Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Showing posts with label Watermelon Wonder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Watermelon Wonder. Show all posts

Friday, May 15, 2020

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Here are today's six yummy recipes to help you start off your weekend just right, including Watermelon Wonder and Black Bean Vegetarian Chili w/Sweet Potatoes. Enjoy!

APRICOT-MANGO MADNESS

This recipe, as well as the next one (Watermelon Wonder) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy splash to this sweet smoothie.”

Serves: 2

Ingredients

6 apricots, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2 cups)

2 ripe mangoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)

1 cup reduced-fat milk or plain low-fat yogurt

4 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

8 ice cubes

Lemon peel twists (garnish)

Directions

Place the apricots, mangoes, milk or yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a blender. Process for 8 seconds. Add the ice cubes, and process 6 to 8 seconds longer, or until smooth.

Pour into tall glasses, garnish with lemon twists, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 252; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 53 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 45.5 g; Total fat: 3.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 57 mg

WATERMELON WONDER

This recipe begins, “Transform a summer fruit favorite into a delightful healthy smoothie. Just remember to buy seedless watermelon or remove the seeds before you blend!”

Servings: 2

Ingredients

2 cups chopped watermelon

1/4 cup fat-free milk

2 cups ice

Directions

Combine the watermelon and milk, and blend for 15 seconds, or until smooth. Add the ice, and blend 20 seconds longer, or to your desired consistency. Add more ice, if needed, and blend for 10 seconds.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 56; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 13 g; Fiber: 0.5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Total fat: 0.3 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 19.5 mg

BOILED POTATOES WITH BUTTER AMD MINT

This is from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "The chef April Bloomfield cooks from a place of profound hunger for good food: specifically, Birmingham in the Midlands of England, where she grew up in the 1970s and 1980s just as English food reached a low point. The childhood food she remembers most fondly: the hot buttered potatoes served in her school cafeteria. Her homage to that dish is this basic but stunningly good recipe for freshly boiled potatoes thickly glazed in butter and brightened with lemon, garlic, cracked black pepper and what she calls a 'five-fingered pinch' of fresh mint leaves, 'as much as you can grab with just the tips of all five fingers.'"

Yield: 3 to 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

This was featured in "April Bloomfield’s ‘A Girl and Her Greens’ Delights in the Details" and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 pound small potatoes, like fingerlings or creamers, all about the same size

1 tablespoon flaky salt, like Maldon, or kosher salt

4 tablespoons/2 ounces cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

1 small garlic clove, finely grated or shaved

A 5-finger pinch of whole mint leaves, preferably black mint (see note)

1/2 lemon

Coarsely ground black pepper

Preparation

In a medium pot, combine potatoes and salt. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by a generous 1/2 inch and set the pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a vigorous simmer. Cook potatoes just until tender and creamy inside, 10 to 25 minutes depending on size.

Reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid, gently drain the potatoes and return them to the stove. Add butter, garlic and reserved cooking liquid to the pot and set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, swirling the pan and basting as needed so that the liquid coats the potatoes until they are well glazed, about 5 minutes.

Tear the mint leaves into small pieces, stir them very gently into the potatoes, and take the pot off the heat. Squeeze on just enough lemon to add brightness, not sourness; taste as you go. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

RHUBARB CRISP

This is from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, "When you think of rhubarb you probably think of strawberry-rhubarb pie, a quintessential spring dessert, especially if it’s made by someone who makes good pies. I usually manage around one pie crust annually, so I need alternatives. Thus, when the spring’s first rhubarb shows up, I adjust the execution and produce a crisp. If rhubarb is young and fresh, you can trim it in seconds. If it has fibrous outer strings, peel them off as you would those of celery. Toss the rhubarb with orange or lemon juice and zest, and only a little sugar. (You can also substitute strawberries for some of the rhubarb if you want the classic combination.) Blend the ingredients for the crisp topping in a food processor, crumble the topping over the rhubarb mixture, and bake — it is nearly effortless and as good or better than a pie."

Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in "Rhubarb Crisp That Stands Up to Pie" and can be viewe online here.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for greasing pan

2 1/2 to 3 pounds rhubarb, trimmed, tough strings removed, and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 5 to 6 cups)

1/4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice

1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste

Pinch salt

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup pecans

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking or gratin dish with a little butter. Toss rhubarb with white sugar, orange or lemon juice and zest, and spread in baking dish.

