Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend?

If you're like me, you probably are. Most of us have plenty of plans for the weekend, even if it means simply kicking back and relaxing.

But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1-1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2-1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend? If you're like me, you probably are. There's so much to get caught up on.

But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend? If you're like me, you probably are. There's so much to get caught up on.

But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend?

If you're like me, you probably are. Weekends tend to be a little busy, even if it means that we're busy relaxing. But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend?

If you're like me, you probably are. This time of year tends to be a little busy, to put it mildly.

But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Cake

I want something snacky!

Who hasn't said (or, at least, thought that on occasion? Dessert is perfect for those times, and cake really fits the bill. Check out the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake, the Cherry-Cola Dump Cake, or any of the other yummy cakes in today's post. Enjoy!

ALMOND BERRY LAYER CAKE

This is from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, "Behold! An ode to summer in cake form. In this towering dessert from the food stylist and cookbook author Susan Spungen, crumbly yet tender layers of almond cake are layered with mounds of fresh berries and a rich filling of mascarpone and crème fraîche. It's not difficult to make, but it does take some time, so save this for a lazy Saturday when you've just scored piles of perfect berries from the farmers' market."

Yield: 1 cake; Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This was featured in "Trunk Food," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/8588-almond-berry-layer-cake.

Ingredients

For the cake:

Unsalted butter, for greasing pans

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for pans

1-3/4 cups whole blanched almonds

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

2 large egg whites

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract

For the filling:

1 pound mascarpone cheese

8 ounces crème fraîche

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more to taste

1 tablespoon kirsch or amaretto, optional

For assembly:

2 pounds (about 6 cups) mixed berries

Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preparation

For the cake:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush 3 (8-inch) round baking pans with butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper cut to fit. Brush with butter again and dust with flour, tapping out excess.

Place 1 tablespoon flour, the almonds, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Fill a pot (large enough to set the bowl of an electric mixer in it without the bowl touching the bottom) with 1 inch water and bring to a simmer over low heat.

Place the eggs, egg whites and sugar in the bowl and gently whisk to incorporate. Place the bowl over the pot of steaming water and whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes.

Return bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until pale yellow, thick and fluffy, about 7 minutes. Add vanilla and gently stir to combine.

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold almond mixture into batter. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. The centers will rise and fall during baking. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cool 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of the cakes and turn them out onto a flat plate or cardboard round. Peel off parchment and invert onto another plate or round. Cakes should be right-side up. Cool completely and wrap in plastic wrap if not using immediately.

For the filling:

In a chilled metal bowl, whip the mascarpone and creme fraiche, either by hand or with an electric mixer, until it holds its shape and is not at all runny. Add the lemon zest, confectioners' sugar and liqueur, if using, and beat to combine well. Add up to 2 tablespoons more sugar, to taste, if you choose.

To assemble:

Place one of the cakes on a serving plate. Top with 1/3 of the mascarpone filling and 1/3 of the berries. Repeat with the remaining 2 layers, leaving the prettiest berries for the top. If not serving right away, chill until ready to serve. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.

EARL GREY TEA CAKE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE ZEST

This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York TImes cooking page. Samantha wrote, "Loose Earl Grey tea stirred into buttery cake batter adds a sweet, floral essence that’s subtle but lovely. A little dark chocolate and orange zest makes this cake extra special. While you could use chocolate chips, using chocolate chopped from a bar produces the best result: The varying sizes of chopped chocolate blend in nicely without overpowering the delicate tea flavor."

Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour, plus chilling

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021062-earl-grey-tea-cake-with-dark-chocolate-and-orange-zest.

Ingredients

For the Frosting:

3/4 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons loose Earl Grey tea

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup mascarpone or softened cream cheese (see Tip)

For the Cake:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon loose Earl Grey tea

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest (from 1 large orange)

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature

1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate

Preparation

Prepare the frosting: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup heavy cream to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir in the tea, remove from the heat, cover and let stand for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and chill the remaining cream until completely cold, at least 1 hour.

Prepare the cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, tea, baking powder and salt.

In large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the orange zest and beat to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Beat in the flour mixture on low, until just combined, then beat in the milk. (Don’t overmix.) Add the chocolate and fold it in using a spatula. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake just until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool for about 15 minutes. Then tip the cake out onto the rack to cool completely.

To finish the frosting, add the remaining 1/4 cup/60 milliliters cream and the confectioners’ sugar to the tea cream. With an electric mixer on medium, beat the cream mixture until medium-stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the mascarpone and beat just until stiff peaks form. (Do not overmix.) Top the cake with the frosting to serve. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; let come to room temperature before serving.

Tip

If using cream cheese instead of mascarpone, because it has a thicker consistency, whip the cream cheese with the confectioners' sugar first, then add the whipped tea cream.

>RHUBARB CAKE

This is from Emily Weinberger on the Food Network site. The recipe begins, "Greek yogurt is the secret to this rhubarb cake, producing a sweet and tangy batter. The crunchy topping--spiced with nutmeg and ginger--gives off serious coffee cake vibes. It's perfect for breakfast with a mug of tea and makes a showstopping and delicious dessert for a dinner party."

Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including cooling time); Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/rhubarb-cake-12470457.

Ingredients

Crumb Topping:

3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of ground nutmeg

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Cake:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan

2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

3 stalks rhubarb (about 7-1/2 ounces), sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 3 cups)

Directions

For the crumb topping: Combined the flour, brown sugar, oats, ginger, salt and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the butter and mix thoroughly with your fingers or a fork until all the butter has been evenly distributed and incorporated into the flour. Form into small to medium clumps with your fingers. Set aside.

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square cake pan.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat the butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer (or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment) on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the Greek yogurt in 2 parts, beginning and ending with the flour and beating until just incorporated. Fold in the rhubarb using a rubber spatula. Take care not to overmix the batter.

Spoon the batter (it will be thick) into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle on the crumb topping, distributing it evenly.

Bake until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.

Cook’s Note

When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)

CHERRY-COLA DUMP CAKE

This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Super easy to prepare: Just mix devil's food cake mix with cola and pour over cherries. Bake for one hour and voila!"

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 9

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 jar (16 oz) maraschino cherries with juice (without stems)

1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ devil’s food cake mix

1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, “dump” cherries with cherry juice.

In medium bowl, mix cake mix and carbonated beverage. “Dump” mixture over cherries.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool about 15 minutes before cutting and serving cake.

Expert Tips

Serve with whipped cream and additional cherries.

You could substitute cherry pie filling in place of the maraschino cherries and juice.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2 – 2-1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1-1/2 – 1-3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

BLACKOUT CAKE

This recipe, on The New York Times cooking site is from Ebinger's, and adapted by The New York Times. It begins, "This absurdly rich chocolate cake came to The Times in a 1991 article by Molly O'Neill about Ebinger’s, the legendary chain of Brooklyn bakeries that closed its doors in 1972 after 74 years in business. Their wildly popular blackout cake, a three layer devil's food cake filled with dark chocolate pudding, slathered with chocolate frosting and covered with chocolate cake crumbs, had a cult-like following in its day. This recipe isn't authentic (the Ebinger family never shared the original recipe with the public), but Ms. O'Neill claims in her book, 'The New York Cookbook: From Pelham Bay to Park Avenue, Firehouses to Four-Star Restaurants,' that this version got the thumbs-up from 'a panel of twelve Ebingerites.' That's enough for us."

Yield: 1 cake; Time: 3 hours plus chilling

This recipe was featured in "The Cake Box From Heaven (Brooklyn, of Course) is Back" and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018772-blackout-cake.

Ingredients

For the cake:

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa

1/4 cup boiling water

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup milk

2 cups sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened, plus 2 tablespoons for the cake pans

4 eggs, separated

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour, plus 1 tablespoon for the cake pans

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

For the filling:

2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa

2 cups boiling water

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon cold water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons butter

For the frosting:

12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup hot water

1 tablespoon corn syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla

Preparation

Heat the oven to 375 degrees.

To make the cake, place the cocoa in a small bowl and whisk in the boiling water to form a paste. Combine the chocolate and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture warms and the chocolate melts, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk a small amount of the heated chocolate milk into the cocoa paste and then whisk the cocoa mixture into the milk mixture. Return to heat, stir for one minute, remove and cool until tepid.

In the bowl of a mixer, cream the sugar and butter together. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time and add the vanilla. Slowly stir in the chocolate mixture.

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, slowly add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture. In another bowl, whip the egg whites to form soft peaks and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter.

Butter and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans and divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 45 minutes and cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Gently remove the cakes from the pans and continue to cool.

While the cake is baking, make the filling. Put the cocoa into a saucepan and pour in the boiling water and place over low heat. Add the sugar and chocolate. Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water to make a smooth paste. Whisk the cornstarch into the water and chocolate, add the salt and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute.

Remove the pan from the heat, whisk in the vanilla and the butter, and transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.

Make the frosting. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, returning to heat if necessary to melt the butter.

Whisk in the hot water all at once and stir until smooth. Whisk in the corn syrup and the vanilla. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before using.

Assemble the cake. Use a sharp knife to slice each cake into two disks to form four layers. Set one layer aside. Place one layer on a cake round or plate. Generously swath the layer with filling. Add the second layer and repeat. Add the third layer. Quickly apply a layer of frosting to the top and the sides of the cake and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, crumble the remaining cake layer. Apply a second layer of frosting to the cake, press cake crumbs into the top and sides of the cake, and serve within 24 hours. Store in a cool place.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend? If you're like me, you probably are.

