Browsed by
Tag: Lunch Box

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

3 eggs, lightly beaten 252628
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 4 mini-loaf pans. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Transfer to the prepared mini-loaf pans. Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Tomato Pizza Squares

Tomato Pizza Squares

2 slices soft bre4754_jpg-20150309013652~q80,dx720y432u1r1gg,c--ad
1/4 cup quick pizza sauce
2 slices fresh tomato, cut into quarters
2 slices cheese, cut into quarters (mozzarella, Monterey jack, etc)
8 small basil leaves

Preheat oven to 180°C conventional (or 160°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each piece into 4 and spread each piece with tomato sauce. Top each piece with tomato and a square of cheese. Place onto a tray and into the oven until the cheese has melted (10-12 mins).  Add a basil leaf to each slice. Cool and wrap in foil.

How to Make Dog Bread

How to Make Dog Bread

Dog Breads

Make the dough from your favorite bread recipe, using a bread maker. Select DOUGH mode. When it’s done, push all the air out of the dough with your hands.  Divide it into 10 (if you make the dough with about 250g flour) and roll each into a ball. Cover with wet paper towels and rest for 15 minutes. Make each into an oval shape.  Cut with a knife to make the ears of the dogs, and let the dough rise until about double in size.  After the rise, make eyes and noses with black beans.  Bake for about 10 minutes at 400F.

Zesty Toasted Oyster Crackers

Zesty Toasted Oyster Crackers

crackers¾ C. Vegetable Oil
1 pkg. Ranch Dressing Mix
1 tsp. dried Dill
1 tsp. Lemon Pepper
10oz. pkg. Oyster Crackers

Preheat the oven to 350. Place oil in mixing bowl and stir in the dressing mix, herbs and seasonings. Add oyster crackers and toss until they are well coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and bake until crisp, 3-4 minutes. Do not over bake, as they will quickly burn. Serve warm or allow to cool completely and store in a air tight tin container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.

French Toast on a Stick

French Toast on a Stick

1bdd21c00605e098019edcde300965151 cup milk (any kind of milk will work)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups brioche, French or sandwich bread (cut into 2 inch cubes)
1 tablespoon butter or oil
16 strawberries, stems removed
2 bananas, sliced into 1/2 inch coins
8 wooden skewers

In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey and cinnamon. Dip the bread cubes in the milk mixture to coat each side. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bread for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Skewer the French toast cubes, strawberries and bananas and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Sweet and Sour Roasted Peppers with Capers

Sweet and Sour Roasted Peppers with Capers

3 lb. Ripe Bell Peppers
2 tsp. small Capers
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh Flat Leaf Parsley
1 C. White Wine Vinegar
1 C. Water
¼ C. Sugar
1 ½ tsp. Fine Sea salt
2 cloves Garlic, sliced paper thin
EVOO

2 sterilized 1 pint jars and their lids

Arrange an oven rack 4 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and broil, turning every couple of minutes with tongs, until they are blistered and somewhat blackened on all sides. (Alternatively, you can char the peppers on a grill.) Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for about 10 minutes. Lay a pepper on a cutting board near the sink and slice or gently pull off the stem. Let any juice from the pepper drain into the sink. Cut the pepper in half and scrape off the charred skins, seeds, and innards. Cut the halves lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Clean and slice the remaining peppers and transfer them to a heatproof bowl. Stir in the capers and parsley. Bring the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and garlic to a boil in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Boil the brine for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and salt, and then pour it over the peppers. Let steep for 1 hour. Drain the peppers, reserving a little of the brine. Pack the peppers tightly into the sterilized jars. Spoon l T. brine over the peppers; then fill each jar with enough oil to cover the peppers completely. Cover tightly and let sit at cool room temperature for 24 hours. Check to make sure the peppers are still submerged; if not, add more oil. Let the peppers cure for at least 2 days before using, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. To serve, remove from the jar only as much as you plan to use and let it come to room temperature. Top off the jar with more oil as necessary to keep the remaining peppers submerged.

