Steak Tips with Tomatillo Salsa and Refried Beans

Steak Tips with Tomatillo Salsa and Refried Beans

Steak Tips with Tomatillo Salsa and Refried Beans

 

1 pound tomatillos, husks and stems removed, rinsed, dried and halved

2 jalapeno chiles, stemmed, seeded, and minced

1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

3 T. vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped fine

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed

 

Pulse the tomatillos in a food processor until they are coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Transfer the tomatillos to a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl and allow them to drain for about 5 minutes. Reserve 3/4 of a cup of the tomatillo liquid. Combine half of the jalapenos, 1/4 cup of the cilantro, half of the minced garlic, the drained tomatillos and 1/4 cup of the reserved tomatillo liquid in a bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and set it aside.  Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels and season the steak tips with salt and pepper. Heat 2 T. of the vegetable oil on a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it is just smoking. Cook the steak until it is browned all over and the meat registers 125 degrees (for medium-rare) on an instant read thermometer, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the meat to a plate and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Add the remaining 1 T. of oil and the onion to the now-empty skillet and cook over medium heat until the onion is just softened, about 2 minutes. Add the cumin, the remaining jalapeno and the remaining garlic and cook until it is pregnant, about 30 seconds. Add the black beans and the remaining 1/2 cup of the reserved tomatillo liquid. Using a potato masher, coarsely mash the beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the steak with the beans and tomatillo salsa.

Super Moist Pumpkin Bread 

Super Moist Pumpkin Bread 

Super Moist Pumpkin Bread

 

4 eggs

3 cups sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

16oz can pureed pumpkin

4 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2/3 cup water

 

Sifted Together:

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs first, add sugar, Splenda, oil, applesauce, pumpkin and spices. Mix well. Add flour mixture alternatively with water. Divide the batter between two loaf pans. Bake for one hour (until a toothpick comes out clean).

For a no chew, soft foods diet, break into small pieces and/or dip into milk before eating.

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Sesame Vegetables

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Sesame Vegetables

Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Sesame Vegetables

 

We wanted a fresh take on teriyaki that would yield crispy chicken in a sweet, sticky sauce. Sheet-pan roasting proved ideal: We could crisp the chicken before applying a glaze while simultaneously preparing a vegetable “stir-fry” in the same pan. We browned chicken thighs in the oven, slashing the skin and placing them on a wire rack to allow the rendered fat to drain away. We tossed sliced bell pepper and mushrooms with garlic and ginger and spread them alongside the chicken to roast. Snap peas went in 10 minutes later so they wouldn’t overcook. Briefly broiling everything crisped the thighs’ skin further. As for the teriyaki sauce, a few pantry items did the trick, and we thickened it in the microwave before brushing it on our chicken. Depending on your wire rack, you may need to place parchment paper underneath the vegetables to prevent them from falling through.

 

8 (5- to 7-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed

2 T. vegetable oil, divided

1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and cut into ¼-inch-wide strips

8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced thin

3 garlic cloves, minced, divided

1 T. grated fresh ginger, divided

8 ounces snap peas, strings removed

5 T. mirin

5 T. soy sauce

¼ cup water

3 T. sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch

â…› tsp. red pepper flakes

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 T. toasted sesame seeds

½ tsp. table salt

 

Adjust 1 oven rack to lower-middle position and second rack 8 inches from broiler element. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Make 3 diagonal slashes through skin of each thigh with sharp knife (do not cut into meat). Brush chicken with 1 T. vegetable oil. Lay chicken skin side up on half of prepared rack and roast for 20 minutes.  Toss bell pepper and mushrooms with remaining 1 T. vegetable oil, half of garlic, and 1½ tsp. ginger. Spread vegetables over empty side of rack. Rotate rack and continue to roast for 10 minutes. Sprinkle snap peas over vegetables and continue to roast until chicken registers 165 degrees and vegetables start to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and heat broiler. Place sheet on upper rack and broil until chicken and vegetables are well browned and chicken registers 175 degrees, 3 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine mirin, soy sauce, water, sugar, cornstarch, pepper flakes, remaining garlic, and remaining 1½ tsp. ginger in bowl and microwave, whisking occasionally, until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove sheet from oven, brush chicken with 3 T. sauce, and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer vegetables to clean bowl, toss with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and salt. Serve vegetables and chicken with remaining sauce.

Rosemary Potatoes

Rosemary Potatoes

 

 

Yukon Gold or Red potatoes- preferably baby new

Fresh or dried rosemary

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Seasoning Salt (Lawry’s or other)

 

Cut potatoes into 1/2″ size chunks. Spread in a single layer in a casserole dish. Drizzle olive oil generously over potatoes, sprinkle seasoning salt and rosemary to taste (I like lots). Toss to coat. Place in 375 degree oven for 30-45 minutes. When potatoes are easily pierced with fork, they are done.

ATK Farmer’s Cheese with Homemade Tomato Jam

ATK Farmer’s Cheese with Homemade Tomato Jam

ATK Farmer’s Cheese with Homemade Tomato Jam

If you can’t find farmer’s cheese, goat cheese works well, too. Fish sauce can be found in most supermarkets in the international foods aisle alongside other Thai and Vietnamese ingredients. If you want the jam to be spicier, add the reserved chile seeds. Serve with Garlic Toasts, thinly sliced baguette, or crackers

 

2 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and chopped

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 Cup red wine vinegar

1/4 C. fish sauce

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 large jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeds reserved, and minced

1 T. grated fresh ginger

2 star anise pods

8 ounces farmer’s cheese

 

Combine all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch skillet and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook until mixture begins to thicken, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and discard star anise. Mash mixture with potato masher until relatively smooth, then continue to simmer until spatula leaves trail through jam, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Transfer jam to bowl and let cool to room temperature. (Jam can be refrigerated for up to 7 days; bring to room temperature before serving.) Transfer jam to serving bowl with spoon or spreader, and serve alongside farmer’s cheese.  (Makes 2 cups).

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Warm Fennel, Radicchio, and Arugula Salad

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Warm Fennel, Radicchio, and Arugula Salad

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Warm Fennel, Radicchio, and Arugula Salad

 

4 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

2 large eggs

1¼ tsp. table salt, divided

½ tsp. pepper

1 cup panko bread crumbs

3 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (1 cup)

½ cup vegetable oil for frying, divided

1 T. white wine vinegar

1 small shallot, minced

½ tsp. Dijon mustard

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 fennel bulb, stalks discarded, bulb halved, cored, and sliced thin

12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

½ head radicchio (5 ounces), cored and sliced thin

2 ounces (2 cups) baby arugula

 

Remove any tenderloins from breasts and reserve for another use. Cut each breast horizontally into 2 thin cutlets, then cover with plastic wrap and pound to even 1/4-inch thickness. Beat eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and pepper together in shallow dish. Combine panko and Parmesan in second shallow dish. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dredge in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat all sides with panko mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil and small pinch panko mixture in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When panko has turned golden brown, place 4 cutlets in skillet. Cook, without moving cutlets, until bottoms are deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, carefully flip cutlets and cook on second side until deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer cutlets to paper towel-lined platter, season with salt to taste, and keep warm in oven. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels. Repeat with remaining 1/4 cup vegetable oil and remaining 4 cutlets; transfer to platter and keep warm in oven. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels.

Penny’s Sausage Gravy

Penny’s Sausage Gravy

 

 

1 pound bulk sausage (Jimmy Dean “hot” is best)

1 stick butter or margarine

½ C. all-purpose flour

4 C. milk

 

Brown sausage in skillet; drain. Set aside. In saucepan, melt butter over low heat. After completely melted, add flour and mix in with spoon until no lumps show. Add milk and turn heat to high, stirring constantly until it boils. Turn heat back down to medium-high, stirring constantly, until desired thickness is achieved. Stir in sausage. Serve over warm biscuits.

Instant Pot Lemon, Garlic and Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Instant Pot Lemon, Garlic and Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Instant Pot Lemon, Garlic and Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

 

2 lb. spaghetti squash, cut lengthwise and seeded

1 cup water

2 T. (1 oz) unsalted butter

1 T. olive oil

2-3 garlic cloves, minced (depending on how garlicky you like it)

½ tsp. sea salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), finely grated

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon Zest

 

Pour water into the Instant Pot and then place the metal trivet (handles side up) into the pot. Place the spaghetti squash halves cut side up on top of the trivet. Seal the Instant Pot and cook at high pressure (“manual”/”pressure cook” function) for 7 minutes (for a tender texture) before applying a quick pressure release to completely depressurize (until floating valve drops). Carefully remove the spaghetti squash from the Instant Pot. Place on a clean flat surface and shred the squash using a fork to remove the spaghetti-like strands into a bowl (if it is too hot, let it cool a little first). Empty the water out of the Instant Pot and wipe dry before returning the pot back to the device. Set the Instant Pot to “sauté.” Place the butter and olive oil into the Instant Pot and let the butter completely melt. Then stir in the garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is lightly browned (careful to not burn it). Press “cancel” to turn off the Instant Pot. Return the spaghetti squash to the Instant Pot along with the parmesan cheese and, lemon zest parsley. Toss together to evenly coat the spaghetti squash with everything.  Best served immediately. Notes: Use cheese from a block to ensure that it melts properly. Often, pre-grated/shredded cheeses have an anti-caking ingredient (or stabilizer) added, which can affect how it melts. In particular, cheese clumps tend to form when added to hot foods.

Instant Pot Saucy Pinto Beans

Instant Pot Saucy Pinto Beans

 

2 cups dry pinto beans 1 lb

2 T. avocado oil

1 large yellow onion peeled and diced

1 medium jalapeño seeded and diced

2 tsp. minced Garlic

3 1/2 cups chicken stock

8 oz. tomato sauce 1 can

2 T. chili powder

1 T. yellow mustard

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. salt

 

Place the beans in a bowl and cover with 3 inches of water. Soak the beans 4–8 hours. Drain the beans. Press the Sauté button of the Instant Pot® and add the oil. After the oil heats 1 minute add the onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add soaked beans, stock, tomato sauce, chili powder, mustard, oregano, cumin, pepper, bay leaves, and salt to the inner pot. Stir well to combine and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Secure the lid. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 25 minutes. When the timer beeps, let pressure release naturally until float valve drops and then unlock lid. Remove and discard the bay leaves and then transfer the beans to a bowl for serving.

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

2 lg. baking potatoes

1 T. onion — grated

1 egg

1/3 C. flour

1 C. vegetable oil

Plain low fat yogurt

Unsweetened applesauce

 

Peel and grate the potatoes onto paper towels. Squeeze out the moisture. Combine the potatoes and the remaining ingredients, except the yogurt and applesauce. Beat well.  Heat the oil in a skillet. Drop the batter into the oil by spoonfuls. Fry until crisp and brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with plain yogurt and unsweetened applesauce.

Lemongrass Ginger Syrup

Lemongrass Ginger Syrup

Lemongrass Ginger Syrup

Great way to make use / preserve ginger. Use for marinades, to sweeten tea or other beverages, or mix with sparkling water and lemon juice for a homemade ginger ale.

570 grams fresh ginger

3 stalks lemongrass

2 C. water

6 C. granulated sugar

 

Thoroughly wash the ginger. You don’t need to peel it, but break off any hanging pieces as dirt sometimes gets trapped between nodes. Roughly chop the ginger and lemongrass and add it to a food processor along with the lemongrass and 2 C. of water. Process until the mixture is pureed, scraping down the sides a few times with a spatula. Line a 2 C. liquid measuring C. with multiple layers of cheese cloth, or a single layer of fine-mesh muslin and scoop the ginger mixture onto the cheese cloth; you’ll probably need to do this in batches. Gather up the edges of the cloth and twist the edges towards the bulge of ginger to wring out as much liquid as you can. Discard the pulp and repeat until you’ve squeezed out all the ginger juice. You should now have 4 C. of liquid. If you don’t have 4 C., the ginger you used may have not been fresh, but just add water to make 4 C.. Add the ginger juice to a large pot along with 6 C. of sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat to a full simmer. It has a tendency to boil over, so keep a constant eye on it and lower the temperature if it looks like it’s going to boil over. The impurities that made the juice cloudy will float to the top as foam, so use a fine mesh skimmer or spoon to remove the foam from the syrup and discard. After the foam stops forming and the syrup is clear, your ginger syrup is done. You can pour the hot syrup into sterilized glass bottles, or let it cool and transfer it to a suitable container. Stored in the fridge it will last for 6 months.

Homemade Turkey Sausage

Homemade Turkey Sausage

1/2 pound ground turkey

1/4 C. onion – finely chopped

1/4 C. dried apples – crumbled or finely chopped (can be replaced by 1/2 C. fresh apple – but not as good)

1 egg white – beaten

3 T. quick-cooking oats

2 T. fresh parsley – finely chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground sage

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 dash ground red pepper

Cooking spray

 

Lightly coat a 10-inch skillet with coating spray. Set aside.  Place three or 4 paper towels on another plate and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the onion, apples, egg white, oats, parsley and all spices. Add the ground turkey and mix well.  Shape mixture into eight 2-inch wide patties. Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Place patties in skillet. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once until sausage is browned and completely done.  Transfer patties to paper towel-lined plate to pat of excess grease. Transfer to serving plates and enjoy.

Marinated Slow Roasted Onions

Marinated Slow Roasted Onions

Marinated Slow Roasted Onions

 

1 C. water

1 C. red wine vinegar

2 T. brown sugar

1 tsp. fresh rosemary chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

pinch red pepper flakes optional

4 large white or yellow onions (See Note)

Roasting

4 T. butter

1 tsp. fresh rosemary chopped

 

Blend marinade ingredients in small bowl and pour into a baking dish that will hold all 8 onion halves. I use 8×8″ baking pan or round 12″ baking stone (pictured) depending on size of onion. Trim the end of onions and cut horizontal (leaving skin on) and place wide side down in marinade. Marinate overnight covered in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 400°F. Flip the onions over in the marinade, and lay on the flat bottom of each side. Top each onion with 1/2 T. of butter and remaining tsp. of rosemary.  Roast uncovered in oven for 1 hour or until golden brown, basting once or twice during roasting. Remove from heat, spoon reduced sauce over and sprinkle with parsley or more fresh chopped rosemary. Remove outer skins before eating and serve. Notes: Trims ends off onions, slice in half horizontally, keeping the skin on to hold shape and protect the outside as it later roasts.

Homemade Pork Sausage

Homemade Pork Sausage

 

 

3 pounds fresh pork shoulder

1 small onion – sliced thinly

4 garlic cloves

6 T. milk

2 tsp. dried sage – crumbled

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dried savory – crumbled

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Trim the fat from the pork and cut into 1 and 1/2-inch cubes. Place pork in the freezer for 30 minutes.  In a food processor, grind pork once by itself, then once more with the onion and garlic. In large bowl, mix the seasonings into pork mixture. Stir in milk. Cover and place in the refrigerator for an hour.  Form into 12 large patties. Cover and refrigerate. The sausage can be cooked immediately, but it’s best to refrigerate for 12 hours to allow the flavors to intermingle.  Cook patties on a griddle or in a skillet at medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (about 5 to 7 minutes per side).  If patties are refrigerated, use them within two days. If frozen, use within the month.

Ham with Red-Eyed Gravy and Creamy Grits

Ham with Red-Eyed Gravy and Creamy Grits

 

 

4 1/2 C. milk

2 T. butter

Salt

Freshly ground white pepper

2 C. quick white grits

1 pound ham steak (fresh) or a leftover ham roast with juices from baking

1 C. strong coffee

8 slices white bread-toasted and buttered

 

In a saucepan, over medium heat, add the milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil. Whisk in the grits. Stir constantly for 6 minutes or until tender.  Set aside and keep warm. Heat a skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the ham and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. (If using leftovers from a ham roast, add some of the juices from the pan.) Remove the ham from the pan and set aside. Stir in the coffee. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. To serve, cut the ham into four portions. Spoon the grits in the center of each plate. Lay each piece of the ham next to the grits. Spoon the gravy over the ham. Serve with toast.

Cheesy Baked Grits Casserole

Cheesy Baked Grits Casserole

 

 

4 C. low fat milk

2 C. water

1 tsp. salt (divided)

1 1/4 C. uncooked quick cooking grits

1 C. (4 oz) shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

5 large egg whites

6 T. chopped fresh chives (or green onions)

2 tsp. butter (melted)

cooking spray

 

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine milk, water and 1/2 tsp. of salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Add grits, stirring with a whisk. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook 8 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 tsp. salt, cheese and pepper. Cool 5 minutes.

 

Place remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and egg whites in a large bowl and beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold grits into the egg whites and add the chives. Spoon mixture into a 13×9″ baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top the grits with the melted butter. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Yields 8 servings (approx 1 C..)

Breakfast Meatballs

Breakfast Meatballs

6 lbs ground beef

4 lbs of breakfast sausage

8 eggs

2 C. (approx) of chopped onions

1 C. of green peppers

2 lbs shredded cheddar cheese

Dry mustard to taste

Minced garlic to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

1 C. catsup

Cream (amount varies – add untill it looks like no more will soak into the meat mixture)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F Mix all ingredients well. Hand-ball into two-inch meatballs rounds. Bake on cookie sheets at 350°F for about 30 min, but watch them so they don’t over-cook.  You can store the Breakfast Meatballs in ziploc bags in the freezer for 3 months. Microwave using one meatball as a test meatball. When the center of the test meatball is nice and warm, chow down. A popular favorite with the kids. Freeze two dozen and you’ll be ready to serve a fun and tasty breakfast on any moment’s notice. Great with toast!

Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo & Queso Fresco

Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo & Queso Fresco

Breakfast Polenta with Chorizo & Queso Fresco 

1 1/3 C. crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (about 6 oz.)

1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

3 1/4 C. water

1 C. polenta (coarse yellow cornmeal) or regular cornmeal

1 1-pound bag frozen yellow corn kernels-thawed

1 pound fresh link chorizo sausage-casings removed

1 pound cherry tomatoes (about 3 1/2 C.)

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cheese and cilantro in small bowl. Mix 3 1/4 C. water, polenta, and corn kernels in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and stir to blend well. Bake until water is absorbed and polenta is tender, stirring once, about 25 minutes.  Meanwhile, sauté chorizo in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces with side of wooden spoon, about 6 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes to skillet. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until tomatoes soften, about 6 minutes. Uncover; crush some tomatoes with fork. Simmer until tomatoes release juices and sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Spoon polenta onto plates. Top with chorizo mixture, then cheese mixture.  If you’re not a fan of chorizo, a sweet Italian sausage works well in this recipe with feta cheese.

Best Bacon

Best Bacon

1 pound bacon

1 C. flour

1 C. brown sugar

1 tsp. pepper

 

Mix together brown sugar, flour, and pepper in a large Zip-loc bag. Add bacon and shake it up to bread the bacon. Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 for about 15-20 minutes, more if you like it crispy!

Ravioli in Spinach-Tomato Sauce

Ravioli in Spinach-Tomato Sauce

 

5 oz. refrigerated light ravioli

1 cup tomato sauce, low sodium

1 clove garlic

1 1/2 cups frozen spinach

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tbsp. low fat or nonfat parmesan cheese

1/3 tbsp. olive oil

 

Prepare ravioli according to package directions, omit salt, drain. Mince garlic. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet and sauté garlic and sauté briefly, until just golden. Add frozen spinach, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, cover, lower heat and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add cooked ravioli, gently combine; cover and cook 1-2 minutes more and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Fantasy Fish

Fantasy Fish

6 oz. fillet of fish of choice

1/4 tsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. cumin

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. black pepper

4 tbsp. low sodium salsa

1/3 cup pineapple chunks

1 tbsp. fresh cilantro (coriander)

1/4 tsp. oregano

2/3 tbsp. olive oil

 

Rinse and pat dry fish. In a small bowl, combine spices: (you can use less spice if you like): rub over both sides of fish. In a nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté fish about 3-5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan and keep warm. In same skillet, add pineapple with juice and salsa. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook 1-2 minutes, add cilantro and oregano, and continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until sauce is thickened. Serve.

Parmesan Chicken in Florentine Sauce

Parmesan Chicken in Florentine Sauce

 

 

1/2 cup tomato sauce, low sodium

1 clove garlic

3/4 cup frozen spinach

1 tsp. low sodium parmesan cheese

3 1/2 oz. boneless chicken breast

1 tsp. onion powder

1/3 tbsp. olive oil

 

Cook your pasta of choice (try penne or rigatoni) according to recipe provided; set aside. Rinse and pat dry chicken, then cut into strips. Mince garlic. Heat a nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray over low-medium heat, and sauté garlic for 2-3 minutes, until just soft. Raise heat to medium high, add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from pan and reserve. Microwave spinach in a microwavable bowl at high heat, covered, for 2-3 minutes and drain. Add spinach and tomato sauce to skillet and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, covered. Add chicken and onion powder to sauce, stir and cover: simmer another 2-3 minutes. Add cooked pasta to pan, combine and heat through for another minute. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Beef and Cheese Pasta

Beef and Cheese Pasta

1 bell pepper

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. dried parsley

4 oz. of lean, ground round beef

1/4 cup low fat or nonfat ricotta cheese

1 clove garlic

1 medium fresh tomato

1/3 tbsp. olive oil

 

Prepare pasta-according recipe provide. Angel Hair pasta or any thin spaghetti works well here. Chop tomatoes and bell pepper and mince garlic, set aside. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic, tomatoes and bell pepper 2-3 minutes or until bell pepper is slightly softened. Add ground beef and cook until brown, stirring occasionally. Add cooked pasta along with oregano, Italian seasoning, parsley, and ricotta. Cook for about 2-3 minutes more. Serve.

Rice and Green Soybean Pilaf

Rice and Green Soybean Pilaf

 

4 tbsp. uncooked rice

1 cup green soybeans (edamame)

1/2 small red onion

1/2 medium carrot

1/2 large celery stalk

1 clove garlic

4 oz. fresh mushrooms

2/3 cup vegetable broth

1 tbsp. sliced almonds

1/4 tbsp. olive oil

 

You can use frozen shelled green soybeans. In a medium saucepan, place soy beans with enough water to cover them. Boil beans about 5 to 6 minutes, or until tender; drain and set aside. Rinse and chop the onion, carrot, and celery; wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel and slice; mince garlic. In a medium saucepan, heat oil on medium heat and sauté garlic, onion, carrot, and celery for about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, rice, and broth. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Stir in the soybeans and mix thoroughly. Cover and let stand for a few minutes for flavors to blend, top with almonds and serve.

Korean Noodle Salad with Shrimp

Korean Noodle Salad with Shrimp

 

 

4 oz. fresh mushrooms

1 medium carrot

1 green onion

2 tsp. sesame oil

1 1/2 tsp. lite soy sauce

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

5 whole medium cashews

5 oz. fresh or frozen medium-sized, shrimp

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 cup fresh spinach

1 oz. bean sprouts

 

Prepare vermicelli or thin noodle according to recipe, omit salt. Rinse and chop spinach, mushrooms, carrot and onion; rinse and pat dry sprouts; chop cashews, set aside. Boil water in a saucepan. Peel shrimp, rinse and add to boiling water until pink, about 3 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oil, vinegar and garlic powder. In a large salad bowl, combine cooked vermicelli or noodles with vegetables, shrimp and dressing. Toss well, sprinkle with cashews. Serve.

Beef Kebabs with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Beef Kebabs with Peanut Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup light soy sauce

2 tablespoons granulated brown sugar substitute

2 tablespoons sugar substitute

4 cloves garlic, pressed

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, 1 1/2″ thick, cut into 1″ pieces

1/2 cup creamy unsweetened natural peanut butter

3/4 cup water

3 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 green bell pepper, cut into squares

1 red bell pepper, cut into squares

1 large onion, cut into wedges

 

In a shallow dish, combine half of the soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar substitute, 1 tablespoon of the sugar substitute, and 2 of the pressed garlic cloves. Add the steak and stir to coat. Let stand for 20 minutes, stirring once. Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan over high heat, combine the peanut butter, water, lime juice, ginger, ground red pepper, the remaining half of the soy sauce, the remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute, the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar substitute, and the remaining 2 cloves pressed garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Remove it from heat.  Coat a grill rack with cooking spray. Preheat the grill to high.  Thread the steak, peppers, and onion onto four metal skewers. Place on the grill rack and cook, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the steak is no longer pink, and a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 160°F and the juices run clear. Serve with the peanut sauce.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 481

Fat: 23g

Fiber: 4g

Meatballs with Tomato and Zucchini Medley

Meatballs with Tomato and Zucchini Medley

1/4 pound extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey breast

2 tablespoons whole wheat bread crumbs

2 tablespoons liquid egg substitute or 1/2 egg

3/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 cloves garlic, minced

1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

1/2 yellow squash, halved lengthwise and sliced

1/2 can (8 ounces) Italian-style cut tomatoes

1/2 can (8 ounces) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Sprig basil, for garnish

 

In a large bowl, combine the beef or turkey, bread crumbs, egg substitute or egg, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, the Italian seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Form into balls the size of walnuts.  Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink inside. Remove to a bowl, leaving drippings in the skillet. Repeat to cook the remaining meatballs.  In the same skillet in warm drippings over medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender. Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, cut tomatoes (with juice), crushed tomatoes, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper, the remaining 1 tablespoon cheese, and the meatballs. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil. Garnish with the basil sprig.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 280

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 6g

Sugar and Spice Seeds

Sugar and Spice Seeds

 

 

1 cup(s) pumpkin seeds

3 tablespoon(s) melted unsalted butter

3 tablespoon(s) sugar

1 teaspoon(s) pumpkin-pie spice

1 pinch(s) kosher salt

 

Clean pumpkin seeds: Rinse under cold water and remove all the pulpy strings. (This is best done before the pulp dries.) Dry seeds thoroughly.

Roast pumpkin seeds: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil. Toss seeds with melted unsalted butter, sugar, pumpkin-pie spice, and kosher salt. Place on prepared baking sheet and roast 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned.

Rice Pilaf

Rice Pilaf

1 C uncooked rice (I use a long grain)

1/2 C vermicelli (real skinny spaghetti)

1/3 cube/stick butter

1 can chicken broth adding enough water to make 2 cups

1 tsp minced onion

1 tsp salt or I prefer 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp Lawry’s seasoning salt

 

In a pan melt butter and brown the broken up vermicelli.  Stir often as this will burn easily.  Cook until the noodles are well browned.  Add chicken broth, onions and salt and bring to a boil.  Add rice and stir once.  Cover and simmer slowly until cooked through (15-20 minutes)

Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus

Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus

1- 2 asparagus spears per wrap.  I cut one spear in half but if your spears are small use two spears per wrap.

frozen phyllo dough sheets, thawed.  You can get four wraps out of one sheet of phyllo dough

1/4 C butter, melted per 4-6 wraps

1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese  per 4-6 wraps

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Unwrap the phyllo and cut the stack in quarters lengthwise. Keep covered with towel until ready to use. Take 1 sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with some melted butter. Sprinkle with some Parmesan. Place 2 pieces of asparagus spears on the short end of the sheet. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Place each piece, seam side down, on a baking sheet. Brush with more melted butter and sprinkle with more Parmesan. Repeat until all the asparagus spears are used up. Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Lemon-Rosemary Noodles and Chicken

Lemon-Rosemary Noodles and Chicken

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 T. fresh rosemary, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 T. honey

8 ounces thin spaghetti (I prefer Barilla Plus)

2 T. butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup real bacon bits

1/2 cup cream

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

3 roma tomatoes, seeds and core removed, diced

2 T. capers (optional)

 

Start a pot of water boiling to cook the pasta. Spray your BBQ grill rack with nonstick spray and fire it up. Sprinkle salt, pepper and rosemary on each chicken breast and grill for 7-8 minutes on the first side. In a small bowl, mix 2 T. of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the honey together, then brush it on the tops of the chicken breasts before flipping them over. Brush the underside as well, and grill for a few more minutes until they are cooked through (actual cooking time will depend on how thick the breast is, and you could certainly pound them thinner to start with to make it go faster). Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm. Toss your noodles into the boiling salted water if you haven’t already. Once they are nearly done cooking, begin making the sauce. It comes together quickly. In a large skillet, melt 2 T. butter then add the garlic. Saute and stir for 2-3 minutes, then add the bacon bits and cook for another minute. Stir in the remaining lemon juice and all of the zest, then the cream. Stir in the cooked and drained noodles, adding a tablespoon or two of the pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Slice the chicken breasts thinly. Stir in the roma tomatoes and parmesan cheese (and capers if you so desire – I’m the only one that likes them around here, so I tossed a few on my own plate), and serve immediately with a portion of chicken breast strips on top of the pile of pasta.

Quick Cheese Bread

Quick Cheese Bread

3 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded on large holes of box grater (about 1 cup)

3 C (15 ounces) all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

4-5 ounces sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 1/4 C whole milk (2% milk may be substituted but don’t use skim milk)

3 Tbsp butter, melted

1 large egg lightly beaten

3/4 C sour cream

 

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position in the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 5 by 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly in bottom of pan.  In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to combine. Using a rubber spatula, mix in cheddar cheese cubes, breaking up clumps, until cheese is coated with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and sour cream. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined (the batter will be heavy and thick). Do not overmix. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan; spread to sides of pan and level surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over surface.  Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; invert loaf from pan and continue to cool until warm, about 45 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.

Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin

Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin

4 1/2 lb. pork tenderloins, 2 packages with 1 tenderloin in each package (For the four of us I only cooked one of the tenderloins)

4 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

8 cloves garlic, cracked or chopped

Steak seasoning blend or coarse salt and black pepper

4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped

4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and finely chopped (I used a teaspoon of dry)

 

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Trim silver skin or connective tissue off tenderloins. Place tenderloins on a nonstick cookie sheet with a rim (I covered mine in foil). Cut small slits into meat and disperse chunks of cracked garlic cloves into meat. Coat tenderloins with a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and rub into meat.  Drizzle tenderloins with olive oil, just enough to coat.  Combine steak seasoning blend or coarse salt and pepper with rosemary and thyme and rub meat with blend.  Roast in hot oven for 20 minutes. Let meat rest, transfer to a carving board, slice and serve

Chili-Lime Pineapple {Mango} Chicken Skewers

Chili-Lime Pineapple {Mango} Chicken Skewers

6 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 C fresh lime juice

Zest of one lime

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (double that if you like spicy things)

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp sugar

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes

3 ripe but firm mangoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes or fresh pineapple spears cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes.  I used about 6-7 large spears.

 

Soak wooden/bamboo skewers in water for 20-30 minutes prior to using them.  This will prevent them from burning on the grill. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cayenne, salt and sugar.  Place in a zip-lock bag and add the chicken and mangoes (pineapple), stirring gently to coat with marinade.  Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. Prepare grill (or indoor grill pan). Remove the chicken and fruit from the marinade and thread onto skewers, alternating the pieces and dividing them evenly. Be sure not to smash everything together too tightly.  In order for the food to cook thoroughly and evenly, it needs room!  The pieces threaded on should just barely touch each other. Cook on grill until nicely charred and cooked through – 6-10 minutes. 

Asian BBQ Chicken

Asian BBQ Chicken

1/4 C packed brown sugar

1/4 C soy sauce

2 T lime juice (about 1 lime)

1/4 t cayenne pepper

1/4 t curry powder

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1 t grated fresh ginger

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

 

Combine everything but the chicken in a small bowl. Whisk to dissolve brown sugar. Reserve a couple of spoonfuls of the marinade in a small bowl and place the rest, with the chicken, in a zip-lock bag. (If your chicken pieces are extra large and you feel like you need a little more marinade, you can always add a bit of water to stretch it.) Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is best. Preheat a grill (or an indoor grill pan or broiler). Spray cooking surface with cooking spray and place chicken on it to cook. Cook for 5-10 minutes on each side depending on the thickness.

Parmesan Popovers

Parmesan Popovers

3 eggs

3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp herbs de Provence

4 T. chopped parsley leaves

1 cups whole milk

3/4 cup grated Parmesan (about 5 ounces)

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a blender, combine eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and herbs, milk, and cheese. Blend on medium speed. Spray a mini-muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the muffin cups, filling each cup 3/4 full. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove popovers from muffin tin and cool on a wire rack.

Peruvian Quinoa Corn Chowder

Peruvian Quinoa Corn Chowder

 

2 tbsp butter

1 1/2 cups chopped leeks

1 cup finely diced celery

1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup amaranth

1/2 cup quinoa

1/4 tsp dried thyme

4 cups fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed

1 cup whole milk

2 tbsp minced parsley, for garnish

 

In a large pot, sauté the leeks, celery and bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of butter for about 5 minutes. Season with salt.  Stir in the amaranth with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the quinoa and thyme and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, purée 3 cups of the corn with 1 cup of water in a blender or food processor. When the quinoa has cooked for 10 minutes, stir the corn purée and remaining whole corn kernels into the soup. Add salt to taste. Reduce the heat and simmer until the quinoa and amaranth are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the milk. Divide into portions and garnish each with finely chopped parsley.

Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Baked Brie

1 12 ounce (6”) wheel of brie

8 sheets fillo dough, thawed

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

3 sprigs fresh thyme

sliced apples and bread

 

Cover a baking sheet with a layer of parchment paper. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Unwrap the brie and have the cranberry sauce and thyme ready before you begin working with the fillo dough. Lay out one sheet of fillo dough on a clean work surface and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat with the additional sheets of fillo.  After the last layer, spread cranberry sauce in a circle in the center, as wide as the round of brie. Center the brie over the sauce and lay thyme sprigs over the top. Trim the corners off the fillo to make an oval shape. Working quickly, fold up the edges over the brie, brushing folds with melted butter as you go. Once it’s closed, gently flip over onto baking sheet and brush outside with butter. Bake for 25 minutes, until fillo is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 45 minutes, then serve with apples and bread. If you’re impatient like me and can’t wait to dig in, be prepared for a gooey gush of warm, melted cheese. Mmm. Enjoy!

Berry-Cardamon Topping

Berry-Cardamon Topping

 

1 and 1/2 pint raspberries

1 and 1/2 pint blackberries

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

 

Combine raspberries, blackberries, sugar and ground cardamom in a medium bowl. Mix together gently. Let mixture stand until berries are juicy, stirring occasionally, at least 30 minutes. Set aside until ready to serve.

Beans & Barley Tofu Scrambler

Beans & Barley Tofu Scrambler

 

1/4 C. tahini

1/4 C. shoyu

1 tsp. black pepper (or to taste)

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. garlic powder — or to taste

2 pounds firm tofu (drained dried and coarsely crumbled)

2 tsp. olive oil

2/3 C. sliced fresh mushrooms

2/3 C. diced tomato

2/3 C. chopped green onions

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

 

Combine tahini, shoyu, pepper, salt and garlic powder. Add to crumbled tofu, being careful not to crumble tofu too fine.  Heat 12-inch non-stick, or well-greased, skillet over medium heat. Add oil and sauté mushrooms until cooked, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and green onions and cook for 1 minute.  Add tofu mixture and cook, scrambling occasionally, until some of it begins to brown a little. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.