Linguine with Lemon, Garlic and Thyme Mushrooms

Linguine with Lemon, Garlic and Thyme Mushrooms

Linguine with Lemon, Garlic and Thyme Mushrooms

8 ounces/4 cups finely sliced chestnut/cremini mushrooms

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon Maldon/kosher salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt

Small clove garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

4 sprigs fresh thyme stripped to give 1 teaspoon leaves

1 pound linguine

1 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped, to give 1/2 cup

2 to 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, or to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Slice the mushrooms finely, and put them into a large bowl with the oil, salt, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, and gorgeously scented thyme leaves. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions and drain loosely retaining some water. Quickly put the pasta into the bowl with the mushroom mixture. Toss everything together well, and then add the parsley, cheese and pepper before tossing again. Eat with joy in your heart.

Honey Balsamic Roasted Pork with Grapes

Honey Balsamic Roasted Pork with Grapes

Honey Balsamic Roasted Pork with Grapes

1  boneless pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1¼ lb.)

Freshly ground sea salt and pepper to taste

6 strips bacon

2 T. honey

2 T. balsamic vinegar

2 T. red wine

2 T. chopped fresh rosemary (plus additional for garnish)

2 T. minced shallots

2 cups seedless red and green grapes

 

Season pork with salt and pepper. Wrap bacon strips around pork, securing with toothpicks. Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides. Place pork in a large shallow baking dish. Preheat oven to 375°F. Stir together honey, vinegar, wine, rosemary and shallots in a small bowl and pour over pork. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add grapes to pan and cook for 15 minutes more or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 150°F. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Transfer to a platter and surround with grapes and any sauce in dish. Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh rosemary, if you like.

Hatch Chile Hush Puppies

Hatch Chile Hush Puppies

Hatch Chile Hush Puppies

1 C.  yellow cornmeal

3/4 C. self rising flour

1 T. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. chopped Hatch Chile peppers

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1 C. buttermilk

2 T. chopped green onions

In a bowl combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and set aside for 15 minutes. Heat a large dutch oven or skillet with 2 inches of vegetable oil on high heat. Drop in round spoonfuls and cook 2 – 3 minutes rotating halfway through the cooking process. Lay on a paper towel lined baking sheet before eating

WIW: Korean Bibimbaffles

WIW: Korean Bibimbaffles

WIW: Korean Bibimbaffles

2 C. slightly overcooked rice

1/2 C. marinated vegetables (available prepackaged at most Korean markets, called banchan)

2 eggs

gochujang (hot pepper paste), as needed

kimchi, as needed

sesame oil

soy sauce

 

Preheat the waffle iron and brush with sesame oil. Place a handful of rice on the waffle iron, distributed evenly. Sprinkle on some of the marinated vegetables and then cover with another handful of rice, evenly distributed. Cook until crispy. (This will take somewhere around 8 minutes, though your waffling time may vary.) While it’s cooking, place a non-stick pan on high heat, add oil and fry an egg sunny side up until it’s crispy on the bottom and soft on top (about a minute). Season the egg with salt and pepper. Assemble your plate with the crispy waffled rice on bottom, egg on top, a spoonful or more of hot pepper paste (depending on taste) and kimchi. Season with soy to your preference and enjoy.

Basil Infused Watermelon Lemonade

Basil Infused Watermelon Lemonade

Basil Infused Watermelon Lemonade

1 C. water

3/4 C. sugar

1 C. thinly sliced fresh basil e

8 C. cubed seeded watermelon

1/2 C. fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

 

Combine 1 C. water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in basil; chill 1 hour. Strain sugar mixture through a sieve over a bowl, and discard basil. Place watermelon in a blender; process until smooth. Pour watermelon puree through a fine sieve into a large bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids. Combine watermelon liquid, sugar mixture, and juice in a pitcher; chill.

 

Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw

Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw

Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw

3/4 cup to 1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons granulated sugar  (adjust to taste, if too sweet)

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 small head red cabbage, finely chopped or thinly sliced or shredded

1 medium red onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced

3/4 cup golden raisins

4 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans (or try with sunflower seeds)

 

Combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar; set aside. In a large serving bowl, combine the cabbage, onion, raisins, and pecans. Toss to blend; stir in the mayonnaise mixture. Add more mayonnaise, as needed.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken with Honey Mustard Drizzle

Cheesy Bacon Chicken with Honey Mustard Drizzle

Cheesy Bacon Chicken with Honey Mustard Drizzle

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. light mayonnaise

1 T. honey

2 tsp. vinegar
2 tsp. butter

1 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms

Black pepper, to taste

3/4 C. shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
8 tsp. real bacon bits
1/4 C. sliced green onions tops

