I'm sitting here writing and posting this from Florida, where it's a rainy, dreary day, due to Tropical Depression 9. There's a tropical storm warning, rain pretty much in the forecast for today and tomorrow...This is the price we pay here in Florida. The up side? When parts of the country are shoveling snow in February, we're "freezing" in much warmer weather. Such is life.
Enough rambling about the weather. Here are today's six recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!
SUMMER MINESTRONE SOUP
This is from Tablespoon, and begins, “Minestrone soup, swimming with beans and macaroni, is vegetable soup’s heartier Italian cousin. Preparing it in advance and having at the ready in your freezer will have you singing ‘That’s Amore’ when dinnertime comes around.” Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup Progresso™ cannellini beans, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cut (1/2-inch) green beans
1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ vegetable stock
Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired
Directions
In 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and salt; cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and oregano; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cannellini beans, zucchini, carrot, green beans and macaroni.
Add stock; heat to simmering over medium-high heat. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until macaroni is al dente. Top with Parmesan cheese.
To freeze: In 8-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and salt; cook about 4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, thyme and oregano; cook 2 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl. Stir in tomatoes and cannellini beans. Transfer to 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. Mix zucchini, carrot, green beans and macaroni in another 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. Freeze both bags up to 3 months. When ready to serve: In 4-quart saucepan, mix stock and bag of frozen tomato-bean mixture; heat to simmering over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook until frozen tomato-bean mixture is completely thawed, stirring occasionally. Add bag of vegetables and macaroni; return to simmering. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until macaroni is al dente. Top with Parmesan cheese.
ASPARAGUS AND EDAMAME SALAD
This quick and easy Asparagus and Edamame Salad, features fresh vegetables tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Makes 8 servings
Source: Jennie-O
View online with photo and print version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1334.shtml
Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
8 cups green leaf lettuce leaves, torn
1 cup sliced radishes
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Directions
Bring medium saucepan of salted water to a boil.
Add asparagus and cook 1 minute or until crisp tender.
Immediately plunge in ice water; drain completely.
In large bowl, toss together lettuce leaves, asparagus, radishes, fennel, edamame, mint and egg.
In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and sugar.
Drizzle desired amount over salad and toss.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 16 g; Sodium: 160 mg; Cholesterol: 20 mg; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g
CHOCOLATE-CHERRY BREAKFAST BREAD
This comes from the July 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Even our testers who said they don’t like the classic chocolate-cherry combo reached for seconds of these! For a festive brunch or a lazy Sunday breakfast, start a day ahead so you can serve the rolls right from the oven." Makes 16 rolls.
To view this online, click here.
1 0.25-oz. pkg. yeast
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. sugar
2 1/3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, or 1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, drained, or 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
Dissolve yeast and 1 Tbs. sugar in 1 cup warm water. Let stand 5 minutes, or until water is cloudy and smells yeasty.
Sift remaining sugar, flour, cocoa and salt in large mixing bowl. Add water and yeast to flour mixture, and stir with wooden spoon or spatula until smooth dough forms. Fold in butter. Transfer dough to well-floured work surface, and knead 7 to 10 minutes, or process 3 minutes in food processor, or until dough is smooth and elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
Pat dough into 10-inch square. Place chocolate pieces and cherries in center of square, then fold in sides like an envelope. Press edges to seal. Gently knead dough 10 to 12 times, or until chocolate and cherries are evenly distributed throughout. Transfer to oiled bowl, cover with clean dishtowel, and let rise 1 1/2 hours in warm place.
Punch down dough. Cover and store in refrigerator overnight, if desired, or place on well-floured work surface. Roll into thick log, then cut log into 16 equal rounds. Roll each round into a tight ball, and place on baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Repeat with remaining dough. Set baking sheet in warm place, and let rolls rise 30 to 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops appear dry and centers spring back when touched. Cool 15 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 141; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 147 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 11 g
BROCCOLI FRITTATA
This was from page 50 of the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, "You may serve this vegetable-rich main dish just out of the oven, or bake it ahead and serve at room temperature." Makes 8 servings; ovo-lacto.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a link to this on the Vegetarian Times website. I've noticed that many of the recipes from their pre-2000 issues are not online. (Vegetarian Times, if you need someone to post some of the older recipes onto your website, I'm available! Not as a volunteer, but let's talk!)
3/4 lb. broccoli florets (about 2 cups)
1 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup (4-oz.) feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp. paprika
6 large eggs
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 12-inch quiche dish or round cake pan. Steam broccoli until crisp-tender; remove from heat and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
When broccoli is cool enough to handle, cut into small pieces. In medium bowl, combine broccoli, sauteed onion and pepper, cheese, wheat germ and paprika; stir briefly to mix. In spearate bowl, beat eggs to blend yolks and whites. Stir eggs into vegetable mixture, then pour egg mixure into prepared dish.
Bake until eggs are set, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm, or let cool and serve at room temperature. To serve, cut into wedges.
Per serving: 189 cal.; 12 g protein; 13 g total fat (6 g sat. fat); 7 g carb; 187 mg chol.; 414 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.
PENNE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO
This comes from Giade De Laurentiis, star of The Food Network’s Everyday Italian. Total Time: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
2 garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, blend the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor and blend until the tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer the tomato mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the Parmesan.
Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper and serve.
SPAGHETTI PIE
This was featured on The Today Show in August, and got Matt Lauer's attention. I had never tried anything like this before. The recipe originally calls for 1 pound of ground turkey or sirloin beef. As a vegetarian who really wanted to try this, I substituted a 12-oz. package of Boca Meatless Ground Crumbles for the ground turkey or beef.
To view this online, along with video, go to http://www.today.com/food/spaghetti-pie-fun-way-make-dinner-leftovers-later-t39701.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti, cooked, 1/2 cup cooking water reserved
1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
12-oz. package of Boca Meatless Ground Crumbles
1 cup tomato paste, divided
3 large eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large skillet, saute the onions until soft. Add Boca Meatless Ground Crumbles, and 3/4 cup of the tomato paste. Add half the reserved pasta water and stir well. Season with salt, to taste. Consistency should be like a thick Bolognese sauce. Add more cooking water as needed.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the tomato paste.
Grease a 9 or 10-inch pie pan with olive oil. Spread half the meat mixture over the bottom of the pan. Add the spaghetti mixture and press it down to level it. Top with the remaining meat mixture, then scatter the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake the pie in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit about 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza slicer to cut into wedges like a pie. Serve with a green salad.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Cookies!
Who doesn't love cookies? Oh, sure, I'll bet someone is reading this, thinking, "My great-aunt so-and-so hates cookies!" But most of us like homemade cookies. I have great memories of sitting at our kitchen table when I was growing up, my grandmother regaling us with stories of her childhood over a plate of her homemade cookies and a pot of tea. In fact, I've included two of her cookies in this batch in her honor. So, whip up a batch of cookies today and make your own memories. Enjoy!
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This comes from Kim Severson, also n The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kim wrote, “This version of the childhood favorite came from Christopher Kimball, formerly the publisher and editor of Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines. Mr. Kimball calls for extra crunchy peanut butter here, plus a full cup of roasted salted peanuts, which results in a super crunchy and delightfully salty-sweet treat.” Yield: 4 dozen cookies; Time: 35 minutes.
This was featured in “Who’s Sticking With Us?”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup roasted salted peanuts
1/2 pound (2 sticks) salted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup extra-crunchy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
Adjust oven rack to low center position. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Place peanuts in a food processor and pulse until the texture of bread crumbs. Set aside.
In bowl of electric mixer or by hand, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping sides as necessary. Then beat in crunchy peanut butter until fully incorporated, followed by eggs and vanilla. Gently stir dry ingredients into peanut butter mixture. Fold in ground peanuts just until incorporated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop dough onto sheet in spoonfuls a little bigger than a golf ball, about two inches apart. Dip a fork in cold water and then press the back into dough, repeating to make a crisscross.
Bake until cookies are puffed and slightly brown along edges, but not top, 11 to 12 minutes. They will not look completely baked. Cool cookies on cookie sheet until set, about 3 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
Tip
Cookies will keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, up to 7 days.
PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES
This comes from the September 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66. It begins, "These goodies get extra crunch and fiber from rolled oats. Feel free to stir in more add-ins, such as 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or even small candies." Makes 26 cookies in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 Tbs. egg replacer powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. Beat brown sugar, shortening, and oil with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add peanut butter, and beat until well combined. Stir together 5 Tbs. water and egg replacer powder in measuring cup. Beat egg replacer mixture and vanilla into brown sugar mixture until smooth.
Beat flour mixture into wet mixture, then add chocolate chips and mix until combined. Scoop 1-Tbs. dollops of dough 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten dough balls to 1/2-inch thickness with fingers.
Bake 12 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown and dry on top. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool.
nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 148; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 97 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan
OAT FLOUR CHOCOLATE-CHIP COOKIES
This comes from the September 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 54. It begins, "These cookies turn out crispy and light rather than chewy. To make them truly gluten-free, choose oat flour that is certified gluten-free; some brands risk cross-contamination with wheat during production and packaging." Makes 2 dozen cookies.
To view this online, click here.
1 stick butter or margarine, softened (4 oz.)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups gluten-free oat flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, optional
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream butter and sugars with electric mixer in large bowl until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Combine oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) in separate bowl; add to butter mixture, and mix well with electric mixer. Fold in chocolate chips with spatula or wooden spoon.
Drop dough in 1-tsp.-size balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
GRANDMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This and the next recipe (Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies) are from my Grandma Hallock (my mom's mom). They can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1/2 C butter
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 C peanut butter
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg, well beaten
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES
Cookies were one of Grandma Hallock's specialties. Both of her cookie recipes included here were extremely popular.
1 C flour
1 C butter or margarine
1 C brown sugar
1/4 C boiling water
3 C quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
LEMON OATMEAL COOKIES
Servings: 36
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/31.shtml
Ingredients
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup egg whites
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated fresh, or finely chopped, dried lemon rind
1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
Directions
Place oil and brown sugar in a mixer bowl in a mixer bowl and mix at medium speed until creamy.
Add egg whites, lemon juice, rind and flavoring, and mix at medium speed until well blended.
Stir flour, oatmeal, baking powder, and baking soda together to blend well; add to creamy mixture while beating at medium speed. Stir in cereal.
Drop by the tablespoonful onto cookie sheets left ungreased, or lined with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned.
Remove cookies to a wire rack and cool.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 2/3 Bread and 1 Fat
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This comes from Kim Severson, also n The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kim wrote, “This version of the childhood favorite came from Christopher Kimball, formerly the publisher and editor of Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines. Mr. Kimball calls for extra crunchy peanut butter here, plus a full cup of roasted salted peanuts, which results in a super crunchy and delightfully salty-sweet treat.” Yield: 4 dozen cookies; Time: 35 minutes.
This was featured in “Who’s Sticking With Us?”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup roasted salted peanuts
1/2 pound (2 sticks) salted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup extra-crunchy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
Adjust oven rack to low center position. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Place peanuts in a food processor and pulse until the texture of bread crumbs. Set aside.
In bowl of electric mixer or by hand, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping sides as necessary. Then beat in crunchy peanut butter until fully incorporated, followed by eggs and vanilla. Gently stir dry ingredients into peanut butter mixture. Fold in ground peanuts just until incorporated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop dough onto sheet in spoonfuls a little bigger than a golf ball, about two inches apart. Dip a fork in cold water and then press the back into dough, repeating to make a crisscross.
Bake until cookies are puffed and slightly brown along edges, but not top, 11 to 12 minutes. They will not look completely baked. Cool cookies on cookie sheet until set, about 3 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
Tip
Cookies will keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, up to 7 days.
PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES
This comes from the September 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66. It begins, "These goodies get extra crunch and fiber from rolled oats. Feel free to stir in more add-ins, such as 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or even small candies." Makes 26 cookies in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 Tbs. egg replacer powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. Beat brown sugar, shortening, and oil with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add peanut butter, and beat until well combined. Stir together 5 Tbs. water and egg replacer powder in measuring cup. Beat egg replacer mixture and vanilla into brown sugar mixture until smooth.
Beat flour mixture into wet mixture, then add chocolate chips and mix until combined. Scoop 1-Tbs. dollops of dough 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten dough balls to 1/2-inch thickness with fingers.
Bake 12 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown and dry on top. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool.
nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 148; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 97 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan
OAT FLOUR CHOCOLATE-CHIP COOKIES
This comes from the September 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 54. It begins, "These cookies turn out crispy and light rather than chewy. To make them truly gluten-free, choose oat flour that is certified gluten-free; some brands risk cross-contamination with wheat during production and packaging." Makes 2 dozen cookies.
To view this online, click here.
1 stick butter or margarine, softened (4 oz.)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups gluten-free oat flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, optional
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream butter and sugars with electric mixer in large bowl until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Combine oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) in separate bowl; add to butter mixture, and mix well with electric mixer. Fold in chocolate chips with spatula or wooden spoon.
Drop dough in 1-tsp.-size balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
GRANDMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
This and the next recipe (Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies) are from my Grandma Hallock (my mom's mom). They can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1/2 C butter
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 C peanut butter
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg, well beaten
1/4 tsp. salt
Cream butter & peanut butter together. Add sugar gradually & cream thoroughly. Add egg. Sift flour once before measuring. Sift flour, soda, baking powder & salt together & add to creamed mixture. Chill dough well, then form into balls the size of walnuts. Place balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Flatten with fork dipped in flour, making criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
GRANDMA'S OATMEAL COOKIES
Cookies were one of Grandma Hallock's specialties. Both of her cookie recipes included here were extremely popular.
1 C flour
1 C butter or margarine
1 C brown sugar
1/4 C boiling water
3 C quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Mix flour & brown sugar. Add oatmeal; stir. Melt butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix baking soda into boiling water; add to other ingredients, stirring well. Place batter into loaf pan, lined with aluminum foil & place in freeze for several hours. Slice & bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
LEMON OATMEAL COOKIES
Servings: 36
View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/31.shtml
Ingredients
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup egg whites
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated fresh, or finely chopped, dried lemon rind
1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
Directions
Place oil and brown sugar in a mixer bowl in a mixer bowl and mix at medium speed until creamy.
Add egg whites, lemon juice, rind and flavoring, and mix at medium speed until well blended.
Stir flour, oatmeal, baking powder, and baking soda together to blend well; add to creamy mixture while beating at medium speed. Stir in cereal.
Drop by the tablespoonful onto cookie sheets left ungreased, or lined with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned.
Remove cookies to a wire rack and cool.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Exchanges: 2/3 Bread and 1 Fat
Monday, August 29, 2016
Monday Recipes
Enjoy!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH HOME FRIES
This comes from page 26 of the October 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Eggs with a medley of quick-cooked squash and cherry peppers create a colorful breakfast or brunch. For speedy peeling and cubing, use the “neck” portion of a large butternut squash so you can cut the peel straight down off the sides.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
4 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
1 medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
5 large red cherry peppers, seeded and chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
4 green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
4 large eggs
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash and onion; toss to blend. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, or until squash begins to brown. Stir, cover, and cook 5 to 6 minutes more, or until squash is tender and onions start to caramelize.
Add peppers and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper,if desired. Mix in green onions; cook 1 minute more. Divide among four plates or shallow bowls.
Return skillet to medium-high heat; coat with cooking spray. Drop in eggs. Cover, and cook 2 minutes, or until whites are firm but yolks are still soft. Top home fries with eggs.
nutritional information Per Per serving : 1 cup squash and 1 egg: Calories: 211; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 186 mg; Sodium: 84 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
ULTRA-EASY POT PIE
This comes from page 43 of the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “You can have all of the ingredients on hand for this pot pie and whip it up any time you need a hot, satisfying meal.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1 1/3 cups prepared vegan creamy potato-leek soup
1/2 tsp. dried crushed rosemary
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 10-oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
1 sheet vegan puff pastry, from 17.3-oz pkg., thawed
Position oven racks in middle and bottom positions, and preheat oven to 450˚F.
Whisk 2 Tbs. cold water into cornstarch in medium saucepan. Whisk in soup, rosemary, and cumin, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in vegetables, then spread mixture in 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.
Unfold puff pastry, and place over vegetable mixture; allow pastry to drape over pie pan. Trim pastry edges with scissors or sharp knife so that it fits tightly in pan. Prick pastry all over with fork or knife. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until puff pastry is puffed and golden.
nutritional information Per Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 373; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 607 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan
CHICKPEA TIKKA MASALA
This is from the March 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 24, and begins, “This mild veg version of an Indian restaurant favorite shows that Indian food doesn’t have to be ultra-spicy to be good.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
This can be viewed online here.
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 Tbs. garam masala
1 Tbs. tomato paste
2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 serrano chile, minced
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup low-fat Greek-style yogurt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garam masala, tomato paste, ginger, and serrano chile, and season with salt, if desired. Sauté 1 minute more.
Stir in chickpeas and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in yogurt and cilantro.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 328; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 52 g; Cholesterol: 2 mg; Sodium: 582 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Gluten-Free
VEGETARIAN DELHI DUM ALOO
This was in Yoga Journal, and begins, “Delhi Dum Aloo is a delicious North Indian vegetarian classic using tomato and potatoes along with a host of spices to develop deep flavor. India has a rich culinary heritage dating back hundreds of years. This tradition continues through the dedication and excellence of the Master Chefs of ITC Hotels, which guide all Kitchens of India products.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb Baby Potatoes
1 tsp Turmeric powder
4 Tbs Ghee (alt. butter/oil)
1 Medium Onion (diced)
2 Tbs Ginger paste (alt. minced ginger)
1 Tbs Garlic paste (alt. minced garlic)
1 lb Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 oz Cashews
2 oz Red chili paste (alt. diced Fresno or Jalapeno chili)
1 Tbs Chili powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tps Coriander powder
2 Bay leaves
1 tps Garam Masala powder
1 bunch Cilantro leaves (chopped)
Directions
Peel and pierce the potatoes. Boil until fork tender in a medium saucepan with turmeric and a tablespoon of salt, with water to cover. Strain and reserve.
Puree tomatoes in blender and reserve.
In dutch oven (alt. cast-iron/heavy saute pan), add ghee and shallow fry cashews until roasted.
Transfer cashews (leaving ghee in the pan) to a blender and puree, adding water as needed to make a paste.
Add bay leaves and onion to pan and saute until just beginning to color. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 1 min more.
Add tomato puree, cashew paste, chili paste & powder, salt, cumin, and coriander and cook for 10 min to allow flavors to blend.
Add 1 cup of water to pan and return to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minute until sauce reduces and thickens.
Finish with Garam Masala and serve with Basmati rice and naan (if desired).
ROASTED TOMATO AND CORN RISOTTO WITH ARUGULA BASIL PESTO
This comes from Heather Christo on The Today Show’s recipes site. The recipe begins, “Risotto is one of the most versatile recipes out there; you can add virtually any ingredients you like—from beets or red wine and bacon to zucchini or butternut squash—and create a beautiful, tasty, seasonal dish. Since this version omits the Parmesan cheese and butter typically added to risottos, it is a lighter dish, and the flavors of whatever ingredients you add really get a chance to shine. If you stir diligently, the final result will still be quite creamy. This pesto sauce features blanched garlic, arugula, and basil, which mellows the garlic flavor and gives the sauce a bright green color that doesn't turn brown like most other pestos.” Cook Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 6 - 8.
Note: The recipe originally calls for chicken stock or vegetable stock; for this blog, I've kept it at only vegetable stock.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
1⁄4 cup raw corn kernels
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Arugula Basil Pesto
3 cloves garlic
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
4 cups packed arugula leaves
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
Kosher salt
Risotto
6 cups vegetable stock
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1 cup raw corn kernels
Kosher salt
2 cups fresh arugula
1 avocado, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
Kosher salt
Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
To prepare the roasted vegetables: Preheat the oven to 450º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the corn kernels and the cherry tomatoes on the baking sheet and drizzle the oil over the top.
To make the arugula basil pesto: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice and water. Add the garlic cloves to the boiling water. After 20 seconds, add the basil and arugula and blanch for 8 to 10 seconds. Scoop out the basil, arugula, and garlic with a large strainer and immediately plunge into the ice water.
Wring the herbs of the extra water and put them in a blender with the blanched garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Puree on high until smooth and then season with salt. Set aside.
To make the risotto: In a medium pot, heat the vegetable stock over medium-low heat.
In a large heavy pan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until soft.
Add the rice and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is translucent except for a white center.
Start adding the hot vegetable stock 1 cup at a time while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. As the stock is absorbed, add another cup. Continue until all the stock has been incorporated and the rice is cooked to al dente. This should take about 20 minutes. In the final minute, add the corn.
Remove from the heat and stir in the basil arugula pesto. Season with salt.
Seven minutes before the risotto is to be finished, put the tomatoes and corn in the oven and roast for 7 minutes, until sizzling and golden. The tomatoes will burst.
In a small bowl, gently toss the arugula and avocado with the olive oil and a little salt.
Spoon the risotto into bowls and top with some of the salad and roasted cherry tomatoes. Garnish with the roasted corn and some small fresh basil leaves, if desired.
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This came in a recent New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH HOME FRIES
This comes from page 26 of the October 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Eggs with a medley of quick-cooked squash and cherry peppers create a colorful breakfast or brunch. For speedy peeling and cubing, use the “neck” portion of a large butternut squash so you can cut the peel straight down off the sides.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
4 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
1 medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
5 large red cherry peppers, seeded and chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
4 green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
4 large eggs
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash and onion; toss to blend. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, or until squash begins to brown. Stir, cover, and cook 5 to 6 minutes more, or until squash is tender and onions start to caramelize.
Add peppers and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper,if desired. Mix in green onions; cook 1 minute more. Divide among four plates or shallow bowls.
Return skillet to medium-high heat; coat with cooking spray. Drop in eggs. Cover, and cook 2 minutes, or until whites are firm but yolks are still soft. Top home fries with eggs.
nutritional information Per Per serving : 1 cup squash and 1 egg: Calories: 211; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 186 mg; Sodium: 84 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 7 g; Gluten-Free
ULTRA-EASY POT PIE
This comes from page 43 of the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “You can have all of the ingredients on hand for this pot pie and whip it up any time you need a hot, satisfying meal.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1 1/3 cups prepared vegan creamy potato-leek soup
1/2 tsp. dried crushed rosemary
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 10-oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
1 sheet vegan puff pastry, from 17.3-oz pkg., thawed
Position oven racks in middle and bottom positions, and preheat oven to 450˚F.
Whisk 2 Tbs. cold water into cornstarch in medium saucepan. Whisk in soup, rosemary, and cumin, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in vegetables, then spread mixture in 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.
Unfold puff pastry, and place over vegetable mixture; allow pastry to drape over pie pan. Trim pastry edges with scissors or sharp knife so that it fits tightly in pan. Prick pastry all over with fork or knife. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until puff pastry is puffed and golden.
nutritional information Per Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 373; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 607 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan
CHICKPEA TIKKA MASALA
This is from the March 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 24, and begins, “This mild veg version of an Indian restaurant favorite shows that Indian food doesn’t have to be ultra-spicy to be good.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
This can be viewed online here.
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 Tbs. garam masala
1 Tbs. tomato paste
2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 serrano chile, minced
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup low-fat Greek-style yogurt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garam masala, tomato paste, ginger, and serrano chile, and season with salt, if desired. Sauté 1 minute more.
Stir in chickpeas and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in yogurt and cilantro.
nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 328; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 52 g; Cholesterol: 2 mg; Sodium: 582 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Gluten-Free
VEGETARIAN DELHI DUM ALOO
This was in Yoga Journal, and begins, “Delhi Dum Aloo is a delicious North Indian vegetarian classic using tomato and potatoes along with a host of spices to develop deep flavor. India has a rich culinary heritage dating back hundreds of years. This tradition continues through the dedication and excellence of the Master Chefs of ITC Hotels, which guide all Kitchens of India products.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb Baby Potatoes
1 tsp Turmeric powder
4 Tbs Ghee (alt. butter/oil)
1 Medium Onion (diced)
2 Tbs Ginger paste (alt. minced ginger)
1 Tbs Garlic paste (alt. minced garlic)
1 lb Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 oz Cashews
2 oz Red chili paste (alt. diced Fresno or Jalapeno chili)
1 Tbs Chili powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tps Coriander powder
2 Bay leaves
1 tps Garam Masala powder
1 bunch Cilantro leaves (chopped)
Directions
Peel and pierce the potatoes. Boil until fork tender in a medium saucepan with turmeric and a tablespoon of salt, with water to cover. Strain and reserve.
Puree tomatoes in blender and reserve.
In dutch oven (alt. cast-iron/heavy saute pan), add ghee and shallow fry cashews until roasted.
Transfer cashews (leaving ghee in the pan) to a blender and puree, adding water as needed to make a paste.
Add bay leaves and onion to pan and saute until just beginning to color. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 1 min more.
Add tomato puree, cashew paste, chili paste & powder, salt, cumin, and coriander and cook for 10 min to allow flavors to blend.
Add 1 cup of water to pan and return to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minute until sauce reduces and thickens.
Finish with Garam Masala and serve with Basmati rice and naan (if desired).
ROASTED TOMATO AND CORN RISOTTO WITH ARUGULA BASIL PESTO
This comes from Heather Christo on The Today Show’s recipes site. The recipe begins, “Risotto is one of the most versatile recipes out there; you can add virtually any ingredients you like—from beets or red wine and bacon to zucchini or butternut squash—and create a beautiful, tasty, seasonal dish. Since this version omits the Parmesan cheese and butter typically added to risottos, it is a lighter dish, and the flavors of whatever ingredients you add really get a chance to shine. If you stir diligently, the final result will still be quite creamy. This pesto sauce features blanched garlic, arugula, and basil, which mellows the garlic flavor and gives the sauce a bright green color that doesn't turn brown like most other pestos.” Cook Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 6 - 8.
Note: The recipe originally calls for chicken stock or vegetable stock; for this blog, I've kept it at only vegetable stock.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
1⁄4 cup raw corn kernels
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Arugula Basil Pesto
3 cloves garlic
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
4 cups packed arugula leaves
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
Kosher salt
Risotto
6 cups vegetable stock
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1 cup raw corn kernels
Kosher salt
2 cups fresh arugula
1 avocado, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
Kosher salt
Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
To prepare the roasted vegetables: Preheat the oven to 450º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the corn kernels and the cherry tomatoes on the baking sheet and drizzle the oil over the top.
To make the arugula basil pesto: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice and water. Add the garlic cloves to the boiling water. After 20 seconds, add the basil and arugula and blanch for 8 to 10 seconds. Scoop out the basil, arugula, and garlic with a large strainer and immediately plunge into the ice water.
Wring the herbs of the extra water and put them in a blender with the blanched garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Puree on high until smooth and then season with salt. Set aside.
To make the risotto: In a medium pot, heat the vegetable stock over medium-low heat.
In a large heavy pan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until soft.
Add the rice and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is translucent except for a white center.
Start adding the hot vegetable stock 1 cup at a time while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. As the stock is absorbed, add another cup. Continue until all the stock has been incorporated and the rice is cooked to al dente. This should take about 20 minutes. In the final minute, add the corn.
Remove from the heat and stir in the basil arugula pesto. Season with salt.
Seven minutes before the risotto is to be finished, put the tomatoes and corn in the oven and roast for 7 minutes, until sizzling and golden. The tomatoes will burst.
In a small bowl, gently toss the arugula and avocado with the olive oil and a little salt.
Spoon the risotto into bowls and top with some of the salad and roasted cherry tomatoes. Garnish with the roasted corn and some small fresh basil leaves, if desired.
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This came in a recent New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Friday Recipes
Enjoy!
SWEET POTATO SOUFFLE
My mom’s recipe, which can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking. There were never any left-overs.
4-5 sweet potatoes
1 egg
1 small can pineapple
1 C nuts
2 T orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp. salt
Cinnamon
dash pepper
1/2 C brown sugar
9 large marshmallows
Peel & dice sweet potatoes, place in pan of water, and cook until tender. Mash & add other ingredients except marshmallows. Put in square pan, cut in 9 squares & place 1 marshmallow in each square. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
GARBANZOS AND GREENS WITH CHORIZO
This comes from David Tanis, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas and Broth:
1 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/2 onion, stuck with a clove
1 small carrot, peeled, cut in 2-inch chunks
1 small bay leaf
Salt
For the Garbanzos and Greens:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
Salt and pepper
6 ounces Spanish chorizo, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pimentón
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and coarsely ground
1 pound kale or chard, washed and cut in wide ribbons
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted, optional
Preparation
Pick over chickpeas, put them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Drain chickpeas (they should have swelled considerably) and put them in a soup pot. Cover with 6 cups water, add the onion stuck with clove, the carrot and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and let chickpeas simmer gently. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until chickpeas are tender. (If chickpeas seem to be drying out during cooking, add 1/2 cup water to keep them submerged in liquid.) Season generously with salt, and leave chickpeas to cool in the broth (cooking liquid). You should have about 2 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas. (They may be cooked a day in advance, if desired.)
Put olive oil in a deep, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo and let it fry a bit, then turn heat to medium. Add the garlic, pimentón and 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin, and stir to coat. Add the cooked chickpeas and 1/2 cup broth. Bring to a simmer, add the greens and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir to allow the greens to wilt. Put on the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until greens are completely cooked. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve as a tapa or side dish, transfer to a cazuela or deep serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and the pine nuts, if using. Alternatively, to serve as soup, spoon the garbanzo-and-greens mixture into 4 deep soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup heated broth into each bowl, and sprinkle soup with the remaining cumin.
EGGPLANT AND TOMATO CASSEROLE
Yield: 8 servings
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details.22.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/310.shtml
Ingredients
1 large eggplant (2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs
3 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook eggplant in 2 inches simmering water in covered medium saucepan until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well. Mash eggplant with fork; mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, basil, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.
Spoon eggplant mixture into 11x7-inch baking dish. Arrange tomatoes in rows over eggplant; sprinkle with cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F. until hot through, about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 5.1g; Sodium: 245mg; Cholesterol: 53.3mg; Fat: 1.9g; Carbohydrates: 16.9g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat
TOFU AND SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS
This comes from the April/May 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 40. It begins, “Olive oil–poached garlic gives tofu a deep, mellow flavor, while miso and vinegar provide a cheese-like tang.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
6 oz. jumbo pasta shells
12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 16-oz. block firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
2 Tbs. unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. white miso
5 oz. baby spinach leaves (6 cups)
1 24-oz. jar prepared pasta sauce
2 Tbs. chopped Kalamata olives, optional
2 Tbs. chopped green olives, optional
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and drain again, then place on clean kitchen towel to cool and dry.
Bring garlic and olive oil to a simmer in small skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until garlic is soft and golden. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Crumble tofu into bowl of food processor, and blend with vinegar, lemon juice, miso, garlic, and oil until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.
Heat large saucepan over medium heat. Add spinach and 2 Tbs. water, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until leaves are wilted. Transfer to strainer, and squeeze out excess liquid. Roughly chop, and stir into tofu mixture.
Spoon 2 Tbs. filling into each pasta shell, and place in single layer in large baking dish. Cover with pasta sauce, sprinkle with olives (if using), and bake 45 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per 3 stuffed shells: Calories: 343; Protein: 13 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 562 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Vegan
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, click here.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
TEN MINUTE VEGAN VEGETABLE FAJITAS
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food expert. Jolina wrote, “Eating vegan? Like fajitas? Try this quick and easy vegetable fajitas recipe calling for red and green bell peppers. You can get these easy vegetarian fajitas on the table in less than ten minutes (yes, really!). No problem! Yes, it may look like a long ingredients list, but it's mostly just bell peppers and a few seasonings, including curry powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Super short on time or just short on fresh spices? Toss in a half to two-thirds of a packet of taco seasoning in place of the individual spices, because why not?
“There's no wrong way to make Mexican food, in my personal burrito-addicted opinion, and recipes such as this one show off just how quick, easy and versatile Mexican food can be. Start with bell peppers, add some salsa (whether fresh homemade salsa or store-bought) and sour cream and you've got yourself a meal. Keep the hot sauce nearby, if that's your thing, and sneak in some homemade guacamole if avocados are in season. Sure, you can add in some meat substitute, lightly browned seitan or even a bit of sauteed or fried or baked tofu if you want something a bit heartier, or, just keep it simple and follow the recipe as is.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: makes 4 fajitas (2 - 4 servings).
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 onion, sliced thin
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup sour cream or non-dairy sour cream substitute (optional, but tasty!)
4 flour tortillas, warmed
Preparation
In a large skillet or frying pan, sautee the bell pepper and onion in olive oil. Add the garlic salt, curry powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper and allow to cook, stirring frequently, until peppers and onion are soft, about 5 - 7 minutes. Make sure to not overcook the bell peppers; they should be tender, but not too soft.
Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for just a few seconds, or in the oven.
I like to use my toaster oven for this, so I don't have to turn on the big oven just to warm up tortillas.
Divide the peppers between the four warmed flour tortillas. Add a bit of salsa and sour cream (or a vegan non-dairy substitute) to each and serve immediately.
Enjoy your vegetable fajitas with bell peppers! Yum!
SWEET POTATO SOUFFLE
My mom’s recipe, which can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking. There were never any left-overs.
4-5 sweet potatoes
1 egg
1 small can pineapple
1 C nuts
2 T orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp. salt
Cinnamon
dash pepper
1/2 C brown sugar
9 large marshmallows
Peel & dice sweet potatoes, place in pan of water, and cook until tender. Mash & add other ingredients except marshmallows. Put in square pan, cut in 9 squares & place 1 marshmallow in each square. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
GARBANZOS AND GREENS WITH CHORIZO
This comes from David Tanis, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas and Broth:
1 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/2 onion, stuck with a clove
1 small carrot, peeled, cut in 2-inch chunks
1 small bay leaf
Salt
For the Garbanzos and Greens:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
Salt and pepper
6 ounces Spanish chorizo, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pimentón
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and coarsely ground
1 pound kale or chard, washed and cut in wide ribbons
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted, optional
Preparation
Pick over chickpeas, put them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Drain chickpeas (they should have swelled considerably) and put them in a soup pot. Cover with 6 cups water, add the onion stuck with clove, the carrot and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and let chickpeas simmer gently. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until chickpeas are tender. (If chickpeas seem to be drying out during cooking, add 1/2 cup water to keep them submerged in liquid.) Season generously with salt, and leave chickpeas to cool in the broth (cooking liquid). You should have about 2 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas. (They may be cooked a day in advance, if desired.)
Put olive oil in a deep, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo and let it fry a bit, then turn heat to medium. Add the garlic, pimentón and 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin, and stir to coat. Add the cooked chickpeas and 1/2 cup broth. Bring to a simmer, add the greens and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir to allow the greens to wilt. Put on the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until greens are completely cooked. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve as a tapa or side dish, transfer to a cazuela or deep serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and the pine nuts, if using. Alternatively, to serve as soup, spoon the garbanzo-and-greens mixture into 4 deep soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup heated broth into each bowl, and sprinkle soup with the remaining cumin.
EGGPLANT AND TOMATO CASSEROLE
Yield: 8 servings
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details.22.shtml
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/310.shtml
Ingredients
1 large eggplant (2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs
3 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook eggplant in 2 inches simmering water in covered medium saucepan until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well. Mash eggplant with fork; mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, basil, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.
Spoon eggplant mixture into 11x7-inch baking dish. Arrange tomatoes in rows over eggplant; sprinkle with cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F. until hot through, about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 5.1g; Sodium: 245mg; Cholesterol: 53.3mg; Fat: 1.9g; Carbohydrates: 16.9g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat
TOFU AND SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS
This comes from the April/May 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 40. It begins, “Olive oil–poached garlic gives tofu a deep, mellow flavor, while miso and vinegar provide a cheese-like tang.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
6 oz. jumbo pasta shells
12 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 16-oz. block firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
2 Tbs. unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. white miso
5 oz. baby spinach leaves (6 cups)
1 24-oz. jar prepared pasta sauce
2 Tbs. chopped Kalamata olives, optional
2 Tbs. chopped green olives, optional
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and drain again, then place on clean kitchen towel to cool and dry.
Bring garlic and olive oil to a simmer in small skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until garlic is soft and golden. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Crumble tofu into bowl of food processor, and blend with vinegar, lemon juice, miso, garlic, and oil until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.
Heat large saucepan over medium heat. Add spinach and 2 Tbs. water, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until leaves are wilted. Transfer to strainer, and squeeze out excess liquid. Roughly chop, and stir into tofu mixture.
Spoon 2 Tbs. filling into each pasta shell, and place in single layer in large baking dish. Cover with pasta sauce, sprinkle with olives (if using), and bake 45 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per 3 stuffed shells: Calories: 343; Protein: 13 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 562 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Vegan
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, click here.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
TEN MINUTE VEGAN VEGETABLE FAJITAS
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food expert. Jolina wrote, “Eating vegan? Like fajitas? Try this quick and easy vegetable fajitas recipe calling for red and green bell peppers. You can get these easy vegetarian fajitas on the table in less than ten minutes (yes, really!). No problem! Yes, it may look like a long ingredients list, but it's mostly just bell peppers and a few seasonings, including curry powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Super short on time or just short on fresh spices? Toss in a half to two-thirds of a packet of taco seasoning in place of the individual spices, because why not?
“There's no wrong way to make Mexican food, in my personal burrito-addicted opinion, and recipes such as this one show off just how quick, easy and versatile Mexican food can be. Start with bell peppers, add some salsa (whether fresh homemade salsa or store-bought) and sour cream and you've got yourself a meal. Keep the hot sauce nearby, if that's your thing, and sneak in some homemade guacamole if avocados are in season. Sure, you can add in some meat substitute, lightly browned seitan or even a bit of sauteed or fried or baked tofu if you want something a bit heartier, or, just keep it simple and follow the recipe as is.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: makes 4 fajitas (2 - 4 servings).
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 onion, sliced thin
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup sour cream or non-dairy sour cream substitute (optional, but tasty!)
4 flour tortillas, warmed
Preparation
In a large skillet or frying pan, sautee the bell pepper and onion in olive oil. Add the garlic salt, curry powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper and allow to cook, stirring frequently, until peppers and onion are soft, about 5 - 7 minutes. Make sure to not overcook the bell peppers; they should be tender, but not too soft.
Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for just a few seconds, or in the oven.
I like to use my toaster oven for this, so I don't have to turn on the big oven just to warm up tortillas.
Divide the peppers between the four warmed flour tortillas. Add a bit of salsa and sour cream (or a vegan non-dairy substitute) to each and serve immediately.
Enjoy your vegetable fajitas with bell peppers! Yum!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Thursday Recipes
Enjoy!
GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE WITH CREAMY AVOCADO RANCH DRESSING
This, as well as the next recipe (Chipotle-Molasses Barbecued Tempeh, came from the July 2015 issue of Better Nutrition, which I picked up at my favorite store, Rollin’ Oats in St. Petersburg, Florida. It begins, “Romaine leaves take on a complex, smoky flavor when grilled. Smother them with fresh-tasting vegan ‘ranch’ for a scrumptious salad that stands up to any steakhouse Caesar.” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
4 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
4 medium tomatoes, quartered
1/3 cup olive oil, plus additional for brushing
3/4 cup cashew butter
1 small avocado, pitted and peeled
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. honey
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbs. dried dill weed
Lightly oil grill racks and preheat grill to medium high. Brush all surfaces of romaine and tomatoes with olive oil.
Arrange, cut side down, on grill (use a grill grate for tomatoes). Grill tomatoes 4 minutes, romaine 5–6 minutes.
While lettuce and tomatoes are grilling, combine remaining ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, arrange lettuce halves and tomatoes on 8 individual plates. Pour dressing over all, and serve immediately.
per serving: 280 cal; 5g pro; 25g total fat (4g sat fat); 13g carb; 0mg chol; 105mg sod; 3g fiber; 4g sugars
CHIPOTLE-MOLASSES BARBECUED TEMPEH
This begins, “This recipe contains honey, which may or may not be part of your vegan diet. You can easily swap out traditional honey with a vegan alternative like Bee Free Honee (beefreehonee.com).” Serves 8.
1 1/2 cups tomato purée
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1 medium canned chipotle pepper, seeds removed
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1 Tbs. molasses
2 Tbs. honey
1 Tbs. tamari
2 blocks tempeh
2 Tbs. olive oil
Ciabatta bread or whole-grain hamburger buns, optional
In medium saucepan, combine tomato purée, tomato paste, onion, garlic, chipotle chili, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, uncovered. Transfer to blender, add molasses, honey, and tamari, and purée until smooth.
Cut each tempeh block in half crosswise, then split lengthwise to make thinner slabs. Arrange in baking dish and brush with oil. Pour barbecue sauce over tempeh, and bake 10 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and tempeh is cooked through.
Remove from oven and let cool. Cover baking dish to transport to barbecue; warm tempeh slabs on grill and serve on buns, if desired.
per serving (without buns): 200 cal; 12g pro; 10g total fat (2g sat fat); 20g carb; 0mg chol; 450mg sod; 2g fiber; 11g sugars
SIMPLE VEGGIE SKEWERS
Yield: 12 appetizers
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
Print: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/779.shtml
Ingredients
1 medium-small zucchini squash
12 cubes (3/4-inches each) reduced-fat white cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese (about 3 ounces)
12 small whole fresh mushrooms
12 pitted jumbo black olives
12 cherry or grape tomatoes
12 wooden skewers (6-inches each)
1/2 cup light ranch salad dressing (optional)
Directions
Trim the ends off the zucchini, quarter it lengthwise, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
Thread 1 of the zucchini pieces, 1 cube of cheese, 1 mushroom, 1 olive, 1 tomato, and another zucchini piece onto each skewer.
Serve immediately (accompanied by the dressing if desired) or cover and chill for several hours before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 58; Protein: 5 g; Sodium: 138 mg; Cholesterol: 7 mg; Fat: 2.8 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Vegetable, 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat
SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA SALAD
This comes from Fiona Haynes, About.com’s Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona wrote, “This colorful southwestern-style quinoa salad is great for those looking for an alternative to rice- or pasta-based salads. For those needing to eat gluten free, quinoa is a great option.” Prep time: 0 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups fat-free, low-sodium gluten-free chicken broth
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn
1 15 ounce can low-sodium black beans
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 large lime or 2 small ones (about 1/4 cup)
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin
Preparation
Rinse quinoa thoroughly to rid it of its bitter coating.
Place in a 2 quart saucepan with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Allow to cool.
Place cooled cooked quinoa in a salad bowl with the corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper and cilantro.
Whisk lime juice, oil, and cumin in a small bowl.
Drizzle over quinoa salad, then toss.
Per Serving: Calories 181, Calories from Fat 34, Total Fat 3.8g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 94mg, Carbohydrate 29.8g, Fiber 4.4g, Protein 7g
PINK LADY PUNCH
This recipe was one that my mom had kicking around for years, though I’m really not sure where she got it from. This recipe and the next one for Spice Tea can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
4 C cranberry juice
4 C pineapple juice
1 1/2 C sugar
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
SPICE TEA
I used to make this every year to hand out as Christmas presents, though it makes a nice gift at any time.
8 oz loose tea
1 1/2-2 sticks cinnamon
3 orange peels
2 T chopped cloves
Cut orange peels into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occaionally. Let cool, add to loose tea, along with broken cinnamon sticks & cloves. Store in tight containers.
GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE WITH CREAMY AVOCADO RANCH DRESSING
This, as well as the next recipe (Chipotle-Molasses Barbecued Tempeh, came from the July 2015 issue of Better Nutrition, which I picked up at my favorite store, Rollin’ Oats in St. Petersburg, Florida. It begins, “Romaine leaves take on a complex, smoky flavor when grilled. Smother them with fresh-tasting vegan ‘ranch’ for a scrumptious salad that stands up to any steakhouse Caesar.” Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
4 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
4 medium tomatoes, quartered
1/3 cup olive oil, plus additional for brushing
3/4 cup cashew butter
1 small avocado, pitted and peeled
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. honey
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbs. dried dill weed
Lightly oil grill racks and preheat grill to medium high. Brush all surfaces of romaine and tomatoes with olive oil.
Arrange, cut side down, on grill (use a grill grate for tomatoes). Grill tomatoes 4 minutes, romaine 5–6 minutes.
While lettuce and tomatoes are grilling, combine remaining ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, arrange lettuce halves and tomatoes on 8 individual plates. Pour dressing over all, and serve immediately.
per serving: 280 cal; 5g pro; 25g total fat (4g sat fat); 13g carb; 0mg chol; 105mg sod; 3g fiber; 4g sugars
CHIPOTLE-MOLASSES BARBECUED TEMPEH
This begins, “This recipe contains honey, which may or may not be part of your vegan diet. You can easily swap out traditional honey with a vegan alternative like Bee Free Honee (beefreehonee.com).” Serves 8.
1 1/2 cups tomato purée
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1 medium canned chipotle pepper, seeds removed
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1 Tbs. molasses
2 Tbs. honey
1 Tbs. tamari
2 blocks tempeh
2 Tbs. olive oil
Ciabatta bread or whole-grain hamburger buns, optional
In medium saucepan, combine tomato purée, tomato paste, onion, garlic, chipotle chili, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, uncovered. Transfer to blender, add molasses, honey, and tamari, and purée until smooth.
Cut each tempeh block in half crosswise, then split lengthwise to make thinner slabs. Arrange in baking dish and brush with oil. Pour barbecue sauce over tempeh, and bake 10 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and tempeh is cooked through.
