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Category: Meat Free

Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich with Basil and Feta Pesto

Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich with Basil and Feta Pesto

1 C. fresh basil leaves, packed

1 T. minced garlic

3 T. crumbled feta cheese

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

8 pitted, chopped kalamata olives

2 portabella mushroom caps, stemmed, sliced into 1/2″ thick vertical slices

1 red bell pepper, quartered

1 red onion, sliced

1 small eggplant, sliced into eight 1/2″ thin horizontal slices

1 large zucchini, sliced into vertical 1/4″ planks

Salt, pepper to taste

Nonstick pan spray

2 medium tomatoes, sliced

1 C. shredded lettuce

4 whole wheat hoagie buns, split

 

Puree the basil through the olive oil in a food processor or blender.   Pulse in the olives, and set aside.  Spray the mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, eggplant and zucchini with nonstick spray.  Season with salt and pepper, then grill until softened and slightly charred.  Layer the cooked vegetables onto the buns; top with tomatoes, lettuce and pesto.

SBD Light Spinach Frittata with Salsa

SBD Light Spinach Frittata with Salsa

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 package (10 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed and well drained

2 large eggs

3 egg whites

1/3 C. evaporated skim milk

1/2 C. shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

 

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in the spinach. Reduce the heat to low. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and egg whites with the milk until light yellow and frothy. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach in the skillet. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes, until the egg mixture is almost set on top. Sprinkle with the cheese. Serve with salsa.

 

Yield:

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Fiber:

Spinach Phyllo Triangles

Spinach Phyllo Triangles

Spinach Phyllo Triangles10oz. Frozen Chopped Spinach

1/2 C. Chopped Onion

1 Clove Garlic, chopped

6oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled

1/2 tsp. Dried Oregano, crushed

12 Sheets Phyllo Dough

1/2 C. Butter, melted

 

For filling cook spinach, onion, and garlic according to spinach package directions.  Drain well in sieve.  Press the spinach with the back of a spoon to release excess moisture.  Combine spinach, Feta, and oregano.  Lightly brush 1 sheet of phyllo dough with some of the melted butter.  Place another sheet on top, brush with butter again.  Place a third sheet and repeat with the butter.  Cover remaining phyllo with damp cloth to prevent drying.  Cut the stack of phyllo dough into 6 lengthwise strips.  For each triangle, spoon about 1 tsp. of the spinach mixture about 1 inch from the end of the strip. Fold end over filling at 45 degree angle.  Continue folding into triangle shape that encases filling.  Continue with rest of phyllo dough and filling.  Place triangles on baking sheet.  Brush with butter and bake in 375F oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden.  Serve warm.

 

Brie Basil Tomato Pasta

Brie Basil Tomato Pasta

Dice about 8 Roma tomatoes into a bowl. Add a couple pinches of sugar and stir.  Add a few tsp. of balsamic vinegar (more if you like that taste). Drizzle olive oil over the mixture.  Add fresh basil (I usually use a handful or two). Stir and let marinate while you cook the pasta (it can also be made ahead of time and allowed to marinate longer). Cook angel hair pasta.  Place cubes of brie into bowls or serving bowl.  Pour hot pasta over the brie and toss.  Put tomato mixture over the pasta/brie.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Fat Smash Hearty Black Bean Soup

Fat Smash Hearty Black Bean Soup

1 lb. black beans (soaked in water overnight or for at least 6 hours)

2 medium onions, chopped

2 small carrots, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 T. fresh lemon juice

 

Drain the beans. Put them in a large pot and add water to cover. Simmer beans until they are soft, about 1 1/2 hours. Sauté’ onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil. Add garlic, oregano, cumin, and soy sauce. Cook, while stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the vegetables to the beans. Cook for another 30 minutes. Add more water if necessary. Just before serving, add the lemon juice.

Cotija Crusted Quesadilla with Basil, Red Chiles and Charred Corn Relish (Bobby Flay)

Cotija Crusted Quesadilla with Basil, Red Chiles and Charred Corn Relish (Bobby Flay)

Cotija Crusted Quesadilla with Basil, Red Chiles and Charred Corn Relish (Bobby Flay)

 

12 (6 inch) flour tortillas

1 ½ c. grated Monterey Jack Cheese (about 6 ounces)

8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

2 large red jalapeno chiles, finely diced (I used green jalapenos)

¼ c. fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Salt & Pepper

2 T. canola oil

¼ c. grated Cotija cheese

2 t. Ancho chile powder

Smoked Red Pepper Sauce (recipe follows)

Charred Corn Relish (recipe follows)

 

Smoked Red Pepper Sauce (Make first)

 

Makes about 2 ½ cups

4 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped

½ small red onion coarsely chopped

4 cloves of roasted garlic

¼ c. red wine vinegar

1 T. honey

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. chipotle chile in Adobo sauce, puree

Salt & Pepper

½ c. canola oil

 

Roast the red peppers and the garlic in a 375 oven until peppers are charred and garlic is tender. Set garlic aside. Put peppers in a bowl and cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let sit for about 15 minutes. Peel, halve and seed. (Peppers and chiles can be roasted ahead and stored for about 5 days in the refrigerator.) Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender or processor and blend until smooth. With motor running slowly add oil and blend until emulsified. Strain into a bowl. (Can be made one day ahead and refrigerated)

Charred Corn Relish (Make Second)

 

4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed from the cobs

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. honey

2 T. chopped fresh basil

Salt & Pepper

 

Combine all ingredients, S&P to taste. Let sit at room temp for at least 15 minutes or up to one hour before serving.