 

Cover the chicken breasts in plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/4-inch thickness. For the honey mustard, in a small bowl, whisk together next 4 ingredients (mustard through vinegar). Set aside. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add the mushrooms and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender and browned. Remove from pan and set aside. Coat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray and turn heat to medium-high. Add chicken to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, or until underside is golden brown. Turn, and top each breast with 1/4 C. mushrooms. Add black pepper to taste, and sprinkle each breast with 3 T. cheese and 2 tsp. bacon. Add 2 T. of water to the pan and immediately cover. Cook for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through. To serve, top each breast with 1 T. green onions, and drizzle with a scant T. of the honey mustard sauce.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 265

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 1g

Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Pear Tart

Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Pear Tart

Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Pear Tart

4 slices bacon

1 8 1/2 ounce package corn muffin mix

1/2 C. all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed

1 Egg, lightly beaten

1/4 C. milk

1 large pear or apple, cored and thinly sliced

1/3 C. crumbled Blue Cheese or shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/4 C. chopped Toasted Walnuts (optional)

Snipped fresh thyme (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper; set aside. In a large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 T. of the drippings. Crumble bacon; set aside. Meanwhile, for crust, in a large bowl stir together muffin mix, flour, and the 2 tsp. snipped or 1 tsp. dried thyme. Using a fork, stir in egg and milk. Gather mixture into a ball, kneading gently until it holds together. Using floured hands, press dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle in the prepared baking pan. Arrange pear slices on top of crust. Brush pear slices and crust with 1 to 2 T. of the reserved bacon drippings.  Bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with blue cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake about 5 minutes more or until edges of crust are golden and center is set. If desired, sprinkle with walnuts and additional fresh thyme. Cut into rectangles.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 422 (with walnuts) 357 (without walnuts)

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 2g

Green-On-Green Sandwiches

Green-On-Green Sandwiches

Green-On-Green Sandwiches 

4slices whole grain bread

2T. Herb Pesto (recipe below)

1/4 C. Pickled Red Onions (recipe below)

1/2C. large spinach leaves

1medium tomatillo or tomato, very thinly sliced

1/4 avocado, thinly sliced and brushed lightly with lime juice

1ounce thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese

1/2C. scored and thinly sliced English cucumber

4 leaf or bibb lettuce leaves

 

Place bread slices on a cutting board. Spread slices evenly with the Herb Pesto. Arrange Pickled Red Onions evenly over two slices. Layer the spinach, half of the tomatillos, the avocado, cheese, the remaining tomatillos, cucumbers, and lettuce over onions. Top with the remaining two slices bread, pesto side down. Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

 

Pickled Red Onions

 

1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced (2 C.)

1/2C. red wine vinegar

1T. sugar

1/4tsp. salt

 

In a medium bowl combine vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stir in onion. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Chill for longer storage (up to 3 days). Drain before using.

 

Herb Pesto

 

1 1/2 C. packed fresh basil leaves

1/4C. slivered almonds, toasted

2T. snipped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley

2 T. snipped fresh tarragon

1 large clove garlic, quartered

3T. olive oil

1/4tsp. cracked black pepper

1/8tsp. salt

 

In a food processor or blender combine basil, almonds, parsley, tarragon, and garlic. Process until herbs are finely chopped. Add oil, pepper, and salt; process to a coarse puree. Transfer pesto to a small bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto. Chill. May be made up to 1 week ahead.

 

 

Yield: 2 sandwiches

Calories: 302

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 7g

Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon Smoothie

1 – 8 oz. lemon, fat-free yogurt

3 C. cubed, seeded watermelon

1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled

1 T. honey or strawberry jam

3 ice cubes

 

In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, watermelon, strawberries, honey and ice cubes. Process until smooth and frothy. Serve in tall glasses with a straw. Makes 4 servings.

 

 

WIW: Waffled Falafel with Tzatziki and Lemon Rice

WIW: Waffled Falafel with Tzatziki and Lemon Rice

WIW: Waffled Falafel with Tzatziki and Lemon Rice

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained

1 onion, chopped

1/2 C. fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 egg

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. salt

1 dash pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. baking powder

1 T. olive oil

1 C. dry bread crumbs

 

Mash chickpeas in a large bowl until they form a thick paste; set aside. In a food processor or blender, combine onion, parsley and garlic and process until smooth. Add to mashed chickpeas. In another bowl, mix together egg, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, baking powder, and olive oil. Add to chickpea mixture and stir until combined. Slowly add breadcrumbs until the mixture is no longer sticky but still holds together. Form heaping T. into balls and place the  fridge until you’re ready to cook. Heat up waffle iron, spray with a little cooking spray if your iron tends to stick, and cook falafels for a few minutes until lightly browned. Serve in fresh pita bread with tzatziki, greek salad and lemon rice.

