Tawnya’s Pina Colada Cookies

Tawnya’s Pina Colada Cookies

4 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 C. vegetable shortening
1/2 C. flaked coconut
1 C. granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla or rum extract

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium sixed bowl, combine flour, salt, soda and powder. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, pineapple and vanilla; beat thoroughly. Gradually add the flour mixture by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of coconut. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.

Asian Beef

Asian Beef

4 1/2 oz. beef, loin cut

1 C. fresh snow peas

1 bell pepper

1 green onion

1 tsp. canola oil

1 clove garlic

2 T. teriyaki sauce

2/3 T. sesame seeds

 

Prepare rice according to recipe directions, omit salt. Slice beef into half-inch strips on a separate cutting board. Chop green onion; core, seed and slice pepper into strips; mince garlic, set aside. Wash and trim snow peas, set aside. In a nonstick skillet, heat oil on low-medium heat and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Raise heat to medium and add beef: stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, add vegetables and teriyaki sauce and stir-fry about 5-6 minutes, until vegetables are tender, but still crisp. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Asiago Chicken and Cavatappi

Asiago Chicken and Cavatappi

1 1/2 C. uncooked cavatappi pasta (5 oz.)

3/4 C. boiling water

1/2 C. julienne strips sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/4 tsp. garlic pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

2 C. frozen baby bean and carrot blend (from 1-lb. bag)

1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley

1/4 C. shredded Asiago cheese (1 oz.)

 

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, pour boiling water over tomatoes; let stand 10 minutes.    Meanwhile, spray 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat.  Cook chicken, garlic pepper and salt in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until chicken is brown. Stir in tomato mixture and vegetables. Cover and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center and vegetables are crisp-tender.    Stir in pasta; cook and stir until thoroughly heated. Stir in parsley. Sprinkle with cheese.

 

Yield:

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Arugula and Red Onion Salad

Arugula and Red Onion Salad

3/4 lb. Arugula leaves

1 medium Size red onion cut into Thin slices

1 tsp. Finely chopped garlic

1 T. Red-wine vinegar

3 T. Olive oil

Salt and fresh ground Pepper

 

Pick over the arugula leaves and remove and discard any tough stems. Rinse and drain the leaves. Pat dry. Place the leaves in a salad bowl. Add the onion slices, garlic, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Toss and blend well. Serve.

 

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Artichoke Heart & Red Pepper Bites

Artichoke Heart & Red Pepper Bites

6 oz. marinated artichoke hearts in oil

6 oz. roasted bell peppers

1 small chopped onion

2 minced cloves garlic

4 eggs

2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 C. dry bread crumbs

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Dash hot pepper sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 inch baking dish. Drain the artichoke hearts, reserving 2 T. of the oil. Drain the roasted peppers and discard the liquid. Finely chop the artichoke hearts and peppers and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the reserved oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for five minutes, or until soft and translucent. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Beat the eggs in a large bowl until thick and lemon colored. Beat in the remaining ingredients along with the artichoke hearts, peppers, and onion mixture. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until pale golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes, and then cut into one inch squares. Tightly wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month. Serve cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated in a 300 degree oven for 5-10 minutes.

Fat Smash Lentils with Grilled Mushrooms, Asparagus and Asparagus Broth

Fat Smash Lentils with Grilled Mushrooms, Asparagus and Asparagus Broth

2 C. Mushrooms

3 tsp. Olive Oil

3 C. Cooked Lentils

1 clove Garlic, minced

1 C. steamed and chopped Asparagus (save woody ends for broth)

2 tsp. Basil, chiffonade (reserve stems for broth)

Salt and Pepper

 

Broth:

2 tsp. Olive Oil

1/4 C. each diced carrot, onion and celery

2 cloves Garlic, whole

2 tsp. White Wine

1/2 C. asparagus ends, roughly chopped

3 C. Vegetable Broth

1 Bay Leaf

Basil Stems

Salt and Pepper

 