Summer tends to be a little hectic. But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend?

If you're like me, you probably are. This time of year tends to be a little busy, to put it mildly.

But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Friday Recipes

Are you ready for the weekend?

If you're like me, you probably are. This time of year tends to be a little busy, to put it mildly, with summer winding down, kids going back to school (or doing at-home learing)...

But since we still need to eat, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Black Bean Breakfast Burrito with Plantains and Mango Salsa and Vegetable Manicotti. Yum! Enjoy!

VEGAN LASAGNA

This was in the October 1997 issue of Vegetarian Times, and posted online on May 10, 2017. It begins, “The tomato sauce recipe makes enough to serve on the side or to freeze and enjoy later with pasta.” Makes 12 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

3 28-oz. cans peeled plum tomatoes, chopped with juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Lasagna

1 Tbs. salt

1 lb. dry uncooked eggless lasagna noodles

2 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

To make Sauce: In large, heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. When water boils, add salt and noodles. Cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with water and drain again.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Crumble tofu into medium bowl. Add garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Spoon about 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Add layer of noodles and top with one-third tofu mixture. Spoon over about 1 1/2 cups sauce and top with another layer of noodles. Cover with one-third tofu mixture and top with 1 1/2 cups of sauce and another layer of noodles. Top with remaining tofu mixture and 1 cup sauce.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with remaining sauce.

BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST BURRITO WITH PLANTAINS AND MANGO SALSA

This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Ripe plantains have a starchy consistency like potatoes, but with more fiber.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced ripe plantains (2 medium)

1 lime, juiced and zest grated (2 Tbs. juice and 1 tsp. zest)

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup prepared mango salsa, plus more for serving, optional

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

Combine plantains, lime juice, and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until plantains are very soft. Mash with fork or potato masher, and stir in lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Combine beans and salsa in small saucepan; warm over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread heaping 1/4 cup plantains on bottom half of each tortilla, leaving 2-inch border. Top with 1/2 cup bean mixture. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, then roll from bottom up. Serve with additional salsa, if using.

nutritional information Per Burrito: Calories: 349; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 72 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 779 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

CREAMY LEMONADE PIE

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese softened

3/4 C. lemonade concentrate

1 graham cracker crust

Directions

In mixing bowl combine milk & pudding mix; beat on low speed for 2 minutes. In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in lemonade concentrate. Gradually beat in pudding mixture. Pour into crust. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 3 hours; Active Time: 10 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

Butter-flavor cooking spray

1 (15.25-oz) box devil's food cake mix

2 cups water, divided

2 large eggs

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (4-oz) semisweet chocolate bar (or morsels)

1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

8 tablespoons whipped topping

Directions

Coat 4-quart slow cooker with spray. Place cake mix, 1 cup water, and eggs in large bowl; beat with hand mixer until blended. Add peanut butter; mix well and pour mixture into slow cooker.

Microwave remaining 1 cup water on HIGH for 2 minutes or until steaming. Break chocolate into pieces, if needed, then place in water and stir until melted; let stand 1 minute to cool. Pour chocolate over batter in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–2 1/2 hours (or HIGH for 1 1/2–1 3/4 hours) or until toothpick inserted near center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Chop peanuts. Serve cake straight from slow cooker topped with whipped topping and peanuts.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH TORTILLA CRISPS

This is from Anna Watson Carl on Delish. Anna wrote, “Those homemade tortilla chips, though…”

Total Time: 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 corn tortillas

1/4 c. Country Crock Original

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, diced

1 yellow pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for serving

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and brush all over with Country Crock Original. Bake until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes, then season with salt. Once cool, break each into pieces.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons Country Crock Original in pot over medium-high heat, and cook onion and peppers until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then add tomatoes and juices, crushing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.

Add beans to pot along with 2 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes, then stir in cilantro.

Ladle chili into 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with crispy tortillas.

VEGETABLE MANICOTTI

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “A great back-to-school recipe, this manicotti can be prepared in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to bake them.” Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup carrots, shredded

1/2 cup zucchini, shredded

1 cup spinach, chopped

2 cups plain yogurt cheese

1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 eggs

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

12 manicotti shells, cooked

1 32oz jar tomato sauce

Directions

Using layered cheesecloth, strain the whey from 1 quart of yogurt overnight to make yogurt cheese. One quart of yogurt will yield approximately 2 cups of yogurt cheese.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, and cook manicotti noodles until still slightly firm, being careful not to overcook. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, fold vegetables, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, herbs, salt, pepper & eggs into yogurt cheese. Using a spoon, gently fill the manicotti shells with the cheese & vegetable mixture & place in the baking dish. Once shells have been filled, top manicotti with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining shredded cheese & bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.