 

(Falafel with rice? Weird. Serve in a pita drizzled!)

Bunny Mary

Bunny Mary

Bunny Mary

1 1⁄2 oz Vodka or aquavit

3 oz Carrot juice

1⁄2 oz Fresh lemon juice

1⁄2 oz Honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

1 tsp. Crystal hot sauce

1 tsp. Caper brine

Pimenton salt rim*

Parsley sprig

 

Coat the rim of a Collins glass with the pimenton salt and fill with ice. Combine all of the ingredients, and stir until chilled. Garnish with a parsley sprig. *Pimenton salt rim: Combine 1 tbsp smoked sweet paprika, 1 tbsp salt and 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper in a small bowl, enough to rim 14 glasses.

Blueberry Cake

Blueberry Cake

Blueberry Cake

4 medium Eggs

1 ¼ C. Sugar

¾ C. Oil (neutral taste, not cold pressed)

¾ C. Orange Juice

2 ¼ C. Flour

1 T. Baking Powder

1 ½ pint Blueberries

1 ½ C. Powdered Sugar

Juice from 1 Lemon

 

Preheat oven to 400. Prepare jellyroll pan. Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Add oil and juice. Briskly stir in flour mixed with baking powder. Spread out batter in prepared pan and bake 10 minutes in lower third of oven. Arrange berries on cake and return to oven for another 15-20 minutes. Stir together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a smooth glaze and drizzle over cooled cake.

Canning Chili Beans

Canning Chili Beans

Canning Chili Beans

Boiled Water, kept at a simmer

7 quart mason jars

 

Per Jar:

1 C. dried kidney beans

1/4 C. tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. canning salt

1 tsp. smoked paprika OR plain paprika

1 tsp. granulated garlic

1 tsp. granulated onion

1 tsp. dehydrated onion

1 tsp. chili powder’1/4 tsp. cumin

vinegar to wipe rims of jars

 

Using clean quart jars…. add 1 C. dried kidney beans.

Add tomato sauce.

Add spices.

Fill remaining jars with boiled, hot water.

 

Debubble/stir contents. Wipe rims of jars with vinegar, checking for any crack, nicks and making sure rim is clean of debris. Add lid and ring, which has been soaking in hot, simmered water. Place into pressure canner. Canning: 1″ headspace, processed for 90 minutes for quarts, 75 minutes for pints at 10lbs of pressure for Michigan. Check your pressure poundage in your state. When pulling them out of the canner, cover them with a towel and allow them to cool for 24 hours. Check for sealing, remove bands/rings and wash jars in hot soapy water with 1/2 C. vinegar added to the water. Rinse and dry. Label. Place into your pantry.

Lobster Macaroni Salad

Lobster Macaroni Salad

Lobster Macaroni Salad

8 ounces elbow macaroni

1 to 1 1/2 cups diced cooked lobster meat, or about 8 to 12 ounces*

1 cup thinly sliced celery

3/4 cup to 1 cup mayonnaise, or to taste

2 teaspoons  lemon juice

1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives or chopped fresh dill

Dash salt, or to taste

Dash pepper, or to taste

Optional: Lettuce leaves, for serving

 

Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water following package directions. Drain and let cool thoroughly.  In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, lobster, and celery. Add 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and the snipped chives or dill. Toss to blend. Add more  mayonnaise to moisten, if desired.  Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed.  Cover and chill until serving time. Just before serving time, line a serving bowl with lettuce. Spoon the lobster macaroni salad into the lettuce-lined bowl.  *Three to four 1 pound lobsters should yield about 12 ounces of meat.