Broth: Heat olive oil over medium heat and sweat carrot, onion, celery and garlic for two minutes. Add white wine and cook another minute. Add asparagus, broth, basil, and bay leaf. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Strain and set aside.  Meanwhile toss mushrooms with 2 tsp. olive oil and grill them on medium heat for two minutes per side. Let mushrooms cool, then slice. Heat one tsp. olive oil in sauté pan over high heat; add garlic and sweat until aromas are released. Add lentils, mushrooms and asparagus and cook for one minute over high heat. Add asparagus broth and bring to a summer. Heat through until all ingredients are hot. Remove from heat; add fresh basil; season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Fat Smash BBQ Beef Tenderloin

Fat Smash BBQ Beef Tenderloin

8 oz. Filet Mignon

2 pinches Ground Red Chili Pepper

2/3 tsp. Ground Fennel Seeds

2 pinches ground Ginger

2 pinches Ground Black Pepper

2 pinches salt

 

Combine seasonings in a bowl. Rub spices into beef. Let meat set refrigerated for at least 20 minutes for spices to blend. (Meat can be refrigerated overnight before grilling.) Cook beef over medium heat in covered grill 30 to 40 minutes per 1 lb. Turn occasionally, until meat thermometer reads 140°F. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes to let the juices settle, before slicing thinly.

Fat Smash Baked Bean and Chicken Stew

Fat Smash Baked Bean and Chicken Stew

4 oz. Roasted Skinless Chicken Breasts

2 oz. Bush’s Best Homestyle Baked Beans

2 oz. S&W Butter Beans

2 oz. Progresso Dark Red Kidney Beans

1/4 C. chopped White Onion

2-2/3 tsp. Del Monte Ketchup

2 tsp. Country Dijon Mustard

2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. B&G Dark Molasses

1 tsp. Brown Sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in an oven safe casserole dish. Mix until all ingredients are blended. Bake, uncovered, for 55 to 60 minutes.

Seared Tuna with Fennel Seed and Caper Brown Butter

Seared Tuna with Fennel Seed and Caper Brown Butter

Seared Tuna with Fennel Seed and Caper Brown Butter1-1/2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs. capers, drained, coarsely chopped if large
6 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into six pieces
1/4 C. heavy cream
4 1-inch-thick tuna steaks (6 to 8 oz. each)
1 Tbs. fennel seeds, crushed
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. vegetable oil

Put the lemon juice and capers in a 1-qt. heatproof measuring C.. Bring the butter and cream to a brisk simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking often. The mixture will look homogenous at first and then will separate and begin to turn golden brown. Continue to whisk until it turns a dark rust color, about 10 minutes total. Carefully pour the brown butter mixture into the lemon juice; the butter will boil up and sputter. Whisk to combine and return to the saucepan, off the heat. Sprinkle the tuna on both sides with the fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil in a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Sear the tuna on both sides until done to your liking, about 2 minutes per side for medium rare (still raw in the middle) or 3 minutes per side for medium (just pink in the middle). Transfer the tuna to plates. If necessary, quickly reheat the sauce. Serve the tuna drizzled with the sauce.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 600
Fat: 33g
Fiber: 0g

Fat Smash Creamless Cauliflower Gratin

Fat Smash Creamless Cauliflower Gratin

1 tsp. EVOO

1/2 Onion, julienned

1 head Cauliflower, sliced into 1/4” thick pieces

1 clove Garlic, minced

1 tsp. White Wine

1 1/2 C. Chicken Stock

1 T. chopped Parsley

2 tsp. chopped Thyme

1 tsp. grated Parmesan Cheese

Salt and Pepper

 

In oven proof sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium low heat. Add onion and cook until soft and caramelized, about four minutes. Add cauliflower and sweat a few minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add wine and cook another minute. Add stock, stir in parsley and thyme. Cover with foil and bake in 400 oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese and broil a few minutes, until browned on top.

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.

 

Yield:

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Bulgogi (Korean Barbecued Beef)

Bulgogi (Korean Barbecued Beef)

1 lb. minute steak

2 T. sugar

4 T. soy sauce

2 T. dark sesame oil

1 t. ground sesame seeds

4 T. chopped green onion

3/4 t. garlic powder

3/4 t. black pepper

 

Combine all ingredients except beef. Marinate beef in mixture at least fifteen minutes. Discard marinade. Best grilled over a charcoal fire, but can be pan fried.

