1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla ice cream
Stir together all ingredients except ice cream in a large bowl. Pour into a lightly greased 3-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW 2 hours or until set around the edges but still soft in the center. Let stand, covered, 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Asparagus-Almond Rice
2 to 3 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken stock
1 small bunch asparagus
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium pot and toast nuts 2 minutes, add rice and toast 1 minute more. Add stock and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 15 minutes. Trim off the top 4 inches of asparagus and thinly slice on the bias. Add to rice and cook rice 2 to 3 minutes more for a total of 17 to 18 minutes.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken stock
1 small bunch asparagus
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium pot and toast nuts 2 minutes, add rice and toast 1 minute more. Add stock and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 15 minutes. Trim off the top 4 inches of asparagus and thinly slice on the bias. Add to rice and cook rice 2 to 3 minutes more for a total of 17 to 18 minutes.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
Pepper Jelly Duck Breast
2 duck breasts
Salt and pepper 1/3 cup pepper jelly
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
4 sprigs fresh tarragon, leaves finely chopped
Lightly score duck breaks through skin, but not the flesh, in a cross-hatch pattern. Season duck breasts with salt and pepper and place in cold pan skin side down and turn heat on to medium-medium high. Cook until crispy, 15 minutes, turn. Drain off some of the fat and discard. Mix pepper jelly with 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar and tarragon, salt and pepper, reserve. Once you flip the duck, pour the marmalade sauce over top and reduce heat to medium-low. Loosely cover pan and let the duck cook 2 minutes more.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
Crunchy Dijon Salmon
6 (4-oz.) salmon fillets
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
1/2 cup Japanese breadcrumbs (panko)
Preheat oven to 450º.
Sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper; spread mustard over tops and sides of each fillet. Press breadcrumbs onto each fillet. Place fillets on a lightly greased wire rack on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
1/2 cup Japanese breadcrumbs (panko)
Preheat oven to 450º.
Sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper; spread mustard over tops and sides of each fillet. Press breadcrumbs onto each fillet. Place fillets on a lightly greased wire rack on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Chinese Chicken Salad
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
Cooking Spray
4 fresh wonton wrappers, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
6 cups finely shredded cabbage
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
Spicy soy-ginger dressing (recipe follows)
1 large avocado, cubed
4 green onions (including green tops), sliced diagonally
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1. In a 2- to 3-quart pan over high heat, bring about 1 quart water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, then plunge asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400. Coat a jellyroll pan with cooking spray. Add wonton strips. Coat tops of strips with cooking spray. Bake 4-5 minutes, or until strips are brown and crispy.
3. In a large serving bowl, toss the cabbage, chicken, and asparagus with the dressing. Top with avocado, orange slices, and wonton strips, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Spicy soy-ginger dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Asian red chile sauce (such as Sriracha), and 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup vegetable oil or grapeseed oil, whisking constantly. Season with salt to taste.
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
Cooking Spray
4 fresh wonton wrappers, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
6 cups finely shredded cabbage
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
Spicy soy-ginger dressing (recipe follows)
1 large avocado, cubed
4 green onions (including green tops), sliced diagonally
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1. In a 2- to 3-quart pan over high heat, bring about 1 quart water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, then plunge asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400. Coat a jellyroll pan with cooking spray. Add wonton strips. Coat tops of strips with cooking spray. Bake 4-5 minutes, or until strips are brown and crispy.
3. In a large serving bowl, toss the cabbage, chicken, and asparagus with the dressing. Top with avocado, orange slices, and wonton strips, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Spicy soy-ginger dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Asian red chile sauce (such as Sriracha), and 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup vegetable oil or grapeseed oil, whisking constantly. Season with salt to taste.
Braised Grouper with Ginger, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Chiles
Really great recipe.
4 6-ounce grouper fillets
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cups vegetable stock
2 heads baby bok choy, leaves separated
12 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons thinly sliced green onion
2 teaspoons thinly sliced red jalapeño chile
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Season fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat; add oil, then fillets. Cook until fillets start to brown on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip fillets and reduce heat to medium. Add stock, bok choy leaves, mushrooms, soy sauce, and ginger. Cover and cook until fish is opaque in the center, about 3 minutes.
Divide fish, mushrooms, and bok choy between 4 deep, wide soup plates. Pour stock over fish and vegetables (depending on size of your plates, you may have extra stock). Garnish with green onion and jalapeño and drizzle with toasted sesame oil.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
4 6-ounce grouper fillets
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cups vegetable stock
2 heads baby bok choy, leaves separated
12 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons thinly sliced green onion
2 teaspoons thinly sliced red jalapeño chile
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Season fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat; add oil, then fillets. Cook until fillets start to brown on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip fillets and reduce heat to medium. Add stock, bok choy leaves, mushrooms, soy sauce, and ginger. Cover and cook until fish is opaque in the center, about 3 minutes.
Divide fish, mushrooms, and bok choy between 4 deep, wide soup plates. Pour stock over fish and vegetables (depending on size of your plates, you may have extra stock). Garnish with green onion and jalapeño and drizzle with toasted sesame oil.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Mexican Ham and Bean Soup
2 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
8 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups cubed smoked ham steak (about 8 ounces)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 chipotle chile (or dried ancho or pasilla chile)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Manchego cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup finely sliced green onions
Combine beans, broth, and next 8 ingredients (broth through garlic) in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Partially cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Stir in tomatoes and chile; simmer 30 minutes. Discard bay leaves and chile. Ladle soup into 8 bowls. Top with cheese; sprinkle with cilantro and green onions.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
8 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups cubed smoked ham steak (about 8 ounces)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 chipotle chile (or dried ancho or pasilla chile)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Manchego cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup finely sliced green onions
Combine beans, broth, and next 8 ingredients (broth through garlic) in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Partially cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Stir in tomatoes and chile; simmer 30 minutes. Discard bay leaves and chile. Ladle soup into 8 bowls. Top with cheese; sprinkle with cilantro and green onions.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Beer-battered Fish
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2/3 cup beer
2 large egg whites
2 cups dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 firm white fish fillets, such as catfish or tilapia, cut into 4 x 1-inch strips
Cooking spray
Malt vinegar (optional)
Preheat oven to 450°.
Coat the bottom of a jelly roll pan with oil.
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, pepper, and garlic salt in a large bowl. Add beer; stir well. Beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg white mixture into flour mixture.
Combine breadcrumbs and parsley in a shallow dish. Working with one fish strip at a time, dip in flour mixture; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat procedure with remaining strips, flour mixture, and breadcrumb mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat strips with cooking spray.
Bake at 450° for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove from oven.
Preheat broiler.
Broil the fish sticks 1 minute or until tops are lightly browned. Serve fish sticks with malt vinegar, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2/3 cup beer
2 large egg whites
2 cups dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 firm white fish fillets, such as catfish or tilapia, cut into 4 x 1-inch strips
Cooking spray
Malt vinegar (optional)
Preheat oven to 450°.
Coat the bottom of a jelly roll pan with oil.
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, pepper, and garlic salt in a large bowl. Add beer; stir well. Beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg white mixture into flour mixture.
Combine breadcrumbs and parsley in a shallow dish. Working with one fish strip at a time, dip in flour mixture; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat procedure with remaining strips, flour mixture, and breadcrumb mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat strips with cooking spray.
Bake at 450° for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove from oven.
Preheat broiler.
Broil the fish sticks 1 minute or until tops are lightly browned. Serve fish sticks with malt vinegar, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Spinach Lasagna Rolls
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 (15-ounce) carton lite ricotta cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
9 cooked lasagna noodles
Vegetable cooking spray
1 1/2 cups chopped tomato
4 (8-ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Combine 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl, and stir well. Add spinach, and stir well.
