Recently, a family member brought home a piece of ginger, and wondered how best to use it. Today's post is in response to that, and includes Mint-Green Tea Coolers and Ginger-Peach Sorbet. Enjoy!
CANDIED GINGER PUMPKIN PIE
This was posted on the Vegetarian Times site on November 4, 2007, and begins, “The secret ingredient in this lightly spiced pie is sweetened condensed milk, which gives the filling a silky-smooth texture.”
Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 15-oz. can unsweetened pumpkin puree
1 14-oz. can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
4 large eggs
1 9-inch graham cracker piecrust
1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together pumpkin purée and sweetened condensed milk in large bowl. Whisk in eggs and pinch of salt. Pour filling into graham cracker crust and bake 30 minutes.
Sprinkle chopped ginger on top and bake 25 to 30 minutes more, or until knife inserted in side of filling (not center), comes out clean. Cool, and refrigerate 3 hours, or overnight.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 266; Carbohydrate Content: 47 g; Fat Content: 5 g; Fiber Content: 2 g; Protein Content: 8 g; Saturated Fat Content: 2 g; Sodium Content: 141 mg; Sugar Content: 37 g
THAI STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES WITH GARLIC, GINGER, AND LIME
This is from Darlene Schmidt on The Spruce Eats. Darlene wrote, “Making a 'simple stir-fry' isn't always all that simple if you can't get the stir-fry sauce to taste just right. But with this no-fail recipe for Thai stir-fried vegetables, the technique is a shoe-in mostly because the sauce is made up before beginning to fry the vegetables, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. This can be made vegetarian/vegan by substituting soy sauce for the fish sauce.
“This is quite a 'saucy' stir-fry that is never dry and is terrific served over rice or noodles. Feel free to experiment with your own choice of vegetables, using whatever is fresh and available where you live.
“Great as a side dish, you can turn it into a main course by adding tofu, wheat gluten, cashews, cooked shrimp or slices of chicken as a protein source.
“Best of all it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for gathering the family around the table for a weeknight meal. Things will go even faster if much of the slicing, dicing, and chopping is done the night before.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup shallots (finely chopped, or purple onion)
5 to 6 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped)
1 to 2 pieces galangal (thumb-size OR ginger, sliced into thin matchstick pieces)
1/2 to 1 small fresh red chili (sliced OR 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes)
1 medium-size carrot (sliced)
5 to 6 shiitake mushrooms (sliced or left in halves or quarters)
Optional: 1 small head cauliflower (cut into florets)
1 small head broccoli (cut into florets)
1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
2 to 3 cups baby bok choy (or other Chinese cabbage, leaves left whole if not too large, otherwise cut in half or thirds)
1 handful fresh Thai basil (chopped)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
2/3 cup coconut milk
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/3 to 1/2 teaspoons dried crushed chili flakes
2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
Directions
Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a large cup or small bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and brown sugar, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Taste-test, keeping in mind that the first taste should be spicy-salty, followed by sweetness and the rich taste of the coconut milk.
Adjust these flavors to suit your taste, adding more lime juice if too sweet or salty (note that it will be less salty when combined with the vegetables).
Stir-Fry the Dish
Warm a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and swirl around, then add the shallots, garlic, galangal, and chili. Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes, then add the carrot, mushrooms, optional cauliflower, and 1/4 of the stir-fry sauce. Continue stir-frying 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the broccoli and red pepper plus enough stir-fry sauce to gently simmer vegetables (about 2 minutes). This is meant to be a "saucy" stir-fry that is never dry so the sauce can flavor the rice or noodles it is served with.
Finally, add the bok choy or Chinese cabbage. Add more of the stir-fry sauce as needed, almost enough to just cover vegetables in sauce. Simmer until bok choy or cabbage is cooked but still bright green with some crispness (2 to 3 minutes more).
Remove from heat and taste-test. If not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce. If too salty or sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice. Add more sugar or chili if desired.
Top with fresh basil and serve over Thai jasmine rice or Thai coconut rice.
Note: Any leftover stir-fry sauce can be stored for 1 week in a covered container in your refrigerator for future stir-fries.
Main Course Variation
Use this sauce to make a main course dish by adding tofu/cashews.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
MINT-GREEN TEA COOLERS
This is from Diabetes Self-Management, and can be viewed online here.
Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients
2 bags green tea
4 thin slices fresh ginger (about 1 inch)
7 or 8 large fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
2 cups boiling water
2 cups crushed ice
Directions
Place tea bags, ginger, and mint leaves in teapot or 2-cup heatproof measuring cup. Add boiling water; steep 4 minutes. Remove tea bags, ginger and mint leaves; discard. Cool tea to room temperature.
Pour 1 cup crushed ice into each of two tall glasses. Divide tea between glasses.
Tip: Squeeze a lime wedge (about 1/8 of a lime) into each cooler before serving.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 3 calories, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 1 mg, Fiber: 1 g
GINGER-PEACH SORBET
This is from page 46 of the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. The recipe states, “Fresh peaches, lightly cooked with a bit of sugar and fresh, spicy ginger, play double duty. Pulse the frozen cubes in the food processor with a splash of Prosecco and you have a light, flaky sorbet. Thaw the cubes, omit the prosecco, and use the mixture as a topper for ice cream or angel food cake.” Serves 6.
6 very ripe medium peaches (3 lb.)
1/4 cup sugar
4 1/4-inch-thick coins fresh ginger
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
6 Tbs. Prosecco or white wine
Score X on bottom of each peach. Place in bowl, and cover with boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Remove skins and pits, and chop.
Bring peaches, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes, or until peaches are soft.
Remove ginger, transfer peach mixture to food processor, and blend until smooth. Cool.
Pour cooled sauce into 6 1/2-cup silicone molds or muffin pan cups. Press plastic wrap over surface of molds to seal out air. Freeze 4 hours, or until completely solid, then transfer to freezer bag to store.
To make sorbet: Pulse frozen cubes and Prosecco in food processor until smooth. Transfer to freezer-safe container, and freeze until ready to serve.
nutritional information Per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 121; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: less than 1 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 25 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
APPLE GINGER CRISP
This comes from GE Appliances. Makes 6 - 8 servings in 10 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
8 tablespoons butter, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons grated ginger
3/4 cup unbleached flour
1 1/4 cup granola, preferably maple-pecan
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 Fuji apples, cored, skinned and wedge-cut into 1/16-inch cubes
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup apple cider
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
In a 12-inch, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well), melt 6 tablespoons of the butter and add 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger to it. When the ginger releases its aroma, turn off the heat.
For the topping, combine flour, granola (maple-pecan preferably), brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and ginger; mix well and set topping aside.
In large bowl, toss apples together with sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger. Set aside.
In the same pan used for the butter and ginger, reduce cider over high heat to 1/2 cup. Mix in lemon juice. Pour mixture into a separate container and set aside.
Return pan to low heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add remaining grated ginger. Mix together thoroughly and let ginger release its aroma. Turn up heat to high and add apple mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are translucent and soft. About ten minutes.
Remove from heat and add cider and lemon mixture, toss well. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Put the skillet into the oven for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Raspberry Lime Pie and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie. Enjoy!
MORGAN’S VEGGIE PATTIES
This comes from Guy Fieri of The Food Network show Guy’s Big Bite. It’s a little labor-intensive (you’re not going to have this on the table 20 minutes after getting home from work), but it’s well worth it.
Total: 1 hr 21 min; Prep: 45 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 6 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.
Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.
VEGETABLE SHEPHERD'S PIE
This came from the Food Network's Magazine several years ago.
Prep Time: 25 min; Cook Time: 41 min; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 bunch baby turnips, halved or quartered if large
6 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped (stems reserved)
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped veggie burgers or vegetarian protein crumbles
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half
Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Cover the potatoes with water in a pot; season with salt, cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stovetop casserole dish or shallow enamel pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, turnips and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables brown, 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from the potatoes to the casserole dish. Lower the heat and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Tie the parsley stems with twine and add to the casserole. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons butter and the chopped veggie burgers and warm through, 5 minutes. Remove the parsley stems and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.
Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the milk; season with salt and pepper and spoon over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan, if desired. Broil until golden brown, 5 minutes.
Per serving: Calories 558; Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g); Cholesterol 42 mg; Sodium 656 mg; Carbohydrate 68 g; Fiber 9 g; Protein 17 g
RASPBERRY LIME PIE
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
14 ozs. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
8 ozs. frozen whipped topping -- thawed
Few drops red food coloring -- optional
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 9 inch graham cracker crust -- baked and cooled
Additional raspberries for garnish -- optional
Fresh mint for garnish -- optional
Lime slices for garnish -- optional
Directions
In a mixing bowl, stir together milk and lime juice (mixture will begin to thicken). Mix in whipped topping and food coloring, if desired. Gently fold in raspberries. Spoon into crust. Chill. Garnish with raspberries, mint and/or lime if desired.
Note: Whoever submitted this to the list added, “Here is a pretty and refreshing dessert that tastes good after any meal. I especially like to serve it after a picnic or barbecued meal.”