Eggs Benedict with Asparagus on Portobello Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Sauce

Eggs Benedict with Asparagus on Portobello Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Sauce

Eggs Benedict with Asparagus on Portabello Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Sauce

2 medium to large Portobello mushroom caps, stems removed

1/2 a small bunch asparagus, stems trimmed and cut lengthwise if thick

3 T./45ml extra virgin olive oil (divided use)

1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated

Sea salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 oz/156g fresh goat cheese

1 T./15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 large eggs

1 T. chopped chives for serving

 

To make goat cheese sauce: Combine the goat cheese, 1 T. of water, the lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. white pepper and 1 T. of olive oil in a small blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth. (You can double the goat cheese sauce recipe if you don’t have a small blender or food processor and just save half for later use.) Set aside. To make the mushroom caps and asparagus: Heat broiler. Brush the mushroom caps and asparagus (if your asparagus spears are very thick cut them lengthwise) all over with remaining 2 T. of the oil and minced garlic and season with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Place mushroom caps on a baking sheet and broil stem side down for 5 minutes. Flip the mushrooms and add the asparagus spears to the sheet. Broil for an additional 3 minutes, or until tender and lightly golden. To make the poached eggs: Bring a shallow pan of salted water to a gentle simmer. Carefully crack each of the eggs into the water. Turn off the heat, cover and let sit for 5 to 7 minutes (depending on how runny you like your yolks), then carefully remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain on a clean kitchen towel. Top each mushroom with a few asparagus spears and a poached egg. Spoon goat cheese sauce over along with an extra sprinkle of pepper and chopped chives and serve immediately.

Root Beer Barbequed Chicken

Root Beer Barbequed Chicken

Root Beer Barbequed Chicken

1 (12-ounce) can sugar-free root beer (sweetened with Sucralose, Like Hansen’s)
1 C. reduced-sugar ketchup
2 T. apple cider vinegar
2 T. molasses
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. paprika

 

21/2 to 3 pounds skinless chicken breasts and thighs

 

To make the sauce, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (through the paprika) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Brown the chicken pieces in a large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and coat with 3/4 C. of the barbeque sauce. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F, or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Add additional sauce to taste!

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 200

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 0g

Waffled Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Waffled Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray

1 quart leftover or uncooked stuffing (stuffing made with egg works best)

2 C. leftover gravy

8 oz. grated Comté or Gruyère cheese

1 lb. sliced roast turkey breast

1 T. butter

4 eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 T. chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, tarragon, or chervil

 

Adjust oven rack to 5 inches below broiler element and preheat broiler to low. Preheat a four-well Belgian waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and add 1 C. of stuffing to each well. Close waffle iron and cook, turning occasionally, until cooked through and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Set waffles aside. While waffles bake, make the gravy cheese sauce. Heat gravy in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until simmering. Remove from heat and whisk in 6 oz. of cheese. Continue whisking until completely smooth. For a glossier sauce, blend with a hand blender until shiny, about 1 minute. Keep warm. Place the waffles in a large oven-safe skillet or on a foil-lined broiler pan. Top with sliced turkey. Ladle half of cheese sauce over turkey, followed by remaining grated cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, fry the eggs. Melt the butter in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and cook until whites are cooked through but yolks are still liquid, about 2 minutes. Top broiled turkey waffles with fried eggs, ladle remaining gravy over the whites of the eggs, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with herbs, and serve immediately.

 

Bacon & Onion Jam Topped Baguette

Bacon & Onion Jam Topped Baguette

Bacon & Onion Jam Topped Baguette

 

1 lb. bacon

1 C. onion, chopped

1 C. dark corn syrup or sorghum

1 1/2 C. dark brown sugar

1/4 C. bourbon

1 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. coarse black pepper

 

8 ounces mascarpone cheese

1 T. tarragon, finely chopped

Baguette Slices

 

In a large pan or skillet, combine bacon and onion over medium-high heat. Cook until bacon is brown/crispy and onions are translucent, about 8-12 minutes. Add a couple T. of bourbon to the pan and stir, scraping up the bits of bacon from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low. In a medium bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine. Transfer contents to the bacon mixture in the pan. Bring to a low simmer and cook until jam thickens, stirring frequently, 5-8 minutes. Thickness can be determined by observing drips from the stirring spoon. Remove from heat and serve hot. Whip together mascarpone cheese with tarragon. Spread onto the baguette or biscuit before topping with bacon jam.

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

6 ounces linguine
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 tsp. Cajun spice blend, divided
2 tsp. olive oil
2 medium red or yellow bell peppers, sliced into strips
1/2 medium red onion, sliced into strips
8 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 C. canned diced tomatoes, with juice
¼ C. reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp. butter
2 T. fresh chopped parsley

 

Cook the pasta according to the package directions and set aside. Place the chicken pieces into a medium bowl and toss with 1 T. Cajun spice. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until cooked about halfway through. Add the peppers, onion and shrimp and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes or until the shrimp are pink. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic, black pepper, remaining 2 tsp. Cajun spice, tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet and gently stir. Cook for 5 more minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables tender. Swirl the butter into the sauce. Place the pasta in a large bowl, toss with the sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 325

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 6g

Easy Skinny Turkey Taco Soup

Easy Skinny Turkey Taco Soup

Easy Skinny Turkey Taco Soup

1 tsp. canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (1.5-ounce) package reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
1 C. frozen corn

 

SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the turkey, and cook, breaking up the meat, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the pink is gone. Transfer to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, and add 1 C. water and remaining ingredients . Cook for 3 to 4 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low.

STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the celery and cook the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent and starting to soften. Add the turkey, and cook, breaking up the meat, until it is most browned. Add 1 C. of water and remaining ingredients. Stir and simmer on low for 30 minutes.

 

Yield: 6 servings (1 ½ C. each)

Calories: 235

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 6g

Quick-Fix Macaroni and Cheese Muffins

Quick-Fix Macaroni and Cheese Muffins

Quick-Fix Macaroni and Cheese Muffins

 

8 ounces small elbow macaroni (about 2½ C.)
2 C. reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 C. low-fat milk
1 large egg
½ tsp. garlic salt
½ C. panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp. melted butter

 

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place foil or paper liners in a 12-C. muffin tin and spray lightly with non-stick baking spray. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and immediately return to the pot. Add the cheese and stir until it is nearly melted. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk. Add the egg and whisk until smooth. Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni and mix well. In a small bowl combine the butter and the breadcrumbs. Scoop the macaroni mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tins (it will be wet and milky, but don’t worry, it will bake up fine). Sprinkle 2 tsp. crumbs on each and bake for 20 minutes.

 

Yield: 12 Muffins

Calories: 127

Far: 3g

Fiber: 3g

Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam

 

1 lb. bacon

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup dark corn syrup or sorghum

1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup bourbon

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1  tablespoon coarse black pepper

 

For Serving:

8 ounces mascarpone cheese

1 tablespoon tarragon, finely chopped

 

In a large pan or skillet, combine bacon and onion over medium-high heat. Cook until bacon is brown/crispy and onions are translucent, about 8-12 minutes. Add a couple tablespoons of bourbon to the pan and stir, scraping up the bits of bacon from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low. In a medium bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine. Transfer contents to the bacon mixture in the pan. Bring to a low simmer and cook until jam thickens, stirring frequently, 5-8 minutes. Thickness can be determined by observing drips from the stirring spoon. Remove from heat and serve hot. Whip together mascarpone cheese with tarragon. Spread onto the baguette or biscuit before topping with bacon jam.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Apples, Almonds and Blue Cheese

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Apples, Almonds and Blue Cheese

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Apples, Almonds and Blue Cheese

 

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 5 oz. each)

4 oz. crumbled blue cheese (any variety, including Gorgonzola)

1/2 C. slivered almonds

1 apple (preferably Mackintosh, Gala, or Jufi), peeled, cored and diced

3 tsp. chopped fresh dill

salt and freshly ground pepper

4 tsp. olive oil

1 T. plus 1 tsp. (4 tsp.) dried minced onion (from the spice aisle)

 

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Coat a shallow roasting pan with cooking spray. Using a sharp paring knife, slice a pocket into each chicken breast, as if halving a bagel, without completely cutting through the other side. Arrange chicken in prepared pan and set aside. In medium bowl, combine blue cheese, almonds, apple, and dill. Add a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Mix together with a fork until mixture is well blended and comes together. Divide mixture into four equal portions and spoon each portion into the pocket of the chicken. Brush olive oil all over the top of chicken and season the top with salt, black pepper and dried onion (1 tsp. dried onion for each breast). Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 490

Fat: 25.5g

Fiber: 3.1g

Sweet and Spicy Citrus Salad

Sweet and Spicy Citrus Salad

Sweet and Spicy Citrus Salad

1 orange or another citrus, peeled, sliced or wedged

Choice of fresh herb (my favorites are dill weed, cilantro, or mint)

About 1 T. sweet and spicy pepitas

Touch of sea salt

A simple salad dressing

 

1 ½ tsp. honey or maple syrup

1 T. rice vinegar

2 T. canola oil

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the salad dressing.  Arrange the orange slices on a plate. Top with the chopped herbs, pepitas, and sprinkle with a touch of sea salt. Drizzle lightly with the dressing.

Sweet and Spicy Pepitas

Sweet and Spicy Pepitas

Sweet and Spicy Pepitas

 

1 cup shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

4 garlic cloves, smashed and broken into seed size pieces or smaller

½ tsp. New Mexico red chile powder

½ tsp. chipotle powder

¼ tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

Juice from ½ lime

 

Toast the pepitas in a hot, dry skillet over medium heat. Shake or stir until they begin to swell and pop. Add the garlic and continue to stir until seeds have a nice toasted color. Be careful not to let the seeds nor the garlic burn. Remove from heat. Add the chile powder and salt and stir to coat the seeds. Continue stirring for about 15 seconds, but no more. The powders will burn in the hot pan if you leave them in too long. Transfer to a bowl and add the sugar. Stir.  Add the lime juice and toss to coat. Spread on a cookie sheet or transfer to a large bowl. Let sit for about 4 hours until dry or overnight, stirring about every 30 minutes for the first couple of hours. Once the seeds are dry, transfer to an airtight container.

 

Delicious as a snack, or use as a topping:

 

Tacos / Taco Salad

Citrus Salad

Steamed vegetables

Potato and pasta salads

Pureed soups such as pumpkin or butternut squash

African Stews

Mole

Antipasto “ It’s too hot in the kitchen” Dinner

Antipasto “ It’s too hot in the kitchen” Dinner

Antipasto – It’s too hot in the kitchen Dinner

I prefer to prepare a large platter to put in the center of the table, from which all can be used, accompanied by breads, breadsticks, breadcrumbs or carasau breads (lately we prefer the carasau bread, which seems lighter and most of all it is preserved long).

 

Do not miss garlic, oil and salt : nothing is more good and greedy than a slice of shredded bread with garlic rubbed over and a good goose oil.

Dried Tomatoes in Oil

olives of various kinds

pickled capers and artichokes

garlic oil

mozzarella, the cherry tomatoes and the basil

celery and raw carrots in the salted greek yogurt and pepper

apples and pears, depending on the season, to be served with Parmesan cheese

grapes, figs

Tropea onions

washed salad leaves, like rocket, valerian, lettuce

yellow and red peppers

roasted mushrooms

Roman Cauliflower with Crispy Bacon and a Caper-Raisin Vinaigrette

Roman Cauliflower with Crispy Bacon and a Caper-Raisin Vinaigrette

Roman Cauliflower with Crispy Bacon and a Caper-Raisin Vinaigrette

6 slices of bacon

1 head cauliflower, roman or white

sea salt and pepper to taste

 

1/4 C capers, rinsed and chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 C golden raisins

1/2 shallot, minced

1 T. honey

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 C olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

chopped parsley for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Slice the bacon into lardons and cook in a cast-iron or oven-proof skillet over medium heat until brown and crispy. Set bacon aside to drain on paper towels and reserve 2 T. of bacon fat to cook the cauliflower. Meanwhile prepare the cauliflower by removing the outer leaves and cutting into quarters. Place cauliflower flat side down onto a hot pan with the hot bacon fat and transfer to the oven for 10 minutes. Rotate each cauliflower piece to its other flat side and continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife.  Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl. Serve the cauliflower with the bacon, vinaigrette and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Turkey Meatballs with Grape Jelly Chili Sauce

Turkey Meatballs with Grape Jelly Chili Sauce

Turkey Meatballs with Grape Jelly Chili Sauce

 

1 Recipe Anytime Turkey Meatballs (32 Meatballs, 38 calories each)

2/3 C. Chili Sauce

½ C. Low Sugar Grape Jelly

2 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Liquid Smoke, optional

¼ tsp. Pepper

 

Make and bake the recipe of anytime turkey meatballs as directed, except making 32 1inch balls, instead of 24. This can be done ahead of time. Preheat oven to 400. Place remaining ingredients in a medium microwave safe bowl and microcook for 2 minutes on high to melt jelly (or in pot over medium heat on stove). Place Meatballs in baking dish, pour sauce over meatballs, and bake 15-20 minutes, until hot and coated with sauce. You could also heat for 2-3 hours on low in a crock pot.

 

Yield: 16 servings (2 meatballs with sauce)

Calories: 90

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 0g

Anytime Turkey Meatballs

Anytime Turkey Meatballs

Anytime Turkey Meatballs

 

20 ounces lean ground turkey

1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

1 large egg

3 tablespoons dried minced onion

2 tablespoons low-fat milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 400.  Line sheet pan with foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside.  In large bowl, with spoon or your hands, gently mix all ingredients until combined.  Roll mixture into 32 1 inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.  Bake 15 minutes or until tops and bottoms are browned and meat is cooked through.

Super Simple Chicken Pizzaiolo

Super Simple Chicken Pizzaiolo

Super Simple Chicken Pizzaiolo

 

1 (14-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or 1½ C.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)

½ tsp. black pepper

½ C. grated Parmesan cheese

½ C. shredded reduced-fat Italian blend cheese

16 slices turkey pepperoni and/or 2 C. sliced mushrooms*

½ tsp. dried oregano

 

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Spread the marinara sauce in a 10-inch pie plate or 9 x 9-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Crumble the dried oregano and sprinkle it over the sauce. Cover the chicken breasts in plastic wrap and gently pound to ½-inch thickness. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with the black pepper. Spread the Parmesan in a shallow dish. Roll the chicken in the Parmesan and lay the breasts on top of the marinara. Bake for 13 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle with the Italian blend cheese and oregano, top with pepperoni slices (and/or prepped mushrooms) and bake another 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. * To prepare mushrooms before adding to the dish, place a paper towel on top of a flat plate and microwave for 45 seconds.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 275

Fat: 11g

Fiber: 0g

WIW: Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Waffles

WIW: Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Waffles

WIW: Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Waffles

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 (1/2-lb.) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 C. shredded chicken (see note, above)

1/4 C. crumbled blue cheese (about 2 oz.)

3 T. Frank’s RedHot, plus more for serving

Blue cheese dressing, for serving

 

Preheat a Belgian waffle iron according to manufacturer directions. Lightly dust a work surface. Lay out puff pastry sheet, lightly flour top, and roll into an approximate 16- by 16-inch square. Spread chicken on puff pastry, leaving a 1 inch border on all edges. Arrange blue cheese on top, then drizzle hot sauce all over, leaving a 1 inch border on all edges. Roll puff pastry sheet away from you like a jelly roll. When completely rolled, pinch seam to seal. Pinch ends of puff pastry to seal, then roll into a disk-shaped spiral. Place spiral in center of preheated waffle iron. Cook until puff pastry is deep golden brown on all surfaces and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 200°F, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, cut into wedges, and serve immediately, serving blue cheese dressing and extra hot sauce on the side.

Easy 100-Calorie Apple Pie Pastry Squares

Easy 100-Calorie Apple Pie Pastry Squares

Easy 100-Calorie Apple Pie Pastry Squares

 

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (like Pepperidge Farms)
1 T. all-purpose flour
3 medium apples, about 1 pound
1/2 medium lemon, juiced
2 T. granulated sugar, divided
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 T. reduced sugar apricot jam

 

Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven, and preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle the flour on a flat surface and lay the pastry sheet on it. Roll out the pastry lightly to make a 14” x 10” rectangle. Transfer pastry to a baking sheet, and refrigerate while preparing the apples. Peel, core, thinly slice the apples (1/8” thick), and place in a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice and gently toss to coat the apples. Sprinkle the chilled pastry evenly with 1 T. sugar. Arrange the apples over the pastry in rows, slightly overlapping the slices and leaving a 1/2” pastry border around the outer edge. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar, and sprinkle over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven. In a small microwave-safe bowl, stir the jam with 1 tsp. of water and heat on high for 15 seconds. Brush over the apples and crust. Cut into 12 squares and serve immediately, or set aside and serve at room temperature.

 

Yield: 12 servings (3” squares)

Calories: 100

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 1g

Cheddar Cheese Coins

Cheddar Cheese Coins

Cheddar Cheese Coins

8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 C.)

1 1/2 C. (7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour

1 T. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. paprika

8 T. unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces and chilled

3 T. water

 

Process cheddar, flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne, and paprika in food processor until combined, about 30 seconds. Scatter butter pieces over top and process until mixture resembles wet sand, about 20 seconds. Add water and process until dough forms ball, about 10 seconds. Transfer dough to counter and divide in half. Roll each half into 10-inch log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. (Dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw completely before slicing and baking.) Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap logs and slice into ¼-inch-thick coins, giving dough quarter turn after each slice to keep log round. Place coins on prepared sheets, spaced 1/2 inch apart. Bake until light golden around edges, 22 to 28 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking. Let coins cool completely on sheets before serving. (Coins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.)

Bacon and Dried Tomato Scones

Bacon and Dried Tomato Scones

Bacon and Dried Tomato Scones

3/4 C. dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)

2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1 tsp. dried basil, crushed

1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed

1/4 tsp. garlic salt

3/4 C. butter, cut up

8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled

1/4 C. sour cream

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 T. milk

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

Crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place tomatoes in a bowl. Add enough boiling water to cover. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain well; chop tomatoes. In large bowl combine flour, baking powder, basil, oregano, and garlic salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped tomatoes and bacon. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside. In small bowl combine sour cream, eggs, and milk; add all at once to flour mixture. Stir with a fork just until moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough gently 10 to 12 strokes or until dough holds together. Divide in half. Pat or lightly roll each dough half to a 7-inch circle. Cut each circle in 8 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on a very large ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Sprinkle tops of scones with cheese. Bake 7 to 8 minutes more or until tops are lightly browned. Serve warm. Top with additional crumbled bacon. Makes 16 scones.