Remove from oven and let cool. Cover baking dish to transport to barbecue; warm tempeh slabs on grill and serve on buns, if desired.
per serving (without buns): 200 cal; 12g pro; 10g total fat (2g sat fat); 20g carb; 0mg chol; 450mg sod; 2g fiber; 11g sugars
SIMPLE VEGGIE SKEWERS
Yield: 12 appetizers
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
Print: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/779.shtml
Ingredients
1 medium-small zucchini squash
12 cubes (3/4-inches each) reduced-fat white cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese (about 3 ounces)
12 small whole fresh mushrooms
12 pitted jumbo black olives
12 cherry or grape tomatoes
12 wooden skewers (6-inches each)
1/2 cup light ranch salad dressing (optional)
Directions
Trim the ends off the zucchini, quarter it lengthwise, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
Thread 1 of the zucchini pieces, 1 cube of cheese, 1 mushroom, 1 olive, 1 tomato, and another zucchini piece onto each skewer.
Serve immediately (accompanied by the dressing if desired) or cover and chill for several hours before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 58; Protein: 5 g; Sodium: 138 mg; Cholesterol: 7 mg; Fat: 2.8 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Vegetable, 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat
SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA SALAD
This comes from Fiona Haynes, About.com’s Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona wrote, “This colorful southwestern-style quinoa salad is great for those looking for an alternative to rice- or pasta-based salads. For those needing to eat gluten free, quinoa is a great option.” Prep time: 0 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups fat-free, low-sodium gluten-free chicken broth
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn
1 15 ounce can low-sodium black beans
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 large lime or 2 small ones (about 1/4 cup)
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin
Preparation
Rinse quinoa thoroughly to rid it of its bitter coating.
Place in a 2 quart saucepan with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Allow to cool.
Place cooled cooked quinoa in a salad bowl with the corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper and cilantro.
Whisk lime juice, oil, and cumin in a small bowl.
Drizzle over quinoa salad, then toss.
Per Serving: Calories 181, Calories from Fat 34, Total Fat 3.8g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 94mg, Carbohydrate 29.8g, Fiber 4.4g, Protein 7g
PINK LADY PUNCH
This recipe was one that my mom had kicking around for years, though I’m really not sure where she got it from. This recipe and the next one for Spice Tea can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
4 C cranberry juice
4 C pineapple juice
1 1/2 C sugar
2 qts. chilled ginger ale
Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.
SPICE TEA
I used to make this every year to hand out as Christmas presents, though it makes a nice gift at any time.
8 oz loose tea
1 1/2-2 sticks cinnamon
3 orange peels
2 T chopped cloves
Cut orange peels into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occaionally. Let cool, add to loose tea, along with broken cinnamon sticks & cloves. Store in tight containers.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Wednesday Recipes
Here are today's six vegetarian recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!
PURPLE HAZE SMOOTHIE
Variation on a theme. If you’ve glanced at this blog the past few days, you might be getting the idea that you can make smoothies out of almost any fruit and/or juice (or milk), you’re right. Experiment; use any juice to your liking: apple, cranberry, orange (my favorite), whatever, then add whatever fruits you have around. If none of the fruits are conducive to freezing (berries work best), add a few ice cubes, or better still, frozen juice cubes. This one is similar to the previous smoothies. The blueberries give it a pleasant taste and a beautiful color.
This, and the next recipe (Lizard Lounge Tea) can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking. I know, shameless plug, but that’s beside the point.
1 - 1 1/2 C orange juice (note)
1/2 C frozen blueberries
4 frozen strawberries (opt.)
1/2 C yogurt
1/2 C frozen cranberries
1 T wheat germ
Blend orange juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ, blend for 5-15 more seconds.
NOTE: If adding strawberries, add the extra 1/2 C orange juice. Or use 1 C juice and 1/2 C soymilk.
LIZARD LOUNGE TEA
My oldiest son spent several summers traveling the country, both singly and with friends. Several times, he wound up at the Rainbow Gathering, where he hooked up with a group of friends. Most of them had grown up in hot areas of the country, so they nicknamed themselves lizards; their area of the camp site was the lizard lounge. They would cook up their version of iced tea, which they would barter for other commodities. Everyone asked what their secret ingredient was.
This is a scaled down version. I found that cranberry or cranberry-apple herb tea works very nicely with this, but any herbal tea can be used.
1/2 gallon apple cider
4-5 herbal tea bags
Place cider in a large pan or teakettle and bring to a boil. Place herbal tea bags into a large container and pour the boiled cider over the tea bags. Let steep for 15-30 minutes and cool. Very good.
GARBANZOS AND GREENS WITH CHORIZO
This comes from David Tanis, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas and Broth:
1 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/2 onion, stuck with a clove
1 small carrot, peeled, cut in 2-inch chunks
1 small bay leaf
Salt
For the Garbanzos and Greens:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
Salt and pepper
6 ounces Spanish chorizo, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pimentón
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and coarsely ground
1 pound kale or chard, washed and cut in wide ribbons
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted, optional
Preparation
Pick over chickpeas, put them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Drain chickpeas (they should have swelled considerably) and put them in a soup pot. Cover with 6 cups water, add the onion stuck with clove, the carrot and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and let chickpeas simmer gently. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until chickpeas are tender. (If chickpeas seem to be drying out during cooking, add 1/2 cup water to keep them submerged in liquid.) Season generously with salt, and leave chickpeas to cool in the broth (cooking liquid). You should have about 2 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas. (They may be cooked a day in advance, if desired.)
Put olive oil in a deep, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo and let it fry a bit, then turn heat to medium. Add the garlic, pimentón and 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin, and stir to coat. Add the cooked chickpeas and 1/2 cup broth. Bring to a simmer, add the greens and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir to allow the greens to wilt. Put on the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until greens are completely cooked. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve as a tapa or side dish, transfer to a cazuela or deep serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and the pine nuts, if using. Alternatively, to serve as soup, spoon the garbanzo-and-greens mixture into 4 deep soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup heated broth into each bowl, and sprinkle soup with the remaining cumin.
HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
This, as well as the next two recipes (Cocoa Black Bean Avocado Cream Tacos and Banana Chocolate Tacos), are from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and can be found here. This one begins, “Corn tortillas are rich in flavonoids, which help protect against certain cancers.”
Ingredients
2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups warm tap water
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine masa and salt. Slowly pour the water into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is just moistened and forms small clumps. Add more water, if needed by the tablespoon, but don’t let dough become too moist. It should feel like play-dough.
Divide dough into 12 golf-ball size balls. Cover with a damp paper towel. Cut a quart-size ziptop plastic bag up both side seams. Place one ball of dough between the plastic sheets and press down firmly with a medium pot or a tortilla press to form a 4 -5” circle about 1/8” thick.
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium and lightly brush with some oil. Cook the tortilla for 1 minute, or until darkened in some spots and the dough looks dry. Flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and fold over to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas, brushing the skillet with more oil as needed.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 69; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 15 g; Fiber: 1 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 99 mg
COCOA BLACK BEAN AVOCADO CREAM TACOS
This one begins, “Cocoa adds richness to this hunger smashing fiber-rich bean filling. As a giant cousin of the banana, plantain contains twice as much vitamin C to keep your blood pressure from boiling over. The creamy avocado sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.”
Ingredients
2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 ripe plantain, lots of black spots on skin, peeled and diced
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 avocado
8 small corn tortillas
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, plantain, black beans, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper; cook 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and 2 Tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
Blend together sour cream, avocado, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Top tortillas with beans, red pepper, avocado cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 408; Protein: 11 g; Carbs: 59 g; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 16 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 320 mg
BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS
Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”
Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1–2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package
1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.
Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.
PURPLE HAZE SMOOTHIE
Variation on a theme. If you’ve glanced at this blog the past few days, you might be getting the idea that you can make smoothies out of almost any fruit and/or juice (or milk), you’re right. Experiment; use any juice to your liking: apple, cranberry, orange (my favorite), whatever, then add whatever fruits you have around. If none of the fruits are conducive to freezing (berries work best), add a few ice cubes, or better still, frozen juice cubes. This one is similar to the previous smoothies. The blueberries give it a pleasant taste and a beautiful color.
This, and the next recipe (Lizard Lounge Tea) can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking. I know, shameless plug, but that’s beside the point.
1 - 1 1/2 C orange juice (note)
1/2 C frozen blueberries
4 frozen strawberries (opt.)
1/2 C yogurt
1/2 C frozen cranberries
1 T wheat germ
Blend orange juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ, blend for 5-15 more seconds.
NOTE: If adding strawberries, add the extra 1/2 C orange juice. Or use 1 C juice and 1/2 C soymilk.
LIZARD LOUNGE TEA
My oldiest son spent several summers traveling the country, both singly and with friends. Several times, he wound up at the Rainbow Gathering, where he hooked up with a group of friends. Most of them had grown up in hot areas of the country, so they nicknamed themselves lizards; their area of the camp site was the lizard lounge. They would cook up their version of iced tea, which they would barter for other commodities. Everyone asked what their secret ingredient was.
This is a scaled down version. I found that cranberry or cranberry-apple herb tea works very nicely with this, but any herbal tea can be used.
1/2 gallon apple cider
4-5 herbal tea bags
Place cider in a large pan or teakettle and bring to a boil. Place herbal tea bags into a large container and pour the boiled cider over the tea bags. Let steep for 15-30 minutes and cool. Very good.
GARBANZOS AND GREENS WITH CHORIZO
This comes from David Tanis, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas and Broth:
1 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/2 onion, stuck with a clove
1 small carrot, peeled, cut in 2-inch chunks
1 small bay leaf
Salt
For the Garbanzos and Greens:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
Salt and pepper
6 ounces Spanish chorizo, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pimentón
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and coarsely ground
1 pound kale or chard, washed and cut in wide ribbons
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted, optional
Preparation
Pick over chickpeas, put them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Drain chickpeas (they should have swelled considerably) and put them in a soup pot. Cover with 6 cups water, add the onion stuck with clove, the carrot and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and let chickpeas simmer gently. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until chickpeas are tender. (If chickpeas seem to be drying out during cooking, add 1/2 cup water to keep them submerged in liquid.) Season generously with salt, and leave chickpeas to cool in the broth (cooking liquid). You should have about 2 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas. (They may be cooked a day in advance, if desired.)
Put olive oil in a deep, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo and let it fry a bit, then turn heat to medium. Add the garlic, pimentón and 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin, and stir to coat. Add the cooked chickpeas and 1/2 cup broth. Bring to a simmer, add the greens and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir to allow the greens to wilt. Put on the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until greens are completely cooked. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve as a tapa or side dish, transfer to a cazuela or deep serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and the pine nuts, if using. Alternatively, to serve as soup, spoon the garbanzo-and-greens mixture into 4 deep soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup heated broth into each bowl, and sprinkle soup with the remaining cumin.
HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
This, as well as the next two recipes (Cocoa Black Bean Avocado Cream Tacos and Banana Chocolate Tacos), are from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and can be found here. This one begins, “Corn tortillas are rich in flavonoids, which help protect against certain cancers.”
Ingredients
2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups warm tap water
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine masa and salt. Slowly pour the water into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is just moistened and forms small clumps. Add more water, if needed by the tablespoon, but don’t let dough become too moist. It should feel like play-dough.
Divide dough into 12 golf-ball size balls. Cover with a damp paper towel. Cut a quart-size ziptop plastic bag up both side seams. Place one ball of dough between the plastic sheets and press down firmly with a medium pot or a tortilla press to form a 4 -5” circle about 1/8” thick.
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium and lightly brush with some oil. Cook the tortilla for 1 minute, or until darkened in some spots and the dough looks dry. Flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and fold over to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas, brushing the skillet with more oil as needed.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 69; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 15 g; Fiber: 1 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 99 mg
COCOA BLACK BEAN AVOCADO CREAM TACOS
This one begins, “Cocoa adds richness to this hunger smashing fiber-rich bean filling. As a giant cousin of the banana, plantain contains twice as much vitamin C to keep your blood pressure from boiling over. The creamy avocado sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.”
Ingredients
2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 ripe plantain, lots of black spots on skin, peeled and diced
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 avocado
8 small corn tortillas
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, plantain, black beans, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper; cook 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and 2 Tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
Blend together sour cream, avocado, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Top tortillas with beans, red pepper, avocado cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 408; Protein: 11 g; Carbs: 59 g; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 16 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 320 mg
BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS
Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”
Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1–2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package
1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.
Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Tuesday Recipes
Enjoy!
ALMOND CAKE
This comes from Mark Bittman and Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “This moist and fragrant cake from Molly Wizenberg, the author of the popular food blog Orangette, calls for a whole orange and lemon, almonds and olive oil. It does require a little effort and the use of some equipment – a food processor and a mixer – but the ingredient list is short, and once you've boiled and puréed the citrus and ground the almonds, the whole thing comes together in a snap. It's excellent on its own, but we also like it with poached pears or grilled figs.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Feast In A Day” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 small to medium orange
1 lemon
6 ounces raw almonds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup olive oil
Confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
Place the orange and the lemon in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees, and set a rack in the middle position. Bake the almonds 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. When the almonds are cool, pulse them in a food processor until ground.
Set oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
When the citrus is cool, cut the lemon in half, and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut the orange in half, and discard seeds. Put the fruits in the food processor and process almost to a paste.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Combine eggs and salt. Beat until foamy. Beat in the sugar. Fold in the flour mixture. Add the citrus, almonds and olive oil, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Pour the batter into the pan, and bake for about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes, unmold and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
BASIC CORN CHOWDER
This comes from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, “This is chowder at its simplest: corn, onion, potatoes and milk, with a couple of chopped tomatoes and a handful of parsley to add flavor and color. Starting with bacon and finishing with cream makes a richer version of the dish. But you could easily expand its borders by adding curry powder and ginger, sour cream and cilantro. Or when the potato is replaced by rice and the cream with coconut milk, Southeast Asian seasonings can be added to make a chowder that has little in common with the original, save for its intense corn flavor.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “Don't Toss Out the Cobs” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
4 to 6 ears of corn
1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 cup whole or low-fat milk
1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Preparation
Shuck corn, and use a paring knife to strip kernels into a bowl. Put cobs in a pot with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer while you continue.
Put butter or oil in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium-high. When butter melts or oil is hot, add onion and potatoes, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another minute or two.
After corncobs have cooked at least 10 minutes, strain liquid into onion-potato mixture; bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. When potatoes are tender, add corn kernels and milk, and heat through. Taste, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley, and serve.
Tip
Curried corn chowder: In Step 2, use oil, and add 1 tablespoon each curry powder and peeled and minced ginger to the onions. In Step 3, use sour cream in place of milk; garnish with cilantro in place of parsley.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 3 strawberries
Source: California Strawberry Commission
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/754.shtml
Ingredients
2 pint baskets California strawberries
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios (optional)
Directions
Line large baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse strawberries and pat dry with paper towels.
In separate small, microwave-safe bowls (such as custard cups) melt chocolates, one at a time, in microwave at 50-percent (medium) power, allowing 1-1/2 to 2 minutes each. Stir until smooth. (If not completely melted, microwave a few seconds longer.) Or, melt chocolate as package directs.
Holding strawberry by stem end, dip into chocolate to cover about three-fourths of berry; dip into nuts, if desired, and lay on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries, chocolate and nuts.
Refrigerate until chocolate is set.
For Double- and Triple- Dipped Strawberries:
After first coating of chocolate is set, dip into contrasting chocolate, leaving part of the first chocolate exposed. Repeat with third chocolate, if you wish, allowing each layer to set between dips.
To Drizzle Strawberries with Chocolate:
Microwave chocolate in small plastic bag until melted; squeeze into one corner of bag. Lay strawberries close together on baking sheet. With scissors, cut a small hole in corner of bag, and move back and forth over strawberries, squeezing bag gently. Or, drizzle contrasting chocolate over strawberries that have been dipped. Refrigerate until set.
NOTES: Microwave melting times vary with amount of chocolate and wattage of your oven. Chocolate amounts are approximate; amount needed depends on size of strawberries, and whether or not they are single, double, triple-dipped or drizzled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 59 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
Another of my inventions. Fresh strawberries are okay, but frozen ones give this a nice chill on a hot day. This and the Eastern Sunrise Smoothie can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1 C orange juice
1/2 C yogurt
6-8 strawberries
1 T wheat germ
1 banana
Blend. Serves 1.
EASTERN SUNRISE SMOOTHIE
The fruits used are from the eastern U.S.: orange juice and strawberries from Florida, cranberries from Massachusetts. Top that off with a beautiful pink color. It’s a yummy way to start the morning.
1 C orange juice
1/2 C yogurt
4-6 frozen strawberries
1 T wheat germ
1/2 C frozen cranberries
Blend juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ & blend about 15 seconds more.
PASTA WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND SUMMER HERBS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “The easiest summer dinner known to man, pasta con salsa crudo, is a one-bowl, infinitely variable riot of seasonal flavors. It can be made with fancy Italian tuna and local heirloom tomatoes for foodies, or with supermarket mozzarella and tomatoes for children, or with excellent olives and extra pine nuts for vegetarians. It puts you in the kitchen for about a half-hour at the tail end of lunchtime. After that, all there is to do is cook the pasta, and serve with or without crusty bread, boiled corn, sliced tomatoes, or a nice, simple green salad.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The House, the Food and Issues in Between” and can also be viewed online here.
Ingredients
About 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered if small, diced if large
Salt
2 cans olive oil-packed tuna or 1 pound mozzarella cheese, diced (optional)
2/3 cup pitted oil-cured black olives, halved, or 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped, or 3 tablespoons capers (optional)
2/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, scallion tops, or a combination), more for garnish
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
About 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds short pasta, like fusilli, farfalle or penne
Hot red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Preparation
Up to 4 hours before serving, put tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle all over with salt. Set aside for 30 minutes, then drain off liquid.
Add tuna and its oil, olives or capers, if using. Add herbs and zest. Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and stir gently, flaking tuna into pieces. Cover and set aside at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water. Drain very well. Combine tomatoes and pasta well, then taste and add more oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using, and chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
ALMOND CAKE
This comes from Mark Bittman and Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “This moist and fragrant cake from Molly Wizenberg, the author of the popular food blog Orangette, calls for a whole orange and lemon, almonds and olive oil. It does require a little effort and the use of some equipment – a food processor and a mixer – but the ingredient list is short, and once you've boiled and puréed the citrus and ground the almonds, the whole thing comes together in a snap. It's excellent on its own, but we also like it with poached pears or grilled figs.” Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
This was featured in “Feast In A Day” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 small to medium orange
1 lemon
6 ounces raw almonds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup olive oil
Confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
Place the orange and the lemon in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees, and set a rack in the middle position. Bake the almonds 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. When the almonds are cool, pulse them in a food processor until ground.
Set oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
When the citrus is cool, cut the lemon in half, and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut the orange in half, and discard seeds. Put the fruits in the food processor and process almost to a paste.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Combine eggs and salt. Beat until foamy. Beat in the sugar. Fold in the flour mixture. Add the citrus, almonds and olive oil, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Pour the batter into the pan, and bake for about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes, unmold and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
BASIC CORN CHOWDER
This comes from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, “This is chowder at its simplest: corn, onion, potatoes and milk, with a couple of chopped tomatoes and a handful of parsley to add flavor and color. Starting with bacon and finishing with cream makes a richer version of the dish. But you could easily expand its borders by adding curry powder and ginger, sour cream and cilantro. Or when the potato is replaced by rice and the cream with coconut milk, Southeast Asian seasonings can be added to make a chowder that has little in common with the original, save for its intense corn flavor.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “Don't Toss Out the Cobs” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
4 to 6 ears of corn
1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 cup whole or low-fat milk
1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Preparation
Shuck corn, and use a paring knife to strip kernels into a bowl. Put cobs in a pot with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer while you continue.
Put butter or oil in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium-high. When butter melts or oil is hot, add onion and potatoes, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another minute or two.
After corncobs have cooked at least 10 minutes, strain liquid into onion-potato mixture; bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. When potatoes are tender, add corn kernels and milk, and heat through. Taste, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley, and serve.
Tip
Curried corn chowder: In Step 2, use oil, and add 1 tablespoon each curry powder and peeled and minced ginger to the onions. In Step 3, use sour cream in place of milk; garnish with cilantro in place of parsley.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 3 strawberries
Source: California Strawberry Commission
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/754.shtml
Ingredients
2 pint baskets California strawberries
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios (optional)
Directions
Line large baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse strawberries and pat dry with paper towels.
In separate small, microwave-safe bowls (such as custard cups) melt chocolates, one at a time, in microwave at 50-percent (medium) power, allowing 1-1/2 to 2 minutes each. Stir until smooth. (If not completely melted, microwave a few seconds longer.) Or, melt chocolate as package directs.
Holding strawberry by stem end, dip into chocolate to cover about three-fourths of berry; dip into nuts, if desired, and lay on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries, chocolate and nuts.
Refrigerate until chocolate is set.
For Double- and Triple- Dipped Strawberries:
After first coating of chocolate is set, dip into contrasting chocolate, leaving part of the first chocolate exposed. Repeat with third chocolate, if you wish, allowing each layer to set between dips.
To Drizzle Strawberries with Chocolate:
Microwave chocolate in small plastic bag until melted; squeeze into one corner of bag. Lay strawberries close together on baking sheet. With scissors, cut a small hole in corner of bag, and move back and forth over strawberries, squeezing bag gently. Or, drizzle contrasting chocolate over strawberries that have been dipped. Refrigerate until set.
NOTES: Microwave melting times vary with amount of chocolate and wattage of your oven. Chocolate amounts are approximate; amount needed depends on size of strawberries, and whether or not they are single, double, triple-dipped or drizzled.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 193; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 59 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
Another of my inventions. Fresh strawberries are okay, but frozen ones give this a nice chill on a hot day. This and the Eastern Sunrise Smoothie can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1 C orange juice
1/2 C yogurt
6-8 strawberries
1 T wheat germ
1 banana
Blend. Serves 1.
EASTERN SUNRISE SMOOTHIE
The fruits used are from the eastern U.S.: orange juice and strawberries from Florida, cranberries from Massachusetts. Top that off with a beautiful pink color. It’s a yummy way to start the morning.
1 C orange juice
1/2 C yogurt
4-6 frozen strawberries
1 T wheat germ
1/2 C frozen cranberries
Blend juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ & blend about 15 seconds more.
PASTA WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND SUMMER HERBS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “The easiest summer dinner known to man, pasta con salsa crudo, is a one-bowl, infinitely variable riot of seasonal flavors. It can be made with fancy Italian tuna and local heirloom tomatoes for foodies, or with supermarket mozzarella and tomatoes for children, or with excellent olives and extra pine nuts for vegetarians. It puts you in the kitchen for about a half-hour at the tail end of lunchtime. After that, all there is to do is cook the pasta, and serve with or without crusty bread, boiled corn, sliced tomatoes, or a nice, simple green salad.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The House, the Food and Issues in Between” and can also be viewed online here.
