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Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart

Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart

Flour for the work surface

1 sheet puff-pastry dough, thawed according to package directions

4 plum tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar (optional)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 3-oz. package goat cheese

 

Heat oven to 375° F. Unfold the sheet of puff-pastry dough on a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, thyme leaves, oil, vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomato mixture to the pastry, overlapping the tomatoes slightly if necessary, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Crumble the goat cheese over the top. Bake until the dough is puffed and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for a couple of minutes before cutting into pieces.

 

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Italian Pancake Dunkers

Italian Pancake Dunkers

Pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce

2 C. Original Bisquick® mix

1 C. milk

2 eggs

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz.)

1/2 C. finely chopped pepperoni

1/4 C. finely chopped green bell pepper

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 small tomato, finely chopped (1/2 C.)

 

Heat pizza sauce until warm; keep warm. Stir Bisquick, milk and eggs until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon batter by T. onto hot griddle; spread slightly. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. To serve, dunk pancakes into sauce.

 

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Autumn Pancakes with Spiced Apples

Autumn Pancakes with Spiced Apples

1 package (10 oz.) frozen Cooked Winter Squash — thawed in refrigerator overnight or for 12 hours

2 eggs

1 1/4 C. milk

1 1/2 C. flour

1/4 C. sugar

1 T. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 can (21 oz.) Cinnamon and Spice Apple Pie Filling

 

In large bowl, blend squash, eggs, and milk. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon; add to squash mixture stirring just until blended but still slightly lumpy. Pour about 1/3 C. batter onto a hot, lightly greased skillet and cook until golden brown. Makes about 12 pancakes. Heat pie filling in microwave 2 to 3 minutes on HIGH; stirring halfway through. Serve hot over warm pancakes.

Classic Popovers

Classic Popovers

2 large eggs

3/4 C. milk

1/4 C. water
1 T. unsalted butter, melted
1 C. minus 2 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously grease six 2/3-C. popover tins or nine 1/2-C. muffin tins. In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, and water and add butter in a stream, whisking. Add flour and salt and whisk mixture until combined well but still slightly lumpy. Divide batter among tins and bake in lower third of oven 45 minutes. Cut a slit about 1/2 inch long on top of each popover with a small sharp knife and bake 10 minutes more. Makes 6 large or 9 medium popovers.

Fruit Dutch Baby

Fruit Dutch Baby

1/3 cup butter or margarine

2 medium apples or 1/2 cup peaches or 1 thinly sliced banana

2 teaspoons cinnamon – 3 Tablespoons sugar

4 eggs – 1 cup milk – 1 cup flour

Preheat oven to 425°F. Put butter into a 3 to 4 quart frying pan and place in oven to melt. While butter is melting, prepare fruit, then cut them into thin slices. Remove the pan from the oven and add cinnamon and sugar to the melted butter. Stir in the sliced apples. Return pan to oven for about 3 minutes. Put the eggs and milk into a blender and whip at high speed for 1 minute. Set the blender to low speed and slowly add the flour until well blended. Remove the pan from oven and pour egg batter over the butter and fruit. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pancake is raised and golden brown. Cut in wedges and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

 

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French Toast

French Toast

2 eggs

1/2 C. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
3 T. All purpose flour

1/8 tsp. Salt
3 tsp. Butter
6 slices thick sliced French bread
1 T. Powdered sugar
On the side: Butter and pancake syrup.

Beat the eggs in a large shallow bowl. Add the milk, flour, and salt to the eggs. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer. Be sure all the flour is well combined. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the surface is hot, add about 1 tsp butter. Dip the bread one slice at a time into the batter, be sure to coat each side well. Drop the bread into the hot pan, as many as will fit comfortably at one time. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until surface is golden. Cut slices diagonally in two, arrange halves on plate, overlapping. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve butter and syrup on the side.

 

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Pancakes2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, mashed

1 egg

1/3 cup all-purpose flour (use graham flour for a nice taste!)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup milk (or more)

 

Mix sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl with egg. Stir in the flour and add the baking powder. Add up to 1/3 cup of milk, stirring. Stir in 1 tbsp butter. The mixture should have the consistency of thick, lumpy sauce like an “instant” pancake mix Place a non-stick or heavy iron skillet over medium heat on top of the stove and add 1/2 tsp butter. Spoon batter into the skillet and cook until bubbles rise to the surface of the pancakes and break. Approx. 1 to 2 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the pancakes and cook another 2 minutes. Remove pancakes from the skillet and keep warm on a covered plate in the oven. Freezes Well!

