Mardi Gras 2016 Pensacola, Florida
When you hear it is Mardi Gras time, you probably think of New Orleans and Rio with floats and parades and lots of carnival beads.
But did you know that Mardi Gras is also one of the great Italian holiday traditions? The ancient Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a lot of food, drink and general debauchery. When the Christian religion emerged in ancient Rome, its leaders decided to use the pagan festivals to their advantage rather than try to outlaw them. Ash Wednesday, forty days before Easter, starts a period of Lent fasting and abstinence in the Christian church. Knowing that a period of lean eating was coming, the idea of Carnival or Carnevale was born and it was combined with those ancient Roman feasts to create Mardi Gras, literally “Fat Tuesday”. Originally, Carnevale was just one day – the Tuesday immediately before Ash Wednesday. It was a day when families would cook luxurious, rich food in preparation for the forty days of the Lent.
Carnevale in Campania, Italy
The tradition was adopted by the French who gave it its present name and added the tradition of dressing up. By the end of the 17th Century, the Mardi Gras festival had come to America. The tradition of Mardi Gras then spread, literally, across the world.
In Italy certain foods are traditional for Carnevale. On the Amalfi Coast and throughout much of southern Italy there’s a migliaccio di polenta made with corn meal, sausages and grated cheese. Naples serves a very rich Lasagne di Carnevale. Throughout much of the Peninsula, however, Carnevale is an occasion for lots of sweet pastries – fried fritters of one kind or another that are quick to make and fun to eat. There are three broad categories made throughout Italy: Lombard’s Chiacchiere, Tuscany’s Cenci and Rome’s Frappe – all sound quite different but look and taste alike.
In America, King Cake and classic Cajun and Creole favorites like Gumbos, Jambalaya, Hurricanes, Beignets, Étouffées, Moon Pies and Fried Po Boy Sandwiches are all traditional Mardi Gras foods. The next few days we will be celebrating Mardi Gras here on the Gulf Coast with lots of parades, parties and much food. The photos above are from the parade on Friday.
Want to celebrate Mardi Gras with delicious food but without all the fat and calories, try some of the makeover recipes below.
BBQ Shrimp with Remoulade
Traditional New Orleans BBQ Shrimp are usually cooked in 1 ½ cups of butter. See original New Orleans’ recipe from Mr. B’s.
Serves 4
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 small bunch scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large lemon, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 1 3/4 pounds extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Chopped parsley
- Remoulade Sauce, recipe below
Directions
In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium high. Add celery, scallion whites and garlic and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add Creole seasoning and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Add Worcestershire, lemon and shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and coated with sauce, about 4 minutes. Garnish with scallion greens and parsley.
Serve with Remoulade sauce on the side.
Remoulade Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Combine all the ingredients in a small serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Creole-Style Black-Eyed Peas
This dish gets its smoky flavor from lean Canadian bacon and ground chipotle pepper.
.Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped fresh plum tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 6 ounces sliced Canadian bacon, chopped
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Directions
In a medium saucepan over high heat, add the water and black-eyed peas. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, cover, remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.
Drain the water and return the peas in the saucepan. Add the broth, tomatoes, onion, celery, green pepper, Canadian bacon, garlic, mustard, chipotle pepper, Cajun seasoning and bay leaf. Stir together and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat and simmer slowly for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water, if necessary, to keep the peas covered with liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste..
Remove the bay leaf, pour into a serving bowl and garnish with parsley. Serve over cooked rice, if desired.
Blackened Catfish with Creole Mustard
Creole mustard is a spicy, hot mustard that you can usually find in the grocery stores.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- Olive oil for brushing on the fish
- 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 (4 to 6-ounce) catfish fillets
- 1 medium lemon, cut into 8 wedge
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the paprika, cayenne, salt, thyme, black pepper and sugar in a small bowl and stir to evenly combine; set aside.
Brush both sides of the fish lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with the blackening spice mixture. Press on the spices to make them adhere to the fish.
Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat until very hot and add the fish to the dry, hot pan. Cook the fish for 2 minutes.
Remove the fillets from the pan and place the fish, uncooked side down, onto a baking sheet pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes or until the fish is cooked.
Mix the mustard and softened butter together. Top each cooked fish with a little mustard butter and serve with lemon.
Chicken Jambalaya
6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 stalks celery, cut on the diagonal into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, skin removed and cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 links pre-cooked Cajun-style andouille sausage or sun-dried tomato chicken sausage (about 6 oz), halved lengthwise, cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- One 14 1/2-oz can no salt added diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups long-grain brown rice
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions for garnish
Directions
In a large saucepan or Dutch Oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add celery and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
Add onion and red pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are almost tender, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until browned,
Stir in sausage, broth, 3/4 cup of water, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, paprika and cayenne. Stir in rice, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the rice is tender, about 50 minutes. Add salt and black pepper to taste and garnish with green onions.
One of the best things about cooking seafood is its versatility — it can be grilled, broiled, poached, baked or cooked in a skillet. Seafood is actually one of the easiest ingredients to cook with and can be one of the fastest to prepare. Fish is also healthy.