Spread 1/3 cup spinach mixture on each lasagna noodle. Roll up jelly-roll fashion, beginning at narrow end. Cut lasagna rolls in half crosswise, using a serrated knife; arrange, cut side down, in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Combine chopped tomato and next 6 ingredients in a bowl, and stir well. Spoon tomato mixture over lasagna rolls. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 (15-ounce) carton lite ricotta cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
9 cooked lasagna noodles
Vegetable cooking spray
1 1/2 cups chopped tomato
4 (8-ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Combine 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl, and stir well. Add spinach, and stir well.
Spread 1/3 cup spinach mixture on each lasagna noodle. Roll up jelly-roll fashion, beginning at narrow end. Cut lasagna rolls in half crosswise, using a serrated knife; arrange, cut side down, in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Combine chopped tomato and next 6 ingredients in a bowl, and stir well. Spoon tomato mixture over lasagna rolls. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Quick Chicken and "Dumplings"
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10-ounce) box frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken and vegetables; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.While chicken mixture cooks, combine water, flour, and broth. Gradually stir broth mixture into chicken mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in tortilla strips, and cook 2 minutes or until tortilla strips soften. Remove from heat; stir in parsley. Discard bay leaf. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10-ounce) box frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken and vegetables; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.While chicken mixture cooks, combine water, flour, and broth. Gradually stir broth mixture into chicken mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in tortilla strips, and cook 2 minutes or until tortilla strips soften. Remove from heat; stir in parsley. Discard bay leaf. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Vanilla-Almond Warmer
8 cups 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
1. Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes. Stir in extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 cup sugar
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
1. Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes. Stir in extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Kentucky Hot Brown
Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Marsala or cream sherry
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Remaining ingredients:
6 (1 1/2-ounce) slices hearty white bread, toasted and cut in half diagonally
3/4 pound shredded cooked turkey breast
12 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
Preheat broiler.
To prepare sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add flour, stirring with a whisk; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cheddar and next 7 ingredients (through red pepper), stirring until cheeses melt. Remove from heat.
Arrange 2 toast halves in the bottom of each of 6 gratin dishes or ovenproof plates. Arrange 2 ounces turkey over each serving. Top each serving with about 1/3 cup sauce, 2 tomato slices, and 1 teaspoon Parmesan. Broil for 2 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle each serving with about 1 tablespoon bacon.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Marsala or cream sherry
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Remaining ingredients:
6 (1 1/2-ounce) slices hearty white bread, toasted and cut in half diagonally
3/4 pound shredded cooked turkey breast
12 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
Preheat broiler.
To prepare sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add flour, stirring with a whisk; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cheddar and next 7 ingredients (through red pepper), stirring until cheeses melt. Remove from heat.
Arrange 2 toast halves in the bottom of each of 6 gratin dishes or ovenproof plates. Arrange 2 ounces turkey over each serving. Top each serving with about 1/3 cup sauce, 2 tomato slices, and 1 teaspoon Parmesan. Broil for 2 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle each serving with about 1 tablespoon bacon.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Crab Ravioli with Red Clam Sauce
Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10-ounce) can clams, undrained
Ravioli:
1/2 pound lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
24 round wonton wrappers or gyoza skins
To prepare sauce, heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add crushed and diced tomatoes, as well a liquid from clams; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Add the parsley, oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper; simmer for 10 minutes. Add clams. Remove from heat, and set aside.
To prepare ravioli, combine crab, chopped red bell pepper, panko, chives, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Add ricotta; stir gently to combine. Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time (cover remaining wrappers with a damp towel to keep them from drying), spoon about 1 tablespoon crab mixture into center of each wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with water. Fold in half, pinching edges together to seal and create a half-moon shape, making sure to press out any air pockets. Repeat procedure with remaining wonton wrappers and crab mixture.
Fill a large Dutch oven with water; bring water to a boil. Add half of ravioli; cook 4 minutes or until done. Remove ravioli from pan with a slotted spoon; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining ravioli. Serve ravioli immediately with sauce.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10-ounce) can clams, undrained
Ravioli:
1/2 pound lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
24 round wonton wrappers or gyoza skins
To prepare sauce, heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add crushed and diced tomatoes, as well a liquid from clams; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Add the parsley, oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper; simmer for 10 minutes. Add clams. Remove from heat, and set aside.
To prepare ravioli, combine crab, chopped red bell pepper, panko, chives, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Add ricotta; stir gently to combine. Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time (cover remaining wrappers with a damp towel to keep them from drying), spoon about 1 tablespoon crab mixture into center of each wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with water. Fold in half, pinching edges together to seal and create a half-moon shape, making sure to press out any air pockets. Repeat procedure with remaining wonton wrappers and crab mixture.
Fill a large Dutch oven with water; bring water to a boil. Add half of ravioli; cook 4 minutes or until done. Remove ravioli from pan with a slotted spoon; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining ravioli. Serve ravioli immediately with sauce.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Baked Grits with Country Ham, Wild Mushrooms, and Fresh Thyme
Worthy of a special occasion.5 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups quick-cooking grits
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 large egg
Cooking spray
Sauce:
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 bay leaf
1 dried chile pepper, crushed
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon whipping cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Remaining ingredients:
2 ounces country ham, cut into julienne strips
2 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) sliced shiitake mushroom caps
1 tablespoon minced shallots
1 teaspoon water
3 thyme sprigs
Additional thyme sprigs (optional)
Preheat oven to 325°.
To prepare grits, bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; gradually stir in grits. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup cheese and white pepper. Stir in tempered egg mixture.
Spoon 1/2 cup grits mixture into each of 8 (4-ounce) ramekins or custard cups coated with cooking spray. Place ramekins in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes. Remove ramekins from pan; cool completely on a wire rack.
To prepare sauce, bring shallots, wine, 1/4 cup broth, vinegar, bay leaf, and chile to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook until reduced to 1 tablespoon liquid (about 6 minutes). Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Return liquid to pan.
Combine 1/4 cup broth and cornstarch. Add cornstarch mixture to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; add butter and cream, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Stir in 2 tablespoons cheese, juice, and black pepper.
Cook the ham in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat 1 minute. Add mushrooms, 1 tablespoon shallots, 1 teaspoon water, and 3 thyme sprigs; sauté 3 minutes or just until mushrooms are tender. Remove thyme springs.
Loosen edges of grits with a knife or rubber spatula. Place a plate, upside down, on top of each ramekin; invert onto plates. Spoon 1 tablespoon sauce onto each plate; sprinkle ham mixture evenly among plates. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Honey-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Argula Salad
Outstanding recipe. The honey-ginger dressing is worth making as a salad dressing by itself.
1/2 cup sage honey
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons warm water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets (1 inch thick)
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups trimmed arugula
1/2 cup diced seedless cucumber
1/2 cup coarsely chopped carrot
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine honey, 2 tablespoons juice, water, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended. Reserve 2 tablespoons honey mixture. Pour honey mixture into an 8 x 8-inch baking pan; arrange fish in pan. Let stand 20 minutes. Turn fish over; sprinkle fish with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 450° for 7 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven. Let fish stand in hot pan for 3 minutes.
Combine reserved honey mixture, remaining 2 tablespoons juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, oil, and pepper in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Add arugula, cucumbers, and carrots; toss gently to coat. Serve salad with fish.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 cup sage honey
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons warm water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets (1 inch thick)
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups trimmed arugula
1/2 cup diced seedless cucumber
1/2 cup coarsely chopped carrot
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine honey, 2 tablespoons juice, water, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended. Reserve 2 tablespoons honey mixture. Pour honey mixture into an 8 x 8-inch baking pan; arrange fish in pan. Let stand 20 minutes. Turn fish over; sprinkle fish with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 450° for 7 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven. Let fish stand in hot pan for 3 minutes.