 

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French Toast Sandwiches with Onion, Prosciutto & Cheese

French Toast Sandwiches with Onion, Prosciutto & Cheese

3 lg. Eggs

1 C. Milk

8-10 oz. semi-soft Cheese, cut into 1/8” thick slices (sage, fontina,Port Salut, or Meunster)

4 thin slices Red Onion

4 lg. Slices Prosciutto

8 slices toothsome Bread, cut ¼” thick

4 T. unsalted Butter

 

Beat egg and milk together in a shallow soup plate; set aside. Place 1 slice cheese, 1 slice onion and 1 slice ham on each of four slices bread. Top each with remaining sliced cheese and finally with another slice of bread. Carefully dip each sandwich into egg mixture and soak bread well. Heat 2 T. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and fry until brown, about five minutes. Carefully turn over and fry the other side, about five minutes more. Keep warm until serving.

 

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Fat Smash Banana Nut Pancakes

Fat Smash Banana Nut Pancakes

1 Medium Egg

3/8 C. Raw English Walnuts-Chopped

1-1/4 C. Flour

1-1/2 C. Skim Milk

1 C. Mashed Banana

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 pinch Salt

1 T. Clover Honey

 

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

Light and Fluffy Lemon Pancakes

Light and Fluffy Lemon Pancakes

Light and Fluffy Lemon Pancakes4 large eggs, separated
4 T. sugar
1 C. park-skim ricotta cheese
3 T. butter-melted
1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 C. all-purpose flour
2 to 3 tsp. canola oil
1 C. vanilla fat-free yogurt

Beat the egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks begin to form. Beat in 2 T. of the sugar until the egg whites hold stiff peaks, being sure not to over beat them. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the remaining 2T of sugar, ricotta cheese, butter, lemon juice and lemon peel. Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Fold the beaten egg whites into the ricotta mixture in three additions until just incorporated. Preheat the oven to 200F. Lightly oil a large nonstick skillet or griddle with 1 tsp. of the oil and heat over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the batter in 1/4 cupfuls and cook until lightly browned and puffed, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Turn the pancakes and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, 1-2 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter and oil. Serve the pancakes topped with 1/4 C. of yogurt; bananas and pecans are optional.

Applesauce Pancakes

Applesauce Pancakes

 

2 C. dry pancake Mix

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 eggs

1 C. applesauce

1 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 C. milk

 

In a large bowl, stir together pancake Mix and cinnamon. Make a well in the center of the pancake Mix. Add the eggs, applesauce, lemon juice and milk; stir until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 C. for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Amaretto French Toast

Amaretto French Toast

 

2 eggs

1/2 C. Half & Half

1 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. Amaretto

3 tsp. butter or margarine

6 slices brioche or egg bread

 

In a shallow dish, whisk together all ingredients except bread. Working two slices at a time, place bread into dish. Let soak for about 1 minute, flip and let other side soak. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp. of butter. When melted, retrieve slices from egg mixture and add to skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with syrup. Serve with fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice for the perfect Sunday brunch.

A Square Breakfast

A Square Breakfast

 

8 slices bread, crusts removed

4 slices Ham

4 slices Cheddar Cheese

1 small Anaheim pepper, cut into thin strips

Butter

2 C. whole milk or 1/2 & 1/2

1 large egg

Salt and pepper to taste

Butter bread on both sides. Arrange four slices in a lightly buttered 8×8-in baking dish. Place ham and cheese on each bread slice in dish, sprinkle pepper on top of cheese and top each with second slice of buttered bread. Combine milk and egg in a bowl and whisk to blend. Whisk in salt and pepper to taste. Pour milk mixture over sandwiches and allow to soak up to 1 hour. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for about 45 minutes. To serve, cut into 4 pieces with a spatula or knife and lift each sandwich onto a plate. Serve with Tabasco and orange wedges or chunky salsa.

