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Gratinated Cherry Tomatoes with Hot and Herby Mozzarella Filling

Gratinated Cherry Tomatoes with Hot and Herby Mozzarella Filling

Cherry tomatoes or other small tomatoes

Mozzarella, as fresh as possible

Rosemary, chopped

Thyme, chopped

Chili pepper flakes

Capers in salt

Salt

Extra-virgin olive oil

Cut the mozzarella in small pieces and put in a small bowl. Add herbs, chili pepper, salt and olive oil and stir really well. Leave to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Cut the tomatoes in two, scoop out the seeds and use them for something else. Put the mozzarella into the tomatoes and then put these in an oven-proof form. Bake in a pre-heated oven (175°C/350°F) until golden, it takes between 10-15 minutes. Top with an unwashed salted caper and serve hot or tepid.

Creamed Spinach Gratin

Creamed Spinach Gratin

1/2 teaspoon butter

5 packages (10 oz. each) frozen chopped spinach, defrosted

2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

Butter a shallow 1 1/2- to 2-quart baking dish. Squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach (use your hands or a clean kitchen towel). Set aside. Heat spinach and cream in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese to melt. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to taste. Transfer spinach mixture to buttered baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Just before serving, place dish in the oven 5 to 6 in. below a broiler set to high; broil until top is golden and crunchy, about 3 minutes.

Strawberry- Banana Topped French Toast

Strawberry- Banana Topped French Toast

1 egg

1/4 cup fat-free milk

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 slice (1 ounce) whole grain bread

1 teaspoon trans-fat free spread

1/4 cup sliced strawberries

1/4 cup sliced banana

In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with the milk and cinnamon. Dip both sides of the bread in the milk mixture. 2. Melt the spread in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the bread in the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Cut in half diagonally. Place half on a plate. Top with half of the strawberries and bananas. Cover with the other toast half and the remaining strawberries and bananas.

Yield: 1 serving

Calories: 250

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 4g

Coconut French Toast with Grilled Pineapple and Tropical Salsa

Coconut French Toast with Grilled Pineapple and Tropical Salsa

Salsa:
2 T. flaked sweetened coconut
2 tsp. fresh lime juice
2 peeled ripe mangoes, chopped
1 pint strawberries, chopped

French toast:
1 C. egg substitute
1 C. light coconut milk
1 C. 1% low-fat milk
1/2 C. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 (16-oz.) loaf French bread, cut into 16 slices
Cooking spray

Remaining ingredients:
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut crosswise into 8 slices
Powdered sugar (optional)

To prepare salsa, combine first 4 ingredients; cover and chill. Preheat oven to 400�. To prepare French toast, combine egg substitute and next 6 ingredients (egg substitute through eggs) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Place bread in egg mixture; press down with spatula to completely submerge bread in egg mixture. Let stand 15 minutes. Arrange soaked bread in a single layer on a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400� for 12 minutes or until set. Remove from oven, and keep warm. While bread bakes, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Arrange 4 pineapple slices in pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until pineapple begins to brown. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining pineapple and cooking spray. Arrange 2 toast pieces on each of 8 plates; top each serving with 1 pineapple slice and 1/2 C. salsa. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 350
Fat: 5.7g
Fiber: 4.4g

Red Pepper & Broccoli Quiche

Red Pepper & Broccoli Quiche

1 (9 inch) unbaked 9 inch pie crust
1 lb. broccoli, chopped
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 T. olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. firm tofu, drained
1/2 C. low fat milk
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
black pepper to taste
1 T. dried parsley
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake pie crust in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Place broccoli in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water, and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, about 2 to 6 minutes. Drain. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic until golden. Stir in the cooked broccoli and red pepper and heat through. In a blender combine tofu, soy milk, mustard, salt, nutmeg, ground red pepper, black pepper, parsley and Parmesan cheese; process until smooth. In a large bowl combine tofu mixture with broccoli mixture. Pour into pie crust. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until quiche is set. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 182
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g

Oven-Poached Halibut Provencale

Oven-Poached Halibut Provencale

cooking spray
1 C. dry white wine
6 (6 oz.) halibut steaks
6 C. tomatoes; diced
2 C. onion; finely chopped
4 tsp. dried basil
4 tsp. dried parsley flakes
2 T. kalamata olives; minced
1 T. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. anchovy paste (optional)
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cloves garlic; minced
1/4 C. dry bread crumbs
1 T. Parmesan cheese; grated
1 tsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13″ X 9″ baking dish with cooking spray. Pour wine into dish and arrange halibut steaks in dish. Combine tomato and onion, basil, parsley flakes, kalamato olives, 1 T. olive oil, salt, anchovy paste, pepper and garlic in a bowl; stir well and spoon over steaks. Bake for 35 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Combine bread crumbs, cheese and 1 tsp. olive oil in a bowl; stir well. Sprinkle over tomato mixture and broil until crumbs are golden. Serve immediately.

Yields: 6 servings
Serving size: 5 oz. fish and 1 C. tomato mixture)

Calories: 305
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 4g

Provencal Tuna Melt

Provencal Tuna Melt

3 cans of tuna in water, drained and flaked

5 to 6 sprigs tarragon, stripped from the stem and chopped

1/2 C. basil leaves, finely chopped

1/4 C. parsley leaves, finely chopped

12 black or green pitted olives, about a handful, finely chopped

2 shallots, finely chopped

3 T. capers, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 French baguette, cut into 4 sections and split on top

2-4 T. Butter

4 ounces Gruyere or Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

Preheat the broiler. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the tuna, tarragon, basil, parsley, olives, shallots and capers. Squeeze the lemon over the bowl, being careful not to get any of the seeds in. Drizzle in the olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine. Reserve in the fridge until ready to serve. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. While the skillet is heating, spread butter on baguettes. Toast in the skillet until golden brown. Fill the baguettes with the tuna salad. Top with gruyere cheese and pop under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Salmon Croquettes

Salmon Croquettes

1 can (14-3/4 ounces) pink salmon, drained, deboned and flaked

1 C. evaporated milk, divided

1-1/2 C. cornflake crumbs, divided

1/4 C. dill pickle relish

1/4 C. finely chopped celery

2 T. finely chopped onion

Oil for deep-fat frying

2/3 C. evaporated milk

1/4 C. mayonnaise

2 T. dill pickle relish

1 T. finely chopped onion

In a large bowl, combine the salmon, 1/2 C. milk, 1/2 C. crumbs, relish, celery and onion. With wet hands, shape 1/4 cupfuls into cones. Dip into remaining milk, then into remaining crumbs. Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer to 365°. Fry croquettes, a few at a time, for 2 to 2-1/2 minutes or until golden brown, Drain on paper towels; keep warm. In a small saucepan, combine tartar sauce ingredients; cook over medium-low heat until heated through and slightly thickened. Serve warm with croquettes. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Mushroom and Onion Gratins

Mushroom and Onion Gratins

1 lb. Mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 C. All-purpose flour
2 lg. Onions (about 1 3/4 pounds), sliced very thin
6 tsp. Heavy cream
1 C. Grated Gruyère
1/4 C. Fresh fine bread crumbs

In a skillet cook the mushrooms in 2 1/2 tsp. of the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until they are softened and most of the liquid they give off has evaporated. Stir in the flour and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes. In each of six 1 1/2-cup gratin dishes layer the onions, the remaining butter, cut into bits, the mushroom mixture, and salt and pepper to taste, beginning and ending with a layer of onions, and pour 1 tsp. of the cream over the top of each gratin. In a small bowl combine well the Gruyère and the bread crumbs and sprinkle the mixture over the cream. (Alternatively, the gratin, layered in the same manner, may be prepared in one 2-quart gratin dish.) Bake the gratins in the middle of a preheated 325°F. oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the onions are tender and the tops are golden. The gratins may be prepared 3 hours in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated in a preheated 400°F. oven for 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Garbure (French Ham & Vegetable Soup)

Garbure (French Ham & Vegetable Soup)

Garbure (French Ham & Vegetable Soup)

1 leftover ham bone with meat

10 cups water, enough to cover the ham bone

2 T. apple cider vinegar

3-4 bay leaves

1 Serrano pepper, sliced but still intact

2 T. avocado oil

1 onion, chopped

2 medium leeks, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup dry white wine (I used Chardonnay)

1 large sweet potato, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery, diced

2 turnips, diced

½ head napa or savoy cabbage, cut into strips

1 small handful of parsley, chopped

1 T. minced fresh thyme

1 teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon black pepper

 

Add the ham bone, water, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves and serrano pepper to the slow cooker. Set on high for 5 hours. Remove the bone from the pot and take the meat off it. Add the meat and bone back to the pot and cook for another 2 hours on high. Next, add oil to a sauté pan over medium heat, then add the onion, leeks and garlic cloves. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, or until the onions have started to caramelize. Add this to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook for 3 hours on high, or until the vegetables are tender.

Sausage Ratatouille with Couscous

Sausage Ratatouille with Couscous

1 to 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

5 uncooked mild Italian pork sausage links (about 1 1/2 lb)

1/2 C. finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 C. finely chopped carrot

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/2 C. finely chopped zucchini

2 T. finely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 can (28 oz) Progresso® whole peeled tomatoes with basil (Italian style), undrained, cut up

1 can (15 oz) Progresso® cannellini (white kidney) beans, undrained

1 box (5.9 oz) Parmesan-flavor couscous mix

Butter

Water

2 T. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage links; cook and stir until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet; set aside. Add onion, carrot and garlic to skillet; cook and stir until onion becomes translucent. Stir in zucchini, parsley and basil. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt, pepper and tomatoes. Return sausages to skillet. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half and meat thermometer inserted in center of sausages reads 160°F. Stir in beans. Cook until thoroughly heated. Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, make couscous with amounts of butter and water as directed on box. To serve, fluff couscous; spoon around sides of large serving dish. Spoon tomato-vegetable mixture into center; arrange sausages over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Lemongrass Coq Au Vin

Lemongrass Coq Au Vin

Lemongrass Coq Au Vin

 

4- to 5-pound chicken, skinned and cut into 8 pieces (4 breast pieces, 2 legs, and 2 thighs)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 1/2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, if thickening the sauce

1 1/2 cups chopped shallots (1/4 pound)

5 cups quartered shiitake mushrooms (1/2 pound)

4 stalks fresh lemongrass

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 cups dry vermouth

2 cups low-sodium stock

About 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, if thickening the sauce

 

Wash the chicken pieces and pat dry, then season each piece with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a large skillet with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil and the 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer the shallots to a plate and set aside. Add the mushrooms to the hot pan and another 1/2 tablespoon oil if necessary and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are evenly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and add to the plate with the shallots. Add another 2 tablespoons oil to the pan and brown the chicken in batches, taking care not to crowd them in the pan. Transfer the pieces to a separate plate when they are fully browned.

 

Meanwhile, cut the bottom third from each stalk of lemongrass, peel off any outer fibrous skin, and finely mince the tender portion inside; you should have about 1/4 cup minced lemongrass (don’t worry if it’s a little more or a little less). Cut the remaining upper two thirds of the stalks into 2-inch lengths and set aside. Turn the heat to low, add the minced lemongrass and the garlic to the pan, and cook for 10 to 25 seconds, until they release an aroma but are not browned. Turn the heat to high, add the vermouth, and deglaze the pan by scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan with a wooden spoon. Boil until reduced by about a quarter, 8 to 10 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and add the stock. Scatter the 2-inch pieces of lemongrass around the chicken, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and discard the pieces of lemongrass. If you want to thicken the sauce (I often don’t), knead the remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons butter with the flour until thoroughly mixed and whisk into the pan juices. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the floury taste is gone and the liquid is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. If it’s not thick enough, knead together an additional 2 teaspoons flour and 1/2 tablespoon butter and whisk it in, simmering until the liquid has thickened. Add the chicken, mushrooms, and shallots to the pan, lower the heat, and baste with the sauce. Cook until the chicken pieces are heated through, about 10 minutes, and serve.

Provencal Lentil Ragout

Provencal Lentil Ragout

1/2 C. chopped carrot

1/2 C. chopped celery

1/2 C. chopped onion

2 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

1 1/2 tsp. herbes de Provence

1 bay leaf

2 C. (8 ounces) dried lentils

1 T. minced garlic

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth

1 C. water

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

balsamic vinegar

1/4 C. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

8 tsp. grated Romano cheese

To serve as a soup, reheat with broth just to cover in a microwaveable bowl or a saucepan on the stove top. Directions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the carrot, celery, onion, oil, herbes de Provence, and bay leaf. Stir. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the lentils and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the broth and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft but not mushy. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the salt and pepper. Serve in pasta bowls. Drizzle about 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar on each serving. Sprinkle on the parsley and cheese.

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 180

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 10g

Ale-Steamed Mussels with French Bread

Ale-Steamed Mussels with French Bread

1 C. chopped tomato
1 C. pale ale or beer
1/2 C. bottled clam juice
1/3 C. chopped fresh parsley
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1 T. bottled minced garlic
2 lb. mussels, scrubbed and debearded (about 40 mussels)
4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut French bread baguette

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large stockpot; cover and bring to a boil. Add mussels; cover and cook 4 minutes or until shells open. Remove from heat; discard any unopened shells. Divide the mussels and broth evenly among 2 shallow bowls, and serve with bread.

Yield: 2 servings
Serving size: about 20 mussels, about 1 C. broth, and 2 bread slices

Calories: 434
Fat: 9.1g
Fiber: 3.2g

Cauliflower, Green Bean, and Tomato Gratin

Cauliflower, Green Bean, and Tomato Gratin

1 bag (16 oz) frozen cauliflower florets

2 C. (1/2 of 14 oz bag) frozen cut italian green beans, cut green beans, or sugar snap peas

2 C. cherry tomatoes, rinsed and stemmed

1/2 C. dried whole grain bread crumbs

1/3 C. grated pecorino romano cheese

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, grated or crushed

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat 13″ x 5 x 9″ baking dish with olive oil spray. In large saucepan, bring 1 C. water to a boil. Add cauliflower and beans, cover, and cook 3 minutes, then drain. Distribute cauliflower, beans, and tomatoes evenly in prepared dish. In small bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheese, oil, and garlic. Stir with fork until blended. Sprinkle mixture evenly over vegetables. Bake until crumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 90

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 4g

Seafood Au Gratin with Sautéed Artichokes and Spinach

Seafood Au Gratin with Sautéed Artichokes and Spinach

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil, plus

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 T. butter

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 lbs cod, cut into chunks

1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped

1 lemon

1 large shallot, finely chopped

2 T. flour

1/2 C. chicken stock

1 C. heavy cream

3 T. dry sherry

1/4 tsp. grated fresh nutmeg

salt

fresh ground black pepper

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2 (15 ounce) cans quartered water-packed artichoke hearts, drained

1 lb fresh spinach, stems discarded, coarsely chopped

2 C. shredded gruyere cheese

1 tsp. sweet paprika

2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2-3 T. grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Preheat broiler to high. Add 1 T. olive oil, 2 T. butter, and bay leaf to a large skillet over medium heat. Add fish and shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning carefully with fish spatula. Remove the fish and shrimp to a plate; squeeze lemon juice on the cooked fish, and reserve. Add 2 T. more butter to the skillet and the shallot; sauté shallot for 2 minutes, then add the flour and cook another minute. Whisk in the stock and thicken for a minute. Add the cream to the sauce and bring to a bubble; stir in the sherry, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Slide the seafood back into the pan and cook together over med-low heat to reduce the sauce and finish cooking the seafood, 5-6 minutes. Heat a second skillet over med-high heat; add the remaining olive oil, garlic, and drained artichokes; fry 2 minutes, then wilt in the spinach and season with salt and pepper; turn the pan off and reserve. Pour the seafood into a shallow casserole; top with the Gruyere cheese, paprika, parsley, and Parm; brown the casserole under the broiler and serve; pile the spinach and artichokes alongside the seafood.

French Garlic Vinaigrette

French Garlic Vinaigrette

1/2 C. Tomato Sauce

1/2 C. Tomato Paste

2 T. chopped Parsley

2 T. Red Wine Vinegar

2 T. Lemon Juice

1 T. Olive Oil

1 T. Dijon Mustard

3 cloves Garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients in a small jar; cover tightly and shake vigorously to blend. Refrigerate at least 8 hours in refrigerator before using.

Chicken with Provencal Sauce

Chicken with Provencal Sauce

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 T. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 tsp. dried herbes de Provence

1 tsp. butter

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add broth and herbes de Provence; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook until broth mixture is reduced to 1/2 C. (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat; add butter and lemon juice, stirring until butter melts. Serve sauce over chicken. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.

Oven-Baked French Fries

Oven-Baked French Fries

4 C. iced water
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
1/8 tsp. salt
1-1/4 tsp. vegetable oil
aluminum foil

Wash and cut potatoes into 1/2 inch French fry-size strips. Place strips in bowl of ice water, cover, and chill for 60 minutes. Remove and dry. In a large plastic bag, combine next 6 ingredients. Add potato strips, close, and shake until coated. Place potato strips evenly on a cookie sheet or shallow baking pan greased with vegetable oil. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 475°F for 15 minutes.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 178
Fat: 3.1g
Fiber: 3.4g

Creamy Crab au Gratin

Creamy Crab au Gratin

1 1/2 C. sliced mushrooms (4 oz)
3 T. all-purpose flour
2 medium stalks celery, sliced (1 C.)
1/2 tsp. red pepper sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) FF chicken-broth
2 packages (8 oz. each) imitation crabmeat chunks
3/4 C. fat-free half-and-half
1 C. soft bread crumbs (about 1 1/2 slices bread)

Heat oven to 400. Lightly spray 11x7x1 1/2 pan with cooking spray. Spray 3-quart saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium-heat.
Cook mushrooms and celery in saucepan about 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until celery is tender. Stir in broth. Heat to boiling;
reduce heat. Beat half-and-half, flour and pepper sauce with wire whisk until smooth; stir into vegetable mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in crabmeat. Spoon crabmeat mixture into baking dish. Top with bread crumbs.
Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until heated through. Good with steamed broccoli or green beans.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 200
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Potato Croquettes

Potato Croquettes

1 lb. yellow-fleshed potatoes, such as Yukon Gold
1 small onion
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
2 T. butter

In a large saucepan cover potatoes with salted water by 2 inches and simmer until tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander and cool. Chill potatoes. Peel potatoes. Set a four-sided grater in a large bowl and coarsely shred potatoes and onion into bowl. Season potatoes and onions with salt & pepper; add butter and toss mixture with two forks. Preheat oven to 425F. Coat 6-muffin tin well with nonstick cooking spray. Put shredded potatoes into muffin tins. Pack lightly. Sprinkle with seasoning salt or paprika to add color. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until potatoes are nicely browned. Remove from muffin tins and serve.

Yield: 5 servings
Calories: 101
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Bacon, Ham and Leek Quiche

Bacon, Ham and Leek Quiche

6 strips turkey bacon
1/2 C. low-sodium ham, diced
12 leeks, thinly sliced
1 1/2 C. low-fat Swiss cheese
1 T. flour
1 C. egg substitute
1 C. fat-free half and half
1 C. skim milk
1 prepared 9-inch pie shell

Fry bacon until crisp. Drain. Reserve 1 T. of drippings. Fry leeks and ham in bacon drippings until leeks are tender (5-10 minutes). Drain. Mix Swiss cheese with flour. Set aside. Beat egg substitute add cream, and milk. Add cheese and flour mixture. Mix well. Stir in crumbled bacon, ham and leeks. Mix well. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 186
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Polenta Gratin with Mushrooms and Fontina

Polenta Gratin with Mushrooms and Fontina

1 (16-oz.) tube of polenta, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Cooking spray
1 (8-oz.) package presliced mushrooms
1 tsp. bottled minced garlic
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 C. sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce (such as Classico)
1/4 C. chopped fresh basil
1/4 C. (1 oz.) shredded fontina cheese

Preheat oven to 500°. Arrange polenta slices in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, allowing slices to overlap. Heat a medium nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic and salt. Cover, reduce heat, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in Alfredo sauce and basil. Spoon mushroom mixture evenly over polenta. Top with cheese. Bake at 500° for 7 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Yield: 3 servings
Calories: 221
Fat: 7.4g
Fiber: 4.1g

Artichokes and Spinach au Gratin

Artichokes and Spinach au Gratin

6 artichokes (4 to 4 1/2 in. wide) or 2 packages (9 oz. each) frozen artichoke hearts
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. coriander seed
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. coarsely crushed black peppercorns
Spinach filling (recipe follows)
3/4 C. shredded gruyere or Swiss cheese

Rinse and drain fresh artichokes. Trim leaves off just above artichoke bottoms. Discard leaves or save to cook separately. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 quarts water, thyme, coriander, basil, and peppercorns to a boil. Add fresh artichoke bottoms, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until bottoms are tender when pierced, about 30 minutes. (Or add frozen artichoke hearts and simmer until thawed and seasoned, about 10 minutes.) Drain artichokes. Trim coarse fibers from artichoke bottoms, break off remaining leaves, and scoop out and discard fuzzy centers. Place artichokes in a shallow 8- or 9-inch-wide casserole; turn bottoms C. side up. Cover artichokes with spinach filling and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in a 350° oven until cheese is lightly browned, about 35 minutes (45 minutes if chilled).

Spinach filling: Thaw 2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen leaf spinach and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Coarsely chop spinach. Peel and chop 1 onion (1/2 lb.). In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan, frequently stir onion, 1/4 C. water, and 1 T. butter or margarine until onion is slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix 2 T. all-purpose flour with onion, then smoothly stir in 1 C. fat-skimmed chicken broth and fat free half-and-half. Season with 1/4 tsp. fresh-grated or ground nutmeg. Stir over high heat until boiling, about 2 minutes. Add spinach, mix well, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Use hot or cold.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 192
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 7.9g

Crustless Tomato-Pepper Quiche

Crustless Tomato-Pepper Quiche

2 tsp. olive oil
2 medium red bell peppers, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, minced
1 C. chopped tomato
2 whole eggs
3 egg whites
1 C. low-fat (1%) milk
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2/3 C. flour
1 C. bottled salsa

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch quiche pan without a removable bottom) or 7- x 11-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over low heat. Add red and green bell peppers and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables have softened, about five minutes. Stir in tomato and cook until almost all liquid has evaporated, about five minutes. Transfer vegetables to a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, beat together whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in milk, Parmesan, salt and black pepper, and mix until well combined. Whisk in flour. Transfer vegetables to prepared pan. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and bake until eggs are just set, about 35 minutes. Cool quiche 10 minutes before cutting into six wedges. Serve topped with salsa.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 169
Fat: 5.1g
Fiber: 1.8g

French Plum Tart

French Plum Tart

1 pastry shell
Firm, ripe plums
refrigerated butter cooking spray
Custard:
1 large egg
1/3 cup Splenda
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1 tablespoon cognac OR
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange zest

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 7-inch tart pan with the pastry. Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil and press down into the crevice. Fill the aluminum cover with beans, rice, or pie weights. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack to cool. Remove foil and beans or rice or pie weights. Discard foil, and beans or rice if used. Meanwhile, cut plums in half and discard the pit. Arrange the plums, cut side down on the partially baked tart shell. Lightly spritz the plums with butter spray and bake for 15 minutes, until plums begin to soften. While tart is baking, whisk the egg and Splenda until egg is thick and yellow colored. Whisk in flour, then evaporated milk and cognac or vanilla. Spoon the custard mixture around the bottom of the plums. Combine the sugar and orange zest. Sprinkle over the plums. Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the custard is puffed and golden. Let cool before serving.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 209
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g

Spiced Beef with Onion and Allspice Gratin

Spiced Beef with Onion and Allspice Gratin

Beef:
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. crushed whole allspice
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 (1-lb.) flank steak, trimmed

Gratin:
1 medium baking potato, peeled and cut into (1/8-inch-thick) slices (about 1/2 lb.)
Cooking spray
4 C. chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
1 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 T. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. crushed whole allspice
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C. (4 oz.) block-style fat-free cream cheese
1/2 C. reduced-fat sour cream
1/3 C. dry breadcrumbs
1/4 C. (1 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

To prepare the beef, combine first 5 ingredients, and rub evenly over beef. Cover and chill the beef for 2 hours. To prepare gratin, preheat oven to 400°. Arrange potato slices in a single layer on a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray; coat tops of slices with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until soft. Set aside. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add onion; cook 10 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Stir in broth and next 5 ingredients (broth through 1/4 tsp. pepper); cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese to onion mixture; stir until well blended. Stir in sour cream. Add potato slices to pan; stir gently to combine. Place mixture in a shallow 1-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and spoon evenly over onion mixture. Lightly coat surface of gratin with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Preheat broiler. Place beef on broiler pan coated with cooking spray; cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 4 oz. beef and about 1 C. gratin

Calories: 472
Fat: 14.8g
Fiber: 4.4g

Turkey Bourguignon

Turkey Bourguignon

3 pounds turkey cutlets, cut into 2-inch strips
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
flour for dredging
2 T. olive oil
2 small yellow onions, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups red wine (preferably Burgandy)
2 cups diced, canned tomatoes, with their juices
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 large parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large russet potatoes, diced

Season the turkey with salt and pepper. Dredge it in flour and shake off the excess. Heat the olive oil in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey on all sides. Adjust the heat so that the meat browns well, but does not burn. Add the onions, garlic, thyme and bay leaf and cook 2 minutes more. Add the red wine. Stir with a wooden spoon to release any caramelized bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan and cook until the wine is almost completely evaporated. . Add the tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so that the stew simmers and cook until the meat is tender, about 1 hour. Add the carrots, parsnips and potatoes and cook until the vegetables are completely tender, about 20 minutes more. (The potatoes will fall apart and thicken the sauce.) Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, remove the bay leaf and serve in a deep tureen.

Yield: 8 Servings
Serving Size 1 bowl

Calories: 474
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 6g

Creamy Winter Squash Gratin

Creamy Winter Squash Gratin

8 C. peeled, cubed Kabocha (or butternut) Squash (about 3 lb.)
Cooking Spray
2 tsp. Butter
2 C. thinly sliced Leek (about 2 large)
1 tsp. Salt
3 1/2 C. lowfat 1% Milk
1/3 C. Flour
1 C. (4oz) Gruyere Cheese
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
2 slices White Bread
2 tsp. fresh chopped Parsley
1 clove Garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange squash in a single layer on a baking sheet coating with cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes or until the squash is tender. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leek and salt and cook 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Combine milk and flour, stirring well with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan and bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add cheese, pepper and nutmeg; stir until cheese melts. Gently stir in squash. Spoon mixture into a 2 quart baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Place bread in food processor, pulse 10 times until coarse crumbs measure 1 1/4 cups. Add parsley and garlic; pulse twice to combine. Sprinkle it evenly over the squash. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes ot until golden brown.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 222
Fat: 7.2g
Fiber: 4.8g

Roasted Squash Soup with Turkey Croquettes

Roasted Squash Soup with Turkey Croquettes

Soup:
2 lb. Butternut, Kabocha or Pumpkin
1 T. Honey
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper
1 tsp. Canola Oil
3/4 C. finely chopped Onion
1/2 C. finely chopped Carrot
1/4 C. finely chopped Celery
3 cloves Garlic, minced
4 C. Chicken Broth
1 C. 2% Milk
Dash Pepper

Croquettes:
2 C. leftover cooked Turkey, finely chopped
1 3/4 C. Panko Breadcrumbs, divided
2 T. 2% Milk
1 1/2 tsp. fresh Sage
1/2 tsp. Salt
Dash Pepper
1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
1 Egg White
2 1/2 T. Canola Oil, divided

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To prepare soup cut squash in half lengthwise. Discard seeds and membrane. Place squash, cut sides up, on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour or until very tender; cool. Scoop out squash with a spoon, discard rind. Heat 1 T. oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic. sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Remove 3/4 C. vegetables and set aside. Add broth to pan; cook over medium heat 12 minutes. Stir in squash. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Place soup in food processor; process until smooth. Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 tsp. salt and dash of pepper, set aside. To prepare croquettes, combine reserved vegetables, turkey, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and next 6 ingredients. Cover and refridgerate 30 minutes or until firm. Shape into 12 (1″ thick) patties; press 1 1/2 C. Breadcrumbs onto patties. Heat 3 3/4 tsp. oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add six patties and cook 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove croquettes from pan and keep warm. Repeat procedure with reminaing oil and patties. Reheat soup. Divide evenly among 4 bowls, top with croquettes.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups and 3 croquettes

Calories: 602
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 11g

Green Beans With French Herbs

Green Beans With French Herbs

1 lb. green beans, ends trimmed
2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 C. chopped scallions
1/4 tsp. dry oregano
1/4 tsp. dry thyme
1/4 tsp. dry tarragon
1/4 tsp. dry marjoram
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

In a covered saucepan, steam beans until tender, about 5-10 minutes. Drain and plunge into cold water. Drain well. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and scallions and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in beans and seasonings. sauté and stir until all are heated throughout. May be served hot or at room temperature.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 40
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Stuffed French Toast

Stuffed French Toast

Filling:
1 C. (8 oz.) reduced-fat cream cheese
11/2 tsp. chopped dried cherries
11/2 tsp. chopped dried blueberries
11/2 tsp. chopped dried apricots
1 tsp. minced fresh mint

French Toast:
8 slices cinnamon raisin bread
4 large egg whites
1/2 C. low-fat buttermilk
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1 T. pure maple syrup

Filling: In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese by stirring vigorously or by warming slightly over a water bath. Stir in the dried fruits and mint. French Toast: Spread 2 T. of the cheese mixture on a slice of bread and top with another slice of bread. Repeat to make 4 sandwiches. Heat a griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and buttermilk until just combined. Whisk in the cinnamon, allspice and maple syrup. Dip both sides of each sandwich into the batter an place on the hot griddle. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes, and flip. Cook until browned on the remaining side. Cut each sandwich into 4 pieces and serve warm. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 sandwich, 4 pieces

Calories: 320
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 4g

Orange French Toast

Orange French Toast

1/2 C. Egg Beaters (or amount equal to 2 eggs of another substitute)
1/3 C. orange juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 slices whole-wheat bread

Beat egg substitute, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a flat bowl or pan until well combined. Dip bread in batter to coat both sides. Cook over medium heat in a skillet with a nonstick surface or one sprayed with nonstick vegetable coating browning both sides of each slice. Serve with margarine, pureed berries, low-calorie jam, sugar free syrup or hot orange sauce.

Yield: 2 Servings
Serving Size: 2 slices French Toast

Calories: 221
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 4g

Notes: If you use a soft white bread, it gets very soggy and doesn’t set up; You need a hearty whole wheat bread since the egg mixture is thinned out with the juice. Even then, don’t expect “hard” French Toast, its still somewhat soft. The orange flavor is VERY subtle, I used orange extract instead of vanilla after the first time and liked it with a slightly stronger orange taste.

The bread that I use is about 85 calories a slice with 2g of fiber, and nutritional information based on that. Sometimes to save carb calories, I will just have one slice, cut it in half and layer it with the orange sections in the hot orange sauce to make it LOOK like more, since I usually also have a protein with my breakfast too.

Florentine Pork in French Bread Boats

Florentine Pork in French Bread Boats

1 lb. pork tenderloins cut into 1/4 inch slices
3-1/2 T. non-fat Italian dressing
3/4 tsp. vegetable oil
1-1/4 tomatoes, seeded and diced
7 oz. fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
2 6-inch loaves French bread, split lengthwise in half
2-3/4 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Place pork in a plastic bag. Add dressing and turn to coat. Tie bag securely and marinate at least 15 minutes but no longer than 1-1/2 hours. Remove pork from marinade. Discard marinade. Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Sauté pork until browned on all sides. Pour off drippings. Add tomatoes and spinach. Cover tightly and cook 2-3 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Pour off liquid. Remove soft centers from bread to form boats. Spoon 1 C. pork mixture into each boat. Sprinkle each with cheese.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

In an electric frying pan, sauté 5 C. of onions. Add 2 tsp. of minced garlic and 1 T. of water. Stir in 1 tsp. of Splenda and 1 tsp. of flour. Add 5 C. of low sodium beef stock or broth and stir. Pour the soup into individual oven-proof soup bowls. Toast 2 slices of whole wheat bread, cut off the crusts and add them to the top of each soup bowl. Now sprinkle 1/2 C. of light cheddar cheese and 1/2 C. of light mozzarella cheese over the toast and broil until the cheese has just melted.

Onion Gratin

Onion Gratin

2 pounds Vidalia onions, medium size
3 T. heavy cream
freshly ground black pepper
freshly ground allspice
2 T. whole green peppercorns (optional)
1/2 cup snipped, fresh chives

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the onions in an ovenproof dish. Bake until tender and easily pierced with a skewer, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on size. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Peel and cut the onions into 1/2″ thick slices. In a large bowl, combine the onions, cream, a generous dose of the spices, green peppercorns and the chives. Lay the onions slightly overlapping in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake until the onions are very soft and slightly golden on top, about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. 1/8th of the gratin Calories 70 Dietary Fiber 3 g

Cauliflower Nicoise

Cauliflower Nicoise

1 head Cauliflower
1 lg. Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
141/2oz. Can Chopped Italian Tomatoes, with juice
2 T. Parsley, chopped
Pepper

Break cauliflower into flowerets. Add onion and garlic to hot nonstick skillet and cook until soft. Add tomatoes, a little of the tomato juice, and the parsley. Season to taste with pepper. Add cauliflower and simmer about 10 minutes, until tender. Add additional tomato juice if desired as it cooks.

French Onion Chicken & Potato Bake

French Onion Chicken & Potato Bake

4 (4oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 potatoes, peeled & cut into chunks
1 can of campbell’s french onion soup
garlic powder
pepper

Preheat oven to 350*. Season both sides of chicken with garlic powder and pepper and brown in skillet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Place in 8″ baking dish that has been sprayed. Cover chicken with potato chunks. Pour the soup over the chicken and sprinkle with pepper. Cover with foil and bake 40-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 212
Fat: 1.33
Fiber: .8g

Vegetable Quiche

Vegetable Quiche

1/2 C. water
1/4 C. sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 pound asparagus (about 2 C. chopped) or broccoli florets
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 T. olive oil
1 carrot cut in small cubes (about 1 C.)
5 mushrooms, sliced
1 T. chopped fresh basil, or 1 tsp. dried
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1/8 tsp. chili flakes
1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 small red potatoes, washed and thinly sliced
1/2 C. grated reduced fat cheese
1/4 C. Skim milk
1/2 C. low-fat sour cream or Yogurt Cheese
1 1/2 C. Egg Beaters
1 medium tomato, sliced (seeds squeezed out)
3 T. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Boil the water, pour over the sun-dried tomatoes, and allow to soak for about 15 minutes until they become soft and plump. Strain off any remaining liquid, and coarsely chop. Cut off about 1 inch of the coarse ends of the asparagus stalks and discard or save them for soup. Cut the remaining stalks into about 6 pieces or chop coarsely. If you are using broccoli, cut into florets. Blanch the asparagus by boiling it in a medium pot of water for 2 minutes or less. Asparagus should be bright green and firm to the bite. Drain, rinse the asparagus in cold water, and drain again in a colander. Sauté the onions and the garlic in the olive oil over low heat until the onions are transparent, approximately 10 minutes. Add the carrots, mushrooms, basil, parsley, chili flakes, nutmeg and pepper and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from the heat. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Line the bottom with the potato slices, overlapping them slightly. Whisk together the cheese, milk, sun-dried tomatoes, sour cream, and the eggs in a large bowl. Mix in the sautéed vegetables and the blanched asparagus, coating everything with the cheese, milk, and egg liquid, then pour into the potato-lined pie pan. Arrange the tomato slices on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 1 hour, covering after 45 minutes if top browns. Completely baked quiche should be very firm. Let cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Leftovers can be wrapped and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Herb Encrusted Snapper with Ratatouille

Herb Encrusted Snapper with Ratatouille

2 C. chopped onions
1 C. chopped green bell peppers
1 C. chopped celery
Cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium eggplant (about 1/2 lb.), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium zucchini (about 1/2 lb.), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium yellow squash (about 1/2 lb.), cut into 1-inch cubes
3 C. fresh tomatoes, chopped, peeled and seeded
2 T. chopped garlic
1 tsp. chiffonade of fresh basil
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
4 snapper fillets (6 to 8 oz. each), skin off
4 T. Dijon mustard
1 C. finely chopped assorted fresh herbs
3 T. olive oil
1 T. finely chopped fresh parsley

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat a little stock over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers and celery. Season with cayenne and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly wilted. Add the eggplant. Season with cayenne and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly tender. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, garlic, basil and thyme. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is a little soupy. The vegetables should have a little crunch to them. Remove from the heat. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Spread both sides of the fillets evenly with the mustard. Dredge the fillets in the herbs, coating each side completely. In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the fillets and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is flaky. To serve, spoon some of the ratatouille in the center of each plate. Place the fillets on top of the ratatouille. Garnish with parsley.