Combine reserved honey mixture, remaining 2 tablespoons juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, oil, and pepper in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Add arugula, cucumbers, and carrots; toss gently to coat. Serve salad with fish.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
White Russian Tiramisu
1/2 cup ground coffee beans
1 3/4 cups cold water
1/4 cup Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur), divided
1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) mascarpone cheese
1 (8-ounce) block fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
24 ladyfingers (2 [3-ounce] packages)
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa, divided
Assemble drip coffee maker according to manufacturer's directions. Place the ground coffee in the coffee filter or filter basket. Add cold water to coffee maker and brew to make 1 1/2 cups. Combine the brewed coffee and 2 tablespoons Kahlúa in a shallow dish, and cool.
Combine cheeses in a large bowl. Beat at high speed of a mixer until smooth. Add sugars and 2 tablespoons Kahlua, and beat until well-blended.
Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise.
Quickly dip 24 ladyfinger halves, flat sides down, into coffee mixture; place, dipped sides down, in the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish, slightly overlapping ladyfinger halves. Spread half of cheese mixture over ladyfingers; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon cocoa. Repeat procedure with remaining ladyfinger halves, coffee mixture, cheese mixture, and 1 teaspoon cocoa.
Place 1 toothpick in each corner and 1 in the center of tiramisu (to prevent plastic wrap from sticking to cheese mixture); cover with plastic wrap. Chill 2 hours.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 3/4 cups cold water
1/4 cup Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur), divided
1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) mascarpone cheese
1 (8-ounce) block fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
24 ladyfingers (2 [3-ounce] packages)
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa, divided
Assemble drip coffee maker according to manufacturer's directions. Place the ground coffee in the coffee filter or filter basket. Add cold water to coffee maker and brew to make 1 1/2 cups. Combine the brewed coffee and 2 tablespoons Kahlúa in a shallow dish, and cool.
Combine cheeses in a large bowl. Beat at high speed of a mixer until smooth. Add sugars and 2 tablespoons Kahlua, and beat until well-blended.
Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise.
Quickly dip 24 ladyfinger halves, flat sides down, into coffee mixture; place, dipped sides down, in the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish, slightly overlapping ladyfinger halves. Spread half of cheese mixture over ladyfingers; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon cocoa. Repeat procedure with remaining ladyfinger halves, coffee mixture, cheese mixture, and 1 teaspoon cocoa.
Place 1 toothpick in each corner and 1 in the center of tiramisu (to prevent plastic wrap from sticking to cheese mixture); cover with plastic wrap. Chill 2 hours.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Asparagus Spears with Smoked Salmon Spirals
24 asparagus spears
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon, cut into 24 (1/4-inch-wide) strips
Dill sprigs (optional)
Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Cook asparagus in boiling water 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Rinse under cold water; drain. Pat dry.
Combine sour cream, 1 teaspoon dill, and tarragon in a small bowl. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon dill mixture over one side of each salmon strip. Wrap 1 salmon strip around each asparagus spear with dill mixture touching the asparagus. Garnish with dill sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon, cut into 24 (1/4-inch-wide) strips
Dill sprigs (optional)
Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Cook asparagus in boiling water 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Rinse under cold water; drain. Pat dry.
Combine sour cream, 1 teaspoon dill, and tarragon in a small bowl. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon dill mixture over one side of each salmon strip. Wrap 1 salmon strip around each asparagus spear with dill mixture touching the asparagus. Garnish with dill sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Tex-Mex Steak and Vegetables
1/2 cup bottled chipotle salsa
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices red onion (about 1 large)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, quartered and seeded
1 yellow bell pepper, quartered and seeded
1 (1-pound) flat-iron steak, trimmed
Cooking spray
8 (7-inch) flour tortillas
1/4 cup bottled chipotle salsa
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Combine first 7 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill.
Remove the steak and vegetables from bag; discard marinade. Place the steak and the vegetables on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray; cook 7 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Cut steak across the grain into thin slices. Cut peppers into thin strips. Cut onion slices in half.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Divide steak, bell peppers, and onion evenly among tortillas; roll up. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon chipotle salsa and 1 1/2 teaspoons cilantro. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices red onion (about 1 large)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, quartered and seeded
1 yellow bell pepper, quartered and seeded
1 (1-pound) flat-iron steak, trimmed
Cooking spray
8 (7-inch) flour tortillas
1/4 cup bottled chipotle salsa
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Combine first 7 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill.
Remove the steak and vegetables from bag; discard marinade. Place the steak and the vegetables on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray; cook 7 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Cut steak across the grain into thin slices. Cut peppers into thin strips. Cut onion slices in half.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Divide steak, bell peppers, and onion evenly among tortillas; roll up. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon chipotle salsa and 1 1/2 teaspoons cilantro. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Spinach, Ricotta, and Mushroom Calzones
Easiest way to make calzones from refrigerated dough is to pull the dough up over the filling, rather than trying to pinch the edges.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/3 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
Cooking spray
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 box frozen spinach, thawed with excess water squeezed out
8 oz. skim milk ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
Saute mushrooms with olive oil over medium heat 5 minutes, or until soft. Cool to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 425°.
Unroll dough onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; cut into 4 quarters with a pizza cutter. Pat each quarter into a 6 x 5-inch rectangle.
Combine garlic, spinach, mushrooms, ricotta, and Italian seasoning.
Spoon 1/4 cup ricotta mixture over rectangles, reserving remaining ricotta for another use. Bring 2 opposite corners to center. Bring remaining 2 corners to center, pinching all points together to seal. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until golden.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/3 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
Cooking spray
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 box frozen spinach, thawed with excess water squeezed out
8 oz. skim milk ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
Saute mushrooms with olive oil over medium heat 5 minutes, or until soft. Cool to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 425°.
Unroll dough onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; cut into 4 quarters with a pizza cutter. Pat each quarter into a 6 x 5-inch rectangle.
Combine garlic, spinach, mushrooms, ricotta, and Italian seasoning.
Spoon 1/4 cup ricotta mixture over rectangles, reserving remaining ricotta for another use. Bring 2 opposite corners to center. Bring remaining 2 corners to center, pinching all points together to seal. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until golden.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Orzo with Chicken and Parmesan
1 cup water
1 (16-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
12 ounces skinned, boned chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 1/4 cups uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, basil, or oregano
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine water and broth in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Add chicken and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in peas, 1/4 cup cheese, salt, herbs, pepper, and lemon juice. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 (16-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
12 ounces skinned, boned chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 1/4 cups uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, basil, or oregano
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine water and broth in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Add chicken and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in peas, 1/4 cup cheese, salt, herbs, pepper, and lemon juice. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Mexican Corn and Bean Soup
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
lime slices (optional)
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add green onion, cumin, garlic, and oregano; sauté 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in corn, pepper, broth, beans, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Serve with lime slices.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
lime slices (optional)
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add green onion, cumin, garlic, and oregano; sauté 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in corn, pepper, broth, beans, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Serve with lime slices.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Garlic-Rosemary Pork Chops
1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 (4-ounce) pork chops, trimmed
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 450.
Combine first 4 ingredients; rub over pork. Spread garlic mixture evenly over chops. Place pork on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; bake 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 (4-ounce) pork chops, trimmed
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 450.
Combine first 4 ingredients; rub over pork. Spread garlic mixture evenly over chops. Place pork on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; bake 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Chicken Paprikash-Topped Potatoes
4 baking potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 12 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup coarsely chopped green onion
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 450.
Scrub potatoes vigorously. Rub skins with vegetable oil, and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Bake potatoes for 60 minutes, or until done.
Combine chicken, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and shake to coat.
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture, green onion, mushrooms, and garlic; saute 5 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cook 6 minutes or until chicken is done and the sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream.
Split potatoes open with fork; fluff pulp. Divide chicken mixture evenly over potatoes; sprinkle with parsley.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 12 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup coarsely chopped green onion
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 450.
Scrub potatoes vigorously. Rub skins with vegetable oil, and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Bake potatoes for 60 minutes, or until done.