Try toasting some crostini, top with fresh mozzarella, these peppers, and drizzle with pepper oil and salt.

Tuna Summer Rolls

Tuna Summer Rolls

Tuna Summer Rolls

 

¼ cucumber

½ carrot

½ avocado

Juice of ½ lemon

1 scallion

¾ C. (75 g) bean sprouts

Two 6-ounce (160 g) tins of tuna in water, drained

½ C. (50 g) roasted cashews, coarsely chopped

5 C. (100 g) loosely packed spinach

½ bunch of cilantro, leaves only

6 rice paper wrappers

 

3 T. peanut butter

4 T. soy sauce

2 T. sesame oil

Juice of 1 lime

 

To make the rolls: Deseed the cucumber and cut into strips. Put them in a bowl and set aside. Cut the carrot into thin strips, put in a separate bowl, and also set aside. Scoop the avocado flesh out of its skin and slice into slivers. Put in a bowl with some lemon juice to stop them from discoloring and set aside. Trim the scallion and cut into matchsticks, put in a bowl, and set aside. Put the bean sprouts, tuna, cashews, spinach, and cilantro in separate bowls. Arrange all the ingredients in front of you. Fill a large bowl with hot water and briefly soak one of the rice paper wrappers. Carefully spread it on a plate. Start by placing spinach leaves in the middle, and then top with a few strips of cucumber, carrot, and avocado before scattering on some scallion, bean sprouts, tuna, roasted cashews, and cilantro. Use only a little bit of each—pile on too much and the wrapper will tear. Carefully fold in the ends of the wrapper, then roll it up and cut in half. Repeat until all the rice paper wrappers are filled. To make the dip: Stir together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice with a fork. Serve the summer rolls with the dip.

 

Honey Ginger Chicken Salad

Honey Ginger Chicken Salad

Honey Ginger Chicken Salad

1 C. shredded cooked Chicken

¼ C. thinly sliced Carrot

¼ C. thinly sliced Celery

3 T. Mayo

2 T. finely chopped Red Onion

1 T. slivered Almonds

1 ½ tsp. Coconut Aminos

½ tsp. Honey

1/8 tsp. ground Ginger

1/8 tsp. Garlic Powder

 

Using a spoon, mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Divide the salad into two equal portions and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

 

Wraps that rival your favorite sub shop? I’ve got you covered. I’m not kidding, they’re that good. Super low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats and protein, this is a great lunch for keto lovers. Meals like these are great because the heart of the dish is the same, but you can doctor it to suit all of your family’s preferences. Enclose in a tortilla, stuff in a pita or wrap in lettuce.

 

8 ounces nitrate-free bacon, diced

½ yellow onion, diced

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

½ tsp. fine sea salt

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

2 T. salted butter or ghee

2 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. dried minced onion

½ C. Ranch Dressing, plus a couple T. for drizzling

1 head butterhead lettuce, rinsed and separated

1 Roma tomato, cored and diced

2 Green Onions, chopped

 

Preheat an electric pressure cooker using the SAUTÉ function. After pressing the SAUTÉ button, press the ADJUST button until MORE is highlighted (see Note below). When the display panel reads HOT, add the bacon and diced onion to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the bacon is crispy, about 10 minutes. If it begins to stick to the bottom of the pot, add 1 T. of the butter. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and onion to a paper towel. Leave all those delicious juices in the pot. Season the cubed chicken breasts with the sea salt and black pepper. Add the remaining butter to the pot and then the chicken. Cook, stirring the chicken, until it browns on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add the parsley, garlic powder, and dried onion, then stir. Place the lid on the pressure cooker. Make sure the vent valve is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, press the CANCEL button. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function and HIGH PRESSURE. Use the +/− buttons until the display reads 4 minutes. When the pot beeps to let you know it’s finished cooking, let it naturally release pressure until the display reads LO:10. Switch the vent valve from the SEALING to the VENTING position. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a separate bowl. Add ½ C. ranch dressing and the bacon/onion mixture to the chicken and combine. Spoon the chicken mixture on the lettuce leaves. Top with the tomatoes, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing, and wrap the leaves around the mixture to serve. Note: Your pot might not have an ADJUST button; if that is the case just press the SAUTÉ button until MORE is highlighted.

