Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Showing posts with label Alabama Lemon ‘Cheese’ Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alabama Lemon ‘Cheese’ Cake. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

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

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Thursday Recipes

Here are today's six recipes to get you through the day. Enjoy!

SUPER-FAST SPINACH LASAGNA

I’m frequently amazed at the number of places online that offer healthy recipes. Yes, healthy. This one comes from Accent Health, and makes 4 to 5 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

One 5- or 6-ounce bag baby spinach, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups pasta sauce

One 16-ounce bag medium-sized frozen cheese ravioli

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Raise heat to medium-high, add the spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Coat an 8x8-inch baking pan (or dish) with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1/4 cup of the sauce in the pan. Arrange half the ravioli (about 16 pieces) evenly on top of the sauce. Spread the spinach over the ravioli then top with 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 cup sauce. Cover evenly with the remaining ravioli, 3/4 cup sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake until bubbly, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional five minutes. Let stand about five minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: 260 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated), 690mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 13g protein, 45% vitamin A, 15% vitamin C, 30% calcium, 15% iron

Recipe Created by Liz Weiss, MS, RD, Meal Makeover Moms

WILD RICE SALAD


This also comes from Accent Health, and makes 8 Servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup wild rice

1/2 bunch kale, washed, stemmed, leaves removed and cut into thin ribbons (about 2 1/2 packed cups)

1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice

3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted pecans

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 celery stalk, trimmed and thinly sliced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Crumbled feta cheese, optional

Directions

Cook the wild rice according to package directions. When done, drain, place in a large bowl, and stir occasionally until the rice is cooled.

When cool, stir in the kale, bell pepper, green onions, parsley, pecans, cranberries, and celery. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir into the rice mixture.

Season with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste and refrigerate until ready to eat. Add feta cheese as desired.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 cup): 150 calories, 12g fat (1.5g saturated), 90mg sodium, 12g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 2g protein, 60% vitamin A, 100% vitamin C

The recipe ends with, “One cup of my nutty, crunchy salad has a day’s worth of vitamin C, and it’s also loaded with vitamin A.”

Credits

Recipe Created by Liz Weiss, MS, RD, co-author, No Whine with Dinner: 150 Healthy, Kid-Tested Recipes from The Meal Makeover Moms

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.

BLUEBERRY PIE

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Perfection is a fool’s mission when it comes to blueberry pie. Sometimes the filling is a little runny. Other times, slightly thick, depending on the blueberries themselves. But this recipe helps even the odds, with the use of arrowroot starch in place of the more typical flour or cornstarch, and an awesome pre-thickening technique picked up from the pastry chef Kierin Baldwin. You could use a different pie crust, but I like the all-butter version below, at least with a pre-baked bottom and an artfully cut top that allows steam to escape.” Yield: Serves 8; Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

This was featured in “The Perfect Imperfections of Blueberry Pie” and can also be viewed online here. Not sure how to make a pie crust? Check out “How to Make a Pie Crust” by Melissa Clark.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 1/ 2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

8-10 tablespoons or 120 to 150 grams of ice water

1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

For the Filling:

8 cups blueberries, picked over and washed

1/2 cup raw sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2-3 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

To make the crust, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Add the butter, and either use your fingers to rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal or pulse the processor a few times to achieve a similar result. Gradually and lightly mix in ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough just comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather into a ball. Divide the ball into two equal portions, and flatten each into a disc with the heel of your hand. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

Prebake the pie shell. Heat oven to 375. Roll out one of the discs of dough on a lightly floured surface, and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough so that there is a slight overhang at the top of the pie plate, then place the shell in the freezer for 20 minutes or so to chill. Remove the pie shell from the freezer, cover the dough with parchment paper and fill the shell with pie weights or dried beans. Place the shell into the oven, and bake until the bottom has just started to brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Take the pie shell out of the oven, remove the parchment and pie weights and allow to cool.

Make the filling.Separate 1 cup of the blueberries, and combine them in the bowl of a food processor or blender with the sugar, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the arrowroot flour or cornstarch and the salt, then pulse to purée. Put the blueberry mixture into a small pot set over medium-high heat, and cook, whisking constantly, until the liquid has just thickened, approximately 1 minute. Pour the thickened mixture over the remaining blueberries, and stir to combine.

Bake the pie. Heat oven to 400. Mound the filling high in the center of the cooled pie shell, and apply the egg wash to the top edge of the cooked bottom crust. Roll out the second disc of dough, and place it over the top, gently crimping it onto the egg-washed edge of the bottom crust. Place the pie into the freezer to set, approximately 20 minutes, then cut vents into the top with a sharp knife, place the pie on a baking sheet and set it into the oven to bake for approximately 30 minutes. Then turn the pie, reduce heat to 350 and bake until the pie is golden and the filling has begun to bubble up through the vents, another 25 to 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool to room temperature before you cut into it.

BLACK BEAN VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH SWEET POTATO

This is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food expert. For this one, Jolinda wrote, “I have to confess, chili is not my favorite of vegetarian meals, but even I couldn't stop eating this vegetarian and vegan black bean chili, it was just so flavorful! The sweet potatoes and carrots match perfectly with the spiciness of the fresh chili flavor. This is my new favorite homemade chili recipe!” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 3-4 servings (though it ends “Makes 5 servings of homemade black bean chili.”)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 medium carrots, sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 15 ounce can black beans (or a little less than two cups, if you're cooking them fresh)

1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or tomato sauce

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil for a minute or two, then add sweet potatoes, carrots and bell pepper until onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium low, and add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine well.

Simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until flavors have mingled and vegetables are cooked.

FRESH PEAS WITH MINT

Makes 8 servings

Source: Jennie-O

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1338.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups sugar snap peas, blanched

2 cups frozen peas, thawed

1/4 cup sliced green onion

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sugar snap peas, peas and green onion in butter 4 to 5 minutes or until heated.

Stir in mint.

Season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 50; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 20 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g

Friday, September 2, 2016

Friday Recipes

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