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Category: Starches

Boursin and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

Boursin and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

Boursin and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

4 T. butter

5 T. flour

3 C. 1% milk

4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

2 5.2 oz packages Boursin cheese, crumbled

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

Salt & pepper, to taste

1/4 C. fresh parsley, chopped

4 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced and patted dry

2 oz grated parmesan

6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

 

In a small sauce pan, make your roux: Melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook mixture over low heat for a few minutes, so the raw flour taste is gone but the roux is still a pale yellow. Slowly whisk in the milk, and add the garlic and Boursin. Keep whisking until bubbly and thickened, about 10 minutes. The mixture should be the consistency of cheese sauce or warm queso. Add nutmeg, thyme, cayenne, parsley and salt & pepper to taste. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a buttered 9×13 baking dish, layer about 1/4 of the potato slices slightly overlapping one another. Top with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1/4 of the grated parmesan. Ladle over about 1/4 of the cream sauce & spread evenly over potatoes, top with 1/4 of the crumbled bacon. Repeat layers until you have used all your ingredients, making sure that you have enough cream sauce to cover the top layer. Finish with the last of the parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is brown and bubbly. Allow pan to sit for about 15 minutes to set up, so you can cut the potatoes into pieces.

Cheesy Bread Animals

Cheesy Bread Animals

Cheesy Bread Animals

2 C. Flour

Pinch of Salt

½ T. fast-acting dried Yeast

½ tsp. Honey

Pinch Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

2/3 C. Warm Water

½ C. Grated Cheddar Cheese

2 T. freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Decorations:

1 Egg, beaten

Raisins, Sesame Seeds

Poppy Seeds

Grated Cheddar Cheese

 

Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl.  Stir in yeast, honey, cayenne and mustard and just enough of the water to form a soft dough.  Transfer to a floured surface and knead lightly about 5 minutes to make a smooth pliable dough.  Gradually knead the grated cheeses into the dough (this will produce a slightly streaky effect).  Shape the dough into six animal figures and transfer to a floured baking sheet.  Cover loosely with a clean towel and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Brush with beaten egg and add raisins for eyes, sprinkle the tops with sesame or poppy seeds, or grated cheese.  Transfer to preheated oven and bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown.  Leave on wire rack to cool.

 

from First Meals

Cheesy Pretzels

Cheesy Pretzels

Cheesy Pretzels

2 C. All Purpose Flour

¼ C. grated Cheddar Cheese

2 T. cold Butter, diced

2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Sugar

½ tsp. Salt

1/3 C. Milk

1 Egg, lightly beaten

Coarse Sea Salt

Sesame Seeds

Extra Grated Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 400.  Place flour, cheese, butter, baking powder, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl and mix together with your fingers.  Gradually add milk to form a ball of dough.  Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and roll the dough around a few times.  Knead by folding, pressing, pushing and turning; repeat about 10 times.  Rough dough into a rectangle about 10 x 7 inches.  Cut the dough lengthwise into strips, each about ½” wide.  Pinch edges and twist each strip into a pretzel shape (try twists or knots instead of just the traditional shape).  Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with salt, sesame seeds, or grated cheese.  Bake 10-12 minutes, until golden.

 

 

from: Favorite Family Meals

Easy Pesto Pinwheels

Easy Pesto Pinwheels

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1/4 C. basil pesto

1/4 C. chopped roasted red bell peppers (from a jar)

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Unroll dough and separate into 4 rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal.  Spread pesto over each rectangle to within 1/4 inch of edges. Sprinkle with roasted peppers.  Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 6 slices; place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Millet and Sweet- Potato Cakes

Millet and Sweet- Potato Cakes

1 C. frozen defatted chicken stock, thawed

1/3 C. millet

1 small sweet potato, peeled and shredded

1/4 C. minced onions

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/8 tsp. crushed red-pepper flakes

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

 

In a small saucepan, combine the stock and millet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, or until the millet is tender. Place in a medium bowl. Add the sweet potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, thyme, red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Coat a 10″ no-stick skillet with no-stick spray and place over medium-high heat until hot. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Carefully turn and cook for 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat to use all the batter.