Combine chicken, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and shake to coat.
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture, green onion, mushrooms, and garlic; saute 5 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cook 6 minutes or until chicken is done and the sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream.
Split potatoes open with fork; fluff pulp. Divide chicken mixture evenly over potatoes; sprinkle with parsley.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Red Pepper Omelet Sandwiches
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 large eggs
Dash of hot pepper sauce
Cooking spray
1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onion
4 sourdough English muffins, split
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded smoked mozzarella cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer)
1 1/2 cups bagged baby spinach leaves
Preheat broiler.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk until combined; set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and green onion; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat to medium. Pour egg mixture into pan; let egg mixture set slightly. Tilt pan; carefully lift edges of omelet with a spatula to allow uncooked portion to flow underneath cooked portion. Cook 3 minutes. Wrap handle of pan with foil; place pan under broiler. Broil 1 minute or until set and lightly browned.
Arrange muffin halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle muffin halves evenly with cheese, and broil 1 minute or until cheese begins to brown.
Divide omelet into 4 portions; place 1 portion on bottom half of each muffin. Top evenly with spinach leaves; top with remaining muffin halves.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 large eggs
Dash of hot pepper sauce
Cooking spray
1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onion
4 sourdough English muffins, split
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded smoked mozzarella cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer)
1 1/2 cups bagged baby spinach leaves
Preheat broiler.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk until combined; set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and green onion; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat to medium. Pour egg mixture into pan; let egg mixture set slightly. Tilt pan; carefully lift edges of omelet with a spatula to allow uncooked portion to flow underneath cooked portion. Cook 3 minutes. Wrap handle of pan with foil; place pan under broiler. Broil 1 minute or until set and lightly browned.
Arrange muffin halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle muffin halves evenly with cheese, and broil 1 minute or until cheese begins to brown.
Divide omelet into 4 portions; place 1 portion on bottom half of each muffin. Top evenly with spinach leaves; top with remaining muffin halves.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Golden Macaroni and Cheese
Hands down the best Mac & Cheese on the blog so far. Easiest and tastiest. While not necessary, I think the key is in using freshly grated cheese.
1 (8-ounce) package elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked macaroni)
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion salt
2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 1/2 cups) and divided
1 cup soft breadcrumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well. Set aside.
Place milk, flour, and onion salt in a quart jar; cover tightly, and shake vigorously 1 minute.
Stir together flour mixture, 3 1/2 cups cheese, and macaroni.
Pour macaroni mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish or 2 (11-inch) oval baking dishes. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs and remaining 1 cup cheese; drizzle evenly with melted butter.
Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1 (8-ounce) package elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked macaroni)
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion salt
2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 1/2 cups) and divided
1 cup soft breadcrumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well. Set aside.
Place milk, flour, and onion salt in a quart jar; cover tightly, and shake vigorously 1 minute.
Stir together flour mixture, 3 1/2 cups cheese, and macaroni.
Pour macaroni mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish or 2 (11-inch) oval baking dishes. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs and remaining 1 cup cheese; drizzle evenly with melted butter.
Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Risotto with Smoked Gouda, Spinach and Mushrooms
Risotto:
2 cups water
2 (16-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup chopped shallots
2 cups Arborio rice or other short-grain rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda cheese
5 cups chopped spinach (about 5 ounces)
Mushrooms:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 3 1/2 ounces)
2 cups sliced button mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
2 cups sliced oyster mushrooms (about 3 1/2 ounces)
1/3 cup chopped shallots
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Rosemary sprigs (optional)
To prepare risotto, combine water and broth; set aside.
Melt butter in a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup shallots; cover and cook 2 minutes. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, uncovered, stirring constantly. Stir in 1/2 cup wine; cook 30 seconds or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 20 minutes total). Stir in Gouda; cook just until melted. Stir in spinach; cook just until spinach is wilted.
To prepare mushrooms, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, and sauté 5 minutes or until beginning to brown. Add 1/3 cup shallots, 1/4 cup wine, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic, and sauté 1 minute or until wine is absorbed. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
Divide risotto evenly among 6 bowls; top with mushroom mixture, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups water
2 (16-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup chopped shallots
2 cups Arborio rice or other short-grain rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda cheese
5 cups chopped spinach (about 5 ounces)
Mushrooms:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 3 1/2 ounces)
2 cups sliced button mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
2 cups sliced oyster mushrooms (about 3 1/2 ounces)
1/3 cup chopped shallots
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Rosemary sprigs (optional)
To prepare risotto, combine water and broth; set aside.
Melt butter in a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup shallots; cover and cook 2 minutes. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, uncovered, stirring constantly. Stir in 1/2 cup wine; cook 30 seconds or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 20 minutes total). Stir in Gouda; cook just until melted. Stir in spinach; cook just until spinach is wilted.
To prepare mushrooms, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, and sauté 5 minutes or until beginning to brown. Add 1/3 cup shallots, 1/4 cup wine, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic, and sauté 1 minute or until wine is absorbed. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
Divide risotto evenly among 6 bowls; top with mushroom mixture, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Swiss, Arugula and Proscuitto Stuffed Chicken
Stuffing the chicken a day in advance makes it easier to cook. You can also deconstruct this dish by skipping the stuffing step, sauteing the chicken, then topping with arugula, swiss, and prosciutto before baking. It's not as fancy, but a lot easier.
Chicken:
6 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 (1/2-ounce) slices prosciutto
6 (1/2-ounce) slices Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups trimmed arugula
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
1 cup thinly sliced shallots
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 cups dry white wine
2 1/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare the chicken, place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Discard plastic wrap. Top each chicken breast half with 1 slice prosciutto, 1 slice cheese, and 1/4 cup arugula, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edges. Fold in half, sealing edges with a toothpick or wooden skewer; sprinkle with salt and pepper. (The chicken can be prepared up to a day ahead and refrigerated at this point.)
Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes on each side. Place chicken in a shallow baking pan; bake at 350° for 5 minutes or until done. Keep warm.
To prepare sauce, add shallots to skillet; sauté 4 minutes over medium-high heat or until browned. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine; bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until reduced to 1 cup (about 6 minutes). Add broth; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced by half (about 8 minutes).
Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a fork until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture to sauce; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Chicken:
6 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 (1/2-ounce) slices prosciutto
6 (1/2-ounce) slices Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups trimmed arugula
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
1 cup thinly sliced shallots
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 cups dry white wine
2 1/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare the chicken, place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Discard plastic wrap. Top each chicken breast half with 1 slice prosciutto, 1 slice cheese, and 1/4 cup arugula, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edges. Fold in half, sealing edges with a toothpick or wooden skewer; sprinkle with salt and pepper. (The chicken can be prepared up to a day ahead and refrigerated at this point.)
Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes on each side. Place chicken in a shallow baking pan; bake at 350° for 5 minutes or until done. Keep warm.
To prepare sauce, add shallots to skillet; sauté 4 minutes over medium-high heat or until browned. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine; bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until reduced to 1 cup (about 6 minutes). Add broth; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced by half (about 8 minutes).
Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a fork until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture to sauce; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sauteed Tilapia with Honey-Scallion Dressing
Dressing:
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon bottled ground fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Fish:
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups gourmet salad greens
To prepare dressing, combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
To prepare fish, heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish evenly with salt and pepper. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Arrange 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 fish fillet; drizzle with 2 tablespoons dressing.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon bottled ground fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Fish:
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups gourmet salad greens
To prepare dressing, combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
To prepare fish, heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish evenly with salt and pepper. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Arrange 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 fish fillet; drizzle with 2 tablespoons dressing.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Cinnamon Cupcakes
For the cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
½ cup whole milk
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs
¾ cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. grated orange zest
½ tsp. vanilla extract
For the frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners. Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Stir milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat just until butter melts; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar until thick enough for the batter to fall in a heavy ribbon when the beater is lifted, about 5 minutes. Beat in orange peel and vanilla. Add the flour mixture; beat just until blended. Beat in the milk-butter mixture just until blended. Divide batter evenly between cupcake liners. Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 16-18 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
To make the frosting, cream the butter and the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer until very smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon and mix until incorporated. Slowly add the powdered sugar, and keep adding until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness. Frost cooled cupcakes.