Health studies show that eating fish at least once a week, especially cold-water species high in omega-3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of heart problems. Other research suggests that regularly eating omega-3–rich fish may prevent or relieve depression, joint problems, Alzheimer’s disease and several cancers. Even seafood low in omega-3s, like scallops and crab, are rich in other key nutrients.
Fish is delicate so it needs gentle techniques to make sure that it is tasty, cooked and yet retains all the benefits. Any way you choose to cook fish, remember that its flesh cooks quickly. The best way to cook fish and not lose its health benefits is to steam, bake, poach or grill the fish. Frying fish can cause fatty fish rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, to lose its beneficial oils; those oils get replaced with unhealthier oil in which the fish is fried. Evidence from Harvard researchers on a study of more than 4,700 older people indicates that eating fried fish or fried fish sandwiches was associated with a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, the study also found a direct relationship between consumption of broiled or baked fish and a reduced incidence of stroke. When you bake fish, you can use herbs to accentuate the flavors. On the grill, the fire lends a smoky flavor to the flesh of the fish.
Following are some of my favorite fish recipes.
Garlicky Baked Shrimp
4 servings
Ingredients
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/4 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Coat 4 individual gratin dishes with cooking spray or a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Divide shrimp among dishes; set aside.
Combine breadcrumbs and the next 4 ingredients; stir in juice and oil.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over shrimp.
Place dishes on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until shrimp are done and breadcrumbs are lightly browned.
Baked Salmon with Red Wine and Honey
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces (skin left on)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with the flat side of a knife
- 1/2 cup light red wine, such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In the bottom of a glass or ceramic baking dish, drizzle olive oil and scatter thyme sprigs. Lay salmon on top of the thyme, skin side up. Arrange garlic cloves around salmon.
In a small bowl, whisk together red wine and honey and pour over salmon.
Bake 15-20 minutes and remove the dish from the oven. Peel off the salmon skin, if desired, and arrange fillets on a warm serving dish.
Pour dish juices into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce until syrupy, about 10 minutes. Season sauce with salt and black pepper, spoon over the salmon and serve.
Panko-Crusted Catfish
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 6 drops hot sauce
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 ounces each) or any other thin white fish fillets
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon blackened spice mix, see recipe below
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow dish, mix milk and hot sauce. Add catfish, turn to coat well and marinate for 10 minutes.
In a pie plate, mix nuts, breadcrumbs and spices. Dip fillets into crumb mixture, pressing crumbs onto each fillet. Place fish on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle a 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over each fillet. Bake fish for 12-15 minutes until crispy, depending on thickness. Remove fish to a serving platter and serve with lemon wedges.
Blackening Spice:
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried ground thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Spicy Rainbow Trout Fillets
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounce) rainbow trout fillets (1/2-inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, recipe below
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 green onion, sliced thin
- Lemon wedges
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Pat fillets dry and lightly brush both sides with oil. Sprinkle both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning.
Place skin side down on an oiled broiler pan. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 4-5 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Arrange on a warmed serving platter and sprinkle with parsley and sliced green onion. Serve with lemon wedges.
Cajun Seasoning
Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, chili powder and dry mustard.
Halibut Packets with Artichokes and Tomatoes
Serves 1
Ingredients
- One 6-ounce boneless, skinless halibut fillet
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 lemon slices
- 6 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup water-packed artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Parchment paper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange halibut in the middle of a 12 x 12-inch piece of parchment paper. Drizzle both sides of the fish with the oil.
Top with lemon and arrange tomatoes, artichoke hearts and parsley over the top and around the sides. Season all over with salt and pepper.
Fold up parchment like a package, making sure the seam is at the top to seal the ingredients inside; tuck under the ends.
Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until the fish is just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Place package on a plate and carefully open the parchment paper to release the steam before serving.
10 Piece Chicken Nuggets with Large French Fries
$6 per serving
Family of Four Total Cost: $24
Cheeseburger with Large Curly Fries
$4 per serving
Family of Four Total Cost: $16
Eating healthy should not be a privilege or reserved for people who can “afford” it. Fresh fruits and vegetables actually don’t cost more than burgers, fries and sodas. In fact, they’re often less expensive, so shopping for good, fresh produce shouldn’t be an impossible achievement. The family friendly, healthy dinner recipes below are full of nutrition, but they don’t skimp on taste. Plus, at less than $1 per serving, the recipes are easy on the wallet and the waistline. They are also easy to prepare.
Luckily, many of these pantry staple foods cost less than $2 per package. A 1-pound bag of brown rice, for example, sells for about $1.75 and cooks up into about 10 side dish servings — that’s just 18 cents a serving. Prices may vary slightly based on the store, location and time of year. If you have the items below stocked in your pantry and refigerator, you will be able to make delicious meals and save money.
Brown Rice
Great for side dishes, rice salads, casseroles, soups and stews.
