1/4 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Place pecans in a mini chopper or food processor; pulse until pecans are finely ground. Combine pecans and panko in a shallow dish.
2. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge tops of fish in nut mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place half of fish, breading side down, in pan; cook 4 minutes or until browned. Turn fish over; cook 4 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Remove fish from pan; cover and keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining fish.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Mushroom and Potato Soup with Smoked Paprika
2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms
1 1/2 pounds fresh button mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 ounces bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
3 russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (1 1/2 lbs.), peeled and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 to 8 tbsp. crème fraîche or sour cream
1. In a small bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over dried porcini. Set aside.
2. Cut off stems of button mushrooms. Finely chop stems; set aside. Halve caps, slice, and add to stems. With a slotted spoon, lift out porcini, pressing excess liquid into bowl, and transfer to a cutting board. Finely chop porcini and add to stems and caps. Reserve soaking liquid.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add paprika, bacon, and onions and cook until very fragrant, 2 minutes. Turn heat to high and add mushrooms. Cook, stirring constantly, until mushrooms start giving off their liquid, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add wine and cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add reserved porcini soaking liquid (pouring carefully to leave behind the sandy dregs), chicken broth, 2 cups water, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, with a dollop of crème fraîche.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/2 pounds fresh button mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 ounces bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
3 russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (1 1/2 lbs.), peeled and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 to 8 tbsp. crème fraîche or sour cream
1. In a small bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over dried porcini. Set aside.
2. Cut off stems of button mushrooms. Finely chop stems; set aside. Halve caps, slice, and add to stems. With a slotted spoon, lift out porcini, pressing excess liquid into bowl, and transfer to a cutting board. Finely chop porcini and add to stems and caps. Reserve soaking liquid.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add paprika, bacon, and onions and cook until very fragrant, 2 minutes. Turn heat to high and add mushrooms. Cook, stirring constantly, until mushrooms start giving off their liquid, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add wine and cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add reserved porcini soaking liquid (pouring carefully to leave behind the sandy dregs), chicken broth, 2 cups water, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, with a dollop of crème fraîche.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Turkey
2 teaspoons butter or stick margarine
1 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (16-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cups chopped turkey breast (1/2 pound)
1 cup uncooked wild rice (or 2 cups cooked wild rice)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon salt
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrot and next 5 ingredients (carrot through garlic). Sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in broth, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in turkey and rice; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes or until rice is tender. (If using cooked rice, reduce cooking time to 30 minutes.)
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and milk in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add to pan. Cook over medium heat until thick (about 8 minutes), stirring frequently. Stir in sherry and salt.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (16-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cups chopped turkey breast (1/2 pound)
1 cup uncooked wild rice (or 2 cups cooked wild rice)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon salt
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrot and next 5 ingredients (carrot through garlic). Sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in broth, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in turkey and rice; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes or until rice is tender. (If using cooked rice, reduce cooking time to 30 minutes.)
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and milk in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add to pan. Cook over medium heat until thick (about 8 minutes), stirring frequently. Stir in sherry and salt.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Spinach and Artichokes in Puff Pastry
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry
Drain spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels.
Stir together spinach, artichoke hearts, and next 5 ingredients.
Thaw puff pastry at room temperature 30 minutes. Unfold pastry, and place on a lightly floured surface or heavy-duty plastic wrap. Spread one-half spinach mixture evenly over pastry sheet, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up pastry, jellyroll fashion, pressing to seal seam; wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap. Repeat procedure with remaining pastry and spinach mixture.
Freeze 30 minutes; cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. (Rolls may be frozen up to 3 months.)
Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry
Drain spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels.
Stir together spinach, artichoke hearts, and next 5 ingredients.
Thaw puff pastry at room temperature 30 minutes. Unfold pastry, and place on a lightly floured surface or heavy-duty plastic wrap. Spread one-half spinach mixture evenly over pastry sheet, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up pastry, jellyroll fashion, pressing to seal seam; wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap. Repeat procedure with remaining pastry and spinach mixture.
Freeze 30 minutes; cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. (Rolls may be frozen up to 3 months.)
Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Southern Stir-Fry
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Tabasco, to taste
1 can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
2 cups spinach leaves
Cook all ingredients, except spinach, in skillet, stirring occasionally, until hot. Stir in spinach. Cook until spinach begins to wilt.
--Adapted from Betty Crocker Quick and Easy Cookbook
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Tabasco, to taste
1 can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
2 cups spinach leaves
Cook all ingredients, except spinach, in skillet, stirring occasionally, until hot. Stir in spinach. Cook until spinach begins to wilt.
--Adapted from Betty Crocker Quick and Easy Cookbook
Creamy Corn and Garlic Risotto
4 cups chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
3 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cook as risotto. Add corn in middle of process. Stir in cheese at end.
--Adapted from Betty Crocker Quick and Easy Cookbook
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
3 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cook as risotto. Add corn in middle of process. Stir in cheese at end.
--Adapted from Betty Crocker Quick and Easy Cookbook
Ravioli in Tomato Sauce
1 package refrigerated ravioli
I tablespoon olive oil
1 (8 oz) sliced mushrooms
1 can beef broth
1 can tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cook ravioli.
Saute mushrooms in oil. Remove from pan. Stir together broth, tomato paste, fennel and red pepper. Bring to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes, or until broth is reduced by half and sauce is thickened.
Combine tomato sauce and ravioli.
I tablespoon olive oil
1 (8 oz) sliced mushrooms
1 can beef broth
1 can tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cook ravioli.
Saute mushrooms in oil. Remove from pan. Stir together broth, tomato paste, fennel and red pepper. Bring to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes, or until broth is reduced by half and sauce is thickened.
Combine tomato sauce and ravioli.
Quick Apple Crisp
1 (15 oz) can apple pie filling
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 crunchy granola bars
ice cream
Spoon apple pie filling into 4 microwave safe dishes. Grate nutmeg into each. Microwave 2 minutes or until hot.
While apples cook, finely crush granola bars. It works best to crush them in the packages.
Top apples with granola crumbs and ice cream.
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 crunchy granola bars
ice cream
Spoon apple pie filling into 4 microwave safe dishes. Grate nutmeg into each. Microwave 2 minutes or until hot.
While apples cook, finely crush granola bars. It works best to crush them in the packages.
Top apples with granola crumbs and ice cream.
Honey Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Spears and Sesame Rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 rounded cup white rice
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, toasted
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1-inch ginger root, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
Preheat a grill pan or large griddle over medium high heat. Bring water to a boil in a small covered pot. Add butter, salt and rice to the pot. Return the water to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and replace cover. Simmer 18 minutes and remove rice from heat.
Take the lid off the pot to cool rice a bit. Scoop rice into balls with an ice cream scoop and your hands. Dampen hands with water to work with rice if it is very sticky. Set rice balls on a plate and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
While your rice is cooking, lightly coat chicken with oil, salt and pepper. Place chicken on hot grill and cook 6 minutes on the first side.
While chicken is cooking, bring chicken broth and ginger to a boil. Stir in honey. When honey has dissolved into broth, add teriyaki sauce and sesame oil and reduce heat to simmer.
Turn chicken and coat liberally with honey teriyaki sauce using a basting brush. Cook chicken 4 minutes, turn again and baste liberally again with sauce, then cook 2 minutes longer. Remove chicken to a plate. Garnish chicken with sliced scallions. While chicken cooks on the second side, peel and cut a ripe pineapple into 8 spears.
Grill pineapple, 1 to 2 minutes, basting with any leftover glaze.
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 rounded cup white rice
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, toasted
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1-inch ginger root, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
Preheat a grill pan or large griddle over medium high heat. Bring water to a boil in a small covered pot. Add butter, salt and rice to the pot. Return the water to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and replace cover. Simmer 18 minutes and remove rice from heat.
Take the lid off the pot to cool rice a bit. Scoop rice into balls with an ice cream scoop and your hands. Dampen hands with water to work with rice if it is very sticky. Set rice balls on a plate and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
While your rice is cooking, lightly coat chicken with oil, salt and pepper. Place chicken on hot grill and cook 6 minutes on the first side.
While chicken is cooking, bring chicken broth and ginger to a boil. Stir in honey. When honey has dissolved into broth, add teriyaki sauce and sesame oil and reduce heat to simmer.
Turn chicken and coat liberally with honey teriyaki sauce using a basting brush. Cook chicken 4 minutes, turn again and baste liberally again with sauce, then cook 2 minutes longer. Remove chicken to a plate. Garnish chicken with sliced scallions. While chicken cooks on the second side, peel and cut a ripe pineapple into 8 spears.
Grill pineapple, 1 to 2 minutes, basting with any leftover glaze.
Crispy Noodle Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing
6 cups mixed baby greens, 1 sack
1 cup fresh bean spouts
1 cup shredded carrot
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 cups fried noodles, any size (such as chow mein)
2 tablespoons sweet plum sauce (hoisin) or duck sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup light oil, peanut, canola or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
In a bowl, combine greens, bean sprouts, carrot, scallions, red bell pepper and half of the fried noodles.
