It's the beginning of the week, time to get up and going again. (Or staying quarantined...) Either way, we still need to eat. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to help you through the week, including Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta and Copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino. Enjoy!
MAQUE CHOUX
This is from Gabrielle Hamilton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Gabrielle wrote, "This classic Cajun side dish is a sweet, hot, juicy, milky, buttery combination of corn, onions and peppers. It’s often cooked in rendered bacon fat and enriched with heavy cream, but this version relies upon only butter and a little water in their place, which allow the ingredients’ flavors to sing more clearly. While it is commonly understood that Fat Equals Flavor, there is a point at which too much fat actually masks complexities in flavors and dulls their vibrancy. Try the maque choux this way and see if you notice how bold and lively it tastes. If you miss the smokiness that bacon imparts, try instead a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in at the end."
Yield: About 1 generous quart; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in "This Cajun Corn Dish Screams ‘Summer’", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021176-maque-choux.
Note: I highly recommend reading the article ("featured in" link, above). I read it in The New York Times Magazine on Sunday, June 21. Interesting reading.
Ingredients
3 fresh ears of corn, shucked
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 red onion, cut into small dice
2 celery ribs, cut into small dice
Kosher salt
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small poblano pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small serrano chile, very thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika (optional)
Preparation
Working with 1 corn cob at a time, set the ear of corn upright in a medium bowl. Shave the corn from the cob by slicing down the sides using the tip of a sharp chef’s knife, holding the knife almost vertical. (This gives you neat tablets of corn that land squarely in the bowl and keeps the kernels from scattering all over the counter.) Using the back of the knife, scrape each cob to release all the nibs and the “milk” of the kernels into the bowl. Repeat with remaining ears of corn, then snap the cobs in half, and add them to the bowl.
In a large, deep sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foaming. Add onion and celery, and season with 1 or 2 pinches of kosher salt. Stir constantly until softened and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and the bell pepper, poblano and serrano, and stir constantly, adding another pinch of kosher salt, letting the butter melt and the peppers soften and become translucent, about 2 or 3 minutes. You will smell the peppers’ sweetness and their mild capsaicin releasing.
Add the final 3 tablespoons butter and the corn mixture from the bowl, cobs included, and another pinch of kosher salt. Stir constantly to coat with the butter and combine thoroughly.
When everything starts to hiss and sound hot, but isn’t cooking so hard as to take color, add 1/2 cup water and a healthy few grinds of black pepper, and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to steam/shallow braise the mixture.
Remove the lid, and stir well, noticing the corn releasing its liquid and the kernels softening, and the cobs turning somewhat translucent, if however vague. You will notice a general softening and melding together. Return the lid, and let cook a few more minutes, noticing the water evaporating and the remaining liquid reducing and gaining some “body” and gloss. Discard the corn cobs, but do suck them before tossing — those buttery juices make a nice cook’s treat.
Taste for salt, and serve. It should be sweet, spicy, a bit wet and surprisingly complex, given the few ingredients and their ordinariness. If you want a smoky taste, add a good pinch of smoked paprika.
LENTIL CHICKPEA SLOPPY JOES
This is from Eden Foods, and is very yummy. Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup red bell peppers, diced
14 ounces Eden Crushed Tomatoes
3 Tbsp organic tomato paste
1 Tbsp organic maple syrup
2 tsp Eden Red Wine Vinegar
1 1/2 tsp Eden Shoyu Soy Sauce, or Tamari
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp Eden Brown Mustard
1 tsp Eden Ground Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Eden Ground Cumin
1/4 tsp Eden Sea Salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
15 ounces Eden Lentils w/Onion & Bay Leaf
15 ounces Eden Garbanzo Beans, rinsed and drained
6 whole wheat buns
Directions
Heat oil in large skillet and sauté shallots and garlic 2 to 3 minutes. Add peppers and sauté another 2 minutes. Add all ingredients except the lentils, garbanzo beans and buns. Mix thoroughly. Simmer 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add lentils and garbanzos to sauce. Mix and cook another 10 minutes. Spoon mix onto the buns, serve, and enjoy.
Nutritional Information: Per serving - 328 calories, 5 g fat (14% calories from fat), 15 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 518 mg sodium
WHOLE ROASTED PINEAPPLES
This was in an article titled "Vision Quest, Recipes for Eye Health" in the July 2020 issue of Taste for Life (page 15).
I had picked up a copy of Taste for Life at Rollin' Oats, a Florida health food store with two locations (Tampa and St. Petersburg). Since I live close to the St. Pete store, I try to go there as often as possible (though not often enough, as far as I'm concerned). If you're ever in the area, I highly suggest giving them a try.
This recipe has a prep time of 30 minutes and serves 6.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp coconut sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 pineapples, peeled
To Garnish
Toasted coconut flakes
Dairy-free ice cream
Fresh mint
Maple syrup
Lime zest
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Add coconut sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to a small bowl and mix together.
Place a large non-stick pan over a medium heat and add coconut oil. When hot, add whole peeled pineapples. Turn pineapples so they color on all sides. Sprinkle over sugar mixture while they are cooking.
When pineapples are golden, place them onto a baking sheet and then into over for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once pineapples are baked, carve them at the table. Serve with toasted coconut flakes, ice cream, fresh mint, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a little lime zest.
COPYCAT STARBUCKS CARAMEL FRAPPUCCINO
This is from Delish, and begins, "The caramel frappuccino is the most iconic Starbucks drink. It's sweet, strong, and drizzled with lots of caramel. The drink is easy to make at home and makes the perfect little afternoon pick me up."
Yields: 2 servings; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 c. cold, strong-brewed coffee
3/4 c. whole milk
1/2 c. caramel, plus more for serving
1 c. ice
Whipped cream, for serving
Directions
Blend coffee, milk, caramel, vanilla, and 1 cup of ice until smooth, thick, and icey. Add more ice, if necessary to reach desired consistency.
Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream. Drizzle with more caramel sauce.
BALSAMIC VEGGIE PASTA
This comes from Ali at her wonderful site, Gimme Some Oven. This recipe starts off, "This easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta recipe is overflowing with fresh veggies, and sautéed in a delicious balsamic sauce."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 6-8
To view this online (recipe and chit-chat beforehand), go to https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-balsamic-veggie-pasta/.
Ingredients
12 ounces uncooked pasta (I used penne)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
1 pound asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces (with ends trimmed off and discarded)
1 small head of broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly-sliced
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3–4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook pasta in a large stock pot of generously-salted boiling water al dente according to package instructions. Then drain the pasta, and set it aside.
Meanwhile, as the pasta water is heating and the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add the asparagus, broccoli, and red bell pepper, and season the mixture with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Continue sautéing for 4-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. (Adding in another tablespoon of oil if needed.) Stir in the garlic and continue sautéing for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.
Once the veggies and pasta have all finished cooking, return the stockpot to the stove over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, cooked pasta, veggie mixture, balsamic vinegar, lots of freshly-cracked black pepper, and toss to combine. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the pasta is very lightly toasted. Taste, and add extra balsamic vinegar and black pepper if needed.
Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with lots of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
*Feel free to also add a splash of dry white wine to the pasta along with the balsamic, if you’d like. Delicious!
FRENCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Rebecca Franklin, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Rebecca wrote, "This French macaroni and cheese recipe tastes velvety smooth, rich, and just a touch sophisticated - nothing like those little blue boxes of dry, salty mix sold in markets and convenience stores. This dish takes only 40 minutes to prepare, much less than a quarter of which is spent actively cooking. Use this French-style "mac and cheese" as an unexpected side dish on a dinner menu or as the focal point of a winter-themed mountain lodge party."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 1 bowl macaroni (6 servings)
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/french-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1375553.
Ingredients
16 ounces small macaroni
1 clove garlic (cut in half lengthwise)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 1/4 cups crème fraiche
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 cups Cantal cheese (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 F.
Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and drain it.
While the macaroni is boiling, rub the cut end of the garlic across the entire inner surface of a three-quart baking dish.
Brush the same surface with the melted butter.
Pour the drained macaroni into the prepared baking dish.
Stir the crème fraiche, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper into the pasta.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese over the surface of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly throughout and turns light golden brown on top.
Serve immediately.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Friday, August 14, 2020
Friday Recipes
It's time to get ready for the weekend. To help you out, today's six recipes include Baked Macaroni and Cheese and Summer Vegetable Skillet Lasagna. Enjoy!
POT LUCK PASTA SALAD (KID-FRIENDLY)
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This recipe begins, “This colorful salad has something for everyone. If you’re short on time, buy the ingredients already cut from a salad bar and use your favorite bottled fat-free Italian dressing.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 12; Preparation Time: 30 minutes; Cooking Time: 15 minutes; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
4 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, corkscrew shape (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, wheel shaped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 oz olives, canned, sliced, black (about 10 medium black olives)
1 medium green peppers, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 medium sweet red peppers, chopped (about 1 cup)
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, or other small tomatoes, halved (about 10 tomatoes)
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse pasta with cold water; drain again and set aside.
Meanwhile, prepare salad dressing by mixing together oil, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, salt, black pepper and garlic in a small bowl; set aside until ready to use.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with vegetables; pour in dressing and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and chill about 2 hours. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
SWIRLED FROZEN YOGURT PIE
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This recipe begins, “Substitute your favorite frozen yogurts to create a different pie every time. For more options, swap the yogurt with fat-free varieties of ice cream or Tofutti.”
Was POINTS® value of: 8; Now POINTS® value of: 5; Servings: 8; Preparation Time: 20 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup fat-free chocolate frozen yogurt
1 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
6 oz pie crust
1 cup fat-free whipped topping
Directions
In a large bowl, combine both yogurts by gently folding flavors together.
Add chocolate chips. Spoon mixture into prepared crust; cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Top with whipped topping before serving. Slice into 8 pieces.
Chef Tips We renovated Swirled Frozen Yogurt Pie by:
Using fat-free frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
Using fat-free whipped topping instead of regular topping.
MASHED TURNIPS WITH ROASTED GARLIC
Servings: 8
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/34.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 pound small turnips, peeled and quartered
1 ripe bartlett pear, about 6 ounces, peeled, cored and chopped
4 cloves garlic, roasted and peeled
1 tablespoon margarine
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Steam turnips over boiling water until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain turnips and place in a food processor or blender along with pear, garlic, and margarine.
Process until smooth, adding skim milk as needed.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 41; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This came from a Weight Watchers email list maybe a decade or more ago. The points value is from then.
Serves: 8; 5 points
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow-type
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz low-fat cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Cook pasta according to package directions without added fat or salt; drain & transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream; set aside.
Heat milk in small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges. Reduce heat to low, add cheese & simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly with wire whisk, about 2 minutes; remove from heat & stir in mustard, salt, pepper & nutmeg.
Add cheese mixture to pasta; mix well. Transfer to a 4-quart casserole dish. Combine bread crumbs & Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta. Bake until top is golden, about 30 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
COUSCOUS WITH MIXED VEGETABLES
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
Couscous:
16 oz couscous
2 cups water
2 teaspoons oil or margarine
Salt & pepper
Aromatic broth:
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 Tablespoons turmeric
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon coriander, ground
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetables:
1/2 zucchini
1/2 yellow squash
1 turnip
1 carrot
1/8 cabbage
Directions
Boil water with salt, pepper & oil. Mix in couscous & place plastic wrap on top. Let steam for 15 minutes. Sauté onion. Add raisins, turmeric, coriander, cumin & cinnamon stick & 6 cups of water. Boil for 25 minutes, then strain. Cook zucchini, yellow squash, turnip, carrot, & cabbage in broth & set aside until ready to use.
