Well Stocked Thai Pantry
Lemon Grass
Pickled Garlic
Thai Basil
Dried Bean Threads
Green Curry Paste
Thai Roasted-Chili Paste
Dried Shrimp
Star Anise
Coconut Milk
cardamom
Pearl Tapioca
Asian Fish Sauce
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Lemon Grass
Pickled Garlic
Thai Basil
Dried Bean Threads
Green Curry Paste
Thai Roasted-Chili Paste
Dried Shrimp
Star Anise
Coconut Milk
cardamom
Pearl Tapioca
Asian Fish Sauce
Kaffir Lime Leaves
10 stalks fresh lemon grass (about 12 oz.), rinsed
1 1/2 C. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 C. lemon juice
1 C. coconut milk (stir before measuring)
Peel toughest outer layers from lemon grass; discard. Cut into 1/2-inch lengths. In a 2- to 3-quart pan over high heat, combine lemon grass, sugar, salt, and 2 1/2 C. water. Stir until liquid comes to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, until light golden, about 20 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer into a bowl, pressing on solids; discard solids. Nest bowl in a larger bowl of ice water and stir syrup until cool, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Whisk in coconut milk. If mixture is lumpy, pour through a fine strainer. Pour into an ice-cream maker (at least 1 qt.) and freeze. Scoop into bowls or, for a firmer consistency, freeze airtight up to 3 days.
Well Stocked Louisiana Pantry
Rice
Red Beans
Corn Meal, Corn Flour, Grits
Cayenne Pepper
Filé Powder
Creole Mustard
Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
Zataran’s Crab Boil
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Steen’s Cane Vinegar
Cane Syrup
Pickled Okra
Chicory Coffee
Trinity (Fresh): Onions, Celery, Bell Pepper
Crawfish
Sausage: Boudin Blanc, Andouiille
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3 T. balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
3 pounds mixed firm-ripe heirloom or other tomatoes
3 T. chopped fresh mint leaves
3 T. chopped fresh basil leaves
Salt and cracked black pepper
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In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil. Rinse and core tomatoes and slice 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Arrange in layers in an airtight container or on a serving dish, drizzling vinegar mixture and sprinkling mint, basil, salt, and pepper evenly over each layer. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Olive OÃl
Kalamata Olives
Canned Gigante Beans
Grape Leaves
Nigella
Greek Oregano
Dried Orange Peel
Bay Leaves
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves
Fennel
Madras Pepper
Yellow Split Pea or Dried “Fava†Beans
Dried Figs
Zante Currants
Tuna Alonnisos
Santorini Capers
Trahanas (Ancient Greek Pasta)
Orzo
Thyme Honey (such as Eergon)
Fire Roasted Red Peppers in Vinegar
Fleur de Sal
Phyllo Dough
Feta Cheese
Lemon
Mint
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1/2 pound green beans, ends trimmed
1 firm-ripe avocado (10 oz.), pitted and peeled
1/2 C. plain nonfat yogurt
2 T. lime juice
1 T. loose-packed fresh mint leaves, rinsed (optional)
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 pound jicama, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick sticks
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In a 2- to 3-quart pan over high heat, bring about 1 quart water to a boil. Add green beans and cook until tender to bite, 3 to 6 minutes. Drain and immerse immediately in ice water until cool, about 2 minutes; drain again. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, yogurt, lime juice, mint (if using), garlic, and salt; whirl until very smooth. Spoon dip into a bowl and serve with green beans and jicama sticks.
Well Stocked Mexican Pantry
Masa Harina
Mexican Lard
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Fideos
Pepitos
Guajillo Chiles
Chipotle Chiles
Ancho Chiles
Pasilla Chiles
Achiote
Mexican Oregano
Canela Cinnamon
Anise seeds
Chili powder
Crushed red pepper and cayenne
Cumin (seeds and ground)
Garlic
Ground allspice
Ground ancho chile pepper
Ground coriander
Tamarind
Agave
Mexican Chocolate
Piloncillo
Crema
Queso Cojita
Queso Oaxaca
Limes
Poblanos
Epazote
Cilantro
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3/4 C. butter, cut into chunks
9 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped (about 2 C.)
1 1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar
1 C. granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 1/2 T. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Mexican chocolate streusel
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In a large bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stir butter and unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla and almond extract. Stir in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Spread batter level in a buttered and floured 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Squeeze handfuls of Mexican chocolate streusel until it sticks together, then crumble into chunks evenly over surface of batter. Bake brownies in a 325° oven until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes, then cut into 24 or 32 squares (if making up to 1 day ahead, cool completely, then wrap uncut brownies airtight).
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Mexican chocolate streusel. In a food processor or a bowl, whirl or stir 1/2 C. all-purpose flour and 1/4 C. firmly packed brown sugar until well blended. Add 5 T. butter and whirl or rub in with your fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Pulse in 4 1/2 ounces (about 1 1/2 tablets) coarsely chopped Mexican chocolate (some larger chunks will remain), or chop finely with a knife and stir into flour mixture. Use immediately or chill airtight for up to 1 week.
Canned Tomatoes
High Quality Canned Fish: Tuna, Sardines, Anchovies
Semolina FLour
Bread Crumbs
Balsamic Vinegar
Basil
Caponata
Capers
Dried Porcini Mushrooms
Fava Beans
Fennel
Garlic
Giardiera
Gnocchi
Lemon
Mint
Olives
Olive Oil
Onion
Oregano
Parsley
Pasta, Various
Pine Nuts
Polenta
Red Pepper Flakes
Roasted Red Peppers
White Beans
Cheeses:Â Parm-Reggi, Salumi
Arborio Rice
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About 1 1/2 ounces crusty Italian or French bread
3 pounds zucchini
1/4 to 1/2 C. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 1/2 T. chopped fresh or 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
About 1/2 tsp. salt
About 1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
4 firm-ripe tomatoes (6 oz. each)
Fresh oregano sprigs (optional), rinsed
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Cut bread into 1/2-inch chunks. In a food processor or blender, whirl into coarse crumbs; you should have 2/3 C.. Rinse zucchini and trim and discard ends. Cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, stir bread crumbs often until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Pour into a bowl. Add 3 T. olive oil to pan and increase heat to medium-high. Stir in zucchini, garlic, chopped oregano, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Uncover and stir often until zucchini is browned and soft when pressed, 7 to 10 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in toasted crumbs, the parmesan cheese, and more salt and pepper to taste. Generously oil six to eight ramekins (1/2- to 3/4-C. size) with 1 T. olive oil. Divide zucchini mixture evenly among ramekins and press in firmly. Let stand at room temperature at least 5 minutes or up to 4 hours. Rinse and core tomatoes; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange 3 tomato slices on each of 6 to 8 salad or dinner plates. Run a knife around inside edge of ramekins and invert zucchini timbales onto tomatoes; if necessary, hold each ramekin and plate together and shake gently to release. If desired, garnish with oregano sprigs. Add more salt and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil over tomatoes to taste.
Corn Starch
Dried Chinese Sausage (Lap-Xuong)
Jasmine Rice
Chili Bean Paste
5 Spice
Garlic
Scallions
Ginger
Ground White Pepper
Mirin
Oyster Sauce
Ponzu
Rice Wine Vinegar
Dark Chinese Vinegar
White Chinese Vinegar
Sambal Oelek
Sesame Oil
Chili Oil
Peanut Oil
Sesame Paste
Soy Sauce
Dark Soy Sauce
Star Anise
Shaoxing Wine
Laoganma Chili Sauce
Sichuan Peppercorn
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
Dried Shrimp
Dried Chili Peppers
Water Chestnuts
Canned Straw Mushrooms
Rice Noodles / Rice Sticks
Char Siu
Hoisin
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1/2 C. all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
4 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 inch thick
2 T. butter
1/4 C. cider vinegar
1/3 C. maple syrup
1 T. cornstarch
3 T. water
2/3 C. packed brown sugar
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In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, salt and pepper. Add pork chops and shake to coat. In a skillet, brown chops on both sides in butter. Place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until juices run clear. Meanwhile, in a skillet, bring the vinegar to a boil. Reduce heat; add maple syrup. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the maple mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Place chops on a broiler pan; sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 2-3 minutes or until sugar is melted. Drizzle with maple glaze.
Allspice
Annato (Achiote)
Black Beans
Callaloo
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coconut Milk
Coconut Water
Coconut Aminos
Coconut Oil
Coconut
Corn Meal
Garlic Powder
Ginger
“Green Seasoning”
“Ground Provisions” – tubular root vegetables, cassava, yucca, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.
Jerk Seasoning
Limes
Mint
Molasses
Nutmeg
Palm Sugar
Pepper Sauces
Pigeon Peas
Kidney Beans
Yellow & Green Split Peas
Rice
Rum
Saltfish
Saltmeat (pig tails, beef)
Scallion
Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Peppers
Sweet Potato
Thyme
Turmeric
1/2 pound dry kidney beans, sorted and rinsed
7 C. vegetable stock or chicken broth
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 C. celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
4 C. hot cooked rice
Salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper
Cook and drain beans. In a large pan, heat vegetable stock (or chicken broth). Add the beans, onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour. While beans are cooking, prepare rice according to package directions. Continue cooking the beans until they become tender. Watch the pot carefully to prevent scorching of beans. Add more water to the pot as needed. When beans are tender, remove bay leaves, and serve over hot cooked rice in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste.
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Pork Chops:
1 C. fine salt
1/2 C. granulated sugar
1 T.p ea red, while, black, peppercorns
1 tsp each dried rosemary and thyme
Fresh ground pepper
4 bone-in rib chops
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Quinoa:
1 C. Inca red quinoa
2 C. chicken broth
4 oz smoked mozzarella chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1 small red onion finely chopped
1 C. cooked lady peas
~C. cherry tomatoes quartered
1 T.p good extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
zest of 1 lemon
S&P
chopped cilantro for garnish
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Garlic Lime Sauce:
1/4 C. fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove minced
1/4 tsp. red-pepper flakes
1/3 C. olive oil
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
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In a large sauce pan, bring all ingredients, except the chops, to a boil. Stir until sugar and salt dissolves. Fill a large container halfway with ice. Add salt mixture. Allow to cool, about 10 minutes. When brine is cool, submerge chops. Cover container and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa. Cover, lower heat to simmer, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender, but not mushy. Keep warm. Preheat grill to high heat. Remove chops from brine and discard brine. Rinse chops thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Sprinkle chops liberally with fresh ground pepper. On a folded paper towel, pour a small amount of olive oil. Using tongs, apply the oil onto the grill grates. Place chops on the grill. They will sizzle and you may get some small flare-ups, this is fine. Let chops cook for about 2 minute then give the chops a quarter turn. Let cook for about 3 minutes more then flip and repeat. Remove chops when they are medium-rare to medium. I cook mine to a temperature of 140 degrees-f. They as a little pink. No worries when you are eating good pork. In a mixing bowl, add the quinoa, onions, tomatoes, and lady peas. Toss gently. Add remaining ingredients except the cilantro and toss lightly to combine. For the sauce: whisk together lime juice, garlic, red-pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp. salt, then add oil in a slow stream. Add cilantro and whisk to combine. Serve over chops.
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2 1/4 C. chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1 small shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
2/3 C. quinoa
2 T. wheat berries
1 thyme sprig
1 bay leaf
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
Four 5-ounce boneless pork loin chops, trimmed of fat
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 dried pear halves, diced
4 dried apricot halves, sliced
1/4 C. dried sour cherries (1 ounce)
2 T. ruby port
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Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small skillet, combine 1/4 C. of the stock with the shallot and garlic and cook over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Add the quinoa, wheat berries, thyme and bay leaf. Add 1 C. of the stock and bring to a simmer. Scrape the mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish, cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa and wheat berries are tender. Remove the pilaf from the oven and keep covered. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper and brown them in the skillet over moderately high heat, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add the dried pears, apricots and cherries to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the port and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining 1 C. of stock and simmer over moderately high heat until reduced to 1/3 C., about 5 minutes. Add the pork chops and any accumulated juices and cook over moderate heat, turning the pork a few times, until it is hot and just cooked, about 2 minutes.  Uncover the pilaf and fluff it with a fork; season with salt and pepper. Mound the pilaf on plates. Set the pork chops on the pilaf, top with the fruit sauce and serve.
1 pound lean pork, diced
1 T. vegetable oil
2 apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1/2 C. chopped onion
2 T. flour
1 to 2 tsp. curry powder, to taste
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 C. chicken broth
1 T. lemon juice
1/4 to 1/2 C. golden raisins, optional
Hot cooked rice
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In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown the diced pork. Add apples and chopped onions; brown lightly. Add 2 T. flour and curry powder; stir to blend. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes. Serve with hot cooked rice. Serves 4 to 6.
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1 pound pork tenderloin
5 T. butter
4 Golden Delicious apples, cored
1 tsp. brown sugar
2 large shallots, peeled and chopped
1 T. fresh thyme
¼ C. Calvados
1 C. half-and-half
¼ C. apple cider
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Slice pork into ½ inch thick slices. Place between wax paper and flatten with a mallet. Wrap or cover and refrigerate. Melt twp T. butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add apples and sugar. Brown apples lightly, for about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet, and set aside. Melt two more tsp. of butter over high heat. Add the pork. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until cooked through and lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside, keeping the pork warm. Melt one tsp. butter in the same skillet. Brown shallots, adding the fresh thyme. Add Calvados and boil until reduced to glaze. Blend in half-and-half and cider and boil until entire mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Reheat apples and pork. Serve with sauce.
1 lb. pork tenderloin
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. sage, crushed
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 T. vegetable oil
1 onion, minced
1 apple, cored and coarsely chopped
1/2 C. apple cider
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Slice pork crosswise into 8 medallions. Mix pepper, sage, thyme, ginger and cinnamon and coat pork medallions. Heat oil in a large skillet; saute pork on both sides until it is brown. Remove from pan and reserve, covered, to keep warm. Add onion and chopped apples to skillet and sauté until golden. Add apple cider and heat to simmer. Put pork in liquid, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
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It goes without saying — don’t eat this 😉
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Scent of Christmas
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3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons of ground cloves
1 tablespoon of anise seed
1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 quart of water
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Mix together. Add water. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally, then simmer on low. Dry mix can be used as gift.
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Christmas Scent
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Peels of 2 oranges
3 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
2 1/2 cups of water
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Combine in a saucepan. Simmer, add water as needed.
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Christmas Scent Simmer
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1 pkg. of pickling spice
1 pkg. of whole cloves
1 pkg. of stick cinnamon
1 jar of apple juice
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Put in crock-pot. Fill to top with water. Bring to boil, put on simmer.
1/2 pound ground turkey
1/2 pound ground beef
3/4 C. breadcrumbs
2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T.p. fresh parsley, chopped
2 T.p. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 C. Coarsely Chopped Onion
1 C. shredded cheese
French Baguettes or Hoagie rolls
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ground turkey with ground beef thoroughly. Add next 6ingredients and shape into meatballs. Place meatballs into a 9 x 13 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until cooked through. Remove dish from oven and add spaghetti sauce and onions. Bake another 10 minutes or until sauce is heated. Serve on buns with cheese sprinkled on top of meatballs. Place back in warm oven to melt cheese, if desired. You can also use frozen meatballs; add to sauce and onions on stovetop. Bring to boiling and then reduce heat and simmer, covered, about ten minutes, until meatballs are thawed and sauce is hot; stirring occasionally.
1 1-pound package frozen Italian-style cooked meatballs (16 to 32 meatballs)
1 8-ounce can pizza sauce or 1 cup bottled pasta sauce
1/2 cup water
4 ciabatta rolls or hoagie buns
4 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
8 large fresh basil or spinach leaves (optional)
Preheat the broiler. In a large saucepan combine meatballs, pizza sauce, and water. Heat until sauce bubbles. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cut a thin slice from the tops of rolls; hollow out roll leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick shell. (Discard or save bread from rolls for another use.) Place hollowed-out rolls and roll tops, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove roll tops from baking sheet. Spoon meatballs and sauce into toasted rolls. Top with cheese. Broil about 1 minute more or until cheese melts. To serve, place basil or spinach leaves on top of cheese and replace roll tops.
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1/2 small head green cabbage
1/2 small head red cabbage
4 large carrots, scrubbed or peeled
2 C. (16 ounces) good mayonnaise
1/4 C. Dijon mustard
2 T. whole grain mustard
2 T. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 C. (6 ounces) crumbled Roquefort blue cheese
1 C. chopped fresh parsley leaves
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Cut the cabbages in half and then in quarters and cut out the cores. Set up the food processor with the slicing blade (according to manufacturer’s instructions) and place the pieces of cabbage, one at a time, lying horizontally in the feed tube. (If they don’t fit, cut them to fit lying down.) Place the feed tube pusher on top and turn on the processor. Don’t push on the feed tube pusher or the slices will turn out too thick! Continue with the remaining red and green cabbage quarters. Transfer into a large bowl, discarding any very large pieces. Before you pour the dressing on the salad, save a handful of the grated vegetables to decorate for serving. Change the slicing blade for the large shredding blade and cut the carrots so they also lie down in the feed tube. Since the carrots are hard, replace the feed tube pusher and press firmly with the food processor on. Transfer to bowl with the cabbages. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, both mustards, vinegar, celery salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Pour enough mayonnaise dressing over the grated vegetables and toss to moisten well. Add crumbled blue cheese and parsley and toss together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
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6 T. mayonnaise
3 canned chipotle chiles, finely chopped
6 onion or French rolls
1 precooked tri tip (brisket), thinly sliced against the grain
3 very thin slices red onion, separated into rings
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Combine mayonnaise and chiles in a small dish and mix well. Spread equal amounts on one half of each roll. Top with sliced beef and onions. NOTE: For an even spicier taste, stir in a little of the sauce that is covering the chiles.
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3 T. olive oil
1 T. lime juice
1/2 tsp. chipotle chile powder (less or more depending on how much heat you want)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breast halves)
4 small slices of Monterey Jack cheese
4 sets of hamburger buns
1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced
Iceberg or lettuce of preference
Mayonnaise
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In a shallow bowl, stir together the olive oil, lime juice, and chipotle chile powder. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper. Use a meat pounder to pound the breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Cut off excess fat. If you are starting with 2 half-pound chicken breast halves, cut each one in half so that you have 4 pieces (to better fit the buns). Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably an hour. Heat your grill on high heat if you are using a gas grill, or prepare coals for direct heat if you are using charcoal. You can also use a cast-iron grill pan on your stove if you do not have a grill. Grill the chicken pieces a couple minutes on each side, until cooked through. Once you have cooked the chicken pieces on one side and flipped them, add a slice of cheese to the chicken. Cover the grill for half a minute to melt the cheese. Toast the buns on the grill as well. Assemble the sandwiches – bun bottom, chicken with melted cheese, avocado and lettuce, mayonnaise on the top bun.
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1 pound unseasoned meat loaf mix (1/3 lb. each ground veal, pork, and beef) or ground beef round
1 small onion, chopped
2 15-ounce cans great Northern or white beans, rinsed and drained
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
1 16-ounce jar prepared green salsa
1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
4 T. chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1/2 C. dairy sour cream (optional)
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Heat a large Dutch oven over high heat. Add meat loaf mix and onion; cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, for 5 minutes, until no longer pink. Drain any fat. Add beans, broth, salsa and cumin. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in 3 T. cilantro. Divide among 4 serving bowls. Top each serving with sour cream and garnish with remaining 1 T. cilantro.
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Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 9g
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2 quarts Brodo di Carne (meat broth)
1 C. dry, white wine
1 pound rib eye steak, sliced thin (similar to minute steaks)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 T. olive oil
1 bay leaf
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
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In a large pot (3 quarts minimum) heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the Brodo di Carne, white wine, bay leaf, salt, and pepper and allow to gently simmer.
Slice the beef into strips 1/4″ x 2″. Add the beef to the broth and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the cilantro. Stir through the soup and serve immediately.
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6 ounces lean ground beef or ground turkey
1/4 C. chopped green sweet pepper
2 T. chopped onion
1/2 C. pasta sauce
2 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
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In a medium nonstick skillet cook the ground beef or turkey, sweet pepper, and onion over medium-high heat until meat is brown. Drain off fat. Stir in the pasta sauce. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes or until desired consistency. To serve, spoon the meat mixture into buns.
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16 oz. extra-lean ground sirloin beef or turkey breast
1/2 C. plus 1 T. dried fine bread crumb
1/2 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 C. water
1/8 tsp. dried minced garlic
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 T. Splenda Granular
1 tsp. taco seasoning
1 T. finely chopped cilantro or parsley
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In a large bowl, combine meat, bread crumbs, onion, green pepper, water, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Using a 1/2 C. measuring C. as a guide, form into 6 patties. Evenly arrange patties in a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray: Brown patties for 4 to 5, minutes on each side. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, Splenda, taco seasoning, and cilantro. Spoon sauce mixture evenly over patties. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes or until patties are cooked through to desired doneness. When serving, evenly spoon sauce  mixture over patties.
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Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 156
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g
1-1/2 C. coarsely chopped onion (about 1 large)
1/4 C. dark rum (or 1/4 C. apple juice)
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
4 (5 oz) lean center-cut pork loin chops (1/2-inch thick), trimmed
Cooking spray
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Combine first 8 ingredients in a large heavy-duty zip-top bag. Add pork, and seal bag; turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator at least 8 hours, turning occasionally. Remove chops from marinade, discarding marinade. Preheat the grill. Place pork chops on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill, covered, 10 minutes or until done, turning once.
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Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 206
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
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4 oz. turkey sausage or crumbled turkey bacon
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 onion, chopped
5 large eggs
1 can (12 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 C. (2 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
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Preheat the oven to 350 deg F. Coat a 6-C. nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper baking cups. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, pepper, and onion for 5 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and cool slightly. Stir in the eggs and mushrooms. Evenly divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the egg is set.
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Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 140
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
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1 (2 to 3 lb) center-cut beef tenderloin
4 tsp. dried marjoram, crushed
1 T. finely shredded lemon peel
2 tsp. cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
3 T. bottled minced garlic
3 T. olive oil
1-1/2 lbs small white, purple, and/or red potatoes, quarters
1/2 tsp. salt
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Preheat oven to 425 deg F. Trim any fat from meat. In a small bowl, stir together dried marjoram, lemon peel, pepper, 1/2 tsp. salt, and garlic. Brush meat with 1 T. of the olive oil. Sprinkle with half of the garlic mixture; press to coat. Place the meat on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into center of meat. Roast in a 425 deg F oven for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (140 deg F) or 45 to 50 minutes for medium (155 deg F), spooning off any fat in roasting pan. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine potatoes, 1/2 tsp. salt, the remaining 2 T. olive oil, and the remaining garlic mixture. Add potato mixture to roasting pan the last 30 minutes of roasting. Transfer meat and potatoes to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil; let stand for 15 minutes (the meat’s temperature will raise 5 deg F during standing). Cut meat into 1/2- inch slices.
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Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 293
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 2g
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2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
4 large eggs
1 14-oz. can artichoke hearts packed in water, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1/4 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt, or to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
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Heat 1 tsp. oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Stir in artichoke hearts, Parmesan, oregano, salt, pepper, and the bell pepper mixture. Having set a rack about 4 inches from the heat source, preheat the broiler.  Brush the pan with the remaining 1 tsp. oil; heat over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and tilt to distribute evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the bottom is light golden, lifting the edges to allow uncooked egg to flow underneath, 3 to 4 minutes. Place the pan under the broiler and cook until the top is set, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Slide the frittata onto a platter and cut into wedges.
Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 305
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g
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16 oz. extra-lean pork tenderloin, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 C. chopped onion
4 C. shredded cabbage
1 C. water
1/2 C. Splenda Granular
1/2 C. apple cider vinegar
3 T. all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. black pepper
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In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat and onion for 6 to 8 minutes. Add cabbage and 3/4 C. water. Mix well to combine. Continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Stir in Splenda and vinegar. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 C. water, flour, and black pepper. Add flour mixture to cabbage mixture. Mix well to combine. Continue cooking for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring often.
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Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 200
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
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1/2 C. cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 T. chopped fresh chives
1 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. bottled minced garlic
24 (1/2-inch thick) slices slender French baguette, toasted
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Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Spread 1 tsp. cream cheese mixture over one side of each toasted baguette slice.
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Yield: 24 servings
Calories: 51
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 0g
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1 (10-3/4 oz) can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
1/3 C. fat-free milk
1 egg, slightly beaten, or  equivalent in egg substitute
1-1/4 C. reduced-fat biscuit baking mix
1/2 C. yellow cornmeal
1/4 C. Splenda Granular
1/2 C. frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
1 C. frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1-1/2 C. diced extra-lean ham
1/8 C. shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees: Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine mushroom soup, milk, and egg. Stir in baking mix, cornmeal, and Splenda. Add corn, broccoli, ham, Cheddar cheese, and parsley flakes. Mix well to combine. Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes.
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Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 205
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
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1 T. Butter
1 T. Flour
1/8 tsp. Salt
Dash Pepper
3/4 C. Milk
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In small saucepan melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir one minute longer.
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Almond Sauce: Cook as above, except add 1/4 C. Slivered Almonds with melted butter. Omit salt, and add 1 tsp. chicken bullion granules with the flour.
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Cheese Sauce: Prepare as above, but omit salt. Over low heat, stir 3/4 C. shredded cheese into cooked sauce. Continue stirring until melted.Â
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Herb-Garlic Sauce: Cook 1 clove minced garlic in melted butter. Stir in 1/4 tsp. chosen herb with the flour (basil, caraway, oregano, celery seed, sage).
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Lemon-Chive:Â Stir in snipped chives and grated lemon peel with the flour.
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Parmesan Cheese: Omit salt. Stir in 1/4 C. Parmesan cheese into cooked sauce until melted.
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1 C. Whipping Cream
2 T. Sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
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Beat all ingredients in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.
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1 C. Milk
1 C. Flour
2 T. Yogurt, plain
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Heat milk until it reaches 100F (38C) on a thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in yogurt. Port mixture into a clean plastic container, cover tightly and let stand in a warm place for 18 to 24 hours. Be sure to punch a small hole in container lid to allow gases to escape. Mixture should resemble the consistency of yogurt. A curd should form and the mixture should not flow readily when the container is slightly tilted. If clear liquid rises to the top of mixture, simply stir it back in. If liquid or starter turns pink, discard mixture and start again.
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After curd has formed, gradually stir 1 cup flour into the starter until smoothly blended. Cover tightly and let stand in a warm place 85F (30C) until mixture is full of bubbles and has a good sour smell, approximately 2 to 5 days. If clear liquid forms on top of mixture, stir it back into starter. Each time you use part of your starter replenish it with equal amounts of warm milk 100F (38C) and flour. Cover and let stand in a warm place several hours or overnight until it is full of bubbles. Cover and store in refrigerator until needed. Starter should always be at room temperature before using. Low-fat or skim milk may be used in place of whole milk. Always be consistent in type of milk used.
8 fresh garlic bulbs
2 to 4 tsp. olive oil
4 rosemary sprigs, or oregano sprigs
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Remove outer layers of skin from garlic, leaving cloves and head intact. Place all heads on double thickness of foil; top with olive oil and herbs. Fold up and seal. Bake in 375 degree F. oven for about 1 hour. Serve one whole head per person. Squeeze cooked cloves from skin onto cooked meat and vegetables or on French or rye bread. Note: If you prefer you may trim tops off garlic heads to expose tops of garlic cloves. This makes cloves easier to scoop out. Then bake as instructed. Cooking time may be slightly reduced.