Picnic Chicken

Picnic Chicken

1 chicken cut into pieces

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne

 

Rinse the chicken parts and then dry them. Mix together the salt, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, pepper, and cayenne. Rub the spice mix under the skin as well as over the skin of the chicken. Using toothpicks, secure the skin back in place so that it does not shrink away from the chicken pieces as the chicken cooks. Place the chicken pieces on a cookie sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Place the sheet on an oven rack. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but 6 hours or overnight would be best. The longer the chicken rests, the more of the spice rub that will be absorbed by the chicken and the deeper the flavor will be. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Roast chicken for 12 minutes. Raise the oven temperature to 500 degrees and roast for 8-10 minutes more or until breast pieces reach 160 degrees. Remove the breasts from the oven and let the dark meat pieces cook for five more minutes or until they reach 170 degrees. Remove the remaining pieces from the oven and let the chicken cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the chicken overnight. Serve the chicken cold.

Bread Snails

Bread Snails

breadstick-snails-R133306-ss1 Tube Refrigerated Breadsticks

Purchased Basil Pesto

Coarsely Shredded Carrot

 

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Unroll dough and separate at perforations into strips. Spread strips with pesto and roll up into a coil, leaving a curved end, so it looks like the head of the snail. Secure with a toothpick. Place upright on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. To serve, use the tip of a sharp knife to poke holes for antennae; insert two carrot slivers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat at 350 degrees F. Makes 12.

Pinwheels from Crescent Rolls

Pinwheels from Crescent Rolls

4c947870-1bf8-415e-85f4-b8f995b9cd05Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Pinwheels

1 box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen chopped spinach
1 T. olive oil
1/4 C. finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/2 C. finely chopped cooked chicken
3/4 C. shredded Asiago cheese
1/4 C. mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Cook spinach in microwave as directed on box. Drain spinach in strainer; cool 5 minutes. Carefully squeeze with paper towel to drain well. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, bacon, chicken, cheese and mayonnaise. Unroll dough on work surface. Spread spinach mixture on rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Starting at long side of rectangle, roll up; seal long edge. With serrated knife, cut into 20 slices. Place cut side down on cookie sheet. Brush with egg. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.
Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheels

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 T. ranch dressing
1/4 C. cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/2 C. finely shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
1/4 C. chopped green onions (4 medium)

Heat oven to 350°F. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12×4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut lengthwise into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12×4-inch rectangle.2 Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges. Sprinkle each with bacon, Cheddar cheese and onions. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices; place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Ham & Swiss PinwheelsSH1501H_ham-and-cheese-pinwheels_s4x3

1/4 lb cooked ham, cut into pieces (about 1/3 C.)
1 oz cream cheese (from 3-oz package), softened
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. shredded Swiss cheese (2 oz)
2 T. sliced green onions (2 medium)

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In food processor bowl with metal blade, process ham and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.2 If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle; press into 13×8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; press into 13×8-inch rectangle. Spread ham mixture over rectangle. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese and onions. Starting with both short sides of rectangle, roll up both toward center. With serrated knife, cut into 16 slices; place cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

 

Jalapeno-Chicken Pinwheels

4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. chopped cooked chicken
1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro
2 to 3 T. finely chopped sliced jalapeño chiles (from 12-oz jar)
2 T. finely chopped green onions (2 medium)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet

Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix all ingredients except dough until well blended; set aside. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Place 1 rectangle on long cutting board; press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 2 long rectangles. Place 1 rectangle on long cutting board. Spread half of cream cheese mixture on dough rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Starting with one long side, roll up rectangle; press seam to seal. Cut roll into 16 slices; place slices, cut side down, on ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough rectangle. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Pizza Pinwheels

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 C. finely chopped pepperoni (about 1 1/2 oz)
2 T. finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 C. shredded Italian cheese blend (2 oz)
1/2 C. pizza sauce (from 8-oz can)

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, bell pepper and Italian cheese blend over each rectangle. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 6 slices; place cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Meanwhile, heat pizza sauce. Immediately remove pinwheels from cookie sheet. Serve warm with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

More Pinwheels:

Ca0ec314f-3a87-4be0-97be-fd322a8d9d3cheesy Pinwheels with Italian Dip
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Turkey-Cranberry Pinwheels
Mediterranean Crescent Pinwheels
Easy Pesto Pinwheels
Festive Shrimp Pinwheels
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Olive Feta Pinwheels
Cheesy Olive Bacon Spirals

Cream Cheese & Cranberry Sauce

Itty Bitty Lobster Rolls

Itty Bitty Lobster Rolls

AItty Bittyll purpose flour for dusting
6 frozen Parker House rolls, thawed and each divided into thirds

12 oz. poached lobster meat, diced
3 1/2 T. diced hothouse cucumber
2 1/2 T. mayonnaise
1/2 lemon zested and juiced
2 tsp. thinly sliced chives, plus more for garnish
2 1/2 T. salted butter, melted
salt and pepper to taste

For mini baguettes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll each piece of dough into a small, 2”x 1/2” loaf and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake mini loaves for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and fluffy. Set aside and allow baguettes to cool before slicing in half and assembling. (Tip: The baguettes can be made up to three days ahead of time and kept in an airtight container. They can be warmed in the oven at 200°F for about 10 minutes before using.) For the filling: In a mixing bowl toss together the lobster meat and cucumber. Add the mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice and chives to the lobster mixture and season with salt and pepper. Gently mix together until well combined. To assemble: Split each baguette open and fill with about 2 tsp. of the lobster mixture. Brush the tops of each roll with melted butter and sprinkle with sliced chives. Serve.

Quinoa Pizza Bites

Quinoa Pizza Bites

qbites2 C. cooked quinoa
2 large eggs
1 C. chopped onion
1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 C. fresh basil, chopped
1 C. chopped pepperoni slices (~1/2 of a 7 oz bag)
1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried crushed oregano
Pizza sauce for dipping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each C. to the top (1 heaping T. each), and press down gently to compact. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Apple Sandwiches with Granola and Peanut Butter

Apple Sandwiches with Granola and Peanut Butter

apsw2 small apples, cored and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds
1 tsp. lemon juice (optional)
3 T. peanut or almond butter
2 T. semisweet chocolate chips
3 T. granola

If you won’t be eating these tasty treats right away, start by brushing the apples slices with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Spread one side of half of the apple slices with peanut or almond butter then sprinkle with chocolate chips and granola. Top with remaining apple slices, pressing down gently to make the sandwiches. Transfer to napkins or plates and serve.

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

hammy1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1-2 tablespoons of Thyme leaves, picked

1/4 pound black forest ham, sliced

1/2 pound Swiss Gruyere cheese, sliced

1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

 

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Lay 1 sheet of puff pastry on a floured board and carefully roll it out to 10 by 12 inches. Place it on a sheet pan and brush the center with the mustard and sprinkle with thyme leaves, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Place a layer first of ham and then cheese, also leaving a 1-inch border. Brush the border with the egg wash. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on the floured board and roll it out to 10 by 12inches. Place the second sheet on top of the filled pastry, lining up the edges. Cut the edges straight with a small, sharp knife and press together lightly. Brush the top with egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve hot or warm.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan & Basil Whirls

Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan & Basil Whirls

d4da81aaff809455596b9fdfeb89c5721 packet puff pastry, 500g, all butter

2-3 cups of grated fresh Parmesan cheese

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained from olive oil and chopped

Fresh basil leaves, torn up

Chili flakes to taste

1 egg, beaten, for glazing

 

Roll out the pastry quite thinly into a large rectangle. Spread the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the pastry, leaving a little gap at the edges. Then scatter the Parmesan over, followed by the fresh basil leaves and the chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper if wanted. Brush one of the long ends with a little beaten egg, and (from the opposite side) roll the pastry up like a long sausage, and place on a baking tray. Put it in the fridge for about half an hour – it makes it easier to cut. You can cut it in half if it’s too long to fit on the tray. Brush the roll with beaten egg and with a sharp knife, cut it into slices that are no more than 1cm wide. Put them on baking trays, spaced apart and brush the pastry with a little more beaten egg. Bake in a hot oven, about 200ºC for 20 minutes or so, until they are beginning to brown and the pastry is cooked. Serve hot or cold.

 

Everybody Loves Chocolate Pudding

Everybody Loves Chocolate Pudding

14_08_nutrition_choco1 egg

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup light agave nectar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 cups milk, preferably 1 percent

1 1/2 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, agave nectar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. When tiny bubbles appear all around the edge of the pan, add the chocolate, whisking constantly, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Scoop up about 1/3 cup of the heated chocolate milk and slowly drizzle it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then slowly drizzle the egg-chocolate milk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to combine the hot liquid with the raw egg too quickly, or it may result in scrambled chocolate eggs, not chocolate pudding! Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the pudding thickens enough that a defined line remains when you run the spoon through the center. Transfer the pudding to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. If desired, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming on the top. Pack into 5 small containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Kiddie Cobb Salad

Kiddie Cobb Salad

14_08_nutrition_variety2 cups chopped butter, red leaf, or romaine lettuce

1/2 cup chopped tomato or 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 large ripe avocado, cubed

2 or 3 slices smoked turkey, coarsely chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)

 

1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

 

Divide the lettuce between two large containers. In each container, arrange half the tomato, avocado, turkey, eggs, and blue cheese (if using) in rows on top of the lettuce. To make the dressing, divide the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil between two small containers. Put on the lids and shake well. MAKE-AHEAD NOTES: the salad and dressing can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator, but wait until morning to cut and add the avocado. Be sure to give your child instructions for drizzling the dressing over the salad at lunchtime.

Italian Picnic Sandwich

Italian Picnic Sandwich

14_08_nutrition_sandwich2 thin slices prosciutto

One 4-inch piece baguette, preferably whole-wheat, sliced in half horizontally

2/3 cup loosely packed baby arugula

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

 

Pile the prosciutto on the bottom half of the baguette. In a small bowl, toss the arugula with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Pile the arugula on top of the prosciutto and drizzle any dressing remaining over it. Top with the remaining baguette half. Wrap well or store in a snug container.

 

Dashimaki Tamago

Dashimaki Tamago

5 eggs

2 tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. salt

½ C. dashi

2 tsp. Japanese soy sauce

Vegetable oil for cooking

Parsley sprigs for garnish

102710-001

Beat eggs until well mixed. Dissolve sugar and salt in the dashi, stir in soy sauce, then mix with beaten eggs. Heat omelet pan and grease with a few drops of oil. Pour in a third of the egg mixture and tilt pan so it covers entire surface. Cook on low heat (omelet must not brown) until it is set, then roll the omelet away from you. When omelet is completely rolled up, lightly grease pan again, slide omelet towards you and grease that part of the pan where omelet was. Pour in half the remaining mixture and lift the egg roll so the uncooked egg can cover the base of pan. Cook as before and roll again, this time rolling the first omelet within the second one. Repeat as before, using the remaining beaten egg. Turn the omelet on to a sudare (bamboo mat) or a clean cloth and roll the omelet firmly. Leave it for 10 minutes, then remove mat and cut the rolled egg into thick slices. Serve garnished with parsley.