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.
POT LUCK PASTA SALAD (KID-FRIENDLY)
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This recipe begins, “This colorful salad has something for everyone. If you’re short on time, buy the ingredients already cut from a salad bar and use your favorite bottled fat-free Italian dressing.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 12; Preparation Time: 30 minutes; Cooking Time: 15 minutes; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
4 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, corkscrew shape (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, wheel shaped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 oz olives, canned, sliced, black (about 10 medium black olives)
1 medium green peppers, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 medium sweet red peppers, chopped (about 1 cup)
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, or other small tomatoes, halved (about 10 tomatoes)
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse pasta with cold water; drain again and set aside.
Meanwhile, prepare salad dressing by mixing together oil, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, salt, black pepper and garlic in a small bowl; set aside until ready to use.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with vegetables; pour in dressing and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and chill about 2 hours. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
SWIRLED FROZEN YOGURT PIE
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The program has changed, but I'm using the values from when this was sent.
This recipe begins, “Substitute your favorite frozen yogurts to create a different pie every time. For more options, swap the yogurt with fat-free varieties of ice cream or Tofutti.”
Was POINTS® value of: 8; Now POINTS® value of: 5; Servings: 8; Preparation Time: 20 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup fat-free chocolate frozen yogurt
1 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
6 oz pie crust
1 cup fat-free whipped topping
Directions
In a large bowl, combine both yogurts by gently folding flavors together.
Add chocolate chips. Spoon mixture into prepared crust; cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Top with whipped topping before serving. Slice into 8 pieces.
Chef Tips We renovated Swirled Frozen Yogurt Pie by:
Using fat-free frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
Using fat-free whipped topping instead of regular topping.
MASHED TURNIPS WITH ROASTED GARLIC
Servings: 8
Source: The Diabetic Newsletter
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/34.shtml
Ingredients
1-1/2 pound small turnips, peeled and quartered
1 ripe bartlett pear, about 6 ounces, peeled, cored and chopped
4 cloves garlic, roasted and peeled
1 tablespoon margarine
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Steam turnips over boiling water until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain turnips and place in a food processor or blender along with pear, garlic, and margarine.
Process until smooth, adding skim milk as needed.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 41; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This came from a Weight Watchers email list maybe a decade or more ago. The points value is from then.
Serves: 8; 5 points
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow-type
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz low-fat cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Cook pasta according to package directions without added fat or salt; drain & transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream; set aside.
Heat milk in small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges. Reduce heat to low, add cheese & simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly with wire whisk, about 2 minutes; remove from heat & stir in mustard, salt, pepper & nutmeg.
Add cheese mixture to pasta; mix well. Transfer to a 4-quart casserole dish. Combine bread crumbs & Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta. Bake until top is golden, about 30 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
COUSCOUS WITH MIXED VEGETABLES
This came from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
Couscous:
16 oz couscous
2 cups water
2 teaspoons oil or margarine
Salt & pepper
Aromatic broth:
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 Tablespoons turmeric
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon coriander, ground
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetables:
1/2 zucchini
1/2 yellow squash
1 turnip
1 carrot
1/8 cabbage
Directions
Boil water with salt, pepper & oil. Mix in couscous & place plastic wrap on top. Let steam for 15 minutes. Sauté onion. Add raisins, turmeric, coriander, cumin & cinnamon stick & 6 cups of water. Boil for 25 minutes, then strain. Cook zucchini, yellow squash, turnip, carrot, & cabbage in broth & set aside until ready to use.
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.
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Email Recipes
What do these six recipes have in common? They're all from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Today's offerings include Crisco's® Apple Cobbler and Wagon Train Biscuits. Enjoy!
BARBECUE COWBOY PINTO BEANS (SLOW COOKER)
If you have a slow cooker, you can get this started hours before you need to eat, without heating up the kitchen.
Ingredients
16 oz package dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
4 cups hot water
2 medium onions, chopped
1 Tbs chili powder
3/4 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tbs prepared yellow mustard
Dash of Tabasco sauce
Directions
In crock pot, mix together the beans, hot water, onions, and chili powder. Cover and cook on low heat setting about 7 hours, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart.
Drain off all cooking liquid. Stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, & Tabasco sauce. Cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes longer, until heated through.
CRISCO’S® APPLE COBBLER
This is from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though the poster stated that it's from the Crisco® Cookbook. This begins, “Top this wonderful dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.”
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Filling:
5 medium cooking apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup CRISCO all-vegetable shortening, or 1/4 CRISCO Stick
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
Heat oven to 400ºF. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with Crisco No Stick Cooking Spray.
Filling:
Place apples in a large mixing bowl. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in small mixing bowl. Pour sugar mixture over apples; toss and stir to combine. Pour apples into prepared pan; dot with butter.
Topping:
Food processor method: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse in Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening until coarse crumbs form. In a small bowl, mix egg, milk and vanilla; add to flour mixture and pulse to combine. Drop biscuit mixture in 8 mounds on top of fruit.
Or
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium mixing bowl; cut in Crisco until coarse crumbs form.
Combine egg, milk and vanilla in a small bowl; add to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Drop biscuit mixture in 8 mounds on top of fruit.
Bake at 400ºF for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with cream or ice cream, if desired.
Apple-Cranberry Variation: Add 1 cup fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup additional sugar to the filling mixture. Proceed as directed.
RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES
This makes 16 to 18 (4-inch) pancakes.
Ingredients
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons milk
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup picked-over raspberries
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
In a small saucepan melt 2 tablespoons butter over moderately low heat, stirring. Stir in milk and heat until just warm. Remove pan from heat. In a bowl whisk together milk mixture and egg. Into another bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt and stir in egg mixture until just combined. Gently stir in raspberries and chocolate chips.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Heat a griddle over moderate heat until hot enough to make a drop of water scatter over surface. Add 1 teaspoon butter and with a metal spatula spread over griddle. Working in batches, drop 1/4-cup measures of batter onto griddle to form pancakes about 4 inches in diameter and cook until bubbles appear on surface and undersides are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip pancakes with spatula and cook until undersides are golden brown and pancakes are cooked through. Transfer pancakes as cooked to an ovenproof platter and keep warm, uncovered, in oven. Make more pancakes with remaining butter and batter in same manner.
Serve pancakes with syrup. Makes about 10 pancakes, serving 2 generously.
Accompaniment: pure maple syrup, heated
SOUR CREAM BANANA BARS
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup Butter, softened
2 Eggs
1 1/2 cup Bananas, mashed, 3 large
2 tsp Vanilla
2 cup Flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 cup Nuts, chopped
Directions
Mix sugar, sour cream, butter and eggs in large mixing bowl on low speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 1 minute. Beat in banana and vanilla on low speed, 30 seconds. Beat in flour and baking soda on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 1 minute. Stir in nuts. Spread dough in greased and floured jelly roll pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes in preheated 375F oven. When cool, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 3 oz pkg cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, 1 T milk and 1 tsp vanilla until creamy. Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
WAGON TRAIN BISCUITS
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “I received this recipe from a friend. Here's what she says about it.” This is what followed: “Cooks Notes:
“Here is a great recipe for old fashioned biscuits...and I do mean old. I found it in the 1842 diary of Alice Stephen. She stated that it had been in her family for generations. She baked them in a dutch oven and sometimes used what we now know as a 'reflector fire.' I use this recipe when camping and it is GREAT!”
Ingredients
2 cups flour
4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. baking powder
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
Directions
Measure all dry ingredients and place into a large bowl. Cut in shortening thoroughly, until mixture looks like meal. Stir in buttermilk. If dough is not pliable, add just enough buttermilk to make a soft, puffy, easy-to-roll dough. Round up dough on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Knead lightly 20 to 25 times, about 1 minute. Roll out until 3/4" thick. Cut with floured biscuit cutter (I use a wine glass). Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 450 degree oven for about 10 to 12 minutes.
CREAMY PINEAPPLE ORANGE REFRESHER PUNCH
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 - 46 oz. can of pineapple juice
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream
1 quart orange sherbet
2 liters ginger ale
Directions
In a punch bowl, place the vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet. Slowly add and stir in pineapple juice and then ginger ale.
BARBECUE COWBOY PINTO BEANS (SLOW COOKER)
If you have a slow cooker, you can get this started hours before you need to eat, without heating up the kitchen.
Ingredients
16 oz package dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
4 cups hot water
2 medium onions, chopped
1 Tbs chili powder
3/4 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tbs prepared yellow mustard
Dash of Tabasco sauce
Directions
In crock pot, mix together the beans, hot water, onions, and chili powder. Cover and cook on low heat setting about 7 hours, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart.
Drain off all cooking liquid. Stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, & Tabasco sauce. Cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes longer, until heated through.
CRISCO’S® APPLE COBBLER
This is from that infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though the poster stated that it's from the Crisco® Cookbook. This begins, “Top this wonderful dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.”
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Filling:
5 medium cooking apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup CRISCO all-vegetable shortening, or 1/4 CRISCO Stick
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
Heat oven to 400ºF. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with Crisco No Stick Cooking Spray.
Filling:
Place apples in a large mixing bowl. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in small mixing bowl. Pour sugar mixture over apples; toss and stir to combine. Pour apples into prepared pan; dot with butter.
Topping:
Food processor method: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse in Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening until coarse crumbs form. In a small bowl, mix egg, milk and vanilla; add to flour mixture and pulse to combine. Drop biscuit mixture in 8 mounds on top of fruit.
Or
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium mixing bowl; cut in Crisco until coarse crumbs form.
Combine egg, milk and vanilla in a small bowl; add to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Drop biscuit mixture in 8 mounds on top of fruit.
Bake at 400ºF for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with cream or ice cream, if desired.
Apple-Cranberry Variation: Add 1 cup fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup additional sugar to the filling mixture. Proceed as directed.
RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES
This makes 16 to 18 (4-inch) pancakes.
Ingredients
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons milk
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup picked-over raspberries
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
In a small saucepan melt 2 tablespoons butter over moderately low heat, stirring. Stir in milk and heat until just warm. Remove pan from heat. In a bowl whisk together milk mixture and egg. Into another bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt and stir in egg mixture until just combined. Gently stir in raspberries and chocolate chips.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Heat a griddle over moderate heat until hot enough to make a drop of water scatter over surface. Add 1 teaspoon butter and with a metal spatula spread over griddle. Working in batches, drop 1/4-cup measures of batter onto griddle to form pancakes about 4 inches in diameter and cook until bubbles appear on surface and undersides are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip pancakes with spatula and cook until undersides are golden brown and pancakes are cooked through. Transfer pancakes as cooked to an ovenproof platter and keep warm, uncovered, in oven. Make more pancakes with remaining butter and batter in same manner.
Serve pancakes with syrup. Makes about 10 pancakes, serving 2 generously.
Accompaniment: pure maple syrup, heated
SOUR CREAM BANANA BARS
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup Butter, softened
2 Eggs
1 1/2 cup Bananas, mashed, 3 large
2 tsp Vanilla
2 cup Flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 cup Nuts, chopped
Directions
Mix sugar, sour cream, butter and eggs in large mixing bowl on low speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 1 minute. Beat in banana and vanilla on low speed, 30 seconds. Beat in flour and baking soda on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 1 minute. Stir in nuts. Spread dough in greased and floured jelly roll pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes in preheated 375F oven. When cool, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 3 oz pkg cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, 1 T milk and 1 tsp vanilla until creamy. Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
WAGON TRAIN BISCUITS
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It begins, “I received this recipe from a friend. Here's what she says about it.” This is what followed: “Cooks Notes:
“Here is a great recipe for old fashioned biscuits...and I do mean old. I found it in the 1842 diary of Alice Stephen. She stated that it had been in her family for generations. She baked them in a dutch oven and sometimes used what we now know as a 'reflector fire.' I use this recipe when camping and it is GREAT!”