 

To Assemble:  Preheat oven to 425. Place 8 tortillas on a flat surface and divide in order, the Monterey Jack, goat cheese, jalapenos and basil among the tortillas. Season with salt and pepper. Stack the tortillas to make 4 2-layer tortillas and top each with the one remaining tortilla. ** Brush the tops with oil and sprinkle with the cotija cheese and the chile powder.  Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the tortillas are lightly browned and the cheese has melted. Cut into quarters and top with the Charred Corn Relish and a drizzle of Smoked Red Pepper Sauce.  ** You don’t have to do triple layers…I like it better with just two tortillas instead of three.

Fat Smash Greek Vegetable Stew with Garbanzo Beans

Fat Smash Greek Vegetable Stew with Garbanzo Beans

1 tsp. Olive Oil

2 C. diced Onion

1 1/2 C. diced Green Bell Pepper

2 C. sliced Mushrooms

2 C. sliced Artichoke Hearts

1 tsp. Cumin

1 pinch Cinnamon

2 tsp. Minced Garlic

1 1/2 qt. Vegetable Stock

3 C. Roma Tomatoes, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 C. cooked (or rinsed canned) Garbanzo Beans

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

1/3 C. Kalamata Olives, pitted and sliced

1 tsp. minced fresh Oregano

2 tsp. minced Mint

2 tsp. minced Dill

1/2 C. crumbled Feta Cheese

 

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over high heat and add onion, pepper, mushrooms, artichokes, cumin and cinnamon. Cook until golden brown, approximately five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and stir. Cook for 30 seconds just until the aromas are released. Add stock and simmer for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and garbanzo beans and simmer an additional five minutes. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, olives and herbs and serve in bowls garnished with crumbled feta.

Artichoke Gnocchi with Thyme

Artichoke Gnocchi with Thyme

3 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

4 artichoke hearts, minced

2 eggs, beaten

9 oz bread without crusts, cubed

1 C. dry white wine

3/4 C. Freshly grated parmesan cheese plus additional cheese, for serving

salt

3 T. butter

1 sprig thyme

 

Heap the flour on a pastry board and make a well in the center. Add the artichoke hearts, eggs, bread, wine, Parmesan and a pinch of salt. Knead vigorously; set aside to rest for about 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth. Knead the dough and shape into a thin cylinder. Cut the dough into 3/4 in lengths. Cook the gnocchi in plenty of boiling salted water; drain. In a skillet heat the butter with the thyme sprig. Sauté the gnocchi quickly. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan and serve.

Alton Brown’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Alton Brown’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

 

1/2 pound elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

3 cups milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko bread crumbs

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.  While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it’s free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.  Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.  Melt the butter in a sauté pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.  Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese.

Alton Brown’s Next Day Mac and Cheese “Toast”

Alton Brown’s Next Day Mac and Cheese “Toast”

 

Leftover baked macaroni and cheese, refrigerated for at least overnight

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 egg beaten with 2 ounces water

1 cup panko bread crumbs

Oil for deep frying, preheated to 375 degrees

 

Cut refrigerated macaroni and cheese into slices or bite size pieces.  Season the flour with salt, pepper and cayenne. Dredge each piece through the flour and gently tap off excess. Dip in the egg wash and then coat with the bread crumbs. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes so the crust can set. Very carefully drop into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet fitted with a rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Acorn Squash, Pear and Adzuki Soup with Sautéed Shiitakes

Acorn Squash, Pear and Adzuki Soup with Sautéed Shiitakes

2 T. peanut oil

1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/4 inch thin slices

1 red pepper, cut into 1/4 inch thin slices

2 tsp. minced ginger

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice

2 acorn squashes, seeded, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks

2 firm bosc pears, peeled, seeds removed and sliced into thin slices (roughly one inch long)

4 C. vegetable broth

15 oz can adzuki beans, drained and rinsed (about a C. and a half)

1 T. fresh lime juice

4 oz fresh shiitakes, sliced in half (about a C. and a half)

2 tsp. peanut oil

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1 T. soy sauce

 

Preheat a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil and sauté the onions and peppers for about 10 minutes, or until onions just begin to brown. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté a minute more. Add the salt, Chinese five spice, acorn squash and pear and cook for another minute, stirring often. Add the vegetable broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, set the heat to medium-low to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Puree half the soup by transferring half the soup to a food processor or blender and then back into the rest of the soup. Add the adzuki beans and lime. Cover and simmer on low, just until the beans are heated through. While the soup is heating, prepare the mushrooms. Preheat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium high heat. Add the oils and sauté the mushrooms for about 7 minutes, until they are soft. Add the soy sauce and stir constantly until the soy sauce is absorbed (about 1 minute). Ladle soup into bowls and top with sautéed mushrooms.

About 15-minute Soup with Spinach, Artichokes and Tortellini

About 15-minute Soup with Spinach, Artichokes and Tortellini

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (or EVOO, to Ray fans)

6 cremini (baby portobello) or white mushrooms, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

6 C. chicken stock or broth

1 12- to 16-oz. package fresh refrigerated tortellini, any variety

1 lb. fresh triple-washed spinach, stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese

Crusty bread, to pass at the table

 

Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO, mushrooms and onions, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, add the artichokes and stock, raise the heat and bring to a boil. Add the tortellini to the pot and return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the tortellini floats and is cooked through. Fold in the spinach until it has all wilted into the soup. Turn off the heat and serve the soup. Top shallow bowls of soup with cheese and pass bread at the table.

