Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Showing posts with label Strawberry Cobbler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strawberry Cobbler. Show all posts

Monday, July 27, 2020

Strawberries

Strawberries are yummy, no matter when you eat them. I figured that strawberry recipes would be a wonderful way to start off the week. Therefore, here are six yummy strawberry recipes to start off the week, including Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake Minis and Strawberry Pie. Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY COBBLER

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.”

Makes 6 servings.

View this online here.

Ingredients

6 cups fresh strawberries, halved

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

STRAWBERRY PIE



Last summer, my daughter and I checked out a local fruit stand and came away with a quart of strawberries. They were on sale for $3 for a quart, so how could we pass them up?

Of course, then we had to decide what to do with all these yummy strawberries. And what better use for them than in a pie? So, here goes what I made.



Ingredients

1 quart strawberries

1 C sugar

3 Tablespoons corn start

3/4 cup hot water

1 pie crust

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place pie crust in an ungreased pie pan. Using a fork, pierce crust a couple of times (though don't go overboard), and bake for 10 - 15 minutes, or until lightly brown.

Note: If you're using a store-bought pie crust, bake until brown according to the package directions.

Wash strawberries. Cut up half of the berries (about 1 pint) and arrange in pie crust. You don't need to cut the strawberries too small; maybe in half or, for larger strawberries, in fourths.

Mash the remaining berries and place in a medium saucepan. Pour sugar over the strawberries in the pan and combine. Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

In a small bowl, whisk hot water and cornstarch together, then stir into boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat, then simmer until mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour thickened mixture over berries in pie crust. Chill for several hours before serving. Oh, and be sure to share!

TUMBLE-JUMBLE STRAWBERRY TART

This is from Dorie Greenspan at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Dorie wrote, “I first had a strawberry tart like this one more than 10 years ago at the Paris cafe La Palette, and I’ve been making my own version of it ever since. It’s simply a crust slicked with some jam and then topped with an abundance of berries; whipped cream or crème fraîche is optional. The recipe is straightforward, but the construction is genius. You bake the crust, which is both crisp and tender, to a beautiful golden color and then set it aside. (Use the scraps of dough to make cookies; sprinkle with sugar before baking.) When you’re ready for dessert, you cut and finish only as many servings as you need, ensuring that the crust will always have great texture and the berries will always be fresh and bright. You could use a store-bought crust, but there are so few components in this dessert, it’s good to make each one count.”

Yield: 6 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling and cooling.

This was beautifully featured on “My Summer Jam: An Update of the French Fruit Tart”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020343-tumble-jumble-strawberry-tart.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup/40 grams confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

9 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus additional for greasing

1 large egg yolk

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1/2 cup strawberry jam

1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled

Granulated sugar, as needed (optional)

Whipped cream or crème fraîche, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Put the flour, both sugars, salt and lemon zest, if you’re using it, in the bowl of a food processor; pulse to blend. Scatter the butter on top; pulse the butter into the dry ingredients until you’ve got a bowlful of curds. At first the dough will look like cornmeal, but it will change as you go, so work in long pulses — you might need as many as 20 — and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl often.

Whisk the yolk and vanilla together, and add in three additions, pulsing after each. Pulse just until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl; it should form moist clumps and hold together when pinched. Turn it out onto a counter, knead it into a compact ball and flatten it into a disk between two sheets of parchment or wax paper.

Roll the dough into an 11-inch circle. If it’s cold enough, fit it into a 9- to 9½-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, prick the bottom with a fork and trim the top even with the pan’s rim; if it’s not cold, chill it until it’s workable. Refrigerate the crust in the pan for at least 1 hour (or cover and freeze up to 2 months; bake straight from the freezer).

Heat oven to 400. Place the dough in its pan on a baking sheet, cover with a piece of buttered foil or parchment and fill with rice.

Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the foil or paper and rice. Bake, uncovered, until the crust is golden, another 8-10 minutes. Let cool, at least 30 minutes.

If you’re serving 6, cover the bottom of the crust with a layer of jam, and then cut the tart into wedges. (Otherwise, cut the number of wedges you need, and spread each portion with jam.) Halve or quarter as many berries as you’d like — be generous — and if you want, toss with a little granulated sugar. Place each wedge of crust on a plate, and spoon over berries, letting them tumble where they might. If you’d like, top each serving with whipped cream, or pass the cream at the table.

FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE

This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samantha wrote, “This pie is a celebration of perfectly ripe, summertime strawberries. Only two cups of the berries are cooked down into a quick jam, which holds the rest of the fruit together for a delightfully fresh pie. With a crunchy shortbread crust and a cloud of freshly whipped cream, it’s reminiscent of strawberry shortcake — but maybe even better.”

Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus chilling

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019379-fresh-strawberry-pie

Ingredients

For the Crust

10 2/3 ounces shortbread cookies (2 5.3-ounce packages)

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

2 1/2 pounds strawberries (about 8 to 10 cups), hulled

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons strawberry preserves

1/4 cup cornstarch

Pinch of kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Topping

1 cup cold heavy cream

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation

Prepare crust: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, combine shortbread cookies, sugar, flour and salt and blend until you have fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a medium mixing bowl. Add butter and mix with a fork until crumbs are evenly moistened. Tip crumbs into a standard 9-inch pie plate and press them in an even layer on the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Bake until golden brown and set, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Prepare filling: Cut each of the strawberries in quarters or eighths, if they are large. Transfer 2 cups berries to a small saucepan and crush completely with a potato masher. Set aside the remaining berries in a large bowl. Add the sugar, preserves, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water and salt to the saucepan.

Bring strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat and then cook it an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add strawberry mixture and lemon juice to the strawberries in the bowl and stir to combine. Transfer to the prepared crust and gently tap it down into an even layer. Transfer to the fridge to set for at least 4 hours.

Just before serving, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, if using, to soft peaks. Top pie with whipped cream.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

This is from Erin Jeanne McDowell in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Erin wrote, “Great for picnics or potlucks, these portable cheesecake bars incorporate cooked berries directly into the custard, which means they take on a rosy hue. You can even add a few drops of red food coloring if you want to make up for out-of-season berries, which are less vibrantly colored, or if you just want a livelier result. Feel free to use frozen berries in place of fresh, though you’ll need to thaw them fully before beginning the process.”

Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan (about 15 bars); Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, plus chilling

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020178-strawberry-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Nonstick cooking spray

10 1/2 ounces shortbread cookies

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted

For the Filling:

1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved (about 4 cups)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature

5 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Red food coloring, as needed

For the Topping:

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

3/4 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they form fine crumbs (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Add the salt and pulse briefly to combine, then add the melted butter and pulse until uniformly incorporated. Press the crust into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan and wipe out the bowl of the food processor. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the crust has browned slightly and appears set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Make the filling: In a medium pot, toss the strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to soften and the mixture becomes juicy, 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the firmness of the berries. Cool for 15 minutes.

Transfer the strawberries and their juices to the food processor and purée until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the berry purée to a large bowl and set aside. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and the cream cheese to the food processor bowl and blend until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and pulse until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed.

Add the vanilla and pulse to combine. Scrape the custard into the berry purée and stir to combine. The batter should be a pale pink. If it’s not, add 3 to 5 drops red food coloring and mix to combine. Pour the cheesecake custard into the cooled crust.

Bake the cheesecake until the edges appear set and the center still appears slightly jiggly, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, then refrigerate until firm (at least 4 hours, and up to overnight).

Make the topping: In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar to medium peaks, 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on the chilled cheesecake in an even layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top. (Arranging them in stripes makes it a bit easier to cut rows out of the bars later.) Use a sharp knife to release the edges of the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into 15 even pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the clean, sharp edges.

STRAWBERRY MARGARITA CHEESECAKE MINIS

This is from Better Homes & Gardens, and begins, “With plenty of strawberry, lime, and even a pretzel crust (for a nod to the salty rim!) there's only thing missing from this mini cheesecake recipe to make it just like a strawberry margarita: a shot of tequila!”

Prep: 1 hr; Bake: 15 mins at 325°; Cool: 10 mins; Chill: 4 hrs to 1 day; Yield: 36 mini cheesecakes

View this online here.

Ingredients

1 recipe Salted Pretzel Crust (below)

1 1/2 8 ounces tubs cream cheese spread, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded lime peel

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 cup sliced small strawberries

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon lime juice

Finely shredded lime peel (optional)

Salted Pretzel Crust Ingredients

1 3/4 cups pretzel sticks

1/4 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Place pretzel sticks in a resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Crush pretzels with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form (you should have 1 cup). In a medium bowl stir together crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line thirty-six 1 3/4-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside. Prepare Salted Pretzel Crust. Press about 1 1/2 teaspoons pretzel mixture into the bottom and up the side of each muffin cup. Bake for 5 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack.

Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, flour, the 1 1/2 teaspoons lime peel, and vanilla; beat until combined. Add egg; beat on low speed just until combined.

Spoon filling into muffin cups, filling each three-fourths full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in muffin cups on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cheesecakes from cups. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

Before serving, in a small bowl stir together strawberries, the 1 tablespoon sugar, and lime juice. Spoon on top of cheesecakes. If desired, sprinkle with additional lime peel.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 68 calories, (3 g saturated fat, 0 g polyunsaturated fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat), 18 mg cholesterol, 119 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 1 g protein.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Desserts

I want something snacky!

Who hasn't thought (or said) that once in a while? For that time when you want something snacky, here are six desserts to help you through the day, including Mango and Pineapple Crumble and Low Calorie Crock-Pot Rice Pudding. Enjoy!

SHORTCUT PEACH COBBLER

This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This peach cobbler has long been a popular way to make a cobbler quickly. This version is made with canned sliced peaches, and it's perfect for when you don't have time to peel and pit several peaches. Or when peaches aren't in season.