Bento, Lunch,

 

Turkey Twirl

Turkey Twirl

1 10-inch flour tortilla

1 to 2 T. mayonnaise or ranch salad dressing

3 oz. thinly sliced cooked turkey

2 T. shredded cheddar or 3 oz. thinly sliced cheese

 

Spread mayonnaise or salad dressing on tortilla. Layer turkey and cheese on top of tortilla, and roll up.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Sopressata and Provolone Italian Pressed Sandwiches

Sopressata and Provolone Italian Pressed Sandwiches

IMG_16991 loaf of ciabatta bread
1/4 lb. very thinly sliced good-quality sopressata (hot or sweet depending on your taste)
1/3-1/2 lb. sliced provolone cheese
8 oz. roasted tomatoes, purchased (or use this recipe, minus the thyme)
About 3 T. pesto, purchased (or use this recipe, or your own)
1 large bunch, or 2 small bunches of basil, leaves torn from the stems

Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally to make two large halves. On the top half, evenly spread the pesto in a very thin layer (don’t over saturate the bread). On the bottom half, first place the roasted tomatoes in a single layer, then top with a layer of sopressata. (Place the thin slices of meat on top of each other to form a thicker layer.) Top the sopressata with the sliced provolone, and then place a layer of basil leaves over the top of the cheese. Place the top slice of bread over the basil layer, and press down to bring all the layers flat. Continue pressing down, and wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped loaf in the fridge overnight (or for at least 3 hours), and put something heavy on top of the loaf to compress it. I used a cast iron skillet and placed a couple of soup cans on top of the skillet. The next day, unwrap the loaf and slice into large sandwiches or small squares, depending on your preference. Serve immediately, or keep chilled until needed.

Sandwich with String

Tomato Tartlets

Tomato Tartlets

Tomato Tartlets

All-purpose flour, for rolling

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

2 1/2 ounces grated sharp white cheddar (2/3 cup packed)

3 medium tomatoes, cut into ten 1/4-inch-thick slices

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Ground pepper

1/3 cup small basil leaves, for serving

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees, with racks in upper and middle thirds. Lightly flour a rolling pin and work surface and roll out puff pastry to a 14-by-16-inch rectangle. With a 4-inch cookie cutter, cut out 10 rounds and transfer to two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets; with a fork, prick each round all over. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cheese on each, leaving a 1/4-inch border, and top with 1 tomato slice. Brush with oil and season with pepper. Bake until pastry is deep golden at edges, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let tartlets cool completely on a wire rack. To serve, top with basil.

Blueberry, Mango, and Jicama Salsa

Blueberry, Mango, and Jicama Salsa

salsa1 pint blueberries, cleaned

1 mango, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 jicama (8 ounces), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

2 T. sugar

1 jalapeño chili (red or green), seeded and minced

2 T. fresh mint, finely chopped

1 T. balsamic vinegar

 

Combine all ingredients in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes. Serve over grilled or poached chicken or fish.

 

Turkey Turnovers

Turkey Turnovers

Nonstick cooking spray

1 package (11.3 oz.) refrigerated low-fat dinner rolls

2 T. prepared honey mustard

3 oz. thinly sliced deli turkey breast

3/4 C. packaged broccoli coleslaw

1 egg white, beaten

Prepared mustard (optional)

Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.  Separate dinner rolls; place on lightly floured surface. With lightly floured rolling pin, roll each dinner roll into 3-1/2-inch circle.  Spread honey mustard lightly over dinner rolls; top with turkey and broccoli coleslaw. Brush edges of dinner rolls with beaten egg white. Fold dough over forming a half circle; squeeze edges together firmly with fingers. Press edges with tines of a fork to finish sealing. Place on prepared baking sheet; brush egg white over tops of turnovers.   Bake about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.  Serve warm or at room temperature with additional mustard for dipping, if desired.