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Eggs for Two

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Eggs for Two

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Eggs for Two

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 ½ oz (100 g) shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms you like), wiped clean and coarsely chopped (about 1½ to 2 cups)

1 pinch sea salt

1 pinch black pepper

1 large clove garlic, crushed

¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or ¾ teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

1½ tablespoons heavy cream

1½ oz (40 g) Emmental cheese (or any Swiss cheese you like), shredded (about ⅓ cup)

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

Toast, for serving (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400F. Add the butter to a medium skillet over medium heat; once the butter is melted, add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until softened, but not browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Pour the mushrooms into an individual-sized oven-safe gratin dish and sprinkle the cheese on top. Make 2 wells and crack the eggs into them. Bake until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked how you like them (I like mine with set whites and runny yolks, which takes about 10 minutes). Sprinkle the parsley on top, and serve immediately.

Blueberry Pie French Toast Muffins

Blueberry Pie French Toast Muffins

Blueberry Pie French Toast Muffins

8 eggs

3/4 C. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. salt

8 thick slices of whole grain bread, cut into cubes

1/4 C. blueberries

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 8 C. of a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, allspice and salt. Add the bread cubes and stir, making sure all the cubes are covered in eggy mixture. Let soak for 5 minutes. Fold in the blueberries. Spoon the bread mixture into muffin cups. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the egg is cooked and the muffins are golden brown. Turn out onto a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Tip: This recipe lends itself to any seasonal fruit. To reheat these babies, pop them into the toaster oven with the rack on the lowest level and heat them for 4 to 6 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. If you’re eating on the go, use a healthy smear of jam to avoid a sticky mess.

Spaghetti Squash Frittata

Spaghetti Squash Frittata

1 cup Spaghetti Squash
1 cup egg substitute
2 T. chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1 T. Grated Parmesan cheese
Dash ground red pepper
Dash onion powder
Dash garlic powder

In large mixing bowl combine all ingredients, mixing well. Spray 7-inch microwavable pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and spread mixture over bottom of plate. Microwave on High (100%) for 6 minutes. Stir outside of mixture toward center of pie plate. Microwave on Medium (50%) for 6 minutes, stirring mixture once half-way through cooking. Let stand 1 minute before serving.

 

Cabbage Hash Browns

Cabbage Hash Browns

Cabbage Hash Browns

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 c. shredded cabbage

1/4 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 T. vegetable oil

 

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, garlic powder, and salt. Season with black pepper. Add cabbage and onion to egg mixture and toss to combine. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Divide mixture into 4 patties in the pan and press with spatula to flatten. Cook until golden and tender, about 3 minutes per side.

ZBD Thin Elvis Oatmeal

ZBD Thin Elvis Oatmeal

ZBD Thin Elvis Oatmeal

 

1 cup water

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1 T. peanut butter

1 banana

 

Bring water to a boil. Stir in the oats and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Just before the oats are finished, stir in the peanut butter, banana, and any other additional sweetener.

 

Calories: 302

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 7g

Smoked Salmon + Poached Eggs on Toast

Smoked Salmon + Poached Eggs on Toast

Smoked Salmon + Poached Eggs on Toast

2 slices of bread toasted

1/2 large avocado smashed

1/4 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper

3.5 oz smoked salmon

2 eggs, poached *see notes

Splash of Kikkoman soy sauce optional

1 tsp. thinly sliced scallions

Microgreens optional

 

OR

 

2 slices of bread

1/2 large avocado

1/4 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper

3.5 oz smoked salmon

2 eggs, poached

2 thin slices of tomato

1 tsp. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Microgreens

 

In a small bowl, smash the avocado. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt; mix well and set aside.

Poach your eggs (see notes) and, when they are sitting in the ice bath, toast your bread. Once your bread is toasted, spread the avocado on both slices and add the smoked salmon to each slice. Carefully transfer the poached eggs to their respective toasts. Hit with a splash of Kikkoman soy sauce and some cracked pepper; garnish with scallions and microgreens. OR Place slice of tomato on each toast, then hit the toasts with some everything bagel seasoning. Garnish with microgreens.

Veggie Potato Pancakes

Veggie Potato Pancakes

1 C. shredded zucchini

1 C. shredded carrots

1/2 C. shredded onion

3 C. shredded potatoes (1 large russet potato will roughly equal one C.)

1 egg

1 1/2 – 2 C. flour

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Oil, for frying

Combine all of the ingredients, except oil, in a large bowl. Use only 1 1/2 C. flour to start. Combine with your hands and see if the mixture will hold its shape. If it seems loose, add the remaining flour. Using about a 1/3 C. of potato mixture at a time, form into pancakes of desired thickness. Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook no more than 4 potato pancakes at a time. Cook about 3 minutes per side, until each side is browned and crispy. *Note: If you made thick potato pancakes, you might need to bake them an additional 15 minutes or so at 350 degrees. This actually works perfectly for the stolen moments method. Just refrigerate or freeze after browning in oil, and then finish the baking process just before eating.

Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal Pancakes

1 C. old fashioned oats

2 C. Buttermilk

1 T. Canola Oil

1 Egg

2 Egg Whites

1 tsp. Vanilla

3 T. light brown sugar

1 1/2 C. whole wheat flour

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 tsp. Baking soda

In a large bowl combine oatmeal and buttermilk and let stand, softening for 2 minutes. Beat in oil, eggs, and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add to wet ingredients, stirring only just until combined. Coat nonstick large skillet with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 C. batter into the skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until bubbly/lightly browned.

Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Sauce

Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Sauce

Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Sauce

 

1 C. Butter

2 well beaten eggs

2 C. sugar

Julienne peel of 1 lemon (set some aside for garnish)

1/2 C. water

6 T. lemon juice

 

2 C. pancake mix

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. ginger

1 egg

1 1/2 C. milk

Butter (to grease pan)

Cream cheese, for optional presentation

 

For lemon sauce: With an electric mixer, mix butter, eggs, sugar, julienne peel, water and lemon juice in bowl. Pour in saucepan and heat on stove over medium flame. For pancakes: Pour pancake mix, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, egg and milk into mixer bowl. Mix until smooth and pour into pitcher. Melt butter in skillet and make pancakes.

Optional Presentation: Place pancakes on plate. Put cream cheese in center and roll up. Pour lemon sauce over pancakes. Garnish with lemon peel.

Chive Crepes

Chive Crepes

Chive Crepes

¾ C. unbleached Flour

¼ C. whole-wheat Pastry Flour

1 T. minced fresh Chives

¼ tsp. ground White Pepper

¼ tsp. Salt

2 T. unsalted Butter, melted

2 lg. Eggs

1 lg. Egg Yolk

1 ½ C. Milk

 

Combine both flours, chives, pepper and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade. Add melted butter, eggs and yolk, pulse twice. With motor running, slowly add milk. Scrape down sides of the bowl and blend for 5 seconds more. Pour batter into bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let stand in the refrigerator several hours to overnight. To cook crepes, place 1 T. butter in a nonstick or well-seasoned 6” crepe pan and set over high heat. When hot, add several T. of batter and quickly tilt to coat pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook until bottom is nicely browned, about 1 minute. Turn out onto a tea towel, repeat until all batter is used.

Lemon Curd

Lemon Curd

3/4 C. white sugar

1/3 C. Fresh lemon juice (takes about 3 lemons)

3 large eggs

4 T. unsalted butter – softened and cut into small pieces

1 T. lemon zest

In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until blended. Cook, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick. Remove from heat and pour through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted. Add the lemon zest and let cool. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Allow to cool before serving. Terrific on toast or as a topping for pancakes.

Full Garden Frittata

Full Garden Frittata

Full Garden Frittata

 

4 large eggs

1/3 cup 2% milk

1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 medium zucchini, chopped

1/2 cup chopped baby portobello mushrooms

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano

1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

Optional toppings: Halved grape tomatoes, small fresh mozzarella cheese balls and thinly sliced fresh basil

 

Preheat oven to 375°. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic, herbs and remaining salt; cook 1 minute longer. Pour in egg mixture. Bake, uncovered, until eggs are set, 10-15 minutes. Cut into 4 wedges. If desired, serve with toppings.

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 227

Fat: 15g

Fiber: 1g

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.

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

 

These baked eggs are such a fun way to use squash. I’m partial to butternut, but acorn or spaghetti squash would work equally well. Roasting the squash before adding the egg ensures that the squash will be tender and slightly caramelized, while the eggs will be cooked to perfection in the center.

FRESHEGGS

1 large butternut squash

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

6 eggs

1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh sage for garnish

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the squash and cut crosswise into six 3/4- to 1-inch slices. Scoop out the seeds and hollow out the middle of each slice to allow room for an egg. Arrange the squash on the baking sheet and brush each ring with olive oil inside and out, then season with salt and pepper. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the squash has softened. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently crack and slide 1 egg into the center of each squash ring. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and return to the oven. Bake about 8 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are firm but not fully set. Use a spatula to slide the squash rings onto plates. Top with Parmesan, garnish with fresh sage, and drizzle with olive oil.