“The batter calls for self-rising flour, but if you don't have it you may substitute with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of table salt.

“This is an excellent dessert to make on a busy day, and it's a popular cobbler in the South. Take it along to a summer cookout or potluck!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Timie: 50 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Yield: 1 9X13 pan (8 servings)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 stick (4 ounces) butter

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup milk (low-fat is fine)

1 large can (29 ounces) sliced peaches in heavy syrup

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Put the butter in a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan or a 2 1/2 to 3 quart baking dish and place it in the oven until the butter has melted.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and stir to blend. Stir in the milk until well blended.

Take the pan out of the oven and pour the batter over the butter.

Spoon the peaches with syrup evenly over the batter.

Bake the peach cobbler for 45 to 55 minutes, until the topping is golden brown around the edges and lightly browned in the center.

STRAWBERRY COBBLER

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.”

Makes 6 servings.

View this online here.

Ingredients

6 cups fresh strawberries, halved

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

MANGO AND PINEAPPLE CRUMBLE

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “A home-style dessert gets a tropical twist by baking spiced mangoes and pineapple beneath a crunchy crumble topping. Serve with non-dairy, vanilla ice cream.”

Makes 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup plus 3 Tbs. packed light brown sugar, divided

1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

3/4 tsp. grated nutmeg, divided

1/4 tsp. ground allspice, divided

1/4 tsp. salt

5 Tbs. chilled vegan margarine, cut into pieces, divided

1/2 cup raw pecans, coarsely chopped

2 Tbs. unsweetened shredded coconut

3 mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 8-inch-square glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine flour, oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. allspice, and salt in medium bowl. Add 4 Tbs. margarine, and rub with fingertips until mixture forms coarse meal. Press together until mixture begins to form moist clumps. Stir in pecans and coconut.

Combine remaining 3 Tbs. brown sugar, 3/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp. allspice in large bowl. Add mangoes and pineapple, and toss to coat. Transfer to prepared baking dish; dot top with remaining 1 Tbs. margarine. Sprinkle oat topping over mango mixture.

Bake 40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and juices bubble. Cool 10 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

FROZEN BERRY-BANANA CREAM POPS

This is from the Mayo Clinic. To view this recipe online, go to http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/recipe/frozen-berry-banana-cream-pops.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups plain, fat-free yogurt

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries)

1 large banana, sliced

6 paper cups, 5-oz. to 9-oz. size

Aluminum foil

Wooden Popsicle® sticks

Instructions

Place yogurt, fruit (slightly thaw frozen fruit first) and banana in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Divide mixture evenly into paper cups.

Cover each paper cup with foil. Make a slit in the center of the foil covers and insert one Popsicle stick in each cup.

Place in freezer for 3 to 4 hours or until frozen solid.

Peel off paper cup and serve.

Serves 6.

FROZEN LEMONADE PIE

This comes from Pat and Gina Neely from The Food Network's Down Home with the Neelys. Total Time: 8 hr 18 min; Prep: 10 min; Inactive: 8 hr; Cook: 8 min; Yield: 8 servings

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/frozen-lemonade-pie-recipe.html?oc=linkback

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

2 cups heavy cream

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, chilled

1 6-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate (do not thaw)

For the Topping:

1 cup blueberries

1 cup raspberries

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly on the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 7 minutes; cool completely.

Make the filling: In a cold medium bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, stir together the condensed milk and frozen lemonade. Gently fold the lemonade mixture into the whipped cream. Pour the filling into the crust; freeze overnight.

About an hour before you serve the pie, make the topping: Toss the berries in a medium bowl with the sugar and lemon juice. Set aside until ready to serve.

Let the pie come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting. Top each slice with berries.

LOW CALORIE CROCK-POT RICE PUDDING

I found this recipe on My Daily Moment. It begins, “You won't take this delicious dessert with a grain of rice. It's creamy, dreamy and prepared in a crockpot. One bite and you're sure to love every mouthwatering spoonful.” It serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 cups skim milk

3/4 cup rice

3/4 cup sugars, granulated

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 Pam cooking spray

4 tablespoons butter, light, stick, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

Directions

Spray crock-pot with Pam. Pour all ingredients into pot and stir, then add melted butter and stir again. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until rice absorbs all liquid. Cook until soft and stir often. Garnish with raisins and whipped cream, if desired.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Desserts

Is there anyone who doesn't occasionally love something a little snacky? Possibly, just not too many people I know.

For those who love desserts (as I do), here are six yummy dessert recipes to help you through the day, including Strawberry “Ice Cream” Cake and Mango and Pineapple Crumble. Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

This is from Erin Jeanne McDowell in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Erin wrote, “Great for picnics or potlucks, these portable cheesecake bars incorporate cooked berries directly into the custard, which means they take on a rosy hue. You can even add a few drops of red food coloring if you want to make up for out-of-season berries, which are less vibrantly colored, or if you just want a livelier result. Feel free to use frozen berries in place of fresh, though you’ll need to thaw them fully before beginning the process.”

Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan (about 15 bars); Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, plus chilling

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020178-strawberry-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Nonstick cooking spray

10 1/2 ounces shortbread cookies

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted

For the Filling:

1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved (about 4 cups)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature

5 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Red food coloring, as needed

For the Topping:

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

3/4 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they form fine crumbs (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Add the salt and pulse briefly to combine, then add the melted butter and pulse until uniformly incorporated. Press the crust into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan and wipe out the bowl of the food processor. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the crust has browned slightly and appears set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Make the filling: In a medium pot, toss the strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to soften and the mixture becomes juicy, 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the firmness of the berries. Cool for 15 minutes.

Transfer the strawberries and their juices to the food processor and purée until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the berry purée to a large bowl and set aside. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and the cream cheese to the food processor bowl and blend until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and pulse until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed.

Add the vanilla and pulse to combine. Scrape the custard into the berry purée and stir to combine. The batter should be a pale pink. If it’s not, add 3 to 5 drops red food coloring and mix to combine. Pour the cheesecake custard into the cooled crust.

Bake the cheesecake until the edges appear set and the center still appears slightly jiggly, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, then refrigerate until firm (at least 4 hours, and up to overnight).

Make the topping: In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar to medium peaks, 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on the chilled cheesecake in an even layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top. (Arranging them in stripes makes it a bit easier to cut rows out of the bars later.) Use a sharp knife to release the edges of the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into 15 even pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the clean, sharp edges.

STRAWBERRY 'ICE CREAM' CAKE

Of course, it does help to have the occasional dessert, right? This one, from page 80 of the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, starts off, “Sssshhh … don’t tell kids this delicious dessert is actually just good-for-them yogurt and fruit with a few graham crackers and waffle cones thrown in for crunch.” I'm not telling, if you're not! Serves 12.

To view this yummy recipe online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-ice-cream-cake/.

15 full graham crackers

5 waffle cones

1 20-oz. bag whole frozen strawberries

1 32-oz. container honey-flavored Greek yogurt

2 Tbs. honey

Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and set aside.

Pulse graham crackers in food processor with 1 to 2 tsp. water until crumbly and moist. Transfer to bowl.

Pulse waffle cones in food processor until crumbly. Transfer to separate bowl.

Bring strawberries to a simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until soft and liquid starts to fill bottom of pan. Cool completely.

Stir together yogurt and honey. Set aside.

Press graham cracker crumbs on bottom of prepared springform pan. Spread half of yogurt, then half of strawberries, then half of crumbled waffle cones in pan. Repeat layering, ending with a sprinkling of waffle cones. Freeze at least 3 hours, or until frozen. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before serving.

nutritional information Per Per slice: Calories: 250; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 107 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 25 g

SHORTCUT PEACH COBBLER

This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This peach cobbler has long been a popular way to make a cobbler quickly. This version is made with canned sliced peaches, and it's perfect for when you don't have time to peel and pit several peaches. Or when peaches aren't in season.

“The batter calls for self-rising flour, but if you don't have it you may substitute with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of table salt.

“This is an excellent dessert to make on a busy day, and it's a popular cobbler in the South. Take it along to a summer cookout or potluck!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Timie: 50 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Yield: 1 9X13 pan (8 servings)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 stick (4 ounces) butter

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup milk (low-fat is fine)

1 large can (29 ounces) sliced peaches in heavy syrup

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Put the butter in a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan or a 2 1/2 to 3 quart baking dish and place it in the oven until the butter has melted.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and stir to blend. Stir in the milk until well blended.

Take the pan out of the oven and pour the batter over the butter.

Spoon the peaches with syrup evenly over the batter.

Bake the peach cobbler for 45 to 55 minutes, until the topping is golden brown around the edges and lightly browned in the center.

STRAWBERRY COBBLER

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.”

Makes 6 servings.

View this online here.

Ingredients

6 cups fresh strawberries, halved

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

MANGO AND PINEAPPLE CRUMBLE

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “A home-style dessert gets a tropical twist by baking spiced mangoes and pineapple beneath a crunchy crumble topping. Serve with non-dairy, vanilla ice cream.”

Makes 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup plus 3 Tbs. packed light brown sugar, divided

1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

3/4 tsp. grated nutmeg, divided

1/4 tsp. ground allspice, divided

1/4 tsp. salt

5 Tbs. chilled vegan margarine, cut into pieces, divided

1/2 cup raw pecans, coarsely chopped

2 Tbs. unsweetened shredded coconut

3 mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 8-inch-square glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine flour, oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. allspice, and salt in medium bowl. Add 4 Tbs. margarine, and rub with fingertips until mixture forms coarse meal. Press together until mixture begins to form moist clumps. Stir in pecans and coconut.

