Zesty Skillet Turkey and Noodles

Zesty Skillet Turkey and Noodles

8 oz. (4 C.) yolk-free medium-wide noodles

2 tsp. olive oil

1 bunch scallions, all parts, sliced (about 8 scallions)

1 lb. lean ground turkey breast

2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) no-salt-added diced tomatoes

1/2 tsp. italian seasoning

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. crushed red-pepper flakes

1/4 C. grated parmesan/romano cheese blend

2 T. chopped parsley

 

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and return to the cooking pot to keep warm. In a large nonstick skillet over high heat, warm the oil. Add the scallions. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the turkey. Cook, breaking up the turkey with the back of a spoon, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until no pink remains. Add the tomatoes, seasoning, pepper flakes, and salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Toss the noodles with the turkey mixture. Top with cheese and parsley.

 

 

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Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

This robust dressing is perfect for an entrée salad with grilled fish, shrimp or chicken.

 

½ C. Roasted, peeled, stemmed, seeded and chopped Red Bell Pepper

1 tsp. chopped Garlic

2 T. chopped Onion

2 T. chopped Tomato

2 T. Red Wine Vinegar

2 T. fresh Lime Juice

1 tsp. Salt

½ tsp. Pepper

½ tsp. Chipotle Puree

½ C. Olive Oil

 

Place all ingredients except oil in blender or food processor and blend until very smooth.  Slowly add oil in a thin stream while the blender is running, until all of the oil is incorporated and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.  Refrigerate in air tight container for up to 3 days.

 

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Winter Vegetable Curry in a Hurry

Winter Vegetable Curry in a Hurry

 

currt3 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 1/2 C. basmati rice

1 quart chicken or vegetable broth

1 fresh or dried bay leaf

Grated zest of 1 lemon

2 tsp. ground coriander

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom (optional)

1 T. butter

1 small head cauliflower, chopped

1 eggplant, peeled and chopped (I leave on half the skin-I like the color and texture it gives the dish)

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

One 14.5-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

One 15-oz. can chickpeas, drained

3 T. mild or hot curry paste

3 T. mango chutney

Salt and freshly ground pepper

3 scallions, chopped, for garnish

Cilantro or parsley, chopped (a generous handful)

Slivered almonds or chopped cashews, toasted, for garnish

 

In a large saucepan, heat 1 T. EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 3 C. chicken broth, the bay leaf, lemon zest, coriander, cumin, turmeric and cardamom. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 18 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and discard the bay leaf. Add the butter and toss to evenly coat the rice; set aside. While the rice cooks, in a large, deep nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 T. EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, eggplant, bell pepper, onion and garlic; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Uncover and stir in the tomatoes, chickpeas, curry paste and chutney; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining 1 C. chicken broth and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes. Serve the vegetable curry with scoops of rice on top. Top with the scallions, cilantro and almonds.

 

 

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Sweet Chipotle Dressing

Sweet Chipotle Dressing

This sweet-hot vinaigrette is the star ingredient in Chevy’s Smokin’ Chipotle Slaw.  For best flavor make a day ahead of time.  Makes a delicious fresh salsa when tossed with pineapple and red onion.  Use as a dressing for hearty greens such as romaine or spinach.

 

1 T. diced yellow Onion

1 T. chopped Garlic

2 T. Dijon Mustard

¼ tsp. Cumin

½ C. diced fresh Tomatoes

2 T. chopped Cilantro

2/3 C. seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar

¼ tsp. Black Pepper

1 tsp. Salt

2 T. Honey

2 T. Chipotle Puree

½ C. Olive Oil

 

Place all ingredients except oil in blender or food processor; process until very smooth.  Slowly add oil in a thin stream while the blender/processor is still running and blend until all of the oil is incorporated and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.  This will keep in the refrigerator 3 to 5 days.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

Wonton Shrimp Blossoms

Wonton Shrimp Blossoms

wonton24 square wonton skins/wraps

1 T. butter, melted

10 ounces peeled, cooked shrimp, finely chopped

2 green onions/scallions, finely chopped

1/3 C. carrot, finely grated

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. salt

Small pinch cayenne pepper, or dash of Tabasco sauce

1 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).  Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. With a pastry brush, brush one side of each wonton square with melted butter and gently press into muffin cups, buttered side up. Bake 8 minutes or until brown and crisp. Remove from oven and cool. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese and remaining ingredients, mixing well. With a small scoop (or 2 tsp.), fill each baked wonton C. with a rounded scoop of shrimp mixture. Place filled C. on a baking sheet as you fill them, then bake 5 to 6 minutes, or until filling is hot and bubbling around edges.