15-Minute Tomato and Bean Stoup

15-Minute Tomato and Bean Stoup

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

2 celery ribs, chopped

1 small zucchini, sliced

2 C. vegetable or chicken stock or broth

1 15oz can diced tomatoes

1 15oz can tomato sauce

1 10oz box frozen cut green beans

1 10oz box frozen cut yellow beans

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

1 C. fresh basil leaves, torn or shredded

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese

Crusty bread

 

Add the EVOO to a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stir, then add the onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook 10 minutes, then add the stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Bring the stoup up to a bubble and season with salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and wilt the basil into the stoup. Ladle up the stoup and serve with the grated cheese and crusty bread.

10 Minute Tuscan Tomato Soup

10 Minute Tuscan Tomato Soup

 

1 jar (24 to 26 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed

1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers

2 T.  extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic

1 3/4 C. chicken broth

1/4 C. thin strips fresh basil leaves

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

Put sauce, beans, peppers, oil and garlic in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Pour into a medium saucepan along with the broth. Stirring often, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; stir in basil. Spoon into bowls; grind pepper on top.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 296

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 9g

 

 

Parmesan Toasts:   Heat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place 12 thin slices French bread on foil; sprinkle each slice with 1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes until lightly toasted.

Green Chili and Tortilla Casserole

Green Chili and Tortilla Casserole

2 flour tortillas (approximately 6 inch diameter)

2 fresh green chili peppers

1 bell pepper

1/2 C. low fat or nonfat milk

1 oz. low fat or nonfat shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp. dried parsley

4 oz. liquid egg whites

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Dice green chili pepper and bell pepper, set aside. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Tear tortilla into bite-sized pieces and spread over the bottom of the casserole. Top with half of the chopped green chili and bell pepper, and half of the cheese. Repeat layering. Combine liquid egg whites, milk and parsley and gently pour over casserole. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Tomato Tart with Lime Butter

Tomato Tart with Lime Butter

Tart Ingredients:
A bit of All-purpose Flour
1/2 lb. Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
2 lbs. Ripe Tomatoes, cored, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
Juice of 1 large Lemon

2 Shallots or Green Onions (Mild), minced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. fresh Parsley, minced

1/2 tsp. fresh Basil, minced

1/2 tsp. fresh Thyme, minced

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste

Lime Butter Ingredients:

Juice of 1 large Lime

8 Tbs. (1/4 pound) Unsalted Butter, cut into single tablespoon portions

2 Tbs. Heavy Cream

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

1/2 cup Ripe Tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced for garnish

 

Special Equipment:

Six 4-inch Tartlet Pans

Dried Beans or Rice for use as Pastry Weights

Preheat oven to 400-F degrees and set up the mise-en-place. (Mise-en-place defined: French cookery technique whereby you arrange each ingredient in the prepared portion and sequence you’ll require it to prepare your recipe. Also known as an invaluable timesaver.) Sprinkle a bit of flour on a clean surface and roll out the pastry dough to an approximately 10 by 15-inch rectangle. With a sharp knife, cut the pastry into six equal-sized squares, each  about 5 inches on a side. Gently place each square into a 4-inch tartlet pan and trim any excess dough from the edges. With a fork, prick the bottom of the pastry all over its surface. Line the pastry shells with foil cut to size and spread dried beans or rice over the foil. (If you don’t weight the pastry, you’ll end up with uneven puffing during baking, which makes for an ugly, unbalanced tart.) Set the tartlet pans on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Remove the foil andweights, then carefully remove the delicate baked pastry shells from the tartlet pans. Set them on a wire rack to cool completely. (Don’t turn off the oven, though; you’re not finished yet!) While the shells are baking, place the chopped tomatoes in a colander and let drain for at least 15 minutes. Pat the diced tomatoes dry with paper towels. (It’s important to remove as much water as possible, otherwise your tarts will be soggy. You will want to blot the tomatoes during baking, also: Work quickly as you remove the excess water with a triple-folded paper towel.) In a large glass mixing bowl, combine the drained tomatoes with the lemon juice, shallots or green onions, garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently stir in the olive oil. Place your baking sheet to the oven for about five minutes to warm. Remove the hot sheet from the oven and place the cooled pastry shells on it. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the tomato mixture into each shell. Make sure not to overfill the pastry shells. Bake for abot 15 minutes, blotting excess water at least once. Sprinkle with a splash of black pepper and let cool for about five minutes prior to serving. Meanwhile, prepare the lime butter in a small saucepan: Mix the lime juice with an equal amount of water (no more than 1/3 cup). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, and boil for about 3 minutes or until it’s reduced by half. Whisk in the butter, a tablespoon at a time, until thoroughly combined. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into the top half of a double boiler and place over hot water to keep warm. Spoon the lime butter onto your six serving plates. Set a tomato tart on top and garnish with the diced tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice

1 egg 

2 T. chicken broth or water 

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce 

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1/3 C. finely chopped onion 

1/3 C. shredded carrots 

1/3 C. frozen baby peas 

1 1/2 C. cold cooked brown rice 

 

In a small bowl, combine the egg, broth or water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Beat with a fork until smooth. Set aside. Set a nonstick skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrots, and peas. Toss. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the rice. Toss and cook for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Reduce the heat to medium. Scrape the rice mixture to the sides of the pan. Pour the egg mixture into the well. Cook, stirring the egg mixture into the rice mixture, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 152

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 2g

Balanced & Bright Jasmine Rice with Seasonal Vegetables, Golden Raisins, and Pistachios

Balanced & Bright Jasmine Rice with Seasonal Vegetables, Golden Raisins, and Pistachios

Balanced & Bright Jasmine Rice with Seasonal Vegetables, Golden Raisins, and Pistachios

 

1 C. uncooked jasmine rice

2 C. bone broth or stock of your choice

 

Dressing ingredients:

1 small shallot

1 clove garlic

2 T. flat-leaf parsley

2 T. red balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. fresh oregano

2 tsp. basil

1/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. black pepper

 

Salad ingredients:

2 C. bite-size pieces of assorted seasonal vegetables of your choice (such as cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, peas, cabbage, beets, carrots, radishes, broccoli florets, and so on)

3/4 C. hand-torn seasonal mixed leafy greens, sprouts, and herbs

1/3 C. chopped red, yellow, or white onion or green onions

1/4 C. toasted pistachios, chopped (sunflower seeds and pine nuts are great alternatives)

1/4 C. dried currants

 

Start the day before if you want to soak the rice.  Cook rice per the package directions using bone broth in place of water (1 C. of rice to 2 C. of bone broth will yield 2 C. cooked rice for this recipe). Dressing instructions: Place shallot, garlic, herbs, and vinegar in a blender or food processor, and blend until combined. Add sea salt and pepper. With the blender or food processor running, slowly drizzle in oil. Process dressing until well combined. Salad instructions: Place salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. Assembling the meal:  Drizzle the vegetables in your serving bowl with 3 Tbsp, dressing and toss to coat.

Serve over a bed of your cooked rice. Add additional dressing to individual bowls, to taste.

Zucchini & Goat Cheese Tart

Zucchini & Goat Cheese Tart

Zucchini & Goat Cheese Tart

 

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) cold unsalted butter, ½-inch-diced

½ teaspoon white wine vinegar

5 tablespoons ice water

1½ pounds zucchini, unpeeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick

2 tablespoons good olive oil, divided

8 ounces plain creamy goat cheese, such as Montrachet, at room temperature

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest

 

Place the flour, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and the butter in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse 12 to 14 times, until the butter is the size of peas. With the processor running, pour the vinegar and ice water through the feed tube and continue to process and pulse until the dough just comes together. Dump out on a floured board, form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place the zucchini in a colander set over a plate. Toss it with 2 teaspoons of salt and set aside for 30 minutes. Spread the zucchini out on a clean dish towel, roll it up, and squeeze gently to remove some of the liquid. Put the zucchini slices into a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. With a fork, mash together the goat cheese, thyme, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Roll the dough out on a floured board to an 11-inch circle and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Spread the dough with the goat cheese mixture, leaving a ½-inch border. Lay the zucchini slices in tightly overlapping circles, starting at the very edge of the -pastry (the zucchini will shrink when it bakes). Continue over-lapping circles of zucchini until the whole tart is covered. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with pepper. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the dough is golden brown. Cut in wedges and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Cactus Salad Tacos

Cactus Salad Tacos

Cactus Salad Tacos

Mission Artisan Tortillas

1 ½ lbs nopales-cooked (grilled or broiled), sliced in strips

1 small onion, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

½ bunch of cilantro chopped

1 ½ tbsp lime juice

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp Mexican dried oregano, crushed

1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

 

De-spine, roast or grill the cactus paddles, then slice in strips. Chop onion and tomatoes and mix with the nopales and cilantro. Chill for about 15 minutes. In a separate bow add lime juice, oil, salt, pepper and oregano and stir to blend. Add to cactus salad and gently toss. Warm up your tortillas on a skillet. Assemble the tacos. Garnish with Cotija cheese.

Authentic Manicotti Crepes

Authentic Manicotti Crepes

4 eggs

2 cup water

1 tsp. salt

2 cup flour

Oil

 

2 lbs. ricotta cheese

8 oz. shredded mozzarella

2 tsp. parsley

1 large egg

3/4 cup grated romano cheese

2 C. Homemade Marinara Sauce

Salt & pepper to taste

 

Crepes: Whisk together eggs & water. Add flour & salt and continue to whisk until all of the lumps are gone. Heat a 6-7″ nonstick skillet. Lightly brush the skillet with oil. Pour a gravy size spoon of batter into the skillet. Cook each side until lightly brown. Place the crepe onto a dish. Repeat the process until all of the batter is done. Make sure to place a piece of wax paper between each crepe. Wrap crepes in foil and set aside.  Filling: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, parsley, egg & 1/2 cup of romano cheese together. Add salt & pepper to taste.  Coat a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Take a crepe and spoon the filling into the center. Roll up the crepe and place it in the dish. Continue until all the crepes are finished. Cover with the remaining sauce & sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of romano cheese on top. Bake for 30-45 minutes.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Cornhusker Corn Casserole

Cornhusker Corn Casserole

 

2 C. canned yellow or white hominy, drained and patted dry

2 C. fresh corn kernels, preferably, or 2 C. frozen and thawed corn kernels

1 garlic clove, minced

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 C. milk

4 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil or butter a baking dish or casserole.  In the baking dish, stir together the hominy and corn leveling off the top of the mixture with a rubber spatula. Top with the garlic and cheddar. Whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, and cayenne in medium bowl, and pour this mixture over the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is bubbling. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes, and serve hot.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

 

Artichoke and Walnut Pesto Pasta

Artichoke and Walnut Pesto Pasta

Coarse salt

1 lb. penne rigate pasta

4 oz. walnut pieces, toasted (about 1/3 C.)

1 15oz can artichoke hearts, drained

1 large garlic clove, cracked away from the skin

Zest of 1 lemon

a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Coarse black pepper

1/4 tsp grated or ground nutmeg

1/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil

3 C. coarsely chopped arugula or baby spinach leaves.

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water liberally, then add the pasta and cook al dente. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the nuts, artichoke hearts, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, cheese, some pepper, and nutmeg and pulse the ingredients until chopped. Turn the processor on and stream in the EVOO in a slow stream until the pesto forms. It should be thick and paste like in consistency. Place the pesto in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Drain the pasta and add the hot pasta to the bowl. Add the arugula and toss to wilt the greens and evenly coat the pasta with the pesto. Adjust the salt and pepper to serve.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Spanakopita with Fresh Herbs and Wild Greens

Spanakopita with Fresh Herbs and Wild Greens

Spanakopita with Fresh Herbs and Wild Greens

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped onion, leeks, scallions, or a combination

2 pounds greens, chopped into bite-size pieces

Salt

4 eggs, beaten

2 cups cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

1{1/2} cups crumbled feta cheese (about {1/2} pound)

1 head garlic, cloves peeled and chopped

{1/2} cup chopped fresh basil

{1/2} cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

Freshly ground black pepper

{3/4} cup (1{1/2} sticks) butter, melted

1 (1-pound) package frozen phyllo dough, defrosted

Ground paprika, dried chives, dill seeds, or fennel seeds (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the greens in several layers, salting lightly as you go. I use a large soup pot because 2 pounds of greens is a lot, and it usually fills the whole pot. Put the lid on and cook over medium-low heat, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, until the greens have cooked down to about one-quarter of their original volume. Put the greens in a colander to drain and set aside to cool. I like to set the colander over a pan and collect the drippings; they are flavorful and nutritious and can be used like broth in your cooking. Combine the eggs with the cottage cheese, feta, garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano, and season generously with pepper. Once the greens have drained and cooled, stir them into the mixture. With a pastry brush, grease the inside of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with some of the melted butter. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the dish so that only half of it covers the bottom of the pan, with the extra hanging over one of the long ends of the pan. Brush the half of the sheet that’s in the pan with melted butter. Lay another sheet on top, again with only half the sheet covering the bottom of the pan, setting it exactly on top of the first sheet, and brush with butter. Continue this process until you have laid out and buttered 8 sheets, then repeat with another 8 sheets, only with the extra spilling out over the opposite side of the pan. Add the filling, spreading it out evenly to the edges of the pan. Fold the pieces of phyllo dough over the top, alternating between sides, brushing each layer with butter. Layer any remaining phyllo dough on top, folding each piece to fit the pan and brushing with butter between each layer. Continue layering the phyllo dough until you run out of space in the pan, phyllo dough, or butter! Dust the top with paprika, dried chives, and dill or fennel seeds, if desired. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Cut into pieces and serve hot (although it is also yummy cold).

 

Green Substitutions: For this dish I like to combine wild greens like dandelion, nettle, galinsoga, lamb’s-quarters, and sorrel with cultivated greens like spinach, Swiss chard, kale, and tatsoi, but you can use whatever you have available. If you do not have fresh herbs, you can substitute 1 tablespoon each of dried basil, parsley, and oregano for the fresh herbs.

Animal Face Pizzas

Animal Face Pizzas

8 ounces or 1 cup strong plain flour

2 teaspoons fast action dried yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons oil

5 fluid ounces or 3 quarters cup water

 

1 shallot, finely chopped, 25g

1/2 small leek, thinly sliced, 15g

1 small carrot, peeled and grated, 40g

1/4 zucchini, grated

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small clove garlic, crushed

3 tablespoons tomato puree

2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

1 14 ounce tin chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 teaspoon sugar

 

3  ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

small bunch of basil leaves, chopped

6 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

2 cups mature cheddar cheese, grated

Extra Toppings for Decoration

 

ham

sweet pepper

mushrooms

pepperoni

sweetcorn

olives

 

First make the dough. Put the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl and pour in the oil and water. Stir with a wooden spoon and then use your hands to mix everything together. Sprinkle a little extra flour over a clean work surface, then knead the dough for about 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively you can knead in an electric mixer using a dough hook for 3 to 4 minutes. Oil a large bowl, pop in the dough and cover with clingy plastic warp. Leave in a warm place for about one and a half hours or until the dough has doubled in size. To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the vegetables for 8-10 minutes, until soft but not colored. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Transfer to a blender, add the tomato paste, ketchup, tomatoes and sugar and whiz until smooth. Return to the pan and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and allow to cool slightly. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Once you think the dough has risen you can test to see if it is ready. Poke holes in the dough and if the holes remain, its ready. Punch down with your fists and place on a floured surface. Knead the dough again for a couple of minutes. Divide the dough into 12 or 6 balls. Roll out using a rolling pin until about the thickness of a coin to 3.5 inches or 7 inch circles. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. For extra crispy bases, preheat a baking sheet until hot and put the pizzas on the hot baking sheets. Spread the pizza sauce over each of the pizza bases. Arrange some sliced tomatoes and basil over the top. Sprinkle over the cheeses and season with salt and pepper. Cook in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Once the pizza is cooked you can use your favorite toppings to decorate the pizzas with faces. Variation: You could use split toasted English Muffins as bases for the pizzas if you don’t have time to make your own dough. Simply preheat the grill to high. Toast the base of the muffin halves. Turn them over, then spread 1 tbsp of sauce on each cut surface. Scatter over the cheese and let the children design a face on their pizza made of vegetables. Grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

 

From The Fussy Eaters’ Recipe Book

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Alla Checca

Alla Checca

4 tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 C. chopped fresh basil

1/4 C. chopped fresh mint, optional

1/2 C. olive oil

Salt to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 to 1 pound pasta

 

Combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil in a glass bowl. Season with salt. Cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit at room temperature at least 1 hours, or up to 8 hours.  Cook pasta until al dente. Drain. Pour uncooked sauce over hot pasta, and toss.  Add grated Parmesan cheese to your liking and serve with Italian bread.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Pearled Barley Risotto with Sherried Mushrooms & Leeks

Pearled Barley Risotto with Sherried Mushrooms & Leeks

Pearled Barley Risotto with Sherried Mushrooms & Leeks

 

Olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup uncooked pearled barley

4 to 5 cups chicken or vegetable stock or water, warmed and held over low heat, divided

1 leek, washed of grit and sliced into thin ribbons

2 cups button mushrooms, whole if small or chopped if large Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons sherry or marsala

 

Cover the bottom of a 5-quart stockpot with a thin layer of olive oil and heat over medium-high. When heated, cook and stir the onion until soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the pearled barley and cook until starting to brown, about 2 minutes more. Pour in 1 cup of the chicken stock and reduce the heat to medium/medium-low. Stir the barley-onion mixture until all the liquid is incorporated. Add another cup of the stock. Continue stirring and adding stock in this fashion, 1 cup at a time, until the barley is cooked al dente, about 40 minutes. Note that cooking time can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the moisture content, germ thickness, and age of the barley. While the barley is cooking, prep the vegetables. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Cook and stir the leek until softened, about 5 minutes. Add as many mushrooms as can fit in the pan and season with a few pinches of salt. Cook the mushrooms down, stirring occasionally, and add the rest in batches by the handful until all the mushrooms are incorporated. When they stop releasing moisture, turn the heat to medium-high and stir continuously. When the pan seems dry and the mushroom-leek mixture begins to brown and stick, pour in the sherry to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any brown bits and cook for another minute, then remove the mixture from the heat and set aside. When the risotto is al dente, stir the mushroom-leek mixture into the stockpot. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve and, if desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.

Instant Pot Balsamic Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Balsamic Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Balsamic Mushroom Risotto

2 + 1 T. olive oil divided

2 + 1 T. butter divided

8 oz crimini or baby bella mushrooms sliced

8 oz wild mushrooms (shitake, oyster, etc.), sliced

1 1/2 T. balsamic vinegar

2 shallots finely diced

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

1 tsp. celery seed

1/2 cup white wine

3 cups chicken broth warmed, or vegetable

2/3 cup grated parmesan

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped italian parsley optional

 

Add 2 T. olive oil and 2 T. butter to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function and adjust to MORE or HIGH. When oil gets hot and butter is melted, add sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes, then drain off any excess liquid. Add soy sauce and cook and stir an additional 7 minutes. Add 1 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter to the pot and stir to melt. Add shallots, rice and celery seed to the pot and cook and stir 3 minutes. Add wine and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add warmed broth and stir. Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed. Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 6 minutes.

When the time is up, quick-release the remaining pressure. Stir risotto until desired consistency is reached (about 2-3 minutes) returning to SAUTE mode as needed. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately garnished with chopped Italian parsley.

Spinach Tomato and Mushroom Frittata

Spinach Tomato and Mushroom Frittata

Spinach Tomato and Mushroom Frittata

6 large eggs, beaten

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup coarsely chopped white mushrooms

2 cups baby spinach

1 medium tomato, diced

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, 1/8 teaspoon of the salt, the pepper, and the basil. Set aside. In a medium oven-safe skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook, stirring, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the spinach and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and cook until the spinach wilts, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato. Spread the vegetables so that they cover the bottom of the skillet. Pour the egg mixture over the top and cook until the edges set, about 1 minute. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the eggs are set in the center, 10 to 12 minutes. Slide the frittata out of the skillet onto a cutting board. Slice into wedges, then serve.

Noelle’s tip: To easily slide the frittata oat of the skillet, ran a silicone spatula around the edge to gently loosen it from the pan.

Fall to Your Knees Mac and Cheese

Fall to Your Knees Mac and Cheese

3 1/2 cups large elbow macaroni

12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into 1-inch squares

10 ounces white Vermont cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch squares

15 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded

1 to 2 cups Jack and cheddar cheese (combined), shredded

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

2/3 cup sour cream

1 1/3 cups heavy cream

1 1/3 cups half-and-half

1 egg

2 2/3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh if you have it)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

A pinch of paprika

1 tablespoon fresh chives, for garnish

 

Hit it: Smile. Know that you are about to prepare the best mac and cheese ever!  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13×9-inch nonstick metal baking pan with 2 tablespoons of butter. Prepare the macaroni according to package directions, but make sure it’s al dente. (Huh? It should still be a little firm.) Be sure to add a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil to the boiling water while cooking. Drain pasta well and pour into the baking pan.  In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, half-and-half and sour cream; break up the cream cheese into little bits with your (clean!) fingers as you add it to the bowl. Add the eggs, flour, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powder, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Combine very well with a wire whisk to break up the cream cheese. It will look lumpy, but that’s OK.  Starting at the corners of the pasta dish, place and push down the Velveeta and white Vermont cheddar cubes. Work your way around and toward the middle (they won’t push down completely, but just smoosh them down a bit). Now, sprinkle the fabulous Gruyere cheese evenly over the top – gently and evenly pour the artery-clogging mixture on it, covering all areas. Gently shake the pan afterwards for a second to make sure the liquid is even. I know it sounds gross, but push down and make little holes into areas of the mixture with your fingers. (You’re just getting some of that Gruyere down deeper below the surface, and bringing some of that liquid up to the surface.) Wash your hands!  Sprinkle the jack-and-cheddar combo over this mixture and sprinkle the paprika on top. Put this baby in the oven (make sure your oven rack is right in the middle) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until it starts to get brownish and bubbly all over. It will be creamy in the center and more crusty on the top and edges. Chop some fresh chives and get those taste buds ready. When it’s done, garnish with the chives (but try not to eat part of the crusty top before you serve it. I’m watching you!).   Get out of town! This is actually a one-way ticket to paradise. Serves 10.

Healthy Pasta Birds Nests for Kids

Healthy Pasta Birds Nests for Kids

1/2 stick butter, softened

1 tsp garlic paste or one crushed clove of garlic

1 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp onion salt

12 oz package of spinach fettuccine noodles (or other long noodles that are either green or brown, like whole wheat noodles)

1 container of cherry tomatoes

1 package of pre-made puff pastry or can of Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations (basically unscored crescent roll dough)

 

You will also need a bird cookie cutter

Combine the butter, garlic, basil, oregano and onion salt together, and stir into a garlic butter paste (yum.)  Next, roll out your puff pastry or crescent roll dough and cut out as many birds as you can fit (with my cookie cutter and the Pillsbury dough, I got 10 birds out of it). Place them on an ungreased nonstick cookie sheet. Spread the garlic butter on the top of the birds as shown. You won’t use all of the garlic butter, save the rest for the pasta.  Bake the birds according to the bread package directions. Check them early, as I baked mine for about 11 minutes and the package called for 13 minutes. The smaller your birds, the less time they need to bake.  Cook the spinach fettuccine according to the package directions. Drain and toss with the remaining garlic butter and salt to taste. Place the noodles onto your plate and spread out the noodles a bit to make a well in the center. Place your cherry tomatoes and baked garlic bread birds into the “nests” and enjoy!

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

 

2 T. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 large clove of garlic, minced

1 T. curry

1 T. tomato paste

15 oz can of chick peas drained, reserving 3 T. liquid

1/2 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

 Fresh black pepper

Crushed red pepper, optional to taste

1 T. margarine

 

Heat oil on medium high heat. Fry onions until slightly browned. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, curry, and paste. Stir and simmer about 2 minutes. Add chick peas, liquid, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add red pepper to taste. Add margarine, stirring through to melt it. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes more or until peas are softened and dish is hot. Serve over rice.

 

Rainbow Rose Vegetable Tart

Rainbow Rose Vegetable Tart

Rainbow Rose Vegetable Tart

1 roll puff pastry

15 ounces ricotta cheese

2 eggs

3 ounces parmesan cheese

1 pinch nutmeg

1 pinch salt

2 T. olive oil

1 T. oregano

1/2 C. mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 large multi-colored carrots

2 zucchini

 

Unfold a puff pastry sheet over a tart pan. Place parchment paper or foil in the center and weight it down with beans or pie weight. Bake the tart base in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper. Let it cool. In a bowl, add the eggs, ricotta, grated parmesan cheese, grated nutmeg and pinch of salt. Add the mozzarella and oregano. Mix everything up until smooth. Slice strips of zucchini and carrots length-wise using a potato peeler or a mandolin. Place the slices in a bowl and cook in the microwave for 1 minute. This step will soften the slices and make them much easier to roll. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the tart base. Take one slice of a vegetable and roll it up very tightly – this will form the core of the rose. Take another slice and keep rolling. With around 2-3 slices you should obtain a decent-size rose bud. Place the bud in the center of the tart, pushing it down into the cheese. Keep rolling roses of different colors and place them one next to the other in a spiral formation. Brush olive oil on top of the vegetables and bake the tart at 375 degrees F for 50 minutes

Baby Heirloom Tomato Burrata Pizza with Basil Pesto

Baby Heirloom Tomato Burrata Pizza with Basil Pesto

Baby Heirloom Tomato Burrata Pizza with Basil Pesto

3/4 c. warm water

1 tsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. honey

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 T. olive oil

 

1 c. fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. pine nuts, finely chopped

1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese

zest of 1/2 a lemon

juice of 1/2 a lemon

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

4 T. olive oil, divided

1/2 lb. baby heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced

2 balls (8 oz.) burrata cheese

extra grated parm

extra chopped fresh basil for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 450℉. Begin by making the dough. Add warm water, yeast, and honey to a large bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form at the top. Add both flours, salt, and olive oil and stir until it starts to form a dough. Work it together using your hands onto a clean, dry countertop dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Knead for 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Form dough into a ball and place back in bowl and cover with a dish towel. Set aside. Make the garlic oil. Heat 3 T. of olive oil over medium heat and add half of the chopped garlic. Sauté, swirling the pan around frequently, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. Make the pesto. Combine basil, the remaining half of the chopped garlic, the pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper, and remaining T. of olive oil in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Lightly flour the countertop. Turn the dough out onto the countertop and use heel of your hand to press and stretch the dough out into a large rectangle shape (or circle if you have a pizza stone) until it’s about a 1/4-inch thick or less. If you want a super thin crust, you can use a rolling pin, but it isn’t necessary. Put the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet (I also rubbed the parchment with a little olive oil). Brush with about half of the garlic oil. Next, tear the balls of burrata into pieces onto the pizza dough. Then, lay the tomatoes on top. Next, sprinkle on the pesto. Top it with a little extra grated parm. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden around the edges and the cheese starts to get bubbly and golden too. Mine was perfect at 24 minutes. Let cool for several minutes before slicing. Top with extra chopped fresh basil and enjoy!

Italian Potato Dumpling Casserole

Italian Potato Dumpling Casserole

3/4 C. part-skim ricotta cheese

1/4 C. fresh basil, thinly sliced

1/2 C. (2 ounces) grated reduced-fat mozzarella, divided

2 T. (1/2 ounce) grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

3 C. basic tomato sauce

1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi

2 C. spinach leaves, thinly sliced

 

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lightly coat a 1 1/2-quart casserole or gratin dish with vegetable oil spray and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, basil, 1/4 C. of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until blended. Set aside. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the reserved dish. On top of the sauce, layer half of the gnocchi and spinach. Using half of the ricotta mixture, place small dollops on top of the spinach. Cover with another thin layer of sauce. Repeat the process, ending with sauce. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 C. mozzarella. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 250

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 4g

Magic Veggie Lasagna

Magic Veggie Lasagna

1 C. part-skim ricotta cheese

1 C. 1% cottage cheese

2 C. (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, divided

2 medium eggs

2 C. shredded carrots

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained

1 package (9 ounces) no-boil lasagna noodles

3 C. fat-free chunky garden-style pasta sauce

 

 

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Coat a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, cottage cheese, 1 C. mozzarella, eggs, carrots, and broccoli. Place 3 noodles in the reserved dish. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Drizzle on 1 C. of the sauce. Repeat the process two more times. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 C. mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbling. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 320

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 3g

Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry with Toasted Almonds

Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry with Toasted Almonds

1 pkg (16 oz) firm tofu

4 C. broccoli florets

3 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 sm jalapeno chile pepper, halved, seeded, and finely chopped (wear plastic gloves when handling)

3 1/2 tsp. soy sauce

2 Tsp. sliced almonds, lightly toasted

2 C. cooked brown rice

 

Place tofu on a plate, and top with a cutting board. Place several cans of food on the board to weight it down. Let tofu rest 30 minutes while water is squeezed out. Cut tofu into small cubes. While tofu drains, lightly steam broccoli until crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside. Heat 2 tsp. of oil in wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat. When hot, add tofu and cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes to brown. Transfer to a shallow bowl. Add the remaining 1 tsp. oil to wok, followed by scallions, garlic, pepper, and broccoli. Stir fry 2 minutes over medium high heat. Stir in soy sauce, almonds, and tofu, and gently toss to combine. Serve each portion with 1/2 C. of brown rice.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 307

Fat: 13g

Fiber: 6g

Torta Rustica

Torta Rustica

3 eggs

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1 C. shredded mozzarella

2 pounds ricotta

6 T. Romano, shredded

1 can black olives, drained and chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 chili pepper, seeded and chopped

1 refrigerated pie crust

 

Preheat oven to 350. Saute onion and pepper in a bit of butter. Combine all ingredients (except pie crust) in a large bowl and blend until smooth. Press crust into bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Add filling. Bake at 350 for one hour, until golden brown. If you want to experiment with the recipe, you could add diced vegetables (like broccoli or spinach), diced ham, or even diced apples.

 

Sesame Zoodles

Sesame Zoodles

Sesame Zoodles

1/4 C. soy sauce

2 T. Rice vinegar

2 tsp. Sriracha Sauce

1 T. creamy peanut butter

2 cloves minced garlic

2 T. sesame oil

Zoodles

4–5 medium zucchini

1 T. olive oil

*optional 2 T. sesame seeds

 

Whisk all the ingredients for your dressing together in a small bowl. Set aside. Using your Spiralizer, prepare zucchini into long noodles or ribbons. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add “zoodles” to skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened. You can skip this step altogether and serve the “zoodles” raw as well! Zucchini will release liquids, so when your “zoodles” are done cooking to the desired amount, drain before tossing with marinade. Toss with marinade and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm or cold.

Eggplant Alla Pizzaiola

Eggplant Alla Pizzaiola

1/4 C. (1 ounce) grated parmesan and Romano cheese blend

1 T. dried whole grain bread crumbs

2 tsp. minced garlic

3/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 1/4 pounds japanese or italian eggplant, cut into 1/4″-thick slices

4 ounces (one-quarter block) firm tofu, cut into 1/4″ pieces, patted dry

1 C. canned diced tomatoes

2 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 12″ x 8″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. On a sheet of waxed paper, combine the cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Dip both sides of the eggplant slices into the mixture. Shake off any excess. Arrange in slightly overlapping rows in the pan. Scatter on the tofu, tomatoes (with juice), and the remaining crumb mixture. Drizzle with the oil. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender when pierced with a knife. If desired, broil 6″ from the heat source for 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned on top.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 187

Fat: 11g

Fiber: 6g