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.

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.

Three-Cheese Quiche Bites

Three-Cheese Quiche Bites

40 Ritz or similar snack crackers – finely crushed

4 large eggs

2 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese

3/4 C. milk

1/2 C. chopped roasted red peppers

1/2 C. dijon mustard

1/4 C. shredded Parmesan and Romano cheese blend

1/4 C. chopped parsley

3 T. butter or margarine – melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with the butter or margarine. Lightly coat a 13 by 9 pan with cooking spray. Place crumb mixture in pan and press out to make a crust on the bottom. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes – until golden. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle half (1 C.) of the Mozzarella cheese over the crumb layer. Follow that with a layer of red peppers covered with the remaining (1 C.) Mozzarella cheese. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, mustard and parsley. Pour evenly over the last layer of cheese in the pan. Finally, sprinkle with the Parmesan and Romano cheese blend. Bake (at 350 still) for 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Let stand 10 minutes; cut into squares and serve warm. A perfect use for slightly stake crackers

Savory Leek and Crimini Pancakes

Savory Leek and Crimini Pancakes

1 Leek, white & light parts only, diced & divided

2 Cups Sliced Crimini Mushrooms, divided

2/3 Cups All Purpose Flour

1/3 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1 Cup Unsweetened Soy Milk

1/3 Cup Cooked Wild Rice

2 Tablespoons Safflower Oil, plus more for frying

Finely dice the leeks and slice the mushrooms. In a lightly oiled, large frying pan, sauté the leeks until softened. Roughly chopped 1/2 cup of the mushrooms then add to the leeks. In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder and salt. To it, add the wild rice and 1/3 of a cup of the mushroom leek mixture stirring to coat with the flour. Add the milk and oil just mixing until everything is just wet and combined. In a clean, hot frying pan, add a small amount of oil. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the pancake mixture into the frying pan and cook over a medium-high heat. Once the edges are firm and golden and the batter starts to bubble, flip each pancake to cook the other side until golden. Serve hot with a spoonful of the remaining mushroom leek mixture.

Prime Rib Hash

Prime Rib Hash

1 1/4 cups diced Idaho potato

Kosher salt

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

1 cup diced white onion

1/2 cup diced celery

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley

10 ounces cooked prime rib or other leftover meat (short ribs, flank steak, fillet, pork roast, roasted chicken or turkey), cut into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch dice

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 teaspoon Tabasco

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as needed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon finely sliced chives.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place diced potato and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Cover with water, place over medium heat, and simmer until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until tender. Add rosemary and parsley, remove from heat, and set aside. Place diced potatoes in a large bowl; roughly mash about half the potatoes with a fork or back of a spoon. (If you have leftover mashed potatoes available, you could use 1/4 cup here and reduce diced potatoes to 1 cup.) Add onion mixture, meat, ketchup and Tabasco. Place an 8-inch nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Coat bottom with 1 tablespoon oil and add meat mixture, patting top and edges to make a compact patty. Allow to cook until browned underneath, 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer pan to oven to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place another small skillet over medium heat. Fry or poach eggs as desired; remove from heat and keep warm. To serve, invert hash onto a warmed serving platter. Top with fried or poached eggs, and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.

Sicilian-style Strata

Sicilian-style Strata

1 loaf (1 lb.) crusty, Italian-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 ounces thick-sliced prosciutto or ham, diced

1/4 cup chopped canned roasted red peppers

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

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

1/4 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

6 large eggs

3 cups milk

2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup chopped parsley

2 tablespoons drained capers

Spread half the bread cubes level in a lightly oiled 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with prosciutto, peppers, green onions, and parmesan cheese. Spread remaining bread cubes level on top, followed by tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to blend. Pour over layered ingredients. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to one day. Bake in a 325° regular or convection oven until center of strata is set and top is lightly browned, 40 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with parsley and capers. Let stand 10 minutes, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cheese and Pepper Frittata

Cheese and Pepper Frittata

1 tsp. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

3/4 C. chopped red bell pepper

3/4 C. chopped green bell pepper

3/4 C. (3 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Monterey jack cheese

2 T. chopped fresh basil

5 eggs, lightly beaten

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1/4 tsp. salt

Ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9″ ovenproof skillet with vegetable oil spray. Place over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until just soft. Sprinkle the cheese and basil into the pan. Add the eggs, egg whites, salt, and pepper. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Let stand to cool slightly. Cut into wedges.

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 180

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 1g

Nips and Tats Ham Hash

Nips and Tats Ham Hash

2 medium yukon gold potatoes (about 12 ounces)

1 large turnip (about 8 ounces)

1 tablespoon canola oil

2 slices (2 ounces) canadian bacon, cut into small cubes

1/3 cup sliced scallions

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1/8 teaspoon salt

Ground black pepper

Pierce the potatoes and turnips several times with a small sharp knife. Place on a microwaveable dish. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave on high power, rotating once, for about 6 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Let stand until cool enough to touch. Peel the turnips. Chop the turnips and potatoes into small pieces. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, turnips, bacon, and scallions. Cook, tossing, for about 1 minute, or until the scallions soften. Cover and cook for 2 minutes, or until starting to brown on the bottom. Flip the mixture with a spatula. Press it down. Cover and cook, flipping the mixture and scraping the pan bottom occasionally, for about 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are browned on the outside and soft in the center. Reduce the heat if the mixture is browning too quickly. Add the parsley, salt, and pepper to taste just before serving.

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 139

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 3g

Cinnamon Buckwheat Pancakes with Honeyed Strawberries

Cinnamon Buckwheat Pancakes with Honeyed Strawberries

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon water

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced, or frozen strawberries, thawed and sliced

1 cup buckwheat flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch of salt

1 egg

3/4 cup reduced-fat buttermilk

To prepare the strawberries: In a saucepan, combine the honey, water, and cornstarch. Mix until blended. Add the strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, for about 4 minutes, or until the mixture bubbles. Remove from the heat. Cover to keep warm. To prepare the pancakes: Coat a nonstick griddle with vegetable oil spray and preheat over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir with a fork to combine. In another bowl, beat the egg with a fork until smooth. Add the buttermilk. Beat to blend. Add to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined (don’t over mix). Ladle the batter in 1/4-cup dollops onto the hot griddle. (The batter is sticky, so some of it will stick to the ladle.) Cook for about 2 minutes, or until browned on the bottom. Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Continue, adjusting the heat higher or lower as needed and coating the griddle with vegetable oil spray, until all the pancakes are cooked. Top with the reserved strawberries.

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 93

Fat: 1g

Fiber: 3g

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

Pan-Seared Oatmeal with Warm Fruit Compote and Cider Syrup

Pan-Seared Oatmeal with Warm Fruit Compote and Cider Syrup

Syrup:
2 C. apple cider

Compote:
2 C. water
1/4 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (7-oz.) package dried mixed fruit bits

Oatmeal:
3 C. water
1 C. fat-free milk
1/4 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C. steel-cut (Irish) oats
Cooking spray
1/4 C. butter, divided

To prepare syrup, bring cider to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to 1/3 C. (about 20 minutes); set aside. To prepare compote, combine 2 C. water, 1/4 C. sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and dried fruit in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick. To prepare oatmeal, combine 3 C. water, 1 C. milk, 1/4 C. brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; stir in oats. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Spoon oatmeal into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; cool to room temperature. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or until set. Using a sharp knife, cut oatmeal into 8 equal rectangles; cut each rectangle in half diagonally to form 16 triangles. Melt 2 T. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oatmeal triangles; cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 T. butter and oatmeal triangles. Place 2 oatmeal triangles on each of 8 plates, and top each serving with 3 1/2 T. fruit compote and about 2 tsp. syrup.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 314
Fat: 7.9g
Fiber: 2.8g

Peanut Butter Pancakes

Peanut Butter Pancakes

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
6 T. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C. fat-free milk
1/4 C. chunky peanut butter
1 T. roasted peanut oil or vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring C.; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Combine milk and remaining ingredients; add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Spoon about 1/4 C. batter onto a hot nonstick griddle or a large nonstick skillet. Turn pancakes when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Conventional chunky peanut butter works best in this recipe; the natural-style peanut butter (ground peanuts and oil) is difficult to stir into a liquid batter. Serve these with the Strawberry-Lemon Syrup, the Raspberry-Honey Coulis, or any kind of jam.

Yield: 5 servings
Serving size: 2 pancakes

Calories: 349
Fat: 11.7g
Fiber: 1.2g

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