a Pullman loaf or Japanese milk bread, for serving
Preparation
Combine the ginger-garlic paste with the turmeric, chile powder and vinegar in a large bowl, then toss the chicken in the marinade to coat. Let the chicken rest at room temperature while cooking the vegetables to give the spices time to infuse the meat.
Heat an inch of oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high until it reaches 340 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, drop a nub of potato into the oil to test: If you get a fervent sizzle, the oil is hot enough.) Add the onion and fry, turning occasionally with a spider or slotted spoon, until the onion is soft and uniformly dark chestnut brown in color, 9 to 11 minutes. Scoop out the onion and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Bring the oil back up to 340 degrees. Add the diced potato and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Scoop out the potatoes and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Season generously with salt while still hot.
While the potatoes cook, set a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over high heat. When the pan is just beginning to smoke, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil from the saucepan and swirl to cover the bottom of the pan. Add half of the marinated chicken, making sure to leave space between the pieces. Let cook undisturbed until browned and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook to brown the other sides, another 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape chicken and any accumulated juices onto a serving platter or bowl. Repeat with remaining chicken, cooking in 2 tablespoons oil from the saucepan.
Add the onion and potato to the dish with the chicken. Stir gently, just enough for the juices from the chicken to gloss the onion and potato. Serve immediately with the bread.
Tip
You can find ginger-garlic paste at Indian markets, but it’s easy to make at home, too. For the 2 tablespoons called for here, chop 3 large cloves of garlic and a fat 1-inch piece of ginger, then smash them together using a mortar and pestle or continue chopping until very finely minced. Season with a tiny pinch of salt. For a larger batch, keep a 1:1 ratio of garlic to ginger and combine in a blender with salt to taste.
SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Yasmin Fahr in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Yasmin wrote, "These zippy chicken burgers are loaded with ginger, garlic, cilantro and scallions for fresh flavor and some textural crunch. The secret ingredient is a little mashed avocado that’s added to the ground chicken before cooking, which keeps the burgers tender and light. A citrusy soy mayonnaise is used both inside the patties and slathered on top. (Fish sauce could be used in place of the soy. Decrease the amount and adjust to taste.) Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise made with rice wine vinegar and egg yolks rather than distilled vinegar and whole eggs, but you can just as easily use your preferred mayonnaise. Fresh jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch when biting into the burger, though pickled ones could be used for extra acidity."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023132-smashed-avocado-chicken-burgers.
While you're at it, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Very helpful!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about 1/2 avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form 1/2-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
Tip
Resist the urge to add more than 1/4 cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
FRIED CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH HOT HONEY BUTTER
This is from Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "This recipe for chicken biscuits could be a weeknight dinner with a side of greens, but it's made to travel, and perfectly suited for a picnic. The biscuit dough, adapted from Sam Sifton's all-purpose biscuit recipe, is lightly kneaded here, so it's not too tender to work in a sandwich. The chicken tenders, inspired by Masaharu Morimoto's katsu in the cookbook "Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking," are pounded and coated in panko for plenty of crunch. Prepare both components the day you want to eat them, giving yourself at least one extra hour for everything to cool before you assemble, so the sandwich stays crisp. You can also cook well in advance, and assemble the sandwiches the next day. Either way, cooling the chicken completely, on a wire rack, is crucial. If you prefer breast meat over thigh, feel free to swap it in."
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus cooling
This was featured in "Grab Your Picnic Baskets: The Party’s Moving Outside", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018818-fried-chicken-biscuits-with-hot-honey-butter.
Note: The article is well worth reading; I thoroughly enjoyed it! (Thanks for a great read, and great recipes, Tejal!) Also, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Fried Chicken". It's a helpful guide, whether you're a long-time cook, or just starting out.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups whole milk
For the chicken:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
3 eggs
3 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola or other neutral oil, for frying
For the butter:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
Hot sauce, a vinegary variety such as Crystal, to taste
Sliced dill pickles, for serving
Preparation
Prepare the biscuits: In a bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add butter and use the fork to mash it into the flour until the mixture resembles large, lumpy crumbs. Stir in milk until a dough comes together.
Flour your hands, then gently gather and knead the dough in the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it springs back slightly to the touch. (If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed.) Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap and rest dough in fridge for half hour.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough to 1 to 1 1/2 inch thickness. Use a floured knife or round cutter to cut 6 biscuits, about 3 1/2 inches wide. Reroll the scraps and cut again as needed.
Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and the tops are slightly golden. Let cool completely on a wired rack at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container if not using until the next day.
Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat and any membranes from the meat, then lightly hammer the thickest parts of the thighs with a mallet or rolling pin. Season each side with salt.
Mix flour, cayenne and salt in one wide bowl. Beat eggs in a second wide bowl, and place panko in a third. Dip each chicken thigh in flour, coating it all over and patting off the excess, then in egg, allowing extra egg to drip off, then in panko, making sure each thigh is entirely coated in bread crumbs, and using your hands to press loose crumbs into any places where they look scarce.
In a large, heavy bottomed skillet, pour in oil to a 2-inch depth and heat to 350 degrees. Fry 2 thighs at a time, flipping them over every two minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp all over, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined sheet pan and season lightly with salt. Let cool entirely at room temperature, at least 1 hour. At this point, you can assemble the sandwiches or transfer the rack to the fridge and leave the chicken uncovered overnight.
Assemble the sandwiches: When both the chicken and biscuits have cooled (or the next day), mix together soft butter, honey and hot sauce until smooth. Cut open cooled biscuits, smear each cut side with honey butter, and sandwich with a piece of chicken. If traveling, loosely wrap each sandwich in a piece of parchment paper and pack side by side in a hard container, in a single layer, so the sandwiches aren’t crushed. Serve with additional hot sauce and pickles on the side.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4 1⁄2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
GRANDMA'S CHICKEN CASSEROLE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "When it comes to weeknight dinner, casseroles are king. This super-simple, five-ingredient chicken casserole recipe comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully. It’s sure to be your quick-meal go to for at-home dinners and a reliable favorite for bake-and-take potluck dinners."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
3 cups Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F.
Place chicken evenly in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spoon and spread soup evenly over chicken; sprinkle with cheese.
In medium bowl, stir bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over cheese. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are golden brown and thoroughly heated.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Your grandma probably didn’t use panko bread crumbs, which are crispy crumbs used in Japanese cooking. But she’d definitely embrace them if she were given a box. Panko makes topping a casserole quick and ensures there’s good texture and contrast to the creamy center of the hot dish.
tip 2
Leftover roast turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe—especially the day after Thanksgiving.
tip 3
Sub in crispy French-fried onions to top the casserole or try Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend instead of cheddar cheese.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STROGANOFF
This comes from Judi Ann at Allrecipes. Judi Ann wrote, "Cubed chicken breast cooked in the slow cooker with a simple, creamy sauce mixture. This is so good, and so easy to make on a busy day. Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours; Total: 5 hours 10 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17227/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff/.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1/8 cup margarine
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Directions
Put chicken, margarine and dressing mix in slow cooker; mix together and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Add cream cheese and soup, mix together and cook on high for another 1/2 hour or until heated through and warm.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Beef
Beef has been a popular source of protein here in the U.S. for decades. Today's post deals with beef, and includes Mexican Meatball Kabobs and Smash Burgers. Enjoy!
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
MEXICAN MEATBALL KABOBS
Recipe Yield: Yield Makes 30 servings, 2 skewers each
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/mexican-meatball-kabobs.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups quick oats
1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestle's Carnation Evaporated Milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
2 packets (1.25 ounces each) taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large bell peppers (any color), cut into 60, 1-inch pieces
60 4-inch wooden skewers
Salsa and sour cream (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Foil-line 3 baking sheets and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine ground beef, oats, evaporated milk, eggs, ketchup, taco seasoning and black pepper in large bowl until just mixed. Form mixture into 120, 1-inch meatballs. Place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center. Drain on paper towels, if needed.
Thread two meatballs and one piece of pepper on each skewer. Place on large serving platter. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 110; Fat: 1.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 260 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Sugars: 3 g
CHEF JOHN'S SALISBURY STEAK
This is from Chef John at All Recipes. He wrote, "When I was a kid, we didn't have smartphones or the internet, all we had was a TV. But we didn't care because as we watched, we got to enjoy a little something called a "TV dinner." The king of those dinners, in my opinion, was the Salisbury steak, which is what I'll show you how to make here, along with one of the greatest gravies ever invented. Serve with buttered mashed potatoes and a vegetable side of your choice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Additional Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/280901/chef-johns-salisbury-steak/.
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
1 pound 85% lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 large egg, beaten
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons salted butter
12 large white button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup diced onion
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups high-quality, low-sodium beef broth
salt to taste
2 tablespoons salted butter
Directions
Combine beef, black pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce, egg, cayenne, and bread crumbs in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or your hands to stir the ingredients until very evenly distributed.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to overnight.
While the meat is resting, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick pan over high heat; add mushrooms, onions, and a pinch of salt. Saute, stirring occasionally, until very nicely browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add flour. Cook and stir for 3 minutes.
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth; increase heat to high. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly and reduces, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Transfer to a glass measuring cup, scraping the pan clean with a spatula, and reserve.
Remove meat from the refrigerator and divide into 4 equal portions. Moisten hands and form into oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of the patties lightly with salt.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the previously used nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Pour in gravy and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until gravy is piping hot, and the meat is just cooked through and springs back lightly when touched, about 5 minutes.
Chef's Notes:
You can use the meat mixture immediately rather than wrapping and refrigerating.
You can make the meatballs round or in any shape you like.
TEX-MEX SKILLET FRIED RICE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "A little bit fried rice and a little bit beef taco, this skillet mashup is a quick and easy dinner option that’s easy to customize with all your favorite taco toppings."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup diced yellow onions
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup Cascadian Farm™ frozen organic sweet corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cooked white rice
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)
Diced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until brown. Drain; return to skillet. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; heat to simmering over medium heat. Cook 1 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Transfer to large bowl, and set aside; carefully wipe out skillet.
Add oil to skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell pepper, frozen corn and salt. Cook 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown on edges.
Add rice and green chiles; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently to break up rice, until heated through. Stir in beef mixture; cook 1 to 2 minutes longer to heat through.
Remove from heat. Top with cheese; cover and let stand 1 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
Top with remaining ingredients.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Don’t have cooked white rice from leftovers or takeout? Frozen cooked white rice is a nice staple to keep in the freezer to help ease the dinner rush on weeknights.
Tip 2
Make it your own! Try adding Sriracha or chile garlic sauce; experiment with different shredded cheeses, or mix up the diced veggies for your own twist on this easy meal.
SMASH BURGERS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers — use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly."
Yield: 4 to 8 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This as featured in "Deconstructing the Perfect Burger", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016595-smash-burgers.
Another like you should check out to to Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Even if you've been making burgers almost forever, it's still well worth checking out.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter
2 pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices cheese (optional)
8 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and condiments, as desired
Directions
Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.
Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.
Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.
EASY CHILI MOLE
This recipe from Old El Paso begins, "This is a much easier, yet equally tasty, version of the typical long-cooking authentic Mexican main. This mole is made with beef, tomatoes and chili beans, ready in just 30 minutes."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-chili-mole.
Ingredients
1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 package (1.25 oz) Tex-Mex chili seasoning mix
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) spicy chili beans, undrained
1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
8 soft corn tortillas (6 inch)
Preparation
In 4-quart Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef until thoroughly cooked; drain.
Stir in seasoning mix, both tomatoes and beans. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors. Stir in chocolate just until melted. Serve with tortillas.
Expert Tips
Regular chili seasoning mix and 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño chile can be substituted for the Tex-Mex seasoning mix.
Serve with a crisp green salad and warm wedges of cornbread instead of the tortillas.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
MEXICAN MEATBALL KABOBS
Recipe Yield: Yield Makes 30 servings, 2 skewers each
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/mexican-meatball-kabobs.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups quick oats
1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestle's Carnation Evaporated Milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
2 packets (1.25 ounces each) taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large bell peppers (any color), cut into 60, 1-inch pieces
60 4-inch wooden skewers
Salsa and sour cream (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Foil-line 3 baking sheets and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine ground beef, oats, evaporated milk, eggs, ketchup, taco seasoning and black pepper in large bowl until just mixed. Form mixture into 120, 1-inch meatballs. Place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center. Drain on paper towels, if needed.
Thread two meatballs and one piece of pepper on each skewer. Place on large serving platter. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 110; Fat: 1.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 260 mg; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Protein: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Sugars: 3 g
CHEF JOHN'S SALISBURY STEAK
This is from Chef John at All Recipes. He wrote, "When I was a kid, we didn't have smartphones or the internet, all we had was a TV. But we didn't care because as we watched, we got to enjoy a little something called a "TV dinner." The king of those dinners, in my opinion, was the Salisbury steak, which is what I'll show you how to make here, along with one of the greatest gravies ever invented. Serve with buttered mashed potatoes and a vegetable side of your choice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Additional Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/280901/chef-johns-salisbury-steak/.
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
1 pound 85% lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 large egg, beaten
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons salted butter
12 large white button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup diced onion
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups high-quality, low-sodium beef broth
salt to taste
2 tablespoons salted butter
Directions
Combine beef, black pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce, egg, cayenne, and bread crumbs in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or your hands to stir the ingredients until very evenly distributed.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to overnight.
While the meat is resting, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick pan over high heat; add mushrooms, onions, and a pinch of salt. Saute, stirring occasionally, until very nicely browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add flour. Cook and stir for 3 minutes.
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth; increase heat to high. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly and reduces, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Transfer to a glass measuring cup, scraping the pan clean with a spatula, and reserve.
Remove meat from the refrigerator and divide into 4 equal portions. Moisten hands and form into oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of the patties lightly with salt.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the previously used nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Pour in gravy and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until gravy is piping hot, and the meat is just cooked through and springs back lightly when touched, about 5 minutes.
Chef's Notes:
You can use the meat mixture immediately rather than wrapping and refrigerating.
You can make the meatballs round or in any shape you like.
TEX-MEX SKILLET FRIED RICE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "A little bit fried rice and a little bit beef taco, this skillet mashup is a quick and easy dinner option that’s easy to customize with all your favorite taco toppings."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup diced yellow onions
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup Cascadian Farm™ frozen organic sweet corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cooked white rice
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)
Diced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until brown. Drain; return to skillet. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; heat to simmering over medium heat. Cook 1 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Transfer to large bowl, and set aside; carefully wipe out skillet.
Add oil to skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell pepper, frozen corn and salt. Cook 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown on edges.
Add rice and green chiles; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently to break up rice, until heated through. Stir in beef mixture; cook 1 to 2 minutes longer to heat through.
Remove from heat. Top with cheese; cover and let stand 1 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
Top with remaining ingredients.
Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens
tip 1
Don’t have cooked white rice from leftovers or takeout? Frozen cooked white rice is a nice staple to keep in the freezer to help ease the dinner rush on weeknights.
Tip 2
Make it your own! Try adding Sriracha or chile garlic sauce; experiment with different shredded cheeses, or mix up the diced veggies for your own twist on this easy meal.
SMASH BURGERS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers — use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly."
Yield: 4 to 8 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This as featured in "Deconstructing the Perfect Burger", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016595-smash-burgers.
Another like you should check out to to Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Even if you've been making burgers almost forever, it's still well worth checking out.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter
2 pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices cheese (optional)
8 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and condiments, as desired
Directions
Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.
Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.
Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.
EASY CHILI MOLE
This recipe from Old El Paso begins, "This is a much easier, yet equally tasty, version of the typical long-cooking authentic Mexican main. This mole is made with beef, tomatoes and chili beans, ready in just 30 minutes."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-chili-mole.
Ingredients
1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 package (1.25 oz) Tex-Mex chili seasoning mix
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) spicy chili beans, undrained
1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
8 soft corn tortillas (6 inch)
Preparation
In 4-quart Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef until thoroughly cooked; drain.
Stir in seasoning mix, both tomatoes and beans. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors. Stir in chocolate just until melted. Serve with tortillas.
Expert Tips
Regular chili seasoning mix and 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño chile can be substituted for the Tex-Mex seasoning mix.
Serve with a crisp green salad and warm wedges of cornbread instead of the tortillas.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Korean Barbecue-Style Meatballs and Simple Watermelon Ice Cream. Enjoy!
MAQUE CHOUX
This is from Gabrielle Hamilton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Gabrielle wrote, "This classic Cajun side dish is a sweet, hot, juicy, milky, buttery combination of corn, onions and peppers. It’s often cooked in rendered bacon fat and enriched with heavy cream, but this version relies upon only butter and a little water in their place, which allow the ingredients’ flavors to sing more clearly. While it is commonly understood that Fat Equals Flavor, there is a point at which too much fat actually masks complexities in flavors and dulls their vibrancy. Try the maque choux this way and see if you notice how bold and lively it tastes. If you miss the smokiness that bacon imparts, try instead a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in at the end."
Yield: About 1 generous quart; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in "This Cajun Corn Dish Screams ‘Summer’", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021176-maque-choux.
Note: I highly recommend reading the article ("featured in" link, above). I read it in The New York Times Magazine on Sunday, June 21. Interesting reading.
Ingredients
3 fresh ears of corn, shucked
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 red onion, cut into small dice
2 celery ribs, cut into small dice
Kosher salt
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small poblano pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small serrano chile, very thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika (optional)
Preparation
Working with 1 corn cob at a time, set the ear of corn upright in a medium bowl. Shave the corn from the cob by slicing down the sides using the tip of a sharp chef’s knife, holding the knife almost vertical. (This gives you neat tablets of corn that land squarely in the bowl and keeps the kernels from scattering all over the counter.) Using the back of the knife, scrape each cob to release all the nibs and the “milk” of the kernels into the bowl. Repeat with remaining ears of corn, then snap the cobs in half, and add them to the bowl.
In a large, deep sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foaming. Add onion and celery, and season with 1 or 2 pinches of kosher salt. Stir constantly until softened and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and the bell pepper, poblano and serrano, and stir constantly, adding another pinch of kosher salt, letting the butter melt and the peppers soften and become translucent, about 2 or 3 minutes. You will smell the peppers’ sweetness and their mild capsaicin releasing.
Add the final 3 tablespoons butter and the corn mixture from the bowl, cobs included, and another pinch of kosher salt. Stir constantly to coat with the butter and combine thoroughly.
When everything starts to hiss and sound hot, but isn’t cooking so hard as to take color, add 1/2 cup water and a healthy few grinds of black pepper, and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to steam/shallow braise the mixture.
Remove the lid, and stir well, noticing the corn releasing its liquid and the kernels softening, and the cobs turning somewhat translucent, if however vague. You will notice a general softening and melding together. Return the lid, and let cook a few more minutes, noticing the water evaporating and the remaining liquid reducing and gaining some “body” and gloss. Discard the corn cobs, but do suck them before tossing — those buttery juices make a nice cook’s treat.
Taste for salt, and serve. It should be sweet, spicy, a bit wet and surprisingly complex, given the few ingredients and their ordinariness. If you want a smoky taste, add a good pinch of smoked paprika.
KOREAN BARBECUE-STYLE MEATBALLS
This yumminess is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kay wrote, "These meatballs, inspired by traditional Korean barbecue, bring the savory-sweet flavors of caramelized meat without the need for a grill. As the meatballs bake, the soy sauce marries the garlic and scallions to create a glaze. This meatball mixture can be made ahead and left to marinate in the fridge for 3 hours or even overnight. Use ground beef that is 85 percent lean meat, 15 percent fat, or 80 percent lean and 20 percent fat for juicier meatballs. The Ritz crackers here make for a more tender meatball, but feel free to substitute plain dry bread crumbs. The meatballs are tasty on their own, but for a simple dipping sauce, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar. Serve over steamed rice with kimchi, or as a sandwich with mayonnaise or marinara sauce."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019763-korean-barbecue-style-meatballs.
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped scallions
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers (12 crackers)
1 pound ground beef (round or chuck)
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and use your hands to gently mix.
Shape the meat into 12 golf-ball-size rounds (about 2 inches in diameter), and arrange on a greased rimmed baking sheet.
Bake until golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips
Leftover meatballs freeze well and can be reheated in the oven at 375 degrees until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
To make the Ritz crumbs, place the crackers in a resealable plastic bag and lightly crush them with the back of a wooden spoon or measuring cup.
SIMPLE WATERMELON ICE CREAM
This is from a Publix email. Servings: 6; Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours, 16 minutes
To view this online, go to https://ww4.publix.com/recipes-planning/aprons-simple-meals/barbecue-cheddar-chicken-pasta-with-simple-watermelon-ice-cream. It comes with another recipe (Barbecue-Cheddar Chicken Pasta).
Note: Remove ice cream from freezer 15 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
Ingredients
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled/grated
2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
4 fresh mint leaves
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Plastic wrap
Directions
Peel ginger, then grate (2 tablespoons). Place watermelon in blender (or food processor); blend until smooth and pureed. Add mint leaves; blend until combined.
Beat whipping cream, condensed milk, ginger, vanilla, and salt with electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form. Slowly pour in 1 cup watermelon mixture, while continuing to beat on high, until combined.
Pour cream mixture into large loaf pan. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of cream mixture to help prevent ice crystals. Freeze 6 hours (or overnight) until firm. Serve. (Makes 8 servings.)
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.
SWEET ONION CHEESE DIP
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Whoever posted it indicated that it was from Canyon Villa Inn, in Sedona, Arizona.
Ingredients
3 large sweet onions coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove minced
2 Tbls butter
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup mayo
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Directions
Saute onions and garlic until tender. Remove from heat. Add cheese, mayo and hot sauce. Transfer to baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Serve with crackers. Makes 5 cups.
TWO-PEA RAVIOLI
This comes from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Convenient frozen cheese ravioli is bulked up with sugar snap and green peas, then tossed with the zest and juice of a lemon for a dish that feels bright and fresh. For the best snap and crunch, choose fresh sugar snap peas—but know that frozen ones will also work well. Thaw them and toss them into the boiling water with the green peas, just long enough to warm them through. Try to serve this dish shortly after tossing everything together; if it sits for a while, the acid in the lemon juice will discolor the peas."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20; Serves: 4; Difficultly: Easy; Serving size: 1 1/4 cups
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 oz frozen cheese ravioli
8 oz., trimmed (or frozen snap peas) uncooked sugar snap peas
1 cup, thawed froze green peas
1 tsp lemon zest
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook 3 minutes. Add sugar snap peas and cook 2 minutes. Add green peas and cook 1 minute or until ravioli is tender and sugar snap peas are crisp-tender. Drain.
In a large bowl, stir together lemon zest and juice, oil, salt, and pepper. Add ravioli mixture and toss gently to coat.
MAQUE CHOUX
This is from Gabrielle Hamilton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Gabrielle wrote, "This classic Cajun side dish is a sweet, hot, juicy, milky, buttery combination of corn, onions and peppers. It’s often cooked in rendered bacon fat and enriched with heavy cream, but this version relies upon only butter and a little water in their place, which allow the ingredients’ flavors to sing more clearly. While it is commonly understood that Fat Equals Flavor, there is a point at which too much fat actually masks complexities in flavors and dulls their vibrancy. Try the maque choux this way and see if you notice how bold and lively it tastes. If you miss the smokiness that bacon imparts, try instead a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in at the end."
Yield: About 1 generous quart; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in "This Cajun Corn Dish Screams ‘Summer’", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021176-maque-choux.
Note: I highly recommend reading the article ("featured in" link, above). I read it in The New York Times Magazine on Sunday, June 21. Interesting reading.
Ingredients
3 fresh ears of corn, shucked
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 red onion, cut into small dice
2 celery ribs, cut into small dice
Kosher salt
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small poblano pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small serrano chile, very thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika (optional)
Preparation
Working with 1 corn cob at a time, set the ear of corn upright in a medium bowl. Shave the corn from the cob by slicing down the sides using the tip of a sharp chef’s knife, holding the knife almost vertical. (This gives you neat tablets of corn that land squarely in the bowl and keeps the kernels from scattering all over the counter.) Using the back of the knife, scrape each cob to release all the nibs and the “milk” of the kernels into the bowl. Repeat with remaining ears of corn, then snap the cobs in half, and add them to the bowl.
In a large, deep sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foaming. Add onion and celery, and season with 1 or 2 pinches of kosher salt. Stir constantly until softened and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and the bell pepper, poblano and serrano, and stir constantly, adding another pinch of kosher salt, letting the butter melt and the peppers soften and become translucent, about 2 or 3 minutes. You will smell the peppers’ sweetness and their mild capsaicin releasing.
Add the final 3 tablespoons butter and the corn mixture from the bowl, cobs included, and another pinch of kosher salt. Stir constantly to coat with the butter and combine thoroughly.
When everything starts to hiss and sound hot, but isn’t cooking so hard as to take color, add 1/2 cup water and a healthy few grinds of black pepper, and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to steam/shallow braise the mixture.
Remove the lid, and stir well, noticing the corn releasing its liquid and the kernels softening, and the cobs turning somewhat translucent, if however vague. You will notice a general softening and melding together. Return the lid, and let cook a few more minutes, noticing the water evaporating and the remaining liquid reducing and gaining some “body” and gloss. Discard the corn cobs, but do suck them before tossing — those buttery juices make a nice cook’s treat.
Taste for salt, and serve. It should be sweet, spicy, a bit wet and surprisingly complex, given the few ingredients and their ordinariness. If you want a smoky taste, add a good pinch of smoked paprika.
KOREAN BARBECUE-STYLE MEATBALLS
This yumminess is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kay wrote, "These meatballs, inspired by traditional Korean barbecue, bring the savory-sweet flavors of caramelized meat without the need for a grill. As the meatballs bake, the soy sauce marries the garlic and scallions to create a glaze. This meatball mixture can be made ahead and left to marinate in the fridge for 3 hours or even overnight. Use ground beef that is 85 percent lean meat, 15 percent fat, or 80 percent lean and 20 percent fat for juicier meatballs. The Ritz crackers here make for a more tender meatball, but feel free to substitute plain dry bread crumbs. The meatballs are tasty on their own, but for a simple dipping sauce, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar. Serve over steamed rice with kimchi, or as a sandwich with mayonnaise or marinara sauce."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019763-korean-barbecue-style-meatballs.
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped scallions
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers (12 crackers)
1 pound ground beef (round or chuck)
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and use your hands to gently mix.
Shape the meat into 12 golf-ball-size rounds (about 2 inches in diameter), and arrange on a greased rimmed baking sheet.
Bake until golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips
Leftover meatballs freeze well and can be reheated in the oven at 375 degrees until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
To make the Ritz crumbs, place the crackers in a resealable plastic bag and lightly crush them with the back of a wooden spoon or measuring cup.
SIMPLE WATERMELON ICE CREAM
This is from a Publix email. Servings: 6; Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours, 16 minutes
To view this online, go to https://ww4.publix.com/recipes-planning/aprons-simple-meals/barbecue-cheddar-chicken-pasta-with-simple-watermelon-ice-cream. It comes with another recipe (Barbecue-Cheddar Chicken Pasta).
Note: Remove ice cream from freezer 15 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
Ingredients
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled/grated
2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
4 fresh mint leaves
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Plastic wrap
Directions
Peel ginger, then grate (2 tablespoons). Place watermelon in blender (or food processor); blend until smooth and pureed. Add mint leaves; blend until combined.
Beat whipping cream, condensed milk, ginger, vanilla, and salt with electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form. Slowly pour in 1 cup watermelon mixture, while continuing to beat on high, until combined.
Pour cream mixture into large loaf pan. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of cream mixture to help prevent ice crystals. Freeze 6 hours (or overnight) until firm. Serve. (Makes 8 servings.)
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.
SWEET ONION CHEESE DIP
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Whoever posted it indicated that it was from Canyon Villa Inn, in Sedona, Arizona.
Ingredients
3 large sweet onions coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove minced
2 Tbls butter
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup mayo
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Directions
Saute onions and garlic until tender. Remove from heat. Add cheese, mayo and hot sauce. Transfer to baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Serve with crackers. Makes 5 cups.
TWO-PEA RAVIOLI
This comes from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Convenient frozen cheese ravioli is bulked up with sugar snap and green peas, then tossed with the zest and juice of a lemon for a dish that feels bright and fresh. For the best snap and crunch, choose fresh sugar snap peas—but know that frozen ones will also work well. Thaw them and toss them into the boiling water with the green peas, just long enough to warm them through. Try to serve this dish shortly after tossing everything together; if it sits for a while, the acid in the lemon juice will discolor the peas."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20; Serves: 4; Difficultly: Easy; Serving size: 1 1/4 cups
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
12 oz frozen cheese ravioli
8 oz., trimmed (or frozen snap peas) uncooked sugar snap peas
1 cup, thawed froze green peas
1 tsp lemon zest
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook 3 minutes. Add sugar snap peas and cook 2 minutes. Add green peas and cook 1 minute or until ravioli is tender and sugar snap peas are crisp-tender. Drain.
In a large bowl, stir together lemon zest and juice, oil, salt, and pepper. Add ravioli mixture and toss gently to coat.
Taco Tuesday
Oh, boy, it's Taco Tuesday! Check out today's yummy offerings, including Pineapple Chicken Tacos and Spinach, Shrimp and Ricotta Tacos. Enjoy!
CHICKEN NACHO TACOS
This comes from Campbells, and begins, "These tasty tacos combine a few on-hand ingredients with canned chicken and fiesta nacho cheese soup to make a delicious dish super-simple!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Calories: 300/serving
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/recipes/chicken-nacho-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbells® Condensed Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
8 taco shell, warmed
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomato
Directions
Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and chili powder and cook until the onion is tender, stirring often.
Stir the soup and chicken in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Spoon the chicken mixture into the taco shells. Top with the lettuce and tomato.
EASY TERIYAKI CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "If you’re cruisin’ for some fusion, look no further than these easy Japanese-inspired teriyaki tacos. Loaded with savory chicken and fresh veggies, they come together fast and taste great!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-teriyaki-chicken-tacos.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/3 cup water
1 package Old El Paso™ Japanese Inspired Teriyaki World Taco Kit
1 cup shredded Napa cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/3 cup diced avocado
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center.
Stir in water and seasoning mix (from taco kit); heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
While chicken is cooking, heat tortillas (from taco kit) as directed on package. Divide chicken among tortillas, and drizzle with sauce (from taco kit). Top with cabbage, carrot, avocado, green onions and cilantro.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat chicken slices dry before adding to hot skillet.
Shredded lettuce makes a nice substitute for the cabbage.
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS
This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, chopped
1 poblano pepper, diced
1 tsp. chili powder
1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks
1 tsp. ground cumin
8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed
Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.
SPINACH, SHRIMP AND RICOTTA TACOS
This is from Priscilla Gilbert, from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, on Taste of Home. She wrote, "I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos."
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-shrimp-and-ricotta-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 12 cups)
12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Salsa and lime wedges
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cilantro, half the minced garlic, salt and pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add shrimp, green chiles and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer. Add spinach and remaining garlic; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink and spinach is wilted, 4-5 minutes.
Serve shrimp mixture in tortillas with ricotta mixture, salsa and lime wedges.
Test Kitchen tip
If you happen to have any leftover shrimp, serve it over hot cooked pasta, polenta or quinoa. A little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese won't hurt, either.
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
PINEAPPLE CHICKEN TACOS
This comes from Ree Drummond on the Food Network site. Active Time: 16 minutes; Total Time: 16 minutes; Yield: 2 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/pineapple-chicken-tacos-5215870.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
One 6-ounce can 100% pure pineapple juice
1/4 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons honey
4 small flour tortillas
12 ounces broccoli slaw
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons chipotle sauce
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/2 cup thinly sliced pineapple wedges
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Serving suggestions: tortilla chips and salsa
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook, turning halfway through, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the scallions and garlic and continue to cook for another minute.
In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the pineapple juice, hot sauce and honey. Add the liquid to the skillet, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, shingle the tortillas on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5 minutes.
Put the broccoli slaw in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the mayo, chipotle sauce, lime zest and half of the lime juice. Add the dressing to the slaw and toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and additional lime juice if needed.
Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Lower the heat under the skillet and continue to reduce the remaining juices to a syrup consistency. Slice the chicken.
To build the tacos, place the tortillas flat on a plate, add the sliced chicken down the middle and spoon on some of the reduced sauce from the skillet. Top with the pineapple, slaw and cilantro. Serve alongside chips and salsa.
CHICKEN NACHO TACOS
This comes from Campbells, and begins, "These tasty tacos combine a few on-hand ingredients with canned chicken and fiesta nacho cheese soup to make a delicious dish super-simple!"
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Calories: 300/serving
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/recipes/chicken-nacho-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbells® Condensed Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
8 taco shell, warmed
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomato
Directions
Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and chili powder and cook until the onion is tender, stirring often.
Stir the soup and chicken in the skillet and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Spoon the chicken mixture into the taco shells. Top with the lettuce and tomato.
EASY TERIYAKI CHICKEN TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "If you’re cruisin’ for some fusion, look no further than these easy Japanese-inspired teriyaki tacos. Loaded with savory chicken and fresh veggies, they come together fast and taste great!"
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/easy-teriyaki-chicken-tacos.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/3 cup water
1 package Old El Paso™ Japanese Inspired Teriyaki World Taco Kit
1 cup shredded Napa cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/3 cup diced avocado
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center.
Stir in water and seasoning mix (from taco kit); heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
While chicken is cooking, heat tortillas (from taco kit) as directed on package. Divide chicken among tortillas, and drizzle with sauce (from taco kit). Top with cabbage, carrot, avocado, green onions and cilantro.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat chicken slices dry before adding to hot skillet.
Shredded lettuce makes a nice substitute for the cabbage.
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS
This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, chopped
1 poblano pepper, diced
1 tsp. chili powder
1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks
1 tsp. ground cumin
8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed
Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.
SPINACH, SHRIMP AND RICOTTA TACOS
This is from Priscilla Gilbert, from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, on Taste of Home. She wrote, "I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos."
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-shrimp-and-ricotta-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 12 cups)
12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Salsa and lime wedges
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cilantro, half the minced garlic, salt and pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add shrimp, green chiles and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer. Add spinach and remaining garlic; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink and spinach is wilted, 4-5 minutes.
Serve shrimp mixture in tortillas with ricotta mixture, salsa and lime wedges.
Test Kitchen tip
If you happen to have any leftover shrimp, serve it over hot cooked pasta, polenta or quinoa. A little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese won't hurt, either.
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
PINEAPPLE CHICKEN TACOS
This comes from Ree Drummond on the Food Network site. Active Time: 16 minutes; Total Time: 16 minutes; Yield: 2 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/pineapple-chicken-tacos-5215870.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
One 6-ounce can 100% pure pineapple juice
1/4 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons honey
4 small flour tortillas
12 ounces broccoli slaw
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons chipotle sauce
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/2 cup thinly sliced pineapple wedges
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Serving suggestions: tortilla chips and salsa
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook, turning halfway through, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the scallions and garlic and continue to cook for another minute.
In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the pineapple juice, hot sauce and honey. Add the liquid to the skillet, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, shingle the tortillas on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5 minutes.
Put the broccoli slaw in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the mayo, chipotle sauce, lime zest and half of the lime juice. Add the dressing to the slaw and toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and additional lime juice if needed.
Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Lower the heat under the skillet and continue to reduce the remaining juices to a syrup consistency. Slice the chicken.
To build the tacos, place the tortillas flat on a plate, add the sliced chicken down the middle and spoon on some of the reduced sauce from the skillet. Top with the pineapple, slaw and cilantro. Serve alongside chips and salsa.
Monday, October 17, 2022
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Black Bean Soup and Spicy Orange Chicken That's Better Than Take-Out. Enjoy!
BAKED HAM WITH BROWN SUGAR GLAZE
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Perfect for any gathering, glazed baked ham is the centerpiece of a holiday feast, elegant brunch or birthday dinner.” Serves: 12; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 to 8 pounds fully cooked smoked bone-in ham
Whole cloves, if desired
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or cider vinegar
1/2 - teaspoon ground mustard
Orange slices, if desired
Maraschino cherries, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 325ºF.
Place ham, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of ham and does not touch bone or rest in fat. Cover loosely and bake 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 hours or until thermometer reads 135°F (13 to 17 minutes per pound).
About 20 minutes before ham is done, remove from oven. Pour drippings from pan. Remove any skin from ham. Cut uniform diamond shapes on fat surface of ham. Insert clove into each diamond. Stir together brown sugar, vinegar and mustard; pat or brush on ham. Bake uncovered 20 minutes longer.
Cover ham and let stand about 10 minutes or until thermometer reads 140°F. Garnish with orange slices and cherries.
SUPERNATURAL BROWNIES
This is from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “This recipe is an accidental creation by Nick Malgieri, who (in a rare human moment for a pastry chef) once forgot to double the flour when baking his own fudge brownie recipe. He also adds a measure of brown sugar to the basic formula. The experts are divided as to whether the brown sugar actually contributes flavor or simply makes the brownie moister (molasses, which makes brown sugar brown, is powerfully hydrophilic). It’s my belief that the slightly bitter taste of molasses acts as an invisible enhancer to the chocolate. The result is as complex and sophisticated as any terrine or truffle I have ever produced.”
Yield: 15 large or 24 small brownies; Time: About 1 hour
This was featured in “Simple Pleasure, American Style”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) butter, more for pan and parchment paper
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup dark brown sugar, such as muscovado
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 3/4 cup whole walnuts, optional
Preparation
Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line with buttered parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, or on low power in a microwave, melt butter, chocolate and sugars together. Cool slightly. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk eggs. Whisk in salt and vanilla.
Whisk in chocolate mixture. Fold in flour just until combined. If using chopped walnuts, stir them in. Pour batter into prepared pan. If using whole walnuts, arrange on top of batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until shiny and beginning to crack on top. Cool in pan on rack.
Tip
For best flavor, bake 1 day before serving, let cool and store, tightly wrapped.
SPICE ORANGE CHICKEN THAT'S BETTER THAN TAKE-OUT
This comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD on Very Well. Kaleigh's website, Lively Table, is full of wonderful recipes.
Kaleigh wrote, "Chinese takeout is notorious for being full of sodium. Between the sugar and sodium-laden sauces, breaded meat, egg rolls, and fried rice, a takeout meal can quickly add up when it comes to saturated fat and salt. A better option is to make your own at home. It may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually pretty easy and doesn't require too many ingredients.
"This recipe for spicy orange chicken uses fresh orange juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for tons of flavor without added sugar or salt. The only sodium comes from a little bit of reduced-sodium soy sauce, which research shows can actually reduce the amount of sodium in dishes without affecting flavor. Searing the chicken instead of breading and frying it and adding plenty of carrots makes this dish even more virtuous.
"Serve this dish with a side of cooked brown rice or quinoa and top with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes for a super-easy version of takeout that is much healthier. It all comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinner!"
To view this online, click here.
Total Time: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 2 servings (400 calories each)
Ingredients
3/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (from about 2 medium oranges)
zest from 1/2 an orange
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (8 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
2 sliced green onion
red pepper flakes, to taste
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, stirring occasionally so that all sides get browned. Once chicken has browned, add carrots and cook, stirring, until carrots are softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in sauce and cook until sauce is thickened, 3 to 5 more minutes.
Spoon into bowls with rice or quinoa and sprinkle with green onions and red pepper flakes.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
To bulk up this dish even more, add more veggies like broccoli, snow peas, or cabbage.
For a gluten-free version, use low-sodium tamari instead of soy sauce, or look for gluten-free soy sauce.
For a grain-free version, use low-sodium tamari instead of soy sauce or arrowroot (or tapioca) starch instead of cornstarch and serve with cauliflower “rice."
Cooking and Serving Tips
This dish comes together quickly, so make sure your ingredients are chopped and prepped ahead of time to make cooking go more smoothly.
PEACH AND BLUEBERRY TART WITH PECAN CRUST
This recipe, as well as the next one (Blueberry-Pomegranate Smoothie), was found in an article on Prevention, titled “11 Recipes with Fresh Blueberries.” Click here to see the article and all twelve recipes.
SERVINGS: 8
Crust
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg white, beaten
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 Tbsp cold water
Filling
3/4 cup all-fruit peach preserves
1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 1/4 pounds ripe but firm peaches, sliced
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
Topping
1 cup fat-free Greek-style yogurt
3 Tbsp wildflower honey
To Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 10" fluted removable bottom tart pan or springform pan with cooking spray.
Set aside 8 pecan halves. Place the remaining pecans in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade or a blender. Process until finely ground. Add the flour, lemon zest, and salt. Process briefly to blend. Combine the egg white, oil, and water in a measuring cup. With the machine running, drizzle the liquid mixture into the bowl. Add up to 1 tablespoon water if needed. Turn off the machine as soon as the ingredients start to bind together.
Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat into a disk (the mixture will be soft). Transfer to the bottom of the prepared pan. Press into the bottom and 1/2" up the side. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
To Prepare the Filling: Combine the preserves and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the peaches and blueberries and toss gently to mix. Spoon into the prepared crust. Bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the juices are bubbling. Place pan on a rack to cool completely.
To Prepare the Topping: Whisk the yogurt with the honey in a bowl. Spoon on top of each serving and top with a reserved pecan half.
NUTRITION (per serving) 322 calories, 6 g protein, 44 g carbohydrates, 15 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 52 mg sodium, 3 g fiber
BLUEBERRY-POMEGRANATE SMOOTHIE
SERVINGS: 1
2/3 cup frozen blueberries (unthawed)
1/2 cup fat-free French vanilla yogurt (we used Stonyfield)
1/3 cup vanilla soy milk
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
Put 2/3 cup frozen blueberries (unthawed, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/3 cup soy milk, and 1/4 cup pomegranate juice into a blender.
Blend on high speed until smooth.
NUTRITION (per serving) 226.8 cal, 9.2 g pro, 44.9 g carb, 3 g fiber, 2 g fat, 0.3 g sat fat, 123.4 mg sodium
BLACK BEAN SOUP
This is from Rian Handler on Delish. The recipe begins, “A warm and spicy black bean soup.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
To view the recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. minced jalapeños
1 tbsp. tomato paste
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, with liquid
1 qt. low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
sour cream, for garnish
Sliced avocado, for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir to coat vegetables, and cook about a minute more. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin and stir to coat.
Add black beans with their liquid and chicken broth. Stir soup, add bay leaf and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer and let simmer until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the soup to desired consistency.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and cilantro.
BAKED HAM WITH BROWN SUGAR GLAZE
This is from FamilyTime, and begins, “Perfect for any gathering, glazed baked ham is the centerpiece of a holiday feast, elegant brunch or birthday dinner.” Serves: 12; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 to 8 pounds fully cooked smoked bone-in ham
Whole cloves, if desired
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or cider vinegar
1/2 - teaspoon ground mustard
Orange slices, if desired
Maraschino cherries, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 325ºF.
Place ham, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of ham and does not touch bone or rest in fat. Cover loosely and bake 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 hours or until thermometer reads 135°F (13 to 17 minutes per pound).
About 20 minutes before ham is done, remove from oven. Pour drippings from pan. Remove any skin from ham. Cut uniform diamond shapes on fat surface of ham. Insert clove into each diamond. Stir together brown sugar, vinegar and mustard; pat or brush on ham. Bake uncovered 20 minutes longer.
Cover ham and let stand about 10 minutes or until thermometer reads 140°F. Garnish with orange slices and cherries.
SUPERNATURAL BROWNIES
This is from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “This recipe is an accidental creation by Nick Malgieri, who (in a rare human moment for a pastry chef) once forgot to double the flour when baking his own fudge brownie recipe. He also adds a measure of brown sugar to the basic formula. The experts are divided as to whether the brown sugar actually contributes flavor or simply makes the brownie moister (molasses, which makes brown sugar brown, is powerfully hydrophilic). It’s my belief that the slightly bitter taste of molasses acts as an invisible enhancer to the chocolate. The result is as complex and sophisticated as any terrine or truffle I have ever produced.”
Yield: 15 large or 24 small brownies; Time: About 1 hour
This was featured in “Simple Pleasure, American Style”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) butter, more for pan and parchment paper
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup dark brown sugar, such as muscovado
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 3/4 cup whole walnuts, optional
Preparation
Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line with buttered parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, or on low power in a microwave, melt butter, chocolate and sugars together. Cool slightly. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk eggs. Whisk in salt and vanilla.
Whisk in chocolate mixture. Fold in flour just until combined. If using chopped walnuts, stir them in. Pour batter into prepared pan. If using whole walnuts, arrange on top of batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until shiny and beginning to crack on top. Cool in pan on rack.
Tip
For best flavor, bake 1 day before serving, let cool and store, tightly wrapped.
SPICE ORANGE CHICKEN THAT'S BETTER THAN TAKE-OUT
This comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD on Very Well. Kaleigh's website, Lively Table, is full of wonderful recipes.
Kaleigh wrote, "Chinese takeout is notorious for being full of sodium. Between the sugar and sodium-laden sauces, breaded meat, egg rolls, and fried rice, a takeout meal can quickly add up when it comes to saturated fat and salt. A better option is to make your own at home. It may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually pretty easy and doesn't require too many ingredients.
"This recipe for spicy orange chicken uses fresh orange juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for tons of flavor without added sugar or salt. The only sodium comes from a little bit of reduced-sodium soy sauce, which research shows can actually reduce the amount of sodium in dishes without affecting flavor. Searing the chicken instead of breading and frying it and adding plenty of carrots makes this dish even more virtuous.
"Serve this dish with a side of cooked brown rice or quinoa and top with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes for a super-easy version of takeout that is much healthier. It all comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinner!"
To view this online, click here.
Total Time: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 2 servings (400 calories each)
Ingredients
3/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (from about 2 medium oranges)
zest from 1/2 an orange
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (8 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
2 sliced green onion
red pepper flakes, to taste
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, stirring occasionally so that all sides get browned. Once chicken has browned, add carrots and cook, stirring, until carrots are softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in sauce and cook until sauce is thickened, 3 to 5 more minutes.
Spoon into bowls with rice or quinoa and sprinkle with green onions and red pepper flakes.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
To bulk up this dish even more, add more veggies like broccoli, snow peas, or cabbage.
For a gluten-free version, use low-sodium tamari instead of soy sauce, or look for gluten-free soy sauce.
For a grain-free version, use low-sodium tamari instead of soy sauce or arrowroot (or tapioca) starch instead of cornstarch and serve with cauliflower “rice."
Cooking and Serving Tips
This dish comes together quickly, so make sure your ingredients are chopped and prepped ahead of time to make cooking go more smoothly.
PEACH AND BLUEBERRY TART WITH PECAN CRUST
This recipe, as well as the next one (Blueberry-Pomegranate Smoothie), was found in an article on Prevention, titled “11 Recipes with Fresh Blueberries.” Click here to see the article and all twelve recipes.
SERVINGS: 8
Crust
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg white, beaten
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 Tbsp cold water
Filling
3/4 cup all-fruit peach preserves
1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 1/4 pounds ripe but firm peaches, sliced
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
Topping
1 cup fat-free Greek-style yogurt
3 Tbsp wildflower honey
To Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 10" fluted removable bottom tart pan or springform pan with cooking spray.
Set aside 8 pecan halves. Place the remaining pecans in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade or a blender. Process until finely ground. Add the flour, lemon zest, and salt. Process briefly to blend. Combine the egg white, oil, and water in a measuring cup. With the machine running, drizzle the liquid mixture into the bowl. Add up to 1 tablespoon water if needed. Turn off the machine as soon as the ingredients start to bind together.
Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat into a disk (the mixture will be soft). Transfer to the bottom of the prepared pan. Press into the bottom and 1/2" up the side. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
To Prepare the Filling: Combine the preserves and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the peaches and blueberries and toss gently to mix. Spoon into the prepared crust. Bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the juices are bubbling. Place pan on a rack to cool completely.
To Prepare the Topping: Whisk the yogurt with the honey in a bowl. Spoon on top of each serving and top with a reserved pecan half.
NUTRITION (per serving) 322 calories, 6 g protein, 44 g carbohydrates, 15 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 52 mg sodium, 3 g fiber
BLUEBERRY-POMEGRANATE SMOOTHIE
SERVINGS: 1
2/3 cup frozen blueberries (unthawed)
1/2 cup fat-free French vanilla yogurt (we used Stonyfield)
1/3 cup vanilla soy milk
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
Put 2/3 cup frozen blueberries (unthawed, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/3 cup soy milk, and 1/4 cup pomegranate juice into a blender.
Blend on high speed until smooth.
NUTRITION (per serving) 226.8 cal, 9.2 g pro, 44.9 g carb, 3 g fiber, 2 g fat, 0.3 g sat fat, 123.4 mg sodium
BLACK BEAN SOUP
This is from Rian Handler on Delish. The recipe begins, “A warm and spicy black bean soup.”
Total Time: 35 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
To view the recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. minced jalapeños
1 tbsp. tomato paste
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, with liquid
1 qt. low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
sour cream, for garnish
Sliced avocado, for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir to coat vegetables, and cook about a minute more. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin and stir to coat.
Add black beans with their liquid and chicken broth. Stir soup, add bay leaf and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer and let simmer until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the soup to desired consistency.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and cilantro.
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