Combine remaining 3 Tbs. brown sugar, 3/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp. allspice in large bowl. Add mangoes and pineapple, and toss to coat. Transfer to prepared baking dish; dot top with remaining 1 Tbs. margarine. Sprinkle oat topping over mango mixture.

Bake 40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and juices bubble. Cool 10 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

FROZEN BERRY-BANANA CREAM POPS

This is from the Mayo Clinic. To view this recipe online, go to http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/recipe/frozen-berry-banana-cream-pops.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups plain, fat-free yogurt

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries)

1 large banana, sliced

6 paper cups, 5-oz. to 9-oz. size

Aluminum foil

Wooden Popsicle® sticks

Instructions

Place yogurt, fruit (slightly thaw frozen fruit first) and banana in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Divide mixture evenly into paper cups.

Cover each paper cup with foil. Make a slit in the center of the foil covers and insert one Popsicle stick in each cup.

Place in freezer for 3 to 4 hours or until frozen solid.

Peel off paper cup and serve.

Serves 6.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Desserts

Who doesn't love dessert? I'm sure there are a few people who aren't big into desserts, or anything snacky. But for the rest of us, there's sure to be something in today's post to grab your attention, including Mango and Pineapple Crumble and Strawberry “Ice Cream” Cake. Enjoy!

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE BARS

This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, “Ethereal and ready to melt in your mouth, chocolate mousse bars are easy to make and even easier to eat. With so few ingredients, it’s important to use a chocolate you would be perfectly happy to snack out of hand. The instant espresso powder is optional but adds depth to this simple dessert. To cut beautiful, neat slices, use a long sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped clean before each cut.”

Yield: 24 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling.

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019316-no-bake-chocolate-mousse-bars.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

18 whole graham crackers (about 9 1/2 ounces)

8 tablespoons (1 stick), melted

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling:

1 pound semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

3 cups cold heavy cream, plus more for serving

2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation

Make the crust: Line a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. In a food processor, or in a resealable plastic bag, crush the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs (but stop before you have dust). You should have about 2 1/4 cups. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl. Add the butter, sugar and salt and stir until evenly moistened. Tip the crumbs into the prepared pan and press them down into an even layer on the bottom. Transfer to the freezer while you prepare the filling.

Make the filling: Set the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup cream, espresso powder and salt until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool completely.

In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 2 cups heavy cream until you have stiff peaks. Add the chocolate mixture and gently fold to combine. Pour the mixture over the prepared crust, and spread it out into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours. To serve, cut the two edges without parchment free with a sharp knife then use the parchment overhang to transfer the bar to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

CRANBERRY-PECAN BAKED PEACHES

This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. It begins, “Fresh peaches are halved and baked with a tantalizing blend of dried cranberries and finely chopped pecans.” Serves 4; 2 peach halves and 2 tablespoons cranberry mixture per serving.

To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Cranberry-Pecan-Baked-Peaches/.

Ingredients

Cooking spray

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries

3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans

4 medium unpeeled peaches, nectarines, or pears, halved, pitted, and skin pierced in several places with a fork

2 teaspoons light tub margarine

1/2 teaspoon grated peeled gingerroot

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray. Pour the honey into the pan. Heat the pan in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the honey is slightly runny. Remove from the oven, tilting the pan and swirling so the honey lightly coats the bottom.

Sprinkle the cranberries and pecans in the pan. Place the peaches with the cut side down over the cranberry mixture. (Some of the mixture may not be covered.) Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the peaches are tender.

Arrange the peaches with the cut side up on a serving plate. Stir the margarine and gingerroot into the pan juices. Spoon the cranberry mixture into the cavities in the peaches. Spoon the pan juices over all. Serve warm or at room temperature.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

This is from Erin Jeanne McDowell in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Erin wrote, “Great for picnics or potlucks, these portable cheesecake bars incorporate cooked berries directly into the custard, which means they take on a rosy hue. You can even add a few drops of red food coloring if you want to make up for out-of-season berries, which are less vibrantly colored, or if you just want a livelier result. Feel free to use frozen berries in place of fresh, though you’ll need to thaw them fully before beginning the process.”

Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan (about 15 bars); Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, plus chilling

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020178-strawberry-cheesecake-bars.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Nonstick cooking spray

10 1/2 ounces shortbread cookies

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted

For the Filling:

1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved (about 4 cups)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature

5 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Red food coloring, as needed

For the Topping:

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

3/4 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they form fine crumbs (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Add the salt and pulse briefly to combine, then add the melted butter and pulse until uniformly incorporated. Press the crust into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan and wipe out the bowl of the food processor. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the crust has browned slightly and appears set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Make the filling: In a medium pot, toss the strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to soften and the mixture becomes juicy, 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the firmness of the berries. Cool for 15 minutes.

Transfer the strawberries and their juices to the food processor and purée until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the berry purée to a large bowl and set aside. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and the cream cheese to the food processor bowl and blend until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and pulse until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed.

Add the vanilla and pulse to combine. Scrape the custard into the berry purée and stir to combine. The batter should be a pale pink. If it’s not, add 3 to 5 drops red food coloring and mix to combine. Pour the cheesecake custard into the cooled crust.

Bake the cheesecake until the edges appear set and the center still appears slightly jiggly, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, then refrigerate until firm (at least 4 hours, and up to overnight).

Make the topping: In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar to medium peaks, 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on the chilled cheesecake in an even layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top. (Arranging them in stripes makes it a bit easier to cut rows out of the bars later.) Use a sharp knife to release the edges of the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into 15 even pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the clean, sharp edges.

STRAWBERRY 'ICE CREAM' CAKE

Of course, it does help to have the occasional dessert, right? This one, from page 80 of the March 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, starts off, “Sssshhh … don’t tell kids this delicious dessert is actually just good-for-them yogurt and fruit with a few graham crackers and waffle cones thrown in for crunch.” I'm not telling, if you're not! Serves 12.

To view this yummy recipe online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-ice-cream-cake/.

15 full graham crackers

5 waffle cones

1 20-oz. bag whole frozen strawberries

1 32-oz. container honey-flavored Greek yogurt

2 Tbs. honey

Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and set aside.

Pulse graham crackers in food processor with 1 to 2 tsp. water until crumbly and moist. Transfer to bowl.

Pulse waffle cones in food processor until crumbly. Transfer to separate bowl.

Bring strawberries to a simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until soft and liquid starts to fill bottom of pan. Cool completely.

Stir together yogurt and honey. Set aside.

Press graham cracker crumbs on bottom of prepared springform pan. Spread half of yogurt, then half of strawberries, then half of crumbled waffle cones in pan. Repeat layering, ending with a sprinkling of waffle cones. Freeze at least 3 hours, or until frozen. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before serving.

nutritional information Per Per slice: Calories: 250; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 107 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 25 g

STRAWBERRY COBBLER

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.”

Makes 6 servings.

View this online here.

Ingredients

6 cups fresh strawberries, halved

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

MANGO AND PINEAPPLE CRUMBLE

This was posted at Vegetarian Times on July 11, 2019, and begins, “A home-style dessert gets a tropical twist by baking spiced mangoes and pineapple beneath a crunchy crumble topping. Serve with non-dairy, vanilla ice cream.”

Makes 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup plus 3 Tbs. packed light brown sugar, divided

1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

3/4 tsp. grated nutmeg, divided

1/4 tsp. ground allspice, divided

1/4 tsp. salt

5 Tbs. chilled vegan margarine, cut into pieces, divided

1/2 cup raw pecans, coarsely chopped

2 Tbs. unsweetened shredded coconut

3 mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 8-inch-square glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine flour, oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. allspice, and salt in medium bowl. Add 4 Tbs. margarine, and rub with fingertips until mixture forms coarse meal. Press together until mixture begins to form moist clumps. Stir in pecans and coconut.

Combine remaining 3 Tbs. brown sugar, 3/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp. allspice in large bowl. Add mangoes and pineapple, and toss to coat. Transfer to prepared baking dish; dot top with remaining 1 Tbs. margarine. Sprinkle oat topping over mango mixture.

Bake 40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and juices bubble. Cool 10 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Wednesday Recipes

Here are today's six recipes - including Magic Caterpillar Peanut Butter Bread and Roasted Vegetables - to help you through the day. Enjoy!

ACORN SQUASH WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO POLENTA

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This dish transcends the simplicity of squash and the hominess of coarse-ground cornmeal. The lushness of the flavors soothe and satisfy the palate, creating culinary magic on a brisk winter evening. The whole dish, virtually a meal on its own, can be made in about an hour and is best served hot—when the polenta is still steaming, the Parmesan is melting and the colors are vibrant. If you wish to accompany the squash with other courses, consider an appetizer or soup with mild flavors, like a simple vegetable broth filled with lightly cooked greens or rounds of toasted wheat bread spread with a mild hummus dip. To complement the assertive squash flavors, offer sliced fresh fruit.” Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 small acorn squash (1 to 1 1/2 lbs. each)

About 2 oz. or 15 sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 cup pine nuts

3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

2 1/2 cups vegetable stock

1/2 heaping tsp. salt

1/2 cup coarse-ground polenta

2 to 3 Tbs. shredded Parmesan

2 Tbs. chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper, and spray liberally with nonstick vegetable oil.

Cut squashes in half crosswise, and scoop out seeds and a little extra flesh. Cook, face down on parchment paper, about 45 minutes, or until sharp knife easily penetrates outside skin and rim of flesh is lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, soak tomatoes in very hot water to cover for 15 to 20 minutes. When soft, coarsely chop and set aside. On small sheet pan or in baking dish, toast pine nuts in oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

To make pesto, in food processor, add pine nuts, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Start machine and, as blade is turning, pour olive oil through shoot. Blend into smooth paste. Set aside in small bowl. (Use same bowl, rinsed and dried, used for soaking tomatoes).

Bring stock to a boil in medium to heavy saucepan. Add salt, keeping water boiling at medium-high heat. Add polenta gradually, either slowly from measuring cup or letting a fistful run through nearly closed fingers, constantly stirring with long-handled whisk. When all polenta is added, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook gently. Continue stirring, switching to long-handled wooden spoon. To avoid burning or sticking, use heat-diffusing device. Stir continuously and thoroughly, bringing mixture up from bottom and loosening from sides. (Make sure sides are scooped clean.)

Continue to stir for about 20 minutes, or until polenta is creamy and pulls away from sides of pan. Turn off heat, and stir in sun-dried tomato pesto.

Remove squash from oven. Spoon tomato mixture into squash “bowls.” Top with shredded Parmesan, dust with paprika and garnish with parsley.

Note: For a faster dish, substitute store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto, which won’t be as fresh or as satisfying. However, making your own is easy. You can prepare the whole dish ahead, minus garnishes. Refrigerate, reheat until hot and garnish with shredded cheese, paprika and parsley. If squashes are particularly misshapen, trim ridged edges so they will stand up straight without rolling over.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 510; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 31 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 49 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 850 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: g

SPINACH AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PIE

This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Similar to spanakopita, this pie gets its creamy texture from tofu, not cheese and eggs. Be sure to use a sharp knife to cut the pie so that the crisp, delicate phyllo crust doesn’t crumble and lose its shape.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

15 marinated sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, oil from jar reserved

1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)

1 lb. extra-firm tofu, drained

1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

15 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with cooking spray.

Heat 1 Tbs. reserved sun-dried-tomato oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned.

Meanwhile, place tofu, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in large bowl. Rub together with hands until no large lumps of tofu remain. Stir tofu mixture into onion mixture, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.

Place 1 sheet phyllo on work surface, and dab and brush with reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Top with second sheet phyllo. Repeat with 4 more phyllo sheets, brushing top of stack with oil as well. Line prepared cake pan with phyllo stack, letting edges drape over.

Make second phyllo stack using reserved oil and 5 more phyllo sheets. Set in prepared cake pan perpendicular to first stack so pan is completely lined with phyllo crust.

Fill crust with spinach filling, pressing down. Fold excess phyllo edges over center.

Make third phyllo stack using 5 phyllo sheets and reserved sun-dried-tomato oil. Place over spinach filling, tucking in edges to seal pie.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes, then unmold pie, and slice into wedges.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 230; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 217 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 2 g

MAGIC CATERPILLAR PEANUT BUTTER BREAD

Years ago, I got hooked on Breaking Bread with Father Dominic on (if I remember correctly) the Food Network. Unfortunately, the show has since left the air, at least where I live. However, you might be able to check out a few episodes by Google-ing his name for the latest places that show him, or on YouTube. Check out his website, The Bread Monk, at http://www.breadmonk.com/. This recipe yields 1 loaf.



Ingredients:

1 package Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 cup milk

3/4 cup chunky peanut butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

For decoration: tubes of colored frosting, candies, gumdrops, licorice, etc.

Directions:

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl; stir to dissolve yeast. Let stand about 10 minutes, or until foamy.

Combine milk, peanut butter, sugar and salt in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Let cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until flour is thoroughly incorporated.

Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed to keep dough manageable. Rinse and dry bowl, then lightly oil surface of dough and place dough in bowl. Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place 1 hour.

Punch down dough. Knead briefly to expel large air bubbles. Roll dough into a rope about 24 inches long. Form rope into a large S shape on a lightly greased 18x12-inch baking sheet. Using a butter knife or dough scraper, chop rope into 3-inch sections, but do not separate completely. Cover with a cloth and let rise about 30 minutes. (The caterpillar will magically grow back together during rising and baking.)

About 15 minutes before end of rising time, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaf 25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate cooled loaf with frosting and gumdrops or other candy. Poke holes in the sides with a wooden pick and insert sections of licorice for legs.

Note: Decorating gel doesn't work as well as frosting as a glue for the candy decorations, so make sure you pick up the right tube at the store. Any candies will work to make spots for the caterpillar's sections. Thin red licorice makes the perfect legs and antennae, unless you know your youngsters prefer the flavor of black licorice.

ZUCCHINI-CORN SAUTE

This yummy recipe comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “This four-vegetable medley makes a colorful addition to just about any meal.” Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; CookTime: 8 minutes

To view this online, go to http://www.familytime.com/Recipe/ShowRecipe.aspx?RecipeId=14454.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cups (about 3 medium) zucchini, sliced

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

1 1/2 cups loose-pack frozen whole-kernel corn

1 cup (about 1 medium) tomato, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in corn, tomato, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

ROASTED VEGETABLES

This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The key to roasting all kinds of vegetables is to know the right temperature for cooking them. Dense, low-moisture vegetables (like the roots and squashes in this recipe) need lower heat and more time in the oven than vegetables with more moisture, like eggplant or zucchini. Then simply toss your vegetables with oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting. Top your roasted vegetable with a couple of fried eggs or a dollop of yogurt, or both, and you have a meal.” Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour; makes 4 to 6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 to 3 pounds root or dense vegetable, peeled if you like and cut into 1-inch chunks or wedges (carrots, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, rutabaga, winter squashes)

Oil (olive, coconut or grapeseed)

Salt and pepper

Fried eggs and/or plain yogurt

Fresh herbs, torn or chopped

Preparation

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast, stirring at least once or twice during roasting for even cooking and browning.

Serve with fried eggs and/or yogurt, ground black pepper and plenty of torn herbs on top.

Tips

You can use 2 pounds high-moisture vegetables instead (eggplant, peppers, zucchini, fennel, onions, brussels sprouts). Slice them and cut into chunks or wedges. Roast at 450 degrees until golden brown all over, 10 to 40 minutes depending on variety and the size of the pieces.

Or use 1 to 2 pounds hardy green vegetables (broccoli rabe, snow peas, green beans, kale, collard greens, chard) or cherry tomatoes, trimmed. Roast at 450 degrees for 7 to 15 minutes.

STRAWBERRY COBBLER

This is from the May/June 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.” Serves 6.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-cobbler/

6 cups fresh strawberries, halved

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 275; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 48 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 86 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 33 g; Vegan

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Wednesday Recipes

Enjoy!

HAWAIIAN-STYLE SWEET-AND-SOUR ROASTED PINEAPPLE AND BELL PEPPERS

This is from the May/June 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 26. It begins, “This tropical medley is a fresh alternative to a vegetable side dish. To stretch it into a main dish for four, top with 1 cup of roasted cashews and serve it over steamed rice.” Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

3 cups cubed fresh pineapple

1 medium red bell pepper, cubed (1 1/2 cups)

1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges (1 1/2 cups)

1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 Tbs. dark or light brown sugar

1 Tbs. sweetened coconut flakes, optional

1 Tbs. lime juice

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange pineapple cubes, red bell pepper cubes, and red onion wedges on ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and vegetable oil, sprinkle with brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Toss to coat.

Roast pineapple mixture on center oven rack 30 minutes, or until lightly browned, turning once. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sweetened coconut flakes, if using, then drizzle with lime juice. Remove to serving bowl and toss well to combine. Serve hot or at room temperature.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 108; Protein: 1 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 3 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

STRAWBERRY COBBLER

This is from the May/June 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It begins, “Serve this delicately sweet dessert warm or at room temperature, or cover, and refrigerate up to two days.” Serves 6.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/strawberry-cobbler/

6 cups fresh strawberries, halved

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. flour, divided

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

3 1/2 Tbs. nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Toss together strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. flour, and lemon juice in bowl. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup flour, remaining 2 Tbs. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add shortening, and mix well with fork until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup water. Spread over strawberry mixture. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 275; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 48 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 86 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 33 g; Vegan

SWEET POTATO WEDGES WITH CIDER REDUCTION

This is from the September 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 64. It begins, “When cider is simmered for a long time, it reduces down to a tangy syrup that is thickened by apples’ natural pectins.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

2 cups apple cider or unfiltered apple juice

2 large sweet potatoes, each cut into 8 wedges

2 Tbs. olive oil

Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Boil cider in saucepan over medium heat 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until reduced to thick and syrupy 1/4 cup. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush sweet potato wedges with oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, and place on baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes, or until tender and beginning to brown. Transfer to platter, and drizzle with cider reduction.

nutritional information Per Serving (2 wedges): Calories: 113; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 40 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

MEATLESS-BALL SUBS

1 package Meatless Balls (see note)

1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce

4 hoagie rolls

cheese slices

Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.





Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.



Makes 4 meatless ball subs.

Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.

SPAGHETTI SAUCE

This recipe, as well as the Angel Hair Pasta, are all from my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.

28 oz. can tomatoes (note)

2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce

2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste

3 onions, chopped

3 – 5 cloves garlic, crushed

2 T oil

1 T oregano

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. dill

1 tsp. anise

2 T honey

1 T vinegar

1 T soy sauce

1/4 – 1/2 lb. grated cheese

Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, sauce & pasted. Stir. Add everything except cheese & stir. Simmer 1 hour. Add cheese & stir until cheese is melted. Serve over hot spaghetti. Better the next day—if any is left!

ZUCCHINI-CORN SAUTE

This yummy recipe comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “This four-vegetable medley makes a colorful addition to just about any meal.” Serves: 4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; CookTime: 8 minutes

To view this online, go to http://www.familytime.com/Recipe/ShowRecipe.aspx?RecipeId=14454.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cups (about 3 medium) zucchini, sliced

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

1 1/2 cups loose-pack frozen whole-kernel corn

1 cup (about 1 medium) tomato, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in corn, tomato, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.