Put the 6 tablespoons butter in a food processor along with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt, and pulse for about 20 or 30 seconds, until it looks like small peas and just begins to clump together. Add oats and pecans and pulse just a few times to combine.

Crumble the topping over rhubarb and bake until golden and beginning to brown, 45 to 50 minutes.

HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI

This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.

Ingredients

2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 Tbs. olive oil

4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)

5 cups marinara sauce

16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.

Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.

Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.

Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan

ROASTED AUTUMN VEGETABLE SOUP

This came from Weight Watchers several years ago. I don't know if it's still one of their current recipes, but it's still yummy.

The recipe begins, "This warm, comforting soup will stick to your ribs on cold days. Roasting the vegetables helps bring out their natural sweetness."

Points: 2 Servings: 8

Note: This recipe originally called for chicken broth, but I've substituted vegetable broth for that – for obvious reasons.

Ingredients

1 large onion(s), cut into large chunks

4 large carrot(s), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

6 medium parsnip(s), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

4 cup winter squash, such as butternut, peeled and cubed

2 sprays cooking spray

3 cup fat-free vegetable broth

1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk

1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste

1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400ºF. In large roasting pan combine onion, carrots, parsnips and squash; coat with cooking spray. Roast for 15 minutes. Place vegetables in large pot. Add broth & milk; season to taste. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Transfer mixture to blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender in pot, & blend until smooth. (Puree soup in batches if necessary to prevent hot liquid from splattering. Or allow soup to cool before pureeing.) Yields about 1-1/2 cups per serving.


You can add more water or broth to the pureed soup to achieve desired thickness.

Friday, August 4, 2017

Friday Recipes

Here are today's six yummy recipes to help you start off your weekend just right, including Watermelon Wonder and Black Bean Vegetarian Chili w/Sweet Potatoes. Enjoy!

APRICOT-MANGO MADNESS

This recipe, as well as the next one (Watermelon Wonder) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy splash to this sweet smoothie.”

Serves: 2

6 apricots, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2 cups)

2 ripe mangoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)

1 cup reduced-fat milk or plain low-fat yogurt

4 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

8 ice cubes

Lemon peel twists (garnish)

Place the apricots, mangoes, milk or yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a blender. Process for 8 seconds. Add the ice cubes, and process 6 to 8 seconds longer, or until smooth.

Pour into tall glasses, garnish with lemon twists, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 252; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 53 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 45.5 g; Total fat: 3.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 57 mg

WATERMELON WONDER

This recipe begins, “Transform a summer fruit favorite into a delightful healthy smoothie. Just remember to buy seedless watermelon or remove the seeds before you blend!”

Servings: 2

2 cups chopped watermelon

1/4 cup fat-free milk

2 cups ice

Combine the watermelon and milk, and blend for 15 seconds, or until smooth. Add the ice, and blend 20 seconds longer, or to your desired consistency. Add more ice, if needed, and blend for 10 seconds.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 56; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 13 g; Fiber: 0.5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Total fat: 0.3 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 19.5 mg

BOILED POTATOES WITH BUTTER AMD MINT

This is from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "The chef April Bloomfield cooks from a place of profound hunger for good food: specifically, Birmingham in the Midlands of England, where she grew up in the 1970s and 1980s just as English food reached a low point. The childhood food she remembers most fondly: the hot buttered potatoes served in her school cafeteria. Her homage to that dish is this basic but stunningly good recipe for freshly boiled potatoes thickly glazed in butter and brightened with lemon, garlic, cracked black pepper and what she calls a 'five-fingered pinch' of fresh mint leaves, 'as much as you can grab with just the tips of all five fingers.'"

Yield: 3 to 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

This was featured in "April Bloomfield’s ‘A Girl and Her Greens’ Delights in the Details" and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 pound small potatoes, like fingerlings or creamers, all about the same size

1 tablespoon flaky salt, like Maldon, or kosher salt

4 tablespoons/2 ounces cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

1 small garlic clove, finely grated or shaved

A 5-finger pinch of whole mint leaves, preferably black mint (see note)

1/2 lemon

Coarsely ground black pepper

Preparation

In a medium pot, combine potatoes and salt. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by a generous 1/2 inch and set the pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a vigorous simmer. Cook potatoes just until tender and creamy inside, 10 to 25 minutes depending on size.

Reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid, gently drain the potatoes and return them to the stove. Add butter, garlic and reserved cooking liquid to the pot and set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, swirling the pan and basting as needed so that the liquid coats the potatoes until they are well glazed, about 5 minutes.

Tear the mint leaves into small pieces, stir them very gently into the potatoes, and take the pot off the heat. Squeeze on just enough lemon to add brightness, not sourness; taste as you go. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

RHUBARB CRISP

This is from Mark Bittman, also in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, "When you think of rhubarb you probably think of strawberry-rhubarb pie, a quintessential spring dessert, especially if it’s made by someone who makes good pies. I usually manage around one pie crust annually, so I need alternatives. Thus, when the spring’s first rhubarb shows up, I adjust the execution and produce a crisp. If rhubarb is young and fresh, you can trim it in seconds. If it has fibrous outer strings, peel them off as you would those of celery. Toss the rhubarb with orange or lemon juice and zest, and only a little sugar. (You can also substitute strawberries for some of the rhubarb if you want the classic combination.) Blend the ingredients for the crisp topping in a food processor, crumble the topping over the rhubarb mixture, and bake — it is nearly effortless and as good or better than a pie."

Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in "Rhubarb Crisp That Stands Up to Pie" and can be viewe online here.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for greasing pan

2 1/2 to 3 pounds rhubarb, trimmed, tough strings removed, and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 5 to 6 cups)

1/4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice

1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste

Pinch salt

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup pecans

Preparation

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking or gratin dish with a little butter. Toss rhubarb with white sugar, orange or lemon juice and zest, and spread in baking dish.

Put the 6 tablespoons butter in a food processor along with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt, and pulse for about 20 or 30 seconds, until it looks like small peas and just begins to clump together. Add oats and pecans and pulse just a few times to combine.

Crumble the topping over rhubarb and bake until golden and beginning to brown, 45 to 50 minutes.

HERBED TOFU LASAGNA WITH ZUCCHINI

This comes from the April 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Simple, fresh flavors and an innovative way with tofu—it's blended with herbs and seasonings until creamy and ricotta-like—make this lasagna one you'll want to make year-round. The key: Use the best purchased marinara sauce you can find, then drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil.” Serves 10.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-tofu-lasagna-with-zucchini/.

2 14-oz. pkg. firm tofu, well drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 Tbs. olive oil

4 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 3 cups)

5 cups marinara sauce

16 no-cook lasagna noodles (9 oz.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine tofu, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes and sugar in food processor; blend until smooth and similar to ricotta in texture.

Put oil and zucchini in large nonstick skillet. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat, or until just tender.

Spread 3 Tbs. marinara sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with layer of noodles, overlapping slightly, half of tofu mixture and half of zucchini mixture. Top with another layer of noodles, remaining tofu and zucchini, and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with another layer of noodles and remaining sauce.

Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 314; Protein: 18 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Sodium: 617 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 10 g; Vegan

BLACK BEAN VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH SWEET POTATO

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

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 medium carrots, sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)

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

1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or tomato sauce

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp cayenne (or to taste)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

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

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

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

Friday, July 21, 2017

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Hooray! Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Celebration Cake and Summer Vegetable Skillet Lasagna. Enjoy!

APRICOT-MANGO MADNESS

This recipe, as well as the next one (Watermelon Wonder) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy splash to this sweet smoothie.”

Serves: 2

6 apricots, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2 cups)

2 ripe mangoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)

1 cup reduced-fat milk or plain low-fat yogurt

4 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

8 ice cubes

Lemon peel twists (garnish)

Place the apricots, mangoes, milk or yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a blender. Process for 8 seconds. Add the ice cubes, and process 6 to 8 seconds longer, or until smooth.

Pour into tall glasses, garnish with lemon twists, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 252; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 53 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 45.5 g; Total fat: 3.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 57 mg

WATERMELON WONDER

This recipe begins, “Transform a summer fruit favorite into a delightful healthy smoothie. Just remember to buy seedless watermelon or remove the seeds before you blend!”

Servings: 2

2 cups chopped watermelon

1/4 cup fat-free milk

2 cups ice

Combine the watermelon and milk, and blend for 15 seconds, or until smooth. Add the ice, and blend 20 seconds longer, or to your desired consistency. Add more ice, if needed, and blend for 10 seconds.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 56; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 13 g; Fiber: 0.5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Total fat: 0.3 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 19.5 mg

CELEBRATION CAKE

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This cake, which was developed by the British-Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, may not look perfect. You may end up with cracked layers, roughly cut edges and a white-chocolate ganache spread willy-nilly. I think it’s best if it is superrustic,’ Ottolenghi said. But it will be elegant anyway, the astonishingly good result of care and time spent in the kitchen for loved ones, and the flavors are terrific.”

Yield: Serves 10-20; Time: 24 hours, plus freezing

This was featured in “Revel in the Bounty of Spring, With a Feast From Yotam Ottolenghi” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Layer Cakes:

15 1/2 ounces dark baking chocolate (70 percent cocoa), chopped

9 ounces egg yolks (the yolks from 14 or 15 large eggs)

15 1/2 ounces superfine sugar

14 ounces egg whites (the whites from about 10 large eggs)

1 tablespoon brandy

For the Ganache:

10 1/2 ounces white chocolate, chopped

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

To Finish:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

7 ounces blueberries, with 8 or so set aside for garnish

7 ounces blackberries, with 12 or so set aside for garnish

7 ounces strawberries, trimmed and thinly sliced, lengthwise

7 ounces raspberries, with 8 or so set aside for garnish

Powdered sugar, to dust (optional)

Preparation

To make the layers for the cake, heat oven to 350. Grease and line three 10-by-14-inch jellyroll pans with parchment paper. (If you only have one, you can make the layers separately.)

Put a medium-size pot with a few inches of water in it over medium heat, and bring it to a simmer. Place a large, heatproof bowl on top of the pot, making sure that the base of the bowl is not touching the water. Put the chocolate in the bowl, and melt it over the simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove the bowl from the heat, and set aside to cool slightly.

Put the egg yolks and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer with a whisk attachment. Mix for about 3 minutes, until thick and pale, and then gently fold the mixture into the melted chocolate. Stir until almost combined, and set aside.

Put the egg whites in the clean bowl of an electric mixer with a clean whisk attachment. Beat at high speed until soft peaks form, and then gently fold them into the chocolate, followed by the brandy.

Divide the chocolate mixture between the 3 jellyroll pans (or pour a third of the mix into one, if you’re baking in 3 batches). Use a spatula to even out the tops or top, and place in the oven. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, until firm to touch and a skewer inserted in comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

Once the cakes have cooled, place a sheet of parchment on a sheet pan, and set it over one of the finished spongecakes, then flip the whole thing over, so the sheet pan is now sitting under the cake. Remove the jellyroll pan and the used paper. Repeat with the remaining cakes, placing each on a clean sheet of parchment paper and stacking them. Wrap them well with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 24 hours.

To make the ganache, place white chocolate in a large bowl and set aside. Add the cream to a medium saucepan with a heavy base and place it on medium-low heat. Cook until just starting to simmer, and then pour it over the chocolate. Allow to sit for 3 minutes or so, until the chocolate has softened, and then gently stir until the chocolate is melted and fully combined with the cream. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (or for up to 3 days).

To assemble the cake, put the ganache into the bowl of an electric mixer with a whisk attachment. Add the cream, and whip on medium-high until the mixture has achieved the consistency of soft whipped cream. (Keep a close eye on it so as not to overwhip.)

Mix the berries you are not holding back for garnish in a large bowl, and set aside.