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Cashew Chicken Salad with Baked Wontons

Cashew Chicken Salad with Baked Wontons

8 egg roll wrappers

4 skinless chicken breasts, boned and defatted

2 C. shredded napa cabbage

1 C. chopped bok choy

1/4 C. chopped daikon radish

1/2 C. sliced red onion

1 C. thinly sliced carrots

1 C. broccoli florets

1/2 C. snow peas

 

Dressing:

1 T. minced ginger root

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. chopped cilantro

1 T. minced scallions

2 T. minced shallots

3 T. lime juice

1 1/2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. water

2 T. low-sodium tamari

2 1/2 tsp. sugar

1 T. cashew butter

6 T. minced cashews

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly coat a sheet pan with canola oil. To prepare wontons, cut wrappers in half and distribute over sheet pan. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Cool. Place chicken breasts in baking dish. Cover and cook in oven for 15 minutes or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Cool and slice. Place vegetables in a large bowl and set aside. In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients for dressing. Lightly toss with vegetables and divide into 4 equal portions. Top each salad with a sliced chicken breast and garnish with 4 baked wontons.

 

Smoked Salmon Spread

Smoked Salmon Spread

12oz. Light Cream Cheese

1/2 C. Sour Cream

1 tsp. Liquid Smoke

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

11/2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Pepper

15 1/2 oz. Can Red Salmon, drained

2 tsp. Celery, chopped

2 tsp. Green Onion, chopped

 

Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature.  Remove skin from salmon.  Blend first seven ingredients in blender.  Remove from blender and stir in salmon, celery and onion.  This is a delicious spread on raw vegetables or crackers.

 

Spiral Sandwiches Bento

Spiral Sandwiches Bento

Potato Salad

Bell Pepper

Grapes (frozen)

Meat & Cheese Sandwich Roll Ups

Condiments (would those realistically stay not messy?)

Carrot strips

Japanese candies

 

 

 

 

 

Banana Snake Bento

Banana Snake Bento

Hard Boiled Eggs

Pepper Stars

Broccoli

Mozzarella Balls

Lemon Pepper

Strawberries

Banana, Apricot Fruit Roll Up

Sweet Bread / Pound Cake / Sandwich

 

Artichoke Heart & Red Pepper Bites

Artichoke Heart & Red Pepper Bites

6 oz. marinated artichoke hearts in oil

6 oz. roasted bell peppers

1 small chopped onion

2 minced cloves garlic

4 eggs

2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 C. dry bread crumbs

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Dash hot pepper sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 inch baking dish. Drain the artichoke hearts, reserving 2 T. of the oil. Drain the roasted peppers and discard the liquid. Finely chop the artichoke hearts and peppers and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the reserved oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for five minutes, or until soft and translucent. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Beat the eggs in a large bowl until thick and lemon colored. Beat in the remaining ingredients along with the artichoke hearts, peppers, and onion mixture. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until pale golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes, and then cut into one inch squares. Tightly wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month. Serve cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated in a 300 degree oven for 5-10 minutes.

Apricot Spread with Chevre

Apricot Spread with Chevre

 

2 (15.25-oz.) cans apricot halves, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons minced onion

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus additional for garnish

32 baguette slices, cut on the diagonal

3 tablespoons walnut oil

1 cup chevre (may substitute blue cheese, brie or another soft cheese)

3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted

Freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Place the apricots, vinegar, onion and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes or until mixture is thickened, stirring frequently (reduce heat to low towards the end of the cook time to avoid scorching). Stir in thyme and let cool. Meanwhile, brush the baguette slices with walnut oil. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned. To serve, top each baguette slice with ½ tablespoon of cheese and ½ tablespoon of the apricot mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme and toasted walnuts.