POWER UP SMOOTHIE
This comes from My Daily Moment, and begins, “Frozen fruits blend together to give this smoothie texture and chill, as well as a wide range of essential vitamins and nutrients. This is a great way to get your motor running in the morning.”
enough for 2 people.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup(s) milk (can use skim, 1%, or Lactaid milk)
1/2 cup(s) strawberries
1/2 cup(s) cherries
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup(s) peaches
1 cup(s) any flavor yogurt
Directions
Put all the fruit into a blender; pour in the milk and yogurt. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour and serve!
TACO ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This comes from Linday Funston on Delish, and begins, “So flavorful, you won't even notice the noodles are gone.”
Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 - 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. ricotta
1/2 c. sour cream, plus more for drizzling
1 large egg
1/3 c. salsa
3 large zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
2 c. shredded Cheddar
2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 8 minutes more. Drain fat.
In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large baking or casserole dish, spread a thin layer of salsa. Top with a layer of zucchini noodles, sour cream mixture, ground beef, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with zucchini noodles.
Bake until noodles are tender and cheese is bubbly, 25 minutes.
Drizzle with sour cream, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
ENGINE 2 DIET VEGAN LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Vegetable lasagna is always a good meal choice for a vegan. And if you've heard about the heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering Engine 2 Diet and want to try an approved recipe, this vegan lasagna is a good place to start.
“From Rip Esselstyn's The Engine 2 Diet, ‘Raise the Roof’ sweet potato vegan lasagna replaces the high fat and cholesterol of cheese and beef with whole-grain noodles, tofu, and antioxidant-rich vegetables including mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, and corn crowned with a crunchy good-fat cashew topping. It's so delicious, he says, he served it at his own wedding.
“As if that's enough to be happy about, the lasagna noodles cook in the oven so there is no need to boil them first—what a time saver.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Yield: 10 to 12 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 onion (chopped)
1 head garlic (small, all cloves chopped or pressed)
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
1 head broccoli (chopped)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 red bell peppers (seeded and chopped)
1 can corn (rinsed and drained)
1 package silken lite tofu
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
2 (13.25-ounce) boxes whole-grain lasagna noodles (uncooked)
16 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
2 sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)
6 Roma tomatoes (sliced thin)
1 cup raw cashews (ground)
Directions
Prepare the Filling
Heat oven to 400 F.
Sauté the onion and garlic on high heat for 3 minutes in a wok or nonstick pan without any oil.
Add the mushrooms and cook until the onions are limp and the mushrooms give up their liquid. Remove them to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and leave the mushroom liquid in the pan.
Add the broccoli and carrots to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, remove, and add them to the bowl containing the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, leaving any liquid in the pan.
Add the peppers and corn, and sauté until the peppers are just beginning to soften. Add them and any liquid to the vegetable bowl.
Drain the silken tofu by wrapping in paper towels. Break it up directly in the towel and mix into the vegetable bowl.
Add cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary to the vegetable bowl and combine thoroughly.
Assemble the Lasagna
Cover the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole with pasta sauce. Add a single layer of uncooked noodles (do not overlap) and cover completely with a generous portion of sauce.
Spread the vegetable-tofu mixture over the sauced noodles. Cover with a second layer of noodles and another generous portion of sauce.
Add a layer of thawed and drained spinach followed by a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. Top with another generous portion of sauce, a final layer of noodles, and the remainder of the sauce.
Cover the lasagna with thinly sliced Roma tomatoes.
Bake and Serve
Cover with foil and bake in the heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the ground cashews, and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving.
More About the Engine 2 Diet
Jolinda wrote, “Rip Esselstyn developed the Engine 2 Diet, he says, to help a person rid their diet of what he considers junk (meat, dairy, refined and processed foods) while still enjoying tasty, nutritious, whole plant-based foods.
“His vegan diet with a twist (no vegetable oils) theory is that plant-based foods and unrefined grains are superior to animal products.
“His regimen includes fitness ideas and recipes like Engine 2 Diet black bean and hummus wrap sandwich and Rip's oil-free, tahini-free almost fat-free hummus.
MORGAN’S VEGGIE PATTIES
This comes from Guy Fieri of The Food Network show Guy’s Big Bite. It’s a little labor-intensive (you’re not going to have this on the table 20 minutes after getting home from work), but it’s well worth it.
Total: 1 hr 21 min; Prep: 45 min; Inactive: 30 min; Cook: 6 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.
Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.
VEGETABLE SHEPHERD'S PIE
This came from the Food Network's Magazine several years ago.
Prep Time: 25 min; Cook Time: 41 min; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 bunch baby turnips, halved or quartered if large
6 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped (stems reserved)
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped veggie burgers or vegetarian protein crumbles
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half
Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Cover the potatoes with water in a pot; season with salt, cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stovetop casserole dish or shallow enamel pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, turnips and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables brown, 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from the potatoes to the casserole dish. Lower the heat and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Tie the parsley stems with twine and add to the casserole. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons butter and the chopped veggie burgers and warm through, 5 minutes. Remove the parsley stems and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.
Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the milk; season with salt and pepper and spoon over the casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan, if desired. Broil until golden brown, 5 minutes.
Per serving: Calories 558; Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g); Cholesterol 42 mg; Sodium 656 mg; Carbohydrate 68 g; Fiber 9 g; Protein 17 g
RASPBERRY LIME PIE
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
14 ozs. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
8 ozs. frozen whipped topping -- thawed
Few drops red food coloring -- optional
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 9 inch graham cracker crust -- baked and cooled
Additional raspberries for garnish -- optional
Fresh mint for garnish -- optional
Lime slices for garnish -- optional
Directions
In a mixing bowl, stir together milk and lime juice (mixture will begin to thicken). Mix in whipped topping and food coloring, if desired. Gently fold in raspberries. Spoon into crust. Chill. Garnish with raspberries, mint and/or lime if desired.
Note: Whoever submitted this to the list added, “Here is a pretty and refreshing dessert that tastes good after any meal. I especially like to serve it after a picnic or barbecued meal.”
POWER UP SMOOTHIE
This comes from My Daily Moment, and begins, “Frozen fruits blend together to give this smoothie texture and chill, as well as a wide range of essential vitamins and nutrients. This is a great way to get your motor running in the morning.”
enough for 2 people.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup(s) milk (can use skim, 1%, or Lactaid milk)
1/2 cup(s) strawberries
1/2 cup(s) cherries
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup(s) peaches
1 cup(s) any flavor yogurt
Directions
Put all the fruit into a blender; pour in the milk and yogurt. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour and serve!
TACO ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This comes from Linday Funston on Delish, and begins, “So flavorful, you won't even notice the noodles are gone.”
Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4 - 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. ricotta
1/2 c. sour cream, plus more for drizzling
1 large egg
1/3 c. salsa
3 large zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
2 c. shredded Cheddar
2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 8 minutes more. Drain fat.
In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large baking or casserole dish, spread a thin layer of salsa. Top with a layer of zucchini noodles, sour cream mixture, ground beef, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with zucchini noodles.
Bake until noodles are tender and cheese is bubbly, 25 minutes.
Drizzle with sour cream, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
ENGINE 2 DIET VEGAN LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Vegetable lasagna is always a good meal choice for a vegan. And if you've heard about the heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering Engine 2 Diet and want to try an approved recipe, this vegan lasagna is a good place to start.
“From Rip Esselstyn's The Engine 2 Diet, ‘Raise the Roof’ sweet potato vegan lasagna replaces the high fat and cholesterol of cheese and beef with whole-grain noodles, tofu, and antioxidant-rich vegetables including mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, and corn crowned with a crunchy good-fat cashew topping. It's so delicious, he says, he served it at his own wedding.
“As if that's enough to be happy about, the lasagna noodles cook in the oven so there is no need to boil them first—what a time saver.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Yield: 10 to 12 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 onion (chopped)
1 head garlic (small, all cloves chopped or pressed)
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
1 head broccoli (chopped)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 red bell peppers (seeded and chopped)
1 can corn (rinsed and drained)
1 package silken lite tofu
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
2 (13.25-ounce) boxes whole-grain lasagna noodles (uncooked)
16 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
2 sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)
6 Roma tomatoes (sliced thin)
1 cup raw cashews (ground)
Directions
Prepare the Filling
Heat oven to 400 F.
Sauté the onion and garlic on high heat for 3 minutes in a wok or nonstick pan without any oil.
Add the mushrooms and cook until the onions are limp and the mushrooms give up their liquid. Remove them to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and leave the mushroom liquid in the pan.
Add the broccoli and carrots to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, remove, and add them to the bowl containing the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, leaving any liquid in the pan.
Add the peppers and corn, and sauté until the peppers are just beginning to soften. Add them and any liquid to the vegetable bowl.
Drain the silken tofu by wrapping in paper towels. Break it up directly in the towel and mix into the vegetable bowl.
Add cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary to the vegetable bowl and combine thoroughly.
Assemble the Lasagna
Cover the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole with pasta sauce. Add a single layer of uncooked noodles (do not overlap) and cover completely with a generous portion of sauce.
Spread the vegetable-tofu mixture over the sauced noodles. Cover with a second layer of noodles and another generous portion of sauce.
Add a layer of thawed and drained spinach followed by a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. Top with another generous portion of sauce, a final layer of noodles, and the remainder of the sauce.
Cover the lasagna with thinly sliced Roma tomatoes.
Bake and Serve
Cover with foil and bake in the heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the ground cashews, and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving.
More About the Engine 2 Diet
Jolinda wrote, “Rip Esselstyn developed the Engine 2 Diet, he says, to help a person rid their diet of what he considers junk (meat, dairy, refined and processed foods) while still enjoying tasty, nutritious, whole plant-based foods.
“His vegan diet with a twist (no vegetable oils) theory is that plant-based foods and unrefined grains are superior to animal products.
“His regimen includes fitness ideas and recipes like Engine 2 Diet black bean and hummus wrap sandwich and Rip's oil-free, tahini-free almost fat-free hummus.
Taco Tuesday
Time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Greek Chickpea Tacos and Butternut Squash Tacos with Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. Enjoy!
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.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH TACOS WITH CRANBERRY-JALAPENO RELISH
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings; Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
Relish adapted from The New York Times
Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/butternut-squash-tacos-with-cranberry-jalapeno-relish/
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked black beans
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until cranberries start to pop and mixture has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and ginger and remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Serve the tortillas stuffed with the butternut squash and black beans, and topped with the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish.
Notes
Both the butternut squash and relish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat the butternut squash before stuffing it into the tortillas.
MUSHROOM TACOS
This is from Runner's World and can be viewed online here. Recipe feeds 2-3 runners; Time needed: 30-45 minutes
What you’ll need:
Pound of scrubbed assorted mushrooms (creminis and portabellos work well)
1 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
6 small corn tortillas
1 orange
1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons dark chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Cilantro
How to make it:
Dice up one onion, setting aside three tablespoons for onion topping. Cut mushrooms into large chunks.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high-heat. Add onions and mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes until onions are tender and mushrooms begin to brown.
Mince garlic. Juice orange and lime. Reserve two wedges of lime.
Add garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder to onions and mushroom.
Saute for 30 seconds until garlic is aromatic, then add orange and lime juice, along with about a teaspoon of salt.
Cook for two to three minutes until the juice reduces.
Heat tortillas individually in a dry pan on the stove or all together wrapped in a towel in the microwave.
Spoon mushroom mix into tortillas and garnish with reserved raw onion and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
TANDOOR TOFU SCRAMBLE TACOS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]
This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and is dairy free, gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, has no refined sugar, is vegan, and is wheat free. Thank goodness, it is NOT low in taste!
Serves: 4; Cook Time: 21 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori Tofu Scramble:
8 ounces super firm tofu
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon tandoori spice blend
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 15-ounce can kidney beans
2 large kale leaves, destemmed and chopped coarsely
For the Tacos:
Soft shell corn tortillas, gluten-free if needed
1 handful of arugula
2 cups red cabbage, sliced or shredded
1/2 red onion sliced
1 avocado, mashed with salt
Red pepper flakes, as needed
Preparation
To Make the Scramble:
Crumble the tofu and set aside. In a large sautéeing pan medium-hight heat, add the olive oil, red onion, garlic, green onions and the tandoor spice.
Cook this for 1 minute and add tomato paste, tofu crumbles, and kidney beans. Stir this well and cook it for 2 more minutes.
Add the kale and cook the mixture for 1 more minute.
To Make the Tacos:
Warm up the tortillas in a pan and once they are warm remove them.
Add the arugula, the tandoori tofu scramble, red cabbage, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle the tacos with salt and red pepper flakes as needed.
CLASSIC CARNE ASADA
I found this, along with five other taco recipes (including the next one, Greek Chickpea Tacos), on the Runner’s World website (posted on June 26, 2018), though it’s originally from the Prevention test kitchen.
This one begins, “Swap that taco kit for a traditional take that uses soft tortillas instead of fried shells, homemade salsa in place of the bottled kind, and cilantro and lime juice rather than sour cream.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
1 lb skirt steak, trimmed
1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
3 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro
1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced Juice of 1 lime + wedges for serving
8 corn tortillas, warmed
Directions
Season steak with salt and pepper and let sit at room temperature while heating grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Toss together tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in medium bowl.
Grill steak, flipping once, until medium-rare, about 8 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes while grilling tortillas to warm. Cut steak into 3 to 4 inch sections and slice thinly against grain.
Assemble tacos with steak and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.
Per serving: 314 calories, 27 g protein, 22 g carb, 5 g fiber, 4 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 13 g fat, 4 g sat fat, 74 mg cholesterol, 321 mg sodium
GREEK CHICKPEA TACOS
This recipe begins, “Bring the Mediterranean diet to taco night: This dish delivers probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, stomach-soothing mint, and 10 grams of fiber per serving for healthy digestion.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
4 whole wheat pitas (6" diameter), warmed
2 c mixed spring greens
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 c pitted kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and grated (reserve and dice extra cucumber for garnish, if desired)
1 c plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint + leaves for garnish
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Mash chickpeas with 1 Tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano in medium bowl. Spread one-quarter of mixture on each pita. Top with greens, tomato, onion, and olives.
Combine cucumber, yogurt, mint, remaining 1 Tbsp lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt in medium bowl. Drizzle over taco fillings. Top with mint leaves and diced cucumber, if desired.
Per serving: 429 calories, 17 g protein, 58 g carb, 10 g fiber, 6 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 16.5 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat, 8 mg cholesterol, 696 mg sodium
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.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH TACOS WITH CRANBERRY-JALAPENO RELISH
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4-6 servings; Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
Relish adapted from The New York Times
Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/butternut-squash-tacos-with-cranberry-jalapeno-relish/
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked black beans
For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish:
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/2 pounds tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, olive oil and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until cranberries start to pop and mixture has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and ginger and remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Serve the tortillas stuffed with the butternut squash and black beans, and topped with the Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish.
Notes
Both the butternut squash and relish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat the butternut squash before stuffing it into the tortillas.
MUSHROOM TACOS
This is from Runner's World and can be viewed online here. Recipe feeds 2-3 runners; Time needed: 30-45 minutes
What you’ll need:
Pound of scrubbed assorted mushrooms (creminis and portabellos work well)
1 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
6 small corn tortillas
1 orange
1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons dark chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Cilantro
How to make it:
Dice up one onion, setting aside three tablespoons for onion topping. Cut mushrooms into large chunks.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high-heat. Add onions and mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes until onions are tender and mushrooms begin to brown.
Mince garlic. Juice orange and lime. Reserve two wedges of lime.
Add garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder to onions and mushroom.
Saute for 30 seconds until garlic is aromatic, then add orange and lime juice, along with about a teaspoon of salt.
Cook for two to three minutes until the juice reduces.
Heat tortillas individually in a dry pan on the stove or all together wrapped in a towel in the microwave.
Spoon mushroom mix into tortillas and garnish with reserved raw onion and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
TANDOOR TOFU SCRAMBLE TACOS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]
This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and is dairy free, gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, has no refined sugar, is vegan, and is wheat free. Thank goodness, it is NOT low in taste!
Serves: 4; Cook Time: 21 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori Tofu Scramble:
8 ounces super firm tofu
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon tandoori spice blend
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 15-ounce can kidney beans
2 large kale leaves, destemmed and chopped coarsely
For the Tacos:
Soft shell corn tortillas, gluten-free if needed
1 handful of arugula
2 cups red cabbage, sliced or shredded
1/2 red onion sliced
1 avocado, mashed with salt
Red pepper flakes, as needed
Preparation
To Make the Scramble:
Crumble the tofu and set aside. In a large sautéeing pan medium-hight heat, add the olive oil, red onion, garlic, green onions and the tandoor spice.
Cook this for 1 minute and add tomato paste, tofu crumbles, and kidney beans. Stir this well and cook it for 2 more minutes.
Add the kale and cook the mixture for 1 more minute.
To Make the Tacos:
Warm up the tortillas in a pan and once they are warm remove them.
Add the arugula, the tandoori tofu scramble, red cabbage, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle the tacos with salt and red pepper flakes as needed.
CLASSIC CARNE ASADA
I found this, along with five other taco recipes (including the next one, Greek Chickpea Tacos), on the Runner’s World website (posted on June 26, 2018), though it’s originally from the Prevention test kitchen.
This one begins, “Swap that taco kit for a traditional take that uses soft tortillas instead of fried shells, homemade salsa in place of the bottled kind, and cilantro and lime juice rather than sour cream.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
1 lb skirt steak, trimmed
1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
3 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro
1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced Juice of 1 lime + wedges for serving
8 corn tortillas, warmed
Directions
Season steak with salt and pepper and let sit at room temperature while heating grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Toss together tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in medium bowl.
Grill steak, flipping once, until medium-rare, about 8 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes while grilling tortillas to warm. Cut steak into 3 to 4 inch sections and slice thinly against grain.
Assemble tacos with steak and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.
Per serving: 314 calories, 27 g protein, 22 g carb, 5 g fiber, 4 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 13 g fat, 4 g sat fat, 74 mg cholesterol, 321 mg sodium
GREEK CHICKPEA TACOS
This recipe begins, “Bring the Mediterranean diet to taco night: This dish delivers probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, stomach-soothing mint, and 10 grams of fiber per serving for healthy digestion.”
Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) unsalted chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
4 whole wheat pitas (6" diameter), warmed
2 c mixed spring greens
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 c pitted kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and grated (reserve and dice extra cucumber for garnish, if desired)
1 c plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint + leaves for garnish
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
Mash chickpeas with 1 Tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano in medium bowl. Spread one-quarter of mixture on each pita. Top with greens, tomato, onion, and olives.
Combine cucumber, yogurt, mint, remaining 1 Tbsp lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt in medium bowl. Drizzle over taco fillings. Top with mint leaves and diced cucumber, if desired.
Per serving: 429 calories, 17 g protein, 58 g carb, 10 g fiber, 6 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 16.5 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat, 8 mg cholesterol, 696 mg sodium
Monday, September 17, 2018
When Life Gives You Lemons...
No doubt, you've heard the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"
But there's so much more to be made using lemons. Today's post offers a few suggestions, including Lemon Basil Pesto with Fresh Vegetables and Lemon Meringue Pie. Enjoy!
BANANA MUFFINS WITH TART LEMON ICING
This was on an old Weight Watcher's emailing list. Unfortunately, I no longer have a link to it, as WW has changed enough over the years. The points value is from when the email came out.
The recipe begins, “If the mouth-puckering lemon icing isn’t enough flavor for you, try adding 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the flour mixture.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 18; Preparation Time: 15 min; Cooking Time: 30 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened, divided
1 large egg(s)
2 tsp vanilla extract, divided
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup fat-free skim milk
4 large banana(s), ripe, mashed
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest, strips, or more to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 18 muffin holes with paper liners.
Place sugar and 5 tablespoons of butter in a large bowl; cream with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla; beat until thoroughly mixed.
In another large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add half of flour mixture to butter mixture; beat well with mixer. Add milk and remaining flour mixture; beat until batter is combined and then fold in mashed bananas.
Spoon batter into muffin liners about 3/4 full. Bake until muffins start to brown and a tester inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Allow muffins to cool in pan for about 2 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely before icing.
Meanwhile, to make icing, combine powdered sugar, remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, zest, and remaining teaspoon of vanilla in a medium bowl; beat with an electric mixer until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Ice cooled muffins; cover and refrigerate any uneaten muffins. Yields 1 muffin per serving.
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.
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.
LEMON BASIL PESTO WITH FRESH VEGETABLES
Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 8 servings.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-basil-pesto-with-fresh-vegetables
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups packed basil leaves
1/2 cup packed baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Asiago cheese
2 Tbsp. soft silken tofu
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 3/4" strips
1 pint small cherry tomatoes
Directions
In food processor, pulse basil and spinach until finely chopped. Add nuts and cheese. Whirl until nuts are finely chopped. Add tofu, salt and pepper. With motor running, drizzle in oil. Add lemon zest and whirl to blend. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Makes 1 cup pesto.
To serve, scoop pesto into serving bowl. Set bowl in center of a plate and arrange pepper strips and tomatoes around it. Provide toothpicks so tomatoes can be neatly dipped.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 140; Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 180 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Recipe Yield: Serves: 8
Source: Equal
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-meringue-pie
Ingredients
For Pie Filling:
Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie
2-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice or frozen lemon juice concentrate*
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1-1/2 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated**
2 tablespoons stick butter or margarine
1 to 2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
For Meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream tartar
2/3 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated***
* Such as Minute Maid Premium Lemon juice (frozen) 100% Pure Lemon Juice from Concentrate
** May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Pie Filling, roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Pierce bottom and side of pastry with fork.
Bake in preheated 425F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until pastry is golden. Cool on wire rack.
Combine water, lemon juice and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Beat eggs, 2 egg whites and lemon peel in medium bowl. Mix in 1-1/2 cups Equal. Stir about half of hot cornstarch mixture into egg mixture. Return all to saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted. Stir in food coloring, if desired. Pour mixture over baked pie shell.
For Meringue, beat 3 egg whites in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar. Beat to soft peaks. Gradually beat in 2/3 cup Equal, beating to stiff peaks. Spread meringue over hot lemon filling, carefully sealing to edge of crust to prevent shrinking or weeping. Bake pie in 425F oven about 5 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.
Cool completely on wire rack. Cut pie into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 178; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 133 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 fat
LEMON-GLAZED BABY CARROTS
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/lemon-glazed-baby-carrots
Ingredients
1 pound peeled baby carrots
1/4 cup vegetable stock
1 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
Directions
In a medium saucepan, cook carrots in boiling salted water for 5 to 7 minutes (start timing when water returns to a boil) or until just tender-crisp; drain and return to saucepan.
Add stock, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and rind, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and carrots are nicely glazed.
Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 91; Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 251 mg; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetables, 1/2 Fat
But there's so much more to be made using lemons. Today's post offers a few suggestions, including Lemon Basil Pesto with Fresh Vegetables and Lemon Meringue Pie. Enjoy!
BANANA MUFFINS WITH TART LEMON ICING
This was on an old Weight Watcher's emailing list. Unfortunately, I no longer have a link to it, as WW has changed enough over the years. The points value is from when the email came out.
The recipe begins, “If the mouth-puckering lemon icing isn’t enough flavor for you, try adding 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the flour mixture.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 18; Preparation Time: 15 min; Cooking Time: 30 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened, divided
1 large egg(s)
2 tsp vanilla extract, divided
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup fat-free skim milk
4 large banana(s), ripe, mashed
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest, strips, or more to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 18 muffin holes with paper liners.
Place sugar and 5 tablespoons of butter in a large bowl; cream with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla; beat until thoroughly mixed.
In another large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add half of flour mixture to butter mixture; beat well with mixer. Add milk and remaining flour mixture; beat until batter is combined and then fold in mashed bananas.
Spoon batter into muffin liners about 3/4 full. Bake until muffins start to brown and a tester inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Allow muffins to cool in pan for about 2 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely before icing.
Meanwhile, to make icing, combine powdered sugar, remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, zest, and remaining teaspoon of vanilla in a medium bowl; beat with an electric mixer until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Ice cooled muffins; cover and refrigerate any uneaten muffins. Yields 1 muffin per serving.
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.
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.
LEMON BASIL PESTO WITH FRESH VEGETABLES
Recipe Yield: Yield: Makes 8 servings.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-basil-pesto-with-fresh-vegetables
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups packed basil leaves
1/2 cup packed baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Asiago cheese
2 Tbsp. soft silken tofu
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 3/4" strips
1 pint small cherry tomatoes
Directions
In food processor, pulse basil and spinach until finely chopped. Add nuts and cheese. Whirl until nuts are finely chopped. Add tofu, salt and pepper. With motor running, drizzle in oil. Add lemon zest and whirl to blend. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Makes 1 cup pesto.
To serve, scoop pesto into serving bowl. Set bowl in center of a plate and arrange pepper strips and tomatoes around it. Provide toothpicks so tomatoes can be neatly dipped.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 140; Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 180 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Recipe Yield: Serves: 8
Source: Equal
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/lemon-meringue-pie
Ingredients
For Pie Filling:
Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie
2-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice or frozen lemon juice concentrate*
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1-1/2 cups Equal Spoonful or Granulated**
2 tablespoons stick butter or margarine
1 to 2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
For Meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream tartar
2/3 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated***
* Such as Minute Maid Premium Lemon juice (frozen) 100% Pure Lemon Juice from Concentrate
** May substitute 36 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Pie Filling, roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate; trim and flute edge. Pierce bottom and side of pastry with fork.
Bake in preheated 425F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until pastry is golden. Cool on wire rack.
Combine water, lemon juice and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Beat eggs, 2 egg whites and lemon peel in medium bowl. Mix in 1-1/2 cups Equal. Stir about half of hot cornstarch mixture into egg mixture. Return all to saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted. Stir in food coloring, if desired. Pour mixture over baked pie shell.
For Meringue, beat 3 egg whites in mixing bowl on medium speed of mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar. Beat to soft peaks. Gradually beat in 2/3 cup Equal, beating to stiff peaks. Spread meringue over hot lemon filling, carefully sealing to edge of crust to prevent shrinking or weeping. Bake pie in 425F oven about 5 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.
Cool completely on wire rack. Cut pie into wedges.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 178; Fat: 9 g; Sodium: 133 mg; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Protein: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 fat
LEMON-GLAZED BABY CARROTS
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipe/lemon-glazed-baby-carrots
Ingredients
1 pound peeled baby carrots
1/4 cup vegetable stock
1 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
Directions
In a medium saucepan, cook carrots in boiling salted water for 5 to 7 minutes (start timing when water returns to a boil) or until just tender-crisp; drain and return to saucepan.
Add stock, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and rind, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and carrots are nicely glazed.
Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 91; Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 251 mg; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Protein: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetables, 1/2 Fat
Friday, September 14, 2018
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Quick Vegan Crock Pot Apple Crumble and Cranberry Peach Cobbler. Enjoy!
LEMON, ASPARAGUS AND CARROTS
Servings: 6
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/21.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 pound carrots, small
1 dash lemon pepper
8 ounces asparagus spears, frozen or fresh
1/8 cup lemon juice
Directions
Wash, trim, and peel small carrots.
Place carrots in a steamer basket above boiling water.
Cover and steam about 15 minutes or till crisp- tender.
Rinse carrots in cold water; drain.
In the meantime, cook frozen asparagus spears according to package.
Rinse asparagus in cold water, drain.
Cover and chill drained carrots and asparagus.
To serve, arrange carrots and asparagus on a platter.
Sprinkle with a little lemon juice and lemon pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 26; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 19 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
QUICK VEGAN CROCK POT APPLE CRUMBLE
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “A quick and easy recipe for a vegan apple crumble (just like an apple crisp, if you prefer!) that you can make in your crockpot or slow cooker. Make sure to read the ingredients of whatever kind of granola you use, as many are not vegan.
“Refined sugar-free and vegan, this apple crumble or apple crisp recipe takes just minutes to prepare. It's made from fresh sliced apples sweetened with a bit of maple syrup (use real maple syrup, not bottled flavored corn syrup!) and topped off with a crumble granola, cinnamon and nutmeg topping. Using granola for the top of this apple crumble means that there's no bowls to get dirty and nothing to mix. Just sprinkle everything over the top of your crock pot or slow cooker.
“Like waking up to a hot and delicious breakfast or coming home to a sweet dessert already ready to go? You might also want to try this recipe for crockpot peach cobbler or scroll down for a few more vegetarian and vegan crockpot recipes including a few desserts.
“Enjoy!” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 480 minutes (8 hours); Total Time: 500 minutes; Yield: about 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Note: Jolinda’s Cranberry Peach Cobbler recipe follows immediately after this recipe.
Ingredients
4 apples, sliced
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp margarine
2 cups granola
Preparation
Place apples in your crock pot or slow cooker. Drizzle with maple syrup, spices and margarine, then cover with granola.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
CRANBERRY PEACH COBBLER
As promised this also comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “Crock Pot Cranberry Peach Cobbler makes for a sweet breakfast treat or a light dessert. The cranberries add texture and color, making for a vibrant and tasty recipe. Serve your crockpot peach cobbler recipe plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5-6 peaches, sliced
2 tbsp flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup water
3 tbsp melted margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar
Preparation
Toss the peaches in the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cranberries, cinnamon and oats.
Place the water and peach mixture into the crock pot or slow cooker. Pour the the margarine over the peaches and and sprinkle with the brown sugar.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until peaches are tender.
GRILLED SWEET POTATO SKEWERS WITH HONEY MUSTARD
This yummy recipe, which would be perfect for a Labor Day cookout, is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food expert. She writes, “Need an easy crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish to throw on the grill? Everyone loves sweet potatoes, especially kids, so try these simple grilled sweet potato skewers with savory-sweet honey mustard. The recipe calls for sweet potatoes, green and red bell peppers, red onions, a little bit of salt and pepper, and of course, some honey mustard.
“This grilled sweet potato skewers with honey mustard recipe is the perfect vegetarian barbecue recipe for sweet potato lovers. Be careful if you're planning on serving this dish to vegans, however, as many vegans avoid eating honey. This recipe is gluten-free.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 3 – 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds medium-sized sweet potatoes (5 potatoes, 6 to 7 ounces each)
1 large sweet red and/or green peppers, cut in 1-inch squares
1 medium red onion, cut in 1-inch pieces, layers separated
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt and pepper, to taste
about 1/4 cup honey mustard
2 tbsp water
Preparation
First, prepare your sweet potatoes by giving them head a head start in the microwave. Prick them a bit with a fork, then place them in the microwave on high for three minutes. Turn them over (carefully!), then microwave for another 1-2 minutes, until almost tender and soft, but not quite.
Allow your sweet potatoes to cool, then peel them if you'd like, and chop coarsely into about 1-inch chunks.
Next, combine the sweet potatoes, chopped red and green bell peppers and red onion in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard and the two tablespoons of water, then add to the sweet potatoes, peppers and onions in the bowl, tossing very gently to lightly coat.
Next, prepare your skewers, by threading a mixture of sweet potatoes, onions and peppers.
Make sure your pre-heated grill (or indoor grill pan) is lightly greased. Grill your sweet potato skewers for about 4 minutes on each side, brushing with any remaining honey mustard.
Note: If you don't have an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, you can still make this recipe using your oven's broiler.
FRENCH GREEN BEANS AND SHALLOTS
This is from Jacques Pepin, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Jacques wrote, “These are perfect green beans: simple flavors combined into an elegant dish that goes with almost anything. Mr. Pepin suggests a roast chicken, but they would pair equally well with a celebratory roast.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 21 minutes.
This was featured in “The Chicken Dinner, Both Humble and Noble” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
4 cups water
1 pound very small, firm green beans, cleaned
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation
Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.
At serving time, heat the butter in a skillet, add the shallots and saute for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown.
Add the beans, salt and pepper, and saute briefly. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with the chicken.
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
LEMON, ASPARAGUS AND CARROTS
Servings: 6
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/21.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 pound carrots, small
1 dash lemon pepper
8 ounces asparagus spears, frozen or fresh
1/8 cup lemon juice
Directions
Wash, trim, and peel small carrots.
Place carrots in a steamer basket above boiling water.
Cover and steam about 15 minutes or till crisp- tender.
Rinse carrots in cold water; drain.
In the meantime, cook frozen asparagus spears according to package.
Rinse asparagus in cold water, drain.
Cover and chill drained carrots and asparagus.
To serve, arrange carrots and asparagus on a platter.
Sprinkle with a little lemon juice and lemon pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 26; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 19 mg; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
QUICK VEGAN CROCK POT APPLE CRUMBLE
This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “A quick and easy recipe for a vegan apple crumble (just like an apple crisp, if you prefer!) that you can make in your crockpot or slow cooker. Make sure to read the ingredients of whatever kind of granola you use, as many are not vegan.
“Refined sugar-free and vegan, this apple crumble or apple crisp recipe takes just minutes to prepare. It's made from fresh sliced apples sweetened with a bit of maple syrup (use real maple syrup, not bottled flavored corn syrup!) and topped off with a crumble granola, cinnamon and nutmeg topping. Using granola for the top of this apple crumble means that there's no bowls to get dirty and nothing to mix. Just sprinkle everything over the top of your crock pot or slow cooker.
“Like waking up to a hot and delicious breakfast or coming home to a sweet dessert already ready to go? You might also want to try this recipe for crockpot peach cobbler or scroll down for a few more vegetarian and vegan crockpot recipes including a few desserts.
“Enjoy!” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 480 minutes (8 hours); Total Time: 500 minutes; Yield: about 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Note: Jolinda’s Cranberry Peach Cobbler recipe follows immediately after this recipe.
Ingredients
4 apples, sliced
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp margarine
2 cups granola
Preparation
Place apples in your crock pot or slow cooker. Drizzle with maple syrup, spices and margarine, then cover with granola.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
CRANBERRY PEACH COBBLER
As promised this also comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “Crock Pot Cranberry Peach Cobbler makes for a sweet breakfast treat or a light dessert. The cranberries add texture and color, making for a vibrant and tasty recipe. Serve your crockpot peach cobbler recipe plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.”
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5-6 peaches, sliced
2 tbsp flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup water
3 tbsp melted margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar
Preparation
Toss the peaches in the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cranberries, cinnamon and oats.
Place the water and peach mixture into the crock pot or slow cooker. Pour the the margarine over the peaches and and sprinkle with the brown sugar.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until peaches are tender.
GRILLED SWEET POTATO SKEWERS WITH HONEY MUSTARD
This yummy recipe, which would be perfect for a Labor Day cookout, is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food expert. She writes, “Need an easy crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish to throw on the grill? Everyone loves sweet potatoes, especially kids, so try these simple grilled sweet potato skewers with savory-sweet honey mustard. The recipe calls for sweet potatoes, green and red bell peppers, red onions, a little bit of salt and pepper, and of course, some honey mustard.
“This grilled sweet potato skewers with honey mustard recipe is the perfect vegetarian barbecue recipe for sweet potato lovers. Be careful if you're planning on serving this dish to vegans, however, as many vegans avoid eating honey. This recipe is gluten-free.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 3 – 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds medium-sized sweet potatoes (5 potatoes, 6 to 7 ounces each)
1 large sweet red and/or green peppers, cut in 1-inch squares
1 medium red onion, cut in 1-inch pieces, layers separated
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt and pepper, to taste
about 1/4 cup honey mustard
2 tbsp water
Preparation
First, prepare your sweet potatoes by giving them head a head start in the microwave. Prick them a bit with a fork, then place them in the microwave on high for three minutes. Turn them over (carefully!), then microwave for another 1-2 minutes, until almost tender and soft, but not quite.
Allow your sweet potatoes to cool, then peel them if you'd like, and chop coarsely into about 1-inch chunks.
Next, combine the sweet potatoes, chopped red and green bell peppers and red onion in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard and the two tablespoons of water, then add to the sweet potatoes, peppers and onions in the bowl, tossing very gently to lightly coat.
Next, prepare your skewers, by threading a mixture of sweet potatoes, onions and peppers.
Make sure your pre-heated grill (or indoor grill pan) is lightly greased. Grill your sweet potato skewers for about 4 minutes on each side, brushing with any remaining honey mustard.
Note: If you don't have an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, you can still make this recipe using your oven's broiler.
FRENCH GREEN BEANS AND SHALLOTS
This is from Jacques Pepin, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Jacques wrote, “These are perfect green beans: simple flavors combined into an elegant dish that goes with almost anything. Mr. Pepin suggests a roast chicken, but they would pair equally well with a celebratory roast.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 21 minutes.
This was featured in “The Chicken Dinner, Both Humble and Noble” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
4 cups water
1 pound very small, firm green beans, cleaned
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation
Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.
At serving time, heat the butter in a skillet, add the shallots and saute for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown.
Add the beans, salt and pepper, and saute briefly. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with the chicken.
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Lasagna
Lasagna is one of my favorite meals. Add a salad, maybe some crusty garlic bread, and a light dessert (especially ice cream), and you have the perfect meal!
Today's offerings include my son's Quick and Easy Lasagna and an Asparagus-Pesto Lasagna. Enjoy!
Note: I had planned to have an occasional column about a featured cook/chef, which I started back in April. It looks like I'll have to get that going on a bi-weekly (or at least monthly) basis. I'll keep you posted!
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I had been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, but replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting so much better than when I made it. While I tried recreating the eggplant version, it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians.
Once, a co-worker mentioned he loved lasagna. One afternoon, learning (by accident) that I was fixing lasagna for dinner, he managed to finagle a reluctant invitation for dinner. The next day, he mentioned this was the best lasagna he'd ever had.
“What kind of meat was that?” he asked. I told him there wasn't any meat. “Okay, so no beef. Ground turkey? Chicken?”
I shook my head. “It was tofu crumbles.”
He looked at me, confused. “What's that?”
“Well, you start with soybeans...”
That's about as far as I got. He looked at me aghast, and asked, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
This recipe are from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
16 ounce box of lasagna noodles
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 12-ounce package of meatless crumbles (see note)
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
Note: I used to use 10-ounce packages of tofu crumbles in this recipe, including the time my former co-worker came over. It's found in the produce section of many grocery stores. Since then, though, I've discovered Boca's Veggie Ground Crumbles, which, when used in recipes, are a great vegan substitute for ground beef. A 12-ounce bag of this can be used in place of a pound of beef. Feel- and taste-wise, it's a better substitute for meat than the tofu crumbles. But you can use either product.
QUICK AND EASY LASAGNA
Okay, you've just gotten home from work or a day of running errands. You're hungry and want dinner as quick and easy as possible, but at the same time, something a little more filling than sandwiches. This lasagna fills the bill, as well as your family.
My youngest son came up with this a while back. He wanted lasagna, but without the long wait time that my full-fledged Vegetarian Lasagna takes, as well as without the onions. (He's not big into onions. But we all have our food preferences!) His version of lasagna if quick, fast, and very satisfying.
16 ounce box of lasagna noodles
Jarred Spaghetti Sauce (1 45-ounce jar or 2 23.5 ounce jars; see note)
12-ounce package of Veggie Ground Crumbles (see note)
8-ounce package of Shredded Cheese (see note)
Taco seasoning pack (optional)
15-ounce can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (optional)
Start a pot of water for the lasagna noodles. Once the water starts to boil, add the lasagna noodles and back the heat down just a little so that the water doesn't boil over. (If you drop it to medium heat, you've gone too far.) Cook according to the package instructions.
While the water starts to heat, take another large pot and add the jarred spaghetti sauce, veggie ground crumbles, and the taco seasonings (if adding) and sloppy joe sauce (if adding). Stir together, then start heating on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If this starts bubbling, stir and back the heat down a little.
As soon as the noodles are done cooking, carefully drain through a colander and rinse the noodles in cool water.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked noodles length-wise. You should have three layers across, and use 9 noodles (3 noodles high). Add half of the spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles, spreading this fairly evenly. Top with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, remove from oven, and let rest for a minute or two.
Dig in!
Note: With the spaghetti sauce, we tend to use either Prego Heart Smart Traditional or Ragu Traditional, whichever is on sale, but you can use whatever brand you like. Also, we usually put in the larger 45-ounce size sauce, but if you have two of the 23 – 24-ounce size jars (or they're on sale), use them.
With the veggie crumbles, we lean towards Boca's Veggie Ground Crumbles, but you can go with your favorite 12-ounce bag of frozen veggie ground crumbles.
With the shredded cheese, we tend to use shredded cheddar, but have used several other blends of shredded cheese. You can also shred a block of cheddar cheese, if that's your preference, but the bagged shredded cheese saves a little time.
ENGINE 2 DIET VEGAN LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Vegetable lasagna is always a good meal choice for a vegan. And if you've heard about the heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering Engine 2 Diet and want to try an approved recipe, this vegan lasagna is a good place to start.
“From Rip Esselstyn's The Engine 2 Diet, ‘Raise the Roof’ sweet potato vegan lasagna replaces the high fat and cholesterol of cheese and beef with whole-grain noodles, tofu, and antioxidant-rich vegetables including mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, and corn crowned with a crunchy good-fat cashew topping. It's so delicious, he says, he served it at his own wedding.
“As if that's enough to be happy about, the lasagna noodles cook in the oven so there is no need to boil them first—what a time saver.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Yield: 10 to 12 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 onion (chopped)
1 head garlic (small, all cloves chopped or pressed)
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
1 head broccoli (chopped)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 red bell peppers (seeded and chopped)
1 can corn (rinsed and drained)
1 package silken lite tofu
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
2 (13.25-ounce) boxes whole-grain lasagna noodles (uncooked)
16 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
2 sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)
6 Roma tomatoes (sliced thin)
1 cup raw cashews (ground)
Directions
Prepare the FillingHeat oven to 400 F.
Sauté the onion and garlic on high heat for 3 minutes in a wok or nonstick pan without any oil.
Add the mushrooms and cook until the onions are limp and the mushrooms give up their liquid. Remove them to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and leave the mushroom liquid in the pan.
Add the broccoli and carrots to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, remove, and add them to the bowl containing the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, leaving any liquid in the pan.
Add the peppers and corn, and sauté until the peppers are just beginning to soften. Add them and any liquid to the vegetable bowl.
Drain the silken tofu by wrapping in paper towels. Break it up directly in the towel and mix into the vegetable bowl.
Add cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary to the vegetable bowl and combine thoroughly.
Assemble the Lasagna
Cover the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole with pasta sauce. Add a single layer of uncooked noodles (do not overlap) and cover completely with a generous portion of sauce.
Spread the vegetable-tofu mixture over the sauced noodles. Cover with a second layer of noodles and another generous portion of sauce.
Add a layer of thawed and drained spinach followed by a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. Top with another generous portion of sauce, a final layer of noodles, and the remainder of the sauce.
Cover the lasagna with thinly sliced Roma tomatoes.
Bake and Serve
Cover with foil and bake in the heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the ground cashews, and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving.
More About the Engine 2 Diet
Jolinda wrote, “Rip Esselstyn developed the Engine 2 Diet, he says, to help a person rid their diet of what he considers junk (meat, dairy, refined and processed foods) while still enjoying tasty, nutritious, whole plant-based foods.
“His vegan diet with a twist (no vegetable oils) theory is that plant-based foods and unrefined grains are superior to animal products.
“His regimen includes fitness ideas and recipes like Engine 2 Diet black bean and hummus wrap sandwich and Rip's oil-free, tahini-free almost fat-free hummus.
EASY WHOLE WHEAT VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This also comes from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Easy whole wheat vegetarian lasagna with spinach baked in the oven with three kinds of cheeses. What's not to love? This is the perfect classic spinach lasagna recipe for the whole family!
“Make your vegetarian lasagna just a bit healthier by using this recipe, which calls for whole wheat lasagna noodles and spinach. Even though it uses whole wheat noodles, this Italian spinach lasagna is incredibly rich and creamy as it uses plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan, and low-fat cottage cheese. Of course, you don't have to use whole wheat lasagna noodles if you prefer the regular kind.
“This spinach lasagna recipe is courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes; Total Time: 90 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package whole wheat lasagne noodles, cooked slightly (al dente)
1 9-ounce package frozen raw spinach (well thawed and drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups pre-made or store-bought pasta sauce
3 cups grated low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs then add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a homemade olive oil spray.
Put one layer of the slightly cooked lasagna noodles flat across the bottom of the baking dish. Add about half of the spinach, pressing down lightly and evenly over the noodles. Top with another layer of lasagna noodles. Top this layer of noodles with the cottage cheese mixture then add the remaining spinach. Then add the last of the lasagna noodles laid evenly on top of spinach.
Once you've layered everything, spread the pasta sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the whole thing with mozzarella cheese. Press down lightly.
Cover baking dish with foil, using foil sprayed with cooking spray and keeping foil off the center of the lasagna. Secure sides tightly over baking dish.
Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes in oven. To lightly brown the top, remove foil for a few minutes at the end of baking time.
Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving): 282 Calories; 12g Fat; 23g Carbs; 19g Protein
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
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
Today's offerings include my son's Quick and Easy Lasagna and an Asparagus-Pesto Lasagna. Enjoy!
Note: I had planned to have an occasional column about a featured cook/chef, which I started back in April. It looks like I'll have to get that going on a bi-weekly (or at least monthly) basis. I'll keep you posted!
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA
I had been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, but replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting so much better than when I made it. While I tried recreating the eggplant version, it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians.
Once, a co-worker mentioned he loved lasagna. One afternoon, learning (by accident) that I was fixing lasagna for dinner, he managed to finagle a reluctant invitation for dinner. The next day, he mentioned this was the best lasagna he'd ever had.
“What kind of meat was that?” he asked. I told him there wasn't any meat. “Okay, so no beef. Ground turkey? Chicken?”
I shook my head. “It was tofu crumbles.”
He looked at me, confused. “What's that?”
“Well, you start with soybeans...”
That's about as far as I got. He looked at me aghast, and asked, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.
This recipe are from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.
16 ounce box of lasagna noodles
Tomato sauce:
2 – 3 onions, chopped
3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can tomatoes
2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
2 T oil
1 T oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. anise
1 12-ounce package of meatless crumbles (see note)
Cheese layer:
2 C sour cream
2 C cottage cheese
2 eggs
4 C mozzarella, grated
2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 C Parmesan cheese
Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.
Mix ingredients together in large bowl.
Assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.
Note: I used to use 10-ounce packages of tofu crumbles in this recipe, including the time my former co-worker came over. It's found in the produce section of many grocery stores. Since then, though, I've discovered Boca's Veggie Ground Crumbles, which, when used in recipes, are a great vegan substitute for ground beef. A 12-ounce bag of this can be used in place of a pound of beef. Feel- and taste-wise, it's a better substitute for meat than the tofu crumbles. But you can use either product.
QUICK AND EASY LASAGNA
Okay, you've just gotten home from work or a day of running errands. You're hungry and want dinner as quick and easy as possible, but at the same time, something a little more filling than sandwiches. This lasagna fills the bill, as well as your family.
My youngest son came up with this a while back. He wanted lasagna, but without the long wait time that my full-fledged Vegetarian Lasagna takes, as well as without the onions. (He's not big into onions. But we all have our food preferences!) His version of lasagna if quick, fast, and very satisfying.
16 ounce box of lasagna noodles
Jarred Spaghetti Sauce (1 45-ounce jar or 2 23.5 ounce jars; see note)
12-ounce package of Veggie Ground Crumbles (see note)
8-ounce package of Shredded Cheese (see note)
Taco seasoning pack (optional)
15-ounce can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (optional)
Start a pot of water for the lasagna noodles. Once the water starts to boil, add the lasagna noodles and back the heat down just a little so that the water doesn't boil over. (If you drop it to medium heat, you've gone too far.) Cook according to the package instructions.
While the water starts to heat, take another large pot and add the jarred spaghetti sauce, veggie ground crumbles, and the taco seasonings (if adding) and sloppy joe sauce (if adding). Stir together, then start heating on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If this starts bubbling, stir and back the heat down a little.
As soon as the noodles are done cooking, carefully drain through a colander and rinse the noodles in cool water.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked noodles length-wise. You should have three layers across, and use 9 noodles (3 noodles high). Add half of the spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles, spreading this fairly evenly. Top with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, remove from oven, and let rest for a minute or two.
Dig in!
Note: With the spaghetti sauce, we tend to use either Prego Heart Smart Traditional or Ragu Traditional, whichever is on sale, but you can use whatever brand you like. Also, we usually put in the larger 45-ounce size sauce, but if you have two of the 23 – 24-ounce size jars (or they're on sale), use them.
With the veggie crumbles, we lean towards Boca's Veggie Ground Crumbles, but you can go with your favorite 12-ounce bag of frozen veggie ground crumbles.
With the shredded cheese, we tend to use shredded cheddar, but have used several other blends of shredded cheese. You can also shred a block of cheddar cheese, if that's your preference, but the bagged shredded cheese saves a little time.
ENGINE 2 DIET VEGAN LASAGNA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Vegetable lasagna is always a good meal choice for a vegan. And if you've heard about the heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering Engine 2 Diet and want to try an approved recipe, this vegan lasagna is a good place to start.
“From Rip Esselstyn's The Engine 2 Diet, ‘Raise the Roof’ sweet potato vegan lasagna replaces the high fat and cholesterol of cheese and beef with whole-grain noodles, tofu, and antioxidant-rich vegetables including mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, and corn crowned with a crunchy good-fat cashew topping. It's so delicious, he says, he served it at his own wedding.
“As if that's enough to be happy about, the lasagna noodles cook in the oven so there is no need to boil them first—what a time saver.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 75 minutes; Yield: 10 to 12 minutes.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 onion (chopped)
1 head garlic (small, all cloves chopped or pressed)
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
1 head broccoli (chopped)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 red bell peppers (seeded and chopped)
1 can corn (rinsed and drained)
1 package silken lite tofu
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
2 (13.25-ounce) boxes whole-grain lasagna noodles (uncooked)
16 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
2 sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)
6 Roma tomatoes (sliced thin)
1 cup raw cashews (ground)
Directions
Prepare the FillingHeat oven to 400 F.
Sauté the onion and garlic on high heat for 3 minutes in a wok or nonstick pan without any oil.
Add the mushrooms and cook until the onions are limp and the mushrooms give up their liquid. Remove them to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and leave the mushroom liquid in the pan.
Add the broccoli and carrots to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, remove, and add them to the bowl containing the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, leaving any liquid in the pan.
Add the peppers and corn, and sauté until the peppers are just beginning to soften. Add them and any liquid to the vegetable bowl.
Drain the silken tofu by wrapping in paper towels. Break it up directly in the towel and mix into the vegetable bowl.
Add cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary to the vegetable bowl and combine thoroughly.
Assemble the Lasagna
Cover the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole with pasta sauce. Add a single layer of uncooked noodles (do not overlap) and cover completely with a generous portion of sauce.
Spread the vegetable-tofu mixture over the sauced noodles. Cover with a second layer of noodles and another generous portion of sauce.
Add a layer of thawed and drained spinach followed by a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. Top with another generous portion of sauce, a final layer of noodles, and the remainder of the sauce.
Cover the lasagna with thinly sliced Roma tomatoes.
Bake and Serve
Cover with foil and bake in the heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the ground cashews, and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving.
More About the Engine 2 Diet
Jolinda wrote, “Rip Esselstyn developed the Engine 2 Diet, he says, to help a person rid their diet of what he considers junk (meat, dairy, refined and processed foods) while still enjoying tasty, nutritious, whole plant-based foods.
“His vegan diet with a twist (no vegetable oils) theory is that plant-based foods and unrefined grains are superior to animal products.
“His regimen includes fitness ideas and recipes like Engine 2 Diet black bean and hummus wrap sandwich and Rip's oil-free, tahini-free almost fat-free hummus.
EASY WHOLE WHEAT VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This also comes from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. Jolinda wrote, “Easy whole wheat vegetarian lasagna with spinach baked in the oven with three kinds of cheeses. What's not to love? This is the perfect classic spinach lasagna recipe for the whole family!
“Make your vegetarian lasagna just a bit healthier by using this recipe, which calls for whole wheat lasagna noodles and spinach. Even though it uses whole wheat noodles, this Italian spinach lasagna is incredibly rich and creamy as it uses plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan, and low-fat cottage cheese. Of course, you don't have to use whole wheat lasagna noodles if you prefer the regular kind.
“This spinach lasagna recipe is courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 75 minutes; Total Time: 90 minutes; Yield: 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 8-ounce package whole wheat lasagne noodles, cooked slightly (al dente)
1 9-ounce package frozen raw spinach (well thawed and drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups pre-made or store-bought pasta sauce
3 cups grated low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs then add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a homemade olive oil spray.
Put one layer of the slightly cooked lasagna noodles flat across the bottom of the baking dish. Add about half of the spinach, pressing down lightly and evenly over the noodles. Top with another layer of lasagna noodles. Top this layer of noodles with the cottage cheese mixture then add the remaining spinach. Then add the last of the lasagna noodles laid evenly on top of spinach.
Once you've layered everything, spread the pasta sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the whole thing with mozzarella cheese. Press down lightly.
Cover baking dish with foil, using foil sprayed with cooking spray and keeping foil off the center of the lasagna. Secure sides tightly over baking dish.
Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes in oven. To lightly brown the top, remove foil for a few minutes at the end of baking time.
Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving): 282 Calories; 12g Fat; 23g Carbs; 19g Protein
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
HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI
This also comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.
2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. olive oil
4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)
5 cups marinara sauce
16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.
Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.
Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Who doesn't love ice cream? And when it's homemade, it's even better.
Here are six ice cream recipes to finish up the summer with, including Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream and No Churn Ice Cream. Enjoy!
VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM
This is from Silk. Makes 8 servings. Total Time: 45 minutes + processing.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups Silk Original or Vanilla Soy, Almond or Coconutmilk
2 cups Silk Original or French Vanilla Creamer
1/2 cup honey, agave or sugar
1 vanilla bean
2 Tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch
Special tools: ice cream maker
Directions
Place Silk and Silk Creamer in a medium saucepan and whisk in honey, agave or sugar.
Slice vanilla bean in half lengthwise, and use the tip of a knife to scrape the seeds from the bean into the saucepan. Add bean pod as well.
Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove about 1/4 cup from the pan and whisk it together with the arrowroot in a small bowl. Whisk the arrowroot mixture back into the pan, cover and let the mixture infuse for 20 minutes.
Cool completely and process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: If you don’t have a vanilla bean, add 2 tsp vanilla extract when removing mixture from heat. You may also add fresh fruit or any other flavorings you desire.
STRAWBERRY SWIRL ICE CREAM
This is from the Vegetarian Times website (from June 4, 2008), and begins, “Thanks to the chilling effect of frozen strawberries, this recipe freezes faster than other homemade ice creams. The strawberry jam makes a beautiful swirl of sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer.”
Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 10-oz. bag frozen strawberries
6 oz. silken tofu, drained
1/2 cup plain soy creamer
1/2 cup agave nectar or maple syrup
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. lemon zest
1/4 cup all-fruit strawberry jam
Preparation
Purée strawberries and tofu in blender or food processor until smooth. Add soy creamer, agave nectar, vanilla, and lemon zest; purée until smooth.
Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream is ready, swirl in strawberry jam while machine paddles are still going, then serve, or transfer to tub to freeze.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 169; Carbohydrate Content: 34 g; Fat Content: 2 g; Fiber Content: 1 g; Protein Content: 2 g; Sodium Content: 20 mg; Sugar Content: 30 g
STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC ICE CREAM
This comes from Audra (otherwise known as The Baker Chick). I absolutely love her site; it’s one of the ones that I go back to time and again. If you haven’t signed up for her emails, I highly recommend doing so. Go ahead, I’ll wait…
Yield: about 1 quart
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the strawberries:
3 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
2-1/2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
For the custard base:
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1-3/4 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup milk (any fat content besides skim will be fine, but I used whole.)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon vodka (optional but recommended)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries and 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until berries are cooked and soft, about 5 minutes, stir in 2 teaspoons of balsamic and pureé with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Set aside.
In a larger saucepan combine the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, milk and salt. Cook on low heat, stirring with a whisk constantly until it starts to thicken.
Continue to stir with a spoon until the custard coats the back and a line remains when you run your finger down the spoon.
Stir in the strawberry pureé and the remaining 2 teaspoons of balsamic and the vodka if using. (It helps keep the ice cream from getting too frozen.)
Cool thoroughly (ideally overnight.)
Churn according to your ice cream maker's instructions and enjoy right away (soft serve consistency,) or freeze for a few hours to firm it up.
Notes: Recipe adapted from the cookbook: Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones.
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarters; Time: 10 minutes.
This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.
By the way, I highly recommend The Times’ Melissa Clark’s “How to Make Ice Cream”. I dare you to check it out and not want to immediately start making ice cream!
Ingredients
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
NO CHURN ICE CREAM
This comes from GE Appliances’ email list. It begins, “No one will believe that this ultra-creamy ice cream is so easy to make. No fancy ice cream machine required.”
12 servings (6 cups total)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined; set aside.
In a large metal bowl, whip the cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold about 1 cup of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined, then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended.
Pour into a chilled 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid and scoopable, about 3-4 hours.
Chef’s Notes:
For best results, chill both the metal bowl and loaf pan before starting this recipe.
Try adding in additional ingredients after the ice cream has set for a few hours. Crushed up chocolate sandwich cookies, toasted nuts or chopped up candy bars are all great additions. Stir them in and place the ice cream back in the freezer until firm.
FROZEN BERRY ICE CREAM
This is from Diabetes Self-Management, and can be viewed online here.
Yield: 8 servings. Serving size: 1/2 cup.
Ingredients
8 ounces frozen unsweetened strawberries, partially thawed
8 ounces frozen unsweetened peaches, partially thawed
4 ounces frozen unsweetened blueberries, partially thawed
6 packets sugar substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups sugar-free, low-fat vanilla ice cream
16 blueberries (optional)
4 small strawberries, halved (optional)
8 peach slices (optional)
Directions
Combine partially thawed strawberries, peaches, blueberries, sugar substitute, and vanilla in food processor. Process until coarsely chopped.
Add ice cream; process until well blended.
Serve immediately for semi-soft texture or freeze until ready to serve. (If frozen, let stand 10 minutes to soften slightly.) Garnish each serving with 2 blueberries for “eyes,” 1 strawberry half for “nose,” and 1 peach slice for “smile.”
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 69 calories, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 23 mg, Fiber: 1 g
Exchanges per serving: 1 Bread/Starch.
Who doesn't love ice cream? And when it's homemade, it's even better.
Here are six ice cream recipes to finish up the summer with, including Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream and No Churn Ice Cream. Enjoy!
VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM
This is from Silk. Makes 8 servings. Total Time: 45 minutes + processing.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 cups Silk Original or Vanilla Soy, Almond or Coconutmilk
2 cups Silk Original or French Vanilla Creamer
1/2 cup honey, agave or sugar
1 vanilla bean
2 Tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch
Special tools: ice cream maker
Directions
Place Silk and Silk Creamer in a medium saucepan and whisk in honey, agave or sugar.
Slice vanilla bean in half lengthwise, and use the tip of a knife to scrape the seeds from the bean into the saucepan. Add bean pod as well.
Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove about 1/4 cup from the pan and whisk it together with the arrowroot in a small bowl. Whisk the arrowroot mixture back into the pan, cover and let the mixture infuse for 20 minutes.
Cool completely and process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: If you don’t have a vanilla bean, add 2 tsp vanilla extract when removing mixture from heat. You may also add fresh fruit or any other flavorings you desire.
STRAWBERRY SWIRL ICE CREAM
This is from the Vegetarian Times website (from June 4, 2008), and begins, “Thanks to the chilling effect of frozen strawberries, this recipe freezes faster than other homemade ice creams. The strawberry jam makes a beautiful swirl of sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer.”
Makes 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 10-oz. bag frozen strawberries
6 oz. silken tofu, drained
1/2 cup plain soy creamer
1/2 cup agave nectar or maple syrup
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. lemon zest
1/4 cup all-fruit strawberry jam
Preparation
Purée strawberries and tofu in blender or food processor until smooth. Add soy creamer, agave nectar, vanilla, and lemon zest; purée until smooth.
Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. When ice cream is ready, swirl in strawberry jam while machine paddles are still going, then serve, or transfer to tub to freeze.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 169; Carbohydrate Content: 34 g; Fat Content: 2 g; Fiber Content: 1 g; Protein Content: 2 g; Sodium Content: 20 mg; Sugar Content: 30 g
STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC ICE CREAM
This comes from Audra (otherwise known as The Baker Chick). I absolutely love her site; it’s one of the ones that I go back to time and again. If you haven’t signed up for her emails, I highly recommend doing so. Go ahead, I’ll wait…
Yield: about 1 quart
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the strawberries:
3 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
2-1/2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
For the custard base:
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1-3/4 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup milk (any fat content besides skim will be fine, but I used whole.)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon vodka (optional but recommended)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries and 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until berries are cooked and soft, about 5 minutes, stir in 2 teaspoons of balsamic and pureé with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Set aside.
In a larger saucepan combine the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, milk and salt. Cook on low heat, stirring with a whisk constantly until it starts to thicken.
Continue to stir with a spoon until the custard coats the back and a line remains when you run your finger down the spoon.
Stir in the strawberry pureé and the remaining 2 teaspoons of balsamic and the vodka if using. (It helps keep the ice cream from getting too frozen.)
Cool thoroughly (ideally overnight.)
Churn according to your ice cream maker's instructions and enjoy right away (soft serve consistency,) or freeze for a few hours to firm it up.
Notes: Recipe adapted from the cookbook: Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones.
STRAWBERRY SORBET
This comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “This mouthwatering summer sorbet is an adaptation of one served at the River Café in London. Yes, it calls for an entire lemon (rind and all), but trust us: the sweet of the strawberries and sugar, the tart and bitter of the lemon – it all works together beautifully.”
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarters; Time: 10 minutes.
This was featured in “The Arsenal” and can be viewed online here.
By the way, I highly recommend The Times’ Melissa Clark’s “How to Make Ice Cream”. I dare you to check it out and not want to immediately start making ice cream!
Ingredients
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
NO CHURN ICE CREAM
This comes from GE Appliances’ email list. It begins, “No one will believe that this ultra-creamy ice cream is so easy to make. No fancy ice cream machine required.”
12 servings (6 cups total)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined; set aside.
In a large metal bowl, whip the cream with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold about 1 cup of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined, then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended.
Pour into a chilled 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid and scoopable, about 3-4 hours.
Chef’s Notes:
For best results, chill both the metal bowl and loaf pan before starting this recipe.
Try adding in additional ingredients after the ice cream has set for a few hours. Crushed up chocolate sandwich cookies, toasted nuts or chopped up candy bars are all great additions. Stir them in and place the ice cream back in the freezer until firm.
FROZEN BERRY ICE CREAM
This is from Diabetes Self-Management, and can be viewed online here.
Yield: 8 servings. Serving size: 1/2 cup.
Ingredients
8 ounces frozen unsweetened strawberries, partially thawed
8 ounces frozen unsweetened peaches, partially thawed
4 ounces frozen unsweetened blueberries, partially thawed
6 packets sugar substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups sugar-free, low-fat vanilla ice cream
16 blueberries (optional)
4 small strawberries, halved (optional)
8 peach slices (optional)
Directions
Combine partially thawed strawberries, peaches, blueberries, sugar substitute, and vanilla in food processor. Process until coarsely chopped.
Add ice cream; process until well blended.
Serve immediately for semi-soft texture or freeze until ready to serve. (If frozen, let stand 10 minutes to soften slightly.) Garnish each serving with 2 blueberries for “eyes,” 1 strawberry half for “nose,” and 1 peach slice for “smile.”
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 69 calories, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 23 mg, Fiber: 1 g
Exchanges per serving: 1 Bread/Starch.
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