Whisk together plum or duck sauce and vinegar in a smaller bowl. Stream in oil and continue whisking to combine. Dress salad and toss with salt and pepper, to your taste. Serve salad with remaining crispy noodles, as garnish.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
1 cup fresh bean spouts
1 cup shredded carrot
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 cups fried noodles, any size (such as chow mein)
2 tablespoons sweet plum sauce (hoisin) or duck sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup light oil, peanut, canola or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
In a bowl, combine greens, bean sprouts, carrot, scallions, red bell pepper and half of the fried noodles.
Whisk together plum or duck sauce and vinegar in a smaller bowl. Stream in oil and continue whisking to combine. Dress salad and toss with salt and pepper, to your taste. Serve salad with remaining crispy noodles, as garnish.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
Roasted Potatoes with Paprika Butter
3 pounds small red new potatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 stick butter
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Sort potatoes. Potatoes that are 2 inches or less in diameter can be left whole. Halve remaining potatoes. Coat very lightly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and roast potatoes 20 to 25 minutes, until just tender.
Transfer potatoes from the oven to a bowl. Sprinkle in parsley and season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes with butter and paprika to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper, to your taste, and serve.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 stick butter
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Sort potatoes. Potatoes that are 2 inches or less in diameter can be left whole. Halve remaining potatoes. Coat very lightly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and roast potatoes 20 to 25 minutes, until just tender.
Transfer potatoes from the oven to a bowl. Sprinkle in parsley and season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes with butter and paprika to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper, to your taste, and serve.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
Broiled Citrus Salad
2 quarts jarred citrus salad, drained
3 ounces Cointreau or other orange liqueur
1/3 cup brown sugar
Several sprigs fresh mint, for garnish
Arrange drained citrus in a casserole dish. Douse fruit with liqueur. Top fruit with 3 handfuls of brown sugar sprinkled evenly over the top.
Place casserole under a hot broiler 6 inches from heat source for 7 or 8 minutes until sugar just begins to brown and bubble. Garnish warm casserole with torn or chopped fresh mint leaves and serve.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
3 ounces Cointreau or other orange liqueur
1/3 cup brown sugar
Several sprigs fresh mint, for garnish
Arrange drained citrus in a casserole dish. Douse fruit with liqueur. Top fruit with 3 handfuls of brown sugar sprinkled evenly over the top.
Place casserole under a hot broiler 6 inches from heat source for 7 or 8 minutes until sugar just begins to brown and bubble. Garnish warm casserole with torn or chopped fresh mint leaves and serve.
--Adapted from Rachel Ray
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Harvest Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Tarts
I made this in ramekins, rather than the phyllo cups. It was great.
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg white
2 (2.1-ounce) packages mini phyllo shells (such as Athens)
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine sweet potato, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring well.
Combine pecans, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla, and egg white, stirring well.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon sweet potato mixture into each phyllo shell, spreading to edges. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon pecan mixture over sweet potato mixture. Place filled shells on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg white
2 (2.1-ounce) packages mini phyllo shells (such as Athens)
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine sweet potato, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring well.
Combine pecans, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla, and egg white, stirring well.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon sweet potato mixture into each phyllo shell, spreading to edges. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon pecan mixture over sweet potato mixture. Place filled shells on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Black Bean Taquitos
Great easy recipe. Freezes well, and reheats straight from freezer.
Taquitos:
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup (4 ounces) preshredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
10 (8-inch) flour tortillas
Cooking spray
Adobo Sour Cream:
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 to 3 teaspoons minced chipotle chile, canned in adobo sauce
To prepare taquitos, add cheese, beans, and green chiles; pulse 15 times or until beans are coarsely chopped.
Spoon about 3 tablespoons bean mixture across the lower third of each tortilla; roll up. Cut each tortilla in half; secure with wooden picks. Place taquitos in a large zip-top plastic bag; freeze up to 3 months.
Preheat oven to 400º.
Place frozen taquitos on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes; turn taquitos, and coat with cooking spray. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden.
If baking without freezing, then bake 5 minutes a side, or until golden.
To prepare adobo sour cream, combine sour cream, cilantro, and chipotle chile. Stir well.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Taquitos:
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup (4 ounces) preshredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
10 (8-inch) flour tortillas
Cooking spray
Adobo Sour Cream:
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 to 3 teaspoons minced chipotle chile, canned in adobo sauce
To prepare taquitos, add cheese, beans, and green chiles; pulse 15 times or until beans are coarsely chopped.
Spoon about 3 tablespoons bean mixture across the lower third of each tortilla; roll up. Cut each tortilla in half; secure with wooden picks. Place taquitos in a large zip-top plastic bag; freeze up to 3 months.
Preheat oven to 400º.
Place frozen taquitos on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes; turn taquitos, and coat with cooking spray. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden.
If baking without freezing, then bake 5 minutes a side, or until golden.
To prepare adobo sour cream, combine sour cream, cilantro, and chipotle chile. Stir well.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Cornbread Dressing
1 pkg Jiffy Cornbread, cooked, cooled and crumbled
4 slices bread (crusts on), ground into fine crumbs
5 celery ribs, medium dice
5 green onions, sliced
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 tablespoon dried sage
3 cups water (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Refrigerate 2 hours.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
4 slices bread (crusts on), ground into fine crumbs
5 celery ribs, medium dice
5 green onions, sliced
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 tablespoon dried sage
3 cups water (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Refrigerate 2 hours.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sweet and Spicy Glaze
This is a great all-purpose glaze for chicken, fish, or shrimp. This would make an amazing Asian hot wing sauce.
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
4 teaspoons Chinese-style hot mustard (or wasabi paste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Stir ingredients together. Microwave 30 seconds to combine. Stir again, and pour over meat or veggies.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
4 teaspoons Chinese-style hot mustard (or wasabi paste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Stir ingredients together. Microwave 30 seconds to combine. Stir again, and pour over meat or veggies.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Don't cut them too thin, or they simply shrivel up. You might also want to take a spoon and scoop out the seeds and inner membranes. The firm flesh fries seem to work better.
3 large zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup egg substitute( or 2 eggs)
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400°.
Cut 1 zucchini in half crosswise; cut each half lengthwise into 8 wedges. Repeat procedure with remaining zucchini. Combine breadcrumbs, panko, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Dip zucchini in egg substitute; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place zucchini on a wire rack coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat zucchini with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with sauce.
--Adapted from Cooking light magazine
3 large zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup egg substitute( or 2 eggs)
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400°.
Cut 1 zucchini in half crosswise; cut each half lengthwise into 8 wedges. Repeat procedure with remaining zucchini. Combine breadcrumbs, panko, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Dip zucchini in egg substitute; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place zucchini on a wire rack coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat zucchini with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with sauce.
--Adapted from Cooking light magazine
Honey Limeade
You can also freeze this into ice cubes and blend for a great frozen drink.
1 cup lime juice
1/4 to 1/2 cup honey
2 cups ice cubes
1 lime, rinsed
1. In a pitcher (at least 2-qt. capacity), stir lime juice and 1/4 cup honey until blended. Taste; if mixture is too tart, add up to 1/4 cup more honey. Add 5 cups water. Chill until cold, at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day.
2. Just before serving, add ice cubes. Thinly slice lime crosswise (discard ends), cut slices in half, and add to pitcher.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1 cup lime juice
1/4 to 1/2 cup honey
2 cups ice cubes
1 lime, rinsed
1. In a pitcher (at least 2-qt. capacity), stir lime juice and 1/4 cup honey until blended. Taste; if mixture is too tart, add up to 1/4 cup more honey. Add 5 cups water. Chill until cold, at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day.
2. Just before serving, add ice cubes. Thinly slice lime crosswise (discard ends), cut slices in half, and add to pitcher.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fried Oysters
1 quart fresh oysters, rinsed and drained
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups saltine crumbs (1 sleeve crackers)
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Canola oil
Dip oysters in egg, and dredge in cracker crumbs. Place on a pan, and chill 2 hours, if desired.
Stir together ketchup, horseradish, and, if desired, hot sauce; chill.
Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch in a Dutch oven; heat to 350°.
Fry oysters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with sauce.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups saltine crumbs (1 sleeve crackers)
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Canola oil
Dip oysters in egg, and dredge in cracker crumbs. Place on a pan, and chill 2 hours, if desired.
Stir together ketchup, horseradish, and, if desired, hot sauce; chill.
Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch in a Dutch oven; heat to 350°.
Fry oysters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with sauce.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Easy Baked Fish Filets
1 1/2 pounds tilapia or other white fish fillets
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 425°.
Place fish in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine lime juice, mayonnaise, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl, and spread over fish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs; drizzle with butter. Bake at 425° for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork - will vary based on thickness of fish. Sprinkle with parsley.
--Adapted from Cooking light magazine
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 425°.
Place fish in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine lime juice, mayonnaise, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl, and spread over fish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs; drizzle with butter. Bake at 425° for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork - will vary based on thickness of fish. Sprinkle with parsley.