A Collection of Tea Sandwiches

A Collection of Tea Sandwiches

Curried chicken salad

 

2 C. diced chicken

3/4 C. Mayonnaise

1/2 tsp. Curry powder

1/2 tsp. Lemon juice

1/2 tsp. Chutney

 

Mix ingredients together and spread over bread.  Use cookie cutters to trim into fun shapes.  Decorate with edible flowers, berries, or springs of herbs.

 

 

Chili Pepper-Cilantro Butter:

 

1 stick salted butter, softened

1 red chili pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp. cilantro

1 1/2 tsp. lime juice

 

Mash butter and mix in remaining ingredients. Spread over bread.  Use cookie cutters to trim into fun shapes.  Decorate with edible flowers, berries, or springs of herbs.

 

 

Rosemary-Garlic Butter

 

1 stick salted butter, softened

1 T. fresh rosemary

1 clove garlic, minced

 

Mash butter and mix in remaining ingredients. Spread over bread.  Use cookie cutters to trim into fun shapes.  Decorate with edible flowers, berries, or springs of herbs.

 

 

Scallion-Ginger Butter

 

1 stick salted butter, softened

1 T. minced scallions

1 1/2 tsp. grated gingerroot

1 tsp. rice-wine vinegar

 

Mash butter and mix in remaining ingredients. Spread over bread.  Use cookie cutters to trim into fun shapes.  Decorate with edible flowers, berries, or springs of herbs.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

 

A Collection of Chicken Pasta Salads

A Collection of Chicken Pasta Salads

Chicken Pasta Salad

 

1 whole cooked broiler-fryer, boned, skinned, cut in chunks

1 16 oz. package frozen broccoli

1/4 tsp. salt

1 8 oz. package pasta shells, cooked

2 cubed large tomatoes

1/2 C. coarsely chopped red onions

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 C. low calorie Italian salad dressing

 

In saucepan, steam broccoli over boiling water for about 5 minutes.  Remove broccoli from pan, drain and sprinkle with salt.  While still warm place chicken, broccoli, shell macaroni, tomatoes and onion in a large bowl; sprinkle with pepper.  Add Italian dressing and mix gently but thoroughly.  Chill in refrigerator.  Serve cold.

Chicken Rainbow Salad

 

8oz. Rotini Noodles

2 C. Chicken, cubed and cooked

1 medium Cucumber, sliced

1 C. Celery, sliced

1/2 Red Onion, sliced thin

1/2 C. Mayonnaise

1/4 C. Sour Cream

2 T. Milk

1 tsp. Dried Dill Weed

1 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

 

Cook pasta.  Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine chicken, cucumber, celery, and onion.  Mix in pasta.  In small bowl blend mayonnaise, sour cream, milk and seasonings. Mix in pasta.  Toss dressing with salad mixture.

 

 

Chicken Spiral Pasta Salad

 

10 oz. spiral pasta, uncooked

2 C. cut asparagus tips

2 C. yellow squash, sliced

2 C. red bell peppers, diced

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 C. cracker meal

1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1 tsp. parsley flakes

1/2 tsp. thyme

1 Butter Buds Mix, reconstituted

1/3 C. cashews, roasted, unsalted

1/2 C. plain lowfat yogurt

1 T. Miracle Whip Lite

1 C. 2% lowfat milk

1 Good Seasons salad dressing

 

Using multicolored vegetable spirals makes a colorful salad.   Mix the cracker meal with the pepper, parsley and thyme.  Dip chicken breasts in Butter Buds mixture, then dip into cracker crumb/seasoning mixture (in a separate bowl).  Place on a lightly greased or teflon baking sheet in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes (turn chicken over after about 12 minutes).  While chicken is cooking, boil pasta, lightly steam vegetables and diced red pepper. Mix the yogurt, Miracle Whip Lite, lowfat milk and Good Seasons salad dressing mix, or use your own seasoning, in the processor or blender.  When chicken breast is cooked, cut into thin slices or chunks and toss everything together in a large serving bowl.  Serve chilled.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber: