Kristen's Recipes

3/4 pound linguine
1 T. olive oil
4 minced garlic cloves
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin 2-inch-long strips
1 10-ounce package fresh spinach, stems discarded and leaves washed
1/4 tsp. salt
Generous seasoning freshly ground pepper
3/4 C. grated smoked Gouda cheese

Cook pasta according to directions; reserve 1/4 C. liquid and drain pasta; set aside. Heat oil on medium in a large, nonstick skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in red bell pepper and saute until softened, about 7 minutes. Pile on spinach and cover. Cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Stir in salt and ground pepper. Add reserved pasta water. Toss sauce with pasta; stir in cheese and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 462
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g

8 ounces spaghetti
4 C. thinly sliced onions
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 C. dry white wine or chicken broth
2 ounces fat-free cream cheese
2 ounces goat cheese
Salt and white pepper to taste
1/4 C. coarsely chopped walnuts

Cook spaghetti according to directions; drain. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray until hot. Add onions and cook, covered, over medium-low heat until onions are very soft, about 20 minutes. Stir in garlic, sage, rosemary and sugar; cook, uncovered, over medium-low heat until onions are caramelized and brown, or 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in wine or chicken broth. Simmer 2 or 3 minutes longer. Stir in cream cheese and goat cheese and cook over low heat, stirring until melted, 2 or 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Spoon pasta and onion mixture on serving platter and toss; sprinkle with walnuts.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 423
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 5g

1 (12-ounce) package frozen cooked vegetable protein crumbles (such as Morningstar Farms or Green Giant)
2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. each garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano
6 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, cut into rings
1/2 each green, red and yellow green bell peppers cut into strips
1 T. fresh lime juice
1/3 C. reduced-fat sour cream
Salsa for garnish

In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine frozen crumbles, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano. Seal bag; shake well to coat. Set aside. Heat tortillas according to package directions; keep warm. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and bell peppers; cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes or until onions begin to soften. Add seasoned crumbles; cook 2 or 3 minutes or until hot and vegetables are tender. Remove from heat; stir in lime juice. Divide mixture evenly among warm tortillas; roll. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 237
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 5g

1 T. olive oil
3 T. whole wheat flour
1 C. chopped red onion
1 1/3 C. vegetable broth
6 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 rib celery, sliced
2 T. Tamari
2 1/2 C. sliced carrots
1 C. frozen peas, thawed
8 oz. seasoned tempeh
3 oz. Shitake mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a 4 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the next 3 ingredients; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add the carrots, and cook 3 minutes. Add the tempeh, and saute 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, and continue to cook for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with flour; stir to coat. Pour hot broth over the mixture and stir until thick. Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer 10 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 181
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 4g

2 tsp. olive oil
2 C. diced onion
1 C. diced celery
2 tsp. chopped fresh or 3/4 tsp. dried oregano
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-oz.) package tempeh, crumbled
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 T. water
5 C. 1% low-fat milk
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried dill
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
8 C. hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 1 lb. uncooked)
2 4-oz.) packages crumbled feta cheese, divided
1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375°. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, oregano, garlic, and tempeh, and sauté 5 minutes. Combine cornstarch and water, and stir well. Add cornstarch mixture and milk to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon juice, dill, salt, pepper, macaroni, 4 oz. feta, and spinach. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 4 oz. feta. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 1/2 C.

Calories: 428
Fat: 12.1g
Fiber: 4.4g

Polenta:
6 C. water
1 1/2 C. dry polenta
1 T. butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 tsp. salt

Ragout:
1 T. olive oil
2 C. chopped onion
8 C. sliced oyster mushroom caps (about 1 1/2 lb.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 C. Côtes du Rhône or other fruity red wine
1 T. chopped drained canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 C. (8 oz.) crumbled queso fresco cheese
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 350°. To prepare polenta, combine first 4 ingredients in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, stirring well. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed. Cover polenta and keep warm. To prepare ragout, while polenta bakes, heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add mushrooms and 1/2 tsp. salt; cook 10 minutes or until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Add wine, chiles, oregano, and garlic. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates, stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes, and cook over low heat 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Spoon ragout over polenta; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 250
Fat: 5.6g
FIber: 5.8g

3 tsp. light olive oil, divided
1 C. chopped sweet onion
1 T. finely diced ginger root
1 rutabaga, cut in 1-inch dice (1 C.)
1 parsnip, cut in 1-inch dice (1/2 C.)
2 carrots, cut in 1-inch dice (1 C.)
1/2 sweet potato, cut in 1-inch dice (1/2 C.)
1 stalk celery, cut in 1-inch dice (1/2 C.)
2 C. low sodium vegetable or chicken stock
8 oz. low fat, extra firm tofu, cut in 1-inch dice (or substitute 8 oz. chicken breast, turkey breast, pork tenderloin, ostrich, bison or other lean meat)
1 sprig fresh rosemary, 4-inches long
16 snow peas, strings removed
8 cherry tomatoes
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 T. arrowroot mixed with 2 T. water
2 T. finely chopped green onion tops
2 T. freshly grated Parmesan
Cayenne pepper, to taste

Heat 2 tsp. oil in a 10-inch skillet on medium-high. Add the onion and ginger and shallow fry until just browned, about 3 minutes. Toss in the rutabagas, parsnips, carrots and sweet potatoes and continue cooking 4 more minutes. Stir in the celery, stock, tofu and rosemary. Cover and cook at a gentle boil for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. If you are using meat instead of the tofu, shallow fry, on medium-low heat, in a separate pan in the remaining tsp. of oil until cooked through. It will take about the same amount of time as the vegetables. Add the snow peas and tomatoes to the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the arrowroot slurry and return to the heat to thicken. Serve the vegetables in a mound on 2 heated plates. Lay the cooked meat (if you are using it) on top. Spoon the thickened pan juices over the dish and dust well with the chopped onion tops, Parmesan cheese and cayenne.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 381
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 11g

1 (16-oz.) tube of polenta, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Cooking spray
1 (8-oz.) package presliced mushrooms
1 tsp. bottled minced garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 C. sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce (such as Classico)
1/4 C. chopped fresh basil
1/4 C. (1 oz.) shredded fontina cheese

Preheat oven to 500°. Arrange polenta slices in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, allowing slices to overlap. Heat a medium nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic and salt. Cover, reduce heat, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in Alfredo sauce and basil. Spoon mushroom mixture evenly over polenta. Top with cheese. Bake at 500° for 7 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Yield: 3 servings
Calories: 221
Fat: 7.4g
Fiber: 4.1g

6 artichokes (4 to 4 1/2 in. wide) or 2 packages (9 oz. each) frozen artichoke hearts
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. coriander seed
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. coarsely crushed black peppercorns
Spinach filling (recipe follows)
3/4 C. shredded gruyere or Swiss cheese

Rinse and drain fresh artichokes. Trim leaves off just above artichoke bottoms. Discard leaves or save to cook separately. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 quarts water, thyme, coriander, basil, and peppercorns to a boil. Add fresh artichoke bottoms, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until bottoms are tender when pierced, about 30 minutes. (Or add frozen artichoke hearts and simmer until thawed and seasoned, about 10 minutes.) Drain artichokes. Trim coarse fibers from artichoke bottoms, break off remaining leaves, and scoop out and discard fuzzy centers. Place artichokes in a shallow 8- or 9-inch-wide casserole; turn bottoms C. side up. Cover artichokes with spinach filling and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in a 350° oven until cheese is lightly browned, about 35 minutes (45 minutes if chilled).

Spinach filling: Thaw 2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen leaf spinach and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Coarsely chop spinach. Peel and chop 1 onion (1/2 lb.). In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan, frequently stir onion, 1/4 C. water, and 1 T. butter or margarine until onion is slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix 2 T. all-purpose flour with onion, then smoothly stir in 1 C. fat-skimmed chicken broth and fat free half-and-half. Season with 1/4 tsp. fresh-grated or ground nutmeg. Stir over high heat until boiling, about 2 minutes. Add spinach, mix well, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Use hot or cold.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 192
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 7.9g

4 large poblano chilies (about 1 pound)
2 pounds tomatoes
2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
6 garlic cloves, not peeled
One drained canned chipotle Chile in adobo sauce
1 C. water
Four, oregano sprigs
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
1-1/4 C. frozen or fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
1 C. diced chayote (or zucchini)
2/3 C. dry bread-crumbs
1/4 C. thinly sliced green onions
2 T. minced fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
Fresh whole chives
Cilantro sprigs

Preheat oven to 500-degrees. Remove stem ends of poblano chilies, leaving chilies whole; discard seeds and membranes. Set aside. Place tomatoes, onions, and garlic on a foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Bake at 500 degrees for 30 minutes (garlic should be lightly browned; remove before 30 minutes, if necessary). Let vegetables cool 10 minutes. Peel tomatoes and garlic; discard skins. Remove cores from tomatoes. Place tomatoes, garlic, onion, and chipotle Chile in a food processor, and process until smooth. Strain through a sieve into a large saucepan; discard solids. Add water, oregano, and bay leaf to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 40 minutes or until reduced to 2 C.. Remove from heat; discard oregano and bay leaf. Add 1/4 tsp. salt and dash of pepper to tomato mixture; set sauce aside, and keep warm. Combine corn and next 6 ingredients (corn through dash of pepper) in a bowl; stir well. Pack 3/4-C. corn mixture into each poblano Chile. Place stuffed chilies on foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Bake at 500 degrees for 20 minutes or until chilies blacken, turning after 10 minutes; peel chilies. Spoon 1/2-C. tomato sauce onto each of 4 plates, and top with stuffed chilies. Garnish with whole chives and cilantro sprigs, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings.
Calories: 255
Fat: 2.7g
Fiber: 9.5g

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
3 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cloves roasted garlic, minced
3 cups broccoli florets, blanced
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup silken tofu
2 tablespoons packed soy protein powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1 (8-ounce) package whole wheat lasagna noodles
3 cups tomato sauce
12 ounces shredded soy mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 F. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet; add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook until mushrooms are soft, about 3 minutes longer. Remove from heat and add broccoli and olives. Mix gently. Combine ricotta cheese, tofu, soy protein powder, and herbs in a medium bowl until blended. Bring 4 quarts water and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and boil 12 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse under warm water. Moisten the bottom of a 9X9-inch pan with 2 tablespoons of the tomato sauce. Put down a single layer of noodles. Spread with one-third of the ricotta mix, one-third of the vegetables, 2/3 cup tomato sauce, and one-fourt of the mozzarella. Repeat twice. Cover with remaining noodles, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes or until bubbling.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 330
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 5g

Cooking spray
12 oz. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 C. dry white wine
2 T. low-sodium soy sauce
4 C. thinly sliced leek (about 4 large)
2 C. sliced button mushrooms
2 C. sliced cremini mushrooms
2 C. diced shiitake mushroom caps (about 4 oz.)
2 (4-inch) portobello mushroom caps, gills removed, chopped
1 T. all-purpose flour
1/3 C. celery leaves
2 thyme sprigs
1 parsley sprig
1/2 C. thinly sliced garlic (about 20 cloves)
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can vegetable broth
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. grated lemon rind (optional)

Heat a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add tempeh; sauté 8 minutes or until golden brown. Add wine and soy sauce; cook 15 seconds or until liquid almost evaporates. Remove tempeh from pan. Add leek and mushrooms to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Tie the celery leaves, thyme sprigs, and parsley sprig together securely with string. Add herbs, garlic, and broth to pan; bring to a boil. Add tempeh, stirring well. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Uncover and cook 3 minutes or until thick. Discard herbs. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper; sprinkle with parsley. Garnish each serving with 1/2 tsp. lemon rind, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 317
Fat: 10.4g
Fiber: 8.6g

Tempeh:
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 pound tempeh, cut into 40 cubes

Sauce:
Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 cup water
2 tablespoons chopped cashews
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

To prepare tempeh, combine first 6 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet; add tempeh, tossing lightly to coat. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes. Uncover mixture and increase heat to medium-high. Cook 4 minutes or until golden brown, turning frequently. Cool. To prepare sauce, heat a small saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion, 2 teaspoons ginger, salt, and 2 garlic cloves; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in curry powder and turmeric; sauté 1 minute. Add water. Bring to a boil, and cook 1 minute. Cool 5 minutes. Pour onion mixture into a blender, and add cashews and lemon juice. Process until smooth. Place a toothpick in each tempeh cube. Serve with warm cashew sauce.

Yield: 5 servings
Serving size: 8 tempeh cubes and about 2 T. Sauce

Calories: 200
Fat: 7.2
Fiber: 6.8

2 C. thawed frozen artichoke hearts
6 ounces penne or ziti pasta
1 T. + 1 tsp. olive oil
6 large or 12 small ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
1/4 C. + 1 T. chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 T. chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

In medium saucepan, bring 2″ water to a boil. Arrange artichokes on steamer rack; place in saucepan; cover and steam 8-10 minutes, until tender. Cut each into quarters; set aside and keep warm. In large pot of boiling water cook pasta until tender, 13 minutes, or according to package instructions. Meanwhile, to prepare sauce, place medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 30 seconds; add oil and heat 30 seconds more. Add tomatoes, 1/4 C. of the parsley, the oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 10 minutes. Drain pasta; place in serving bowl. Add artichokes and sauce to pasta; toss lightly. Divide evenly among 4 plates; garnish with remaining parsley and serve.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 250
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 6g

1 cup reduced fat Bisquick
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 cups reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces chopped green chiles,drained
1/3 cup beef (or vegetable) broth, condensed
15 ounces black beans, canned, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
salsa, optional
fat-free sour cream, optional

Heat oven to 350º. Grease spring form pan, 9×3 inches. 2. Mix baking mix, cornmeal, 1 cup of the cheese and the chilies thoroughly. Stir in beef broth. Pat mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Mix beans and cilantro; spoon over cornmeal mixture to within 1/2 inch of edge. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 35 minutes. Loosen side of tart from pan; remove side. Arrange tomatoes around edge of tart. Cut into wedges; serve with Toppings (not included in calorie count).

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 255
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 6g