--Adapted from Cooking light magazine
Turkey and Oat Burgers
Easily the best turkey burger recipe I've run across.
1 cup regular oats
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
Cooking spray
Combine first 7 ingredients. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
Heat a grill pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add patties; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup regular oats
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
Cooking spray
Combine first 7 ingredients. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
Heat a grill pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add patties; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Tembleque (Coconut Custard)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 (13.5-ounce) cans light coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Combine first 4 ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Strain through a sieve into a shallow 2-quart dish; cover surface of custard with plastic wrap. Chill overnight. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 (13.5-ounce) cans light coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Combine first 4 ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Strain through a sieve into a shallow 2-quart dish; cover surface of custard with plastic wrap. Chill overnight. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sweet Hot Tofu
1 (3 1/2-ounce) bag boil-in-bag long-grain rice
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 (14-ounce) package firm reduced-fat tofu, cut into (1-inch) cubes
2/3 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sherry
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Dash of crushed red pepper (or Sambal)
2 teaspoons bottled minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
Prepare rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu, and sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from skillet.
Combine broth and the next 7 ingredients (through pepper), stirring well with a whisk.
Add ginger, garlic, and onions to pan; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in broth mixture; cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly. Add tofu to pan; cook 30 seconds, stirring gently to coat. Divide rice evenly among each of 4 plates; top each serving with tofu mixture.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 (14-ounce) package firm reduced-fat tofu, cut into (1-inch) cubes
2/3 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sherry
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Dash of crushed red pepper (or Sambal)
2 teaspoons bottled minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
Prepare rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu, and sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from skillet.
Combine broth and the next 7 ingredients (through pepper), stirring well with a whisk.
Add ginger, garlic, and onions to pan; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in broth mixture; cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly. Add tofu to pan; cook 30 seconds, stirring gently to coat. Divide rice evenly among each of 4 plates; top each serving with tofu mixture.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Barley Sausage Skillet
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quick-cooking barley
Cooking spray
8 ounces hot turkey Italian sausage
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 tablespoons Madeira wine
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Place broth in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Add barley to pan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove casings from sausage. Add sausage to pan; cook 3 minutes, stirring to crumble. Transfer to a bowl. Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Return sausage to pan. Stir in Madeira; sauté 2 minutes. Add barley; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in basil and black pepper.
1 cup quick-cooking barley
Cooking spray
8 ounces hot turkey Italian sausage
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 tablespoons Madeira wine
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Place broth in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Add barley to pan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove casings from sausage. Add sausage to pan; cook 3 minutes, stirring to crumble. Transfer to a bowl. Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Return sausage to pan. Stir in Madeira; sauté 2 minutes. Add barley; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in basil and black pepper.
Summer Farfalle Salad with Smoked Salmon
3 cups uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces (about 8 slices) smoked salmon, cut into thin strips
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain.
Combine pasta, tomatoes, dill, and spinach in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine.
Combine lemon rind and next 5 ingredients (lemon rind through pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Top with salmon.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces (about 8 slices) smoked salmon, cut into thin strips
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain.
Combine pasta, tomatoes, dill, and spinach in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine.
Combine lemon rind and next 5 ingredients (lemon rind through pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Top with salmon.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Slow-cooker Chicken Paprikash
Serve over rice or egg noodles.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 1/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
1 1/4 cups reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup sliced green onions
Combine flour and chicken in a medium bowl; toss well. Add chicken mixture, and the next 8 ingredients (through mushrooms) to an electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Stir in sour cream and green onions.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 1/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
1 1/4 cups reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup sliced green onions
Combine flour and chicken in a medium bowl; toss well. Add chicken mixture, and the next 8 ingredients (through mushrooms) to an electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Stir in sour cream and green onions.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Three-Bean Tacos
Surprisingly good. Very hearty, and dirt cheap. This recipe would be a great extender for traditional ground beef tacos.
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 can canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
Taco fixings
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add red bell pepper and next 6 ingredients (pepper through garlic), and sauté 2 minutes. Add chickpeas, beans, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick.
Prepare tacos, served with whatever you like.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 can canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
Taco fixings
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add red bell pepper and next 6 ingredients (pepper through garlic), and sauté 2 minutes. Add chickpeas, beans, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick.
Prepare tacos, served with whatever you like.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Friday, September 24, 2010
Zaatar Straws
Zaatar:
3 tablespoons sumac
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoons dried marjoram
1 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or coffee grinder. Pulse to combine.
Straws:
About 1/2 cup flour for rolling pastry
1/2 pound chilled puff pastry
About 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 tbsp. zaatar
Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 2 tbsp. water)
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Flour a work surface and a rolling pin. Set puff pastry on surface, sprinkle lightly with flour, and roll out into a rectangle about 8 in. by 12 in. and 1/8 in. thick. Arrange pastry so that it's horizontal and trim edges even.
2. Brush pastry all over with olive oil. Sprinkle left half of pastry liberally with half of the zaatar and fold right (unsprinkled) pastry half over zaatar, like closing a book. Lightly sprinkle top of pastry with flour and roll back out into a rectangle almost as large as the one you began with. As before, brush pastry with olive oil, sprinkle half with remaining zaatar, and fold unsprinkled half over zaatar. Roll with the pin a few times to seal.
3. With a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut pastry lengthwise into 1/3-in.-wide strips. Twist each strip loosely a couple of times and put on an ungreased baking sheet (push ends onto sheet to keep straw from untwisting; you may need 2 sheets). Dab tops of strips lightly with egg wash.
4. Bake straws until medium golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool 1 minute, then loosen gently from sheet with spatula. Serve warm or cool.
-- Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 tablespoons sumac
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoons dried marjoram
1 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or coffee grinder. Pulse to combine.
Straws:
About 1/2 cup flour for rolling pastry
1/2 pound chilled puff pastry
About 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 tbsp. zaatar
Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 2 tbsp. water)
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Flour a work surface and a rolling pin. Set puff pastry on surface, sprinkle lightly with flour, and roll out into a rectangle about 8 in. by 12 in. and 1/8 in. thick. Arrange pastry so that it's horizontal and trim edges even.
2. Brush pastry all over with olive oil. Sprinkle left half of pastry liberally with half of the zaatar and fold right (unsprinkled) pastry half over zaatar, like closing a book. Lightly sprinkle top of pastry with flour and roll back out into a rectangle almost as large as the one you began with. As before, brush pastry with olive oil, sprinkle half with remaining zaatar, and fold unsprinkled half over zaatar. Roll with the pin a few times to seal.
3. With a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut pastry lengthwise into 1/3-in.-wide strips. Twist each strip loosely a couple of times and put on an ungreased baking sheet (push ends onto sheet to keep straw from untwisting; you may need 2 sheets). Dab tops of strips lightly with egg wash.
4. Bake straws until medium golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool 1 minute, then loosen gently from sheet with spatula. Serve warm or cool.
-- Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Creamy Dill Slaw
4 green onions, sliced
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix
1 (10-ounce) package finely shredded cabbage
Stir together first 8 ingredients in a large bowl until mixture is blended; stir in coleslaw mix and cabbage. Cover and chill 8 hours. Garnish, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix
1 (10-ounce) package finely shredded cabbage
Stir together first 8 ingredients in a large bowl until mixture is blended; stir in coleslaw mix and cabbage. Cover and chill 8 hours. Garnish, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Artichoke-Potato Salad
1 can chopped artichokes
3/4 pound small red potatoes
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/4 cup mayo
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried dill
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Place potatoes in a saucepan, and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until tender; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add potatoes and peas to chopped artichoke in bowl.
Combine mayo and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, and stir well with a whisk. Pour over the artichoke mixture, and toss well. Cover and chill.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3/4 pound small red potatoes
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/4 cup mayo
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried dill
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Place potatoes in a saucepan, and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until tender; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add potatoes and peas to chopped artichoke in bowl.
Combine mayo and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, and stir well with a whisk. Pour over the artichoke mixture, and toss well. Cover and chill.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Vermont Baked Beans
These had a mild flavor that needs a strong accompaniment. Would be good for potlucks.
1 pound dried navy beans (about 2 cups)
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 cup diced salt pork or bacon (about 4 ounces)
5 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup maple syrup, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
1. Sort and wash beans; place in a large bowl. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; cover and let stand overnight. Drain beans.
2. Preheat oven to 325°.
3. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add pork to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Add beans, onion powder, 5 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper sauce; bring to a boil. Cover and bake at 325° for 2 1/2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup syrup.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 pound dried navy beans (about 2 cups)
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 cup diced salt pork or bacon (about 4 ounces)
5 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup maple syrup, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
1. Sort and wash beans; place in a large bowl. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; cover and let stand overnight. Drain beans.
2. Preheat oven to 325°.
3. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add pork to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Add beans, onion powder, 5 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper sauce; bring to a boil. Cover and bake at 325° for 2 1/2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup syrup.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Wild Rice Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette
This would be a great recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers. We added fresh baby spinach, and served it warm for a great main dish.
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 (6-oz.) package long-grain and wild rice mix
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup finely chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant.
2. Prepare rice according to package directions; let cool to room temperature (about 25 minutes). Stir in cranberries, celery, green onions, and toasted pecans.
3. Whisk together canned pumpkin, next 5 ingredients, and 2 Tbsp. water. Gradually whisk in olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until blended.
4. Pour pumpkin vinaigrette over rice mixture; stir gently to coat. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Serve at room temperature.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 (6-oz.) package long-grain and wild rice mix
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup finely chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant.
2. Prepare rice according to package directions; let cool to room temperature (about 25 minutes). Stir in cranberries, celery, green onions, and toasted pecans.
3. Whisk together canned pumpkin, next 5 ingredients, and 2 Tbsp. water. Gradually whisk in olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until blended.
4. Pour pumpkin vinaigrette over rice mixture; stir gently to coat. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Serve at room temperature.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Roasted Vegetables with Tangy Butter Sauce
Vegetables:
21 baby carrots (about 12 ounces)
5 small red potatoes, quartered (about 8 ounces)
8 green onions, white parts only
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 ounces haricots verts, trimmed
Sauce:
2/3 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped shallots
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
To prepare vegetables:
Combine carrots and potatoes in a small roasting pan. Coat vegetables with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Toss. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes, turning once. Coat haricots verts and green onions with cooking spray. Add haricots verts and green onions to vegetable mixture; toss. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
To prepare sauce, combine broth, shallots, and vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 4 minutes); remove from heat. Stir in butter. Serve alongside vegetables.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
21 baby carrots (about 12 ounces)
5 small red potatoes, quartered (about 8 ounces)
8 green onions, white parts only
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 ounces haricots verts, trimmed
Sauce:
2/3 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped shallots
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
To prepare vegetables:
Combine carrots and potatoes in a small roasting pan. Coat vegetables with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Toss. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes, turning once. Coat haricots verts and green onions with cooking spray. Add haricots verts and green onions to vegetable mixture; toss. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
To prepare sauce, combine broth, shallots, and vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 4 minutes); remove from heat. Stir in butter. Serve alongside vegetables.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Pasta Arrabiata
Very good.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 can tomato paste
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 greek (the green ones) pepperoncini peppers
Stem and seed peppers. This sauce is only mildly spicy. If you want it more spicy, add more peppers, or leave in seeds. Slice peppers into narrow rounds.
Combine all ingredients. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
Combine with pasta of your choice.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 can tomato paste
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 greek (the green ones) pepperoncini peppers
Stem and seed peppers. This sauce is only mildly spicy. If you want it more spicy, add more peppers, or leave in seeds. Slice peppers into narrow rounds.
Combine all ingredients. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
Combine with pasta of your choice.
Asparagus with Ginger
1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauté asparagus in 2 teaspoons hot oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet 7 minutes. Add ginger, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in sugar and remaining ingredients, and cook 1 minute.
--Adapted from Southern Living
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauté asparagus in 2 teaspoons hot oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet 7 minutes. Add ginger, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in sugar and remaining ingredients, and cook 1 minute.
--Adapted from Southern Living
Blueberry Yum Yum
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
4 cups fresh blueberries
Stir together first 4 ingredients with a fork until crumbly. Press into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan.
Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Beat whipped topping, cream cheese, and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spoon over prepared crust. Cover and chill.
Stir together sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; whisk in 1 cup water until smooth. Stir in blueberries, and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cool. Pour over cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
--Adapted from Southern Living
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
4 cups fresh blueberries
Stir together first 4 ingredients with a fork until crumbly. Press into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan.
Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Beat whipped topping, cream cheese, and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Spoon over prepared crust. Cover and chill.
Stir together sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; whisk in 1 cup water until smooth. Stir in blueberries, and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cool. Pour over cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
--Adapted from Southern Living
Salty Rosemary Oven Fries
2 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Vegetable cooking spray
Cut each potato lengthwise into 10 to 12 wedges. The wedges should be large enough to sit upright, skin side down. Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with next 4 ingredients; toss to coat.
Arrange potato wedges, skin side down, in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 450° for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Vegetable cooking spray
Cut each potato lengthwise into 10 to 12 wedges. The wedges should be large enough to sit upright, skin side down. Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with next 4 ingredients; toss to coat.
Arrange potato wedges, skin side down, in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 450° for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Garlic and herb Oven-Fried Halibut
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a shallow dish. Place egg whites and egg in a shallow dish. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Dredge fish in flour. Dip in egg mixture; dredge in panko mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 fish fillets; cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until browned. Place fish on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining fish. Bake at 450° for 6 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a shallow dish. Place egg whites and egg in a shallow dish. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Dredge fish in flour. Dip in egg mixture; dredge in panko mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 fish fillets; cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until browned. Place fish on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining fish. Bake at 450° for 6 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Easy Bean Quesodillas
3/4 cup refried beans
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup taco sauce, divided
Sour cream
Preheat oven to 400. Place tortillas directly on oven racks. Bake 3 minutes or until just beginning to crisp.
Mix beans and 1 cup cheese until well combined. Spread bean mixture evenly over 2 tortillas. Place the other two tortillas on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of quesodillas.
Return quesodillas to oven racks, bake 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas are crisp.
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup taco sauce, divided
Sour cream
Preheat oven to 400. Place tortillas directly on oven racks. Bake 3 minutes or until just beginning to crisp.
Mix beans and 1 cup cheese until well combined. Spread bean mixture evenly over 2 tortillas. Place the other two tortillas on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of quesodillas.
Return quesodillas to oven racks, bake 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas are crisp.
Lentil-Edamame Stew
1 cup dried lentils
3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cups minced green onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of ground cloves
1. Place lentils in a large saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above lentils. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well, and set aside.
2. Place edamame in a small saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above edamame. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes or until edamame are tender. Remove from heat; drain well.
3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and tomatoes to pan; sauté 6 minutes or until onion is translucent, stirring often. Stir in lentils, edamame, juice, and remaining ingredients. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring often.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cups minced green onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of ground cloves
1. Place lentils in a large saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above lentils. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well, and set aside.
2. Place edamame in a small saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above edamame. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes or until edamame are tender. Remove from heat; drain well.
3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and tomatoes to pan; sauté 6 minutes or until onion is translucent, stirring often. Stir in lentils, edamame, juice, and remaining ingredients. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring often.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Lemonade Frozen Yogurt
1 quart (32 oz.) vanilla low-fat yogurt
12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemonade concentrate, half-and-half, lemon juice, and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Chill until cold, about 30 minutes.
2. Freeze mixture in an ice cream maker (1 1/2-qt. capacity) according to manufacturer's instructions, until motor stops or dasher is hard to turn. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm enough to scoop, about 2 hours.
12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemonade concentrate, half-and-half, lemon juice, and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Chill until cold, about 30 minutes.
2. Freeze mixture in an ice cream maker (1 1/2-qt. capacity) according to manufacturer's instructions, until motor stops or dasher is hard to turn. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm enough to scoop, about 2 hours.
Tuna-Garbanzo Salad
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (1-inch) cut green beans (about 1/2 pound)
1 finely chopped shallot
2 fire-roasted piquillo peppers, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
4 cups arugula
1 (7.8-ounce) jar premium tuna, packed in oil, drained and flaked
Bring 2 quarts water and salt to a boil. Add green beans; cook 4 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain. Combine green beans, shallots, peppers, chickpeas, and garlic in a large bowl.
Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, and paprika in a small bowl, stirring well. Add mayonnaise mixture to bean mixture; toss gently to combine. Arrange 1 cup arugula on each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 1 cup bean mixture. Divide tuna evenly among plates.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (1-inch) cut green beans (about 1/2 pound)
1 finely chopped shallot
2 fire-roasted piquillo peppers, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
4 cups arugula
1 (7.8-ounce) jar premium tuna, packed in oil, drained and flaked
Bring 2 quarts water and salt to a boil. Add green beans; cook 4 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain. Combine green beans, shallots, peppers, chickpeas, and garlic in a large bowl.
Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, and paprika in a small bowl, stirring well. Add mayonnaise mixture to bean mixture; toss gently to combine. Arrange 1 cup arugula on each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 1 cup bean mixture. Divide tuna evenly among plates.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Summer Tortellini Salad
This recipe is just as good without the chicken, or with other veggies subbed for the chicken.
1 (19-oz.) package frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
1/4 cup canola oil
Salt to taste
1. Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain and place in large bowl. Stir in chicken and next 5 ingredients.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and herbes de Provence. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Pour over tortellini mixture, tossing to coat. Stir in salt to taste. Cover and chill at least 25 minutes. Garnish, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living
1 (19-oz.) package frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
1/4 cup canola oil
Salt to taste
1. Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain and place in large bowl. Stir in chicken and next 5 ingredients.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and herbes de Provence. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Pour over tortellini mixture, tossing to coat. Stir in salt to taste. Cover and chill at least 25 minutes. Garnish, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living
All-in-One Spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
3 cups tomato juice
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash of pepper
1 (7-ounce) package spaghetti, uncooked
Grated Parmesan cheese
Cook first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well. Return beef mixture to pan. Stir in tomato sauce and next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 30 minutes.
Add pasta; cover and simmer, stirring often, 20 minutes or until pasta is tender. Serve with cheese, and garnish, if desired.
--adapted from Southern Living
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
3 cups tomato juice
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash of pepper
1 (7-ounce) package spaghetti, uncooked
Grated Parmesan cheese
Cook first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well. Return beef mixture to pan. Stir in tomato sauce and next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 30 minutes.
Add pasta; cover and simmer, stirring often, 20 minutes or until pasta is tender. Serve with cheese, and garnish, if desired.
--adapted from Southern Living
Watermelon Lemonade
A great way to use up leftover watermelon
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 large lemons), 4 squeezed lemons reserved
4 cups chopped watermelon
Bring 6 cups water, sugar and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat, add reserved lemons, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, puree chopped watermelon in a blender or food processor with 1 cup water.
Pour syrup and watermelon puree through a strainer into a pitcher. Stir in lemon juice. (Lemonade can be made up to 1 day ahead.) Serve over ice.
--
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 large lemons), 4 squeezed lemons reserved
4 cups chopped watermelon
Bring 6 cups water, sugar and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat, add reserved lemons, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, puree chopped watermelon in a blender or food processor with 1 cup water.
Pour syrup and watermelon puree through a strainer into a pitcher. Stir in lemon juice. (Lemonade can be made up to 1 day ahead.) Serve over ice.
--
Frozen White Chocolate Cherry Terrine
This would be just as good with Oreos or another kind of candy bar.
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
6 (1-ounce) squares white baking bar or white chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup milk
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
2 (1.9-ounce) chocolate-coated coconut bars, frozen
2 1/4 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar
Hot fudge topping (optional)
Grease a 9" x 5" x 3" loafpan. Line pan with plastic wrap, making it smooth in pan and allowing it to extend slightly over edges of pan. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add pecans. Cook, stirring constantly, until pecans are toasted. Remove from heat; let cool completely.
Place chopped white chocolate in a small bowl. Bring milk to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. (Do not boil.) Remove from heat, and pour over chopped chocolate, stirring until chocolate melts. Let cool completely.
Press chopped cherries between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop frozen candy bars.
Beat whipping cream at high speed of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until blended. Gently fold in melted white chocolate mixture, chopped candy bars, and pecans; then fold in cherries.
Spoon mixture into prepared pan; cover and freeze 24 hours. To serve, dip pan in warm water 30 seconds. Invert loafpan onto a serving plate. Peel off plastic wrap. Cut terrine into 3/4" slices. Drizzle fudge topping on each plate, if desired; top with a slice of frozen terrine.
--
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
6 (1-ounce) squares white baking bar or white chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup milk
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
2 (1.9-ounce) chocolate-coated coconut bars, frozen
2 1/4 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar
Hot fudge topping (optional)
Grease a 9" x 5" x 3" loafpan. Line pan with plastic wrap, making it smooth in pan and allowing it to extend slightly over edges of pan. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add pecans. Cook, stirring constantly, until pecans are toasted. Remove from heat; let cool completely.
Place chopped white chocolate in a small bowl. Bring milk to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. (Do not boil.) Remove from heat, and pour over chopped chocolate, stirring until chocolate melts. Let cool completely.
Press chopped cherries between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop frozen candy bars.
Beat whipping cream at high speed of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until blended. Gently fold in melted white chocolate mixture, chopped candy bars, and pecans; then fold in cherries.
Spoon mixture into prepared pan; cover and freeze 24 hours. To serve, dip pan in warm water 30 seconds. Invert loafpan onto a serving plate. Peel off plastic wrap. Cut terrine into 3/4" slices. Drizzle fudge topping on each plate, if desired; top with a slice of frozen terrine.
--
Braised Carrots with Orange and Capers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound carrots, peeled, ends trimmed, and cut into 2-inch lengths
Sea salt or kosher salt
2/3 cup thinly sliced celery
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 orange (including peel), rinsed, ends trimmed, and chopped (discard seeds)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons drained capers
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add carrots, sprinkle lightly with salt, and turn to brown on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Remove from pan.
2. Add celery, and garlic to pan; stir often until vegetables are soft but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, orange, thyme, and the carrots to pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are very tender when pierced, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, pour remaining tablespoon olive oil into a small frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add capers and cook until they begin to peel back, about 1 1/2 minutes.
4. Spoon braised carrots into a serving bowl or onto plates and top with capers and parsley.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 pound carrots, peeled, ends trimmed, and cut into 2-inch lengths
Sea salt or kosher salt
2/3 cup thinly sliced celery
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 orange (including peel), rinsed, ends trimmed, and chopped (discard seeds)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons drained capers
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add carrots, sprinkle lightly with salt, and turn to brown on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Remove from pan.
2. Add celery, and garlic to pan; stir often until vegetables are soft but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, orange, thyme, and the carrots to pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are very tender when pierced, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, pour remaining tablespoon olive oil into a small frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add capers and cook until they begin to peel back, about 1 1/2 minutes.
4. Spoon braised carrots into a serving bowl or onto plates and top with capers and parsley.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Slow-braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms
This is a lot of work, but worth it.
4 pounds boned, fat-trimmed beef short ribs or chuck
1 orange (2 1/2 in. wide), rinsed
About 1 cup fat-skimmed beef or chicken broth
1 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup port or cream sherry
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
3 or 4 very thin slices (quarter size) peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
1 pound mushrooms (1- to 1 1/2-in.-wide caps)
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
1. Rinse meat; cut into 3- to 4-inch lengths (for chuck, about 1 in. thick and 1 1/2 in. wide) and place in a 5- to 6-quart slow-cooker.
2. With a vegetable peeler, pare orange part of peel from orange and sliver it; save orange for other uses. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, combine peel, 1 cup broth, wine, port, vinegar, soy sauce, thyme, ginger, and five spice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Pour liquid over meat. Turn slow-cooker to high, cover, and cook until meat is very tender when pierced, 5 to 6 hours.
3. Rinse and drain mushrooms; trim off and discard stem ends. Cut mushrooms in half lengthwise and place in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan; add butter.
4. Skim off and discard fat from liquid in slow-cooker. Ladle 1 cup liquid into pan with mushrooms. Stir mushrooms often over high heat until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are lightly browned, 13 to 17 minutes.
5. With a slotted spoon, lift meat from juices in slow-cooker and lay in a single layer in a shallow casserole (about 9 by 13 in.). Pour mushrooms over meat. Bake in a 375° regular or convection oven until meat is sizzling and browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, measure remaining liquid from slow-cooker. If less than 2 cups, add beef broth to make 2 cups, pour into a 2- to 3-quart pan, and bring to a boil over high heat; if there is more, pour into pan and boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 2 cups, 8 to 12 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Pour into boiling liquid and stir until thickened, about 30 seconds. Pour evenly over meat and mix gently to blend with liquid in casserole, adding salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chives.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
4 pounds boned, fat-trimmed beef short ribs or chuck
1 orange (2 1/2 in. wide), rinsed
About 1 cup fat-skimmed beef or chicken broth
1 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup port or cream sherry
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
3 or 4 very thin slices (quarter size) peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
1 pound mushrooms (1- to 1 1/2-in.-wide caps)
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
1. Rinse meat; cut into 3- to 4-inch lengths (for chuck, about 1 in. thick and 1 1/2 in. wide) and place in a 5- to 6-quart slow-cooker.
2. With a vegetable peeler, pare orange part of peel from orange and sliver it; save orange for other uses. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, combine peel, 1 cup broth, wine, port, vinegar, soy sauce, thyme, ginger, and five spice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Pour liquid over meat. Turn slow-cooker to high, cover, and cook until meat is very tender when pierced, 5 to 6 hours.
3. Rinse and drain mushrooms; trim off and discard stem ends. Cut mushrooms in half lengthwise and place in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan; add butter.
4. Skim off and discard fat from liquid in slow-cooker. Ladle 1 cup liquid into pan with mushrooms. Stir mushrooms often over high heat until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are lightly browned, 13 to 17 minutes.
5. With a slotted spoon, lift meat from juices in slow-cooker and lay in a single layer in a shallow casserole (about 9 by 13 in.). Pour mushrooms over meat. Bake in a 375° regular or convection oven until meat is sizzling and browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, measure remaining liquid from slow-cooker. If less than 2 cups, add beef broth to make 2 cups, pour into a 2- to 3-quart pan, and bring to a boil over high heat; if there is more, pour into pan and boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 2 cups, 8 to 12 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Pour into boiling liquid and stir until thickened, about 30 seconds. Pour evenly over meat and mix gently to blend with liquid in casserole, adding salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chives.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Pasta with Artichokes and Fresh Ricotta
1 can chopped artichokes, drained
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
3 cups uncooked penne rigate pasta (about 12 ounces tube-shaped pasta)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute. Add artichokes and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook 2 minutes or until artichokes are tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Combine remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, artichoke mixture, pasta, reserved cooking liquid, parsley, and pepper in a large bowl, tossing to combine. Add ricotta in spoonfuls, stirring gently to combine. Spoon 1 1/3 cups pasta mixture into each of 6 bowls; top each serving with 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
3 cups uncooked penne rigate pasta (about 12 ounces tube-shaped pasta)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute. Add artichokes and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook 2 minutes or until artichokes are tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Combine remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, artichoke mixture, pasta, reserved cooking liquid, parsley, and pepper in a large bowl, tossing to combine. Add ricotta in spoonfuls, stirring gently to combine. Spoon 1 1/3 cups pasta mixture into each of 6 bowls; top each serving with 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Ham and Swiss Loaded Potatoes
4 baking potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup diced 33%-less-sodium ham (about 6 ounces)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, divided
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pierce potatoes with a fork; arrange in a circle on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at high 16 minutes or until done, rearranging potatoes after 8 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
Preheat broiler.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Combine potato pulp, ham, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/3 cup green onions, sour cream, and pepper.
Spoon the potato mixture into shells. Combine 1/2 cup cheese and remaining green onions, and sprinkle over potatoes. Place potatoes on a baking sheet; broil 4 minutes or until golden.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup diced 33%-less-sodium ham (about 6 ounces)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, divided
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pierce potatoes with a fork; arrange in a circle on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at high 16 minutes or until done, rearranging potatoes after 8 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
Preheat broiler.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Combine potato pulp, ham, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/3 cup green onions, sour cream, and pepper.
Spoon the potato mixture into shells. Combine 1/2 cup cheese and remaining green onions, and sprinkle over potatoes. Place potatoes on a baking sheet; broil 4 minutes or until golden.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Asparagus Pasta with Toasted Pecans
1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pecan halves, toasted and divided
Prepare pasta according to package directions; rinse and drain.
Snap off tough ends of asparagus, and cut into 2-inch pieces.
Sauté asparagus in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat 4 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in salt and pepper.
Toss together pasta, asparagus mixture, basil, 1/2 cup cheese, butter, and 1/2 cup pecans. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and 1/2 cup pecans. Garnish, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living
1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pecan halves, toasted and divided
Prepare pasta according to package directions; rinse and drain.
Snap off tough ends of asparagus, and cut into 2-inch pieces.
Sauté asparagus in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat 4 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in salt and pepper.
Toss together pasta, asparagus mixture, basil, 1/2 cup cheese, butter, and 1/2 cup pecans. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and 1/2 cup pecans. Garnish, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living
Vegetable Donburi over Seasoned Rice
5 cups water, divided
2 1/2 cups uncooked sushi rice or other short-grain rice
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can vegetable broth
2 1/2 tablespoons miso (soybean paste)
2 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
6 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 1 pound mushrooms)
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup (1-inch) sliced green onions
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand.
Bring 2 cups water and broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in miso, soy sauce, and sugar. Add mushrooms, ginger, and garlic; reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in carrot and onions; cook 2 minutes.
Whisk egg whites and egg in a small bowl. Gently pour egg mixture into broth mixture (do not stir); cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat; gently stir.
Spoon 1 cup of rice into each of 6 large soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup of the broth mixture evenly over rice.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 1/2 cups uncooked sushi rice or other short-grain rice
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can vegetable broth
2 1/2 tablespoons miso (soybean paste)
2 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
6 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 1 pound mushrooms)
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup (1-inch) sliced green onions
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand.
Bring 2 cups water and broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in miso, soy sauce, and sugar. Add mushrooms, ginger, and garlic; reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in carrot and onions; cook 2 minutes.
Whisk egg whites and egg in a small bowl. Gently pour egg mixture into broth mixture (do not stir); cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat; gently stir.
Spoon 1 cup of rice into each of 6 large soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup of the broth mixture evenly over rice.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Pickled Mushrooms
2 pounds mushrooms (2-in. caps)
1 1/2 cups white wine vinegar
1 dried bay leaf
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 teaspoons mustard seed
2 teaspoons dill seed
2 teaspoons salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1. Rinse and drain mushrooms; trim off and discard discolored stem ends. Cut mushrooms into quarters through caps.
2. Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 2/3 cup water, vinegar, bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seed, dill seed, salt, and garlic to a boil.
3. Add mushrooms. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Let mixture cool, stirring occasionally. Serve cool or chilled.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/2 cups white wine vinegar
1 dried bay leaf
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 teaspoons mustard seed
2 teaspoons dill seed
2 teaspoons salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1. Rinse and drain mushrooms; trim off and discard discolored stem ends. Cut mushrooms into quarters through caps.
2. Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 2/3 cup water, vinegar, bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seed, dill seed, salt, and garlic to a boil.
3. Add mushrooms. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Let mixture cool, stirring occasionally. Serve cool or chilled.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Strawberry-Orange Salad
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
2 pounds strawberries
4 navel oranges
1. Bring 1 1/2 cups water and sugar to a boil. Cook just until clear, 2 to 3 minutes. Let syrup cool very briefly, then add 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Set aside to steep and cool.
2. Rinse and hull strawberries and cut them into quarters (or sixths if very large).
3. With a small, sharp knife, cut ends off oranges. Set 1 orange cut side down on a cutting board. Following its curve with the knife, slice off peel and white pith. Holding orange over a bowl to catch juice, cut between inner membranes and fruit to release segments; drop segments into bowl. Squeeze juice from membranes into bowl and discard membranes. Repeat with remaining oranges.
4. Add strawberries to oranges and pour basil syrup over fruit. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
2 pounds strawberries
4 navel oranges
1. Bring 1 1/2 cups water and sugar to a boil. Cook just until clear, 2 to 3 minutes. Let syrup cool very briefly, then add 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Set aside to steep and cool.
2. Rinse and hull strawberries and cut them into quarters (or sixths if very large).
3. With a small, sharp knife, cut ends off oranges. Set 1 orange cut side down on a cutting board. Following its curve with the knife, slice off peel and white pith. Holding orange over a bowl to catch juice, cut between inner membranes and fruit to release segments; drop segments into bowl. Squeeze juice from membranes into bowl and discard membranes. Repeat with remaining oranges.
4. Add strawberries to oranges and pour basil syrup over fruit. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Lemon Rice
1 garlic clove
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup basmati rice
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1. Slightly smash garlic clove using flat side of a knife. Stir together garlic, broth, butter, and salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in rice; reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, 20 minutes or until broth mixture is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Remove and discard garlic; stir in lemon rind using a fork.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup basmati rice
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1. Slightly smash garlic clove using flat side of a knife. Stir together garlic, broth, butter, and salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in rice; reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, 20 minutes or until broth mixture is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Remove and discard garlic; stir in lemon rind using a fork.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Seared Mahi-Mahi with Edamame Succotash
Succotash:
1/4 cup sliced roasted red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/3 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed
Mahimahi:
1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
4 (6-ounce) mahimahi or other firm white fish fillets
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Combine pepper, onions, and next 7 ingredients (through garlic), tossing to combine.
2. Combine corn and beans in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover with water. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes; drain. Add corn mixture to bell pepper mixture; toss to combine
3. To prepare mahimahi, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of fish with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Add fish to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve with succotash.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/4 cup sliced roasted red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/3 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed
Mahimahi:
1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
4 (6-ounce) mahimahi or other firm white fish fillets
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Combine pepper, onions, and next 7 ingredients (through garlic), tossing to combine.
2. Combine corn and beans in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover with water. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes; drain. Add corn mixture to bell pepper mixture; toss to combine
3. To prepare mahimahi, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of fish with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Add fish to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve with succotash.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Orzo Salad
3 cups hot cooked orzo (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice-shaped pasta)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and toss well to coat. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and toss well to coat. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Mushroom-Herb Risotto
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds fresh mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups arborio or medium-grain white rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 1/2 cups fat-skimmed reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese or other dry Italian cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper
1. Pour oil into a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat; when hot, add mushrooms and stir often until the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 6 minutes. Add rice and stir until opaque, about 3 minutes.
2. Add wine and stir until it's absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 4 1/2 cups broth and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often until rice is tender to bite, 15 to 20 minutes. If a creamier consistency is desired, stir in about 1/2 cup more broth. Stir in cheese, parsley, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 1/2 pounds fresh mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups arborio or medium-grain white rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 1/2 cups fat-skimmed reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese or other dry Italian cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper
1. Pour oil into a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat; when hot, add mushrooms and stir often until the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 6 minutes. Add rice and stir until opaque, about 3 minutes.
2. Add wine and stir until it's absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 4 1/2 cups broth and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often until rice is tender to bite, 15 to 20 minutes. If a creamier consistency is desired, stir in about 1/2 cup more broth. Stir in cheese, parsley, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Deep-dish Taco Pizza
A kid-friendly picky-eater favorite.
1 pound ground round
1 package taco seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
Cooking spray
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar or part-skim mozzarella cheese
Salsa (optional)
Reduced-fat sour cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°.
Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain well, and return beef mixture to pan. Add seasoning, cook per directions on package.
Unroll pizza crust dough. Press into bottom and halfway up sides of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon beef mixture over pizza crust dough.
Bake at 425° for 12 minutes. Top with cheese, and bake 5 minutes or until cheese melts and edges of crust are browned. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm. Top with salsa and sour cream, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living
1 pound ground round
1 package taco seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
Cooking spray
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar or part-skim mozzarella cheese
Salsa (optional)
Reduced-fat sour cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°.
Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain well, and return beef mixture to pan. Add seasoning, cook per directions on package.
Unroll pizza crust dough. Press into bottom and halfway up sides of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon beef mixture over pizza crust dough.
Bake at 425° for 12 minutes. Top with cheese, and bake 5 minutes or until cheese melts and edges of crust are browned. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm. Top with salsa and sour cream, if desired.
--Adapted from Southern Living
Hot and Sour Soup
5 dried shiitake mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
5 dried wood ear mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
1 (32-ounce) carton fat-free, less-sodium vegetable broth
2 1/4 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 to 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound reduced-fat firm or extrafirm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Chili oil (optional)
Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; cover with boiling water. Cover and let stand 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Thinly slice mushrooms; set aside.
Combine broth, 2 cups water, ginger, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Add mushrooms. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and tofu; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
Combine remaining 1/4 cup water and cornstarch, stirring with a whisk. Stir cornstarch mixture into broth mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes or until soup thickens slightly, stirring frequently. Slowly pour egg whites into broth mixture in a steady stream, stirring constantly but gently with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat; stir in onions, cilantro, and sesame oil. Drizzle with chili oil, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
5 dried wood ear mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
1 (32-ounce) carton fat-free, less-sodium vegetable broth
2 1/4 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 to 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound reduced-fat firm or extrafirm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Chili oil (optional)
Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; cover with boiling water. Cover and let stand 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Thinly slice mushrooms; set aside.
Combine broth, 2 cups water, ginger, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Add mushrooms. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and tofu; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
Combine remaining 1/4 cup water and cornstarch, stirring with a whisk. Stir cornstarch mixture into broth mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes or until soup thickens slightly, stirring frequently. Slowly pour egg whites into broth mixture in a steady stream, stirring constantly but gently with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat; stir in onions, cilantro, and sesame oil. Drizzle with chili oil, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Cornbread Panzanella
8 ounces cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers
2 cups sliced radicchio (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons capers
1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place bread on a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine bread, bell peppers, and next 4 ingredients (through cucumber) in a large bowl. Combine vinegar and next 3 ingredients (through black pepper) in a small bowl. Gradually add oil, stirring with a whisk. Pour over bread mixture; toss.
4. Let stand 5-10 minutes or just until bread begins to soften. Sprinkle with basil.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers
2 cups sliced radicchio (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons capers
1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place bread on a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine bread, bell peppers, and next 4 ingredients (through cucumber) in a large bowl. Combine vinegar and next 3 ingredients (through black pepper) in a small bowl. Gradually add oil, stirring with a whisk. Pour over bread mixture; toss.
4. Let stand 5-10 minutes or just until bread begins to soften. Sprinkle with basil.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Tilapia with Cilantro Butter
Use any remaining cilantro butter on veggies.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
Cooking spray
1 lemon, quartered
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine first 3 ingredients; sprinkle over both sides of fish. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Coat both sides of fish with cooking spray; place in pan. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Place fish on a serving platter; squeeze lemon quarters over fish.
Place butter and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir until well blended. Serve with fish.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
Cooking spray
1 lemon, quartered
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine first 3 ingredients; sprinkle over both sides of fish. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Coat both sides of fish with cooking spray; place in pan. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Place fish on a serving platter; squeeze lemon quarters over fish.
Place butter and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir until well blended. Serve with fish.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Pasta Rags with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brown Butter
2 (1-pound) sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
24 wonton wrappers (or Anna's Flat Pastry)
6 quarts water
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400°.
Peel and chop sweet potato into 1/2 inch pieces;toss with olive oil and salt. Pull a piece of aluminum foil twice as long as a sheet pan. Place potatoes in a single layer on foil in pan. Fold remaining foil over potatoes. Loosely crimp edges to create a foil pouch. Bake for 15 minutes in pouch. Remove from oven, unfold pouch, and bake an additional 10 minutes or until potatoes begin to color.
Melt butter in a small skillet over high heat. Add chopped sage, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to pan; cook 1 minute or until butter is lightly browned. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, juice, and pepper.
Bring 6 quarts water to a boil. Add wonton wrappers (or pastry); cook 3 minutes or until done. Remove pasta from pot with a slotted spoon; add pasta to butter. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
24 wonton wrappers (or Anna's Flat Pastry)
6 quarts water
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400°.
Peel and chop sweet potato into 1/2 inch pieces;toss with olive oil and salt. Pull a piece of aluminum foil twice as long as a sheet pan. Place potatoes in a single layer on foil in pan. Fold remaining foil over potatoes. Loosely crimp edges to create a foil pouch. Bake for 15 minutes in pouch. Remove from oven, unfold pouch, and bake an additional 10 minutes or until potatoes begin to color.
Melt butter in a small skillet over high heat. Add chopped sage, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to pan; cook 1 minute or until butter is lightly browned. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, juice, and pepper.
Bring 6 quarts water to a boil. Add wonton wrappers (or pastry); cook 3 minutes or until done. Remove pasta from pot with a slotted spoon; add pasta to butter. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.
Sweet Potato Ravioli with Lemon-Sage Brown Butter
1 (1-pound) sweet potato
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
24 wonton wrappers
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
6 quarts water
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sage sprigs (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°.
Pierce potato several times with a fork; place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 40 minutes or until tender. Cool. Peel potato; mash. Combine potato, cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time (cover remaining wrappers with a damp towel to keep them from drying), spoon 1 tablespoon potato mixture into center of each wrapper. Brush edges of dough with egg white; bring 2 opposite corners to center. Press edges together to seal, forming a triangle. Repeat procedure with remaining wonton wrappers, potato filling, and egg white.
Bring 6 quarts water to a boil. Add 8 ravioli; cook 2 minutes or until done. Remove ravioli from pan with a slotted spoon. Lightly coat cooked wontons with cooking spray; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining ravioli.
Melt butter in a small skillet over high heat. Add chopped sage to pan; cook 1 minute or until butter is lightly browned. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, juice, and pepper. Drizzle butter mixture over ravioli. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
24 wonton wrappers
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
6 quarts water
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sage sprigs (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°.
Pierce potato several times with a fork; place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 40 minutes or until tender. Cool. Peel potato; mash. Combine potato, cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time (cover remaining wrappers with a damp towel to keep them from drying), spoon 1 tablespoon potato mixture into center of each wrapper. Brush edges of dough with egg white; bring 2 opposite corners to center. Press edges together to seal, forming a triangle. Repeat procedure with remaining wonton wrappers, potato filling, and egg white.
Bring 6 quarts water to a boil. Add 8 ravioli; cook 2 minutes or until done. Remove ravioli from pan with a slotted spoon. Lightly coat cooked wontons with cooking spray; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining ravioli.
Melt butter in a small skillet over high heat. Add chopped sage to pan; cook 1 minute or until butter is lightly browned. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, juice, and pepper. Drizzle butter mixture over ravioli. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Lemon Couscous
1 1/4 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in onions and remaining ingredients.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in onions and remaining ingredients.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Chive Green Beans
1 pound fresh haricot vert (thin French green beans), trimmed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon stone-ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Steam green beans, covered, 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from steamer; toss with remaining ingredients.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon stone-ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Steam green beans, covered, 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from steamer; toss with remaining ingredients.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Broccoli Casserole
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup drained canned sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup skim milk
4 teaspoons reduced-calorie margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
Vegetable cooking spray
Combine the first 7 ingredients in a medium saucepan; cook over low heat 4 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Add the broccoli, and cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently.
Spoon mixture into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup cooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup drained canned sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup skim milk
4 teaspoons reduced-calorie margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
Vegetable cooking spray
Combine the first 7 ingredients in a medium saucepan; cook over low heat 4 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Add the broccoli, and cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently.
Spoon mixture into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Roast Chicken Pitas with Cumin-Lemon Dressing
3 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken (about 1 [2-pound] chicken)
1 cup cubed seeded peeled cucumber (about 1 cucumber)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
4 garlic cloves, sliced
6 (6-inch) pitas
Preheat oven to 375°.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add cumin and garlic; cook 1 minute or until toasted, stirring frequently. Pour cumin mixture over chicken mixture; toss well to combine.
Wrap pitas in foil; bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until heated. Spoon 2/3 cup chicken mixture on each pita; roll up.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup cubed seeded peeled cucumber (about 1 cucumber)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
4 garlic cloves, sliced
6 (6-inch) pitas
Preheat oven to 375°.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add cumin and garlic; cook 1 minute or until toasted, stirring frequently. Pour cumin mixture over chicken mixture; toss well to combine.
Wrap pitas in foil; bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until heated. Spoon 2/3 cup chicken mixture on each pita; roll up.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Five-Spice Pork Lo Mein
Works equally well with firm veggies (peppers, zucchini, etc) in place of the pork.
8 ounces uncooked Chinese-style noodles
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons five-spice powder
1 (3/4-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into thin strips
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoons toasted peanut oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Place in a large bowl. Snip noodles several times with kitchen scissors.
Combine ginger, five-spice powder, and pork in a medium bowl; add 1/4 teaspoon salt, tossing to coat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork mixture; sauté 2 minutes or until browned. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, water, and hoisin sauce; cook 2 minutes or until pork is done. Add pork mixture and green onions to noodles; toss well to combine.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
8 ounces uncooked Chinese-style noodles
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons five-spice powder
1 (3/4-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into thin strips
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoons toasted peanut oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Place in a large bowl. Snip noodles several times with kitchen scissors.
Combine ginger, five-spice powder, and pork in a medium bowl; add 1/4 teaspoon salt, tossing to coat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork mixture; sauté 2 minutes or until browned. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, water, and hoisin sauce; cook 2 minutes or until pork is done. Add pork mixture and green onions to noodles; toss well to combine.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Instant Tiramisu
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup (6 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
24 ladyfingers (2 [3-ounce] packages)
1/2 cup Kahlúa
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
Combine the ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar in a food processor; process until smooth.
Split the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Arrange 24 halves in a single layer in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Drizzle with half the Kahlua, and let stand 5 minutes. Spread half of cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat procedure with the remaining ladyfingers, Kahlúa, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with cocoa.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3/4 cup (6 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
24 ladyfingers (2 [3-ounce] packages)
1/2 cup Kahlúa
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
Combine the ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar in a food processor; process until smooth.
Split the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Arrange 24 halves in a single layer in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Drizzle with half the Kahlua, and let stand 5 minutes. Spread half of cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat procedure with the remaining ladyfingers, Kahlúa, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with cocoa.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, divided
2 (16-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (2-pound, 13-ounce) jar pasta sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
9 precooked lasagna noodles
Stir together first 5 ingredients and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; set aside.
Mash beans with a potato masher or fork in a large bowl; stir in pasta sauce and cumin. Spread one-third of bean mixture on bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Layer with 3 noodles, half of spinach mixture, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; repeat layers. Spread with one-third bean mixture; top with remaining 3 noodles and remaining bean mixture.
Bake, covered, at 350° for 1 hour; uncover and top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, divided
2 (16-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (2-pound, 13-ounce) jar pasta sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
9 precooked lasagna noodles
Stir together first 5 ingredients and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; set aside.
Mash beans with a potato masher or fork in a large bowl; stir in pasta sauce and cumin. Spread one-third of bean mixture on bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Layer with 3 noodles, half of spinach mixture, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; repeat layers. Spread with one-third bean mixture; top with remaining 3 noodles and remaining bean mixture.
Bake, covered, at 350° for 1 hour; uncover and top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts.
--Adapted from Southern Living magazine
Sweet Pepper and Green Bean Risotto
3 1/2 cups (2-inch) cut green beans (about 3/4 pound)
2 quarts water
3 (14 1/2-ounce) cans vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups red bell pepper strips (about 2 peppers)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio rice
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cook beans in boiling water 4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Rinse with cold water until cool; drain.
Combine broth and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, thyme, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until wine is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of broth mixture; cook 4 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in beans; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, juice, salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 quarts water
3 (14 1/2-ounce) cans vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups red bell pepper strips (about 2 peppers)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio rice
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cook beans in boiling water 4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Rinse with cold water until cool; drain.
Combine broth and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, thyme, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until wine is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of broth mixture; cook 4 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in beans; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, juice, salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Sauteed Tilapia with Summer Vegetables
4 (6-ounce) striped tilapia fillets, skinned
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
Cooking spray
1 cup (2 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut yellow squash
1 cup (2 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut zucchini
1 cup (2 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut carrot
1 /4 cup sliced green onion
3/4 cup julienne-cut fennel stalks
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
Basil sprigs (optional)
Sprinkle fish with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add fish; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons oil, squash, and next 8 ingredients (squash through garlic), and toss well. Wipe skillet with paper towels; recoat with cooking spray. Add vegetable mixture, and saute 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Serve fish over vegetables; garnish with basil, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
Cooking spray
1 cup (2 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut yellow squash
1 cup (2 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut zucchini
1 cup (2 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut carrot
1 /4 cup sliced green onion
3/4 cup julienne-cut fennel stalks
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
Basil sprigs (optional)
Sprinkle fish with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add fish; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons oil, squash, and next 8 ingredients (squash through garlic), and toss well. Wipe skillet with paper towels; recoat with cooking spray. Add vegetable mixture, and saute 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Serve fish over vegetables; garnish with basil, if desired.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Rosemary Chicken Salad
3 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken (1 rotisserie chicken)
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped smoked almonds
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine ingedients.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped smoked almonds
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine ingedients.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Marinated Mushrooms
1 1/2 pounds medium-size fresh mushrooms
Vegetable cooking spray
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Clean mushrooms with damp paper towels; trim ends from stems. Set mushrooms aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add water and remaining 6 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add mushrooms. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally.
Transfer mushroom mixture to a bowl; let cool. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Drain mushroom mixture, discarding marinade.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Vegetable cooking spray
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Clean mushrooms with damp paper towels; trim ends from stems. Set mushrooms aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add water and remaining 6 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add mushrooms. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally.
Transfer mushroom mixture to a bowl; let cool. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Drain mushroom mixture, discarding marinade.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Grilled Asparagus Rafts
16 thick asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of salt
Prepare grill to high heat.
Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Arrange 4 asparagus spears on a flat surface. Thread 2 (3-inch) skewers or toothpicks horizontally through spears 1 inch from each end to form a raft. Repeat procedure with remaining asparagus spears.Combine soy sauce, oil, and garlic; brush evenly over asparagus rafts. Grill 3 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds, pepper, and salt.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of salt
Prepare grill to high heat.
Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Arrange 4 asparagus spears on a flat surface. Thread 2 (3-inch) skewers or toothpicks horizontally through spears 1 inch from each end to form a raft. Repeat procedure with remaining asparagus spears.Combine soy sauce, oil, and garlic; brush evenly over asparagus rafts. Grill 3 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds, pepper, and salt.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Marinated Green Bean and Potato Salad
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1/2 pound fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar, divided
1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1. Cook beans in boiling water 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge beans into ice water; drain.
2. Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until tender; drain. Return potatoes to pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to pan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
3. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle beans with vinegar mixture; toss well to coat. Place beans on a serving platter; arrange potatoes over beans. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, parsley, and bacon. Serve at room temperature.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 pound fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar, divided
1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1. Cook beans in boiling water 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge beans into ice water; drain.
2. Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until tender; drain. Return potatoes to pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to pan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
3. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle beans with vinegar mixture; toss well to coat. Place beans on a serving platter; arrange potatoes over beans. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, parsley, and bacon. Serve at room temperature.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Rock Salt Roasted Potatoes
1 (4-pound) box coarse food-grade rock salt
3 pounds small potatoes (about 24)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place 1/2-inch layer of rock salt in bottom of a shallow roasting pan. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on top of salt; pour remaining rock salt around and over potatoes. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes. Rub excess salt from potatoes. Combine thyme, oil, and pepper in a bowl. Add potatoes; toss gently to coat.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
3 pounds small potatoes (about 24)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place 1/2-inch layer of rock salt in bottom of a shallow roasting pan. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on top of salt; pour remaining rock salt around and over potatoes. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes. Rub excess salt from potatoes. Combine thyme, oil, and pepper in a bowl. Add potatoes; toss gently to coat.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Peas and Pods
3/4 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
2 cups fresh or frozen petite green peas, thawed
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
Steam snap peas, covered, 2 minutes. Add green peas to pan; steam 2 minutes.
Combine peas, butter, and salt in a large bowl; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with mint.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
2 cups fresh or frozen petite green peas, thawed
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
Steam snap peas, covered, 2 minutes. Add green peas to pan; steam 2 minutes.
Combine peas, butter, and salt in a large bowl; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with mint.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Peachy Barbecue Sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup peach preserves
1/4 cup bottled chili sauce
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Combine broth, preserves, chili sauce, shallots, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using an immersion blender, puree until smooth.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1 cup peach preserves
1/4 cup bottled chili sauce
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Combine broth, preserves, chili sauce, shallots, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using an immersion blender, puree until smooth.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
Cinnamon-Apple Cake
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup stick butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups chopped peeled Rome apple (about 2 large)
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350°.
Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, margarine, vanilla, and cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl, and stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.
Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
1/2 cup stick butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups chopped peeled Rome apple (about 2 large)
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350°.
Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, margarine, vanilla, and cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl, and stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.
Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife.
--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine
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