Ingredients
About 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered if small, diced if large
Salt
2 cans olive oil-packed tuna or 1 pound mozzarella cheese, diced (optional)
2/3 cup pitted oil-cured black olives, halved, or 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped, or 3 tablespoons capers (optional)
2/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, scallion tops, or a combination), more for garnish
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
About 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds short pasta, like fusilli, farfalle or penne
Hot red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Preparation
Up to 4 hours before serving, put tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle all over with salt. Set aside for 30 minutes, then drain off liquid.
Add tuna and its oil, olives or capers, if using. Add herbs and zest. Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and stir gently, flaking tuna into pieces. Cover and set aside at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water. Drain very well. Combine tomatoes and pasta well, then taste and add more oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using, and chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Monday Recipes
Enjoy!
SOUR-CREAM COFFEE CAKE
This comes from Robert Farrar Capon in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Robert wrote, “Here is a classic coffee cake with a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping that comes together in about an hour. It's quite rich, so your serving sizes don't need to be large.” Yield: about 12 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Good Health; Have A Nice Breakfast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
Make the topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool, cut into pieces and serve.
FROZEN BLUEBERRY LEMONADE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “Blueberries give this frozen lemonade pie extra color and flavor, and it is a fabulous pie for a hot summer day. The pie takes just a few minutes to mix - just freeze and eat!” Prep Time: 6 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 6 minutes; Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (6 ounces) frozen lemonade
1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, regular or "lite," thawed in the refrigerator
1 deep dish graham cracker pie crust, homemade or purchased
Preparation
Put the blueberries, sweetened condensed milk, and frozen lemonade in a blender container. Blend until well mixed.
Pour into a bowl and fold in the whipped topping until well blended.
Spoon into the prepared crust.
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.
If frozen solid, take it out of the freezer 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Note: I used a "2 extra servings" deep dish ready crust for the pie. A smaller pie shell will leave you with extra filling.
Just freeze any excess in small ramekins or 4-ounce canning jars and serve as a frozen pudding.
PASTA WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND SUMMER HERBS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “The easiest summer dinner known to man, pasta con salsa crudo, is a one-bowl, infinitely variable riot of seasonal flavors. It can be made with fancy Italian tuna and local heirloom tomatoes for foodies, or with supermarket mozzarella and tomatoes for children, or with excellent olives and extra pine nuts for vegetarians. It puts you in the kitchen for about a half-hour at the tail end of lunchtime. After that, all there is to do is cook the pasta, and serve with or without crusty bread, boiled corn, sliced tomatoes, or a nice, simple green salad.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The House, the Food and Issues in Between” and can also be viewed online here.
Ingredients
About 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered if small, diced if large
Salt
2 cans olive oil-packed tuna or 1 pound mozzarella cheese, diced (optional)
2/3 cup pitted oil-cured black olives, halved, or 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped, or 3 tablespoons capers (optional)
2/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, scallion tops, or a combination), more for garnish
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
About 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds short pasta, like fusilli, farfalle or penne
Hot red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Preparation
Up to 4 hours before serving, put tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle all over with salt. Set aside for 30 minutes, then drain off liquid.
Add tuna and its oil, olives or capers, if using. Add herbs and zest. Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and stir gently, flaking tuna into pieces. Cover and set aside at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water. Drain very well. Combine tomatoes and pasta well, then taste and add more oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using, and chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
J’S FRUIT SMOOTHIE
There are many smoothie drinks on the market these days, but I really prefer to make them when I’m at home. This is something my oldest son came up with years ago. It’s one of the many recipes in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate (undiluted)
2 bananas
6-10 grapes
2 C cold milk
Put ingredients into a blender and blend until pureed and smooth. Serves 2-4.
NOTE: Plain soymilk can be used in place of the milk.
BANANA SMOOTHIE
One of my inventions, also in Off the Wall Cooking.
1 C milk
1 T wheat germ
1 banana
1/2 C yogurt (any flavor)
1 tsp. vanilla
4-5 ice cubes
Blend. Serves 2.
BURRATA WITH ROMANO BEANS AND ROASTED EGGPLANT
One of my favorite cooking emails is The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. There are so many great recipes here! If you haven’t signed up already, you really should.
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “Although burrata is inarguably the star of this stunning summery salad, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes and Romano beans add a brilliant mix of colors, textures and flavors to the creamy mozzarella. The eggplant is soft and rich; the tomatoes, juicy and sweet; and the Romano beans, which look like flat, broad green beans, add a nice crunch. Then, to season it all, the vegetables are tossed with a piquant mix of garlic oil, capers, olives and fresh herbs. Serve this as a light meal or a first course, with grilled or toasted country bread, perhaps smeared with a little of the garlic confit left over from making the garlic oil.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour.
I had never heard of burrito before (I can almost hear a few gasps of disbelief), but for others who might not have heard of it, either, I checked online and discovered that it is a “fresh Italian cheese made mozzarella and cream.” (from Wikipedia)
This was featured in “Consider This Permission to Eat Burrata for Dinner”, and can be found online here.
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds eggplant, diced in 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed for cooking beans
8 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
6 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 pound Romano beans, trimmed
1/4 cup pitted and sliced kalamata olives
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 cup torn fresh mint
1/4 cup torn fresh basil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, more as needed
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, as needed
Black pepper, as needed
12 ounces burrata
Crusty bread, toasted or grilled, for serving
Preparation
Put eggplant in a colander. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and let stand in the sink to drain for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Meanwhile, make garlic oil: Place garlic cloves in a small pot and cover with 1/3 cup olive oil. Place over very low heat and cook gently until soft and pale golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool. Mash garlic with a fork, then strain the oil into a jar or little bowl, pressing hard on the solids. (Use the solids, which is garlic confit, as a spread for bread or keep to mix into vinaigrettes or marinades. It will keep for at least a week in the refrigerator.)
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Squeeze out as much excess liquid from eggplant as possible (or pat very dry). Toss eggplant with 1/3 cup olive oil and spread out on one or two rimmed baking sheets so the pieces aren’t touching. (This makes for the best browning.) Roast, tossing once or twice, until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer eggplant to a bowl and toss with tomatoes and 3 tablespoons garlic oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in Romano beans and cook until just tender, 3 to 6 minutes depending on their size and thickness. Drain well under cold running water. Cut into 1-inch pieces; add to bowl of eggplant.
Toss olives, capers, mint, basil, vinegar and a little more garlic oil into salad. Season with flaky salt and pepper.
Place cheese in the center of a serving platter and surround with salad. Drizzle with more garlic oil if you like, and sprinkle with more flaky sea salt. Serve with crusty bread.
SOUR-CREAM COFFEE CAKE
This comes from Robert Farrar Capon in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Robert wrote, “Here is a classic coffee cake with a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping that comes together in about an hour. It's quite rich, so your serving sizes don't need to be large.” Yield: about 12 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “Good Health; Have A Nice Breakfast”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
Make the topping: Combine sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool, cut into pieces and serve.
FROZEN BLUEBERRY LEMONADE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “Blueberries give this frozen lemonade pie extra color and flavor, and it is a fabulous pie for a hot summer day. The pie takes just a few minutes to mix - just freeze and eat!” Prep Time: 6 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 6 minutes; Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (6 ounces) frozen lemonade
1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, regular or "lite," thawed in the refrigerator
1 deep dish graham cracker pie crust, homemade or purchased
Preparation
Put the blueberries, sweetened condensed milk, and frozen lemonade in a blender container. Blend until well mixed.
Pour into a bowl and fold in the whipped topping until well blended.
Spoon into the prepared crust.
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.
If frozen solid, take it out of the freezer 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Note: I used a "2 extra servings" deep dish ready crust for the pie. A smaller pie shell will leave you with extra filling.
Just freeze any excess in small ramekins or 4-ounce canning jars and serve as a frozen pudding.
PASTA WITH MARINATED TOMATOES AND SUMMER HERBS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “The easiest summer dinner known to man, pasta con salsa crudo, is a one-bowl, infinitely variable riot of seasonal flavors. It can be made with fancy Italian tuna and local heirloom tomatoes for foodies, or with supermarket mozzarella and tomatoes for children, or with excellent olives and extra pine nuts for vegetarians. It puts you in the kitchen for about a half-hour at the tail end of lunchtime. After that, all there is to do is cook the pasta, and serve with or without crusty bread, boiled corn, sliced tomatoes, or a nice, simple green salad.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The House, the Food and Issues in Between” and can also be viewed online here.
Ingredients
About 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered if small, diced if large
Salt
2 cans olive oil-packed tuna or 1 pound mozzarella cheese, diced (optional)
2/3 cup pitted oil-cured black olives, halved, or 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped, or 3 tablespoons capers (optional)
2/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, scallion tops, or a combination), more for garnish
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
About 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds short pasta, like fusilli, farfalle or penne
Hot red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Preparation
Up to 4 hours before serving, put tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle all over with salt. Set aside for 30 minutes, then drain off liquid.
Add tuna and its oil, olives or capers, if using. Add herbs and zest. Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and stir gently, flaking tuna into pieces. Cover and set aside at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water. Drain very well. Combine tomatoes and pasta well, then taste and add more oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using, and chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
J’S FRUIT SMOOTHIE
There are many smoothie drinks on the market these days, but I really prefer to make them when I’m at home. This is something my oldest son came up with years ago. It’s one of the many recipes in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate (undiluted)
2 bananas
6-10 grapes
2 C cold milk
Put ingredients into a blender and blend until pureed and smooth. Serves 2-4.
NOTE: Plain soymilk can be used in place of the milk.
BANANA SMOOTHIE
One of my inventions, also in Off the Wall Cooking.
1 C milk
1 T wheat germ
1 banana
1/2 C yogurt (any flavor)
1 tsp. vanilla
4-5 ice cubes
Blend. Serves 2.
BURRATA WITH ROMANO BEANS AND ROASTED EGGPLANT
One of my favorite cooking emails is The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. There are so many great recipes here! If you haven’t signed up already, you really should.
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “Although burrata is inarguably the star of this stunning summery salad, roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes and Romano beans add a brilliant mix of colors, textures and flavors to the creamy mozzarella. The eggplant is soft and rich; the tomatoes, juicy and sweet; and the Romano beans, which look like flat, broad green beans, add a nice crunch. Then, to season it all, the vegetables are tossed with a piquant mix of garlic oil, capers, olives and fresh herbs. Serve this as a light meal or a first course, with grilled or toasted country bread, perhaps smeared with a little of the garlic confit left over from making the garlic oil.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour.
I had never heard of burrito before (I can almost hear a few gasps of disbelief), but for others who might not have heard of it, either, I checked online and discovered that it is a “fresh Italian cheese made mozzarella and cream.” (from Wikipedia)
This was featured in “Consider This Permission to Eat Burrata for Dinner”, and can be found online here.
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds eggplant, diced in 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed for cooking beans
8 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
6 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 pound Romano beans, trimmed
1/4 cup pitted and sliced kalamata olives
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 cup torn fresh mint
1/4 cup torn fresh basil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, more as needed
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, as needed
Black pepper, as needed
12 ounces burrata
Crusty bread, toasted or grilled, for serving
Preparation
Put eggplant in a colander. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and let stand in the sink to drain for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Meanwhile, make garlic oil: Place garlic cloves in a small pot and cover with 1/3 cup olive oil. Place over very low heat and cook gently until soft and pale golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool. Mash garlic with a fork, then strain the oil into a jar or little bowl, pressing hard on the solids. (Use the solids, which is garlic confit, as a spread for bread or keep to mix into vinaigrettes or marinades. It will keep for at least a week in the refrigerator.)
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Squeeze out as much excess liquid from eggplant as possible (or pat very dry). Toss eggplant with 1/3 cup olive oil and spread out on one or two rimmed baking sheets so the pieces aren’t touching. (This makes for the best browning.) Roast, tossing once or twice, until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer eggplant to a bowl and toss with tomatoes and 3 tablespoons garlic oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in Romano beans and cook until just tender, 3 to 6 minutes depending on their size and thickness. Drain well under cold running water. Cut into 1-inch pieces; add to bowl of eggplant.
Toss olives, capers, mint, basil, vinegar and a little more garlic oil into salad. Season with flaky salt and pepper.
Place cheese in the center of a serving platter and surround with salad. Drizzle with more garlic oil if you like, and sprinkle with more flaky sea salt. Serve with crusty bread.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Friday Recipes
Finally, it's Friday! Here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!
CREAMY CORN PASTA WITH BASIL
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “There’s no cream in this wonderfully summery pasta dish, just a luscious sauce made from puréed fresh corn and sweet sautéed scallions, along with Parmesan for depth and red chile flakes for a contrasting bite. Be sure to add the lemon juice and fresh herbs at the end; the rich pasta really benefits from their bright, fresh flavors. And while this is best made at the height of corn season, it’s still quite good even with out-of-season supermarket ears, or with frozen corn.” Yield: 3 to 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “To Get the Most Out of Corn Season, Reach for Your Blender”. You can also view this online here.
Ingredients
Fine sea salt
12 ounces dry orecchiette or farfalle
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (keep the whites and greens separate)
2 large ears corn, shucked and kernels removed (2 cups kernels)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, more for serving
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, more to taste
1/3 cup torn basil or mint, more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
Fresh lemon juice, as needed
Preparation
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until 1 minute shy of al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat; add scallion whites and a pinch of salt and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water and all but 1/4 cup corn; simmer until corn is heated through and almost tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, transfer to a blender, and purée mixture until smooth, adding a little extra water if needed to get a thick but pourable texture.
Heat the same skillet over high heat. Add butter and let melt. Add reserved 1/4 cup corn and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. (It’s O.K. if the butter browns; that deepens the flavor.) Add the corn purée and cook for 30 seconds to heat and combine the flavors.
Reduce heat to medium. Add pasta and half the reserved pasta cooking water, tossing to coat. Cook for 1 minute, then add a little more of the pasta cooking water if the mixture seems too thick. Stir in 1/4 cup of the scallion greens, the Parmesan, the herbs, the red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice to taste. Transfer to warm pasta bowls and garnish with more scallions, herbs, a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper.
CHARD-WRAPPED GREEK YOGURT PIES
When I read this recipe, I was totally blown away. This yummy recipe is from David Tanis, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “These little Greek-style pies are traditionally wrapped in grape leaves, but chard leaves make a fine alternative. Served warm, the texture is akin to a fresh cheese, perfumed with dill, mint and olive oil.” Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “For This Greek Pie, You Don’t Need a Crust”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
6 large chard leaves, washed
2 cups plain full-fat Greek-style yogurt
Salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1 tablespoon chopped mint
2 teaspoons chopped dill, plus more for garnish
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup cornmeal or rice flour
A handful of lightly toasted pine nuts
Greek olives, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cut stems from chard leaves and save for another use. Blanch chard leaves just to wilt, about 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cool water and squeeze dry.
Put yogurt in a mixing bowl and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk in garlic, scallions, mint, dill, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon zest and the cornmeal. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Brush six 1-cup ramekins with olive oil. Line each ramekin with 1 chard leaf, allowing edges to drape over the mold. Fill each leaf with 1/2 cup of yogurt mixture. Fold the edges of the chard leaf back over the top and brush generously with olive oil. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Let cool slightly, then turn ramekins over onto a plate to unmold. To serve, peel back top layer of chard to expose the filling. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with dill, a few toasted pine nuts and some olives if desired.
Tip:
Pies may also be served room temperature or baked in advance and reheated briefly.
HERBED CARROT SOUP
From the December 2005 issue of Runner's World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing, by Bruce Burnett
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
Lightly sauté the onion & garlic in the butter. Add the stock & carrots & simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs & continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, & put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg & salt & pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread & garnish with some fresh parsley & a little chopped fresh thyme.
Note: The original recipe called for vegetable or chicken stock.
ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA
This came from the July 2015 issue of Better Nutrition, which I picked up at my favorite store, Rollin’ Oats in St. Petersburg, Florida. It begins, “Serve this fresh dip with organic chips. Two great options: Organic Summertime Blues Multigrain Tortilla Chips and Beanitos Original Black Bean Chips.” Makes about 2 cups (8 servings).
To view this online, click here.
1 lb. tomatillos, husked and rinsed well
2 small serrano chilies
4 garlic cloves
1 small yellow onion, quartered
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. salt
Preheat broiler and move rack to top position. Arrange tomatillos, serrano chilies, garlic, and onions on large baking sheet. Broil 5–7 minutes, 6 inches from heat, until softened.
Remove pan from oven and let cool until vegetables are easy to handle. Pull stems from chilies and remove skins from garlic.
Combine vegetables in food processor with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Process into a coarse purée.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve with chips.
per serving: 25 cal; 1g pro; 1g total fat (0g sat fat); 6g carb; 0mg chol; 290mg sod; 1g fiber; 3g sugars
TERIYAKI TOFU KABOBS
Yield 4 servings
Serving Size: 2 skewers
Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Author: Hope Warshaw and Robyn Webb
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/330.shtml
Ingredients
8 bamboo skewers
3/4 pound extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 32 cubes
1 red pepper, cut into 16 squares
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserve 1/2 cup juice
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons minced ginger
Directions
Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning as you cook the skewers.
Meanwhile, put the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple chunks in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Add reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Drain, reserving marinade to baste. Thread the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple on the skewers.
Prepare an outdoor grill or oven broiler with the rack set 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade. Serve with brown rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 107; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 147 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Very Lean Meat
WATERMELON PUNCH
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way. Also, this is in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
CREAMY CORN PASTA WITH BASIL
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “There’s no cream in this wonderfully summery pasta dish, just a luscious sauce made from puréed fresh corn and sweet sautéed scallions, along with Parmesan for depth and red chile flakes for a contrasting bite. Be sure to add the lemon juice and fresh herbs at the end; the rich pasta really benefits from their bright, fresh flavors. And while this is best made at the height of corn season, it’s still quite good even with out-of-season supermarket ears, or with frozen corn.” Yield: 3 to 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “To Get the Most Out of Corn Season, Reach for Your Blender”. You can also view this online here.
Ingredients
Fine sea salt
12 ounces dry orecchiette or farfalle
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (keep the whites and greens separate)
2 large ears corn, shucked and kernels removed (2 cups kernels)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, more for serving
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, more to taste
1/3 cup torn basil or mint, more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
Fresh lemon juice, as needed
Preparation
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until 1 minute shy of al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat; add scallion whites and a pinch of salt and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water and all but 1/4 cup corn; simmer until corn is heated through and almost tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, transfer to a blender, and purée mixture until smooth, adding a little extra water if needed to get a thick but pourable texture.
Heat the same skillet over high heat. Add butter and let melt. Add reserved 1/4 cup corn and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. (It’s O.K. if the butter browns; that deepens the flavor.) Add the corn purée and cook for 30 seconds to heat and combine the flavors.
Reduce heat to medium. Add pasta and half the reserved pasta cooking water, tossing to coat. Cook for 1 minute, then add a little more of the pasta cooking water if the mixture seems too thick. Stir in 1/4 cup of the scallion greens, the Parmesan, the herbs, the red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice to taste. Transfer to warm pasta bowls and garnish with more scallions, herbs, a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper.
CHARD-WRAPPED GREEK YOGURT PIES
When I read this recipe, I was totally blown away. This yummy recipe is from David Tanis, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “These little Greek-style pies are traditionally wrapped in grape leaves, but chard leaves make a fine alternative. Served warm, the texture is akin to a fresh cheese, perfumed with dill, mint and olive oil.” Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “For This Greek Pie, You Don’t Need a Crust”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
6 large chard leaves, washed
2 cups plain full-fat Greek-style yogurt
Salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1 tablespoon chopped mint
2 teaspoons chopped dill, plus more for garnish
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup cornmeal or rice flour
A handful of lightly toasted pine nuts
Greek olives, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cut stems from chard leaves and save for another use. Blanch chard leaves just to wilt, about 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cool water and squeeze dry.
Put yogurt in a mixing bowl and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk in garlic, scallions, mint, dill, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon zest and the cornmeal. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Brush six 1-cup ramekins with olive oil. Line each ramekin with 1 chard leaf, allowing edges to drape over the mold. Fill each leaf with 1/2 cup of yogurt mixture. Fold the edges of the chard leaf back over the top and brush generously with olive oil. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Let cool slightly, then turn ramekins over onto a plate to unmold. To serve, peel back top layer of chard to expose the filling. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with dill, a few toasted pine nuts and some olives if desired.
Tip:
Pies may also be served room temperature or baked in advance and reheated briefly.
HERBED CARROT SOUP
From the December 2005 issue of Runner's World; reprinted from HerbWise: Growing, Cooking, WellBeing, by Bruce Burnett
2 pounds of carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
6 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 6 six black peppercorns, bundled together so that they can be easily removed after cooking
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 Tbs of butter
6 C of vegetable stock
Freshly grated mace or nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
Lightly sauté the onion & garlic in the butter. Add the stock & carrots & simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the bundle of herbs & continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the herbs, allow the soup to cool, & put it through the blender in batches. Reheat the soup over low heat while adding the mace or nutmeg & salt & pepper to taste. Serve with some fresh, homemade bread & garnish with some fresh parsley & a little chopped fresh thyme.
Note: The original recipe called for vegetable or chicken stock.
ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA
This came from the July 2015 issue of Better Nutrition, which I picked up at my favorite store, Rollin’ Oats in St. Petersburg, Florida. It begins, “Serve this fresh dip with organic chips. Two great options: Organic Summertime Blues Multigrain Tortilla Chips and Beanitos Original Black Bean Chips.” Makes about 2 cups (8 servings).
To view this online, click here.
1 lb. tomatillos, husked and rinsed well
2 small serrano chilies
4 garlic cloves
1 small yellow onion, quartered
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. salt
Preheat broiler and move rack to top position. Arrange tomatillos, serrano chilies, garlic, and onions on large baking sheet. Broil 5–7 minutes, 6 inches from heat, until softened.
Remove pan from oven and let cool until vegetables are easy to handle. Pull stems from chilies and remove skins from garlic.
Combine vegetables in food processor with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Process into a coarse purée.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve with chips.
per serving: 25 cal; 1g pro; 1g total fat (0g sat fat); 6g carb; 0mg chol; 290mg sod; 1g fiber; 3g sugars
TERIYAKI TOFU KABOBS
Yield 4 servings
Serving Size: 2 skewers
Source: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Author: Hope Warshaw and Robyn Webb
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/330.shtml
Ingredients
8 bamboo skewers
3/4 pound extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 32 cubes
1 red pepper, cut into 16 squares
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserve 1/2 cup juice
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons minced ginger
Directions
Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning as you cook the skewers.
Meanwhile, put the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple chunks in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Add reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Drain, reserving marinade to baste. Thread the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple on the skewers.
Prepare an outdoor grill or oven broiler with the rack set 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade. Serve with brown rice.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 107; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 147 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Very Lean Meat
WATERMELON PUNCH
Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way. Also, this is in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
1 watermelon
6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted
1 T honey
1 liter bottle ginger ale
Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.
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