- Adapted from the blog, Annie's Eats and A Southern Grace
Monday, October 12, 2009
Osso Buco-style Chicken Thighs with Polenta
To substitute grits for polenta, increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes. You keep everything else the same.
Chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
6 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), skinned
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped green onion
3/4 cup cubed carrot
3/4 cup coarsely chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 (14 oz) cans diced tomato, drained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Polenta:
2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup uncooked instant polenta
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Gremolata:
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 garlic clove, minced
To prepare chicken, heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from pan.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add green onion, carrot, celery, and 2 garlic cloves. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, tomato, basil, and rosemary; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes.
Return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer 35 minutes or until chicken is done. Uncover and cook 5 minutes or until tomato mixture thickens.
To prepare polenta, combine milk and broth in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; gradually add instant polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
To prepare gremolata, combine parsley, rind, and 1 garlic clove. Serve chicken mixture over polenta; sprinkle with gremolata.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
6 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), skinned
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped green onion
3/4 cup cubed carrot
3/4 cup coarsely chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 (14 oz) cans diced tomato, drained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Polenta:
2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup uncooked instant polenta
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Gremolata:
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 garlic clove, minced
To prepare chicken, heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from pan.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add green onion, carrot, celery, and 2 garlic cloves. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, tomato, basil, and rosemary; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes.
Return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer 35 minutes or until chicken is done. Uncover and cook 5 minutes or until tomato mixture thickens.
To prepare polenta, combine milk and broth in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; gradually add instant polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
To prepare gremolata, combine parsley, rind, and 1 garlic clove. Serve chicken mixture over polenta; sprinkle with gremolata.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Pumpkin Pie Shake
This is a good use for extra canned pumpkin, but it gets overwhelming after a few sips.
2 cups vanilla reduced-fat ice cream
1 cup fat-free milk
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
3 tablespoons frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Pumpkin-pie spice (optional)
Combine first 5 ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Pour 3/4 cup ice cream mixture into each of 4 glasses. Top each with about 2 teaspoons whipped topping; sprinkle with the additional pumpkin-pie spice, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups vanilla reduced-fat ice cream
1 cup fat-free milk
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
3 tablespoons frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Pumpkin-pie spice (optional)
Combine first 5 ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Pour 3/4 cup ice cream mixture into each of 4 glasses. Top each with about 2 teaspoons whipped topping; sprinkle with the additional pumpkin-pie spice, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Cuban-style Red Beans and Rice
8 bacon slices
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cups chopped green onion
1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups water
3 (14-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
3 (16-ounce) cans red beans, rinsed and drained
Sliced green onions (optional)
Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; crumble bacon, and set aside. Add oil to pan. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté over medium-low heat 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute or just until garlic begins to brown. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add rice, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Place reserved bacon and bay leaf in pan; stir in water and 2 cans broth. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf. Stir in remaining can of broth and beans. Cook 5 minutes over low heat or until heated through, stirring frequently. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cups chopped green onion
1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups water
3 (14-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
3 (16-ounce) cans red beans, rinsed and drained
Sliced green onions (optional)
Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; crumble bacon, and set aside. Add oil to pan. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté over medium-low heat 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute or just until garlic begins to brown. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add rice, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Place reserved bacon and bay leaf in pan; stir in water and 2 cans broth. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf. Stir in remaining can of broth and beans. Cook 5 minutes over low heat or until heated through, stirring frequently. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Classic Hot Fudge Sauce
Very good.
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup 1% low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
2 teaspoons butter
Dash of salt
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla, stirring until chocolate melts. Serve warm.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup 1% low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
2 teaspoons butter
Dash of salt
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla, stirring until chocolate melts. Serve warm.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Raspberry Curd Filling
For the cake:
2 1/3 cups cake flour
2 3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tbsp. poppy seeds
5 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
12 tsbp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
2 1/3 cups cake flour
2 3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tbsp. poppy seeds
5 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
12 tsbp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
For the raspberry curd:
8 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 pint ripe raspberries or 1 12-oz. package frozen raspberries, thawed
5 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
3/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2-3 tsp. fresh lemon juice For the lemon buttercream frosting:
16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice Fresh raspberries, for garnish
To make the cake, position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9×13″ cake pans. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds in a bowl; set aside. In the clean, dry bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to medium-high. Beat just until stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted. Transfer the egg whites to a separate bowl, clean the mixer bowl and reattach it with the paddle attachment.
Add the butter to the mixer bowl and beat on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat until incorporated. Mix in the lemon zest. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and beat until just blended. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture alternately with the remaining milk in three batches, beginning and ending with the flour, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Beat until just blended. Using a rubber spatula, fold one quarter of the egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Once incorporated, add in the rest of the whites and gently fold in until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 24-26 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around the outside of pan and gently turn the cakes out. Allow to cool completely.
To make the raspberry curd, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the raspberries, egg yolks, sugar and salt, and cook, mashing the berries. Stir frequently at first and then constantly at the end, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour the mixture through a coarse strainer set over a bowl, pressing hard on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Cool to room temperature; the curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Place one layer of the cake on the serving platter. Layer with the cooled raspberry curd, and top with second layer. Once layered, allow the assembled cake to cool in the refrigerator to help it set. In the meantime, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and zest on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and beat until smooth. Add the lemon juice and beat for one minute longer.
Frost the chilled cake with the lemon frosting. Garnish with fresh raspberries as desired.
--Adapted from the blog, Annie's Eats and Notes from My Food Diary
8 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 pint ripe raspberries or 1 12-oz. package frozen raspberries, thawed
5 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
3/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2-3 tsp. fresh lemon juice For the lemon buttercream frosting:
16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice Fresh raspberries, for garnish
To make the cake, position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9×13″ cake pans. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds in a bowl; set aside. In the clean, dry bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to medium-high. Beat just until stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted. Transfer the egg whites to a separate bowl, clean the mixer bowl and reattach it with the paddle attachment.
Add the butter to the mixer bowl and beat on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat until incorporated. Mix in the lemon zest. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and beat until just blended. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture alternately with the remaining milk in three batches, beginning and ending with the flour, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Beat until just blended. Using a rubber spatula, fold one quarter of the egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Once incorporated, add in the rest of the whites and gently fold in until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 24-26 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around the outside of pan and gently turn the cakes out. Allow to cool completely.
To make the raspberry curd, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the raspberries, egg yolks, sugar and salt, and cook, mashing the berries. Stir frequently at first and then constantly at the end, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour the mixture through a coarse strainer set over a bowl, pressing hard on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Cool to room temperature; the curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Place one layer of the cake on the serving platter. Layer with the cooled raspberry curd, and top with second layer. Once layered, allow the assembled cake to cool in the refrigerator to help it set. In the meantime, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and zest on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and beat until smooth. Add the lemon juice and beat for one minute longer.
Frost the chilled cake with the lemon frosting. Garnish with fresh raspberries as desired.
