Ever notice how different countries and ethnicities have different ways of fixing foods? No one would mistake Italian food for, say, Thai, or Mexican food (which is today's offerings) for Irish food. Even different regions of the same country have different food preferences. (Grits come to mind as a Southern U.S. food.)
Anyway, today's offerings deal with Mexican food and include Mayan Spiced Chocolate Pudding and Chipotle Asparagus Quesadillas. Enjoy!
BEAN AND SALSA QUESADILLAS
This comes from page 32 of the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Salsa and roasted red peppers are blended together with cooked beans to make a smooth, rich quesadilla filling.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 1/2 cups cooked pinto or black beans, or 1 15-oz. can beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup prepared salsa
3 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese (6 Tbs.)
1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, and chopped
2 green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 Tbs. chopped cilantro
4 8-inch whole-wheat or multi-grain tortillas
Blend beans, salsa, cream cheese, roasted peppers, green onions, and cilantro in blender or food processor until mostly smooth.
Spread 1/2 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Fold over tortillas to enclose filling. (If a tortilla’s edges don’t stick together, brush some oil along bottom inside edge.)
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook quesadillas in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 295; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 43 g; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Sodium: 664 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 2 g
SWEET POTATO QUESADILLAS
This also comes from page 32 of the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “This fork-and-knife quesadilla is great topped with salsa and guacamole.” It serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
3 cups grated sweet potatoes
1 small jalapeno chile, chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
4 8-inch flour tortillas
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and season with salt, if desired. Cook, covered, 8 minutes. Add sweet potatoes, jalapeño, cumin, and oregano; cover, and cook 10 minutes, stirring often. Stir in corn, and cook 1 minute, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Spread 1/2 cup filling on one-half of each tortilla, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Fold tortillas to enclose filling. (If a tortilla’s edges don’t stick together, brush some oil along bottom inside edge.)
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook quesadillas in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 355; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 57 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 503 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan
CORNY GREEN ENCHILADAS
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 4; Preparation time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients (use vegan versions):
12 corn tortillas
1 can of fiesta corn (drained)
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 can of green enchilada sauce
2 cups of vegan cheese
2 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Directions:
This is a layered casserole. You can vary the layers to your liking.
Mix the spices with your enchilada sauce and stir until well incorporated. Taste the enchilada sauce to see if it needs salt. Normally the canned sauce is seasoned very well.
Using a casserole dish, layer the ingredients, starting with 1/4 of sauce on the bottom. Layer sauce, tortillas (torn or whole), corn, beans and vegan cheese. Continue layering and end with a layer of tortillas and then sauce.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of vegan cheese over the top and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until it starts to bubble. Remove the foil the last 5-10 minutes to let the vegan cheese brown.
Serve with a salad, salsa and smoothie! Good eats!
CHIPOTLE ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS
This comes from the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. It begins, “Canned chipotles in adobo sauce lend mellow, smoky heat to quesadillas. Leftover chipotles (there are usually four or five in a can) can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for future use.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Quesadillas
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
4 8-inch sprouted-grain tortillas
Chipotle Spread
3 Tbs. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced, drained chipotles in adobo sauce
1 Tbs. lime or lemon juice
Preheat oven to 425°F.
To make Quesadillas: Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, onion, oil, and oregano in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on large baking sheet, and roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, stirring once or twice.
Meanwhile, to make Chipotle Spread: blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread 1 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Spread on one side of each tortilla, spreading all the way out to edges. Top with 2/3 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over tortillas, pressing edges together to enclose filling and form half-moons.
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 273; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 235 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
FARROW BLACK BEANS MEXICAN BOWL [VEGAN]
This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and begins, “My idea was to make a one pan, flavorful, Mexican meal – so I flavored the warm oil with garlic and oregano first and then mixed in the rest of the ingredients except lettuce and avocados. I love the fresh and crunchy texture of lettuce, and fresh sliced avocados give this Farro Black Beans Mexican Bowl a light creamy texture. Serve this healthy, nutritious and vegan Mexican bowl to yourself and feel the happiness and energy flowing in your body.” Cook Time: 10 minutes; Serves: 4; Calories: 435
To view this online, go to http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/farro-black-beans-mexican-bowl/.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
2 tsp oregan
1 cup red onions (chopped)
1 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
1 tbsp jalapeno pepper (seeds removed and chopped)
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
3 roma tomatoes (blanched, peeled and mashed)
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
1 15 oz. can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp lime juice
2 cups farrow (cooked)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 whole avocado (seed removed and sliced/chopped
Preparation
Heat oil in a nonstick pan and add garlic, oregano and onions. Saute well.
Add green bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, tomatoes. Mix, cover and cook for 2 minutes.
Add sugar, corn, black beans, salt, lime juice.
Mix very well and cover and cook for 3 – 4 minutes.
Lastly add farro and mix well so that farro is properly coated and turn off the flame.
In a serving bowl/plate empty the pan. Top it with lettuce and avocado and serve.
MAYAN SPICED CHOCOLATE PUDDING
This is from the April 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “We've provided instructions for having this pudding ready to eat in 30 minutes, but you could also just chill with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
1 13.5-oz. can light coconut milk, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. chili powder, plus more for garnish
1/8 tsp. salt
1 3-oz. bar vegan dark chocolate, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Whisk together 1/4 cup coconut milk and cornstarch in small bowl. Set aside.
Combine remaining coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, and salt in saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk 1/4 cup hot mixture into cornstarch mixture to form slurry.
Whisk slurry into hot mixture, and cook 3 minutes, or until thickened, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, and whisk in chocolate and vanilla.
Transfer to metal bowl, and set in larger bowl filled with ice and water. Whisk occasionally to cool. Serve sprinkled with pinch of chili powder.
nutritional information Per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 285; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 95 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 16 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
Monday, June 25, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday (yay!). Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the weekend, including Fresh Vegetable Pita Pizza and Parisian-style Sweet Crêpes which, if I may say, make not just a nice anytime snack, but a yummy Saturday morning breakfast. Enjoy!
EAST COAST GRILL’S CORNBREAD
This comes from Sam Sifton, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This corn bread, adapted from the one developed by Chris Schlesinger and served at his East Coast Grill in Cambridge, Mass., is lofty and sweet, crusty and cakelike, moist and ethereal. As Sam Sifton said in the 2012 article that accompanied the recipe, it is ‘the corn bread to become a child’s favorite, to become the only corn bread that matters. All else is not corn bread.’” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
This was featured in “The Corn Bread Matters Most”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a 9-inch cast-iron skillet and put it in the oven to heat up.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and oil. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, add the melted butter and the corn and stir together until just mixed.
Remove the hot cast-iron pan from the oven and pour into it the batter, then give the pan a smack on the countertop to even it out. Return pan to oven and bake, approximately 1 hour, until the corn bread is browned on top and a toothpick or a thin knife inserted into the top comes out clean.
RAINBOW SLAW
From the July 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. Serves 8. The recipe starts out, “Salting the cabbage before making the salad draws out excess moisture, so your slaw won't be watery.”
To view this online, click here.
1/2 small head green cabbage (about 1 1/4 lb.)
1/2 small head red cabbage (about 1 1/4 lb.)
1 large carrot, peeled
1 Tbs. kosher or coarse salt
2 Tbs. mustard seeds
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. chili flakes
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
Slice cabbage into thin strips. Grate carrot on largest holes of box grater.
Combine cabbage, carrot and salt in large colander set over bowl. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours. Rinse off salt under cold water. Pat dry.
Put mustard seeds, oil and chili flakes in small skillet; cover and cook over medium-high heat 1 minute, or until seeds start to pop, shaking constantly. Remove from heat and continue shaking pan until popping subsides. Cool in bowl. Whisk in vinegar, sugar and mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine cabbage, carrot and bell peppers in large bowl. Add dressing, and toss to coat. Adjust seasonings. Serve immediately, or store up to 1 day in refrigerator.
nutritional information Per serving: Calories: 111; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Sodium: 148 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 13 g; Vegan
CREAMY WEEKNIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Just as quick as the boxed variety, this creamy macaroni and cheese skirts the traditional butter and flour roux with assistance from cream cheese. While the cream cheese adds an important lusciousness, it doesn’t do the macaroni and cheese any favors when it comes to its flavor, so it’s important to use the sharpest, tangiest Cheddar you can get your hands on. For perfectly coated noodles, make sure to cook the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar, grated
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until just barely al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, bring milk up to a simmer in a large pot. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and whisk until it’s completely blended and no lumps remain. Add Cheddar cheese and butter, whisking until everything is completely melted. Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper.
Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened and is coating each piece of pasta nicely, 2 to 3 minutes; sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Season again with more salt and pepper before serving.
PARISIAN-STYLE SWEET CREPES
This is from the September, 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cafés and brasseries in the French capital sell passersby sweet crêpes slathered in butter, jam, chestnut purée, and (VT favorite) Nutella. The experience is easy to re-create at home for breakfast, Sunday supper, or a snack.”
This recipe makes 8 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/parisian-style-sweet-crepes.
Ingredients
Crêpes
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fillings (optional)Nutella
peanut butter
butter
jam
chestnut purée
Preparation
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in bowl. Whisk in egg; mixture will be shaggy. Whisk in milk 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk in vanilla. Cover, and chill 30 minutes, or overnight.
Whisk 1/4 to 1/2 cup water into batter to thin. Lightly grease 9-inch nonstick skillet with canola oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour 1/4 cup batter into hot skillet, tilting pan to swirl batter so it coats bottom of pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and center is dry. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
Transfer crêpe to plate, and repeat with remaining batter. To serve crêpes: Reheat 1 minute in lightly greased skillet. Spread with desired fillings, fold into quarters, and serve.
LEMON-ALMOND BUTTER CAKE
This was in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This buttery almond cake with lemon curd baked inside is like the ultimate citrus tart, without the heartbreak of pie crust. It's fancy enough to be served as a dinner party dessert, yet substantial enough to be served with Sunday brunch. (Bonus: you'll have several tablespoons of lemon curd left over. It's delicious on toast or pancakes.)”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, plus cooling time.
This was featured in “Not The Usual Chef On The Shelf” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Curd:
Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
4 extra-large eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cake:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
1 cup plus 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 extra-large eggs
1/2 cup ground toasted almonds
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
About 1/2 cup heavy cream for garnish
1 tablespoon almond liqueur (optional)
Preparation
For the curd, combine zest, juice, sugar and eggs in a heatproof bowl, and beat well. Add butter, and place over a saucepan full of simmering water. Cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, until mixture thickens into curd, about 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl, and press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming.
Refrigerate until cool, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch spring-form pan with 1 tablespoon butter, and dust with 1 tablespoon flour, shaking out excess.
With an electric mixer, cream the remaining butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. Sift together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt, and stir in. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they start to foam. Do not overbeat or the cake will be tough. Add eggs and ground almonds to batter, and mix well.
Scrape batter into the prepared pan. Drop 8 individual tablespoons lemon curd around perimeter of batter, leaving a 1-inch border, and taking care to space drops evenly. Drop 3 to 4 tablespoons curd into center of batter. Refrigerate remaining curd for another use. Sprinkle cake with toasted almonds and 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, depending on taste.
Bake until cake is toasty brown on top and a toothpick inserted into cake (not curd) comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool on rack 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan, and cool completely.
Whip cream with almond liqueur. Present cake at table, and offer whipped cream on the side.
FRESH VEGETABLE PITA PIZZA
This recipe is from Family Time, and begins, “Your kids will love this pizza-- and it's a good way for them to get their veggies.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. fresh tomatoes
4 (7-inch) pita breads
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings, divided
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 medium (2 cups) zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 large (1 cup) green bell pepper, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet red or white onion
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Core and slice the tomatoes and then cut each slice in half into half moons. Arrange the pitas on 2 baking sheets and brush each one with oil. Divide the tomato slices among the pitas and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and half the Italian seasonings. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are heated and the pitas begin to crisp. Sprinkle the pizzas with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with zucchini, green pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve with crushed red pepper flakes and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
EAST COAST GRILL’S CORNBREAD
This comes from Sam Sifton, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This corn bread, adapted from the one developed by Chris Schlesinger and served at his East Coast Grill in Cambridge, Mass., is lofty and sweet, crusty and cakelike, moist and ethereal. As Sam Sifton said in the 2012 article that accompanied the recipe, it is ‘the corn bread to become a child’s favorite, to become the only corn bread that matters. All else is not corn bread.’” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
This was featured in “The Corn Bread Matters Most”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a 9-inch cast-iron skillet and put it in the oven to heat up.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and oil. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, add the melted butter and the corn and stir together until just mixed.
Remove the hot cast-iron pan from the oven and pour into it the batter, then give the pan a smack on the countertop to even it out. Return pan to oven and bake, approximately 1 hour, until the corn bread is browned on top and a toothpick or a thin knife inserted into the top comes out clean.
RAINBOW SLAW
From the July 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. Serves 8. The recipe starts out, “Salting the cabbage before making the salad draws out excess moisture, so your slaw won't be watery.”
To view this online, click here.
1/2 small head green cabbage (about 1 1/4 lb.)
1/2 small head red cabbage (about 1 1/4 lb.)
1 large carrot, peeled
1 Tbs. kosher or coarse salt
2 Tbs. mustard seeds
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. chili flakes
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
Slice cabbage into thin strips. Grate carrot on largest holes of box grater.
Combine cabbage, carrot and salt in large colander set over bowl. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours. Rinse off salt under cold water. Pat dry.
Put mustard seeds, oil and chili flakes in small skillet; cover and cook over medium-high heat 1 minute, or until seeds start to pop, shaking constantly. Remove from heat and continue shaking pan until popping subsides. Cool in bowl. Whisk in vinegar, sugar and mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine cabbage, carrot and bell peppers in large bowl. Add dressing, and toss to coat. Adjust seasonings. Serve immediately, or store up to 1 day in refrigerator.
nutritional information Per serving: Calories: 111; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Sodium: 148 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 13 g; Vegan
CREAMY WEEKNIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alison wrote, “Just as quick as the boxed variety, this creamy macaroni and cheese skirts the traditional butter and flour roux with assistance from cream cheese. While the cream cheese adds an important lusciousness, it doesn’t do the macaroni and cheese any favors when it comes to its flavor, so it’s important to use the sharpest, tangiest Cheddar you can get your hands on. For perfectly coated noodles, make sure to cook the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar, grated
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until just barely al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, bring milk up to a simmer in a large pot. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and whisk until it’s completely blended and no lumps remain. Add Cheddar cheese and butter, whisking until everything is completely melted. Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper.
Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened and is coating each piece of pasta nicely, 2 to 3 minutes; sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Season again with more salt and pepper before serving.
PARISIAN-STYLE SWEET CREPES
This is from the September, 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cafés and brasseries in the French capital sell passersby sweet crêpes slathered in butter, jam, chestnut purée, and (VT favorite) Nutella. The experience is easy to re-create at home for breakfast, Sunday supper, or a snack.”
This recipe makes 8 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/parisian-style-sweet-crepes.
Ingredients
Crêpes
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fillings (optional)Nutella
peanut butter
butter
jam
chestnut purée
Preparation
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in bowl. Whisk in egg; mixture will be shaggy. Whisk in milk 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk in vanilla. Cover, and chill 30 minutes, or overnight.
Whisk 1/4 to 1/2 cup water into batter to thin. Lightly grease 9-inch nonstick skillet with canola oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour 1/4 cup batter into hot skillet, tilting pan to swirl batter so it coats bottom of pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and center is dry. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
Transfer crêpe to plate, and repeat with remaining batter. To serve crêpes: Reheat 1 minute in lightly greased skillet. Spread with desired fillings, fold into quarters, and serve.
LEMON-ALMOND BUTTER CAKE
This was in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, “This buttery almond cake with lemon curd baked inside is like the ultimate citrus tart, without the heartbreak of pie crust. It's fancy enough to be served as a dinner party dessert, yet substantial enough to be served with Sunday brunch. (Bonus: you'll have several tablespoons of lemon curd left over. It's delicious on toast or pancakes.)”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, plus cooling time.
This was featured in “Not The Usual Chef On The Shelf” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Curd:
Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
4 extra-large eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cake:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
1 cup plus 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 extra-large eggs
1/2 cup ground toasted almonds
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
About 1/2 cup heavy cream for garnish
1 tablespoon almond liqueur (optional)
Preparation
For the curd, combine zest, juice, sugar and eggs in a heatproof bowl, and beat well. Add butter, and place over a saucepan full of simmering water. Cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, until mixture thickens into curd, about 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl, and press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming.
Refrigerate until cool, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-inch spring-form pan with 1 tablespoon butter, and dust with 1 tablespoon flour, shaking out excess.
With an electric mixer, cream the remaining butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. Sift together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt, and stir in. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they start to foam. Do not overbeat or the cake will be tough. Add eggs and ground almonds to batter, and mix well.
Scrape batter into the prepared pan. Drop 8 individual tablespoons lemon curd around perimeter of batter, leaving a 1-inch border, and taking care to space drops evenly. Drop 3 to 4 tablespoons curd into center of batter. Refrigerate remaining curd for another use. Sprinkle cake with toasted almonds and 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, depending on taste.
Bake until cake is toasty brown on top and a toothpick inserted into cake (not curd) comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool on rack 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan, and cool completely.
Whip cream with almond liqueur. Present cake at table, and offer whipped cream on the side.
FRESH VEGETABLE PITA PIZZA
This recipe is from Family Time, and begins, “Your kids will love this pizza-- and it's a good way for them to get their veggies.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. fresh tomatoes
4 (7-inch) pita breads
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings, divided
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 medium (2 cups) zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 large (1 cup) green bell pepper, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced sweet red or white onion
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Core and slice the tomatoes and then cut each slice in half into half moons. Arrange the pitas on 2 baking sheets and brush each one with oil. Divide the tomato slices among the pitas and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and half the Italian seasonings. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are heated and the pitas begin to crisp. Sprinkle the pizzas with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with zucchini, green pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve with crushed red pepper flakes and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Thursday Recipes
Just one more day until the end of the week. (Do I hear a big sigh of relief, besides mine?) Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Creamy No Churn Raspberry Crumble Ice Cream and Vegetable Frittata. Enjoy!
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
Years ago, I found this in an issue of Vegetarian Times (if I remember, it was the May 2005 issue). My better-half wasn’t a vegetarian, but I fixed this anyway, and he was instantly hooked. I ended up fixing this at least every other week, and scrambled up the left-over egg yolks for our aging Cocker Spaniel, Osha (pronounced Ah-sha, as in OshKosh B'Gosh).
(For the record, Osha knew that when she saw the quiche dish come out of the cupboard, she was in for a scrambled egg yolk treat and would sit in the doorway, almost quivering in anticipation.)
This recipe starts off, “Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread.”
I have yet to make this using broccoli, opting for making it with fresh spinach, instead. Very yummy!
Makes 6 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 160; Carbohydrate Content: 8 g; Cholesterol Content: 85 mg; Fat Content: 9 g; Fiber Content: 2 g; Protein Content: 14 g; Saturated Fat Content: 4 g; Sodium Content: 370 mg; Sugar Content: 3 g
VEGETABLE FRITTATA
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
Mixture of green peppers, red peppers, yellow peppers, onion, mushrooms, broccoli, squash (about 2-3 cups total)
Olive oil
5-6 eggs
Milk
About 1/2 cup grated cheese (Cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan)
Salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
Parsley sprigs for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Gently saute the vegetables in a 9- or 10-inch oven-proof skillet in the olive oil until just soft.
Mix eggs with a little milk, then pour over and around the vegetables. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
Cook over medium heat enough to set the eggs, then place in the oven to finish the cooking. Bake until the top of the frittata is no longer runny. Garnish and serve.
LEMON BARS
This yummy recipe comes from Ina Garten, star of The Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa.
Total: 1 hr 35 min; Prep: 10 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 55 min; Yield: 20 squares or 40 triangles; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.
CREAMY NO CHURN RASPBERRY CRUMBLE ICE CREAM
This comes from the wonderful people at Feedfeed, and begins, “Sunshine in Vancouver got me like... let’s make homemade ice cream!!”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Crisp
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp butter, cold
No Churn Ice Cream
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Raspberry Jam, about 2/3 cup
Directions
For the Brown Sugar Crisp: Preheat oven to 350˚F degrees and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add cold butter and work the butter into the dry ingredients with a pasty cutter until the butter is incorporated and you are left with a crumbly mixture. Spread onto prepared baking sheet and place in the oven to bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and and allow to cool completely. Set aside until ready to use assemble ice cream.
For the No Churn Ice Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment on high until smooth and creamy and there are no lumps. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the whipping cream in a steady stream. Once all the cream in incorporated, turn the mixer to high and whip until stiff peaks form; about 3-4 minutes.
Add half of the whipped cream cheese mixture to the condensed milk mixture and whisk to combine. Add the condensed milk mixture to your bowl of whipped cream and use a spatula to fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk until smooth and no streaks of whipped cream remain.
Pour 1/2 of the mixture into a 9 or 10 inch cake pan (alternatively you could use a loaf pan). Set the pan and the remaining ice cream mixture in your freezer for 15 minutes to set slightly. Once set remove and begin assembling your ice cream.
Dollop about 1/3 of a cup of your raspberry jam over the ice cream in the pan. Use a spoon to spread it evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1/2 of your crumble mixture. Dollop the rest of your ice cream mixture on top and use a spoon to smooth. Dollop the remaining jam across the top of the ice cream and use a knife or the back of your spoon to create the pretty swirls. Sprinkle with remaining crisp mixture.
Cover with plastic wrap and set in the freezer for 5-6 hours before serving.
CORNY GREEN ENCHILADAS
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 4; Preparation time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients (use vegan versions):
12 corn tortillas
1 can of fiesta corn (drained)
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 can of green enchilada sauce
2 cups of vegan cheese
2 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Directions:
This is a layered casserole. You can vary the layers to your liking.
Mix the spices with your enchilada sauce and stir until well incorporated. Taste the enchilada sauce to see if it needs salt. Normally the canned sauce is seasoned very well.
Using a casserole dish, layer the ingredients, starting with 1/4 of sauce on the bottom. Layer sauce, tortillas (torn or whole), corn, beans and vegan cheese. Continue layering and end with a layer of tortillas and then sauce.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of vegan cheese over the top and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until it starts to bubble. Remove the foil the last 5-10 minutes to let the vegan cheese brown.
Serve with a salad, salsa and smoothie! Good eats!
STRAWBERRY FOOL
This comes from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This Minimalist recipe is as basic as dessert gets, and especially in strawberry season it’s just perfect. It is essentially fresh strawberries and whipped cream (substitute heavy cream, sour cream or yogurt). It can be eaten right away or refrigerated. Only a fool would pass this up.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
The recipe was featured in “THE MINIMALIST; A Fruit Fool: It's Sublime” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pint strawberries
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Preparation
Hull strawberries, then wash them and chop into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Toss with half the sugar, and wait 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices.
Place half the strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and puree. Pour puree back in bowl with chopped strawberries.
Whip the cream with remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks easily. Fold berries and cream together, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two hours.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
Years ago, I found this in an issue of Vegetarian Times (if I remember, it was the May 2005 issue). My better-half wasn’t a vegetarian, but I fixed this anyway, and he was instantly hooked. I ended up fixing this at least every other week, and scrambled up the left-over egg yolks for our aging Cocker Spaniel, Osha (pronounced Ah-sha, as in OshKosh B'Gosh).
(For the record, Osha knew that when she saw the quiche dish come out of the cupboard, she was in for a scrambled egg yolk treat and would sit in the doorway, almost quivering in anticipation.)
This recipe starts off, “Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread.”
I have yet to make this using broccoli, opting for making it with fresh spinach, instead. Very yummy!
Makes 6 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 160; Carbohydrate Content: 8 g; Cholesterol Content: 85 mg; Fat Content: 9 g; Fiber Content: 2 g; Protein Content: 14 g; Saturated Fat Content: 4 g; Sodium Content: 370 mg; Sugar Content: 3 g
VEGETABLE FRITTATA
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
Mixture of green peppers, red peppers, yellow peppers, onion, mushrooms, broccoli, squash (about 2-3 cups total)
Olive oil
5-6 eggs
Milk
About 1/2 cup grated cheese (Cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan)
Salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
Parsley sprigs for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Gently saute the vegetables in a 9- or 10-inch oven-proof skillet in the olive oil until just soft.
Mix eggs with a little milk, then pour over and around the vegetables. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
Cook over medium heat enough to set the eggs, then place in the oven to finish the cooking. Bake until the top of the frittata is no longer runny. Garnish and serve.
LEMON BARS
This yummy recipe comes from Ina Garten, star of The Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa.
Total: 1 hr 35 min; Prep: 10 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 55 min; Yield: 20 squares or 40 triangles; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.
CREAMY NO CHURN RASPBERRY CRUMBLE ICE CREAM
This comes from the wonderful people at Feedfeed, and begins, “Sunshine in Vancouver got me like... let’s make homemade ice cream!!”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Crisp
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp butter, cold
No Churn Ice Cream
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Raspberry Jam, about 2/3 cup
Directions
For the Brown Sugar Crisp: Preheat oven to 350˚F degrees and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add cold butter and work the butter into the dry ingredients with a pasty cutter until the butter is incorporated and you are left with a crumbly mixture. Spread onto prepared baking sheet and place in the oven to bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and and allow to cool completely. Set aside until ready to use assemble ice cream.
For the No Churn Ice Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together condensed milk, vanilla and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment on high until smooth and creamy and there are no lumps. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the whipping cream in a steady stream. Once all the cream in incorporated, turn the mixer to high and whip until stiff peaks form; about 3-4 minutes.
Add half of the whipped cream cheese mixture to the condensed milk mixture and whisk to combine. Add the condensed milk mixture to your bowl of whipped cream and use a spatula to fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk until smooth and no streaks of whipped cream remain.
Pour 1/2 of the mixture into a 9 or 10 inch cake pan (alternatively you could use a loaf pan). Set the pan and the remaining ice cream mixture in your freezer for 15 minutes to set slightly. Once set remove and begin assembling your ice cream.
Dollop about 1/3 of a cup of your raspberry jam over the ice cream in the pan. Use a spoon to spread it evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1/2 of your crumble mixture. Dollop the rest of your ice cream mixture on top and use a spoon to smooth. Dollop the remaining jam across the top of the ice cream and use a knife or the back of your spoon to create the pretty swirls. Sprinkle with remaining crisp mixture.
Cover with plastic wrap and set in the freezer for 5-6 hours before serving.
CORNY GREEN ENCHILADAS
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Serves: 4; Preparation time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients (use vegan versions):
12 corn tortillas
1 can of fiesta corn (drained)
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 can of green enchilada sauce
2 cups of vegan cheese
2 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Directions:
This is a layered casserole. You can vary the layers to your liking.
Mix the spices with your enchilada sauce and stir until well incorporated. Taste the enchilada sauce to see if it needs salt. Normally the canned sauce is seasoned very well.
Using a casserole dish, layer the ingredients, starting with 1/4 of sauce on the bottom. Layer sauce, tortillas (torn or whole), corn, beans and vegan cheese. Continue layering and end with a layer of tortillas and then sauce.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of vegan cheese over the top and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until it starts to bubble. Remove the foil the last 5-10 minutes to let the vegan cheese brown.
Serve with a salad, salsa and smoothie! Good eats!
STRAWBERRY FOOL
This comes from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This Minimalist recipe is as basic as dessert gets, and especially in strawberry season it’s just perfect. It is essentially fresh strawberries and whipped cream (substitute heavy cream, sour cream or yogurt). It can be eaten right away or refrigerated. Only a fool would pass this up.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
The recipe was featured in “THE MINIMALIST; A Fruit Fool: It's Sublime” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pint strawberries
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Preparation
Hull strawberries, then wash them and chop into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Toss with half the sugar, and wait 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices.
Place half the strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and puree. Pour puree back in bowl with chopped strawberries.
Whip the cream with remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks easily. Fold berries and cream together, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two hours.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Oh, You Smoothie!
Today's offerings are smoothies. Before they were a staple in the grocery store, they were made from scratch in the blender. Some of us still do it that way!
Here are six smoothie recipes to help you through the day, including Purple Haze Smoothie and Strawberry-Raspberry Smoothie. Enjoy!
J’s FRUIT SMOOTHIE
My oldest son, J, has always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. This is something he came up with around the time he finished seventh grade.
This can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
6 oz. can orange juice (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.
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
Another of my inventions. Fresh strawberries are okay, but frozen ones give this a nice chill on a hot day.
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.
PURPLE HAZE SMOOTHIE
Variation on a theme. If you’re 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 above smoothies. The blueberries give it a pleasant taste and a beautiful color.
1-1 1/2 orange juice (see note)
1/2 C frozen blueberries
4 frozen strawberries (optional)
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.
STRAWBERRY-RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE
This recipe and the next (Strawberry-Banana Smoothies) were found in an article on Prevention, titled “20 Scrumptious Strawberry Recipes.” Click here to see the article and all twelve recipes.
PREP TIME: 5 min
TOTAL TIME: 10 min + freezing time
SERVINGS: 4
1/2 lb strawberries, trimmed and hulled (about 1 3/4 c)
6 oz raspberries (about 1 C)
3/4 C fresh orange juice
1/2 C 2% plain Greek-style yogurt
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp hulled hemp seeds
2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
Line small sheet pan with wax paper or parchment. Arrange berries on pan in even layer. Freeze until completely frozen, about 3 hours. Transfer to I blender with remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
NUTRITION (per serving) 164 cal, 6 g pro, 26 g carb, 5 g fiber, 18 g sugars, 5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 12 mg sodium
STRAWBERRY-BANANA SMOOTHIES
SERVINGS: 2
1 C strawberries, halved
1 small sliced banana
1 C ice cubes
1/2 C 1% milk
2 tsp agave nectar or honey
Blend all ingredients together. Pour into 2 chilled glasses and top each with a strawberry.
NUTRITION (per serving) 124 cal, 3 g pro, 27 g carb, 3 g fiber, 1.5 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 33 mg sodium
Here are six smoothie recipes to help you through the day, including Purple Haze Smoothie and Strawberry-Raspberry Smoothie. Enjoy!
J’s FRUIT SMOOTHIE
My oldest son, J, has always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. This is something he came up with around the time he finished seventh grade.
This can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
6 oz. can orange juice (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.
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
Another of my inventions. Fresh strawberries are okay, but frozen ones give this a nice chill on a hot day.
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.
PURPLE HAZE SMOOTHIE
Variation on a theme. If you’re 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 above smoothies. The blueberries give it a pleasant taste and a beautiful color.
1-1 1/2 orange juice (see note)
1/2 C frozen blueberries
4 frozen strawberries (optional)
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.
STRAWBERRY-RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE
This recipe and the next (Strawberry-Banana Smoothies) were found in an article on Prevention, titled “20 Scrumptious Strawberry Recipes.” Click here to see the article and all twelve recipes.
PREP TIME: 5 min
TOTAL TIME: 10 min + freezing time
SERVINGS: 4
1/2 lb strawberries, trimmed and hulled (about 1 3/4 c)
6 oz raspberries (about 1 C)
3/4 C fresh orange juice
1/2 C 2% plain Greek-style yogurt
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp hulled hemp seeds
2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
Line small sheet pan with wax paper or parchment. Arrange berries on pan in even layer. Freeze until completely frozen, about 3 hours. Transfer to I blender with remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
NUTRITION (per serving) 164 cal, 6 g pro, 26 g carb, 5 g fiber, 18 g sugars, 5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 12 mg sodium
STRAWBERRY-BANANA SMOOTHIES
SERVINGS: 2
1 C strawberries, halved
1 small sliced banana
1 C ice cubes
1/2 C 1% milk
2 tsp agave nectar or honey
Blend all ingredients together. Pour into 2 chilled glasses and top each with a strawberry.
NUTRITION (per serving) 124 cal, 3 g pro, 27 g carb, 3 g fiber, 1.5 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 33 mg sodium
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's six recipes include Broccoli and Cheese Crustless Quiche and Asparagus-Pesto Lasagna. Enjoy!
GREEN TEA RICE PUDDING
This recipe and the next two (Earl Grey Latte and Coffee Oatmeal Bites) are from the June 2016 issue of Runner’s World. The recipes begin, “The caffeine in coffee, tea, and even chocolate can do more than energize your day—it can boost your workout by reducing perceived exertion. So it’s good news that the newly released 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans give the go-ahead for most adults to consume 400 milligrams caffeine daily, or the amount in three to five cups of coffee.
“It’s also good news that Runner’s World now has its own coffee for sale. Check out the medium-roast Runner’s World Blend or the light-roast Runner’s World Marathon Blend.”
Both of these recipes can be found here.
This recipe begins, “The EGCG flavonoid in green tea may help improve your memory.”
Ingredients
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1 1/2 tsp. honey
Salt
1 green tea bag
1/4 cup diced mango
Instructions
Heat 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice, 1 1/2 tsp. honey, and a pinch of salt. Steep 1 green tea bag in simmered liquid 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and squeeze tea bag, and stir in 1/4 cup diced mango. Eat warm, or cover and refrigerate until cold.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 242; Protein: 3 g; Carbs: 44 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 17 g; Total fat: 7 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 185 mg
EARL GREY LATTE
This begins, “Black tea, such as Earl Grey, can fight cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.”
Ingredients
1 cup 2% milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 black tea bag
1 peach
Instructions
Heat 1 cup 2% milk with 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Pour into mug and steep with 1 tea bag for 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with 1 peach. Makes 1 serving.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 194; Protein: 9 g; Carbs: 27 g;Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 24 g; Total fat: 5 g; Saturated fat: 3 g; Sodium: 116 mg
COFFEE OATMEAL BITES
This recipe begins, “Oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure.”
Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. honey
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 Tbsp. instant coffee
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Salt
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Mix 2 large eggs with 1 1/4 cups 2% milk, 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tsp. vanilla extract, and 3 Tbsp. honey in a bowl. Stir in 3 cups quick-cooking oats, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 1/2 Tbsp. instant coffee, 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Combine with 2/3 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Pour into greased muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 12 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 187; Protein: 5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 6 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
Years ago, I found this in an issue of Vegetarian Times (if I remember, it was the May 2005 issue). My better-half wasn’t a vegetarian, but I fixed this anyway, and he was instantly hooked. I ended up fixing this at least every other week, and ended up scrambling the left-over egg yolks for our aging Cocker Spaniel, Osha.
(For the record, Osha knew that when she saw the quiche dish come out of the cupboard, she was in for a scrambled egg yolk treat and would sit in the doorway, almost quivering in anticipation.)
This recipe starts off, “Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread.”
I have yet to make this using broccoli, opting for making it with fresh spinach, instead. Very yummy!
Makes 6 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 160; Carbohydrate Content: 8 g; Cholesterol Content: 85 mg; Fat Content: 9 g; Fiber Content: 2 g; Protein Content: 14 g; Saturated Fat Content: 4 g; Sodium Content: 370 mg; Sugar Content: 3 g
ASPARAGUS-PESTO LASAGNA
This is from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe uses two popular Italian lasagna fillings: asparagus and pesto.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/asparagus-pesto-lasagna/
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
6 Tbs. pesto*, or more to taste
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/4 lb. asparagus spears, tips cut off and reserved, spears trimmed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
2 cups shredded Fontina or part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk in saucepan until smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in pesto, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Reserve 1 cup white sauce.
Warm oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus (not tips) and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place layer of noodles in dish, overlapping slightly. Layer with half of cooked asparagus, 3/4 cup Fontina and half of sauce. Add another layer of pasta, remaining sauce, remaining cooked asparagus and 3/4 cup Fontina. Top with layer of noodles, then with reserved 1 cup white sauce. Arrange reserved asparagus tips over top and sprinkle with remaining Fontina.
Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes; serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Look for the freshest, most flavorful pesto in the refrigerator section of the supermarket, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags or in plastic tubs.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 413; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 686 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g
SUMMER MINESTRONE WITH FRESH BASIL
This comes from Martha Rose Shulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “You can finish this hearty summer soup with slivered fresh basil, or with pistou, the Provençal version of pesto (it’s pesto without the pine nuts). A Parmesan rind, simmered in the soup and then removed, adds great depth of flavor without adding fat. On a hot summer day in Italy the soup might be served at room temperature, or just barely warm.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
This was featured in “Summer Minestrone with Fresh Basil” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
Salt
4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
1 medium turnip, peeled and diced
3/4 pound zucchini, diced
A bouquet garni consisting of 1 Parmesan rind, 1 bay leaf, 3 sprigs parsley and 3 sprigs thyme, tied together with kitchen string or tied into a piece of cheesecloth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
6 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup soup pasta, such as elbow macaroni, or broken spaghetti, or 3/4 cup penne
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves, or 1/2 cup pistou (see recipe; you'll need to subscribe to The New York Times cooking e-newsletter to get this)
Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
Preparation
Heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven and add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 more minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about a minute, and stir in the tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Stir in 2 quarts water, the turnip, zucchini, and the bouquet garni, and bring to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons salt, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the canned beans. Taste and adjust salt. Remove the bouquet garni.
While the soup is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Boil 5 minutes, until just tender but still bright green. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, allow to cool, and drain. Retain the cooking water in case you want to thin out the soup later.
Add the pasta to the soup and simmer another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir the cooked green beans into the soup. Grind in some pepper and taste and adjust seasonings. It should be savory and rich-tasting.
Stir in the basil or pistou, or place a spoonful of pistou in each bowl and stir in. Serve in wide soup bowls, with a sprinkling of Parmesan over the top.
GREEN TEA RICE PUDDING
This recipe and the next two (Earl Grey Latte and Coffee Oatmeal Bites) are from the June 2016 issue of Runner’s World. The recipes begin, “The caffeine in coffee, tea, and even chocolate can do more than energize your day—it can boost your workout by reducing perceived exertion. So it’s good news that the newly released 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans give the go-ahead for most adults to consume 400 milligrams caffeine daily, or the amount in three to five cups of coffee.
“It’s also good news that Runner’s World now has its own coffee for sale. Check out the medium-roast Runner’s World Blend or the light-roast Runner’s World Marathon Blend.”
Both of these recipes can be found here.
This recipe begins, “The EGCG flavonoid in green tea may help improve your memory.”
Ingredients
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1 1/2 tsp. honey
Salt
1 green tea bag
1/4 cup diced mango
Instructions
Heat 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice, 1 1/2 tsp. honey, and a pinch of salt. Steep 1 green tea bag in simmered liquid 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and squeeze tea bag, and stir in 1/4 cup diced mango. Eat warm, or cover and refrigerate until cold.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 242; Protein: 3 g; Carbs: 44 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 17 g; Total fat: 7 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 185 mg
EARL GREY LATTE
This begins, “Black tea, such as Earl Grey, can fight cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.”
Ingredients
1 cup 2% milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 black tea bag
1 peach
Instructions
Heat 1 cup 2% milk with 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Pour into mug and steep with 1 tea bag for 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with 1 peach. Makes 1 serving.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 194; Protein: 9 g; Carbs: 27 g;Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 24 g; Total fat: 5 g; Saturated fat: 3 g; Sodium: 116 mg
COFFEE OATMEAL BITES
This recipe begins, “Oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure.”
Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. honey
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 Tbsp. instant coffee
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Salt
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Mix 2 large eggs with 1 1/4 cups 2% milk, 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tsp. vanilla extract, and 3 Tbsp. honey in a bowl. Stir in 3 cups quick-cooking oats, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 1/2 Tbsp. instant coffee, 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Combine with 2/3 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Pour into greased muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 12 servings.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 187; Protein: 5 g; Carbs: 29 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 6 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 142 mg
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
Years ago, I found this in an issue of Vegetarian Times (if I remember, it was the May 2005 issue). My better-half wasn’t a vegetarian, but I fixed this anyway, and he was instantly hooked. I ended up fixing this at least every other week, and ended up scrambling the left-over egg yolks for our aging Cocker Spaniel, Osha.
(For the record, Osha knew that when she saw the quiche dish come out of the cupboard, she was in for a scrambled egg yolk treat and would sit in the doorway, almost quivering in anticipation.)
This recipe starts off, “Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread.”
I have yet to make this using broccoli, opting for making it with fresh spinach, instead. Very yummy!
Makes 6 servings, and can be found online at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche.
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 160; Carbohydrate Content: 8 g; Cholesterol Content: 85 mg; Fat Content: 9 g; Fiber Content: 2 g; Protein Content: 14 g; Saturated Fat Content: 4 g; Sodium Content: 370 mg; Sugar Content: 3 g
ASPARAGUS-PESTO LASAGNA
This is from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This recipe uses two popular Italian lasagna fillings: asparagus and pesto.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/asparagus-pesto-lasagna/
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
6 Tbs. pesto*, or more to taste
2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/4 lb. asparagus spears, tips cut off and reserved, spears trimmed and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
2 cups shredded Fontina or part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk in saucepan until smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in pesto, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Reserve 1 cup white sauce.
Warm oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus (not tips) and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 1 minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place layer of noodles in dish, overlapping slightly. Layer with half of cooked asparagus, 3/4 cup Fontina and half of sauce. Add another layer of pasta, remaining sauce, remaining cooked asparagus and 3/4 cup Fontina. Top with layer of noodles, then with reserved 1 cup white sauce. Arrange reserved asparagus tips over top and sprinkle with remaining Fontina.
Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes; serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Look for the freshest, most flavorful pesto in the refrigerator section of the supermarket, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags or in plastic tubs.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 413; Protein: 21 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Cholesterol: 44 mg; Sodium: 686 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 8 g
SUMMER MINESTRONE WITH FRESH BASIL
This comes from Martha Rose Shulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “You can finish this hearty summer soup with slivered fresh basil, or with pistou, the Provençal version of pesto (it’s pesto without the pine nuts). A Parmesan rind, simmered in the soup and then removed, adds great depth of flavor without adding fat. On a hot summer day in Italy the soup might be served at room temperature, or just barely warm.”
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
This was featured in “Summer Minestrone with Fresh Basil” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
For the Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
Salt
4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
1 medium turnip, peeled and diced
3/4 pound zucchini, diced
A bouquet garni consisting of 1 Parmesan rind, 1 bay leaf, 3 sprigs parsley and 3 sprigs thyme, tied together with kitchen string or tied into a piece of cheesecloth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
6 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup soup pasta, such as elbow macaroni, or broken spaghetti, or 3/4 cup penne
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves, or 1/2 cup pistou (see recipe; you'll need to subscribe to The New York Times cooking e-newsletter to get this)
Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
Preparation
Heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven and add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 more minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about a minute, and stir in the tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Stir in 2 quarts water, the turnip, zucchini, and the bouquet garni, and bring to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons salt, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the canned beans. Taste and adjust salt. Remove the bouquet garni.
While the soup is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Boil 5 minutes, until just tender but still bright green. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, allow to cool, and drain. Retain the cooking water in case you want to thin out the soup later.
Add the pasta to the soup and simmer another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir the cooked green beans into the soup. Grind in some pepper and taste and adjust seasonings. It should be savory and rich-tasting.
Stir in the basil or pistou, or place a spoonful of pistou in each bowl and stir in. Serve in wide soup bowls, with a sprinkling of Parmesan over the top.
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Here are six yummy taco recipes to help you through the day, including Mushroom Corn and Poblano Soft Tacos and Portobello Bulgogi Korean Tacos. Enjoy!
BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREMA
This is from Lindsay, whose blog, Pinch of Yum, is really good. Feel free to check it out!
This recipe begins, “This colorful, spicy, crispy, mega-yum recipe was inspired by the amazing buffalo ‘wings’ at J. Selby’s in Saint Paul and this recipe from Sarah Sullivan. Thanks to both sources of inspiration!”
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Yield: 8-10 tacos (probably 4-5 servings)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos:
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, salt, and pepper
1 head cauliflower (4-5 cups florets)
3/4 cup hot sauce (I used Frank’s brand)
shredded cabbage or slaw
chopped fresh cilantro
tortillas
Avocado Crema
2 avocados
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup sour cream (yogurt would work, too)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
squeeze of lemon or lime
Instsructions
Batter the cauliflower: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk flour, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip cauliflower pieces in the batter and let excess drip off. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on an upper rack for 15-20 minutes until lightly crisped and browned.
Spice the cauliflower: Gently toss the baked cauliflower in a bowl with the hot sauce. Return to pan. Bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Avocado Crema: Mix all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Slaw: Toss the slaw with some of the avocado crema until it’s nice and creamy.
Tacos: Fill each tortilla with slaw, cauliflower, a drizzle of avocado crema, and cilantro. Perfection!
Notes:
Gluten Free: use almond meal and GF corn tortillas.
Vegan: use non-dairy milk and skip the sour cream in the sauce.
Cauliflower Pro Tip: It helps if you have a greased wire rack to back the cauliflower on – this allows excess batter to drip down and promotes crispiness. 👍🏼 But it works fine without, too.
Notes about texture: The texture as written is pretty firm and crispy, but not deep-fried-level crispy. Not surprisingly, you’d have to deep fry to achieve that. Which you could totally do! Here’s a recipe with a deep fry batter that I’d recommend if you want to spend the time doing that (it’s delish). But to me, this is a really great middle-of-the-road alternative that is a) much easier, b) healthier, and c) still really tasty!
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND BLACK BEAN TACOS
This comes from Ali in her cool blog, Gimme Some Oven. Check out her blog!
This yummy recipe begins, “These Roasted Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos are topped with a zesty tahini-cumin-lime crema, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan, and muy delicioso.”
Total Time: 50 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes Yield: About 4 - 6; Vegan
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
Taco Ingredients:
1 batch Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower (see below)
1 batch Black Beans (see below)
1 batch Cumin Lime Crema (see below)
corn tortillas*
toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime wedges, pepitas, and/or thinly-sliced radishes
Tumeric Roasted Cauliflower Ingredients:
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, kosher salt, paprika
1/2 teaspoon each: crushed red pepper flakes, freshly-cracked black pepper, ground turmeric
Refried Black Bean Ingredients:
1 small white onion
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon each: chili powder, Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
Cumin Lime Cream Ingredients:
1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Mexican hot sauce (such as Cholula)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
To Make the Tacos:
Prepare the cauliflower, refried black beans and crema as directed below.
To serve, place a layer of refried black beans in a tortilla, top with roasted cauliflower, a drizzle of the crema, and your desired toppings.
To Make the Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower:
Heat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and ground turmeric until evenly combined.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then place the cauliflower in a single layer on the sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until it is tender and browned, stirring once halfway through.
Serve immediately.
To Make the Refried Black Beans:
Peel and halve the onion, then slice into half-moon shapes. Drain the beans, reserving 1/2 cup of the can liquid.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the beans, reserved can liquid, kosher salt, chili powder and black pepper. Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often and smashing the beans toward the end of the cook time, until most of the liquid has cooked out and the texture is mashed and thick. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan as necessary. Taste and season with additional salt as desired.
To Make the Cumin Lime Crema:
In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, lime juice, tahini, olive oil, hot sauce, cumin and salt until evenly combined. Add 1-2 tablespoons water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.
*If you’d like to char the tortillas, turn on a gas burner to medium heat and place the tortilla directly on the grate. After about 15 seconds, once the edges are lightly charred, use tongs to flip the tortilla. Then heat on the opposite side until lightly charred. Repeat for all tortillas, keeping a close eye on them while cooking so that they do not catch fire.
LOADED GUACAMOLE VEGETARIAN TACOS
This is from Karen, the Soup Addict. Karen wrote, “Veggie-loaded with lots of guacamole, black beans, corn, and peppers, these vegetarian tacos are full-on yummy.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 minutes; Total Time: 28 minutes; Serves: 6 tacos.
This can be viewed online at http://soupaddict.com/2014/06/loaded-guacamole-vegetarian-tacos/.
Ingredients
for the guacamole
2 avocados, pit and skin removed, roughly chopped
1/2 of a lime
1/2 of a lemon
1/4 salt (plus extra as needed)
1/3 cup corn kernels (raw, from about 1/2 of a large cob, or thawed from frozen)
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons diced poblano pepper
1 tablespoon diced red onion
1 tablespoon diced jalapeño pepper
2 teaspoons minced cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
for the black beans
1 can black beans (15 ounces)
1/3 cup corn kerns (raw, from 1/2 of a large cob, or thawed from frozen)
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup poblano peppers, diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
for the tacos
6 small flour or soft corn tortillas
2 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon minced cilantro
hot sauce, such as Cholula or Sriracha (optional)
lime and/or lemon wedges
Instructions
prepare the guacamole
Mash the avocado in a medium bowl with a fork (or molcajete) until it reaches your desired consistency, chunky or smooth. Add a small squeeze each of lime and lemon juice, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and taste. Add more lime juice, lemon juice, and salt as you like. Stir in the remaining guacamole ingredients. (To make ahead, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press gently against the guacamole. The entire surface of the guac should be touching and covered by the wrap, to keep air out. Then, cover the bowl with a second sheet of wrap, and refrigerate.)
prepare the black beans
Add all of the black bean ingredients to a 2 quart sauce pot and heat over medium-low until hot. Turn off the heat and allow to cool to a very warm, eatable temp (a few minutes should do it).
assemble
If the tortillas are not soft and pliable (or if you like your tortillas warm), stack them on a microwaveable plate, separated with paper towels, and heat for 20 to 30 seconds.
Line half of each tortilla with lettuce. Spoon the black bean mixture over the lettuce (on half of the tortilla). Spoon guacamole on the other half. Top with a few shakes of hot sauce (optional) and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lemon and lime wedges.
PORTOBELLO BULGOGI KOREAN TACOS
This is from Rachael Hartley in her blog Avocado A Day Nutrition. (Nice blog, Rachael! I just signed up for it!) Rachael wrote, "Beef bulgogi Korean tacos are one of my favorites. Try this vegan twist using meaty portobello mushrooms, which soak up all the delicious marinade." Serves 6.
You can view this yummy recipe online here.
Ingredients
Mushrooms:
6 medium-large portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin (see note, below)
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons raw sugar or coconut sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon gochugaru (see second note)
Slaw:
1 bag of shredded cabbage
1 large carrot, shredded on the large grates of a cheese grater
2 scallions, thinly sliced
8 corn tortillas
First Note: Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine and is made from rice. It's supposed to be sweeter than sake. Since I don't keep alcohol around, I use water in place of miring.
Second note: Gochugaru is Korean chile flakes. If you can get it locally, and plan to use it in several dishes, great. Since I probably wouldn't use it elsewhere - unless I fell madly in love with it - I might consider something a little cheaper and more generic.
Instructions
Two to four hours before cooking, whisk together all the marinade ingredients for the mushrooms. Add portobellos and toss to combine. Refrigerate and marinade 2-4 hours.
When ready to cook, heat the grill to medium-high. Place the mushrooms evenly on the grill or toss into a grill pan if you have one. Reserve the marinade. Cook about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway.
While the mushrooms cook, pour the reserved marinade into a small pot. Set to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Boil about 10 minutes total until reduced to a thick syrup. Set aside.
Warm the tortillas. Spoon slaw on the bottom of each tortillas. Top with mushrooms and reserved sauce.
JAMAICAN CURRIED TEMPEH TACOS
This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The yellow curry filling, mustard greens, and red pepper strips lend these spicy tacos the colors of the tropics.” Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
1 Tbs. peanut oil
1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, diced (1 cup)
1 8-oz. pkg. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 Tbs. chopped cilantro
2 1/2 tsp. curry powder
1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 Tbs. lime juice
1 tsp. grated lime zest
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup curly mustard greens, finely chopped
2 Tbs. chopped peanuts, optional
Instructions:
Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened. Stir in tempeh, pineapple juice, cilantro, curry powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes, or until pineapple juice evaporates and tempeh starts to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.
Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture. Add red bell pepper and mustard greens. Top with peanuts, if desired.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 313 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g
MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found http://ohmyveggies.com/vegetarian-taco-recipes/>here.
From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)
Kosher salt
10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 cup sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.
Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.
BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREMA
This is from Lindsay, whose blog, Pinch of Yum, is really good. Feel free to check it out!
This recipe begins, “This colorful, spicy, crispy, mega-yum recipe was inspired by the amazing buffalo ‘wings’ at J. Selby’s in Saint Paul and this recipe from Sarah Sullivan. Thanks to both sources of inspiration!”
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Yield: 8-10 tacos (probably 4-5 servings)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos:
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, salt, and pepper
1 head cauliflower (4-5 cups florets)
3/4 cup hot sauce (I used Frank’s brand)
shredded cabbage or slaw
chopped fresh cilantro
tortillas
Avocado Crema
2 avocados
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup sour cream (yogurt would work, too)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
squeeze of lemon or lime
Instsructions
Batter the cauliflower: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk flour, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip cauliflower pieces in the batter and let excess drip off. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on an upper rack for 15-20 minutes until lightly crisped and browned.
Spice the cauliflower: Gently toss the baked cauliflower in a bowl with the hot sauce. Return to pan. Bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Avocado Crema: Mix all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Slaw: Toss the slaw with some of the avocado crema until it’s nice and creamy.
Tacos: Fill each tortilla with slaw, cauliflower, a drizzle of avocado crema, and cilantro. Perfection!
Notes:
Gluten Free: use almond meal and GF corn tortillas.
Vegan: use non-dairy milk and skip the sour cream in the sauce.
Cauliflower Pro Tip: It helps if you have a greased wire rack to back the cauliflower on – this allows excess batter to drip down and promotes crispiness. 👍🏼 But it works fine without, too.
Notes about texture: The texture as written is pretty firm and crispy, but not deep-fried-level crispy. Not surprisingly, you’d have to deep fry to achieve that. Which you could totally do! Here’s a recipe with a deep fry batter that I’d recommend if you want to spend the time doing that (it’s delish). But to me, this is a really great middle-of-the-road alternative that is a) much easier, b) healthier, and c) still really tasty!
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND BLACK BEAN TACOS
This comes from Ali in her cool blog, Gimme Some Oven. Check out her blog!
This yummy recipe begins, “These Roasted Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos are topped with a zesty tahini-cumin-lime crema, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan, and muy delicioso.”
Total Time: 50 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes Yield: About 4 - 6; Vegan
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
Taco Ingredients:
1 batch Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower (see below)
1 batch Black Beans (see below)
1 batch Cumin Lime Crema (see below)
corn tortillas*
toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime wedges, pepitas, and/or thinly-sliced radishes
Tumeric Roasted Cauliflower Ingredients:
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, kosher salt, paprika
1/2 teaspoon each: crushed red pepper flakes, freshly-cracked black pepper, ground turmeric
Refried Black Bean Ingredients:
1 small white onion
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon each: chili powder, Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
Cumin Lime Cream Ingredients:
1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Mexican hot sauce (such as Cholula)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
To Make the Tacos:
Prepare the cauliflower, refried black beans and crema as directed below.
To serve, place a layer of refried black beans in a tortilla, top with roasted cauliflower, a drizzle of the crema, and your desired toppings.
To Make the Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower:
Heat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and ground turmeric until evenly combined.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then place the cauliflower in a single layer on the sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until it is tender and browned, stirring once halfway through.
Serve immediately.
To Make the Refried Black Beans:
Peel and halve the onion, then slice into half-moon shapes. Drain the beans, reserving 1/2 cup of the can liquid.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the beans, reserved can liquid, kosher salt, chili powder and black pepper. Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often and smashing the beans toward the end of the cook time, until most of the liquid has cooked out and the texture is mashed and thick. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan as necessary. Taste and season with additional salt as desired.
To Make the Cumin Lime Crema:
In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, lime juice, tahini, olive oil, hot sauce, cumin and salt until evenly combined. Add 1-2 tablespoons water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.
*If you’d like to char the tortillas, turn on a gas burner to medium heat and place the tortilla directly on the grate. After about 15 seconds, once the edges are lightly charred, use tongs to flip the tortilla. Then heat on the opposite side until lightly charred. Repeat for all tortillas, keeping a close eye on them while cooking so that they do not catch fire.
LOADED GUACAMOLE VEGETARIAN TACOS
This is from Karen, the Soup Addict. Karen wrote, “Veggie-loaded with lots of guacamole, black beans, corn, and peppers, these vegetarian tacos are full-on yummy.”
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 minutes; Total Time: 28 minutes; Serves: 6 tacos.
This can be viewed online at http://soupaddict.com/2014/06/loaded-guacamole-vegetarian-tacos/.
Ingredients
for the guacamole
2 avocados, pit and skin removed, roughly chopped
1/2 of a lime
1/2 of a lemon
1/4 salt (plus extra as needed)
1/3 cup corn kernels (raw, from about 1/2 of a large cob, or thawed from frozen)
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons diced poblano pepper
1 tablespoon diced red onion
1 tablespoon diced jalapeño pepper
2 teaspoons minced cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
for the black beans
1 can black beans (15 ounces)
1/3 cup corn kerns (raw, from 1/2 of a large cob, or thawed from frozen)
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup poblano peppers, diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
for the tacos
6 small flour or soft corn tortillas
2 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon minced cilantro
hot sauce, such as Cholula or Sriracha (optional)
lime and/or lemon wedges
Instructions
prepare the guacamole
Mash the avocado in a medium bowl with a fork (or molcajete) until it reaches your desired consistency, chunky or smooth. Add a small squeeze each of lime and lemon juice, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and taste. Add more lime juice, lemon juice, and salt as you like. Stir in the remaining guacamole ingredients. (To make ahead, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press gently against the guacamole. The entire surface of the guac should be touching and covered by the wrap, to keep air out. Then, cover the bowl with a second sheet of wrap, and refrigerate.)
prepare the black beans
Add all of the black bean ingredients to a 2 quart sauce pot and heat over medium-low until hot. Turn off the heat and allow to cool to a very warm, eatable temp (a few minutes should do it).
assemble
If the tortillas are not soft and pliable (or if you like your tortillas warm), stack them on a microwaveable plate, separated with paper towels, and heat for 20 to 30 seconds.
Line half of each tortilla with lettuce. Spoon the black bean mixture over the lettuce (on half of the tortilla). Spoon guacamole on the other half. Top with a few shakes of hot sauce (optional) and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lemon and lime wedges.
PORTOBELLO BULGOGI KOREAN TACOS
This is from Rachael Hartley in her blog Avocado A Day Nutrition. (Nice blog, Rachael! I just signed up for it!) Rachael wrote, "Beef bulgogi Korean tacos are one of my favorites. Try this vegan twist using meaty portobello mushrooms, which soak up all the delicious marinade." Serves 6.
You can view this yummy recipe online here.
Ingredients
Mushrooms:
6 medium-large portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin (see note, below)
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons raw sugar or coconut sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon gochugaru (see second note)
Slaw:
1 bag of shredded cabbage
1 large carrot, shredded on the large grates of a cheese grater
2 scallions, thinly sliced
8 corn tortillas
First Note: Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine and is made from rice. It's supposed to be sweeter than sake. Since I don't keep alcohol around, I use water in place of miring.
Second note: Gochugaru is Korean chile flakes. If you can get it locally, and plan to use it in several dishes, great. Since I probably wouldn't use it elsewhere - unless I fell madly in love with it - I might consider something a little cheaper and more generic.
Instructions
Two to four hours before cooking, whisk together all the marinade ingredients for the mushrooms. Add portobellos and toss to combine. Refrigerate and marinade 2-4 hours.
When ready to cook, heat the grill to medium-high. Place the mushrooms evenly on the grill or toss into a grill pan if you have one. Reserve the marinade. Cook about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway.
While the mushrooms cook, pour the reserved marinade into a small pot. Set to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Boil about 10 minutes total until reduced to a thick syrup. Set aside.
Warm the tortillas. Spoon slaw on the bottom of each tortillas. Top with mushrooms and reserved sauce.
JAMAICAN CURRIED TEMPEH TACOS
This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The yellow curry filling, mustard greens, and red pepper strips lend these spicy tacos the colors of the tropics.” Yield: Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
1 Tbs. peanut oil
1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, diced (1 cup)
1 8-oz. pkg. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 Tbs. chopped cilantro
2 1/2 tsp. curry powder
1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 Tbs. lime juice
1 tsp. grated lime zest
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup curly mustard greens, finely chopped
2 Tbs. chopped peanuts, optional
Instructions:
Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened. Stir in tempeh, pineapple juice, cilantro, curry powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes, or until pineapple juice evaporates and tempeh starts to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.
Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture. Add red bell pepper and mustard greens. Top with peanuts, if desired.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 313 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g
MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found http://ohmyveggies.com/vegetarian-taco-recipes/>here.
From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)
Kosher salt
10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 cup sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.
Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Monday Recipes
It's Monday. I hope your weekend went well. My weekend went by too quickly (don't most weekends go that way?), so, of course, I didn't get everything done that I wanted to. Siiiiiigh. At least there's next weekend.
Here are today's six recipes to help get your week started, including Down-Home Vegetable Pot Pie and All-In-One Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!
EGG CINNAMON BREAD
I've been making this for years – actually, for decades – and almost always gotten rave reviews on this recipe. It got to the point that several people have specifically requested this recipe – and, if I'm visiting, it's pretty much expected that I'll bake up a batch. This recipe makes three loaves.
2 envelopes yeast
1 C warm water
1-2 T honey
1 C milk (Note: 1 cup soy milk can be used in place of the milk)
1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2 eggs, beaten
6-7 C unbleached white flour
1/4-1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2-3 C cinnamon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Stir honey into warm water. Stir in yeast. Set aside.
Heat milk until warm. Pour into large bowl and add 1/2 C margarine, cut into 4 pieces. Stir, allowing margarine to melt. Cool to room temperature. Stir in salt, yeast mixture and eggs. Add flour, 2 cups at a time until stiff. Place dough on floured towel and knead for 4-5 minutes.
Wash and dry bowl. Oil dough, place in bowl, cover with clean towel and place out of draft in a warm place. Allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until double.
Melt 1/4-1/2 C margarine. Grease 3 loaf pans. Punch dough down, then divide into three sections. Roll out with rolling pin, then brush with melted margarine. Spread cinnamon sugar over melted margarine, then roll all three sections into loaves. Place in pans, place clean towel over pans, and allow to rise again for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Remove towel, then place loaf pans into preheated 350 degree F oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
BENECOL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
I'm not sure where I found this recipe; possibly on the Benecol website. Makes 4 servings; 1 serving = 1 cup
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Heat Benecol and garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into the Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles
Nutrient analysis (per serving): Total Calories 356; Protein 18 g; Carbohydrates 50 g; Fat 9 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Cholesterol 14 mg; Sodium 371 mg; Fiber 2 g; 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
DEEP-DISH SKILLET PIZZA
This comes from page 37 of the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Try this homemade pizza technique with your favorite toppings as well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/deep-dish-skillet-pizza/.
Dough
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1/2 pkg. dry yeast (1/4 oz.)
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. flax meal or ground flaxseed
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Topping
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
8 cups loosely packed kale
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 Tbs. Neufchâtel cheese (2 oz.)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or basil
To make Dough: Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in yeast, and let stand 5 minutes, or until liquid is cloudy and bubbly. Stir in whole-wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, flax meal, oil, and salt. Knead 2 minutes while adding 1/4 cup flour. Oil separate bowl, and turn dough in oil to coat. Cover, and let rise in warm spot until dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
To make Topping: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until kale is softened, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and fennel seed, and cook 7 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, and stir in Neufchâtel cheese.
Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil bottom and sides of 12-inch cast iron skillet. With floured hands, pat and stretch Dough over bottom and halfway up sides of skillet. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Spread kale mixture on dough; scatter feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano on top. Place skillet directly on oven floor, and bake 15 minutes. Remove carefully from oven, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 274; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Sodium: 566 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 4 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAGE RISOTTO
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cubes of squash and wilted chard give this version of risotto a lovely appearance. For the most efficient use of time, heat the broth while you cut the shallots and herbs. Meal Plan: All this dish needs is some warm crusty bread.” Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
7 cups vegetable broth
1/2 lb. butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 2/3 cups)
1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 3/4 cups arborio rice
1 tsp. salt
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chopped Swiss chard leaves
3/4 cup chopped canned plum tomatoes
2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup grated soy Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
In large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Drop squash into boiling broth, reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, but still firm, about 3 minutes. Remove squash with slotted spoon and set aside. Reduce heat and let broth simmer.
In large, deep skillet, combine oil and shallots. Place over medium heat and stir to cook without browning, about 2 minutes. Add rice and salt. Stir until rice is coated with oil. Add wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, until rice absorbs wine.
Ladle 1/2 cup of simmering broth into skillet and stir until absorbed. Continue with remaining broth, adding 1/2 cup at a time and letting each addition be absorbed by rice before adding more liquid, about 25 minutes total.
Add chard and stir until wilted. Stir in squash, tomatoes, sage and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cheese if using and serve hot.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 433; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 75 g; Sodium: 540 mg; Fiber: 3 g
DOWN-HOME VEGETABLE POT PIE
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 56. It begins, “This is like the one you remember from childhood, only without the chicken. The baking powder in the pastry gives it a light, flaky top.” Serves 8
To view this online, click here.
1 stalk celery, finely chopped (2/3 cup)
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 large onion, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
Pastry topping
1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. sugar
/12 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 stick (8 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 1/2 Tbs. ice-cold water
2 medium all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice (2 1/3 cups)
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
Make pastry: In food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder and pulse on/off until blended. Add butter and pulse on/off until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add 3 tablespoons ice water. Pulse on/off until mixture is evenly dampened. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons water and process until dough forms large crumbs and can be easily packed.
Transfer dough to work surface and form into ball. Knead dough 2 or 3 times, then place on large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten into 3/4-inch thick disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, make filling. Bring medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots, corn and peas; boil 5 minutes. Drain vegetables and transfer to medium bowl.
In medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened, 8 to 9 minutes. Stir in oil and flour and cook over low heat, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in vegetable broth. Increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to mix well. Season with thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer vegetables to 9 1/2- or 10-inch deep-dish pie pan; smooth top. Let cool 15 minutes. On a sheet of lightly floured wax paper, roll pastry into circle just slightly larger than pie pan. Invert pastry over pie pan and peel off paper. Tuck edges of pastry inside edge of pan; poke several steam vents in crust with knife. Bake until pastry is golden, 50 to 60 minutes. Let stand briefly before serving.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 390; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Cholesterol: 41 mg; Sodium: 431 mg; Fiber: 5 g
Here are today's six recipes to help get your week started, including Down-Home Vegetable Pot Pie and All-In-One Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!
EGG CINNAMON BREAD
I've been making this for years – actually, for decades – and almost always gotten rave reviews on this recipe. It got to the point that several people have specifically requested this recipe – and, if I'm visiting, it's pretty much expected that I'll bake up a batch. This recipe makes three loaves.
2 envelopes yeast
1 C warm water
1-2 T honey
1 C milk (Note: 1 cup soy milk can be used in place of the milk)
1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2 eggs, beaten
6-7 C unbleached white flour
1/4-1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2-3 C cinnamon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Stir honey into warm water. Stir in yeast. Set aside.
Heat milk until warm. Pour into large bowl and add 1/2 C margarine, cut into 4 pieces. Stir, allowing margarine to melt. Cool to room temperature. Stir in salt, yeast mixture and eggs. Add flour, 2 cups at a time until stiff. Place dough on floured towel and knead for 4-5 minutes.
Wash and dry bowl. Oil dough, place in bowl, cover with clean towel and place out of draft in a warm place. Allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until double.
Melt 1/4-1/2 C margarine. Grease 3 loaf pans. Punch dough down, then divide into three sections. Roll out with rolling pin, then brush with melted margarine. Spread cinnamon sugar over melted margarine, then roll all three sections into loaves. Place in pans, place clean towel over pans, and allow to rise again for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Remove towel, then place loaf pans into preheated 350 degree F oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
BENECOL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
I'm not sure where I found this recipe; possibly on the Benecol website. Makes 4 servings; 1 serving = 1 cup
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Heat Benecol and garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into the Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles
Nutrient analysis (per serving): Total Calories 356; Protein 18 g; Carbohydrates 50 g; Fat 9 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Cholesterol 14 mg; Sodium 371 mg; Fiber 2 g; 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
DEEP-DISH SKILLET PIZZA
This comes from page 37 of the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Try this homemade pizza technique with your favorite toppings as well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/deep-dish-skillet-pizza/.
Dough
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1/2 pkg. dry yeast (1/4 oz.)
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. flax meal or ground flaxseed
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Topping
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
8 cups loosely packed kale
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 Tbs. Neufchâtel cheese (2 oz.)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or basil
To make Dough: Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in yeast, and let stand 5 minutes, or until liquid is cloudy and bubbly. Stir in whole-wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, flax meal, oil, and salt. Knead 2 minutes while adding 1/4 cup flour. Oil separate bowl, and turn dough in oil to coat. Cover, and let rise in warm spot until dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
To make Topping: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until kale is softened, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and fennel seed, and cook 7 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, and stir in Neufchâtel cheese.
Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil bottom and sides of 12-inch cast iron skillet. With floured hands, pat and stretch Dough over bottom and halfway up sides of skillet. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Spread kale mixture on dough; scatter feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano on top. Place skillet directly on oven floor, and bake 15 minutes. Remove carefully from oven, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 274; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Sodium: 566 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 4 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAGE RISOTTO
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cubes of squash and wilted chard give this version of risotto a lovely appearance. For the most efficient use of time, heat the broth while you cut the shallots and herbs. Meal Plan: All this dish needs is some warm crusty bread.” Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
7 cups vegetable broth
1/2 lb. butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 2/3 cups)
1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 3/4 cups arborio rice
1 tsp. salt
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chopped Swiss chard leaves
3/4 cup chopped canned plum tomatoes
2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup grated soy Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
In large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Drop squash into boiling broth, reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, but still firm, about 3 minutes. Remove squash with slotted spoon and set aside. Reduce heat and let broth simmer.
In large, deep skillet, combine oil and shallots. Place over medium heat and stir to cook without browning, about 2 minutes. Add rice and salt. Stir until rice is coated with oil. Add wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, until rice absorbs wine.
Ladle 1/2 cup of simmering broth into skillet and stir until absorbed. Continue with remaining broth, adding 1/2 cup at a time and letting each addition be absorbed by rice before adding more liquid, about 25 minutes total.
Add chard and stir until wilted. Stir in squash, tomatoes, sage and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cheese if using and serve hot.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 433; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 75 g; Sodium: 540 mg; Fiber: 3 g
DOWN-HOME VEGETABLE POT PIE
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 56. It begins, “This is like the one you remember from childhood, only without the chicken. The baking powder in the pastry gives it a light, flaky top.” Serves 8
To view this online, click here.
1 stalk celery, finely chopped (2/3 cup)
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 large onion, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
Pastry topping
1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. sugar
/12 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 stick (8 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 1/2 Tbs. ice-cold water
2 medium all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice (2 1/3 cups)
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
Make pastry: In food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder and pulse on/off until blended. Add butter and pulse on/off until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add 3 tablespoons ice water. Pulse on/off until mixture is evenly dampened. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons water and process until dough forms large crumbs and can be easily packed.
Transfer dough to work surface and form into ball. Knead dough 2 or 3 times, then place on large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten into 3/4-inch thick disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, make filling. Bring medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots, corn and peas; boil 5 minutes. Drain vegetables and transfer to medium bowl.
In medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened, 8 to 9 minutes. Stir in oil and flour and cook over low heat, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in vegetable broth. Increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to mix well. Season with thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer vegetables to 9 1/2- or 10-inch deep-dish pie pan; smooth top. Let cool 15 minutes. On a sheet of lightly floured wax paper, roll pastry into circle just slightly larger than pie pan. Invert pastry over pie pan and peel off paper. Tuck edges of pastry inside edge of pan; poke several steam vents in crust with knife. Bake until pastry is golden, 50 to 60 minutes. Let stand briefly before serving.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 390; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Cholesterol: 41 mg; Sodium: 431 mg; Fiber: 5 g
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)