 

Yield:

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Fat Smash Garbanzo Beans with Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Broth

Fat Smash Garbanzo Beans with Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Broth

3 C. Garbanzo Beans, cooked

2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, julienned

1 T. Olive Oil

2 C. Broccoli, steamed and chopped

 

Marinade:

 

2 T. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Fresh Oregano, chopped

4 T. Fresh Basil, cut into chiffonade (thin strips)

1 clove Garlic

1 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To taste Salt and Pepper

 

Tomato Broth:

3 Roma Tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 T. Olive oil

1 bunch Basil stems (after leaves have been removed for marinade)

1 Bay leaf

3 C. Chicken Broth

2 ea Garlic cloves, whole

1/4 C. ea Carrot, onion, celery, chopped

1 T. White wine

To taste Salt and Pepper

 

To make tomato broth, heat olive oil over medium heat and sweat carrots, onions, celery and garlic cloves, approximately 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and basil stems. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and set aside. Combine marinade ingredients, add chicken, and let stand in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Drain marinade. Heat 1 T. olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat and cook chicken until fully cooked (test one piece by cutting into it). Add garlic and briefly sweat until aromas are released. Add garbanzo beans and cook for 1 minute over high heat. Add tomato broth, bring to a simmer, and add broccoli. Heat through until all ingredients are hot. Remove from the heat, add fresh herbs, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Braised Onions, Shallots and Leeks

Braised Onions, Shallots and Leeks

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

3 red onions cut into thick wedges

Fresh basil, minced, or dried basil

Juice of 1 lime

4 or 5 shallots, halved

3 Vidalia (or yellow) onions, cut into thick wedges

3 leeks, cut lengthwise, rinsed well and sliced into 2″ lengths

 

Heat oil in deep skillet over low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add shallots and cook, stirring, 4-5 minutes. Add leeks and cook, stirring, until bright green and tender, 5 minutes. Add a little water and a sprinkling of basil. Cover and simmer until any remaining liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.

Fat Smash Corn Salad

Fat Smash Corn Salad

3 Portobello Mushrooms, chopped

1/3 C. Balsamic Vinegar

1/3 C. Olive Oil

4 tsp. Water

Pinch of brown or white Sugar

1/2 lb. Sweet Yellow Corn

1 C. Grape Tomatoes, halved

1 medium Onion, chopped

1/4 to 1/2 lb. Baby Lettuce

1 Bell Pepper, chopped

1/2 C. Chopped Parsley

1/2 C. chopped Chives

Salt and Pepper

 

Marinate mushrooms for 45 minutes in vinegar, olive oil, water and sugar. While mushrooms marinate, mix corn, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, pepper, parsley, chives salt and pepper in a large bowl. Drizzle marinated mushrooms over salad and serve.

Parmesan Crisps

Parmesan Crisps

3/4 C. Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
11/2 tsp. all-purpose flour

 

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a lightly greased baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl stir together Parmesan and flour. On prepared baking sheet spoon level tablespoons of mixture in mounds 4 inches apart and spread mounds gently into 3 1/2-inch-long ovals. Bake crisps in middle of oven until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool crisps completely on baking sheet and remove carefully with a metal spatula. Crisps may be made 2 days in advance and kept between layers of wax paper in an airtight container at room temperature.

Braised Carrots with Orange and Capers

Braised Carrots with Orange and Capers

2 T. olive oil

1 lb. carrots, peeled, end trimmed, and cut into 2-inch lengths

Sea salt or kosher salt

1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced

2/3 C. thinly sliced celery

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes

1 C. low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1/2 orange (including peel), rinsed, ends trimmed, and chopped (discard seeds)

1 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp.  dried thyme

2 T. drained capers

2 T. chopped Italian parsley

 

Pour 1 T. olive oil into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add carrots, sprinkle lightly with salt, and turn to brown on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Remove from pan. Add onion, celery, and garlic to pan; stir often until vegetables are soft but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, orange, thyme, and the carrots to pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are very tender when pierced, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, pour remaining T. olive oil into a small frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add capers and cook until they begin to peel back, about 1 1/2 minutes.  Spoon braised carrots into a serving bowl or onto plates and top with capers and parsley.