--Adapted from the blog, Annie's Eats and Notes from My Food Diary
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Polenta Rounds with Black-Eyed Pea Topping
1/2 (16-oz.) tube refrigerated sun-dried tomato polenta, cut into 6 even slices
Vegetable cooking spray
1 (15-oz.) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup light sour cream
1. Cook polenta rounds in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove from heat, and keep warm.
2. Wipe pan with paper towel, spray with cooking spray, and cook peas and next 4 ingredients over medium heat 3 minutes or until water evaporates. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes and 3 Tbsp. cilantro. Spoon warm black-eyed pea mixture over polenta rounds, and top evenly with sour cream. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. cilantro.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Vegetable cooking spray
1 (15-oz.) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup light sour cream
1. Cook polenta rounds in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove from heat, and keep warm.
2. Wipe pan with paper towel, spray with cooking spray, and cook peas and next 4 ingredients over medium heat 3 minutes or until water evaporates. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes and 3 Tbsp. cilantro. Spoon warm black-eyed pea mixture over polenta rounds, and top evenly with sour cream. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. cilantro.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Pollo Adobado
Adobo:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 dried ancho chiles, seeded and torn (about 3 ounces)
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 garlic cloves
Remaining ingredients:
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup water
10 small red potatoes, quartered (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
To prepare the adobo, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add anchos; sauté 2 minutes or until anchos are blistered. Combine anchos and 2 cups water in a small bowl. Cover and let stand 20 minutes or until tender. Combine ancho mixture, 1/4 cup vinegar, and next 7 ingredients (1/4 cup vinegar through garlic) in a blender; process until smooth. Strain marinade through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard solids. (Adobo will have the consistency of steak sauce.)
Combine 1/2 cup marinade and chicken in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and marinate in refrigerator 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°.
Remove chicken from bag, discarding marinade. Place chicken on a broiler pan or rack of roasting pan. Pour 1/3 cup water into pan. Combine potatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Arrange potatoes around chicken. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until thermometer registers 160°. Brush the remaining marinade over chicken and potatoes, and bake an additional 10 minutes. Place chicken and potatoes on a platter.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 dried ancho chiles, seeded and torn (about 3 ounces)
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 garlic cloves
Remaining ingredients:
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup water
10 small red potatoes, quartered (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
To prepare the adobo, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add anchos; sauté 2 minutes or until anchos are blistered. Combine anchos and 2 cups water in a small bowl. Cover and let stand 20 minutes or until tender. Combine ancho mixture, 1/4 cup vinegar, and next 7 ingredients (1/4 cup vinegar through garlic) in a blender; process until smooth. Strain marinade through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard solids. (Adobo will have the consistency of steak sauce.)
Combine 1/2 cup marinade and chicken in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and marinate in refrigerator 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°.
Remove chicken from bag, discarding marinade. Place chicken on a broiler pan or rack of roasting pan. Pour 1/3 cup water into pan. Combine potatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Arrange potatoes around chicken. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until thermometer registers 160°. Brush the remaining marinade over chicken and potatoes, and bake an additional 10 minutes. Place chicken and potatoes on a platter.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Oven-Fried Catfish Sandwiches
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons capers, chopped
3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
4 (4-ounce) catfish fillets
Cooking spray
4 (2-ounce) hoagie rolls, toasted
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
1. Preheat oven to 450°. Place baking sheet in oven.
2. Combine mayonnaise, relish, capers, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper sauce in a small bowl, stirring well. Set aside.
3. Combine flour, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Place egg whites in a shallow bowl. Combine cornmeal, remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a shallow dish. Working with 1 fillet at a time, dredge in flour. Dip in egg whites; dredge in cornmeal mixture. Place fillet on a plate; repeat procedure with remaining fillets, flour, egg whites, and cornmeal mixture.
4. Transfer fillets to preheated baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat fillets with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 6 minutes. Turn fillets and coat with cooking spray; bake an additional 6 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
5. Place 1 bottom half of roll on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1/4 cup lettuce, 1 fillet, and 2 tomato slices. Spread 4 teaspoons mayonnaise mixture on cut side of each roll top; place on top of sandwiches. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons capers, chopped
3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
4 (4-ounce) catfish fillets
Cooking spray
4 (2-ounce) hoagie rolls, toasted
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
1. Preheat oven to 450°. Place baking sheet in oven.
2. Combine mayonnaise, relish, capers, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper sauce in a small bowl, stirring well. Set aside.
3. Combine flour, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Place egg whites in a shallow bowl. Combine cornmeal, remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a shallow dish. Working with 1 fillet at a time, dredge in flour. Dip in egg whites; dredge in cornmeal mixture. Place fillet on a plate; repeat procedure with remaining fillets, flour, egg whites, and cornmeal mixture.
4. Transfer fillets to preheated baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat fillets with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 6 minutes. Turn fillets and coat with cooking spray; bake an additional 6 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
5. Place 1 bottom half of roll on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1/4 cup lettuce, 1 fillet, and 2 tomato slices. Spread 4 teaspoons mayonnaise mixture on cut side of each roll top; place on top of sandwiches. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
This turned out a bit thick for a salad dressing, but it would work very well as a dipping sauce.
1 1/3 cups chopped seeded tomato
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil (about 1 ounce)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 cup water
Combine first 7 ingredients in a blender; process until well blended. Gradually add water; process until smooth.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/3 cups chopped seeded tomato
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil (about 1 ounce)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 cup water
Combine first 7 ingredients in a blender; process until well blended. Gradually add water; process until smooth.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Farfalle with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
1 pound uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
1 tablespoon butter
12 ounces presliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Minced fresh parsley (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms; cook 10 minutes or until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Add the shallots, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook 3-4 minutes, or until shallots are translucent. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Add the cooked pasta, whipping cream, cheese, and 2 tablespoons parsley, tossing gently to coat. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Garnish with minced fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon butter
12 ounces presliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Minced fresh parsley (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms; cook 10 minutes or until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Add the shallots, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook 3-4 minutes, or until shallots are translucent. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Add the cooked pasta, whipping cream, cheese, and 2 tablespoons parsley, tossing gently to coat. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Garnish with minced fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Quick Quiche
Calling this a quiche is really stretching the definition, but it's close enough.
5 eggs
1 cup milk
3/4 cup Bisquick baking mix
2 cups grated cheese
1/2 Tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Your choice of fillings
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat eggs thoroughly and add milk. Add Bisquick, beat with wire whisk.
In a ceramic or glass dish apply olive oil to entire dish and fill with cheese. Add selected toppings to top of cheese, then pour egg mixture on top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes.
--Adapted from Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza Bed and Breakfast
5 eggs
1 cup milk
3/4 cup Bisquick baking mix
2 cups grated cheese
1/2 Tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Your choice of fillings
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat eggs thoroughly and add milk. Add Bisquick, beat with wire whisk.
In a ceramic or glass dish apply olive oil to entire dish and fill with cheese. Add selected toppings to top of cheese, then pour egg mixture on top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes.
--Adapted from Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza Bed and Breakfast
Bell Pepper Chicken with Feta Orzo
4 ounces uncooked orzo (about 1/2 cup)
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 jar roasted red peppers, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
While orzo cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Add chicken to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan, and keep warm. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil and roasted peppers to pan; sauté 1 minute. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice.
Combine orzo and feta, and serve with chicken and bell pepper mixture.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 jar roasted red peppers, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
While orzo cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Add chicken to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan, and keep warm. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil and roasted peppers to pan; sauté 1 minute. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice.
Combine orzo and feta, and serve with chicken and bell pepper mixture.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Glazed Grilled Salmon
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 side salmon fillet (3 1/2 to 4 lb.)
Whisk together first 8 ingredients.
Grill the salmon, skin down on heavy foil over indirect heat, brushing with the glaze every 5 minutes, just until opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 25 to 30 minutes.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Tomato-Basil Lasagna with Proscuitto
This is an interesting recipe. Blending the cottage cheese and the cream cheese creates a ricotta-like filing, but without the grainy ricotta texture. It's not very meaty, but the prosciutto is an nice touch.
5 garlic cloves
1 (16-ounce) carton 1% low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup (4 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 large egg
1 (26-ounce) bottle fat-free tomato-basil pasta sauce
Cooking spray
12 cooked lasagna noodles
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped prosciutto or ham
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375°.