 

 

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Fuego Spice Mix

Fuego Spice Mix

This fiery spice blend is perfect for seasoning grilled steaks, chops, chicken and fish.  Just rub it on the meat right before cooking.  You can add a pinch to sautéed vegetables, or use it to season homemade tortilla chips, French fries, or popcorn.

 

¼ C. paprika

2 tsp. Cayenne

2 T. Salt

2 tsp. Ground White Pepper

2 T. ground Black Pepper

2 T. Granulated Garlic

2 T. Chile Powder

2 T. Oregano

 

Combine all ingredients, mixing well.  Store in air tight container, out of direct light, for up to 6 months.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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V8 Dressing or Dip

V8 Dressing or Dip

 

1 pkg. soft cream cheese
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. V8 juice
1 tsp. lemon juice

 

Blend the cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth. Stir in V8 juice and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. Refrigerate before use. Great for dipping veggies or to pour over salad.

 

 

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Ranchero Sauce

Ranchero Sauce

This chunky quick cooked salsa has a lot more flavor than store bought stuff.  Use it on Chile Rellenos, heuvos rancheros, and omelets.  Serve with chips for dipping.  Heat it up, toss with pasta and top with crumbled queso fresco.

 

1 T. Olive Oil

1 tsp. Minced Garlic

¾ C. chopped Onions

3 C. chopped Tomatoes (seeded)

2 tsp. Tomato Paste

1 ½ tsp. Chipotle Puree

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. minced fresh Oregano

 

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion and sauté until soft.  Add the rest of the ingredients, increase heat to medium high and being to a boil.  Once boiling, lower heat to low and simmer 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Transfer to air tight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.  To use, slowly heat over low heat; thin with 1 tablespoon of chicken stock at a time if too thick.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Stuffed Onion Leaves

Stuffed Onion Leaves

4 or 5 Very Large Onions

1 lb. lean Ground Beef

1 tsp. ground Cinnamon

1 tsp. ground Allspice

Pepper and Salt to taste

½ C. long-grain Rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes, then drained

3 Ripe Tomatoes, diced

Olive Oil

1/3 C. Beef Stock

 onion

Place whole unpeeled onions (larger the better) in a pot, and cover with water.  Bring the water to a boil, then turn down to a simmer.  Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes.  Remove, drain, and cool the onions until you can handle them.   In bowl mix beef, cinnamon, allspice, salt and pepper.  Mix well, then add the tomatoes.  Gently mix again, being careful not to squeeze the juice out of the tomatoes.  Cut the top and bottom from the cooked onions.  Slice into the onion by making a cut down the side of the onion that goes into the center of the onion.  Remove outer skin, and then, carefully, remove the large outer leaves of the onion.  Reserve the  core for another use.  Place a bit of filling in the middle of the each onion lead, and roll up like a fat sausage.  When all are rolled, select a large frying pan with a tight fitting lid.  When the pan is hot, add some olive oil and then stuffed onions, all in one layer.  Cook a few minutes over medium heat until they begin to brown on the bottom.  Add beef stock and cover.  Simmer for 40 minutes.

 

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New Mexico Red Chile Sauce

New Mexico Red Chile Sauce

This earthy red chile sauce cans be used as a condiment, stirred into soups and stews or egg dishes.

 

5 C. Chevy’s Chicken Stock

1 lb. Tomatoes, quartered

12 oz. White Onions, quartered

6 cloves Garlic, peeled

6 oz. dried New Mexico Chiles, stemmed and seeded

1 T. Butter, room temperature

1 tsp. Salt

 

In stockpot over high heat, bring stock, tomatoes, onions and garlic to a boil.  Cook for 15 minutes.  Stir in dried chiles, making sure they are immersed.  Remove pan from heat and sock chiles for 15 minutes.  When mixture is cool, transfer to blender or food processor and process until liquefied.  Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the residue with back of spoon to extract all the chile flavor.  In large saucepan, reheat sauce and stir in butter until melted and incorporated.  Stir in salt and serve.   If preparing in advance, leave out butter until you are ready to use the sauce.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Seafood and Fennel Soup