 

Yield:

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Fat Smash Kidney Beans with Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus

Fat Smash Kidney Beans with Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus

3 C. Kidney Beans, cooked and drained

12 oz. Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 T. Olive Oil

2 T. White Wine

2 C. Asparagus, steamed and chopped

2 C. Vegetable Stock

1 T. each Fresh Basil and Thyme, chopped

To taste Salt and Pepper

 

Marinade for Shrimp:

2 T. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Fresh thyme, chopped

4 T. Basil, chiffonade

1 clove Garlic

1 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To taste Salt and Pepper

 

Combine marinade ingredients, add shrimp, and let stand in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Drain marinade. Heat 1 T olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side. Add garlic and briefly sweat until aromas are released. Add kidney beans and white wine and cook for 1 minute over high heat. Add stock, bring to a simmer, and add asparagus. Heat through until all ingredients are hot and shrimp is a white, opaque color. Remove from the heat, add fresh herbs, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Fat Smash Banana Nut Pancakes

Fat Smash Banana Nut Pancakes

1 Medium Egg

3/8 C. Raw English Walnuts-Chopped

1-1/4 C. Flour

1-1/2 C. Skim Milk

1 C. Mashed Banana

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 pinch Salt

1 T. Clover Honey

 

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and chopped nuts. In a smaller bowl, combine egg, honey, mashed banana and milk. Wisk together. Add liquid to dry ingredients. Stir until blended. Pour batter onto hot, lightly oiled griddle or electric fry pan. When bubbles appear in batter, turn over pancakes. Cook until golden brown.

Blueberry Bread Pudding

Blueberry Bread Pudding

2 C. milk

1 C. sugar

1 C. heavy cream

4 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 C. fresh blueberries, cleaned and picked over

1/2 C. unsalted shelled pistachio, blanched and skinned (2 ounces without shell)

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place corn bread pieces in large bowl.  Whisk light & heavy cream, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla and cinnamon in bowl till all incorporated together.  Poor egg mixture over bread.  Add blueberries and pistachios and toss to gently coat.  Transfer mixture to a Sprayed 10-inch baking pan, lines with parchment paper covering baking dish with foil.  Bake pudding 45 minutes.  Remove foil and bake until tester center comes out clean, about 35 minutes longer.  Remove bread pudding from oven and cool.  When cool, un-mold pudding by turning upside down on cutting board, remove parchment paper and cut bread pudding into designated shapes or squares.  Reheat and serve warm with whipped cream & blueberry coulis.

Bees in the Herb Garden Dip or Dressing

Bees in the Herb Garden Dip or Dressing

1 pint sour cream

6 tsp. honey

2 tsp. thawed, undiluted orange juice

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. cream-style horseradish

2 tsp. rosemary, crushed

1 tsp. chervil, crushed

1 tsp. basil, crushed

¾ tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Combine all ingredients; mix well.  Refrigerate, covered, several hours to blend flavors.  Stir before using.  Use as a dip for chips, shrimp, ham cubes, vegetable dippers, ripe olives and pineapple chunks.  Use as a salad dressing for green and fruit salads.

Sunset Tomato Salad

Sunset Tomato Salad

2 lg. Yellow Tomatoes, seeded and chopped into 1” cubes
2 lg. Beefsteak Tomatoes, seeded and chopped into 1” cubes
¼ tsp. EVOO
3 T. Balsamic Vinegar
¼ C. fresh Basil, chopped
½ tsp. Oregano, chopped
Salt and Pepper
12oz. Spring Lettuce Mix

Divide lettuce between 4 serving plates. Toss tomatoes with remaining ingredients and use a quarter of the mixture to top each plate of lettuce.

Fat Smash Turkey Kielbasa Stew

Fat Smash Turkey Kielbasa Stew

1/4 lb. Oscar Mayer Louis Rich Turkey Kielbasa

1 tsp. Shredded Swiss Cheese

3/8 Medium Apple

2 White Onion Rings

1/3 lb. Red Potatoes

1/4 lb. Sauerkraut

1/4 C. Chicken Stock

1 pinch Ground Caraway Seeds

 

Place half the sliced Kielbasa in a crockpot and top with sauerkraut. Cover with remaining sliced kielbasa, cored apple rings and onion rings. Top with quartered potatoes. Add chicken stock and sprinkle with caraway seeds. Cover and cook on high heat 4 hours or until potatoes are tender. Serve sprinkled with shredded swiss cheese.

Bloomin’ Onion Bread

Bloomin’ Onion Bread

Bloomin’ Onion Bread1 unsliced loaf sourdough bread
12-16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, thinly sliced
1/2 C. butter, melted
1/2 C. finely diced green onion
2 tsp. poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the bread lengthwise and widthwise without cutting through the bottom crust. This can be a little tricky going the second way but the bread is very forgiving. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Insert cheese slices between cuts. Combine butter, onion, and poppy seeds. Drizzle over bread. Wrap in foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Bacon and Scallion Corn Muffins

Bacon and Scallion Corn Muffins

1/4 lb sliced lean bacon

1/3 C. thinly sliced scallion

1 C. yellow cornmeal

2/3 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. double-acting baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

3 T. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 1/2 C. sour cream

1/4 C. milk

 

Cook bacon until it is crispy. Blot with paper towels& crumble it. Drain off all but 1 T. of the fat from the skillet, and use remaining bacon grease to cook the onion over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened. Into a bowl sift together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, butter, sour cream, and milk. Stir in bacon, onion, and cornmeal mixture, and beat the batter well. Divide the batter among 12 well-buttered 1/3-C. muffin tins and bake the muffins in the middle of a preheated 425 degree F. oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden. Turn the muffins out onto a rack and let them cool.

 

 

Yield:

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Fat Smash Lentils

Fat Smash Lentils

1 1/2 C. French Lentils

1 tsp. diced Carrot

1 tsp. diced Celery

1 tsp. diced Onion

1 clove Garlic, minced

1 tsp. diced Mushrooms

1 tsp. EVOO

2 tsp. Red Wine

2 1/2 C. Chicken Stock

1 Bay Leaf

Salt and Pepper

 

In saucepan over medium heat sweat lentils, carrot, celery, onion, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil. Add red wine and cook for two minutes. Add chicken stock and bay leaf. Simmer under tender and liquid is absorbed, approximately 60-90 minutes. Remove Bay Leaf and serve.

Autumn’s Pumpkin Muffins

Autumn’s Pumpkin Muffins

2 C. Original Bisquick Mix

1/2 C. canned pumpkin puree

1/4 C. vegetable oil

1/4 C. sugar

14 C. milk

1 T. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 egg

1/2 C. chopped pecans

1/2 C. raisins

 

Heat oven to 400° and grease bottoms of 12 muffin cups (regular size). Combine all ingredients except raisins and nuts. Stir just until batter is moistened. Stir in raisins and nuts. Fill prepared muffin C. 1/2 to 3/4 full. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from pan, sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and serve warm.

 

Yield:

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Fat Smash Carrot Soup

Fat Smash Carrot Soup

1 tsp. Butter

10 Carrots, chopped

1 small Onion, chopped

5 C. Vegetable or Beef Broth

3 tsp. Curry Powder

1/4 C. Brown Rice

1 tsp. minced Ginger

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

Parsley Sprig, Bay Leaves, Salt and Pepper

 

Melt butter in medium skillet. Add carrots and onion and sauté until soft, approximately 10-15 minutes. Next add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Remove parsley and bay leaves; pour mixture into blender (in batches) and puree. Serve hot or cold. 4 servings

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

 

1 cup basmati rice

handful of lemongrass stalks obtained from 1 to 2 lemon grass stems

1.75 cups to 2 of water

salt (optional)

a few drops of sesame oil (optional)

 

Clean wash and soak the rice in water for 15 to 20 mins. Then drain the rice and keep aside. Rinse the lemongrass stem first. Chop the lemon grass stem. In a pressure cooker add the rice and lemongrass stalks. Add water, salt and sesame oil. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles on a low to medium flame. I have kept the rice grains slightly sticky as that’s how we like this rice with Thai curries. If you want separate grains then cook for 2 whistles. When the pressure settles on its own, remove the lid. Fluff and discard the lemongrass stalks before serving. Serve the aromatic lemongrass rice hot with your choice of any Thai vegetable dish or stir fried dish.

 

Fat Smash Seafood Gumbo with Brown Rice

Fat Smash Seafood Gumbo with Brown Rice

1 lb raw seafood, in any combination of fish or shrimp

1⁄3 C. whole wheat flour

1⁄3 C. olive oil

1 C. onion

3 cloves garlic

1 C. celery

1 C. green pepper

3 T. file powder

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 1⁄2 quarts vegetable stock

1 1⁄2 C. okra

1 C. tomatoes

1 T. each fresh oregano, basil ,thyme

1⁄2 lb seafood sausage, cooked and sliced (optional) – available at specialty markets

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz brown rice

1 quart water

Salt to taste

 

Heat olive oil over medium-low heat and add flour. Stir into a paste and cook for several minutes until a rich nutty brown. This mixture is called a “roux.” Add diced onion, garlic, celery and green pepper to roux and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Roux will cling to vegetables. Add seafood and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add file powder and cayenne powder. Add chicken stock and bring mixture to a simmer for ten minutes, stirring constantly. Add okra and tomatoes (and sausage if using) and cook for 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt. To make brown rice, bring rice, 1 quart of water, and salt to boil in an uncovered pot. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes.

Fat Smash Hearty Black Bean Soup

Fat Smash Hearty Black Bean Soup

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

2 medium onions, chopped

2 small carrots, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 T. fresh lemon juice

 

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

Fat Smash Chilled Asparagus with Rosemary and Lemon Vinaigrette

Fat Smash Chilled Asparagus with Rosemary and Lemon Vinaigrette

2 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar

2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

2 cloves Garlic

1 tsp. low fat Mayonnaise

1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

30 asparagus spears

Zest from 1 lemon

 

Combine the lemon juice, vinegar, rosemary, garlic and mayonnaise. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, to form a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Trim the tough white ends off of asparagus. Bring 1 1/2 gallons of salted water to rolling boil. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 minute or until tender but still bright green. Drain the water from the asparagus and “shock” asparagus in ice water (2 gallons of water and 4 trays of ice) to stop the asparagus from cooking and to preserve the bright green color. Drain asparagus again and pat dry. Arrange asparagus on a serving platter and pour vinaigrette over asparagus. Garnish with lemon zest. Serves 6.

Fat Smash Zucchini Latkes

Fat Smash Zucchini Latkes

2 T. Besan Chickpea Flour

4 Egg Whites

2 T. 1% Milk

2 Fresh Zucchini Squashes with Skin

2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

Shred zucchini including skin. Beat egg whites with milk and desired seasonings. Add chickpea flour and stir until thoroughly combined. Add zucchini and toss well until coated. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of zucchini mixture similar to the process of making pancakes. Cook 5 minutes per side.

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

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

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

 

12 (6 inch) flour tortillas

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

8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

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

¼ c. fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Salt & Pepper

2 T. canola oil

¼ c. grated Cotija cheese

2 t. Ancho chile powder

Smoked Red Pepper Sauce (recipe follows)

Charred Corn Relish (recipe follows)

 

Smoked Red Pepper Sauce (Make first)

 

Makes about 2 ½ cups

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

½ small red onion coarsely chopped

4 cloves of roasted garlic

¼ c. red wine vinegar

1 T. honey

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. chipotle chile in Adobo sauce, puree

Salt & Pepper

½ c. canola oil

 

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

Charred Corn Relish (Make Second)

 

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

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. honey

2 T. chopped fresh basil

Salt & Pepper

 

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

 

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

Fat Smash Roasted Sea Bass

Fat Smash Roasted Sea Bass

1/2 C. fresh Bread Crumbs

1 clove Garlic, minced

3 tsp. chopped Parsley

2 tsp. fresh minced Basil

2 tsp. drained Capers

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1 tsp. fresh Lemon Juice

Salt and Pepper

3 tsp. EVOO

4 4oz. Sea Bass Fillets, no skin

 

Preheat oven to 350. Mix bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, basil, capers, mustard, lemon, salt and pepper in a small bowl. In a frying pan over high heat, sauté the sea bass in oil for 1-2 minutes on each side. Apply the bread crumb mixture to each fillet and make sure it adheres. Place fillets on a rack set in a roasting pan. Cook for 10 minutes or until done to your liking.

Fat Smash Greek Vegetable Stew with Garbanzo Beans

Fat Smash Greek Vegetable Stew with Garbanzo Beans

1 tsp. Olive Oil

2 C. diced Onion

1 1/2 C. diced Green Bell Pepper

2 C. sliced Mushrooms

2 C. sliced Artichoke Hearts

1 tsp. Cumin

1 pinch Cinnamon

2 tsp. Minced Garlic

1 1/2 qt. Vegetable Stock

3 C. Roma Tomatoes, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 C. cooked (or rinsed canned) Garbanzo Beans

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

1/3 C. Kalamata Olives, pitted and sliced

1 tsp. minced fresh Oregano

2 tsp. minced Mint

2 tsp. minced Dill

1/2 C. crumbled Feta Cheese

 

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

Fat Smash Teriyaki Green Beans

Fat Smash Teriyaki Green Beans

1 1 lb. bag of frozen green beans

2 tsp. olive oil

1/4 C. of McCormick Grill Mates Teriyaki grilling sauce

1 C. Kikkoman stir-fry sauce

3T of House of Tsang classic stir-fry sauce

2 shakes Worcestershire sauce

2 shakes soy sauce

2 shakes Kikkoman teriyaki sauce

 

Heat oil until very hot. Drop frozen beans into oil and turn immediately to coat beans with oil. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well coated. Cook on low until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Fat Smash Tasty Tomatoes

Fat Smash Tasty Tomatoes

4 Medium Tomatoes

2 tsp. minced Chives

3 tsp. low fat Mayonnaise

1 1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

Salt and Pepper

4 tsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375. Cut tomatoes in half horizontally and place cut side up on baking tray. In bowl stir chives, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper and two tsp. of cheese. Once mixed, divide between tomatoes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top and bake for 10 minutes or until tomatoes are hot. Once this is done, quickly put the tomatoes under the broiler to really get the topping brown and melted. Serve hot.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Big Beef Balls with Bucatini

Big Beef Balls with Bucatini

Big Beef Balls with Bucatini

Coarse salt

3/4 lb. bucatini (thick, hollow spaghetti)

1 lb. ground sirloin

6 garlic cloves, 2 minced, 4 chopped

1 egg

1/2-2/3 C. Italian-style bread crumbs

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus some to pass at the table

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

coarse black pepper

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling

1 small to medium yellow onion, finely chopped

1/2 C. dry red wine

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes

1 8oz can tomato sauce

1/2 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

3 T. capers, drained and chopped

2 T. chopped fresh sage

1/4 lb. pancetta, chopped

12 cremini (baby portobello) mushroom caps, chopped

1/2 C. beef stock or broth

 

Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions in 1 T. of the EVOO for 5 minutes. Remove the onions and set them aside to cool. In a large bowl, mix the meat with half the onions, 3 cloves chopped garlic, the egg, bread crumbs, cheese, allspice, capers, sage, a handful of the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and a healthy drizzle of EVOO. Score the meat into 4 sections and make 3 very large balls from each section. Arrange the 12 balls on a nonstick cookie sheet and roast 15 minutes until firm but not hard. Drop the bucatini in the salted boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain. While the pasta and meatballs are cooking, heat another T. of EVOO in the skillet in which the onions were cooked. Add the pancetta and cook 3-4 minutes, then add the remaining garlic and the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Add the remaining onions back and deglaze the pan with the red wine, cook for 1 minute, add the beef stock, and whisk up any brown bits. Stir in the tomatoes and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining parsley. Simmer 5 minutes. Toss the pasta with half the sauce. Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the remaining sauce, turning to coat. Serve 3 meatballs per person alongside the pasta. Spoon any remaining sauce over the pasta. Pass extra cheese at the table. Serve with a green salad.

Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade

Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade

1 C. white sugar

1 C. soy sauce

1 C. water

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 T. lemon juice (optional)

4 tsp. hot chile paste (optional)

 

In a medium saucepan over high heat, whisk together the sugar, soy sauce, water, onion powder, and ground ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 5 minutes.  Remove the mixture from heat, cool, and whisk in lemon juice and hot chile paste. Place chicken in the mixture. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours before preparing chicken as desired.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber: