Asparagus with Bacon, Red Onion, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Asparagus with Bacon, Red Onion, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

2 lb. thin asparagus spears (2 bunches), tough ends trimmed

1 T. olive oil

Table salt

Ground black pepper

6 slices of bacon (about 6 oz.), cut into 1/4-inch strips

2 T. minced red onion

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1 T. minced fresh parsley

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Adjust oven rack to uppermost position and heat broiler. Toss asparagus with oil and salt and pepper, and then lay spears in single layer on heavy rimmed baking sheet. Broil about 4 inches from heating element, shaking pan halfway through to turn spears, until asparagus is tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.  Cool asparagus 5 minutes and arrange on serving dish. Fry bacon strips in medium skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Whisk onion, vinegar, parsley, and oil in small bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle over asparagus, sprinkle with bacon, and serve immediately.

 

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Autumn’s Rustic Herb Bread

Autumn’s Rustic Herb Bread

2 packages active dry yeast(package)

1/4 C. warm water

1/4 C. honey

1 1/2 C. Whole Milk (scalded)

3 tsp. sea salt

7 C. all-purpose flour (or sifted spelt)

1/2 tsp. ground sage

3/4 tsp. thyme leaf (crumbled)

3/4 tsp. marjoram (crumbled)

1 tsp. basil (dried)

1 tsp. dried parsley (crumbled)

1/2 C. Unsalted Cultured Butter (melted)

 

Soften yeast in warm (not hot) water, along with 1 T. of honey. Scald milk and remove from heat, then melt the butter in it. Add milk, butter, the remaining honey, salt, eggs, and 2 C. of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well and cover. Let rise in a warm place until bubbly (about 1 hour).  Crumb le and combine the herbs and add to the mixture. Stir in the rest of the flour to make stiff dough. Knead on floured board until satiny and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and return to the warm place to rise until doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).  Punch dough down, let rest for 10 minutes and then shape into 2 loaves. Place in greased 9″x 5″x 3″loaf pans. Let rise until doubled in bulk (about 1-1 1/2 hours). Bake in 375° oven for 50 minutes or until done. Remove and cool on racks. Keep out the reach of children until cool to the touch.

 

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Rosemary- Garlic Pork Kebabs

Rosemary- Garlic Pork Kebabs

12 oz. pork tenderloin

2 tsp. fresh or dried rosemary

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. minced garlic

Pinch of salt

Ground black pepper

 

Soak 6 bamboo skewers (6″ long) in cold water for 30 minutes. (If using metal skewers, there’s no need to soak.) 2ut the pork into 1/2″ cubes. Thread the cubes onto the skewers. Transfer to a 12″ x 8″ baking dish. Add the rosemary, oil, garlic, and salt. With clean hands, rub the mixture onto the pork cubes. Cover and refrigerate, turning occasionally, for 30 minutes. Preheat a grill, stove-top griddle, or oven broiler. Grill or broil the skewers, turning occasionally, for about 8 minutes total, or until well browned and no pink remains in the center. Season to taste with pepper. Chicken breast can take the place of pork in these hearty appetizers. If eating as a main dish, double the servings .

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 84

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 0g

 

Zucchini Squares

Zucchini Squares

3 C. of zucchini, diced

1 C. of Bisquick

1 1/2 C. of Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 tsp. of  Oregano, dried

1/2 C. of vegetable oil

4 Eggs, beaten

1 C. of pepperoni, iced

1/2 tsp. of  Salt

1/2 C. of onion, chopped

2 T. of Parsley, dried

1 Clove garlic, crushed or pressed

1/2 C. of Green pepper, chopped/optional

 

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Combine everything in a large bowl but the eggs and the oil. Beat the eggs and add them to the oil in a small bowl. Stir to mix. Add the eggs and oil to the other ingredients and stir until blended. Spread evenly into a lightly greased 9″ x 13″ pan. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes at 350ºF Cut into squares and serve hot or cold. Makes 12 large squares. Tastes a lot like pizza.

 

 

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Salad in a Bread Boat

Salad in a Bread Boat

2 lemons

2/3 C. olive oil

3 or 4 dashes lemon pepper

2 or 3 dashes garlic salt

2 to 3 dashes seasoned pepper blend

1/4 bunch mint, chopped and 1/4 bunch basil, chopped

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/2 T. sugar

1 bag Greener Selection salad mix, washed and dried

1 small can sliced black olives

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

4 pickled okra pods, sliced

4 to 6 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

1 loaf Russian Rye

 

Squeeze lemons into a large bowl, add oil, pepper, salt chopped mint and basil, Dijon, and sugar. Whisk until blended. Add lettuce, tomatoes, okra, and olives, and toss to coat and mix. Cut a 1-inch thick slice from top of bread, and set top aside. Hollow out bread, leaving a 1-inch shell, reserve soft bread for another use.  Fill bread shell with salad, replace top. Slice and serve.

 

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Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach
olive oil flavored cooking spray
2 tsp. olive oil
2/3 C. finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) carton light ricotta cheese
1/2 C. parmesan cheese, divided
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp dried crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg (omit if desired)
8 manicotti shells*
2 C. fat free spaghetti sauce

 

Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain well, and press gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set spinach aside. Coat a medium saucepan with cooking spray; add oil. Place over medium high heat until hot. Add onion and garlic; sauté 8 minutes. transfer onion mixture to a bowl. Add spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/4 C. parmesan cheese, egg whites, crushed red pepper, and nutmeg; stir well. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions, omitting salt and oil; drain well. Stuff spinach mixture evenly into cooked shells. Spread 1/2 C. spaghetti sauce over bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Place filled shells over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over shells. Cover and bake at 375* for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C. parmesan cheese.*Fill uncooked manicotti shells and add a little water to the sauce. They will be easier to fill, and the final texture will be al dente.

 

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SBD Oven Roasted Veggies

SBD Oven Roasted Veggies

1 medium zucchini, cut into bite sized pieces

1 medium summer squash, cut into bite size pieces

1 red onion

3 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

 

Heat the oven to 450o. Place veggies in a large roasting pan. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to mix and coat. Spread in a single layer in the pan. Roast for 30 minutes stirring occasionally, until veggies are lightly browned and tender.

 

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Shrimp Bread Salad with Golden Garlic Vinaigrette

Shrimp Bread Salad with Golden Garlic Vinaigrette

About 5 thick slices day-old country-style bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 7 C.)

3 large ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks

For the Vinaigrette:

7 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 tsp. finely chopped garlic

1/2 teaspon Spanish or Hungarian sweet paprika

2 T. aged sherry vinegar (or red-wine vinegar)

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp in the shell or about 42 frozen, cleaned large shrimp, defrosted

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1 C. loosely packed basil leaves, cut in a chiffonade

 

FOR THE SALAD: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they’ve dried out and turned golden brown, 14 to 18 minutes. Remove them from the oven. When cool, combine the bread with the tomatoes in a large bowl. Set aside.  FOR THE VINAIGRETTE: Set a small, heavy skillet over low heat with 6 T. of the olive oil and the chopped garlic. Cook, stirring or shaking the pan frequently, until the garlic turns a pale gold, 6 to 7 minutes. Bear in mind that the garlic will continue to cook from the retained heat of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the paprika, vinegar, and lemon juice. Season well with salt and pepper. Pour half of the mixture (about 1/4 C.) over the bread and tomatoes. Stir well to combine and set the remaining vinaigrette aside.  FOR THE SHRIMP: If using shrimp in the shell, peel and devein them. If using cleaned, defrosted shrimp, skip this step. Either way, dry the shrimp well with paper towels and set aside. Set a large skillet over high heat with the remaining 1 T. of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they’re just cooked through and opaque, 3 to 4 minutes; cut one in half to check. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining garlic vinaigrette to the pan, stir with the shrimp, taste, and adjust seasonings, if necessary.   TO SERVE: Add the shrimp, thyme leaves, and basil to the bread and tomatoes. Toss and serve immediately.

 

 

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SBD Balsamic Chicken

SBD Balsamic Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1/2 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves, minced

2/3 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

2/3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1-2 tsp. white wine (optional)

1 1/3 tsp. balsamic vinegar

 

Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Combine the rosemary, garlic, pepper, and salt in a small bowl and mix well. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil, and rub with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a heavy roasting pan or iron skillet with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Turn the chicken over. If the drippings begin to stick to the pan, stir in 3-4 tsp. water or white wine (if using). Bake about 10 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 160°F and the juices run clear. If the pan is dry, stir in another 1-2 tsp. of water or white wine to loosen the drippings. Drizzle the vinegar over the chicken in the pan. Transfer the chicken to plates. Stir the liquid in the pan and drizzle over the chicken.

