Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Friday, March 12, 2021

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Yay! To help celebrate the end of the week, check out Rare Earth's I Just Want to Celebrate. (Yes, another earworm to start your weekend.)

While we might not want a weekend-long earworm, we do need to eat. For that, check out today's recipes, including the Homemade Grilled Veggie Burger, Vegan Lentil Chili, or any of the other yummy recipes. Enjoy!

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.

PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA

This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Crushed red pepper (optional)

2 1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)

6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature

Grated pecorino

Basil leaves, for garnish

Preparation

Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.

Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.

Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2 1/2 cups).

Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.

QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."

Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes

This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.

Ingredients

5 pounds tomatoes

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 garlic clove, halved

1 basil sprig

1 bay leaf

Preparation

Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.

Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.

Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2 1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.

VEGAN LENTIL CHILI

This comes from Emily Weinberger at the Food Network. The recipe begins, "This vegan chili is every bit as comforting as the meat-filled counterpart, thanks to hearty lentils, beans and vegetables."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

This can be viewed online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-lentil-chili-9483281.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, light- and dark-green parts separated

1 red bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced

1 orange bell pepper (about 6 ounces), diced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup tomato paste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ancho chile powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juices

1 cup dried red lentils

Two 14.5-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups frozen diced butternut squash (from a 10-ounce bag)

1 tablespoon agave syrup or maple syrup

Assorted garnishes such as thinly sliced radish and jalapeno, cubed avocado and pepitas, for serving

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the light-green scallion parts, both bell peppers, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste, garlic, ancho chile powder, cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens in color and the garlic is softened, about 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes and their juices, lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Fold in the kidney beans, butternut squash and agave syrup and cook, stirring once or twice, until the squash is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with the radish, jalapeno, avocado, pepitas and dark-green scallion parts as desired.

HOMEMADE GRILLED VEGGIE BURGER

This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Making a grilled veggie burger from scratch used to produce a crumbly mess. But thanks to the smart use of chickpeas and other healthy binders like mushrooms and black beans, these veggie burgers bring a whole new level of delicious awesomeness."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Makes 3 - 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/homemade-grilled-veggie-burger-recipe/.

Ingredients

8-oz pack baby bella mushrooms, sliced

1 1/2 red onion, sliced

1/2 bell pepper, sliced

5 cloves garlic

Olive oil (for coating veggies and basting burgers)

1 cup chickpeas

1 1/2 cups black beans

2 eggs

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp sriracha

2 Tbsp BBQ sauce

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tsp water

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup almond flour (more may be needed for consistency)

Burgers

Burger buns

Cheddar cheese Lettuce Tomatoes Mustard Mayo Pickles

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Mustard

Mayo

Pickles

Special Equipment

Food Processor

Preparation

Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Before you make the patties, you must first dehydrate excess moisture from the veggies so the burgers will keep their shape.

Place mushrooms, red onion, bell pepper, and garlic cloves in a grill basket. Coat with some olive oil, season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix well. Set aside.

Punch a couple of small holes in the bottom of a foil pan, then fill it with your chickpeas and black beans. The holes will allow excess water to drain from the veggies while roasting. Set aside.

Before placing veggies on the grill, toss some hickory wood chips on the coals.

Place the grill basket and foil pan on the grill, and roast them with the lid closed for about 30 minutes. Stir them about halfway through the cook.

Once roasted, remove veggies from the grill and allow them to cool. You can extinguish the grill if you’re roasting the vegetables well ahead of time, or you can let it cruise while you prepare your patties if you’re doing this recipe in one go.

Once cooled, pour the veggies from the grill basket into a food processor. Add eggs, soy sauce, sriracha, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, and the mixture of cornstarch and water, then blend until fairly smooth.

Add chickpeas, black beans, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to the food processor. Lightly pulse a few times in the food processor — you want the beans in your burger mix to maintain some varying texture, so don’t fully purée as in the above step.

Pour burger mix into a bowl, gradually incorporating a little bit of almond flour at a time. Aim for a consistency that’s thick enough to form a patty that’ll hold its shape.

Once your mixture can be easily formed into burgers, sprinkle a light layer of flour onto a dish. Create 3–4 patties and place them on the floured dish to prevent sticking.

Brush olive oil on top of the patties. This will be the side that hits the grill first. The olive oil will help the patties receive some color and easily release from the grates.

Place patties in the fridge, uncovered, for at least 10 minutes before grilling. This will help them keep their form when they hit the grill.

Preheat your grill to 350 degrees, adding more charcoal if necessary.

Brush the grill grates with olive oil just before placing your patties on the grill.

Grill the veggie burgers for about 6–8 minutes a side, until crisp and golden brown on each side. Keep the grill lid down during the cook, lifting it only to baste the top side of your burgers with olive oil before flipping them. OPTIONAL: After flipping, baste the top of the burgers with a bit of melted butter.

Melt slices of cheese over the patties before removing them from the grill. Adding cheese during the final minute of the cook should get the job done.

Plate and serve the burgers with your toppings of choice, and enjoy!

FALAFEL BURGERS WITH TAHINI-DILL SAUCE

This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and can be found at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/vegan-vegetarian-recipes/entrees/5-healthy-plant-based-burger-recipes/.

This begins, “Middle Eastern cuisine is having a moment, and these burgers make a great alternative to greasy fried falafel. The tahini-dill sauce adds a savory flavor layer and is so versatile you can make extra to use on steamed veggies, sandwiches or grilled chicken. Trade the buns for pita for a more traditional feel.”

Hands-On Time: 25 Minutes; Cook Time: 6 Minutes; Makes: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Burgers

1/3 cup shelled pistachios

1 cup flat-leaf parsley

2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup chickpea flour

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup red onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 whole-grain hamburger buns, toasted

4 thick slices tomato

4 lettuce leaves

Tahini-Dill Sauce

1/3 cup tahini

3 tbsp chopped dill

2 tsp lemon zest

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp salt

3 tbsp warm water

Directions

Add pistachios and parsley to a food processor container and chop into small pieces. Add chickpeas, chickpea flour, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper and blend until slightly chunky. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Heat grill to medium and grease grates. Cook burgers 3 minutes per side, or until a golden crust has formed. Whisk together tahini, dill, lemon zest, garlic, paprika and salt. Stir in warm water, adding more, if needed. Serve burgers topped with tomatoes, lettuce and tahini-dill sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): calories 482, fat 20 g, carbs 62 g, fiber 14 g, sugar 5 g, protein 20 g, sodium 846 mg

Nutrition boost: Chickpeas are a great source of folate, which helps keep blood pressure in check, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Thursday Recipes

We're on the down-side of the week; only one more day, and then the weekend. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Falafel Burgers with Tahini-Dill Sauce, a vegan Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes, and Alamo Muffins. Enjoy!

CHIPOTLE CHILI NON-CARNE

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "This spicy chili really warms the bones on a cold evening. Chipotle powder is made from smoked jalapeño peppers. Look for it in specialty gourmet stores. To make the chili milder, omit the chipotle powder and reduce the chili powder to two teaspoons. MEAL PLAN: Delicious with cornbread. Add a tossed green salad with low-fat bottled cilantro dressing."

Makes 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes or less

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/chipotle-chili-non-carne/.

Ingredients

1 tsp. olive oil

1 cup finely chopped onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 green or yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 cup frozen corn

1/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder or to taste

1 Tbs. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

14 1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes

Preparation

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and corn and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Stir in chipotle powder, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes and 3/4 cup water.

Reduce heat, partially cover pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. If chili becomes too thick, add 1/4 cup hot water. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle chili with shredded cheese before serving.

FALAFEL BURGERS WITH TAHINI-DILL SAUCE

This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and can be found at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/vegan-vegetarian-recipes/entrees/5-healthy-plant-based-burger-recipes/.

This begins, “Middle Eastern cuisine is having a moment, and these burgers make a great alternative to greasy fried falafel. The tahini-dill sauce adds a savory flavor layer and is so versatile you can make extra to use on steamed veggies, sandwiches or grilled chicken. Trade the buns for pita for a more traditional feel.”

Hands-On Time: 25 Minutes; Cook Time: 6 Minutes; Makes: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Burgers

1/3 cup shelled pistachios

1 cup flat-leaf parsley

2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup chickpea flour

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup red onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 whole-grain hamburger buns, toasted

4 thick slices tomato

4 lettuce leaves

Tahini-Dill Sauce

1/3 cup tahini

3 tbsp chopped dill

2 tsp lemon zest

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp salt

3 tbsp warm water

Directions

Add pistachios and parsley to a food processor container and chop into small pieces. Add chickpeas, chickpea flour, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper and blend until slightly chunky. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Heat grill to medium and grease grates. Cook burgers 3 minutes per side, or until a golden crust has formed. Whisk together tahini, dill, lemon zest, garlic, paprika and salt. Stir in warm water, adding more, if needed. Serve burgers topped with tomatoes, lettuce and tahini-dill sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): calories 482, fat 20 g, carbs 62 g, fiber 14 g, sugar 5 g, protein 20 g, sodium 846 mg

Nutrition boost: Chickpeas are a great source of folate, which helps keep blood pressure in check, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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

SLOW-COOKER SLOPPY JOES [VEGAN]

This recipe comes from OneGreenPlanet, and is Dairy Free and Vegan. Serves 7 – 8; Cook Time: 6 hours.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 cups textured vegetable protein

3 cups water

5 garlic cloves

1 cup Medjool dates, soaked and pitted

6 ounce can tomato paste

1 tomato, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 medium white onion, diced

1 tablespoon black strap molasses

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons mustard

3 tablespoons hot sauce

Preparation

Add water, dates, garlic cloves, tomato, and tomato paste to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth. Next, add remaining ingredients to the blender except the textured vegetable protein and stir, or blend on low until fully incorporated.

Turn a crock pot on high. Add textured vegetable protein, blender mixture, and diced onion. Stir until protein is thoroughly coated with the blender sauce and onion. Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours.

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.

ALAMO MUFFINS

Ending off today with a yummy recipe from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. This was posted with the note, "A nice change from tacos or tortillas to accompany Mexican meals. Makes 1-1/2 dozen."

Apparently, the poster was named Carolyn, who added, "*Carolyn's Note: I would just use a can of chopped green chilies, drained, if fresh ones are not convenient."

Yield: 18 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1 tbs sugar

1 tbs baking powder(double-acting)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs; slightly beaten

1 cup yogurt; plain

1 can cream-style corn; (8-3/4 ounce)

1/4 cup green chili peppers,* seeded and minced (see note above)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450F. Mix together the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the consistency is grainy. Beat the eggs into the yogurt, then add to the cornmeal mixture. Add the cream-style corn and chili peppers, mixing just until moistened.

Divide the batter evenly among 18 greased or paper-lined muffin cups. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Drinks

I can almost hear someone thinking, Drinks? Are you kidding? You're posting drinks?

Yes, today's post deals with drinks, since having the same-old-same-old can get pretty boring. Today's drinks include Fuzzy-Navel Smoothies and Spice Tea. Enjoy!

CREAMY VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE

This came from Genevieve Ko at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Genevieve wrote, "For a vegan hot chocolate that rivals even the creamiest dairy-laden variety, add a few tablespoons of nut butter like almond, sunflower or peanut to the nondairy milk, chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Whisking is also essential here; nondairy products tend to contain stabilizers that keep them emulsified, so they can separate when boiled. If you keep whisking the mix as it heats and remove it from the stove when it’s nice and steaming, but before it boils, you’ll end up with perfectly smooth hot chocolate. Don’t worry if it breaks: You can simply blend it with a whisk or immersion blender over low heat to bring it back together."

Yield: 2 cups; Time: 5 minutes

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019960-creamy-vegan-hot-chocolate.

Ingredients

1/3 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 ounces)

3 tablespoons vegan unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons creamy nut or seed butter, such as almond, sunflower or peanut

Pinch of kosher salt

1-1/2 to 2 cups unsweetened nut or grain milk, such as macadamia, walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, oat or rice milk

1 to 3 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)

Preparation

Combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, nut butter, salt and 1/2 cup nut or grain milk in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, about 1-1/2 minutes.

Whisk in 1 cup nut or grain milk in a slow, steady stream, and continue whisking until cocoa is steaming, about 1-1/2 minutes. Don’t let it come to a boil or the cocoa will separate.

Taste a spoonful. (Be careful: It’s hot.) If you prefer a thinner hot cocoa, add up to 1/2 cup additional milk. If you prefer it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar at a time, tasting after each addition. Divide among cups and serve hot.

BERRY-BANANA SMOOTHIE

This comes from Joy Bauer at TODAY. She wrote, "This sweet smoothies features a secret green veggie that kids won't be able to taste or notice. Each satisfying sip contains good-for-you ingredients that provide a nice dose of fiber, calcium and nutrition. My recommendation: keep this recipe in your back pocket at all times — it's a huge hit at my house."

To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/joy-bauer-s-berry-banana-smoothie-recipe-t163943.

Ingredients

1 banana, fresh or frozen

2 cups sliced strawberries, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup fresh kale, stems removed

1/2 cup milk of choice (if using frozen fruit, may need to add a dash more milk)

3 to 5 ice cubes (optional; omit if using frozen fruit)

Preparation

Place all the ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth.

FUZZY-NAVEL SMOOTHIES

This comes from Susie Lilly Ott at MyRecipes. Yield: 2 servings; serving size: 1 cup

This can be viewed online at https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/fuzzy-navel-smoothies.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups frozen sliced peaches

1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate

1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk

1/3 cup sliced ripe banana

1 teaspoon sugar

Dash of salt

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender; let stand for 15 minutes, and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 223 calories; fat 1g; saturated fat 0g; mono fat 0g; poly fat 0g; protein 5g; carbohydrates 50g; fiber 3g; cholesterol 3mg; iron 1mg; sodium 33mg; calcium 90mg.

BANANA-BERRY SMOOTHIE

This comes from MyRecipes, and begins, "Frozen mixed berries and dry milk help keep cost and preparation to a minimum for this anytime smoothie. Blend with banana, yogurt, sugar, and orange juice for a citrus accent. Substitute other frozen fruits, like peaches, for fun variety."

Yield: 3 servings; serving size: 1 cup

You can view this online at https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/banana-berry-smoothie-0.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups calcium-fortified orange juice

1 1/4 cups frozen mixed berries (such as Cascadian Farm Harvest Berries)

1 cup sliced ripe banana

1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt

1/3 cup nonfat dry milk

1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.

Chef's Notes

Sip this power breakfast which boasts more than 300 milligrams of calcium while getting ready for work or on your way there. A scoop of powdered milk boosts the calcium contributed by the yogurt and the calcium-fortified orange juice. Additional nutritional benefits come from potassium-rich banana and antioxidant-rich berries. Frozen berries ensure a thick, creamy consistency, but you can also use fresh ones. Other frozen fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, work well, too.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 204 calories; calories from fat 3%; fat 0.6g; saturated fat 0.2g; mono fat 0.1g; poly fat 0.2g; protein 6.6g; carbohydrates 45.6g; fiber 3.3g; cholesterol 2mg; iron 0.6mg; sodium 71mg; calcium 327mg.

SORREL DRINK

From Vegetarian Times; June 2008, page 78. The recipe reads, “Red hibiscus flowers are a common ingredient in ruby-hued herbal tea bags, such as Celestial Seasonings' Red Zinger.”

Ingredients

Sorrel Drink:

3 C dried sorrel or red hibiscus flowers, or 5 Red Zinger tea bags

1 4-inch cinnamon stick

10 whole cloves

1/4 tsp. crushed allspice

2 3-inch pieces peeled fresh ginger

Simple Syrup:

1 C sugar

1 C water

Directopms

To make Sorrel Drink: Bring all ingredients & 4 cups water to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low & simmer 10 minutes. Cool, strain & chill.

To make Simple Syrup: Bring sugar & water to a boil in small saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar & simmer 1 minute. Cool.

Pour Sorrel Drink over ice. Serve with pitcher of Simple Syrup for guess to sweeten drinks to taste.

Per 1-cup serving: 33 cal; 0 g protein; 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat); 8 g crab; 0 mg chol; 0 mg sod; 0 g fiber; 8 g sugars; vegan

SPICE TEA

I used to make this every year for Christmas presents; it was quite popular. Unfortunately, life got a little hectic...As simple as this is, though, I may be reigniting this as a present!

8 oz loose tea

3 orange rinds/peels

Ingredients

1 1/2-2 sticks cinnamon

2 T chopped cloves

Directions

Cut orange peels into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occaionally. Let cool, add to loose tea, along with broken cinnamon sticks & cloves. Store in tight containers.

I'll post some single-serving drinks in a later post. In the meantime, enjoy!

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Double-Post Tuesday

Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday, because not everyone loves tacos. (Gasp!) Today's offerings include Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach and Two-Pea Ravioli. Enjoy!

BAKED TOFU WITH PEANUT SAUCE AND COCONUT-LIME RICE

This is from Yewande Komolafe in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Yewande wrote, “A spicy, fragrant peanut sauce reminiscent of the groundnut stews that are popular across West Africa anchors this recipe. Any protein would be lucky to be doused and marinated in it, but tofu soaks up the peanut sauce’s flavors and chars up nicely upon roasting. The tofu’s neutral flavor allows the other flavors in the dish to break through. Red miso and fish sauce provide umami, honey lends a subtle sweetness and the lime zest in the coconut rice brightens it all. Finished with pickled peppers and fresh sliced scallions, this dish comes together to make an exciting but quick weeknight dinner.”

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020530-baked-tofu-with-peanut-sauce-and-coconut-lime-rice.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil, plus more for brushing the pan and drizzling

2/3 cup lime juice (from about 5 limes), and zest of 1 lime

Kosher salt

8 baby bell peppers or 1 medium bell pepper (any color will do), stemmed and thinly sliced lengthwise

Black pepper

1 cup long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk

1 cup smooth, natural peanut butter

1 tablespoon red miso

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2 teaspoons chopped habanero pepper, stem and seeds removed, or 1 tablespoon sambal

2 tablespoons buckwheat honey or molasses

2 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and sliced crosswise, 1/4-inch thick

3 cups peppery greens, like arugula, mizuna or baby mustard greens

2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

Preparation

Heat the oven to 450 degrees and lightly brush a large rimmed sheet pan with oil.

In a small bowl, stir 4 tablespoons lime juice with 1/2 teaspoon salt until salt dissolves. Add the sliced peppers, a few cracks of black pepper and set aside.

In a small pot, combine the rice with 1 cup water and the coconut milk. Season with salt and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over medium-low until the rice is just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, until ready to serve.

In a medium bowl, whisk 4 tablespoons lime juice with the peanut butter, miso, ginger, fish sauce (if using), habanero, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon honey and 3/4 cup water. Stir until smooth and season to taste with salt.

Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer on the oiled baking sheet and season with salt. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the peanut sauce over each, covering the top and allowing the sauce to run down and coat the sides. Drizzle the tops with some oil, and roast until glaze is set, deep brown and caramelized along the edges, 18 to 20 minutes. Add the remaining lime juice and 1 tablespoon honey to the leftover peanut sauce in the bowl to make the dressing; set aside.

Divide the greens among bowls. Add the lime zest and half the sliced scallions to the rice, then fluff with a fork. Top the greens with the rice, then the tofu. Spoon the peanut dressing over everything, and garnish with the drained pickled peppers and remaining sliced scallions.

Tip

Peanut sauce can be made 2 to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated until ready to use.

RED CURRY LENTILS WITH SWEET POTATOES AND SPINACH

This comes from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Lidey wrote, "In this vegetarian main inspired by Indian dal, lentils are cooked with an aromatic blend of Thai spices — fresh ginger, turmeric, red curry paste and chile — then simmered in coconut milk until fall-apart tender. Browning the sweet potatoes before cooking them with the lentils brings out their sweetness, balancing the heat from the chile and curry paste, while baby spinach tossed in just before serving adds fresh flavor. Serve over steamed white or brown rice, or with toasted flatbread on the side."

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 hour

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020766-red-curry-lentils-with-sweet-potatoes-and-spinach.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste

3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tablespoon)

1 red chile, such as Fresno or serrano, halved, seeds and ribs removed, then minced

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 cup red lentils, rinsed

4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

1 (13-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk

1 (4- to 5-ounce) bag baby spinach

1/2 lime, juiced

Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

Toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, for serving (optional)

Preparation

In a Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned all over, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the browned sweet potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot and set the heat to medium-low. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the curry paste, garlic, ginger, chile and turmeric, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the lentils, stock, salt and browned sweet potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil over high. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the coconut milk and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the lentils are creamy and falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.

Add the spinach and stir until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the lime juice and season with salt to taste.

Divide among shallow bowls and top with cilantro and coconut flakes, if using.

ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE

This is from VeryWellFit, and begins, "Vegetable casseroles are a great way to enjoy fresh produce from the farmers market or make use of a bumper crop. But they can also be loaded with cream and cheese making for a very heavy and high-caloric dish.

"To make this zucchini casserole recipe healthier, instead of adding cream to the sauce it is enriched with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and herbs. The zucchini is then topped with just a bit of cheese. You may notice the absence of breadcrumbs, which also helps cut down on the calories. To compensate for the breadcrumbs' job of soaking up some of the liquid the vegetables exude during cooking, this recipe calls for starting the casserole on a higher heat to dry it out a bit, and then adding the last of the cheese on the top (otherwise it gets too brown or could even burn).

"This zucchini casserole recipe works well with any kind of zucchini or green summer squash, including a combination of squashes."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/3 cup onion (chopped, about 1/2 of a medium onion)

3 cloves garlic (chopped)

3/4 pound tomatoes (fresh or canned—about a 1-pound can of whole tomatoes, drained)

1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or oregano)

Salt and pepper

1 pound zucchini (approximately 2 medium)

1 cup Italian cheese mixture (grated, packaged, or your own mix including mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone)

Preparation

Heat oven to 400 F.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté the onion in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.

Cut each tomato into 3 to 5 pieces and add to the oil, along with the herbs, salt, and pepper.

Cook over medium heat until the liquid is mostly gone (but not dry), stirring occasionally—you should end up without about 1 cup of the mixture. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the zucchini into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. These can be either round slices, or lengthwise. Take the largest slices and line the bottom of a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch pan, or a similarly-sized round pan.

Spread about 1/4 of the tomatoes on top of the zucchini (don't even try to spread evenly; it won't work), followed by 1/4 cup of the cheese.

Continue layering the sauce, zucchini, and cheese. It should come out to 4 layers, but if it only makes 3, just try to divide things relatively evenly. Don't put the final layer of cheese on yet.

Bake for 20 minutes. Top with the rest of the cheese, and lower the temperature to 375F. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions and Cooking Tips

If you'd like to cut down on the fat even more, substitute low-fat or fat-free cheese. Just keep in mind that when you remove the fat, you also lessen the cheeses' melt-ability.

PUMPKIN SOUP

Recipe Yield: Makes 8 servings.

Source: AICR

Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/pumpkin-soup-2.

Ingredients

4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

4 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) (butternut squash may be substituted)

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. light whipping cream (optional)

1 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Nutmeg (optional)

Directions

In large pot over medium-high heat add 3 cups broth, pumpkin, onion, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce to low and simmer uncovered, about 30 minutes.

Puree mixture until smooth, in small batches, using blender or food processor. Return to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes. Add remaining broth as desired. (Optional, stir in cream.)

Pour into bowls. Garnish with parsley (or sprinkle of nutmeg) and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 71; Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 284 mg; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g

MAC AND CHEESE

This recipe is from Ina Garten and was posted on the Food Network. Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Easy.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Kosher salt

Vegetable oil

1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi

1 quart milk

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)

8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)

1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

TWO-PEA RAVIOLI

This comes from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Convenient frozen cheese ravioli is bulked up with sugar snap and green peas, then tossed with the zest and juice of a lemon for a dish that feels bright and fresh. For the best snap and crunch, choose fresh sugar snap peas—but know that frozen ones will also work well. Thaw them and toss them into the boiling water with the green peas, just long enough to warm them through. Try to serve this dish shortly after tossing everything together; if it sits for a while, the acid in the lemon juice will discolor the peas."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20; Serves: 4; Difficultly: Easy; Serving size: 1 1/4 cups

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

12 oz frozen cheese ravioli

8 oz., trimmed (or frozen snap peas) uncooked sugar snap peas

1 cup, thawed froze green peas

1 tsp lemon zest

1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook 3 minutes. Add sugar snap peas and cook 2 minutes. Add green peas and cook 1 minute or until ravioli is tender and sugar snap peas are crisp-tender. Drain.

In a large bowl, stir together lemon zest and juice, oil, salt, and pepper. Add ravioli mixture and toss gently to coat.

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Gluten-Free Egg and Black Bean Breakfast Tacos and Ice Cream Tacos. (Yes, you read that right!) Enjoy!

TASTY BLACK BEANS AND CORN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Filled with beans and vegetables, these healthful tacos will be a kid's favorite." Makes 12 tacos.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

Black Beans and Corn Filling

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

1 medium-sized zucchini, diced

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1/2 cup mild enchilada sauce

Tortillas

12 6- to 8-inch corn or flour tortillas

Toppings, Optional

Note: No toppings were listed, but I would suggest shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and/or sour cream. A diced avocado would be nice, too. Or if there's something else that you love to top your tacos with, go for it! Just one thing: Enjoy!

Instructions:

To make Black Beans and Corn Filling: Put all ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until heated through.

To prepare Tortillas: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on stove over medium-high heat. Lay tortillas in single layer on skillet or griddle for about 10 seconds. Turn and warm other side. Remove from heat, and wrap in a napkin or dishcloth until ready to assemble tacos.

To assemble, set a tortilla on a plate, and spoon on some filling. Top as desired, roll up and eat.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 100; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 170 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 1 g

SNAPPY TACOS

This is another good taco recipe from Vegetarian Times. This one begins, "Just two of these tacos provide nearly all the soy protein of the daily FDA recommendation of 25 grams." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

4 tsp. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

12-oz. pkg. soy crumbles, plain or taco-flavored

1/4 cup dark beer (see Note

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 cup salsa, drained

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

8 taco shells

Garnishes: See my note under Toppings for the Tasty Black Beans & Corn Tacos, above.

Note: If you - like me - don't have dark beer (or any beer, for that matter), I suggest simply increasing the low-sodium vegetable broth to 3/4 cup

Instructions:

In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add 1⁄4 cup onion and 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat and mix in soy crumbles, beer and broth. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid has almost evaporated, about 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to plate and set aside. Wipe out skillet.

Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Add remaining onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and jalapeños, stirring until mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add reserved crumbles, salsa and cilantro and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.

Spoon 1⁄4 cup filling into each taco shell. Top with some or all garnishes and serve hot.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 302; Protein: 22 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 633 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: g

ICE CREAM TACOS

I can hear it now: Ice cream tacos??? Are you crazy?

Well, maybe. But this recipe is definitely something that makes for a perfect dessert – especially on Taco Tuesday.

This is from Leah Maroney, who, besides writing for The Spruce Eats, has her own blog, Mini Pie Kitchen.

For this recipe, Leah wrote, “Move over Choco Tacos, these homemade ice cream tacos are in town. You only need flour tortillas, ice cream, and chocolate chips to make these babies a reality.

“Get a little crazy and make your own ice cream or your own waffle cone shells. Or keep it simple and use the store-bought kinds. You really can't go wrong.

“Ice cream tacos are a fun party treat or spin on popular on-the-go ice creams. Just make sure to serve and eat them quickly!”

Total: 4 hrs 35 mins; Prep: 4 hrs 35 mins;Cook: 0 mins; Yield: 6 ice cream tacos (serves 6)

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

6 flour tortillas (6-inch)

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon sugar

10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

6 scoops vanilla ice cream (or other ice cream of your choice)

Garnish: sprinkles

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make 6 foil logs that are large enough so that the tortillas can drape over them to form a taco shell shape. Lay them on the parchment paper and drape the tortillas over each log.

Melt the butter in the microwave. Brush the butter over the top of each tortilla. Then sprinkle each tortilla with the sugar.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove them from the oven and allow to cool. Then place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15 minutes or until very cold.

Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl for 30 second increments, stirring in between until it is completely smooth and melted.

Remove the bowl from the microwave and brush the melted chocolate on the inside of each shell until coated. Place the shells back in the freezer and freeze for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened completely.

While the shells are hardening again, take the ice cream out of the freezer and allow it to soften slightly. Fill each shell with a large scoop of ice cream to the top edge of the shell. Squeeze the shell slightly to disperse the ice cream, being careful not to break the shell.

Place it back onto the baking sheet and freeze again for 1 to 2 hours, until very firm.

Reheat the chocolate in 30 second increments until melted. Pour it into a loaf pan. Dip the top of each taco in the chocolate quickly, covering the ice cream and the top edges of the shell. You need to work quickly so that the ice cream does not mess. Spoon more onto the top of the tacos if needed and then sprinkle generously with sprinkles.

Place them back on the parchment paper and freeze again until the chocolate is completely hardened and then serve!

CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS

This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, diced

1 tsp. chili powder

1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks

1 tsp. ground cumin

8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed

Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.

PER SERVING: protein: 8 g; fat: 17 g; carbohydrate: 42 g; fiber: 10 g; sodium: 261 mg; cholesterol: 0 mg; calories: 334.

GLUTEN-FREE EGG AND BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST TACOS

This comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD at VeryWellFit. Kaleigh wrote, “Did you know that corn tortillas are actually considered a whole grain? They are also low in sodium, so they make a great base for healthy breakfast tacos.

“Fried potatoes, meats like bacon and sausage, and cheese can quickly add up when it comes to sodium and saturated fat. These tacos have none of that. Instead, try adding sauteed vegetables, beans, and creamy avocado to your eggs for healthy and flavorful tacos that will have you feeling good all morning long.

“These breakfast tacos are gluten-free and vegetarian, and can be made dairy-free if you leave out the milk or use a milk substitute. If you have other vegetables that need to be used up, feel free to add them in with the onions and jalapeno. Top with your favorite salsa for a flavorful and delicious breakfast.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 2 (1 taco each).

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

olive oil spray

2 tablespoons onion, diced

1 tablespoon jalapeno, diced

1/4 cup low sodium black beans

1 large egg

1 tablespoon skim milk

2 corn tortillas

1/4 small avocado, sliced

1 tablespoon cilantro

Directions

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with oil. Add onions and jalapeno and cook, stirring, until softened, about three minutes. Add black beans and continue cooking until heated through. Remove from skillet and wipe clean.

Turn heat to low and spray skillet with oil again. Whisk together egg and milk. Pour into pan and cook, stirring, until eggs are set.

In a separate pan, heat tortillas over low heat. Divide eggs and bean mixture between the tortillas. Top with avocado and cilantro. Serve.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

You can use egg whites or egg substitute in place of the egg for a lower-fat version.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

CRISPY THAI ROASTED CAULIFLOWER TACOS [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]

This comes from One Green Planet, and starts off, “These cauliflower tacos are an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The crispy Thai cauliflower is mellowed by a tasty slaw and the whole taco is tied together with a delightful avocado-lime sauce. These tacos are sure to be crowd pleasers.”

This recipe is: Dairy-Free and Vegan; Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

1 tablespoon red curry paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

4 cups cauliflower florets

2 teaspoon Thai seasoning (see below)

4 small, gluten-free tortillas

For the Slaw:

3 cups purple cabbage, shredded

1 carrot, shredded

3 tablespoon cilantro, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon flaked toasted coconut

2 teaspoon each extra virgin olive oil and lime juice

1 teaspoon agave

1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

For the Avocado Lime Drizzle:

1 avocado, pitted

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup water

2 limes, peeled (flesh only – take the skin and white bits off with a knife)

For the Thai Seasoning:

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried lemon zest

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

A few pinches of dried chili flakes

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a bowl, whisk together the curry paste, olive oil, and lime juice to make a thinner paste.

Toss the cauliflower in the mixture and stir it to coat.

In a small jar, combine all spices for the Thai seasoning and shake them together to blend.

Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the Thai seasoning over the cauliflower and stir it to coat.

Line a baking sheet with foil and scatter the cauliflower florets in a single layer.

Roast them for 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy.

Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the cabbage slaw in a large bowl.

Stir the olive oil, lime juice, and agave together. Then, pour it over the slaw and stir everything in.

In a blender, puree all ingredients for the avocado drizzle. Transfer it to a bottle with a squeeze top, or a sealed jar as you’ll have extra to store in the fridge.

When the cauliflower is ready, remove it from the oven.

Divide the cabbage slaw between 3-4 tortillas, then evenly distribute the roasted cauliflower. Drizzle the tacos with avocado sauce and garnish with additional cilantro and toasted coconut if desired.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Monday Recipes

It's time for the start of another week. To help get started (and to remind everyone what day it is), here's Monday, Monday, by the Mamas and Papas. Go ahead, try ignoring that earworm today.

In the meantime, we do have to eat. Check out the Sweet Potato Quesadillas, the Stuffed Shells, or any of the other yummy recipes in today's post. Enjoy!

HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

This comes from Authentic Florida (originally posted on Feb. 20, 2018, and sent out again on January 14, 2021). The recipe begins, "Did you know that Plant City, Florida is the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World?!? Right now (February) is the perfect time to take a trip to Plant City or to your local pick your own strawberry field and fill up a bucket of fresh, delicious strawberries. Grocery stores and farmers’ markets are also keeping a plentiful inventory. Read on to see how to use these delicious fresh-picked berries for an authentic Florida fresh Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe.

"Enjoy this easy recipe and the delightful pleasure of making your own homemade ice cream."

This can be viewed online at https://authenticflorida.com/articles/homemade-strawberry-ice-cream/.

Ingredients for Florida Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

3 Cups fresh Florida strawberries, stemmed and sliced

4 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1-1/2 Cups of sugar divided (1/2 cup & 1 full cup)

1-1/2 Cups of whole milk

2-3/4 Cups heavy cream

1-1/2 Teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step One

In a small bowl, combine the strawberries with the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of the sugar.

Stir gently and allow the strawberries to macerate in the juices for 2 hours.

Using a strainer, strain the berries, reserving the juices.

Then, mash or puree half the berries.

Step Two

In medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and remaining granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, use a hand whisk for 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream, reserved strawberry juice, mashed strawberries and vanilla.

Step Three

Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into the freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened about 20-25 minutes.

Five minutes before the mixing is completed, add the reserved sliced strawberries and let mix in completely.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t despair, you don’t need one, just:

Pour in the reserved strawberries, mix and place into a plastic container covered with a tight lid and chill in the freezer overnight, stirring occasionally until hardened.

Note: The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.

Adapted from Cuisinart recipe.

ULTIMATE VEGAN CHILI

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "This chili is made with a base of seitan and mushrooms for a rich, thick dish that is, for lack of a better word, meaty!

"In lieu of chili beans such as Bush’s Best Chili Beans, you can substitute or 1 can each black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, partially drained. If you like your chili three-alarm hot, add an extra chipotle chile or two."

Makes 8 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/ultimate-vegan-chili-recipe/.

Ingredients

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)

1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained and minced

8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)

2 8-oz. pkgs. seitan, chopped (3 cups)

3 Tbs. tomato paste

2 tsp. smoked paprika

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

3/4 tsp. celery salt

3 15-oz. cans chili beans, partially drained

1 cup chopped carrots (2 to 3 large carrots)

2 Tbs. low-sodium tamari or soy sauce

1 Tbs. vegan Worcestershire sauce

Preparation

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 7 to 10 minutes, or until beginning to brown, stirring often. Add garlic and chipotle chile, and sauté 1 minute more. Stir in mushrooms; cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add seitan, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, chili powder, celery salt, and 1 cup water; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add beans, carrots, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 hour, or until carrots are tender.

SWEET POTATO QUESADILLAS

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "This fork-and-knife quesadilla is great topped with salsa and guacamole." Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/sweet-potato-quesadillas-recipe/.

Ingredients

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

3 cups grated sweet potatoes

1 small jalapeno chile, chopped

2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

4 8-inch flour tortillas

Preparation

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and season with salt, if desired. Cook, covered, 
8 minutes. Add sweet potatoes, jalapeño, cumin, and oregano; cover, and cook 
10 minutes, stirring often. Stir in corn, and cook 1 minute, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Spread 1/2 cup filling on one-half of each tortilla, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Fold tortillas to enclose filling. (If a tortilla’s edges don’t stick together, brush some oil along bottom inside edge.)

Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook quesadillas in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.

FALAFEL BURGERS WITH TAHINI-DILL SAUCE

This recipe is from Vegetarian Times, and can be found at https://www.vegetariantimes.com/vegan-vegetarian-recipes/entrees/5-healthy-plant-based-burger-recipes/.

This begins, “Middle Eastern cuisine is having a moment, and these burgers make a great alternative to greasy fried falafel. The tahini-dill sauce adds a savory flavor layer and is so versatile you can make extra to use on steamed veggies, sandwiches or grilled chicken. Trade the buns for pita for a more traditional feel.”

Hands-On Time: 25 Minutes; Cook Time: 6 Minutes; Makes: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Burgers

1/3 cup shelled pistachios

1 cup flat-leaf parsley

2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup chickpea flour

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup red onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 whole-grain hamburger buns, toasted

4 thick slices tomato

4 lettuce leaves

Tahini-Dill Sauce

1/3 cup tahini

3 tbsp chopped dill

2 tsp lemon zest

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp salt

3 tbsp warm water

Directions

Add pistachios and parsley to a food processor container and chop into small pieces. Add chickpeas, chickpea flour, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper and blend until slightly chunky. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Heat grill to medium and grease grates. Cook burgers 3 minutes per side, or until a golden crust has formed. Whisk together tahini, dill, lemon zest, garlic, paprika and salt. Stir in warm water, adding more, if needed. Serve burgers topped with tomatoes, lettuce and tahini-dill sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): calories 482, fat 20 g, carbs 62 g, fiber 14 g, sugar 5 g, protein 20 g, sodium 846 mg

Nutrition boost: Chickpeas are a great source of folate, which helps keep blood pressure in check, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

STUFFED SHELLS

This is from Ali Slagle at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Ali wrote, "Of all the baked pasta dishes, stuffed shells are beloved for good reason: The fluffy ricotta filling, punchy tomato sauce, melted cheese and oversize noodles creates the ultimate comfort food, and the make-ahead aspect is equally compelling. The tomato sauce can be made and refrigerated five days ahead, or you can save time by swapping in three cups of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. The shells can be assembled a few hours ahead, then baked from the refrigerator an hour before it’s time to eat. While some versions add frozen spinach, herbs or lemon, you really don’t need anything beyond the basics; this classic version is pure comfort."

Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: About 2 hours

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020833-stuffed-shells.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

Kosher salt

4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée

For the Filling and Assembly:

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 pound fresh ricotta (about 2 cups)

10 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated (about 2 1/2 cups)

5 1/2 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (about 2 cups)

2 egg yolks

1 garlic clove

12 ounces jumbo shells

Preparation

Make the sauce: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until the paste turns one shade darker, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato purée, season with salt, then bring to a simmer. Cover halfway to reduce splattering, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, 20 to 30 minutes.

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 1 cup Parmesan and the egg yolks. Grate the garlic directly into the bowl, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine, then set aside.

Add the shells to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente. (You’ll want to cook the shells about 2 minutes less than the minimum time listed on the package, as the shells will continue to cook in the oven in Step 5.) Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Count out 24 shells. (You will have cooked off more shells than will fit in the dish; that’s insurance in case any rip. Reserve extras for another use.)

Stir the pasta water into the sauce, then add half the sauce to a 3-quart/9-by-13-inch baking dish and spread it in an even layer. Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each of the 24 shells, lining up the stuffed shells in the dish as you go. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup Parmesan.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. (If you’d like to brown the cheese, you can broil for a few minutes.) Let sit 5 minutes, then serve.

MUSHROOM BOLOGNESE WITH FETTUCCINE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "A lighter take on the classic Italian sauce, this vegetarian bolognese is packed with mushrooms and vegetables in a rich tomato base. Served with fettuccine, you’ll have a hearty dinner for just 300 calories."

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup diced onions

1/2 cup diced carrot

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

4 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 packages (8 oz each) baby bella mushrooms, coarsely chopped

2 packages (8 oz each) white button mushrooms, coarsely chopped

1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained

1 can (15 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon soy sauce

12 oz uncooked fettuccine (from 16-oz box)

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, if desired

Directions

In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until hot. Cook onions, carrots, celery, garlic and salt in oil 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Remove vegetable mixture from Dutch oven to small bowl.

In same Dutch oven, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 14 to 19 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and liquid has evaporated.

Stir in vegetable mixture, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, thyme, oregano and red pepper flakes; heat to simmering; reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is starting to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in soy sauce.

Meanwhile, cook fettuccine as directed on package; drain. Serve fettuccine with sauce. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and basil.

Expert Tips

Prefer a creamier sauce? If desired, stir in 1/3 cup half-and-half or heavy whipping cream after removing sauce from heat.

Cooked fettuccine may be stirred into the bolognese or topped with sauce, based on your preference.

Friday, March 5, 2021

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday, time to Celebrate (with a little help from Kool and the Gang). Does it get much getter than that?

Of course, it does help to have something decent to eat over the weekend. Here are six vegetarian recipes to help with that, including Two Bean Spicy Chili Corn Bread and Spicy Sloppy Joes. Enjoy!

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.

CREAMY TURMERIC PASTA

This is from Sue Li in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sue wrote, "This earthy pasta is cobbled together using ingredients that you almost certainly already have in your kitchen. Its approach is fairly standard: Melt some butter, sauté some garlic and shallots, simmer with cream, then add some Parmesan and pasta cooking water to create a silky sauce. That alone would make a great meal, but what makes this recipe really special is the addition of ground turmeric, which gives this simple dish its vibrant color and sophisticated depth of flavor. This is meant to be a lazy meal — the kind of dish you throw together, then eat out of a big bowl while sitting on the couch — but if you're feeling the need for something green, serve the pasta with a simple salad dressed with vinegar and olive oil."

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes

This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020033-creamy-turmeric-pasta.

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large shallot, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric

1 cup half-and-half

2 cups lightly packed freshly grated Parmesan (about 4 ounces), plus more for serving

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or chives

Preparation

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water and drain.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until golden-brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add turmeric and stir to toast, about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half then bring to a simmer.

Whisk in the 2 cups Parmesan, then add the cooked spaghetti and all of the reserved pasta cooking liquid and toss to coat. Serve with chopped parsley and more Parmesan.

MUSHROOM, GREEN PEPPER AND ONION OMELET

Recipe Yield: Makes two servings.

Source: AICR

Recipe and image appear courtesy of American Institute for Cancer Research.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/mushroom-green-pepper-and-onion-omelet.

Ingredients

3/4 cup good quality marinara sauce

1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1/4 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Canola cooking oil spray

1 small onion, cut in crescents

6 medium white mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 medium green bell pepper, seeded, cut in thin strips

Salt, as desired

3 large egg whites

1 large egg

1 tsp. grated Parmeggiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat marinara sauce, vinegar and soy sauce, just until hot. Season with pepper to taste and set aside.

Coat medium non-stick pan liberally with cooking oil spray. Set pan over medium-high heat. Saute onion until lightly colored, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are soft, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out pan.

Whisk egg whites and egg with cheese, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Coat pan with oil spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add egg mixture, tilting pan to coat bottom evenly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook until eggs are well-set, about 4 minutes. Slip spatula gently around edges, then underneath to loosen omelet. Slide it onto a serving plate.

Spoon filling to cover half of omelet and fold omelet, covering filling. With a spoon, drizzle sauce in a ribbon effect across omelet. Serve immediately.

Notes:

Additional info: 1 g. saturated fat, 3 g. dietary fiber

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 158; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 545 mg; Protein: 12 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Vegetable, 1-1/2 Low-Fat Meat

HARVEST WALNUT PUMPKIN PIE

This comes from Allrecipes, and begins, "A walnut topping adds lovely crunch to this quick and easy spiced pumpkin pie with a hint of maple flavoring. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Servings: 8; Yield: 1 9-inch pie

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/268384/harvest-walnut-pumpkin-pie/.

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) can plain pumpkin puree

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon maple-flavored extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

Walnut Topping

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons butter, cubed

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Combine pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, maple extract, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Mix well and pour into the graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking until filling is set, about 30 minutes.

Prepare walnut topping while pie is baking. Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Cut in butter with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Stir in walnuts.

Remove pie from the oven and cover evenly with the topping. Continue baking until topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

Cook's Note

Substitute an unbaked pie shell for the graham cracker crust if preferred.

SPICY SLOPPY JOES

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Ale adds a subtle richness to this updated version of the classic chili hash. Mound the Sloppy Joe filling on soft sandwich rolls (try our Wheat Beer and Potato Rolls) and top with sliced avocados and shredded lettuce. This recipe easily doubles for a party." Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/spicy-sloppy-joes/.

Ingredients

3 Tbs. canola oil

4 large cloves garlic, minced

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

1 1/2 lb. soy crumbles

3 Tbs. chili powder

1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced

1 1/4 cups pale ale or brown ale, room temperature

3/4 cup low-sodium bottled chili sauce

2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce

1 cup finely chopped green onions

Preparation

Warm oil in large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and green pepper, and sauté, stirring frequently, 5 minutes.

Stir in soy crumbles and chili powder. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add jalapeños, ale, chili sauce, and soy sauce; mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring often, about 15 minutes, until thickened.

Mix in green onions; season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

TWO BEAN SPICY CHILI CORN BREAD

This yumminess comes from Eden Foods. Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 8

To view this online, go to https://www.edenfoods.com/recipes/view.php?recipes_id=568.

Ingredients

15 ounces Eden Chili Beans (seasoned dark red kidney), do not drain

15 ounces Eden Spicy Pinto Beans, do not drain

2 cup fresh organic tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup carrots, diced

1/3 cup green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 cup organic sweet corn, fresh or frozen

1 tsp Eden Shoyu Soy Sauce

Cornbread

1 cup organic corn flour

3/4 cup organic unbleached white flour

2 tsp non-aluminum baking powder

1/2 tsp Eden Sea Salt

1 cup Edensoy Extra Original

1 Tbsp Eden Red Wine Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, or Brown Rice Vinegar

2 Tbsp Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Safflower Oil

1 Tbsp organic maple syrup

3 Tbsp water

1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°. Mix the beans, carrot, pepper, onion, corn and shoyu together and pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Smooth out the mixture with a spoon.

To prepare the corn bread, mix all the wet ingredients together in a measuring cup and let stand for 5 minutes. Mix all dry ingredients and the parsley together. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix well and pour evenly over the top of the bean mixture. Do not stir. Bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes until the beans are hot and the corn bread is done. Test if the corn bread is done with a cake tester or fork.