To freeze the cakes, place on a tray. Put in the freezer for 1 hour, or until solid. Stack, separated by small pieces of wax paper, in a freezer-quality plastic bag. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Place in a 10″ no-stick skillet, cover, and cook over low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, or until hot.

Warm Quinoa Salad

Warm Quinoa Salad

1 C. quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 C. water

1 C. chopped radicchio (about 1/2 head) + leaves for garnish

1/2 C. chopped cilantro

1/2 C. golden raisins

1/2 C. fat-free honey mustard dressing

Ground black pepper

 

In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the quinoa to a medium serving bowl. Combine the radicchio, cilantro, and raisins with the quinoa. Toss with the dressing. Season with pepper to taste, and serve on radicchio leaves.

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 247

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 4g

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

 

1/2 lb spaghetti

1 T. sesame oil

Sauce

2 T. low sodium soy sauce

1 T. sherry wine

1 1/2 T. Chinese chili sauce

1 1/2 T. tahini

1/2 T. white sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 slice fresh ginger, size of a dime, peeled and chopped

2 green onions, finely sliced

freshly ground black pepper

1/2 C. finely chopped English cucumber

1 T. fresh coriander, finely chopped

 

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions just until al dente stage; drain and rinse with cold water; drain well. Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil; set aside. To prepare sauce, whisk all sauce ingredients together. Pour over noodles and toss well. Grind pepper over to taste, then garnish with cucumber and coriander.

Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad

1 C. wheat berries or whole grain spelt

3 1/2 C. water

2 C. chicken or vegetable broth

3 C. small broccoli florets

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. fresh herb, such as basil, rosemary, or marjoram

2 C. halved mixed red and yellow cherry tomatoes

1 C. fresh, drained canned, or frozen corn kernels

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the wheat berries or spelt in a sieve and rinse until the water runs clear. Place in a bowl with 2 C. of the water. Let stand for 8 hours or overnight. Drain. Place the remaining 1 1/2 C. water and broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the wheat berries or spelt and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until tender, adding the broccoli during the last 5 minutes. Drain and place in a large bowl. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and herb and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, corn, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to collapse. Serve over the wheat berries or spelt.

Easy Couscous Salad

Easy Couscous Salad

1 1/4 C. whole wheat couscous

1/3 C. lemon juice

1 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

2 medium bell peppers, 1 red and 1 orange, chopped

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/2 C. crumbled feta cheese

Basil, cilantro, or parsley (garnish)

 

Bring 1 3/4 C. of hot water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the couscous, cover, and turn off heat. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork or salad tongs and transfer to a large bowl. Add the lemon juice to the couscous and toss. Add the oil and toss again to coat. Mix in the peppers, chickpeas, and cheese. Garnish with herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately, at room temperature, or chill.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 394

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 8g

Barley, Butternut, and Black Bean Salad

Barley, Butternut, and Black Bean Salad

1 C. barley

3 T. olive oil

1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

2 C. chopped butternut squash (about 1/2 med)

1/4 C. water

3 T. chopped fresh parsley

1 1/4 C. cooked black beans or 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 tsp. salt

2 T. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Grated lemon peel (garnish)

 

Cook barley per package directions. Rinse and set aside. Meanwhile, heat 2 T. of the oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add leeks and squash and cook, tossing or stirring, until slightly softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add water and 1 1/2 T. of the parsley and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer. Transfer vegetables to large bowl. Add barley, black beans, salt, and the remaining 1 T. olive oil and 1 1/2 T. parsley. Stir to combine. Season with lemon juice and pepper and garnish with lemon peel, if desired

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 264

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 9g

Parsnip Puree

Parsnip Puree

1 pound parsnips, peeled and sliced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 C. milk

1/2 C. heavy cream

4 clove of garlic, peeled and gently smashed

1 sprig of thyme

1 bay leaf

1 stick unsalted butter

Extra-virgin olive oil

Parsley for garnish

 

Put parsnips in a pot, season with salt and cover with milk and cream. Add garlic, bay and thyme then place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook until tender, the tip of a paring knife should easily go through without resistance – about 12 to 15 minutes.  Place parsnips in a food processor with butter and pour in enough of the milk mixture to puree the parsnips and achieve the texture of whipped cream. Season with salt and pepper then finish with a sprinkle of parsley.

Zucchini Risotto

Zucchini Risotto

2 – 4 tsp. butter

1 C. Arborio rice

4+ C. chicken stock

1 egg yolk (I use the whole egg, actually)

1/4 C. half-&-half or cream

1 tsp. olive oil

3 small zucchini, sliced thin or grated if easier

1/4 C. parmesan or more

2 lg garlic cloves

1 bunch scallions or chopped onions or shallots – whichever

salt/pepper

1/2 C. chopped ITALIAN parsley – don’t ever use the frilly garnish kind – no flavor

juice of 1/2 lemon

1/3 C. or so of white wine – whatever you’re drinking at the moment

 

First, melt 2 tsp. of the butter and the olive oil, add the onion and sauté slowly. Once they’re soft, throw in the garlic (so it doesn’t burn), then all the rice, with a little more oil. I know, seems weird with no liquid, but that’s risotto. Stir fry the rice for a few minutes, then add about a C. of broth. Traditionally, it should be hot, which you can do in a glass pyrex C. measure in the microwave. But you don’t have to. The key to risotto is to keep adding the broth as the rice sucks it up – it should never be dry or conversely, drowned. You do have to stir regularly, though not continuously as the books would say. Now, my sister sautes the zucchini with garlic in a separate pan, but I don’t because I’m all about one-pot meals. The cheater way is to add the zuke when the rice is almost done, along with the cream, egg and parmesan, lemon, wine, salt/pepper and parsley. I throw it all in together and it comes out fine. You’ll need to correct the rice with broth or hot water if it isn’t done enough or is too dry. Cook til it’s done. This is where my sister adds the additional 4 T. of butter.

Garden Fresh Linguine

Garden Fresh Linguine

1 large zucchini, julienned (see method)

1 C. fresh basil, chopped

1/2 C. fresh parsley, chopped

4 large cloves garlic, minced

1 C. small cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 pckg. linguine

1/3 C. good quality olive oil

salt & pepper, to taste

sprinkling of fresh parmesan

 

The key to this dish’s visual appeal, is to julienne the zucchini (thin strips). It looks very nice paired with the linguine. I have a mandolin that will perform this task very nicely (and I wholly recommend one) but you can also use those handy-dandy julienne vegetable peelers. Lastly, you can pain-painstakingly cut the zucchini into very thin strips——turn on some music and pour yourself a glass of wine. Wait, maybe not while using a sharp object! Place a large pot of salted water on to boil. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil until it just begins to shimmer. Add the garlic and saute only for a minute (don’t let it brown), add the zucchini strips and toss around in the olive oil, and lastly add the herbs. Turn off the heat and wait for pasta to finish. Note that the zucchini and the herbs are barely cooked—-rather, just heated to absorb the flavors of the garlic and herbs. The whole process probably takes only 3 minutes of heat. Drain the pasta, and if your saute pan is large enough, add it to the sauce and toss in the pan, adding salt & pepper. Alternatively, toss in a bowl. Sprinkle the tomatoes on top and shave some fresh Parmesan over the whole thing. Homemade seasoned bread crumbs would be a welcome addition to this pasta dish, as well. We enjoyed this pasta dish for dinner with a bean salad and fresh whole wheat rolls.

 

 

Ciabatta with Fresh Pesto and Ricotta Cheese

Ciabatta with Fresh Pesto and Ricotta Cheese

2 C. packed fresh basil leaves

1/4 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3 T. pine nuts, toasted, cooled

3 medium garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1 loaf ciabatta or other crusty bread, thinly sliced

8 ounces fresh whole-milk ricotta or part-skim ricotta cheese

 

Combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, nuts and garlic in food processor fitted with the metal blade; pulse until leaves are finely minced. Add oil and pulse to blend, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Transfer pesto to an airtight container and cover with thin layer of oil to keep it from browning. Store covered in refrigerator up to one week. Serve ciabatta in bread basket. Fill a shallow dish with pesto and drop spoonfuls of ricotta on top. Guest scoop of pesto and cheese and spread on bread.

Moroccan Chickpeas and Vegetables with Couscous

Moroccan Chickpeas and Vegetables with Couscous

1 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

1 C. 1/2″ cubed sweet potato

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 C. chopped bell pepper (any color)

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. salt

1 C. cooked chickpeas or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 C. chicken broth or water

1/2 C. frozen baby peas

1/2 C. whole wheat couscous

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Garlic chili sauce (optional)

 

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the sweet potato, onion, pepper, cumin, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until the onion is sizzling. Add the chickpeas. Stir to coat with the seasonings. Add the broth or water and bring almost to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add the peas. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the couscous and stir. Turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork. Serve, garnished with cilantro, if desired. Pass the garlic chili sauce at the table, if desired.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 215

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 8g

Sopa Seca (Mexican Rice)

Sopa Seca (Mexican Rice)

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 C. chopped onion

1 large tomato, chopped

1 C. uncooked, converted rice

1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 – 13 oz. can chicken broth

dash of red pepper

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

 

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over moderate heat. Add garlic, onion and tomato. Cover and cook 3 minutes, or until onion is soft. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stiffing, until rice is shiny and hot. Stir in green pepper, chicken broth, red pepper, oregano and salt. Bring to a boil. cover and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans

2 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

1 C. chopped onion

1 C. chopped green bell pepper

1 T. minced garlic

2 bay leaves

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. salt

3 C. cooked black beans or 3 C. canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 C. chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 tsp. hot-pepper sauce

2 C. hot cooked instant brown rice

 

In a large pot, combine the oil, onion, pepper, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the beans. Cook for 1 minute to coat with the seasonings. Add the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes for the flavors to blend. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the hot-pepper sauce. If desired, smash some of the beans with the side of a large spoon. Serve over the rice.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 412

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 14g

Stuffed Muffin Recipe

Stuffed Muffin Recipe

You’ll need some sort of corn muffin mix (you can make your own or I use Jif), plus milk & an egg, whatever it calls for. Combine all that, per directions, then add one of the following:

 

1-1.5 C. of diced cooked chicken w/1 C. of frozen mixed veggies

Chopped pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a couple of Tsp. sauce for pizza muffins

Sautéed ground beef and cheddar for cheeseburger muffins

Diced hotdogs (about 3) and cheese of your choice for corndog muffins

Taco seasoned ground beef and quesadilla cheese for taco muffins

Leftover roast beef, cheese of your choice, and a couple of Tsp. of gravy

Ham and swiss (my favorite)

 

Basically, add as much or as little filler as you want. My kids prefer lots of filler so every bite has stuff in it. A T. of the mixture should have a bunch of stuff in it, not just be a T. of corn muffin. Spoon it into muffin pans and bake per package directions, yield about 12 regular muffins. These freeze very well. I bake 2-3 batches at once and toss them in the freezer for emergency meals. I put them in the fridge at night to defrost and they are pretty much done by morning, definitely done by lunchtime.

Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

1 lb Fettuccine noodles

1/2 C. Butter No substitutions

1/2 C. Light cream or whole milk

1 C. Parmesan cheese grated or shredded

1 T. Fresh parsley

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

1/4 tsp. Black pepper

1/2 pound Asparagus trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces

 

Put water on to boil for the noodles. As the water comes to a boil, start preparing the sauce.

In a separate pan melt butter over low heat. As soon as the butter melts, whisk in cream or milk and

Parmesan cheese. Add seasonings. Simmer over low heat until thickened, stirring frequently.

Boil the noodles and asparagus together. Drain when done and add to sauce. Cook an additional 3

minutes. Serve.

Pizza Bread

Pizza Bread

6-7 C. white flour

1 T. yeast

2 C. milk

1/2 C. water

1/4 C. butter or margarine

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 t. salt

2 t. Italian seasoning

3/4 C. pizza sauce

20 -25 slices pepperoni, cut into small pieces

2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 C. flour with 1 T. yeast and set aside. Add milk, water, butter or margarine, sugar and salt to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until warm. Pour into large bowl with the flour and yeast. Stir or beat until well combined. Slowly work in remaining flour and Italian seasoning. Knead (by hand or with an electric mixer) until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover and let dough rise for 1 hour in a lightly greased bowl. Divide dough into 2 or 3 portions, depending on how big you want your loaves to be. Roll each ball of dough into a rectangle.4. Spread about 1/4 C. pizza sauce on each section of dough.5. Sprinkle the diced pepperoni and cheeses on top of the pizza sauce.6. Roll dough tightly, jelly-roll style, and pinch the seams shut.7. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Cheater’s Olive Bread

Cheater’s Olive Bread

1 (1-lb.) loaf frozen white bread dough
1/2 C. chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
Cooking spray
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Thaw dough in refrigerator for 12 hours. Sprinkle olives and rosemary over dough; gently knead on a lightly floured surface 4 or 5 times or just until olives are incorporated into dough. Cover dough; let rest 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 10 x 8-inch rectangle. Beginning with long side, roll up jelly-roll fashion; pinch seam to seal. Place roll, seam side down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 375°. Uncover dough; cut several 2-inch diagonal slits into top of dough using a sharp knife. Brush dough with egg white. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove loaf from baking sheet; cool on a wire rack.

Yield: 1 loaf, 12 servings
Calories: 96
Fat: 1.9g
Fiber: 0.2g

Citrus Couscous Salad

Citrus Couscous Salad

2 C. fresh orange juice, divided
1/2 C. water
1 tsp. salt
1 (10-oz.) package couscous (about 1 2/3 C.)
1/2 C. dried apricots, sliced
1/2 C. dried currants
2 T. red wine vinegar
1 C. chopped seeded cucumber
3/4 C. chopped green onions
1/2 C. coarsely chopped pistachios
1/4 C. chopped fresh mint
1/4 C. fresh lemon juice
2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Bring 1 1/2 C. orange juice, water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Place couscous in a large bowl. Combine 1/2 C. orange juice, apricots, currants, and vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Drain and discard cooking liquid. Add apricot mixture, cucumber, and remaining ingredients to couscous, tossing to combine.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 295
Fat: 7.4g
Fiber: 5g

Quinoa Salad with Apricots and Pistachios

Quinoa Salad with Apricots and Pistachios

Salad:
3 C. water
1 C. uncooked quinoa
1/2 tsp. salt
4 C. thinly sliced romaine lettuce
1/3 C. dried apricots (about 10), quartered
1/3 C. golden raisins
1/4 C. shelled dry-roasted pistachios
1/4 C. thinly sliced green onions
1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley
1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro
2 T. finely chopped fresh mint
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Vinaigrette:
1/2 tsp. grated lime rind
3 T. fresh lime juice
2 T. mirin (sweet rice wine) or slightly sweet white wine (such as Riesling)
1 T. olive oil
1/2 to 1 tsp. minced jalapeño pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 tsp. paprika

To prepare the salad, combine water, quinoa, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Drain the quinoa mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving 3 T. cooking liquid. Combine quinoa mixture, lettuce, and next 8 ingredients (lettuce through black pepper) in a large bowl; set aside.
To prepare the vinaigrette, combine reserved 3 T. cooking liquid, lime rind, and remaining ingredients in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Pour vinaigrette over quinoa mixture, and toss well to coat.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 365
Fat: 11.8g
Fiber: 10.6g

Truffle-Scented Risotto in Phyllo

Truffle-Scented Risotto in Phyllo

2 tsp. olive oil
1/3 C. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 C. uncooked Arborio rice
2 T. dry white wine
1 1/2 C. water
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
2 T. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. butter
1 tsp. white truffle oil
1/4 tsp. black pepper
6 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Cooking spray
2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; saute 3 minutes. Add thyme and garlic; saute 1 minute. Stir in rice; saute 1 minute. Stir in wine; cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add water and salt; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, butter, truffle oil, and pepper. Cool. Preheat oven to 375°. Place 1 phyllo sheet on a large cutting board or work surface (cover remaining dough to keep from drying); lightly coat sheet with cooking spray. Repeat layers with remaining phyllo and cooking spray, ending with phyllo. Gently press phyllo layers together. Lightly coat top phyllo sheet with cooking spray. Cut phyllo layers into 24 (1 1/2-inch) squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Carefully place 1 layered square in each of 24 miniature muffin C. coated with cooking spray; gently press squares into pan to form cups. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes or until crisp. Remove phyllo cups from pan. Fill each C. with 1 T. risotto. Sprinkle C. evenly with parsley.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 88
Fat: 2.7g
Fiber: .5g

New Potatoes with Olive oil and Garlic

New Potatoes with Olive oil and Garlic

12 small new potatoes (1 lb. total)
1 T. plus 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. salt
Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Peel off a 1/2-inch strip of skin around the center of each potato. Place the potatoes in a steamer set over simmering water. Cover and steam until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and reserve. Heat the oil and garlic in a non-stick skillet large enough to hold the potatoes in one layer. Cook over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the potatoes and roll them in the oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 143
Fat: 4.1g
Fiber: 1.2g

New Potato Salad with Dried Tomatoes

New Potato Salad with Dried Tomatoes

3 lb small new potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 oz dried tomato halves
1/3 C. boiling water
2 T. olive oil
1 1/2 C. sliced celery
1/2 C. chopped celery leaves
4 green onions, sliced with some of the green
1/4 C. snipped fresh dill or
1 T. dried dill weed
1/3 C. reduced fat sour cream
1/3 C. lowfat plain yogurt
1 T. prepared white horseradish
1/4 tsp. pepper

Place potatoes in a large kettle with enough water to cover. Add 1/2 tsp. of the salt. Partially cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil gently for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender but still firm. Meanwhile, place dried tomatoes in a small bowl. Cover with boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain potatoes well; return to pot. Sprinkle olive oil and 1/2 tsp. of the salt over potatoes, tossing lightly to coat. Cut dried tomatoes into thin slivers and add to potatoes. Stir in celery, celery leaves, green onions, ad dill. Spoon into large bowl; cover and refrigerate at this point if preparing ahead. Combine sour cream, yogurt, horseradish, pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl. Pour over potato mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 182
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 3g

Butternut Squash “Risotto”

Butternut Squash “Risotto”

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 C. long-grain brown rice
2 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 package (10 oz.) frozen butternut or winter squash
2 T. nonfat half-and-half
1 tsp. finely minced fresh sage
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper

Warm oil in medium nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 minutes, until softened, stirring often. Add rice; stir to coat. Add 1 1/2 C. broth; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to a very low; cover and cook 35 to 40 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Meanwhile, cook squash according to package directions. Add squash and remaining 1/2 C. broth to rice, still over low heat. Stir slowly for about 5 minutes, until broth is incorporated. Stir in half-and-half and sage. Keep stirring, adding broth if necessary, until of desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with cheese.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 380
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 6g

Masa de Empanadas (Empanada Dough)

Masa de Empanadas (Empanada Dough)

2 C. all-purpose flour, divided
6 T. ice water
1 tsp. cider vinegar
2 T. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. vegetable shortening

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring C., and level with a knife. Combine 1/2 C. flour, water, and vinegar, stirring with a whisk until well blended to form a slurry.
Combine 1 1/2 C. flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl, stirring with a whisk; cut in shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add slurry; toss with a fork until flour mixture is moist. Gently press mixture into a 4-inch circle on heavy-duty plastic wrap, and cover with additional plastic wrap. Roll the dough, still covered, into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle; freeze 10 minutes or until plastic wrap can be easily removed. Remove 2 sheets plastic wrap, and place dough on a lightly floured surface; let stand 1 minute. Cut dough as directed according to the specific recipe. Chill dough until ready to use.

Yield: 1 Empanada Dough recipe (approx 12 pastries)
Calories: 1690
Fat: 87.3g
Fiber: 6.8g

New Potatoes and Peas

New Potatoes and Peas

1 lb. whole tiny new potatoes
2 C. shelled fresh peas or one 10-oz. package frozen peas
2 T. margarine or butter
1/2 C. snipped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper

Halve any large potatoes. Cook potatoes and fresh peas, if using, in a large saucepan, covered, in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add frozen peas, if using. Return mixture to boiling. Cover saucepan and cook vegetables 2 minutes more or until potatoes are tender. Drain. Return potatoes and peas to the saucepan. Add margarine or butter or parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir gently (if potatoes are stirred too vigorously, their delicate skins may rub off) until butter melts.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 146
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Orange Cranberry Couscous

Orange Cranberry Couscous

1-1/3 C. orange juice
1/8 tsp. ground Spanish saffron
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. couscous
1/4 C. dried cranberries
2 T. toasted pine nuts
2 T. chopped green onions
1 T. chopped cilantro

Mix the orange juice, saffron and salt together in a micro-safe dish. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the cranberries, pine nuts, green onions and cilantro.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Fat: 2.5g
Fiber: 3g

Saffron Potatoes

Saffron Potatoes

6-8 new potatoes or all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut into even pieces
Chicken stock to cover potatoes
1/4 tsp. saffron threads

Put potatoes in a saucepan and cover with chicken stock. Add saffron and bring to a boil. Make sure to reduce heat immediately and allow potatoes to simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Strain the potatoes and serve.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 141
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g

Pistachio Rice

Pistachio Rice

2 C. water
1 C. basmati rice
3/4 tsp. salt, divided
2 T. dried currants or golden raisins
1 1/2 T. chopped pistachios
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
2 T. pistachio oil
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add rice and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is done. Remove from heat; fluff with fork. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, currants, and next 4 ingredients (currants through pepper). Cover; let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 186
Fat: 5.9g
Fiber: 1.3g

Corn Fritter Casserole

Corn Fritter Casserole

3 T. butter, softened
3 large egg whites
1 (8-oz.) block fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. finely chopped onion
1/2 C. finely chopped red bell pepper
1 (15 1/4-oz.) can whole-kernel corn, drained
1 (14 3/4-oz.) can cream-style corn
1 (8 1/2-oz.) package corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Stir in onion, bell pepper, whole-kernel corn, and cream-style corn; mix well. Add muffin mix and black pepper, stirring until well combined. Pour into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Yield: 9 servings
Calories: 247
Fat: 8.4g
Fiber: 1.9g

Lemon Flavored New Potatoes

Lemon Flavored New Potatoes

8 Small New Potatoes
2 T. Fresh Parsley, chopped
1 tsp. grated Lemon Peel
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1/8 tsp. Nutmeg
3 T. Lemon Juice

Pare a strip around center of each potato, if desired. Cook potatoes in small amount of boiling water until fork tender; drain well. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Cook until thoroughly heated. Place hot potatoes in serving dish

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 141
Fat: .5g
Fiber: 3g

South American Potato Salad

South American Potato Salad

1 1/4 lb. small red potatoes
1/4 C. Spanish onions, minced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 jalape�o pepper, seeded and minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 T. capers
3 T. red wine vinegar
3 T. olive oil
2 oz. low fat feta cheese, crumbled
2 whites of hard boiled eggs, chopped
3 T. chopped fresh cilantro, chopped
2 T. sliced black olives, optional for garnish

Boil the potatoes in simmering salted water until cooked through, 15-20 minutes, depending on size. Drain and cool. When cool, quarter or slice into bite sized pieces. Place into a bowl. Combine the potatoes with the red onion, bell peppers, jalape�o, garlic, capers, vinegar, olive oil, cheese, egg whites, and cilantro. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with olives if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 76
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g

Rosemary Corn Bread

Rosemary Corn Bread

1 8 1/2-oz. box corn-bread mix
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 4-oz. container plain yogurt
1 7-oz. can whole-kernel corn, drained
1 T. dried rosemary leaves

Heat oven to 400ºF. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. Stir all the ingredients together. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes or just until golden. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 107
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Creamy Onion Polenta

Creamy Onion Polenta

6 C. Chicken Stock

1 C. minced Yellow Onion

2 Shallots, minced

2 C. medium-ground Yellow Cornmeal

Salt and Pepper

2 T. Butter

1 C. grated Parmesan Cheese

2 T. minced Fresh Chives

 

In a large saucepan bring stock to a boil.  Add onions and shallots.  Gradually add cornmeal, whisking constantly, to incorporate it evenly into the stock.  Whisk vigorously to eliminate all lumps.  Reduce heat to very low and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping bottom and sides well until polenta pulls away from sides of the pan when you stir and is the consistency of thick oatmeal, 30 to 45 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  To serve, stir in butter and 1/3 C. cheese.  Spoon into warmed soup plates.  Divide remaining cheese among the portions, sprinkling over the top of the polenta.  Sprinkle with chives and serve.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

½ tsp. dark sesame oil

7 tsp. canola or other vegetable oil

2 ¾ C. unbleached white flour

1 C. hot water

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking powder

4 to 8 scallions, chopped (about ½ C.)

sprinkling of salt

vegetable oil for frying

 

In a small bowl, mix together the dark sesame oil and 4 tsp. of the canola or other vegetable oil. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ C. of the flour, the hot water, salt, baking powder, and 2 tsp. of the canola oil. Stir until the dough comes together. Lightly dust a working surface with some of the remaining flour and knead for about 2 minutes, adding flour if the dough is too sticky. Cover the dough with the mixing bowl and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 balls. With a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a circle about 10 inches across. Brush each circle with ¼ of the sesame oil mixture, top with ¼ of the chopped scallions, and sprinkle with salt. Roll each circle into a tight cylindrical rope, then coil the rope to form a flat spiral about 5 inches across. Flatten each spiral by hand, and then roll it into a think 8-inch pancake with a rolling pin, dusting with flour to prevent sticking. It’s okay if a few scallions escape from the dough. Heat a skillet on medium heat, add the remaining tsp. of canola oil, and swirl to coat the pan. Fry each of the 4 pancakes until brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning down the heat if the outside gets to brown too fast. Add a little more oil to the pan, if necessary, for frying. Cut each pancake into wedges and serve immediately. Leftover pancakes may be refrigerated for 3 or 4 days and then reheated in the toaster.

Spicy Szechuan Noodles

Spicy Szechuan Noodles

½ lb. whole-wheat spaghetti, soba (buckwheat) noodles, or linguini

¼ C. peanut butter (or a mixture of peanut butter and tahini)

¼ C. warm water

3 T. tamari soy sauce

2 T. wine vinegar (preferably rice wine vinegar)

1 T. dark sesame oil

1 tsp. hot chili oil

2 C. fresh mung bean sprouts

1 cucumber, peeled, cut lengthwise, seeded, and cut into crescent slices

Chopped scallions

Toasted sesame seeds

 

Cook the pasta al dente in salted water. Drain it and rinse with cold water. Mix the peanut butter, warm water, soy sauce, vinegar, and oils. Toss the noodles with the bean sprouts, cucumbers, and sauce. Top with chopped scallions and/or toasted sesame seeds, if desired. This dish is most flavorful served at room temperature.  Spicy Szechuan Noodles are attractive served on crisp leaves of romaine. We usually serve it with steamed or blanched carrots and broccoli marinated in a ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar dressing.

Barley, Grilled Pepper, and Black Bean Salad

Barley, Grilled Pepper, and Black Bean Salad

1/2 C. pearl barley
1 1/2 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 medium red bell pepper
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 beefsteak tomatoes, chopped
3 scallions (white and light green parts), thinly sliced
1 T. minced jalapeno pepper
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
5 T. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 C. finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Salt and black pepper

Combine barley and broth in medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 35 minutes, until barley is tender and broth absorbed. Uncover; let cool. Place pepper over gas flame or under broiler until charred on all sides. Enclose in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes. Peel off blackened skin. Seed and dice pepper. In large bowl, combine barley, bell pepper, beans, tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, oil, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 230
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 11g