 

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SBD Poached Salmon with Cucumber-Dill Sauce

SBD Poached Salmon with Cucumber-Dill Sauce

Salmon:

2 C. Chablis or other dry white wine

2 C. water

1/2 tsp. chicken-flavored bouillon granules

6 peppercorns

4 sprigs fresh dill weed

2 bay leaves

1 rib celery, chopped

1 small lemon, sliced

6 (4 oz.) fillets salmon, 1/2 inch thick

 

Cucumber-Dill Sauce:

1/3 C. peeled, seeded, and finely chopped cucumber

1/3 C. fat-free sour cream

1/3 C. fat-free plain yogurt

2 tsp. chopped fresh dill weed

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Fresh dill weed sprigs (optional)

 

To make the salmon: Combine the wine, water, bouillon, peppercorns, dill weed, bay leaves, celery, and lemon in a skillet. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the salmon to the mixture in the skillet and cook for 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Transfer the salmon to a platter, using a slotted spoon. Cover, and chill thoroughly. Discard the liquid mixture remaining in the skillet. To make the cucumber-dill sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the cucumber, sour cream, yogurt, dill weed, and mustard. To serve, place the fillets on individual serving plates. Spoon the sauce evenly over the fillets. Garnish with fresh dill weed sprigs, if using.

 

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Rapini with Golden Raisins

Rapini with Golden Raisins

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 C. golden raisins, a couple of handfuls

1 1/2 lb. fresh rapini, broccoli rabe, trimmed and coarsely chopped

Salt

1(14-oz.) can chicken broth or 2 C. water

 

Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and onions and cook 3 minutes. Add raisins, rapini and season with salt. Add broth or water. Bring liquid to a bubble, then reduce heat to simmer and cover the pan. Cook rapini 12 minutes or until tender and no longer bitter. Remove lid and allow liquid to reduce by 1/2, 2 or 3 minutes. Transfer cooked rapini and plumped raisins to a serving dish.

 

 

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Sesame Chicken with Quinoa

Sesame Chicken with Quinoa

achx2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

salt and pepper

1 Tbsp. olive oil

3 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. honey

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. cornstarch

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

2 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

 

1 cup dry quinoa

2 cups chicken broth

 

Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper.  Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.   While chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until combined. When the chicken is cooked through, add the green onions and soy sauce mixture to the pan and stir immediately to coat the chicken. The sauce will thicken quickly. Stir in sesame oil, then remove from heat and serve over cooked quinoa (instructions below), sprinkled with sesame seeds.

SBD Shrimp and Celery Salad

SBD Shrimp and Celery Salad

1/2 C. reduced-fat sour cream

1/4 C. mayonnaise

2 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. grated lime zest

1 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/4 tsp. salt

11/2 lb. peeled, deveined, and cooked medium fresh or frozen shrimp (thaw if frozen)

4 large celery stalks, thinly sliced

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced

 

Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, curry powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add shrimp, celery, and cucumber; toss gently to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

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Avocado-Tahini Dressing

Avocado-Tahini Dressing

1 medium ripe Avocado, peeled and diced

1/3 C. Tahini

Juice of 1 Lemon

½ tsp. Cumin

2-4 T. fresh chopped Parsley or Cilantro

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add ¼ – ½ C. water, as needed, to achieve desired consistency. Stir ½-1 C. into cooked greens; store remainder in covered container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 dressing

 

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Asparagus with Sesame Oil Vinaigrette

Asparagus with Sesame Oil Vinaigrette

2 lb. asparagus, trimmed

1 tsp. finely-minced garlic

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground white pepper

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

4 tsp. Asian sesame oil

 

Boil the asparagus in a large quantity of water for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness, then drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking. Dry thoroughly. Combine the garlic, salt, pepper, mustard and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk to blend. Whisk in the sesame oil. Pour over the asparagus, toss and serve.

 

 

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Thai Grilled Chicken: Southern Curry-Basted Grilled Chicken (ไก่ย่างกอและ)

Thai Grilled Chicken: Southern Curry-Basted Grilled Chicken (ไก่ย่างกอและ)

kabob7 large dried red long peppers (guajillo)

2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

4 large cloves garlic, peeled

One teaspoon ground coriander

One teaspoon ground cinnamon

2-inch piece fresh turmeric, peeled, or one tablespoon ground turmeric

1 shallot, weighing one ounce, peeled and sliced

2.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch or one-inch cubes (see post for explanation)

2½ cups coconut milk, divided

2 teaspoons salt, divided

â…” cup, packed, grated palm sugar or light brown sugar

2 tablespoons coconut or vegetable oil

2 tablespoons prepared tamarind paste

 

Stem, deseed, and cut the peppers into quarters crosswise. Soak the peppers in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain off the water and squeeze the peppers dry. Put the peppers, ginger, garlic, ground coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and shallot in a granite mortar or mini-chopper; grind until smooth. Put the chicken in a mixing bowl along with half of the prepared paste, ½ cup of the coconut milk, and one teaspoon salt; mix well, cover, and chill 30 minutes up to overnight. Make the basting liquid. Put the remaining curry paste in a one-quart pot along with the coconut or vegetable oil; set it over medium heat and fry until the paste become fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 cups coconut milk, the remaining one teaspoon salt, sugar, and tamarind. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and let it simmer about 3 minutes; remove from heat. Split the sauce into two equal portions. Use one portion to baste the chicken as its grilled; reserve the other portion to drizzle over the chicken once it’s done. Thread the chicken onto the skewers (see post for instructions). Grill the chicken over moderate heat, basting it with one portion of the sauce. When the chicken is done, drizzle the reserved sauce over it and serve immediately.

Vanilla Coconut Rice Pudding

Vanilla Coconut Rice Pudding

3/4 cup whole basmati rice
2 cups coconut milk
4 cups whole milk
3 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon cardamom green powder
1/8 teaspoon cloves powder
1/4 teaspoon star anise powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Pinch Kosher salt
5 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup raisins
Ripe mango slices, for garnish

Combine the milk, coconut milk, and rice in a heavy medium saucepan. Scrape in the seeds from the vanilla bean; add the bean and spices. Bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium; cover and simmer until the rice is tender, stirring frequently, about 30 minutes. Mix in the sugar. Discard the vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks. Simmer uncovered for 5-8 minutes.
Pour into a bowl, and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Serve warm or chilled and garnish with mango slices.

Chopped Chicken Wontons

Chopped Chicken Wontons

Chicken:

1 package (about 1 lb.) Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

2 T. vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 package wonton wrappers (generally sold in the refrigerated produce section)

6 C. vegetable oil

 

Asian Style Slaw:

1 C. shredded Napa cabbage

1/2 C. shredded carrots

1/3 C. chopped green onions

1/3 C. chopped fresh cilantro

2 T. favorite Asian dressing

 

Preheat broiler to high heat. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the Asian Style Slaw ingredients. Place 6 C. oil in a large pot and heat to 350 degrees. Cut wonton wrappers diagonally in half and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown (about 1 minute per wrapper).  Place chicken, 2 T. vegetable oil, and salt and pepper into a resealable bag. Shake bag so that chicken is well coated. Broil chicken thighs on high until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, approximately 15 minutes. Finely chop chicken and spread one T. on top of each fried wonton wrapper. Place a T. of the Asian Slaw on top of the chicken and serve on a large platter.

 

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Sautéed Prawns with Papaya Cilantro Sauce

Sautéed Prawns with Papaya Cilantro Sauce

1-½ lb. large prawns

1 large ripe papaya

2 oz. lime juice

2 oz. orange juice

1 oz. water

½ red bell pepper, minced

¼ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 C. dried couscous

2 C. water

1 tsp. curry powder

Cracked black pepper to taste

 

Marinade: Peel and devein all prawns. In a bowl, combine prawns, papaya seeds, skins, orange juice and cilantro stems. Mix and refrigerate for approximately one hour (the enzymes are so powerful that if you marinated this overnight the connective tissue within the prawns would be completely broken down and they would fall apart.)  Sauce: Puree papaya meat, lime juice and water in a blender until smooth and silky. Pour into a bowl and add cilantro, cumin, red pepper and cracked black pepper to taste.  Couscous Bring two C. water and curry powder to a boil. Add couscous, cover and remove from heat. In approximately ten minutes the couscous will be hydrated, cooked and become firm.  Prawns: Season prawns with cracked black pepper and sear both sides in a nonstick pan until just under done. Cooking seafood until just underdone (medium rare to medium) is the key to keeping it moist and flavorful.  Fluff couscous with a fork and spoon some on a plate. Pour sauce around and top with sautéed prawns.

 

 

Yield: 4

Calories: 427

Fat: 2.6g

Fiber:

 

Comeback Sauce

Comeback Sauce

1comeback-sauce cup mayonnaise

1/4  cup ketchup

1/4 cup chili sauce

1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1/4 cup light olive oil

juice of one lemon

Mix all ingredients well and store in refrigerator overnight.  It needs to sit to let the flavors become “acquainted”.   They shouldn’t rush into marriage.

Zucchini Bake

Zucchini Bake

1 cup chopped, peeled zucchini, pureed (1/2 cup after pureed)
1 (8 oz) carton egg substitute
2 T. margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
3 cups diced, unpeeled zucchini
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup reduced fat buttermilk baking mix

In medium bowl, combine pureed zucchini, egg substitute, margarine, parsley, salt, pepper, and 6 tablespoons of the parmesan cheese; blend well. Stir in 3 cups diced zucchini and the onion. Add baking mix; mix well. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish which has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Spray with nonstick spray to lightly coat top. Bake at 350* for 35 to 45 minutes, til golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Spiderweb Eggs

Spiderweb Eggs

webegg1 dozen large eggs
8 cups water
2 cups frozen blueberries
sea salt, for serving

Place eggs in single layer in a large saucepan, and cover with water and blueberries. Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat. Cover; let stand for 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs one at a time, and place on several layers of paper towels. Lightly crack shell on one side with the handle of a whisk or wooden spoon. Transfer egg to medium bowl. Repeat with remaining eggs and then pour all of the cooking liquid on top of the cracked eggs. Place bowl in the refrigerator and let cool completely.  Carefully peel shells from eggs. Serve with salt. Serve in a Halloween Bento with plastic spiders.

 

 

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Halloween Devilled Spider Eggs

Halloween Devilled Spider Eggs

spider3 slices bacon (3 oz.)

8 hard-cooked large eggs

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Salt and pepper

8 large  black olives

 

In an 8- to 10-inch frying pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon, turning slices as needed, until browned on both sides and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble bacon. Cut each egg in half lengthwise; gently scoop out yolks and place in a bowl. Mash yolks with a fork, then stir in mayonnaise, green onions, mustard, and crumbled bacon until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.   Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon yolk mixture into the hollow of each egg-white half. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 4 hours.  Then:  cut pitted black olives in half lengthwise and nestle one half on top of an egg for the body, and then cut the other half crosswise into thin slices to form the creepy legs.

 

 

 

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Raspberry Ginger Mustard Chutney

Raspberry Ginger Mustard Chutney

chutney2 tsp. olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 bay leaf

1 C. frozen raspberries

1 date, pitted and minced

1 T. rice vinegar

1 T. honey (more or less to taste)

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. tamari sauce (or soy sauce)

1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice powder

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Generous pinch each salt and pepper

 

Heat oil in a small saucepan over low heat; add onion and bay leaf and sauté until onion is softened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.  Add all remaining ingredients and cook until thickened (about 7 minutes), stirring frequently.  Taste and add more salt, pepper, and honey as desired.  Remove bay leaf before serving.

 

Serve with Garlic-y Mashed Potato Cakes or spread on fresh bread topped with cheese (Cheddar or Brie would be great!) and melted under the broiler.

 

 

 

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Roasted Asparagus & Shrimp Soup with Parmesan Cheese Croutons

Roasted Asparagus & Shrimp Soup with Parmesan Cheese Croutons

soup1 pound thin asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)

2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 small sweet onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined and coarsely chopped

4 slices Pepperidge Farm® Texas Toast Parmesan

 

Heat the oven to 425°F. Place the asparagus, tomatoes, onion and garlic into a 17 x 11-inch roasting pan. Pour the oil over the vegetables and toss to coat. Bake for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Heat the broth in a 4-quart saucepan over high heat to a boil. Add the vegetables and shrimp. Cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Season to taste. Prepare the toast slices according to the package directions. Cut the toasts into bite-size pieces. Divide the soup mixture among 4 serving bowls and top with the toast pieces.

Chicken Françese

Chicken Françese

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

5 T. unsalted butter

1 1/2lb very thin chicken cutlets

Salt and freshly ground pepper

All-purpose flour, for dredging

4 eggs, beaten until frothy

2 pinches ground nutmeg

1 lemon

1/2 c dry white wine

2 T. capers, coarsely chopped

3 T. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

 

Place a platter in a low oven to warm. Heat a very large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 T. of the oil and 2 T. of the butter to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Coat half the meat at a time in flour, then in the eggs, adding each piece directly to the hot fat in the pan. Saute the cutlets for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and puffy. Transfer the cooked meat to the warm platter and repeat with the remaining cutlets, using the remaining T. of oil and 2 more T. of the butter. Once all of the meat has been cooked, add the nutmeg, the juice of half the lemon and the white wine to the pan. Scrape up the pan drippings with a whisk. Slice the remaining half lemon into thin disks and add to the sauce. Stir in the capers and parsley and the remaining T. of butter into the sauce. Turn off the heat. Shake the pan to combine the sauce. Arrange the lemon slices over the platter, then spoon the sauce evenly over the cutlets. Serve immediately with crusty bread and greens.

 

 

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ABM Cheese ‘n Onion Bread

ABM Cheese ‘n Onion Bread

1 1/4 C. Milk

2 T. Butter

1 T. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Garlic powder

1/8 tsp. Paprika

3 1/2 C. Bread flour

1 pkg. Yeast

1 C. Cheddar cheese, shredded

1/3 C. Red onion, minced

 

Measure ingredients into baking pan according to order recommended by your machine.  Select sweet bread setting.

Rabbit braised with artichokes (Lapin braisé aux artichauts)

Rabbit braised with artichokes (Lapin braisé aux artichauts)

1 rabbit (or chicken) cut in serving-sized pieces

flour for dusting with salt and pepper

1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

6 artichokes

2 1/4″ thick slices of slab bacon, diced

1 small sweet onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 lemon

3 small tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced

1/2 c. dry white wine

2-4 c. homemade chicken broth

Bouquet garni of 4 flat parsley stems, 6 leafy thyme branches, 1 bay leaf tied up with kitchen twine

Salt and pepper

1/4 c chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)

 

Snap the leaves off the artichokes until only the tender inner leaves remain. Snap off the stem. Trim the remaining green bits from the bottom of the artichoke, and cut off the inner leaves in a bunch at the point where they are very tender. Pare the tough green outer layer off the remaining stem, pairing the stem into a point. Now cut the artichoke bottom into quarters and remove the choke with a sharp knife from each quarter. Rinse to remove any traces of foin (“hay”) and drop them into a bowl of water acidulated with the juice of half a lemon.  Heat 2 T olive oil in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven. Dredge the rabbit pieces in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Brown over medium heat, turning regularly, until golden on all sides. Remove rabbit pieces to a plate and dump any oil remaining in the pan. Add 1 T of the remaining oil and the bacon dice. (Omit bacon if you only have access to the thin-sliced vacuum packed supermarket variety.) Sauté until cooked but not “crisp”. Add the remaining T of oil and the onion and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes, then add the artichoke quarters and the garlic, stir one minute, and add the tomatoes and the white wine. Turn up the heat and reduce until syrupy, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Lay the bouquet garni on top of the vegetables. Arrange the rabbit pieces on top, together with any juice accumulated in the plate.  Pour in enough broth to come halfway up the sides of the rabbit pieces. Cover and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer over very low heat about 1 hour or cook in the oven at 350 degrees for the same amount of time. The rabbit should be just tender and part readily from the bone. Don’t overcook or it will become dry. Check the liquid level frequently and add more broth if necessary. Turn the rabbit pieces once. When done, remove the rabbit pieces to a warm platter and arrange the vegetables, removed with a slotted spoon, around them. Cover and keep warm. Strain the remaining pan juices into a smaller saucepan and reduce over high heat, skimming frequently, until reduced by 1/3. Pour over the platter and serve immediately. Sprinkle with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley if you like.

 

 

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Brussels Sprouts with Shallots

Brussels Sprouts with Shallots

2 shallots, sliced thin

1 T. olive oil

3/4 pound (about 14) Brussels sprouts, trimmed, cored, and shredded

1/2 C. water

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar, or to taste

 

In a skillet sauté the shallots in the oil over moderately high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are softened, and stir in the Brussels sprouts and the water. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender, and stir in the vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

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Asparagus Parmesan with Roasted Chicken

Asparagus Parmesan with Roasted Chicken

1 lb. small to medium asparagus spears, rinsed and trimmed of woody ends

3 T. extra virgin oil

3 T. dry bread crumbs

3 T. grated Parmesan Cheese

3 strips of Prosciutto, separated and chopped

Roasted Chicken Pieces, such as Breasts, halved, or thighs (roast your own or use deli roasted chicken.

 

Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Snap off woody ends of asparagus. Place oil in a roasting pan, place in oven and heat. Combine breadcrumbs and cheese in a small bowl and whisk or mix until blended. Place the asparagus spears in a single layer in the pan and roll in the hot oil to coat. Sprinkle chopped proscuito or ham around the asparagus, but not on top. Return pan to the oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until spears are tender or crisp tender, depending on your preference. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle generously with crumb and cheese mixture and roast until golden, 3 to 5 minutes.  Using tongs, transfer individual servings to plate and sprinkle with the crumbs and cheese left in the pan. Place chicken on plate and sprinkle with prosciutto bits.

 

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Baked Orzo with Shrimp and Lemon and Oregano

Baked Orzo with Shrimp and Lemon and Oregano

1 (1 pound) package orzo

Zest of 2 lemons

1/4 C. chopped parsley

3 T. olive oil

1 C. chopped onion

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. dried oregano

1/8 tsp. red chili flakes

1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes

1/8 tsp. salt

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 C. crumbled feta cheese

1 ½ C. Tillamook® Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook and drain orzo according to package directions, reserving 1½ C. cooking liquid. In small bowl combine zest and parsley, reserving 1 T. for garnish. Heat oil in large skillet over medium high. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic, oregano and chili flakes: cook for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and salt and cook for 2 minutes; add shrimp and cook until just pink. In large bowl combine orzo, tomato-shrimp mixture, feta, parsley mixture and reserved liquid. Spread in greased 9 x 13” baking dish and top with mozzarella. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and browned. Garnish with reserved parsley lemon mixture.

Basic Roquefort Dressing

Basic Roquefort Dressing

blue-cheese-21/2 lb. finely crumbled Roquefort cheese

1/2 C. chilled evaporated milk

2 C. mayonnaise

3 T. strained fresh lemon juice

2 T. very finely minced garlic

 

Whisk lemon juice into evaporated milk until thickened.  Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well.  Cover and chill in refrigerator.  Keep for up to 48 hours.

 

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Whole Citrus Margaritas

Whole Citrus Margaritas

Margarita2 navel oranges

1 lemon

1 lime

6 T. Cointreau orange liquor

4 T. Triple Sec

12 T. good quality tequila (preferably 100% agave-reposado)

4 T. superfine sugar

8 C. ice cubes

 

Cut the citrus into three-quarter inch pieces. Push the whole fruit through a juicing machine. The resulting juice will be a mixture of the juice and oils in the peel. Strain the juice into a medium-size mixing bowl. Mix in the Cointreau, Triple Sec, tequila and superfine sugar. This mixture can be made up  to one day in advance of serving and should be kept in the refrigerator until service. Put half of the ice cubes into a large blender then pour the mixture over the ice. Pulse the ice a few times then blend at high speed until it is mixed with the juice. Add the remaining ice cubes then continue to blend until the margarita mixture is smooth and can be poured, about two minutes. Pour into frozen glasses. Salted rim optional!

 

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Asparagus with Prosciutto Chips

Asparagus with Prosciutto Chips

asp3  ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

2  small bunches (about 1 3/4 pounds) asparagus, trimmed

1  tablespoon  extra-virgin olive oil

1/4  teaspoon  kosher salt

1/4  teaspoon  black pepper

 

Heat oven to 350° F. Place the prosciutto in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crisped, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.  Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain again and pat dry. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. Transfer to a bowl. Add the oil, salt, and pepper and toss. Break the prosciutto into pieces and sprinkle over the asparagus.