 

Yield: 16

Calories: 202

Fat: 13g

Fiber: 1g

Avocado Ranch Dip

Avocado Ranch Dip

Avocado Ranch Dip

1 large avocado
2 tsp. lime juice
1/2 C. light sour cream
1/3 C. light mayonnaise
1/4 C. plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 T. finely minced green onion
3/8 tsp. garlic powder
3/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt

In a medium bowl, roughly mash the avocado with the lime juice. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Yield: 12 servings, 2 T. Each

Calories: 50

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 0g

30 Minute Skillet Strata

30 Minute Skillet Strata

30 Minute Skillet Strata

 

4 slices Sourdough Bread

4 Eggs

4 Egg Whites

1 ½ C. low-fat Milk

½ C. shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese

Salt & Pepper

4oz. link Italian Turkey Sausage, casing removed

2 C. sliced Mushrooms

¾ C. chopped Onion

¼ tsp. Italian Seasoning

 

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toast the bread slices and cut into 1-inch squares. In a medium bowl, whisk together the next 6 ingredients (eggs through salt); set aside. Place a medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into the skillet along with the mushrooms and onion, and sauté for 7 to 8 minutes, or until onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened and their liquid has cooked off. Add the bread squares to the pan and stir to distribute evenly (piling some of the mushroom mixture on top of some of the bread). Remove pan from heat and pour in egg mixture. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until eggs have set.

 

Yield: 5 servings

Calories: 210

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 0g

Za’atar Chicken with Lemon Yogurt

Za’atar Chicken with Lemon Yogurt

Za’atar Chicken with Lemon Yogurt

 

Intensely garlicky and lemony, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish gets an earthy, herbal character from za’atar, a mix of dried herbs, sumac, and sesame seeds that’s rubbed all over the boneless thighs along with garlic, olive oil, and plenty of fresh parsley. Don’t be surprised at the number of garlic cloves called for here. Grated into a puree, they melt into the chicken flesh, thoroughly perfuming it without making it overwhelmingly pungent.  These thighs work best cooked on the grill for maximum blackening at the edges. But they are still excellent under the broiler—just as long as you can get a deep, smoky char on the meat.  Try serving this with the Citrus Salad with Olives.

 

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

8 garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane or minced

Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons

1 tablespoon za’atar

3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for serving

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably whole-milk

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Ground sumac, for garnish (optional)

Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)

Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

 

In a large bowl, combine the chicken with all but 1 teaspoon of the grated garlic (save that for the yogurt sauce), half of the lemon zest and juice, and the za’atar, parsley, olive oil, and 1 teaspoons of the salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.  Heat a grill, or arrange a rack in the position closest to the heat source and heat the broiler. Remove the chicken from the bowl, reserving the marinade. If you are grilling, grill the chicken over high heat until it is charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes. Baste the chicken with some of the reserved marinade, flip the pieces over, and continue cooking until they are just cooked through, another 4 to 7 minutes. If you are broiling, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread the chicken out on it in a single layer. Broil the chicken, basting it with some of the reserved marinade and turning the pieces over halfway through, until well colored and charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes per side. Be careful that the chicken doesn’t burn.  While the chicken cooks, place the yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserved grated garlic, the remaining lemon zest, the pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. To serve, drizzle olive oil and the remaining lemon juice, to taste, over the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley and ground sumac if using.  Pass yogurt for dipping.

Pumpkin Waffles

Pumpkin Waffles

WIW: Pumpkin Waffles

 

2 1/2 C. Bisquick

1 C. canned pumpkin

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 C. milk

2 T. vegetable oil

2 T. pumpkin pie spice

Maple syrup to drizzle

 

Preheat your waffle iron. In a large mixing bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients with a spoon. Do not over mix, just combine well. When your waffle iron is hot, lightly spray it with a cooking spray. Add about a C. batter at a time if you’re making large waffles. Close lid and wait for waffle to reach your desired crispness. Remove and serve immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

 

1/4 C. sugar

3 T. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. table salt

6 large eggs

2 C. heavy cream

1/2 C. butter, melted

6 C. fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen)

Vegetable cooking spray

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk eggs together in a large bowl; whisk in cream and melted butter. Gradually add sugar mixture, whisking until smooth; stir in corn. Pour mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes or until mixture is deep golden and set. Let stand 5 minutes.