Ingredients
2 cups flour
4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. baking powder
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
Directions
Measure all dry ingredients and place into a large bowl. Cut in shortening thoroughly, until mixture looks like meal. Stir in buttermilk. If dough is not pliable, add just enough buttermilk to make a soft, puffy, easy-to-roll dough. Round up dough on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Knead lightly 20 to 25 times, about 1 minute. Roll out until 3/4" thick. Cut with floured biscuit cutter (I use a wine glass). Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 450 degree oven for about 10 to 12 minutes.
CREAMY PINEAPPLE ORANGE REFRESHER PUNCH
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 - 46 oz. can of pineapple juice
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream
1 quart orange sherbet
2 liters ginger ale
Directions
In a punch bowl, place the vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet. Slowly add and stir in pineapple juice and then ginger ale.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Mushrooms
While my mom wasn't a vegetarian, I'd like to think she'd like the six recipes in today's post. Why? Because she loved mushrooms, the big ingredient in each of these recipes. She'd probably want to start with the Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington (or ask me to make it for her), then try the Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos (she discovered tacos when we first moved to Florida, and was hooked). But whichever recipe she tried, in whichever order, I'm sure she'd love these. Enjoy!
MUSHROOM POTPIE
This is from Alexa Weibel on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alexa wrote, “Dried porcini mushrooms and caramelized fresh mushrooms give this dish plenty of deep, earthy flavor. Sweet parsnips, garlicky kale, carrots and potatoes round out the mushroom filling, but if those don’t suit you, the filling is fully flexible. Substitute butternut squash, celery root or just about any root vegetable for the carrots, parsnips and potatoes. The entire dish cooks in a large ovenproof skillet, but you could also transfer the filling to buttered ramekins for individual pies, or divide the mixture between two 8-inch pie dishes for two separate pies. Rich and creamy, it feeds a crowd, and can easily be prepared in advance: Refrigerate the cooked filling overnight, then warm it on the stovetop, assemble and bake. The results justify the effort.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours.
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020731-mushroom-potpie.
Ingredients
1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (1/2 ounce)
4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
1/2 pound fresh oyster mushrooms, torn into separate pieces (or shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and halved)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stemmed and quartered (or cut into sixths if large)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1/4 pound lacinato kale, stemmed, leaves thinly sliced crosswise
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup diced peeled carrots (from 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 cup diced peeled parsnips (from 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 cup diced red potatoes (from 2 small potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 (14- to 16-ounce) package puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg
Note: This recipe originally called for 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock. Since this is a vegetarian blog, I've limited this to vegetable stock.
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a small pot. Place the porcini mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour the boiling water on top; set aside to soak and soften.
Meanwhile, in a large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Working in two batches so the mushrooms brown evenly, add half the oyster mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, about 3 minutes. Stir the mushrooms, then continue to cook until browned all over, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Repeat with 2 tablespoons oil and the remaining oyster mushrooms; transfer them to the medium bowl. Add another 2 tablespoons oil, then add the cremini mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, 6 to 8 minutes, lowering the heat as needed to avoid burning. Transfer to the bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and cook until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the kale, garlic, thyme and rosemary, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons oil if the pan seems dry. Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring, until flour is dispersed and lightly toasted, 2 minutes.
Stirring constantly, gradually add the stock, cream and 3/4 cup of the liquid from the soaking porcini mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and the sautéed mushrooms and any accumulated juices. Strain the soaked porcini mushrooms, discarding any remaining liquid, then roughly chop the mushrooms and stir them into the filling. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (If making ahead, the filling can be refrigerated a day in advance; just warm it up slightly before assembling and baking.)
On a lightly dusted work surface using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the puff pastry into a roughly 14-inch circle. Transfer to the top of the skillet, allowing slight overhang, folding under and pinching any overhang just below the rim of the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water. Lightly brush the egg wash over the top of the puff pastry, then cut 5 (2-inch) slits into the puff pastry, starting near the center and radiating outward, like the rays of the sun, or create a stripe or crisscross pattern in the puff pastry by gently scoring it with a paring knife without fully cutting through. Crimp the edges using the tines of a fork, if desired.
Set the skillet on top of an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and transfer to the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the puff pastry is puffed and golden, about 30 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
VEGETARIAN MUSHROOM WELLINGTON
This comes from Alexa Weibel at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alexa wrote, “Classic beef Wellington is a technical feat in which a tenderloin is topped with foie gras or mushroom duxelles, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked. This vegetarian version is less exacting yet just as impressive. Seared portobello mushrooms are layered with apple cider-caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, which are seasoned with soy sauce for flavor and bolstered with walnuts for texture. The rich mushroom filling is vegan, and the entire dish can easily be made vegan, too. Swap in vegan puff pastry, a butter substitute in the port reduction and caramelized onions, and an egg substitute for brushing the puff pastry. If you want to prepare ahead, sauté the mushrooms and onions in advance and refrigerate them, then assemble the dish the day you plan to bake and serve it. Prepare the port reduction as the Wellington bakes, or skip it entirely and serve with cranberry sauce for a touch of tangy sweetness.”
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020596-vegetarian-mushroom-wellington.
Ingredients
For the Mushroom Filling:
4 large portobello mushrooms, each about 3 inches wide (8 to 10 ounces total)
1/2 cup plus 5 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 pounds mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster and cremini
4 shallots, finely chopped (about 1 packed cup)
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/3 cup port, or 1 to 2 tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts (about 4 ounces)
Ice, for cooling
For the Onions:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
3/4 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 tablespoon good-quality aged balsamic vinegar (optional)
For Assembling:
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 (14-ounce) package puff pastry
1 large egg, beaten
For the Port Reductions (Optional):
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 cups good-quality port
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
3 fresh thyme sprigs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt and black pepper
Preparation
Wipe the portobello mushrooms clean using barely moistened paper towels. Remove the stems, then slice off the excess mushroom rim that curls over the gills. (You are making sure the stem side has a flat surface so it will sear properly.) Reserve the stems and scraps for use in Step 2. Brush the portobello mushroom caps on both sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high and cook the mushrooms, gill-side down, until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook until softened, about 4 more minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, gill-side down, to cool.
Prepare the mushroom filling: Separate and reserve any mushroom stems. Roughly chop about two-thirds of the mixed mushrooms, then working in batches, transfer the roughly chopped mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until chopped into small pieces. (They should range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size.) Transfer the chopped mushrooms to a large bowl. By hand, finely chop the remaining mixed mushrooms and stems and the reserved portobello mushroom stems and trimmings into 1/4-inch pieces; add them to the large bowl. (Chopping most of the mixed mushrooms in the food processor will save you some time, but you’ll want to chop some by hand for texture.)
Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. (You’ll use this to quickly cool the cooked mushrooms in Step 4. If preparing in advance, you can simply let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.) Wipe out the skillet. Working in two batches, warm 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Add about half the mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rosemary, and season lightly with salt and generously with pepper. (You’ll add soy sauce later, so avoid overseasoning at this stage.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and repeat with the remaining 1/4 cup oil and the remaining mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rosemary.
Once the second batch of chopped mushrooms is cooked and caramelized, return the first batch to the skillet. Add the port, soy sauce and thyme leaves and cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, 3 to 5 minutes. (If using balsamic vinegar instead of port, reduce the cook time to 1 to 2 minutes.) Transfer the mushroom mixture back to the medium bowl and stir in the walnuts. Set the bowl over the prepared ice bath to cool, stirring occasionally, at least 20 minutes.
Prepare the cider-caramelized onions: Wipe out the skillet, then melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, sprinkle with the sugar, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cider and cook, stirring every few minutes, until the liquid evaporates and the onions are caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, if using, then transfer to a bowl to cool.
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a large piece of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly dust it with flour. Unfold your thawed puff pastry and set it on the parchment. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the pastry out into a 13-by-16-inch rectangle. Transfer the parchment paper and puff pastry to a large sheet pan. Rotate the sheet pan, if needed, so that one of the 16-inch sides is closest to you. Arrange half the cooked mushroom mixture in a strip in the center of the puff pastry (it should be about 4-by-10 inches), leaving a 1 1/2-inch border at the ends. Arrange the caramelized onions in a single, 3-inch-wide strip on top of the mushroom mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of the mushrooms exposed on both sides. Lay the portobello mushrooms on top of the onions in a single line, stem-side down. (If the portobellos are too large to all fit in a row, square off edges so the cut sides lay snugly without overlapping.) Spoon the remaining mushroom mixture on top of the filling, covering the portobello mushrooms, then gently pack the mushroom mixture to form an even layer on top. (You can shape this the same way you might shape a freeform meatloaf.)
To assemble, lift one side of the puff pastry over the mushroom filling to almost completely cover it. Brush the surface of the puff pastry covering the mushrooms with the beaten egg. Lift the remaining puff pastry flap over the egg-washed puff pastry, gently stretching it if need be to create a second layer of puff pastry on top, then gently press the top layer of pastry onto the lower layer using your fingertips to seal. Brush the insides of the short ends of the puff pastry and press to seal. Trim any parchment paper that extends beyond the sheet pan.
Brush the exposed puff pastry on top with the remaining beaten egg. Decorate the top of the puff pastry as you like: Create a cross-hatch pattern by gently slicing through only the top layer of puff pastry in parallel lines, then cutting parallel lines in another direction. (Apply very little pressure, as you only want to cut through the top layer of puff pastry, not the second layer.) You can also slice small decorative vents in the puff pastry (be sure to slice all the way through both layers of puff pastry), or top with additional strips or shapes made from egg-washed puff pastry.
Transfer to the middle rack in the oven and bake until puff pastry is deep golden and flaky, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet, about 10 minutes.
While the Wellington bakes, prepare the optional port reduction: In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium. Add the shallot, garlic and peppercorns, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the port, stock and thyme, and cook over medium-high until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 25 to 30 minutes. Strain the sauce, discarding the solids. (You should have about 1/2 cup sauce.) Cover and set aside until ready to serve. When ready to serve, warm the sauce over medium. Once warmed, whisk in the butter, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
To serve the mushroom Wellington, cut it crosswise into 8 even slabs. (Each slab will include a pretty cross-section showcasing the halved portobello mushroom in the center; this is considered the presentation side.) Serve each piece presentation-side up. Pass with port reduction for drizzling on top.
VEGETARIAN MUSHROOM SHAWARMA PITAS
This comes from Alexa Weibel at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alexa wrote, “Dusted with smoky spices like cumin, coriander and paprika, these thick-cut roasted portobello mushrooms are inspired by shawarma, Middle Eastern spiced lamb — and they taste surprisingly meaty. The flavors are bold, but the prep is simple: While the mushrooms and onions roast, make an easy turmeric and Greek yogurt sauce, and toss sliced red cabbage with salt. Pile everything into a pita with a flurry of cilantro and mint to freshen things up (parsley or salad greens would also do the job in a pinch). While these hearty pitas are best enjoyed with a knife and fork as open-faced sandwiches, they can also be folded into half-moon parcels and eaten out of hand.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes.
To view this online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020291-vegetarian-mushroom-shawarma-pitas.
Ingredients
3/4 pound portobello mushroom caps, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 medium red onion, halved and cut into 1/3-inch wedges
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground sweet or smoked paprika (optional)
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 pitas
2 packed cups very thinly sliced red cabbage (about 6 ounces)
3/4 cup low-fat or whole-milk Greek yogurt
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Cilantro or mint, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed sheet pan, drizzle the mushrooms and red onion with 3 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, paprika (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer and roast until tender and browned, about 20 minutes. Add the pitas directly to the oven rack to warm during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Meanwhile, toss cabbage with remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together yogurt and turmeric; season with salt and pepper.
To serve, slather yogurt over warm pitas. Top with cabbage, mushroom mixture and herbs, and serve immediately.
CHEESE AND RICE STUFFED PEPPERS
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/cheese-and-rice-stuffed-peppers.
Ingredients
4 medium green bell peppers
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Slice off the tops of the peppers. Wash the peppers and remove the cores and seeds. Stand the pepper cups upright in a saucepan containing 1/2 cup boiling water. Cover tightly and allow steam 5 minutes. Remove and drain.
In a large bowl, mix together the rice, cheese parsley, salt, and ground pepper. Divide the mixture and stuff each pepper.
Stand the peppers in a loaf pan or cupcake tins. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the filling is hot and the cheese melts.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 455 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 12 g; Carbohydrates: 31 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 2 Vegetable, 1 Lean Meat
ROASTED VEGGIE BUDDHA BOWL
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Healthy vegetables and spiced chickpeas get roasted on the same baking sheet, making dinner a breeze to put together and clean up. Quinoa and avocado round out this nutritional meal."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 2 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roasted-veggie-buddha-bowl-5293785.
Ingredients
One 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 teaspoon spicy curry powder
4 teaspoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small red onion (about 4 ounces), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small sweet potato (about 7 ounces), peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
4 ounces medium cremini mushrooms, halved
1/3 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon tahini
1 lemon
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Toss the chickpeas with the curry powder, 1 teaspoon of the oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Place on one side of a baking sheet. Arrange the onions next to the chickpeas, then the sweet potatoes and lastly the mushrooms. Toss the onions, sweet potatoes and mushrooms with the remaining 3 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Bake until the chickpeas are a bit crunchy and the sweet potatoes are softened and starting to turn brown in a few spots, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt, tahini and juice of half the lemon in a small bowl. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges.
Divide the quinoa between two bowls. Arrange half the vegetables and avocado slices on top of the quinoa, leaving a space for the yogurt in the middle. Dollop the yogurt in the empty space and serve with the lemon wedges.
CHILI-LIME MUSHROOM TACOS
Okay, this is something that I've posted on several Taco Tuesdays, but since mushrooms are a big part of this recipe, I'm also posting it here.
This comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Greg Fontenot (The Woodlands, Texas), "I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty."
Prep/Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes: 4 servings
View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-lime-mushroom-tacos/.
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms (about 3/4 pound)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
8 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Directions
Remove stems from mushrooms; if desired, remove gills using a spoon. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-in. slices.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms, red pepper and onion until mushrooms are tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasonings, lime zest and juice; cook and stir 1 minute. Serve in tortillas; top with cheese.
Health Tip: Making these tacos with lean ground beef adds almost 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. That’s a good reason for a meatless taco Tuesday!
MUSHROOM POTPIE
This is from Alexa Weibel on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alexa wrote, “Dried porcini mushrooms and caramelized fresh mushrooms give this dish plenty of deep, earthy flavor. Sweet parsnips, garlicky kale, carrots and potatoes round out the mushroom filling, but if those don’t suit you, the filling is fully flexible. Substitute butternut squash, celery root or just about any root vegetable for the carrots, parsnips and potatoes. The entire dish cooks in a large ovenproof skillet, but you could also transfer the filling to buttered ramekins for individual pies, or divide the mixture between two 8-inch pie dishes for two separate pies. Rich and creamy, it feeds a crowd, and can easily be prepared in advance: Refrigerate the cooked filling overnight, then warm it on the stovetop, assemble and bake. The results justify the effort.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours.
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020731-mushroom-potpie.
Ingredients
1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (1/2 ounce)
4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
1/2 pound fresh oyster mushrooms, torn into separate pieces (or shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and halved)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stemmed and quartered (or cut into sixths if large)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1/4 pound lacinato kale, stemmed, leaves thinly sliced crosswise
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup diced peeled carrots (from 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 cup diced peeled parsnips (from 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 cup diced red potatoes (from 2 small potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 (14- to 16-ounce) package puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg
Note: This recipe originally called for 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock. Since this is a vegetarian blog, I've limited this to vegetable stock.
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a small pot. Place the porcini mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour the boiling water on top; set aside to soak and soften.
Meanwhile, in a large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Working in two batches so the mushrooms brown evenly, add half the oyster mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, about 3 minutes. Stir the mushrooms, then continue to cook until browned all over, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Repeat with 2 tablespoons oil and the remaining oyster mushrooms; transfer them to the medium bowl. Add another 2 tablespoons oil, then add the cremini mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, 6 to 8 minutes, lowering the heat as needed to avoid burning. Transfer to the bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and cook until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the kale, garlic, thyme and rosemary, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons oil if the pan seems dry. Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring, until flour is dispersed and lightly toasted, 2 minutes.
Stirring constantly, gradually add the stock, cream and 3/4 cup of the liquid from the soaking porcini mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and the sautéed mushrooms and any accumulated juices. Strain the soaked porcini mushrooms, discarding any remaining liquid, then roughly chop the mushrooms and stir them into the filling. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (If making ahead, the filling can be refrigerated a day in advance; just warm it up slightly before assembling and baking.)
On a lightly dusted work surface using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the puff pastry into a roughly 14-inch circle. Transfer to the top of the skillet, allowing slight overhang, folding under and pinching any overhang just below the rim of the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water. Lightly brush the egg wash over the top of the puff pastry, then cut 5 (2-inch) slits into the puff pastry, starting near the center and radiating outward, like the rays of the sun, or create a stripe or crisscross pattern in the puff pastry by gently scoring it with a paring knife without fully cutting through. Crimp the edges using the tines of a fork, if desired.
Set the skillet on top of an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and transfer to the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the puff pastry is puffed and golden, about 30 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
VEGETARIAN MUSHROOM WELLINGTON
This comes from Alexa Weibel at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alexa wrote, “Classic beef Wellington is a technical feat in which a tenderloin is topped with foie gras or mushroom duxelles, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked. This vegetarian version is less exacting yet just as impressive. Seared portobello mushrooms are layered with apple cider-caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, which are seasoned with soy sauce for flavor and bolstered with walnuts for texture. The rich mushroom filling is vegan, and the entire dish can easily be made vegan, too. Swap in vegan puff pastry, a butter substitute in the port reduction and caramelized onions, and an egg substitute for brushing the puff pastry. If you want to prepare ahead, sauté the mushrooms and onions in advance and refrigerate them, then assemble the dish the day you plan to bake and serve it. Prepare the port reduction as the Wellington bakes, or skip it entirely and serve with cranberry sauce for a touch of tangy sweetness.”
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020596-vegetarian-mushroom-wellington.
Ingredients
For the Mushroom Filling:
4 large portobello mushrooms, each about 3 inches wide (8 to 10 ounces total)
1/2 cup plus 5 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 pounds mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster and cremini
4 shallots, finely chopped (about 1 packed cup)
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/3 cup port, or 1 to 2 tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts (about 4 ounces)
Ice, for cooling
For the Onions:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
3/4 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 tablespoon good-quality aged balsamic vinegar (optional)
For Assembling:
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 (14-ounce) package puff pastry
1 large egg, beaten
For the Port Reductions (Optional):
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 cups good-quality port
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
3 fresh thyme sprigs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt and black pepper
Preparation
Wipe the portobello mushrooms clean using barely moistened paper towels. Remove the stems, then slice off the excess mushroom rim that curls over the gills. (You are making sure the stem side has a flat surface so it will sear properly.) Reserve the stems and scraps for use in Step 2. Brush the portobello mushroom caps on both sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high and cook the mushrooms, gill-side down, until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook until softened, about 4 more minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, gill-side down, to cool.
Prepare the mushroom filling: Separate and reserve any mushroom stems. Roughly chop about two-thirds of the mixed mushrooms, then working in batches, transfer the roughly chopped mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until chopped into small pieces. (They should range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size.) Transfer the chopped mushrooms to a large bowl. By hand, finely chop the remaining mixed mushrooms and stems and the reserved portobello mushroom stems and trimmings into 1/4-inch pieces; add them to the large bowl. (Chopping most of the mixed mushrooms in the food processor will save you some time, but you’ll want to chop some by hand for texture.)
Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. (You’ll use this to quickly cool the cooked mushrooms in Step 4. If preparing in advance, you can simply let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.) Wipe out the skillet. Working in two batches, warm 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Add about half the mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rosemary, and season lightly with salt and generously with pepper. (You’ll add soy sauce later, so avoid overseasoning at this stage.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and repeat with the remaining 1/4 cup oil and the remaining mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rosemary.
Once the second batch of chopped mushrooms is cooked and caramelized, return the first batch to the skillet. Add the port, soy sauce and thyme leaves and cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, 3 to 5 minutes. (If using balsamic vinegar instead of port, reduce the cook time to 1 to 2 minutes.) Transfer the mushroom mixture back to the medium bowl and stir in the walnuts. Set the bowl over the prepared ice bath to cool, stirring occasionally, at least 20 minutes.
Prepare the cider-caramelized onions: Wipe out the skillet, then melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, sprinkle with the sugar, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cider and cook, stirring every few minutes, until the liquid evaporates and the onions are caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, if using, then transfer to a bowl to cool.
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a large piece of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly dust it with flour. Unfold your thawed puff pastry and set it on the parchment. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the pastry out into a 13-by-16-inch rectangle. Transfer the parchment paper and puff pastry to a large sheet pan. Rotate the sheet pan, if needed, so that one of the 16-inch sides is closest to you. Arrange half the cooked mushroom mixture in a strip in the center of the puff pastry (it should be about 4-by-10 inches), leaving a 1 1/2-inch border at the ends. Arrange the caramelized onions in a single, 3-inch-wide strip on top of the mushroom mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of the mushrooms exposed on both sides. Lay the portobello mushrooms on top of the onions in a single line, stem-side down. (If the portobellos are too large to all fit in a row, square off edges so the cut sides lay snugly without overlapping.) Spoon the remaining mushroom mixture on top of the filling, covering the portobello mushrooms, then gently pack the mushroom mixture to form an even layer on top. (You can shape this the same way you might shape a freeform meatloaf.)
To assemble, lift one side of the puff pastry over the mushroom filling to almost completely cover it. Brush the surface of the puff pastry covering the mushrooms with the beaten egg. Lift the remaining puff pastry flap over the egg-washed puff pastry, gently stretching it if need be to create a second layer of puff pastry on top, then gently press the top layer of pastry onto the lower layer using your fingertips to seal. Brush the insides of the short ends of the puff pastry and press to seal. Trim any parchment paper that extends beyond the sheet pan.
Brush the exposed puff pastry on top with the remaining beaten egg. Decorate the top of the puff pastry as you like: Create a cross-hatch pattern by gently slicing through only the top layer of puff pastry in parallel lines, then cutting parallel lines in another direction. (Apply very little pressure, as you only want to cut through the top layer of puff pastry, not the second layer.) You can also slice small decorative vents in the puff pastry (be sure to slice all the way through both layers of puff pastry), or top with additional strips or shapes made from egg-washed puff pastry.
Transfer to the middle rack in the oven and bake until puff pastry is deep golden and flaky, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet, about 10 minutes.
While the Wellington bakes, prepare the optional port reduction: In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium. Add the shallot, garlic and peppercorns, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the port, stock and thyme, and cook over medium-high until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 25 to 30 minutes. Strain the sauce, discarding the solids. (You should have about 1/2 cup sauce.) Cover and set aside until ready to serve. When ready to serve, warm the sauce over medium. Once warmed, whisk in the butter, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
To serve the mushroom Wellington, cut it crosswise into 8 even slabs. (Each slab will include a pretty cross-section showcasing the halved portobello mushroom in the center; this is considered the presentation side.) Serve each piece presentation-side up. Pass with port reduction for drizzling on top.
VEGETARIAN MUSHROOM SHAWARMA PITAS
This comes from Alexa Weibel at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Alexa wrote, “Dusted with smoky spices like cumin, coriander and paprika, these thick-cut roasted portobello mushrooms are inspired by shawarma, Middle Eastern spiced lamb — and they taste surprisingly meaty. The flavors are bold, but the prep is simple: While the mushrooms and onions roast, make an easy turmeric and Greek yogurt sauce, and toss sliced red cabbage with salt. Pile everything into a pita with a flurry of cilantro and mint to freshen things up (parsley or salad greens would also do the job in a pinch). While these hearty pitas are best enjoyed with a knife and fork as open-faced sandwiches, they can also be folded into half-moon parcels and eaten out of hand.”
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes.
To view this online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020291-vegetarian-mushroom-shawarma-pitas.
Ingredients
3/4 pound portobello mushroom caps, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 medium red onion, halved and cut into 1/3-inch wedges
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground sweet or smoked paprika (optional)
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 pitas
2 packed cups very thinly sliced red cabbage (about 6 ounces)
3/4 cup low-fat or whole-milk Greek yogurt
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Cilantro or mint, for serving
Preparation
Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed sheet pan, drizzle the mushrooms and red onion with 3 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, paprika (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer and roast until tender and browned, about 20 minutes. Add the pitas directly to the oven rack to warm during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Meanwhile, toss cabbage with remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together yogurt and turmeric; season with salt and pepper.
To serve, slather yogurt over warm pitas. Top with cabbage, mushroom mixture and herbs, and serve immediately.
CHEESE AND RICE STUFFED PEPPERS
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
Book Title: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/cheese-and-rice-stuffed-peppers.
Ingredients
4 medium green bell peppers
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Slice off the tops of the peppers. Wash the peppers and remove the cores and seeds. Stand the pepper cups upright in a saucepan containing 1/2 cup boiling water. Cover tightly and allow steam 5 minutes. Remove and drain.
In a large bowl, mix together the rice, cheese parsley, salt, and ground pepper. Divide the mixture and stuff each pepper.
Stand the peppers in a loaf pan or cupcake tins. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the filling is hot and the cheese melts.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 455 mg; Cholesterol: 15 mg; Protein: 12 g; Carbohydrates: 31 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch, 2 Vegetable, 1 Lean Meat
ROASTED VEGGIE BUDDHA BOWL
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Healthy vegetables and spiced chickpeas get roasted on the same baking sheet, making dinner a breeze to put together and clean up. Quinoa and avocado round out this nutritional meal."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 2 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roasted-veggie-buddha-bowl-5293785.
Ingredients
One 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 teaspoon spicy curry powder
4 teaspoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small red onion (about 4 ounces), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small sweet potato (about 7 ounces), peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
4 ounces medium cremini mushrooms, halved
1/3 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon tahini
1 lemon
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Toss the chickpeas with the curry powder, 1 teaspoon of the oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Place on one side of a baking sheet. Arrange the onions next to the chickpeas, then the sweet potatoes and lastly the mushrooms. Toss the onions, sweet potatoes and mushrooms with the remaining 3 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Bake until the chickpeas are a bit crunchy and the sweet potatoes are softened and starting to turn brown in a few spots, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt, tahini and juice of half the lemon in a small bowl. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges.
Divide the quinoa between two bowls. Arrange half the vegetables and avocado slices on top of the quinoa, leaving a space for the yogurt in the middle. Dollop the yogurt in the empty space and serve with the lemon wedges.
CHILI-LIME MUSHROOM TACOS
Okay, this is something that I've posted on several Taco Tuesdays, but since mushrooms are a big part of this recipe, I'm also posting it here.
This comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Greg Fontenot (The Woodlands, Texas), "I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty."
Prep/Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes: 4 servings
View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-lime-mushroom-tacos/.
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms (about 3/4 pound)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
8 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Directions
Remove stems from mushrooms; if desired, remove gills using a spoon. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-in. slices.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms, red pepper and onion until mushrooms are tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasonings, lime zest and juice; cook and stir 1 minute. Serve in tortillas; top with cheese.
Health Tip: Making these tacos with lean ground beef adds almost 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. That’s a good reason for a meatless taco Tuesday!
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Cake - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's double post deals with cake.
Whenever one looks for a dessert that just says celebration, it's hard not to think of cake. Today's six cake recipes are great for almost any celebration. Check out the Red Velvet Cake, the Cherry-Cola Dump Cake, or any of the other yummy cake recipes in today's post. Enjoy!
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
LISBON CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Dorie Greenspan on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Dorie wrote, “On my first day in Lisbon, I became a statistic: I lost all my credit cards to a talented thief on the No. 28 tram. After ‘the incident,’ I wanted to leave Lisbon, but instead, my husband Michael and I decided to tackle our must-taste list. It was on our last day in Lisbon that we tasted the cake at Landeau Chocolate. It was intense, but not overwhelming; truly chocolate, but somehow each layer’s chocolateness was different. I returned home and made this cake, my version of the cake that cured my pickpocket blues. It’s a dense-but-not-heavy, brownielike cake topped with a whipped chocolate ganache (think: mousse) and a substantial dusting of cocoa. Because this cake is completely about the chocolate, choose one you love.”
Time: About 1 hour, plus cooling; Yield: One 9-inch cake (about 10 servings.
This recipe was featured in “The Chocolate Cake That Saved My Vacation”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020555-lisbon-chocolate-cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into chunks, plus more for greasing the pan
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
5 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, chilled
For the Ganache:
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
For the Topping:
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Preparation
Make the cake: Center a rack in the oven, and heat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-inch cake pan, line with parchment paper and butter the paper.
Sift together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to blend.
Put the 1/2 cup butter in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Scatter dark chocolate on top, and heat, stirring often, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove the bowl from the pan, and stir in the sugar. One by one, energetically stir in the eggs, beating for 1 minute after the last egg is added. The mixture will look like pudding. Stir in the dry ingredients. Scrape the mixture into the cake pan, and give the pan a couple of good raps against the counter to settle the batter.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean (or with only a tiny streak of chocolate). Transfer to a rack, cool for 5 minutes, then unmold the cake. Peel off the paper, invert the cake and cool to room temperature. Wash and dry the cake pan.
Make the ganache: Pour 1 1/4 cups cream into a small saucepan; refrigerate the rest. Scald the cream over medium heat, turn off the heat and stir in the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate until fully incorporated. Transfer to a heatproof bowl. Refrigerate the ganache for 10 minutes, whisk it, then refrigerate again for 10 minutes. Repeat chilling and whisking steps until the ganache is thick enough to make tracks when you stir, 50 to 60 minutes.
Cut two 3-by-16-inch pieces of parchment or foil, and crisscross them in the cake pan. Carefully return the cake to the pan.
Whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream until it holds medium peaks.
Using a whisk, gently beat the ganache until it’s soft and spreadable. With a spatula, fold in the whipped cream. Spread over the cake, and refrigerate for 2 hours (or cover and keep for up to 2 days). The cake is best served cool or at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving.
To finish, put the cocoa powder in a fine-mesh strainer, and shake it over the top of the cake. Run a table knife along the sides of the pan. Using the parchment or foil handles, carefully lift the cake out of the pan and onto a serving plate. Discard the strips. Cut the cake using a long knife that has been run under hot water and wiped dry between each cut.
LEMON POUND CAKE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Add a splash of sunshine to any spring brunch or dessert spread with this bright lemon pound cake. Yellow cake mix is combined with cream cheese and grated lemon peel for a pound cake that’s rich in flavor and bursting with refreshing citrus notes. With just six simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this lemon pound cake recipe when you want to bake something homemade, but don’t have all day to do it."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup water or milk
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
3 eggs
1/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy lemon frosting
Directions
Heat oven to 325°F. Generously spray bottom only of 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray with flour.
In medium bowl, beat cake mix, cream cheese, water, grated lemon peel and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack or heatproof serving plate. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds or until frosting is thin enough to drizzle; stir. Spoon frosting evenly over cake, allowing frosting to drip down sides.
Expert Tips
If you have leftover cake, cut it into slices and place individually in sandwich-size food-storage plastic bags. Seal bags and freeze. You'll have a quick treat when you need it!
For added lemon flavor, sprinkle some extra grated lemon peel over the cake.
For a different look, cut your cake into wedges instead of traditional slices.
This elegant pound cake makes a wonderful hostess gift for any dinner party.
DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE WITH HAZELNUT CRUNCH
This is from Bon Appetit, and begins, "Devil's food cake doesn't need a lot of improvement, but trust us on the hazelnut crunch." Makes 12 - 16 servings
View this online at https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/devil-s-food-cake-with-hazelnut-crunch.
Ingredients
Cake
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 1/3 cups cake flour
1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 70%), melted, cooled slightly
Hazelnut Crunch
1/4 cup hazelnuts
2 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 70%), chopped
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup Nutella
3 cups toasted rice cereal
Frosting and Assembly
8 ounces high-quality milk chocolate (such as Lindt or Scharffen Berger), chopped
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 61%), chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Directions
Cake
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat the bottom and sides of cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment-paper rounds; spray paper.
Sift cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl; set aside. Dissolve espresso powder in hot coffee in a medium bowl and whisk in buttermilk; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating between additions and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Beat on high speed until doubled in volume and very light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape bottom of bowl well, making sure to incorporate all butter into eggs. Beat for 1 minute longer.
With mixer on low speed, beat in flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with coffee mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. With mixer running, drizzle in chocolate and mix until just blended. Divide batter evenly among cake pans; smooth tops.
Bake cakes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25–30 minutes. Transfer to wire racks. Let cakes cool in pans for 30 minutes.
Invert cakes onto racks; peel off parchment and let cool completely. DO AHEAD: Cakes can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
Hazelnut Crunch
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out nuts on sheet. Toast until fragrant, 6–7 minutes. Coarsely chop nuts; set aside. Line same baking sheet with a fresh sheet of parchment paper; let cool.
Combine chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Set bowl over a large saucepan of simmering water. Heat mixture, stirring often, until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over saucepan. Stir in hazelnuts and Nutella. Fold in toasted rice cereal. Spread mixture out on prepared sheet; don't worry about spreading it evenly. Freeze until set, about 30 minutes.
Using your hands, break crunch into small pieces. DO AHEAD: Hazelnut crunch can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Frosting and Assembly
Combine both chocolates and corn syrup in a medium bowl. Bring cream just to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over chocolate mixture. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Using an electric mixer, beat until cool, 5–6 minutes.
Add butter a few pieces at a time; beat until incorporated between additions. Continue to beat mixture until thick and lightened in color, about 5 minutes in a stand mixer and up to 15 minutes with a handheld mixer (if mixture seems very thin, stop occasionally and chill in refrigerator to firm it up before continuing to beat).
Using a serrated knife, cut off domed top from each cake to create even layers. Place 1 cake layer on a large plate. Using an offset spatula, spread about 1 cup frosting on top of cake. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup hazelnut crunch over frosting. Place second cake layer on top; press to adhere (this will ensure that the frosting will hold the layers together). Repeat process with another 1 cup frosting and 1/2 cup hazelnut crunch. Top with third cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
Decorate top of cake with more hazelnut crunch, if desired. Chill cake until frosting is set, 3–4 hours. DO AHEAD: Cake can be assembled 2 days ahead. Cover with a cake dome and keep chilled. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
CHERRY-COLA DUMP CAKE
This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Super easy to prepare: Just mix devil's food cake mix with cola and pour over cherries. Bake for one hour and voila!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 9
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 jar (16 oz) maraschino cherries with juice (without stems)
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ devil’s food cake mix
1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, “dump” cherries with cherry juice.
In medium bowl, mix cake mix and carbonated beverage. “Dump” mixture over cherries.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool about 15 minutes before cutting and serving cake.
Expert Tips
Serve with whipped cream and additional cherries.
You could substitute cherry pie filling in place of the maraschino cherries and juice.
RED VELVET CAKE
We lived in Connecticut for several years while I was growing up. During this time, a lady called the local radio station and said she’d recently returned from a trip. During a stay in a fancy hotel with her husband, she had this cake in their restaurant. Returning home, she wrote to the hotel and requested a copy of the recipe, saying she’d pay for it. She received a copy of the recipe, along with a bill for $300. (This was during the mid-1960s.) Furious over the bill, she proceeded to read the recipe over the air.
Ingredients
1/2 C butter (see note)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C sugar
1 C buttermilk
2 eggs, well beaten
1 T vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2 T cocoa
2 1/4 C flour (sifted)
2 oz. red food coloring
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & flour two 8" round pans. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs. Make paste of food coloring and cocoa. Add to first mix. Add salt and buttermilk alternately with flour. Add vanilla. Dissolve soda in vinegar and add this last. Blend all ingredients, as little as possible. Pour into pans and bake for 30-40 minutes. When cool, split each layer horizontally.
FROSTING FOR RED VELVET CAKE
Ingredients
1 C butter (see note)
1 C milk
1 C sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
5 T unbleached flour
Cream butter with sugar. Cook flour and milk in saucepan until very thick, stirring the whole time. Cool. Combine 2 mixes and add vanilla, using electric mixer. Spread on cake.
NOTE: Butter must be used in the frosting, otherwise the frosting will liquefy and refuse to harden. In the cake itself, though, margarine may be used. Also, if two 9" round pans are used, layers don’t need to be cut in half.
Whenever one looks for a dessert that just says celebration, it's hard not to think of cake. Today's six cake recipes are great for almost any celebration. Check out the Red Velvet Cake, the Cherry-Cola Dump Cake, or any of the other yummy cake recipes in today's post. Enjoy!
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
LISBON CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Dorie Greenspan on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Dorie wrote, “On my first day in Lisbon, I became a statistic: I lost all my credit cards to a talented thief on the No. 28 tram. After ‘the incident,’ I wanted to leave Lisbon, but instead, my husband Michael and I decided to tackle our must-taste list. It was on our last day in Lisbon that we tasted the cake at Landeau Chocolate. It was intense, but not overwhelming; truly chocolate, but somehow each layer’s chocolateness was different. I returned home and made this cake, my version of the cake that cured my pickpocket blues. It’s a dense-but-not-heavy, brownielike cake topped with a whipped chocolate ganache (think: mousse) and a substantial dusting of cocoa. Because this cake is completely about the chocolate, choose one you love.”
Time: About 1 hour, plus cooling; Yield: One 9-inch cake (about 10 servings.
This recipe was featured in “The Chocolate Cake That Saved My Vacation”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020555-lisbon-chocolate-cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into chunks, plus more for greasing the pan
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
5 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, chilled
For the Ganache:
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
For the Topping:
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Preparation
Make the cake: Center a rack in the oven, and heat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-inch cake pan, line with parchment paper and butter the paper.
Sift together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to blend.
Put the 1/2 cup butter in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Scatter dark chocolate on top, and heat, stirring often, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove the bowl from the pan, and stir in the sugar. One by one, energetically stir in the eggs, beating for 1 minute after the last egg is added. The mixture will look like pudding. Stir in the dry ingredients. Scrape the mixture into the cake pan, and give the pan a couple of good raps against the counter to settle the batter.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean (or with only a tiny streak of chocolate). Transfer to a rack, cool for 5 minutes, then unmold the cake. Peel off the paper, invert the cake and cool to room temperature. Wash and dry the cake pan.
Make the ganache: Pour 1 1/4 cups cream into a small saucepan; refrigerate the rest. Scald the cream over medium heat, turn off the heat and stir in the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate until fully incorporated. Transfer to a heatproof bowl. Refrigerate the ganache for 10 minutes, whisk it, then refrigerate again for 10 minutes. Repeat chilling and whisking steps until the ganache is thick enough to make tracks when you stir, 50 to 60 minutes.
Cut two 3-by-16-inch pieces of parchment or foil, and crisscross them in the cake pan. Carefully return the cake to the pan.
Whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream until it holds medium peaks.
Using a whisk, gently beat the ganache until it’s soft and spreadable. With a spatula, fold in the whipped cream. Spread over the cake, and refrigerate for 2 hours (or cover and keep for up to 2 days). The cake is best served cool or at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving.
To finish, put the cocoa powder in a fine-mesh strainer, and shake it over the top of the cake. Run a table knife along the sides of the pan. Using the parchment or foil handles, carefully lift the cake out of the pan and onto a serving plate. Discard the strips. Cut the cake using a long knife that has been run under hot water and wiped dry between each cut.
LEMON POUND CAKE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Add a splash of sunshine to any spring brunch or dessert spread with this bright lemon pound cake. Yellow cake mix is combined with cream cheese and grated lemon peel for a pound cake that’s rich in flavor and bursting with refreshing citrus notes. With just six simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this lemon pound cake recipe when you want to bake something homemade, but don’t have all day to do it."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup water or milk
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
3 eggs
1/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy lemon frosting
Directions
Heat oven to 325°F. Generously spray bottom only of 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray with flour.
In medium bowl, beat cake mix, cream cheese, water, grated lemon peel and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack or heatproof serving plate. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds or until frosting is thin enough to drizzle; stir. Spoon frosting evenly over cake, allowing frosting to drip down sides.
Expert Tips
If you have leftover cake, cut it into slices and place individually in sandwich-size food-storage plastic bags. Seal bags and freeze. You'll have a quick treat when you need it!
For added lemon flavor, sprinkle some extra grated lemon peel over the cake.
For a different look, cut your cake into wedges instead of traditional slices.
This elegant pound cake makes a wonderful hostess gift for any dinner party.
DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE WITH HAZELNUT CRUNCH
This is from Bon Appetit, and begins, "Devil's food cake doesn't need a lot of improvement, but trust us on the hazelnut crunch." Makes 12 - 16 servings
View this online at https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/devil-s-food-cake-with-hazelnut-crunch.
Ingredients
Cake
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 1/3 cups cake flour
1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 70%), melted, cooled slightly
Hazelnut Crunch
1/4 cup hazelnuts
2 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 70%), chopped
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup Nutella
3 cups toasted rice cereal
Frosting and Assembly
8 ounces high-quality milk chocolate (such as Lindt or Scharffen Berger), chopped
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 61%), chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Directions
Cake
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat the bottom and sides of cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment-paper rounds; spray paper.
Sift cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl; set aside. Dissolve espresso powder in hot coffee in a medium bowl and whisk in buttermilk; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating between additions and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Beat on high speed until doubled in volume and very light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape bottom of bowl well, making sure to incorporate all butter into eggs. Beat for 1 minute longer.
With mixer on low speed, beat in flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with coffee mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. With mixer running, drizzle in chocolate and mix until just blended. Divide batter evenly among cake pans; smooth tops.
Bake cakes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25–30 minutes. Transfer to wire racks. Let cakes cool in pans for 30 minutes.
Invert cakes onto racks; peel off parchment and let cool completely. DO AHEAD: Cakes can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
Hazelnut Crunch
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out nuts on sheet. Toast until fragrant, 6–7 minutes. Coarsely chop nuts; set aside. Line same baking sheet with a fresh sheet of parchment paper; let cool.
Combine chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Set bowl over a large saucepan of simmering water. Heat mixture, stirring often, until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over saucepan. Stir in hazelnuts and Nutella. Fold in toasted rice cereal. Spread mixture out on prepared sheet; don't worry about spreading it evenly. Freeze until set, about 30 minutes.
Using your hands, break crunch into small pieces. DO AHEAD: Hazelnut crunch can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Frosting and Assembly
Combine both chocolates and corn syrup in a medium bowl. Bring cream just to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over chocolate mixture. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Using an electric mixer, beat until cool, 5–6 minutes.
Add butter a few pieces at a time; beat until incorporated between additions. Continue to beat mixture until thick and lightened in color, about 5 minutes in a stand mixer and up to 15 minutes with a handheld mixer (if mixture seems very thin, stop occasionally and chill in refrigerator to firm it up before continuing to beat).
Using a serrated knife, cut off domed top from each cake to create even layers. Place 1 cake layer on a large plate. Using an offset spatula, spread about 1 cup frosting on top of cake. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup hazelnut crunch over frosting. Place second cake layer on top; press to adhere (this will ensure that the frosting will hold the layers together). Repeat process with another 1 cup frosting and 1/2 cup hazelnut crunch. Top with third cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
Decorate top of cake with more hazelnut crunch, if desired. Chill cake until frosting is set, 3–4 hours. DO AHEAD: Cake can be assembled 2 days ahead. Cover with a cake dome and keep chilled. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
CHERRY-COLA DUMP CAKE
This yumminess comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Super easy to prepare: Just mix devil's food cake mix with cola and pour over cherries. Bake for one hour and voila!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 9
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 jar (16 oz) maraschino cherries with juice (without stems)
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ devil’s food cake mix
1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, “dump” cherries with cherry juice.
In medium bowl, mix cake mix and carbonated beverage. “Dump” mixture over cherries.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool about 15 minutes before cutting and serving cake.
Expert Tips
Serve with whipped cream and additional cherries.
You could substitute cherry pie filling in place of the maraschino cherries and juice.
RED VELVET CAKE
We lived in Connecticut for several years while I was growing up. During this time, a lady called the local radio station and said she’d recently returned from a trip. During a stay in a fancy hotel with her husband, she had this cake in their restaurant. Returning home, she wrote to the hotel and requested a copy of the recipe, saying she’d pay for it. She received a copy of the recipe, along with a bill for $300. (This was during the mid-1960s.) Furious over the bill, she proceeded to read the recipe over the air.
Ingredients
1/2 C butter (see note)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C sugar
1 C buttermilk
2 eggs, well beaten
1 T vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2 T cocoa
2 1/4 C flour (sifted)
2 oz. red food coloring
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & flour two 8" round pans. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs. Make paste of food coloring and cocoa. Add to first mix. Add salt and buttermilk alternately with flour. Add vanilla. Dissolve soda in vinegar and add this last. Blend all ingredients, as little as possible. Pour into pans and bake for 30-40 minutes. When cool, split each layer horizontally.
FROSTING FOR RED VELVET CAKE
Ingredients
1 C butter (see note)
1 C milk
1 C sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
5 T unbleached flour
Cream butter with sugar. Cook flour and milk in saucepan until very thick, stirring the whole time. Cool. Combine 2 mixes and add vanilla, using electric mixer. Spread on cake.
NOTE: Butter must be used in the frosting, otherwise the frosting will liquefy and refuse to harden. In the cake itself, though, margarine may be used. Also, if two 9" round pans are used, layers don’t need to be cut in half.
Taco Tuesday
If you love tacos as much as I do, you won't mind that it's time for another Taco Tuesday.
Of course, there are those who feel that there can't be tacos without meat, especially ground beef. But as with many other meals (chili, lasagna, or burgers), it's entirely possible to have tacos without meat. In fact, once you get into the swing of things, it'll make it so much easier to have a ton of tacos.
On that note, here are six yummy vegetarian taco recipes to try, including Huevos Rancheros and Banana Chocolate Tacos. Enjoy!
SWEET POTATO TACOS
This is from the TODAY Show, and begins, "These tacos are simple to make and require minimal prep, making them an ideal dinner on hectic weeknights. You can dress up this veggie-based meal with avocado, a squeeze of lime, crumbled feta cheese and fresh cilantro."
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/sweet-potato-tacos-recipe-t149463.
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
One 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
One 15.25-ounce can corn, drained
1 cup cooked quinoa
18 small corn tortillas, warmed
Toppings (optional)
Avocado, chopped or sliced
Lime wedges
Feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, honey and cumin. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 35 minutes or until tender. Set aside.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté. Add the black beans, corn, cooked quinoa and sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of filling onto each tortilla. Top with chopped avocado, a squeeze of lime and feta cheese.
HUEVOS RANCHEROS
I found this, along with five other taco recipes, on the Runner’s World website (posted on June 26, 2018), though it’s originally from the Prevention test kitchen.
This recipe begins, “A spicy sauce made fresh from sautéed vegetables helps you begin the day with a good dose of vitamins A and C.”
Serves:4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
3 tsp olive oil
1 med green bell pepper, chopped
1 med yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 can (14 oz) no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juice
2 Tbsp chopped chipotle pepper in adobo
1/4 c chopped cilantro + leaves for garnish
4 eggs
1 c canned black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
4 whole wheat tortillas, warmed
Directions
Heat 2 tsp oil over medium until shimmering in medium saucepan. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and a pinch of kosher salt and cook until onion is translucent, 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, chipotle, and cilantro and cook until reduced slightly, 10 minutes. Puree with regular or hand blender until smooth.
Heat remaining 1 tsp oil in large nonstick skillet and fry eggs sunny side up. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup beans, 1 egg, and desired amount of sauce. Top with cilantro leaves.
Per serving: 272 cal, 14 g pro, 40 g carb, 8 g fiber, 6 g sugars (1 g added sugars), 9.5 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 186 mg cholesterol, 476 mg sodium
VEGGIE TACOS WITH AVOCADO TOMATILLO SALSA
This is from Love and Lemons and can be viewed online at https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetable-tacos-avocado-tomatillo-salsa/.
Prep time: 10 mins; Cook time: 30 mins; Total time: 40 mins; Serves: 2 – 3.
Ingredients
1 small Japanese eggplant, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup chopped summer squash (yellow, pattypan, or zucchini)
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
6 corn or flour tortillas
1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 avocado, diced
handful of cilantro
1 serrano pepper, sliced (optional)
crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Avocado Tomatillo Sauce:
1/3 cup store-bought or homemade tomatillo salsa
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 avocado
handful of spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
squeezes of lime, to taste
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chopped eggplant, squash, red pepper and tomatoes onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper and roast until golden brown around the edges 25-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make your sauce. In a food processor, blend together the tomatillo salsa, pepitas, avocado, spinach, olive oil, lime juice and pinches of salt and pepper, to taste. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the tacos with the black beans, roasted vegetables, diced avocado, cilantro, serrano, cotija (if using), and a generous scoop of the avocado tomatillo sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Store extra sauce in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
Vegan: skip the cotija cheese
Gluten free: use corn tortillas
BLACK BEAN, RICE AND QUESO MINI TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Kids will love these filled mini tacos, which are packed with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, cheese and drizzled with Old El Paso™ Creamy Queso sauce. Easy to assemble and great for on-the-go, busy families."
Prep Time: 24 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/black-bean-rice-and-queso-mini-tacos.
Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 cup Old El Paso™ ™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Queso sauce
Directions
In 1 to 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat white rice and water to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Fluff with fork; stir in butter, lime juice and cilantro. Cover and set aside.
Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish, place tortilla bowls.
In medium bowl, mix beans and green chiles. Divide rice mixture evenly among tortilla bowls; top each with 2 teaspoons of the cheese. Divide bean mixture evenly among tortilla bowls; top each with remaining cheese.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted. Top with pico de gallo and sauce.
Expert Tips
Salsa may be substituted for the pico de gallo in this recipe.
Precooked rice is available for purchase in the frozen section of the grocery store and is a convenient alternative to the cooked rice in this recipe. You may also use 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked rice, heated in microwave.
Variation: Try Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce as an alternative to the creamy queso sauce.
Nutrition: 6 servings (2 mini tacos each);1 Serving Calories 330 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 25mg; Sodium 740mg; Total Carbohydrate 44g (Dietary Fiber 5g, Sugars 2g); Protein 11g;% Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 20%; Iron 15%; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 High-Fat Meat, 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 3
BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS
Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one is from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”
This can be found here.
Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1–2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package
1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.
Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.
COCOA BLACK BEAN AVOCADO CREAM TACOS
This is also from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World. It begins, “Cocoa adds richness to this hunger smashing fiber-rich bean filling. As a giant cousin of the banana, plantain contains twice as much vitamin C to keep your blood pressure from boiling over. The creamy avocado sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.”
Ingredients
2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 ripe plantain, lots of black spots on skin, peeled and diced
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 avocado
8 small corn tortillas
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, plantain, black beans, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper; cook 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and 2 Tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
Blend together sour cream, avocado, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Top tortillas with beans, red pepper, avocado cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 408; Protein: 11 g; Carbs: 59 g; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 16 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 320 mg
Of course, there are those who feel that there can't be tacos without meat, especially ground beef. But as with many other meals (chili, lasagna, or burgers), it's entirely possible to have tacos without meat. In fact, once you get into the swing of things, it'll make it so much easier to have a ton of tacos.
On that note, here are six yummy vegetarian taco recipes to try, including Huevos Rancheros and Banana Chocolate Tacos. Enjoy!
SWEET POTATO TACOS
This is from the TODAY Show, and begins, "These tacos are simple to make and require minimal prep, making them an ideal dinner on hectic weeknights. You can dress up this veggie-based meal with avocado, a squeeze of lime, crumbled feta cheese and fresh cilantro."
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/sweet-potato-tacos-recipe-t149463.
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
One 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
One 15.25-ounce can corn, drained
1 cup cooked quinoa
18 small corn tortillas, warmed
Toppings (optional)
Avocado, chopped or sliced
Lime wedges
Feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, honey and cumin. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 35 minutes or until tender. Set aside.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté. Add the black beans, corn, cooked quinoa and sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon about 1/3 cup of filling onto each tortilla. Top with chopped avocado, a squeeze of lime and feta cheese.
HUEVOS RANCHEROS
I found this, along with five other taco recipes, on the Runner’s World website (posted on June 26, 2018), though it’s originally from the Prevention test kitchen.
This recipe begins, “A spicy sauce made fresh from sautéed vegetables helps you begin the day with a good dose of vitamins A and C.”
Serves:4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes
This can be found at https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a21946015/healthy-taco-recipes/. They were originally from: Prevention US.
Ingredients
3 tsp olive oil
1 med green bell pepper, chopped
1 med yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 can (14 oz) no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juice
2 Tbsp chopped chipotle pepper in adobo
1/4 c chopped cilantro + leaves for garnish
4 eggs
1 c canned black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
4 whole wheat tortillas, warmed
Directions
Heat 2 tsp oil over medium until shimmering in medium saucepan. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and a pinch of kosher salt and cook until onion is translucent, 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, chipotle, and cilantro and cook until reduced slightly, 10 minutes. Puree with regular or hand blender until smooth.
Heat remaining 1 tsp oil in large nonstick skillet and fry eggs sunny side up. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup beans, 1 egg, and desired amount of sauce. Top with cilantro leaves.
Per serving: 272 cal, 14 g pro, 40 g carb, 8 g fiber, 6 g sugars (1 g added sugars), 9.5 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 186 mg cholesterol, 476 mg sodium
VEGGIE TACOS WITH AVOCADO TOMATILLO SALSA
This is from Love and Lemons and can be viewed online at https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetable-tacos-avocado-tomatillo-salsa/.
Prep time: 10 mins; Cook time: 30 mins; Total time: 40 mins; Serves: 2 – 3.
Ingredients
1 small Japanese eggplant, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup chopped summer squash (yellow, pattypan, or zucchini)
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
6 corn or flour tortillas
1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 avocado, diced
handful of cilantro
1 serrano pepper, sliced (optional)
crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Avocado Tomatillo Sauce:
1/3 cup store-bought or homemade tomatillo salsa
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 avocado
handful of spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
squeezes of lime, to taste
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chopped eggplant, squash, red pepper and tomatoes onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper and roast until golden brown around the edges 25-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make your sauce. In a food processor, blend together the tomatillo salsa, pepitas, avocado, spinach, olive oil, lime juice and pinches of salt and pepper, to taste. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the tacos with the black beans, roasted vegetables, diced avocado, cilantro, serrano, cotija (if using), and a generous scoop of the avocado tomatillo sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Store extra sauce in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
Vegan: skip the cotija cheese
Gluten free: use corn tortillas
BLACK BEAN, RICE AND QUESO MINI TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Kids will love these filled mini tacos, which are packed with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, cheese and drizzled with Old El Paso™ Creamy Queso sauce. Easy to assemble and great for on-the-go, busy families."
Prep Time: 24 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/black-bean-rice-and-queso-mini-tacos.
Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
1 cup Old El Paso™ ™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Queso sauce
Directions
In 1 to 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat white rice and water to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Fluff with fork; stir in butter, lime juice and cilantro. Cover and set aside.
Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish, place tortilla bowls.
In medium bowl, mix beans and green chiles. Divide rice mixture evenly among tortilla bowls; top each with 2 teaspoons of the cheese. Divide bean mixture evenly among tortilla bowls; top each with remaining cheese.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted. Top with pico de gallo and sauce.
Expert Tips
Salsa may be substituted for the pico de gallo in this recipe.
Precooked rice is available for purchase in the frozen section of the grocery store and is a convenient alternative to the cooked rice in this recipe. You may also use 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked rice, heated in microwave.
Variation: Try Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce as an alternative to the creamy queso sauce.
Nutrition: 6 servings (2 mini tacos each);1 Serving Calories 330 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 25mg; Sodium 740mg; Total Carbohydrate 44g (Dietary Fiber 5g, Sugars 2g); Protein 11g;% Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 20%; Iron 15%; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Vegetable, 1 High-Fat Meat, 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 3
BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS
Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one is from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”
This can be found here.
Ingredients
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1–2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 oz. chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package
1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.
Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.
COCOA BLACK BEAN AVOCADO CREAM TACOS
This is also from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World. It begins, “Cocoa adds richness to this hunger smashing fiber-rich bean filling. As a giant cousin of the banana, plantain contains twice as much vitamin C to keep your blood pressure from boiling over. The creamy avocado sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.”
Ingredients
2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 ripe plantain, lots of black spots on skin, peeled and diced
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 avocado
8 small corn tortillas
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, plantain, black beans, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper; cook 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and 2 Tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
Blend together sour cream, avocado, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Top tortillas with beans, red pepper, avocado cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4.
Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 408; Protein: 11 g; Carbs: 59 g; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 16 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 320 mg
Monday, August 10, 2020
Monday Recipes
It's Monday. I hope your weekend went well. My weekend went by too quickly (don't most weekends go that way?), so, of course, I didn't get everything done that I wanted to. Siiiiiigh. At least there's next weekend.
Here are today's six recipes to help get your week started, including Down-Home Vegetable Pot Pie and All-In-One Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!
EGG CINNAMON BREAD
I've been making this for years – actually, for decades – and almost always gotten rave reviews on this recipe. It got to the point that several people have specifically requested this recipe – and, if I'm visiting, it's pretty much expected that I'll bake up a batch. This recipe makes three loaves.
Ingredients
2 envelopes yeast
1 C warm water
1-2 T honey
1 C milk (Note: 1 cup soy milk can be used in place of the milk)
1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2 eggs, beaten
6-7 C unbleached white flour
1/4-1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2-3 C cinnamon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Directionss
In a medium-sized bowl, stir honey into warm water. Stir in yeast. Set aside.
Heat milk until warm. Pour into large bowl and add 1/2 C margarine, cut into 4 pieces. Stir, allowing margarine to melt. Cool to room temperature. Stir in salt, yeast mixture and eggs. Add flour, 2 cups at a time until stiff. Place dough on floured towel and knead for 4-5 minutes.
Wash and dry bowl. Oil dough, place in bowl, cover with clean towel and place out of draft in a warm place. Allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until double.
Melt 1/4-1/2 C margarine. Grease 3 loaf pans. Punch dough down, then divide into three sections. Roll out with rolling pin, then brush with melted margarine. Spread cinnamon sugar over melted margarine, then roll all three sections into loaves. Place in pans, place clean towel over pans, and allow to rise again for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Remove towel, then place loaf pans into preheated 350 degree F oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
BENECOL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
I'm not sure where I found this recipe; possibly on the Benecol website. Makes 4 servings; 1 serving = 1 cup
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Heat Benecol and garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into the Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles
Nutrient analysis (per serving): Total Calories 356; Protein 18 g; Carbohydrates 50 g; Fat 9 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Cholesterol 14 mg; Sodium 371 mg; Fiber 2 g; 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
DEEP-DISH SKILLET PIZZA
This comes from page 37 of the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Try this homemade pizza technique with your favorite toppings as well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/deep-dish-skillet-pizza/.
Dough
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1/2 pkg. dry yeast (1/4 oz.)
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. flax meal or ground flaxseed
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Topping
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
8 cups loosely packed kale
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 Tbs. Neufchâtel cheese (2 oz.)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or basil
To make Dough: Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in yeast, and let stand 5 minutes, or until liquid is cloudy and bubbly. Stir in whole-wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, flax meal, oil, and salt. Knead 2 minutes while adding 1/4 cup flour. Oil separate bowl, and turn dough in oil to coat. Cover, and let rise in warm spot until dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
To make Topping: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until kale is softened, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and fennel seed, and cook 7 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, and stir in Neufchâtel cheese.
Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil bottom and sides of 12-inch cast iron skillet. With floured hands, pat and stretch Dough over bottom and halfway up sides of skillet. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Spread kale mixture on dough; scatter feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano on top. Place skillet directly on oven floor, and bake 15 minutes. Remove carefully from oven, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 274; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Sodium: 566 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 4 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAGE RISOTTO
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cubes of squash and wilted chard give this version of risotto a lovely appearance. For the most efficient use of time, heat the broth while you cut the shallots and herbs. Meal Plan: All this dish needs is some warm crusty bread.” Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
7 cups vegetable broth
1/2 lb. butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 2/3 cups)
1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 3/4 cups arborio rice
1 tsp. salt
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chopped Swiss chard leaves
3/4 cup chopped canned plum tomatoes
2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup grated soy Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
In large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Drop squash into boiling broth, reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, but still firm, about 3 minutes. Remove squash with slotted spoon and set aside. Reduce heat and let broth simmer.
In large, deep skillet, combine oil and shallots. Place over medium heat and stir to cook without browning, about 2 minutes. Add rice and salt. Stir until rice is coated with oil. Add wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, until rice absorbs wine.
Ladle 1/2 cup of simmering broth into skillet and stir until absorbed. Continue with remaining broth, adding 1/2 cup at a time and letting each addition be absorbed by rice before adding more liquid, about 25 minutes total.
Add chard and stir until wilted. Stir in squash, tomatoes, sage and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cheese if using and serve hot.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 433; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 75 g; Sodium: 540 mg; Fiber: 3 g
DOWN-HOME VEGETABLE POT PIE
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 56. It begins, “This is like the one you remember from childhood, only without the chicken. The baking powder in the pastry gives it a light, flaky top.” Serves 8
To view this online, click here.
1 stalk celery, finely chopped (2/3 cup)
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 large onion, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
Pastry topping
1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. sugar
/12 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 stick (8 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 1/2 Tbs. ice-cold water
2 medium all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice (2 1/3 cups)
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
Make pastry: In food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder and pulse on/off until blended. Add butter and pulse on/off until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add 3 tablespoons ice water. Pulse on/off until mixture is evenly dampened. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons water and process until dough forms large crumbs and can be easily packed.
Transfer dough to work surface and form into ball. Knead dough 2 or 3 times, then place on large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten into 3/4-inch thick disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, make filling. Bring medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots, corn and peas; boil 5 minutes. Drain vegetables and transfer to medium bowl.
In medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened, 8 to 9 minutes. Stir in oil and flour and cook over low heat, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in vegetable broth. Increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to mix well. Season with thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer vegetables to 9 1/2- or 10-inch deep-dish pie pan; smooth top. Let cool 15 minutes. On a sheet of lightly floured wax paper, roll pastry into circle just slightly larger than pie pan. Invert pastry over pie pan and peel off paper. Tuck edges of pastry inside edge of pan; poke several steam vents in crust with knife. Bake until pastry is golden, 50 to 60 minutes. Let stand briefly before serving.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 390; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Cholesterol: 41 mg; Sodium: 431 mg; Fiber: 5 g
Here are today's six recipes to help get your week started, including Down-Home Vegetable Pot Pie and All-In-One Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!
EGG CINNAMON BREAD
I've been making this for years – actually, for decades – and almost always gotten rave reviews on this recipe. It got to the point that several people have specifically requested this recipe – and, if I'm visiting, it's pretty much expected that I'll bake up a batch. This recipe makes three loaves.
Ingredients
2 envelopes yeast
1 C warm water
1-2 T honey
1 C milk (Note: 1 cup soy milk can be used in place of the milk)
1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2 eggs, beaten
6-7 C unbleached white flour
1/4-1/2 C margarine (1 stick)
2-3 C cinnamon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Directionss
In a medium-sized bowl, stir honey into warm water. Stir in yeast. Set aside.
Heat milk until warm. Pour into large bowl and add 1/2 C margarine, cut into 4 pieces. Stir, allowing margarine to melt. Cool to room temperature. Stir in salt, yeast mixture and eggs. Add flour, 2 cups at a time until stiff. Place dough on floured towel and knead for 4-5 minutes.
Wash and dry bowl. Oil dough, place in bowl, cover with clean towel and place out of draft in a warm place. Allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until double.
Melt 1/4-1/2 C margarine. Grease 3 loaf pans. Punch dough down, then divide into three sections. Roll out with rolling pin, then brush with melted margarine. Spread cinnamon sugar over melted margarine, then roll all three sections into loaves. Place in pans, place clean towel over pans, and allow to rise again for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Remove towel, then place loaf pans into preheated 350 degree F oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
BENECOL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
I'm not sure where I found this recipe; possibly on the Benecol website. Makes 4 servings; 1 serving = 1 cup
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Heat Benecol and garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into the Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles
Nutrient analysis (per serving): Total Calories 356; Protein 18 g; Carbohydrates 50 g; Fat 9 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Cholesterol 14 mg; Sodium 371 mg; Fiber 2 g; 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
DEEP-DISH SKILLET PIZZA
This comes from page 37 of the February 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Try this homemade pizza technique with your favorite toppings as well.” Serves 6.
To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/deep-dish-skillet-pizza/.
Dough
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1/2 pkg. dry yeast (1/4 oz.)
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. flax meal or ground flaxseed
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Topping
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
8 cups loosely packed kale
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 Tbs. Neufchâtel cheese (2 oz.)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano or basil
To make Dough: Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in large bowl. Stir in yeast, and let stand 5 minutes, or until liquid is cloudy and bubbly. Stir in whole-wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, flax meal, oil, and salt. Knead 2 minutes while adding 1/4 cup flour. Oil separate bowl, and turn dough in oil to coat. Cover, and let rise in warm spot until dough doubles in size, about 45 minutes.
To make Topping: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until kale is softened, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and fennel seed, and cook 7 to 10 minutes more, or until all liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, and stir in Neufchâtel cheese.
Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil bottom and sides of 12-inch cast iron skillet. With floured hands, pat and stretch Dough over bottom and halfway up sides of skillet. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Spread kale mixture on dough; scatter feta cheese, tomatoes, and oregano on top. Place skillet directly on oven floor, and bake 15 minutes. Remove carefully from oven, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 274; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 24 mg; Sodium: 566 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 4 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAGE RISOTTO
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Cubes of squash and wilted chard give this version of risotto a lovely appearance. For the most efficient use of time, heat the broth while you cut the shallots and herbs. Meal Plan: All this dish needs is some warm crusty bread.” Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
7 cups vegetable broth
1/2 lb. butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 2/3 cups)
1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 3/4 cups arborio rice
1 tsp. salt
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chopped Swiss chard leaves
3/4 cup chopped canned plum tomatoes
2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup grated soy Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
In large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Drop squash into boiling broth, reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, but still firm, about 3 minutes. Remove squash with slotted spoon and set aside. Reduce heat and let broth simmer.
In large, deep skillet, combine oil and shallots. Place over medium heat and stir to cook without browning, about 2 minutes. Add rice and salt. Stir until rice is coated with oil. Add wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, until rice absorbs wine.
Ladle 1/2 cup of simmering broth into skillet and stir until absorbed. Continue with remaining broth, adding 1/2 cup at a time and letting each addition be absorbed by rice before adding more liquid, about 25 minutes total.
Add chard and stir until wilted. Stir in squash, tomatoes, sage and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cheese if using and serve hot.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 433; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 75 g; Sodium: 540 mg; Fiber: 3 g
DOWN-HOME VEGETABLE POT PIE
This comes from the January 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 56. It begins, “This is like the one you remember from childhood, only without the chicken. The baking powder in the pastry gives it a light, flaky top.” Serves 8
To view this online, click here.
1 stalk celery, finely chopped (2/3 cup)
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 large onion, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
Pastry topping
1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. sugar
/12 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 stick (8 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 1/2 Tbs. ice-cold water
2 medium all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice (2 1/3 cups)
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
Make pastry: In food processor, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder and pulse on/off until blended. Add butter and pulse on/off until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add 3 tablespoons ice water. Pulse on/off until mixture is evenly dampened. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons water and process until dough forms large crumbs and can be easily packed.
Transfer dough to work surface and form into ball. Knead dough 2 or 3 times, then place on large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten into 3/4-inch thick disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, make filling. Bring medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, carrots, corn and peas; boil 5 minutes. Drain vegetables and transfer to medium bowl.
In medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened, 8 to 9 minutes. Stir in oil and flour and cook over low heat, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in vegetable broth. Increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to mix well. Season with thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer vegetables to 9 1/2- or 10-inch deep-dish pie pan; smooth top. Let cool 15 minutes. On a sheet of lightly floured wax paper, roll pastry into circle just slightly larger than pie pan. Invert pastry over pie pan and peel off paper. Tuck edges of pastry inside edge of pan; poke several steam vents in crust with knife. Bake until pastry is golden, 50 to 60 minutes. Let stand briefly before serving.
nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 390; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Cholesterol: 41 mg; Sodium: 431 mg; Fiber: 5 g
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