Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post includes Creamy Tomato-Basil Bisque and Iced Mocha Sherbet. Enjoy!

LIGHT-AND-FAST RASPBERRY FOOL

This is from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “’This year, we're starting to make our own raspberry ice cream at Dirt Candy and will use Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Red Raspberries,’” says Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy restaurant in New York. “’They're never bland—they have a pure raspberry flavor that rivals fresh berries. In fact, they're so sweet, they need little or no added sugar, even if you eat them plain.’” Try them in this dessert, and everyone will think you used fresh.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 10-oz. bag Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Red Raspberries

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups plain Greek-style nonfat yogurt

3 Tbs. honey

1/2 tsp. almond extract

2 Tbs. grated orange zest

2 Tbs. sliced almonds

Bring raspberries and sugar to a boil in saucepan. Simmer 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl, and chill 10 minutes.

Whisk together yogurt, honey, almond extract, and zest in bowl. Fold 1 1/2 cups berry sauce into yogurt mixture, creating a marbled effect. Divide among bowls; garnish with almonds and leftover sauce.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 207; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 40 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 43 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 33 g; Gluten-Free

CREAMY TOMATO-BASIL BISQUE

This also comes from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “‘Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes aren’t tinny-tasting like some canned varieties,’” says Beverly Lynn Bennett, author of Vegan Bites and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Cooking. Fire roasted over natural hardwood, they have a sweet, smoky flavor that's great in soup.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 small onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)

2 28-oz. cans Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. balsamic or sherry vinegar

1 tsp. dried basil

1 bay leaf

2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1/3 cup half-and-half or soy creamer

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, basil, bay leaf, and broth. Cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf.

Purée soup in blender or food processor until smooth. Strain through fine mesh strainer into saucepan; return to simmer. Remove from heat, and stir in half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with basil.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 89; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 491 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g; Gluten-Free

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

VEG GREEK MEATBALLS IN A FRAGRANT TOMATO SAUCE WITH FETA CHEESE

This comes from page 65 of the September 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times. It starts off, “Seitan and cottage cheese get blended together for veg meatballs that will fool even diehard omnivores. This recipe makes a lot—leftovers are great in sandwiches or can be reheated. Recipe adapted from The Family Dinner.” Serves 12 (makes 48 “meatballs”).

To view this online, click here.

3 8-oz. pkg. plain seitan, rinsed and drained

1 8-oz. pkg. low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta

1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3 Tbs. lemon juice

2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill

2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh mint and/or parsley, plus more for garnish

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. allspice

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 25-oz. jar tomato sauce

1 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

Pulse seitan in food processor until finely ground. Transfer to bowl, and add all ingredients except oil, tomato sauce, and feta. Mash mixture with hands or potato masher until mixture comes together. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Chill 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking dish with oil. Scoop seitan mixture into golf ball–size meatballs, and place in prepared baking dish. Bake 20 minutes.

Pour tomato sauce over meatballs, and sprinkle with feta (if using). Bake 30 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly.

nutritional information Per Serving (4 meatballs): Calories: 168; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Sodium: 684 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 4 g

ALABAMA LEMON ‘CHEESE’ CAKE

This was in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “This Southern delicacy contains no cheese, but a buttery filling with a hint of cheese-like curd adds color and luscious flavor.” Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

This was featured in “Two Recipes From Tracy K. Smith’s Kitchen” and can be viewed online here. Also, check out Melissa Clarke’s guide, “How to Frost a Cake”

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup butter (2 sticks), at room temperature

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

3 cups sifted cake flour

3/4 cup milk

6 large egg whites, stiffly beaten

For the Lemon Filling:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 cup sugar

6 large egg yolks

Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons

For the 7-Minute Frosting:

2 egg whites, unbeaten

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup water

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

For Decorating:

1 cup shredded coconut

Preparation

Make the Cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease three 8-inch cake pans.

With a standing or hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Fold in egg whites until thoroughly combined; do not overmix.

Divide batter into greased pans and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool on racks before removing from pans; let cool completely.

Make the Lemon Filling:

Combine all ingredients in top of double boiler set over boiling water. Cook, stirring constantly until very thick, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely before using.

Make the Frosting:

Combine all ingredients in top of double boiler. Beat with a rotary beater or hand mixer for 1 minute, then set over boiling water and beat for about 7 minutes more or until frosting stands in glossy peaks. Remove from the heat and continue beating until frosting is cool and thick enough to hold firm swirls. Let cool completely before using.

Assemble the Cake:

Spread the lemon filling between the layers and on top. Spread the frosting on the sides of the cake and press with shredded coconut.

ICED MOCHA SHERBET

Yield: 4 servings

Source: Light and Easy Diabetes Cuisine

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/24.shtml

View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/576.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups evaporated non-fat milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons carob powder

1 tablespoon crystalline fructose

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1 tablespoon part-skim ricotta cheese

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in blender and turn into metal trays.

Place in freezer and stir with fork from time to time to break up ice crystals.

When ready to serve, process again so the sherbet is soft.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 12; Protein: 8g; Sodium: 117mg; Cholesterol: 5mg; Fat: 0.5g; Carbohydrates: 22g