Drop garlic through food chute with food processor on, and process until minced. Add cottage cheese; process 2 minutes or until smooth. Add cream cheese, 2 tablespoons Romano, basil, pepper, and egg; process until well-blended.
Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over the pasta sauce; top with 1 cup cheese mixture, 1/3 cup prosciutto, and 3/4 cup pasta sauce. Repeat the layers two times, ending with noodles. Spread remaining pasta sauce over noodles. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Romano and mozzarella.
Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until sauce is bubbly. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let lasagna stand 5 minutes.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
5 garlic cloves
1 (16-ounce) carton 1% low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup (4 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 large egg
1 (26-ounce) bottle fat-free tomato-basil pasta sauce
Cooking spray
12 cooked lasagna noodles
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped prosciutto or ham
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375°.
Drop garlic through food chute with food processor on, and process until minced. Add cottage cheese; process 2 minutes or until smooth. Add cream cheese, 2 tablespoons Romano, basil, pepper, and egg; process until well-blended.
Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over the pasta sauce; top with 1 cup cheese mixture, 1/3 cup prosciutto, and 3/4 cup pasta sauce. Repeat the layers two times, ending with noodles. Spread remaining pasta sauce over noodles. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Romano and mozzarella.
Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until sauce is bubbly. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let lasagna stand 5 minutes.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Dilled Potato Salad
3 pounds small red potatoes, scrubbed
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ribs celery, diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons diced dill pickle
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freeze dried or fresh dill, or about 2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Cut the potatoes into small, bite-size chunks and place in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and boil for about 10 to 12 minutes, until just tender. Pour off water, set the pan in a sink or larger pan of cold water to cool the potatoes quickly. Sprinkle the still-warm potatoes with salt and vinegar.
In a large bowl, combine the celery, green onions, bell pepper, and diced dill pickle. Gently fold in potatoes.
In another bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dill. Add to the potato mixture and fold gently to combine.
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ribs celery, diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons diced dill pickle
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freeze dried or fresh dill, or about 2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Cut the potatoes into small, bite-size chunks and place in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and boil for about 10 to 12 minutes, until just tender. Pour off water, set the pan in a sink or larger pan of cold water to cool the potatoes quickly. Sprinkle the still-warm potatoes with salt and vinegar.
In a large bowl, combine the celery, green onions, bell pepper, and diced dill pickle. Gently fold in potatoes.
In another bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dill. Add to the potato mixture and fold gently to combine.
Farfalle with Proscuitto and Parmesan
1/2 pound uncooked cavatappi
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ounce very thin slices prosciutto, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons cooking liquid.
Heat oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic to pan, and sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add reserved 3 tablespoons cooking liquid and pasta to pan; let stand 2 minutes. Stir in parsley, oil, salt, pepper, and prosciutto; sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ounce very thin slices prosciutto, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons cooking liquid.
Heat oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic to pan, and sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add reserved 3 tablespoons cooking liquid and pasta to pan; let stand 2 minutes. Stir in parsley, oil, salt, pepper, and prosciutto; sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms
6 (4-inch) whole portobello mushrooms
Cooking spray
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Preheat oven to 450°.
Remove stems from caps; finely chop mushroom stems to measure 1/2 cup. Set mushroom caps aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add chopped mushroom stems and garlic; sauté 3 minutes, stirring often. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Remove from heat; cool 3 minutes. Add cheeses, onions, and peppers; stir until smooth. Spread cheese mixture evenly into mushroom caps.
Combine egg substitute and flour in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Working with one mushroom cap at a time, dip, cheese side up, into egg mixture; dredge in breadcrumbs, coating only the mushroom cap. Place mushroom cap, cheese side up, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining mushroom caps, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs. Lightly coat stuffed mushrooms with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Cooking spray
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Preheat oven to 450°.
Remove stems from caps; finely chop mushroom stems to measure 1/2 cup. Set mushroom caps aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add chopped mushroom stems and garlic; sauté 3 minutes, stirring often. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Remove from heat; cool 3 minutes. Add cheeses, onions, and peppers; stir until smooth. Spread cheese mixture evenly into mushroom caps.
Combine egg substitute and flour in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Working with one mushroom cap at a time, dip, cheese side up, into egg mixture; dredge in breadcrumbs, coating only the mushroom cap. Place mushroom cap, cheese side up, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining mushroom caps, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs. Lightly coat stuffed mushrooms with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Italian Rice Salad
2 cups water, divided
1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (15.75 ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
1 pound (1-inch) diagonally cut green beans
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 cups halved grape tomatoes
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup (1-ounce) grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Combine 1 cup water, rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and broth in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread rice in an even layer over pan; cool to room temperature.
Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a large pan. Add beans; cover and cook 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge beans into ice water; drain.
Combine vinegar, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add rice, beans, tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and pepper; toss gently to combine. Cover and chill.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (15.75 ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
1 pound (1-inch) diagonally cut green beans
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 cups halved grape tomatoes
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup (1-ounce) grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Combine 1 cup water, rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and broth in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread rice in an even layer over pan; cool to room temperature.
Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a large pan. Add beans; cover and cook 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge beans into ice water; drain.
Combine vinegar, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add rice, beans, tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and pepper; toss gently to combine. Cover and chill.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Chicken Piccata with Hot-Sweet Mustard-Lime Sauce
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
1 tablespoon flour
4 medium chicken breasts
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/3 cup white wine
2 teaspoons hot-sweet mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons drained capers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Pound chicken breasts to even 1/2 inch thickness. Sprinkle evenly with herbes de provence, salt, and flour.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mustard, wine, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and capers.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and chicken, saute for 3 minutes. Turn chicken, add juice mixture, and saute for an additional 2 minutes or until done. Remove chicken and keep warm. Simmer the sauce for an additional minute.
Serve sauce over chicken.
--Adapted from Wine Lovers Cookbook
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
1 tablespoon flour
4 medium chicken breasts
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/3 cup white wine
2 teaspoons hot-sweet mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons drained capers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Pound chicken breasts to even 1/2 inch thickness. Sprinkle evenly with herbes de provence, salt, and flour.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mustard, wine, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and capers.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and chicken, saute for 3 minutes. Turn chicken, add juice mixture, and saute for an additional 2 minutes or until done. Remove chicken and keep warm. Simmer the sauce for an additional minute.
Serve sauce over chicken.
--Adapted from Wine Lovers Cookbook
Mixed Greens with Thyme-Scented Goat Cheese Cakes
Goat Cheese Cakes:
8 oz fresh goat cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
12 oz. mixed greens
Goat Cheese Cakes:
Slice 12 small rounds of goat cheese and put in a small low-rimmed glass dish. Top with olive oil and chopped thyme. Let sit, refrigerated, for 1 hour.
In a small mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, dried thyme, black pepper and salt. Coat goat cheese rounds on all sides.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Place goat cheese rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Remove with a spatula.
Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Combine dressing and salad greens. Top with goat cheese cakes.
--Adapted from the Wine Lovers Cookbook
8 oz fresh goat cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
12 oz. mixed greens
Goat Cheese Cakes:
Slice 12 small rounds of goat cheese and put in a small low-rimmed glass dish. Top with olive oil and chopped thyme. Let sit, refrigerated, for 1 hour.
In a small mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, dried thyme, black pepper and salt. Coat goat cheese rounds on all sides.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Place goat cheese rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Remove with a spatula.
Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Combine dressing and salad greens. Top with goat cheese cakes.
--Adapted from the Wine Lovers Cookbook
Monday, September 7, 2009
Dill Pancakes with Country Ham and Cheese
1 cup pancake mix
1/2 cup coarsely chopped smoked ham
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cups grated or shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Fresh dill sprigs (optional)
Combine the pancake mix, ham, salt, and cayenne in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, cheese, egg, oil, and chopped dill. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk just to combine. Let the batter rest according to the pancake-mix label directions (or for 5 minutes if you make your own mix).
Place a nonstick griddle or skillet coated with oil, butter, or cooking spray over medium-high heat. Spoon or pour about 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Turn when bubbles rise to the surface and the edges look cooked. Repeat with the remaining batter. Garnish with dill sprigs (if desired).
1/2 cup coarsely chopped smoked ham
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cups grated or shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Fresh dill sprigs (optional)
Combine the pancake mix, ham, salt, and cayenne in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, cheese, egg, oil, and chopped dill. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk just to combine. Let the batter rest according to the pancake-mix label directions (or for 5 minutes if you make your own mix).
Place a nonstick griddle or skillet coated with oil, butter, or cooking spray over medium-high heat. Spoon or pour about 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Turn when bubbles rise to the surface and the edges look cooked. Repeat with the remaining batter. Garnish with dill sprigs (if desired).
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the streusel:
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
For the glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 4 to 5 minutes, until light. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and sour cream. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter until just combined. Finish stirring with a spatula to be sure the batter is completely mixed.
For the streusel, place the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter in a bowl and pinch together with your fingers until it forms a crumble. Mix in the walnuts, if desired.
Spoon half the batter into the pan and spread it out with a knife. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup streusel. Spoon the rest of the batter in the pan, spread it out, and scatter the remaining streusel on top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.
Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the cake, streusel side up, onto a serving plate. Whisk the confectioners' sugar and maple syrup together, adding a few drops of water if necessary, to make the glaze runny. Drizzle as much as you like over the cake with a fork or spoon.
--Adapted from Ina Garten
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the streusel:
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
For the glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 4 to 5 minutes, until light. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and sour cream. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter until just combined. Finish stirring with a spatula to be sure the batter is completely mixed.
For the streusel, place the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter in a bowl and pinch together with your fingers until it forms a crumble. Mix in the walnuts, if desired.
Spoon half the batter into the pan and spread it out with a knife. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup streusel. Spoon the rest of the batter in the pan, spread it out, and scatter the remaining streusel on top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.
Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the cake, streusel side up, onto a serving plate. Whisk the confectioners' sugar and maple syrup together, adding a few drops of water if necessary, to make the glaze runny. Drizzle as much as you like over the cake with a fork or spoon.
--Adapted from Ina Garten
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Crab, Corn, and Tomato Salsa
This is either a light salad or a hearty salsa. I'm not sure where the line is drawn.
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup corn kernels (about 2 ears), cooked and cooled
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 pound lump crabmeat, shell pieces removed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
Combine rind, juice, and next 5 ingredients (through black pepper) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons juice mixture.
Add corn, and next 6 ingredients (through tomato) to juice mixture; toss gently to coat.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup corn kernels (about 2 ears), cooked and cooled
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 pound lump crabmeat, shell pieces removed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
Combine rind, juice, and next 5 ingredients (through black pepper) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons juice mixture.
Add corn, and next 6 ingredients (through tomato) to juice mixture; toss gently to coat.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Almond-Vanilla Breakfast Ring
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
24 frozen unbaked yeast dinner rolls
2 tablespoons vanilla-flavored cook-and-serve pudding mix
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Heat brown sugar and next 2 ingredients in a glass microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute. Stir until blended; microwave 1 more minute or until bubbly.
Arrange frozen rolls in a lightly greased 10-cup Bundt pan. Drizzle sugar mixture evenly over rolls; sprinkle with pudding mix and almonds. Cover and let stand at room temperature 3 hours. (I made it the night before, and refrigerated overnight.)
Bake, uncovered, on lower oven rack at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 minutes. Invert pan onto a lightly greased plate. Serve warm.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Friday, August 28, 2009
White Bean and Chicken Salad
Salad:
2 cups coarsely chopped skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken
1 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/3 cup sliced fresh basil
2 (16-ounce) cans cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
To prepare salad, place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir gently to combine.
To prepare dressing, combine vinegar and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over salad, tossing gently to coat.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups coarsely chopped skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken
1 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/3 cup sliced fresh basil
2 (16-ounce) cans cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
To prepare salad, place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir gently to combine.
To prepare dressing, combine vinegar and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over salad, tossing gently to coat.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Garlic and Bell Pepper Farfalle
1 large jar roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped
3 bacon slices, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dried tomatoes
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 cups hot cooked farfalle (about 4 cups uncooked bow tie pasta)
6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Rehydrate dried tomatoes in 3/4 cup boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid. Roughly chop the tomatoes.
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in pan. Add garlic to pan, and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the reserved tomato liquid, bell peppers, bacon, tomato, olives, salt, and black pepper; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Combine bell pepper mixture and pasta in a large bowl; sprinkle with cheese and basil.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 bacon slices, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dried tomatoes
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 cups hot cooked farfalle (about 4 cups uncooked bow tie pasta)
6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Rehydrate dried tomatoes in 3/4 cup boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid. Roughly chop the tomatoes.
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in pan. Add garlic to pan, and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the reserved tomato liquid, bell peppers, bacon, tomato, olives, salt, and black pepper; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Combine bell pepper mixture and pasta in a large bowl; sprinkle with cheese and basil.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Roasted Chicken Thighs Provencal
3 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
4 plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 6 wedges
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
6 (6-ounce) skinless chicken thighs
24 niçoise olives
Rosemary sprigs (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°.
Place potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle vegetable mixture with olive oil; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss gently, and spread into a single layer on pan.
Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped rosemary, remaining 1 teaspoon thyme, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken and olives to another jelly-roll pan. Bake both pans (chicken below vegetables) at 425° for 35 minutes or until chicken is done. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
4 plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 6 wedges
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
6 (6-ounce) skinless chicken thighs
24 niçoise olives
Rosemary sprigs (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°.
Place potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle vegetable mixture with olive oil; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss gently, and spread into a single layer on pan.
Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped rosemary, remaining 1 teaspoon thyme, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken and olives to another jelly-roll pan. Bake both pans (chicken below vegetables) at 425° for 35 minutes or until chicken is done. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Catfish Au Lait
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon crab boil seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 to 4 catfish fillets
Combine the milk, crab boil seasoning, pepper, and salt in an electric skillet, cover, and bring to a simmer. Add the catfish to the liquid, spooning some of the liquid over the fillets. Reduce the heat to low, around 140 to 145 degrees, cover the skillet, and poach for 6 to 9 minutes.
--Adapted from Alton Brown
1 teaspoon crab boil seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 to 4 catfish fillets
Combine the milk, crab boil seasoning, pepper, and salt in an electric skillet, cover, and bring to a simmer. Add the catfish to the liquid, spooning some of the liquid over the fillets. Reduce the heat to low, around 140 to 145 degrees, cover the skillet, and poach for 6 to 9 minutes.
--Adapted from Alton Brown
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Grits and Sausage Casserole
1 pound turkey breakfast sausage
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of ground red pepper
3 eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
2 cups red bell pepper strips
Cook sausage in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain and set aside.
Combine milk and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in grits; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Combine grits mixture, sausage, cheese, parsley, salt, garlic, and peppers in a large bowl; set aside.
Gently stir one-fourth of grits mixture into eggs, stir vigorously to keep eggs from scrambling; add egg mixture back to remaining grits, stir to fully combine. Spoon mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
Place a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add bell pepper, and sauté 4 minutes or until tender; serve warm with grits.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of ground red pepper
3 eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
2 cups red bell pepper strips
Cook sausage in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain and set aside.
Combine milk and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in grits; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Combine grits mixture, sausage, cheese, parsley, salt, garlic, and peppers in a large bowl; set aside.
Gently stir one-fourth of grits mixture into eggs, stir vigorously to keep eggs from scrambling; add egg mixture back to remaining grits, stir to fully combine. Spoon mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
Place a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add bell pepper, and sauté 4 minutes or until tender; serve warm with grits.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
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