Remove one sponge layer from the freezer at a time, and place on a serving platter or cutting board. Do not remove them all at once; they need to be frozen. Trim about 1/2 inch off all the edges to make a clean rectangle, then spread roughly 1/3 of the ganache mixture across the top of the cake. Scatter 1/2 of the berries on top of the ganache mixture, making sure they are evenly spread right to the edges of the cake. Trim the second sponge layer, place it on top of the first and cover it with another 1/3 of the ganache mixture and the remainder of the fruit. Remove the final layer of cake from the freezer, trim it and place it on top of the second, then spread the remaining ganache across the top of the cake, smoothing it with a palette knife. Place the fruit reserved as garnish in each corner of the cake, and dust the whole thing lightly with powdered sugar, if you like. If you’re not serving the cake right away, store in the refrigerator for a few hours, bringing it out 30 minutes before serving.

ZUCCHINI AND CARROTS WITH FRESH HERBS

Yield: 6 servings

Serving size: 3/4 cup

Glycemic Index: 22, Glycemic Load: 1

Print version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=768

Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/768.shtml

Ingredients

2 medium carrots, sliced

4 medium zucchinis, cut into julienne strips

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place a steamer basket in 1/2 inch of water in a saucepan (water should not touch the bottom of the basket). Place carrots in the basket. Cover tightly and heat to boiling.

Reduce heat and steam carrots 5 minutes. Add zucchini and steam 4 to 6 minutes or until carrots and zucchini are crisp-tender.

Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir in carrots, zucchini, thyme, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered, stirring gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 55; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 61 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat

VEGETARIAN DUMPLINGS

While this comes from Alton Brown of The Food Network’s Good Eats, I originally saw it in the food section of Tampa Bay Times. Janet K. Keeler wrote for the Times for years, handling food and travel, and is a visiting assistant professor (as well as coordinator of the Food Writing and Photography Graduate Certificate) in the Journalism Department at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She’s also the author of Cookielicious: 150 Fabulous Recipes to Bake & Share (One Tank Trips).

Total Time: 1 hr 2 minutes; Active Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 35 to 40 dumplings; Level: Intermediate

To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/vegetarian-steamed-dumplings-recipe-1942919.

To view Janet’s article with this and several other dumpling recipes, click here.

1/2 pound firm tofu

1/2 cup coarsely grated carrots

1/2 cup shredded Napa cabbage

2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper

2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions

2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bowl of water, plus additional water for steamer

35 to 40 small dumpling wrappers

Nonstick vegetable spray, for the steamer

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Cut the tofu in half horizontally and lay between layers of paper towels. Place on a plate, top with another plate, and place a weight on top (a 14-ounce can of vegetables works well). Let stand 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the carrots, cabbage, red pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Lightly stir to combine.

To form the dumplings, remove 1 wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.

Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Place as many dumplings as will fit into a steamer, without touching each other. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat. Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.

Makes at least 35 dumplings.

SUMMER VEGETABLE SKILLET LASAGNA

This comes from Oh My Veggies. If you haven’t signed up for Oh My Veggies’s emailing list, you might want to seriously consider it. Yummy vegetarian recipes, giveaways, and more.

To view this online, click here.

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: about 4 servings.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium zucchini, chopped

1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 1 to 2 ears of corn)

3 1/2 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half (about 1 cup)

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

8 ounces uncooked regular lasagna noodles, broken into thirds

1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Chopped or chiffonade fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

Add the olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add in the zucchini, corn, green beans, dried basil, dried parsley, salt and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables all start to soften.

Add the broken lasagna noodles on top of the vegetables in the skillet, then pour the tomatoes and broth over the top of the noodles. Increase the heat and bring the liquid almost to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer fairly vigorously for 20-22 minutes, stirring occasionally (and more frequently toward the end of the cooking time), until the pasta is tender. Turn the heat down to low.

Drop the ricotta in small spoonfuls over the top of the pasta, then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Re-cover and let cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Turn off the heat. Let rest uncovered for at least 10 minutes, then garnish with the fresh basil before serving.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Monday Recipes

Here are today's six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Espresso Brownies and Watermelon Wonder. Enjoy!

VEGETARIAN DUMPLINGS

While this comes from Alton Brown of The Food Network’s Good Eats, I originally saw it in the food section of Tampa Bay Times. Janet K. Keeler wrote for the Times for years, handling food and travel, and is a visiting assistant professor (as well as coordinator of the Food Writing and Photography Graduate Certificate) in the Journalism Department at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She’s also the author of Cookielicious: 150 Fabulous Recipes to Bake & Share (One Tank Trips).

Total Time: 1 hr 2 minutes; Active Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 35 to 40 dumplings; Level: Intermediate

To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/vegetarian-steamed-dumplings-recipe-1942919.

To view Janet’s article with this and several other dumpling recipes, click here.

1/2 pound firm tofu

1/2 cup coarsely grated carrots

1/2 cup shredded Napa cabbage

2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper

2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions

2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bowl of water, plus additional water for steamer

35 to 40 small dumpling wrappers

Nonstick vegetable spray, for the steamer

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Cut the tofu in half horizontally and lay between layers of paper towels. Place on a plate, top with another plate, and place a weight on top (a 14-ounce can of vegetables works well). Let stand 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the carrots, cabbage, red pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Lightly stir to combine.

To form the dumplings, remove 1 wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.

Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Place as many dumplings as will fit into a steamer, without touching each other. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat. Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.

Makes at least 35 dumplings.

ESPRESSO BROWNIES

This comes from Giada De Laurentiis of The Food Network’s Everyday Italian.

Total: 1 hr 17 min; Active: 12 min; Yield: 36 bite-size brownies; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/espresso-brownies-recipe.

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons espresso powder

1 (19.8-ounce) box brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Whisk 1/3 cup of water, oil, eggs, and 2 tablespoons espresso powder in a large bowl to blend. Add the brownie mix. Stir until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, dissolve the remaining 2 teaspoons of espresso powder in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl. Whisk in the vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and butter and whisk until smooth. Pour the glaze over the brownies. Refrigerate until the glaze is set. Cut into bite-size pieces. Arrange the brownies on a platter and serve.

APRICOT-MANGO MADNESS

This recipe, as well as the next one (Watermelon Wonder) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy splash to this sweet smoothie.”

Serves: 2

6 apricots, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2 cups)

2 ripe mangoes, 10 to 12 ounces each, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)

1 cup reduced-fat milk or plain low-fat yogurt

4 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

8 ice cubes

Lemon peel twists (garnish)

Place the apricots, mangoes, milk or yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a blender. Process for 8 seconds. Add the ice cubes, and process 6 to 8 seconds longer, or until smooth.

Pour into tall glasses, garnish with lemon twists, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 252; Protein: 7 g; Carbs: 53 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 45.5 g; Total fat: 3.5 g; Saturated fat: 1.5 g; Sodium: 57 mg

WATERMELON WONDER

This recipe begins, “Transform a summer fruit favorite into a delightful healthy smoothie. Just remember to buy seedless watermelon or remove the seeds before you blend!”

Servings: 2

2 cups chopped watermelon

1/4 cup fat-free milk

2 cups ice

Combine the watermelon and milk, and blend for 15 seconds, or until smooth. Add the ice, and blend 20 seconds longer, or to your desired consistency. Add more ice, if needed, and blend for 10 seconds.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 56; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 13 g; Fiber: 0.5 g; Sugar: 11 g; Total fat: 0.3 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 19.5 mg

EASY MEXICAN RICE

This also comes from Diana Rattray, Southern food expert with The Spruce. Diana wrote, “This is a tasty and quick rice to make to go with burritos or fajitas. Use packaged ‘ready’ rice to make this even faster.” Total Time: 10 minutes; Prep: 5 minutes; 5 minutes; Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, finely minced

2 cups cooked rice

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/3 cup tomato sauce, or to taste

Directions

In a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat, cook the green onions for 1 minute.

Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute longer.

Stir in the rice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasoning mix. Heat through.

BLACK BEAN VEGGIE BURGERS

This recipe begins, “Hearty, tasty and inexpensive, these black bean burgers taste great grilled or baked in the oven.”

From Diabetic Connect

To view this online, go to http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/general/4711-black-bean-veggie-burgers

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces

1/2 onion, cut into wedges

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 egg

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions

If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.

In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.

In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.

In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.

Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.

If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Nutritional Facts: Servings: 4; Calories: 198; Total Fat: 3 g; Cholesterol: 53 mg; Sodium: 607 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 33.1 g; Dietary Fiber: 9.8 g; Protein: 11.2g