Seafood and Fennel Soup

1 T. olive oil

8 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced

6 bacon slices, chopped

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 C. thinly sliced fennel

1/4 C. chopped red bell pepper

1 T. crushed fennel seeds

2 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 1/2 pounds red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3 1/2 C. canned chicken broth

2 14 1/2-ounce cans diced peeled tomatoes

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 1-pound halibut fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces

8 ounces red snapper fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces

8 ounces sole fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces

Chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Set mushrooms aside. Cook bacon in heavy large Dutch oven over medium heat until almost crisp, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add onion, fennel, bell pepper, fennel seeds and garlic; sauté until vegetables are almost tender, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes, chicken broth, tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are almost tender, about 25 minutes. Mix in mushrooms. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring soup to simmer before continuing.) Add halibut, red snapper and sole to soup and simmer just until fish is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with parsley.

 

 

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Pickled Jalapeños

Pickled Jalapeños

2 C. fresh Whole Jalapeño Chiles

½ C. White Vinegar

½ C. Water

1 tsp. Salt

1 clove Garlic, sliced

 

Combine all ingredients in saucepan over high heat.  Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and allow to cool.  Jalapenos may be served when cool, or transfer, along with cooking liquid, to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Scarlett’s Pasta

Scarlett’s Pasta

2 shallots, finely chopped

1/2 small sweet red pepper, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

One 14-ounce can of chopped tomatoes, drained

3/4 cup chicken stock

8 ounces pasta (any shape)

1 tablespoon torn fresh basil

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

14 ounces salami, cut into strips

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Sauté the shallots and red pepper in the olive oil for about 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in the tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes, then add the stock and simmer for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in lightly salted boiling water according to the instructions on the package. When the vegetables are cooked, stir in the basil, Parmesan cheese, and salami, heat through, and season to taste. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce.

 

 

from: Favorite Family Meals

 

 

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Chipotle Puree

Chipotle Puree

Note that pureeing a can of high quality chipotles in adobo will nearly match the flavor in this recipe.

3 C. Water

2 oz. dried Chipotle Chiles, stems removed

1 T. Achiote Paste

½ C. Tomato Paste

½ C. firmly packed Brown Sugar

2 T. Red Wine Vinegar

1 tsp. Salt

2 T. Olive Oil

 

Combine all ingredients in saucepan over high heat.  Bring to a boil, then decrease heat to medium low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.  Remove from heat and cool completely.  Puree in blender or food processor until smooth.  Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Turkey Cranberry & Boursin Grilled Cheese

Turkey Cranberry & Boursin Grilled Cheese

turkey-cranberry-boursin-grilled-cheese-1-11132 slices Texas toast garlic bread

3 slices leftover turkey

Boursin (garlic and herb spread)

2 slices white cheddar or Muenster cheese

Cranberry sauce (patted dry, if desired)

Baby spinach leaves (stems removed)

 

Place a large skillet over medium heat. When droplets of water sizzle when added to the pan, lay the garlic bread slices in the pan (if buttered on one side, place the buttered side up). Heat the bread until lightly toasted, then flip. Using a wide sandwich spreader, spread Boursin over the warmed sides of the bread (it might be a little awkward, but it’ll work out okay). Lay one slice over cheese over the Boursin. When the cheese has melted, layer the turkey on one slice of bread. Spoon a small amount of the cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. Shingle the spinach leaves over the cranberry sauce. Close the sandwich by topping the turkey with the second slice of bread, cheese side down. Flip the sandwich to make sure the bottom bread slice is toasted (if not, allow to heat a little longer). Serve. And be prepared to make seconds.

El Ranch-O Dressing

El Ranch-O Dressing

1 C. Buttermilk

1 T. fresh Lime Juice

1 T. minced Cilantro

1 tsp. minced Oregano

1 T. finely diced Onion

2 tsp. minced Garlic

½ tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Black Pepper

1 ½ C. Mayonnaise

 

Combine all ingredients except mayonnaise and whisk until well combined.  Add mayonnaise and whisk until smooth.  Refrigerate at least an hour.  Dressing will keep in refrigerator for a week.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Chickpea Pancakes

Chickpea Pancakes

1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well

About 1/3 C. very thick tomato sauce

1 egg

A few T. heavy cream, but you could use bean broth or stock

Cumin to taste (I used quite a bit, a T. probably)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 C. all-purpose flour

Oil to cook the garlic and to fry the patties.  I used olive oil

 

Heat 1 T. oil in a small pan and sauté the garlic for a few minutes.  Add the tomato sauce and cook a few minutes more. Add the sauce mix, the chickpeas, egg, cumin, flour, and cream to a food processor.  Process until the chickpeas are pureed with the other ingredients.  Add salt and pepper if you wish. I didn’t.  Wet your hands and form the puree into rough patties and drop them gently into a non-stick skillet with about an inch of hot oil.  It took me about 2 minutes per side to cook the pancakes.  Drain them ion paper towels and serve with whatever you like–cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, etc.

 

 

 

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Yucatan Marinade Chicken Skewers

Yucatan Marinade Chicken Skewers

4 12” long Skewers (soaked, if bamboo)

1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into ½” pieces

1 ½ C. Yucatan Marinade

 

Thread chicken pieces on skewers, covering as much as the skewers as possible.  Place in shallow container and fully cover with marinade.  Cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.  The next day, preheat the grill.  When hot, remove skewers from marinade, discard marinade, and grill chicken, turning periodically to cook evenly, about 2-3 minutes per side.

 

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Antipasti Bites

Antipasti Bites

anti24 slices of hard or genoa salami (about 4 inches in diameter)

1 C. marinated artichoke hearts, chopped fine

1/2 C. roasted red peppers, chopped fine

4 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes

1/4 C. fresh basil, chopped

 

Press one salami slice down into a regular sized muffin cup in a muffin tin.  Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes until salami is crisp.  Transfer to a plate to cool.  Mix all other ingredients together and spoon into cups to serve

 

Yucatan Marinade

Yucatan Marinade

1/3 C. Achiote Paste

¼ C. White Wine Vinegar

¼ C. Olive Oil

¼ C. fresh Lime Juice

2 T. finely diced Onion

1 tsp. minced Garlic

2 tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Pepper

1 Bay Leaf

 

Place all ingredients except bay leaf in blender and pulse until smooth.  Add bay leaf and use as marinade.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Bread

Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Bread

1 loaf French Bread

1 C. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 C. Mayonnaise

1/4 C. Finely Chopped Roasted Red Peppers

1 T. Fresh Cilantro, chopped

1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin

1 sm. Onion, finely chopped

 

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut bread loaf horizontally into 3 layers.  Mix remaining ingredients.  Spread half the cheese mixture over bottom layer. Top with the middle layer of bread.  Spread with remaining cheese mixture.  Top with last layer of bread, press firmly.  Wrap securely in heavy duty aluminum foil.  Bake 15-20 minutes or until hot.

 

Chevy’s Chicken Stock

Chevy’s Chicken Stock

1 3-4lb. Chicken

2 ½ qt. Cold Water

1 large Celery Rib, with leaves, coarsely chopped

1 Scallion, top discarded, coarsely chopped

2 Carrots, coarsely chopped

1 Yellow Onion, coarsely chopped

1 bunch cilantro stems

4 to 5 cloves garlic

½ tsp. White Pepper

1 tsp. Salt

1 Bay Leaf

 

Combine all ingredients in a stockpot over high heat.  Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.  Remove from heat and cool.  Remove the chicken, cool, and reserve for another use (such as salsa chicken).  Strain off vegetables and discard.  Cover and refrigerate the stock.  The next day, remove and discard any fat that has collected on the surface.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Firecracker Burgers

Firecracker Burgers

1 pound lean ground beef

1/4 C. chunky salsa

4 frozen breaded cheddar cheese jalapeno peppers, thawed

1/4 C. guacamole

4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

4 lettuce leaves

1/4 C. salsa con queso dip

1/4 C. sliced plum tomatoes

2 tsp. sliced ripe olives

4 thin slices sweet onion

 

In a bowl, combine the beef and salsa. Shape into four patties. Place a jalapeno in the center of each; wrap beef around jalapeno, forming a ball. Reshape into patties, about 3-1/2 to 4 in. in diameter and 1 in. thick. Grill, covered, over medium-hot heat for 7-8 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink. Spread guacamole over toasted side of bun tops. On each bun bottom, layer lettuce, a burger, con queso dip, tomatoes, olives and onion; replace tops. Yield: 4 servings.

 

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Cheesy Potato Fans

Cheesy Potato Fans

Peel or leave the skins on medium size baking potatoes. Slice them into about one-quarter inch thick slices, without going all the way through. Put a thin slice of onion and a small piece of cheese between the potato slices, give a brushing with some melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil and place on the grill about an hour and a half before serving time. When the potato feels soft through the foil, it’s done.

 

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Chevy’s Famous Flour Tortillas

Chevy’s Famous Flour Tortillas

6 C. All-Purpose Flour

1 tsp. Baking Powder

½ tsp. Salt

½ C. Crisco, cut into small pieces

2 ½ C. Warm Water

 

Place flour in the bowl of a mixer and add baking powder and salt, stirring to mix.  Add shortening.  Turn mixer on low and slowly pour in the water.  Mix on low about 30 seconds, or until well blended.  Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface.  Divide into 2 equal portions. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.  Divide each half into 8 pieces.  Lightly flour your work surface.  With a rolling pin, roll each ball into an 8 inch round.  Rotating the dough while you roll will help it spread out into a nice circle.  Stack the rounds on a baking sheet with plastic wrap between each tortilla.  Let the tortillas rest for 10 minutes.  Heat griddle (375) or cast iron skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with vegetable oil cooking spray.  Cook tortillas on each side for 1 minute, or until light brown spots begin to appear on the surface.

 

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Cheesy Popovers

Cheesy Popovers

2 Eggs, beaten

1 C. Milk

3/4 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp. Sage, crushed

1/2 tsp. Basil, crushed

1 C. Unbleached flour

1/2 C. Grated cheddar cheese

 

Combine seasonings with milk and eggs; add flour and cheese; mix until just blended. Pour into well-oiled muffin tins, filling 2/3 full. Do not preheat oven. Place muffin tin in oven, and heat to 450 degrees. Bake 30 minutes, no peeking. Remove from oven; turn off heat. Pierce popovers on 4 sides at right angles. Return to oven (do NOT turn on heat). Allow popovers to dry in oven about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

Chevy’s Pico De Gallo

Chevy’s Pico De Gallo

2 C. Tomatoes, diced into 3/8” pieces

½ C. White Onion, diced

2 T. chopped Cilantro

1 ½ T. Jalapeno, stemmed and seeded, then minced

2 tsp. fresh Lime Juice

½ tsp. Salt

 

Combine all ingredients; mix well.  Serve chilled.

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Cheese & Cherry Blintzes

Cheese & Cherry Blintzes

blintz8oz. Cottage Cheese (2%)

½ tsp. Salt

1 Egg, beaten

½ tsp. Vanilla

¼ C. dried Cherries

¼ C. sliced Almonds

¾ C. Skim Milk

2 Eggs, well beaten

1 C. sifted Flour

¼ tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Olive Oil

 

In a small bowl, prepare filling.  Mix cottage cheese with salt, egg, vanilla, dried cherries and almonds. To prepare batter, stir milk into beaten eggs and gradually fold in flour and salt.  Beat until smooth.  Heat a bit of the oil in a 7” skillet over medium heat.  Pour enough batter in to the hot pan to just cover the bottom. As soon as the edges begin to curl away from the pan, turn out onto wax paper and spread with a spoonful of the cheese filling.  Fold sides over to make a neat package.  Make additional blintzes with remaining batter and filling.  Place filled blitzes on a hot buttered frying pan and cook until browned.  Turn and cook on the other side.  Serve at once.

 

from The Idiot’s Guide Glycemic Index Cookbook

 

Yield: 8 blitzes, 2 per serving

Calories: 286

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 1g

 

Sweet Hot Jalapeño Jelly

Sweet Hot Jalapeño Jelly

Serve with fajitas, flautas, tacos, taquitos and carnitas.  Also a terrific dipping sauce for finger food like shrimp and chicken wings.

¾ C. chopped Red Bell Pepper

¾ C. chopped Green Bell Pepper

1/3 C. seeded, diced Jalapeño

2 ¾ C. Sugar

½ C. Red Wine Vinegar

1 T. fresh Lime Juice

6 T. Certo Liquid Pectin

Combine peppers, jalapeno, sugar, vinegar and lime juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Heat until warm and sugar is dissolved.  Pour in blender and puree for 5 seconds.  Return blended mixture to saucepan and bring to a boil.  Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.  Decrease heat to low and simmer 5 minutes.  Stir in pectin, increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and cool.  Jelly will set as it cools; transfer to desired storage container when still warm.  Cover and refrigerate up to 5 days.

 

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Bacon & Garlic Grits

Bacon & Garlic Grits

2 strips smoked bacon, small dice

3 clove garlic, minced

2 C. milk

2 C. heavy cream

1/4 C. whole butter

1 C. grits

Salt and pepper

 

Render bacon in saucepot until crispy. Add garlic to pot and sauté for 20 to 30 seconds.   Add milk, cream and butter, bring to boil. Add grits and stir. Turn heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. If grits become too thick, add milk to thin it out. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

 

 

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Potage of Passion with Star Croutons

Potage of Passion with Star Croutons

01a tureen (547x800) (2)6 large ripe tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

2 T. butter

3 yellow onions, diced

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 T. chopped fresh basil

 

Place tomatoes in boiling water fro 2 minutes or until skins split. Drain and cool. Peel and chop. Sauté garlic in butter. Add onions and tomatoes. Reduce heat and allow to cook until onions and tomatoes are soft. Season to taste. Stir in basil. Puree to a chunky texture. Serve hot with stars cut from toasted baguette slices.

 

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Fast and Easy Coleslaw

Fast and Easy Coleslaw

1/2 C. mayonnaise, whipped

2 T. milk

1 T. white vinegar

1 T. sugar

1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage

1/2 to 1 C. shredded carrots

 

Combine mayo, milk, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl and whisk to blend.  Add coleslaw mix and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle shredded carrots over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

 

 

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Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary

3 C. tomato juice

3 T. freshly grated horseradish, plus more for garnish

4 oz. vodka

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 T. soy sauce

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more for garnish

1 dash Tabasco Sauce, optional

Celery, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for garnish

 

Combine tomato juice, horseradish, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, pepper, and Tabasco in a pitcher. Stir well to combine. Pour into glasses full of ice; garnish with grated horseradish, pepper, celery, and lemon wedges. Serve.

 

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Fiddlehead Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette

Fiddlehead Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette

 

fiddle2

4 cups of fiddleheads, cleaned and trimmed of any brown parts

 

Large bowl of ice water

 

1-1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

 

3 large green onions (scallions) cut into thin slices, white parts only – reserve some chopped green ends for garnish

 

Vinaigrette:

 

2 teaspoons rice vinegar

 

3 Tablespoons peanut oil or other neutral oil such as canola or safflower (avoid using peanut oil if there is a concern about peanut allergies)

 

½ teaspoon Asian sesame oil

 

1 Tablespoon dark sodium-reduced soy sauce

 

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)

 

1 teaspoon sugar

 

1 clove garlic, very finely minced

 

 

 

Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside. Fill a saucepan with enough water to just cover 4 cups of fiddleheads and bring to a boil. Add fiddleheads and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain fiddleheads and plunge immediately into the ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and place on a dishtowel or paper towel to dry thoroughly. In a small bowl, prepare vinaigrette. Add rice vinegar, peanut oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar and garlic and whisk until well combined. Place cooked fiddleheads and green onion slices in a bowl and toss with vinaigrette until dressing evenly coats the fiddleheads. Place salads on a plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkling of green onion slices.

 

 

 

Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

8 Manicotti Shells

1/4 C. Sliced Green Onion

1 Clove Garlic, chopped

2 T. Butter

2 T. Flour

1 1/3 C. Milk

1 C. Shredded Swiss Cheese

1/4 C. White Wine

1 Beaten Egg

1 C. Ricotta Cheese

1 C. Shredded Mozzarella

1/2 C. Shredded Mozzarella

1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese

1/3 C. Parsley

1/4 tsp. Shredded Lemon Peel

1/8 tsp. Nutmeg

 

Cook manicotti according to package directions.  For sauce in a saucepan cook onion and garlic in butter until tender.  Stir in flour.  Add milk all at once.  Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.  Add swiss cheese and wine.  Stir until cheese melts.  In bowl stir together egg, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, peel, and nutmeg.  Fill manicotti with ricotta mixture.  Arrange in baking dish.  Pour sauce over filled shells.  Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes until hot.

 

Yield:

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Fiber:

 

Fiddlehead ferns, caramelized mushrooms and dandelion Pasta Salad

Fiddlehead ferns, caramelized mushrooms and dandelion Pasta Salad

fiddle1 box of pasta

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

 

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

 

1 cup Fiddlehead ferns, tips trimmed

 

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

 

1 package button mushrooms, sliced

 

8 large dandelion leaves (about 4 inches x 2 inches), 4 roughly chopped, 4 set aside

 

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

 

parsley for garnish

 

dressing

 

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

 

1/2 lemon, juiced

 

1/8 cup Tamari Soy Sauce

 

1 large clove garlic, crushed

 

1 tsp dijon mustard

 

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Cook pasta al dente according to directions. When done, drain and set aside to cool. This salad can be served cold or warm. In a skillet, over high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add garlic and turn down to medium heat. Add mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns and cook until mushrooms are caramelized (a nice golden brown color), about 15 minutes, stirring from time to time. When the olive oil disappears add a tab of sweet butter.  Prepare the Dandelions, parsley and the cherry tomatoes, set aside In a large bowl, toss together the pasta and all ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste.  Place pasta in a large serving bowl.  Add parsley as garnish and serve.

 

 

 

Cheesy Herb Pinwheels

Cheesy Herb Pinwheels

3 C. Original Bisquick® mix

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2/3 C. water

2 T. butter or margarine, melted

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 C. pizza sauce

Heat oven to 425ºF. Grease cookie sheet. Mix Bisquick, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and water until dough forms. Turn dough onto surface dusted with Bisquick; gently roll in Bisquick to coat. Knead 10 times.   Roll dough into 18×10-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with cheeses. Tightly roll up dough; pinch edge to seal. Cut roll into eighteen 1-inch slices. Place on cookie sheet.    Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden. Heat pizza sauce until hot. Dip pinwheels into sauce.

 

Yield:

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Roasted Fiddlehead BLT Salad

Roasted Fiddlehead BLT Salad

apples-fiddleheads-0151 1/2 heads romaine, clean and dry and cut into bite-sized pieces

6 slices bacon, preferably Vermont Smoke & Cure, or other good-quality

Olive oil

1 pt. grape tomatoes, cut in half

3/4 lb. fiddlehead ferns, brown ends trimmed, soaked in 1/2 water, 1/2 white vinegar for 1/2 hour

6 or 8 whole cloves of garlic, with peel

1/2 c. Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen or Bonneview Mossend Blue (Blue Cheese)

 

Place the lettuce on large dinner plates and put aside.  Cook the bacon until crisp.  Use a fork to remove from pan, and place on paper towel to remove extra fat.  Keep pan over medium heat, add tomatoes, fiddleheads, and garlic cloves with a splash of olive oil and sprinkle of kosher salt, and cook until fiddleheads are crisp tender.  (You can do this on the stovetop, or – as I did – in the oven at about 400 degrees.)  Add  tomato-fiddlehead mixture to lettuce, being sure to scrape/spoon out any juices in pan.  If desired (as I did), peel garlic cloves and add to plate.  Crumble bacon over top, add crumbled blue cheese, and serve.

 

Secret Message Decoder Cookies

Secret Message Decoder Cookies

Cookies with a twist! Red candy melted in the center of each cookie acts as a decoder on your handwritten valentines. On white paper simply write your secret message with a light-blue fine point marker. Then, using orange, red, and pink markers, doodle shapes, scribbles, or words over the rest of the paper. Go ahead and doodle right over your secret message because your decoder cookie will only reveal your secret message and everything else will disappear!

1 cup buttersooooofun602870870401_C_Detail

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

5 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. soda

1/4 cup milk

Red, hard, transparent candies/crushed to fine pieces

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together with mixer. Add vanilla. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. In separate bowl add flour, salt, soda, and baking powder. Stir together. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with milk and stir until dough is smooth. Chill until dough is stiff.  Prepare baking sheet by covering with a sheet of foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Don’t skip this step–you need the foil or the candy will stick to the pan! On floured surface roll a portion of the dough to 1/4″ thick. Cut out with large heart cookie cutter (approx. 4″) and place 1″ apart on baking sheet. Cut center with a slightly smaller heart cutter and remove dough. Using a small teaspoon carefully fill center with crushed candy. Bake for 10-12 min. or until lightly golden on edges. Cool completely before removing cookies. Store in an airtight container or individual cellophane bags and attach paper valentine.

 

Yield:

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Fiber:

Warm Cranberry Punch

Warm Cranberry Punch

exps11894_NSC1214457D301 bottle (64 ounce) cranberry juice cocktail
2 cans (12 ounce) frozen lemonade concentrate
4 cups water
3 Cinnamon Sticks
8 Whole Cloves
1 tsp. Ground Allspice
1/4 tsp.  Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp.  Ground Nutmeg

Combine all . Simmer 30 minutes. Remove whole spices before serving. Garnish with orange slices, if desired.