 

 

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Tofu Blackberry Creme Brulee

Tofu Blackberry Creme Brulee

2 C blueberries (and 1/4 c extra for topping)

8 oz Silken tofu

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 C mixed nuts

1/2 C soft brown sugar

 

In a blender, mix 2 cups blueberries with tofu, syrup, and vanilla. Pour the mixture into four individual bowls. Top with the mixed nuts and a few blueberries. Chill for 1 hour. Heat the brown sugar in a small saucepan and cook until it dissolves. Pour it on top of each bowl and chill for another hour.

 

 

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Grilled Shrimp with Cilanto, Lime and Peanuts

Grilled Shrimp with Cilanto, Lime and Peanuts

griled2 limes

2 teaspoons fish sauce

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 pound (about 15) jumbo shrimp, shells on

2 teaspoons safflower oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

2 scallions, finely chopped

 

Zest limes into a bowl. Squeeze in juice from 1 lime, and whisk in fish sauce and sugar.  Preheat grill to high. Brush shrimp with oil on both sides, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Grill until pink and firm to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes per side.  Toss shrimp with fish-sauce mixture, cilantro, peanuts, and scallions. Juice remaining lime over shrimp.

Sweet Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

4 lb Firm Cherry Tomatoes

4 C. Water

2 ea Lemon

3 1/2 lb Sugar

1 ea Fresh Ginger Root, Grated

1 tsp Pickling Salt

 cherry

Use only the juice and grated zest of the 2 lemons. Wash the tomatoes and prick each one in several places with the tines of a fork. Dissolve the sugar in the water, bring to a boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the tomatoes and to the syrup add the ginger root, lemon juice and rind, and salt. Simmer the syrup for 15 minutes, return the tomatoes to the syrup and cook about 30 minutes longer, or till the syrup is thick and the tomatoes are transparent. Turn into hot jars and seal.

 

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Zucchini, Cheddar and Bacon Cakes

Zucchini, Cheddar and Bacon Cakes

4 slices of bacon chopped into small pieces and fried until crisp

1 small zucchini shredded in a box grater

1 C shredded cheese

2-3 scallions, thinly chopped, white and green parts

2 eggs separated

½ C white flour

½ C yellow corn meal

2 T sour cream

dash of cayenne pepper

salt

 

Garnish: Fresh tomato, avocado, sour cream

Oil and Butter for frying

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the egg whites. You will want to whip those up until soft peaks form and gently fold those into the mixture. Play with the batter until it is the texture of thick pancake batter. Heat up a large flat skillet with both a pad of butter and some olive oil until it is hot. Add a generous dollop of the batter to the hot pan and watch carefully (I lost a few because they burned!) and flatten into discs with a spatula. Be sure to fiddle with the cakes so that they don’t stick to the bottom. Once they get brown on one side flip. Place on a plate with paper towels. Serve warm with fresh tomatoes, avocado and sour cream!

 

 

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Beet Tabbouleh with Lemon, Mint and Feta

Beet Tabbouleh with Lemon, Mint and Feta

Vinaigrette:
3 TBS lemon juice
2 TBS minced shallots
2 tsp honey
salt and pepper to taste
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS walnut oil

Tabbouleh:
2 cups presoaked bulgur (1:1 bulgur/water soak one hour)
1 cup diced cooked beets (boil beets until tender)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped mint leaves
¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Whisk lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Add olive and walnut oils and whisk until blended. Add bulgur, beets, parsley, mint, and walnuts. Toss to coat with vinaigrette.

Garnish salad with feta cheese.

Spinach and Cheese Strata

Spinach and Cheese Strata

spinachcheese3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1½ cups onion, finely chopped
2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 tsp. salt, divided
½ tsp. pepper, divided
Dash freshly grated nutmeg
8 cups cubed French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 oz. coarsely grated Gruyere (about 2 cups)
2 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about 2/3 cup)
9 large eggs
2¾ cup milk

 

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add the onions to the pan and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.  Add ½ teaspoon of the salt, ¼ teaspoon of the pepper, and the nutmeg, and continue to cook for 1 minute more.  Stir in the spinach, remove from the heat and set aside. Butter the inside of a 2½-3 quart baking dish.  Layer the bottom of the dish with one third of the bread cubes.  Top with one third of the spinach mixture and one third of each of the cheeses.  Repeat these layers twice more with the bread, spinach and cheese. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, the remaining ½ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper.  Whisk together until blended.  Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and spinach layered in the baking dish.  Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours or up to 1 day. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Bake uncovered until puffed, golden brown and cooked through, 45-55 minutes.  Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.