Kristen's Recipes

6 medium tomatoes

2 medium zucchini, unpeeled cut into 1’4″ slices

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. parsely flakes

1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper

3 T. Olive oil

 

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place tomatoes stem side down on cutting board. Cut each tomato into8 wedges, cutting to about 1/2″ from bottom (not all the way through). Place tomatoes, cut side up in ungreased 12×8″ glass baking dish. Insert 2 zucchini slices between each slice in each tomato. In small bowl mix remaining ingredients, drizzle over tomatoes. Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes, until tomatoes are soft. Serve with slotted spoon.

3/4 C. butter

1/2 small onion, diced

1 bag frozen lima beans (I used the larger, fordhook lima beans)

1 t. salt

1/2 t. black pepper

1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes

4 Roma tomatoes, cut into sixths

3 ears fresh corn, boiled for 5 minutes and quartered

 

In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the lima beans and seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes, until beans are thawed and heated through. Add the tomatoes. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes just begin to give off some juice and cook down a bit. Add corn, stir to heat through. Remove from heat and serve hot or at room temperature.

1 tsp. stick margarine
2 tsp. sugar
Dash of ground red pepper
Dash of black pepper
Dash of ground cinnamon
1/2 C. chopped pecans
Cooking spray
3 (15-oz.) cans whole baby beets, undrained
1/4 C. red currant jelly
1/4 C. red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1 1/2 C. thinly sliced shallots
3 C. coarsely chopped red cabbage

Preheat oven to 325°. Melt the margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, red pepper, black pepper, and cinnamon; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in pecans. Spread pecan mixture onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325° for 8 minutes; cool. Set aside. Drain beets in a colander over a bowl, reserving 3 T. liquid. Combine reserved beet liquid, jelly, vinegar, salt, and white pepper; set aside. Cut beets in half; set aside. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add shallots; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add cabbage, and saute 10 minutes or until tender. Add jelly mixture and beets to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until liquid is slightly thick. Spoon into a bowl; sprinkle with pecan mixture.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 99
Fat: 2.3g
Fiber: 1.5g

3 fresh tomatoes
2/3 clove garlic
1/3 C. chopped fresh basil leaves
2/3 T. extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 oz. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 T. pine nuts

Cut the tomato in half. Combine the garlic, basil, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Spoon the mixture onto the top of each tomato half. Place the tomatoes on a broiler pan and broil about 3″ from the heat until lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 90
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g

6 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
Refrigerated butter-flavored spray
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) chili powder

Boil the corn in salted simmering water for 3 minutes. Remove from the water. Spray with butter flavored spray. Drizzle with lime juice and dust with chili powder.
Or, place each ear of corn on a sheet of aluminum foil, spray with butter flavored spay, drizzle with lime juice and chili powder. Wrap each ear in the foil. Grill for 10 minutes, turning every few minutes for even cooking. Remove the foil before serving.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 79
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g

1 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, fresh or frozen (remember to trim and clean fresh ones)

3 T. olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. diced garlic (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place sprouts, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper in a oven-safe pan/baking sheet and mix it up well so that the sprouts are well-coated. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, shaking pan every 5 to 7 minutes for even browning. Brussels sprouts should be, at the very least

1 T. olive oil
2 pints (about 1½ lbs total) small Brussels sprouts, trimmed
1 bag (8 oz) frozen small pearl onions, thawed
1 1/2 to 2 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 T. fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350°F. Warm oil in large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add sprouts; cook 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly golden. Add onions; cook 2 minutes, stirring, until golden. Pour broth into skillet to reach halfway up side of vegetables. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring broth to a simmer; transfer pan to oven. Roast 15 to 20 minutes, until a sharp knife easily slides through a sprout. Transfer to serving bowl; serve hot.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 70
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 4g

1-2 T. Olive Oil

1 1/2 – 2 lb. Beets, trimmed

1/3 C. Fruit Flavored Vinegar (or white wine vinegar mixed with 1 T. Fruit juice)

1 T. Honey

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

2 Shallots, finely minced

1/2 C. EVOO

1 T. Poppy Seeds

1 T. minced Chives

1 tsp. Lemon Zest (or 1 T. minced fresh Lemon Verbena or Lemon Balm)

Salt and Pepper

1 Red Onion, thinly sliced

Salad Greens for lining platter

Minced Chives or Hive Blossom Petals for Garnish

 

Preheat oven to 375.  Coat a large baking dish with olive oil and rub excess oil on beets, adding beets to dish.  Add enough water to just cover the bottom of the dish.   Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven until beets are tender when pierced with a knife, about an hour for large beets.  Remove from oven, uncover and let cool.  In large mixing bowl combine vinegar, honey mustard and shallots.  Slowly whisk in olive oil to make an emulsion.  Whisk in poppy seeds, chives, zest and salt and pepper to taste.  Add onion and toss well.  Let stand until beets are cool.    Carefully peel cooled beets; cut into 1/4” thick slices.  Gently toss beets with onions.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours before serving.  To serve, line a shallow bowl with salad greens.  Spoon beet salad in center of prepared dish.  Sprinkle with minced chives or chive blossoms and serve.

5 parsnips (approx)

2 T. Oil

1 tsp. Thyme

1 tsp. Rosemary

1 T. Honey 

 

Peel and cut parsnips into spears.  Toss with oil, spices and honey.  Roast in 350 degree oven until tender and gooey.

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 T. butter

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 small to medium yellow squash, sliced

Salt and pepper

2 T. chopped parsley leaves

2 T. chopped chives or 2 scallions, optional

 

Preheat skillet over medium high heat. Add oil, then butter. When butter melts, add red peppers and squash. Saute 12 to 14 minutes until squash is tender. Add salt, pepper and parsley. Add chives or scallions if you would like a layer of light onion flavor on the dish as well.

1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced

4 bunches spinach, washed and dried

Pinch hot pepper flakes

 

To a wok or saucepan over a low flame, add oil. Oil should be cold. Add garlic. Fry garlic for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove when garlic chips are brown and place towels to drain. Add spinach, and pepper flakes. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with garlic chips.

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 pound triple wash spinach, stems removed

1/4 tsp. grated fresh nutmeg

Coarse salt and black pepper

 

Add oil and garlic to a large skillet. Cook over low heat, until garlic is cooked through. Remove garlic. Add spinach to pan, turning to wilt. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

4-6 Artichokes

1/4 C. Sesame Oil

1/4 C. Olive Oil

3 T. Honey

2 T. Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Season Salt

2-3 oz Worcestershire

1 C. Mayonnaise

 

Combine all ingredients except artichokes and set aside to allow flavors to meld. Cut artichokes into quarters and steam, boil or microwave until they are tender and/or the leaves are easy to pull from the flower. Grill over any type of barbecue. Baste with garlic butter and grill until the artichokes are hot. Serve with dipping sauce.

6-8 asparagus spears, ends trimmed

1 T. olive oil

1/4 C. Parmesan, shaved with vegetable peeler or grater

zest of half a lemon

pinch of kosher salt

pinch ground black pepper

 

Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Lay out flat in toaster oven and toast on highest setting, making sure they don’t burn. Once stalks brown slightly and become tender, remove from heat. Toss with zest and cheese. Enjoy.

1 tsp. sesame seeds 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1/2 tsp. minced garlic 

1 pound baby spinach leaves 

2 T. water 

1 1/2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce 

 

Place the sesame seeds in a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes, or until golden. Remove to a bowl. Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the spinach, water, and soy sauce to the pan; toss with tongs. Cover for about 1 minute, or until the leaves wilt. Serve sprinkled with the sesame seeds.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 74

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 5g

1 1/4 pounds bulb fennel 

1/2 red onion (4 ounces) 

1 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin 

2 T. orange juice 

1/8 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. grated orange peel 

 

Cut off the tall fennel stalks. Save some of the leafy greens for garnish. Discard the stalks. Chop about 1 T. leaves and set aside. Quarter the bulbs. Cut out the core and discard. Cut the bulbs into 1/2″-thick slices. Halve the onion and cut into 1/2″-thick slices. Coat a skillet with vegetable oil spray. Set over high heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the sliced fennel, onion, juice, and salt. Toss. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until glazed and brown. Add a few drops of water to the pan occasionally and reduce the heat slightly if the mixture is browning too fast. Add the peel and reserved leaves for garnish. Toss and serve.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 91

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 5g

2 tsp. olive oil, preferably extra virgin 

1 pound orange or yellow bell peppers, cut into strips 

1/8 tsp. salt 

2 tsp. minced garlic 

balsamic vinegar 

1 T. pine nuts, toasted and chopped 

 

Set a skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the oil. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the peppers and salt. Toss to combine. Cover and cook, tossing occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the peppers are starting to soften. Add the garlic. Cook, tossing, for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Drizzle with vinegar to taste. Toss to heat through. Serve sprinkled with the nuts.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 78

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 1g

1 onion (8 ounces), cut into walnut-size chunks 

1 sweet potato (8 ounces), cut into walnut-size chunks 

1 turnip (6 ounces), cut into walnut-size chunks 

1 russet potato (6 ounces), cut into walnut-size chunks  or Carrot

2 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin 

2 tsp. herbes des Provence 

1/4 tsp. salt 

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, combine the onion, sweet potato, turnip, russet potato, oil, herbes de Provence, and salt. Toss to coat the vegetables with the seasoning. Roast for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden and tender. For a quick and satisfying roasted vegetable soup, reheat 1 serving of the vegetables with 1 C. of chicken or vegetable broth.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 90

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 2g

2 T. chicken or vegetable broth 

1 T. natural peanut butter 

1 tsp. soy sauce 

1/2 tsp. minced garlic 

1/2 tsp. sugar 

1 tsp. canola oil 

12 ounces chinese snow peas 

1/2 C. thinly sliced red bell pepper 

 

In a small bowl, combine the broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. Whisk to blend. Set aside. Coat a skillet or wok with vegetable oil spray. Set over high heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and swirl around the pan to coat. Let stand for 30 seconds. Add the snow peas and pepper. Toss. Cover and cook for 2 minutes, or until the peas are bright green. Reduce the heat to low. Add the reserved peanut butter mixture. Cook, tossing for 2 minutes, or until heated through.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 81

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 3g

1 pound broccoli 

1/4 C. smooth or chunky peanut butter 

2 T. rice vinegar 

1 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce 

1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar 

1 clove garlic, minced 

1 tsp. asian chile sauce 

2 T. hot water 

 

Cut the broccoli into long spears. Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and water to cover. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli spears and cook just until bright green and slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to the cold water to stop the cooking. When cool, drain well and blot dry. In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and chile sauce. Whisk together, adding hot water as necessary to make a sauce. Serve with the broccoli spears.

1 pound cauliflower florets, cut into walnut-size pieces 

2 tsp. olive oil 

1 tsp. minced garlic 

1/2 tsp. curry powder 

1/4 tsp. salt 

1 T. finely chopped parsley (optional) 

ground black pepper 

 

Fill a large skillet with enough water to come 1/2″ up the sides of the pan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower. Cover and cook, stirring once, over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Tip the pan and spoon out most of the water into a measuring C.. Set aside. Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the oil, garlic, curry powder, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing frequently and adding a T. at a time of the reserved water. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown. Sprinkle on the parsley, if using. Season to taste with pepper.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 53

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 3g

1 head red cabbage, chopped 

1 red onion, chopped 

3 tart apples, peeled and sliced 

1 clove garlic, chopped 

1 1/2 C. chopped fresh cranberries 

1 T. packed brown sugar 

1 1/2 tsp. packed brown sugar 

1 T. balsamic vinegar 

1 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar 

 

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Layer the cabbage, onion, apples, garlic, and cranberries in a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and vinegar. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until tender and cooked through. (The mixture will cook down by about half.) Stir before serving.

3/4 pound small italian or asian eggplant, cut into 1″ cubes 

3/4 C. shredded carrots 

1/2 C. canned tomato puree 

2 tsp. minced garlic 

1/8 tsp. salt 

pinch of red-pepper flakes 

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil 

2 T. chopped cilantro (optional) 

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a 13″ x 9″ nonstick baking pan, combine the eggplant, carrots, tomato puree, garlic, salt, and pepper flakes. Toss to mix well. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the eggplant is very tender. Drizzle with the sesame oil. Toss. Serve, sprinkled with cilantro, if using. Be sure to choose the small Asian or Italian eggplants for this dish. They’re milder than large pear-shaped eggplants, so there’s no need to peel them.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 68

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 4g

1 pound green beans, broken into 2″ lengths 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1 tsp. yellow mustard seeds 

1/2 tsp. minced garlic 

1/8 tsp. salt 

 

Pour enough water into a large skillet to come 1/2″ up the sides. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the beans. Cover and cook, tossing occasionally, for about 6 minutes or until bright green and crisp-tender. Reserve 1/4 C. of the cooking water. Drain the beans and return to the pan. Set the pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, seeds, garlic, and salt. Toss to evenly coat the beans with the seasonings. Cook over medium heat, tossing frequently, for about 3 minutes, or until the beans start to brown. Add a few drops of the reserved cooking water and reduce the heat slightly if the pan bottom starts to brown too quickly.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 54

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 4g

1 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into thirds 

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

2 tsp. olive oil, preferably extra virgin 

Pinch of salt 

Ground black pepper 

4 lemon wedges or white wine vinegar 

 

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a baking pan large enough to hold the asparagus in a single layer, combine the asparagus, cheese, oil, and salt. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender (time will vary depending upon the thickness of the asparagus). Season to taste with pepper. Serve with lemon wedges or a splash of vinegar.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 51

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 3g