What’s a serving? 1/4 cup dry, uncooked rice. Price per serving: 18 cents. A 1-pound bag costs about $1.75 and contains 10 servings.
Whole-Wheat or Multigrain Pasta
Great for hot and cold pasta dishes.
What’s a serving? 2 ounces of dried pasta which means you get about 8 servings in a one pound box or bag of dried pasta. Price per serving? About 24 cents. You can get a 16-ounce box or bag of store-brand dried pasta for about $1.69.
100% Whole-Wheat Bread
Great for hot and cold sandwiches, bread stuffing, bread pudding and breakfast.
What’s a serving? 2 slices, the amount you’d use to make a sandwich. Price per serving: About 18 cents. You can get a 22-ounce loaf of store-brand 100 % whole-wheat bread for about $1.99. (My store often has buy one, get one free.) Each loaf has about 22 slices or 11 servings of 2 slices each.
Old-Fashioned Oats
Great for hot or cold cereal, granola, crumb toppings for desserts and muffins.
What’s a serving? 1/2 cup dry oats. Price per serving: 13 cents. A 42-ounce container of store brand oats costs around $3.99 and each container has about 30 servings of dry oats.
Quinoa
Great for salads, side dishes, breakfast or in any recipe for rice.
$0.60 per ¼ cup serving, about $4 per box. It may be hard to pronounce (that’s keen-wah), but it’s easy to prepare and packs a nutritious punch. Filled with protein and fiber, this superfood also contains nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t produce on their own.
Canned Tuna and Salmon
Great for sandwiches, fish cakes, casseroles, several types of salads and appetizers.
What’s a serving? A 6-ounce can is about 2 servings. Price per serving: About 70 cents for chunk white albacore in water. You can buy a 6-ounce can of solid white albacore in water for about $1.99 or a 6-ounce can of chunk white albacore in water for about $1.39. The best deal is usually with chunk light in water for 85 cents per 6-ounce can. For salmon $0.75 per serving or about $1.50 per can.
Jarred Marinara Sauce
Great for pasta dishes, pizza, casseroles, appetizers, Italian sandwiches and stews.
What’s a serving? 1/2 cup. Price per serving: About 28 cents. You can buy a 24 or 28-ounce jar or can of marinara or pasta sauce for $1.67. Watch for store sales.
Dried Lentils and Beans
Great for casseroles, salads, soups and stews and more. Lentils are the most user-friendly of the beans because they cook quickly without pre-soaking. Generally you just need to cover 1 cup of lentils with 3 cups of water or broth and boil for 3 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
What’s a serving? 1/4 cup dried lentils. Price per serving: 10 cents. You can buy a 16-ounce bag for $1.29. Each 16-ounce bag makes about 13 servings of lentils. That small bag of lentils is deceiving because the lentils are dried, but once cooked, you will see the value.
Below is a list of fresh, nutritious foods that cost less than $1 per serving.
Chicken Breasts
$0.75 per 4 oz serving, about $2.99 per pound. Forgo fast food on a budget — a small fresh chicken breast is cheaper and filled with healthy, lean protein. Grill, bake, use in salads or slice for a whole-wheat wrap with veggies.
Eggs and Store-Brand Egg Substitute
Great for: Making quick omelets or breakfast. You can also blend half egg substitute and half eggs to make scrambled eggs, quiches, frittatas or egg casseroles.
What’s a serving? 1/4 cup. Price per serving: 25 to 37 cents. You can buy a 16-ounce carton of refrigerated egg substitute for $1.99 to $2.99 and supermarkets eggs, ($0.19 per egg) for about $2 per dozen. Eggs are a quick, delicious and inexpensive protein.
Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Great for: A quick snack, parfaits made with fruit and granola, salad dressings and smoothies.
What’s a serving? Most individual servings come in 6 ounce or 8 ounce containers. You can save money by buying a larger container of Greek yogurt and then making your 6 or 8 ounce portion from it. Price per serving: individual servings can cost about 89 cents each and sometimes less when found on sale.
Low-Fat Milk
$0.25 cents per cup, about $4 per gallon. One calcium-filled glass can help keep teeth strong. Add a splash to a fruit smoothie or enjoy in a bowl of oatmeal or cereal.
Cottage Cheese
$0.88 per 1/2 cup serving, about $3.50 per 16 oz container. This mild cheese is surprisingly high in protein and tastes great in both sweet and savory dishes.Try it topped with sliced pineapple and berries for a sweet protein-packed treat.
Apples
$0.50 to $0.75 per apple (depending on variety) Full of vitamin C and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Snack with peanut butter or add thin slices to a sandwich.
Bananas
$0.20 to $0.50 per banana, about $0.60 per pound or $2 per bunch. Filled with fiber and potassium. Add to your cereal or vanilla ice cream!
Cantaloupe
$0.50 per ½ cup serving, about $2.50 to $3 per melon. Filled with antioxidants, cantaloupe is inexpensive and contains many servings.
Watermelon
$0.30 per 1 cup serving, $ 4 to $5 per melon and filled with vitamin C — a cancer-fighting antioxidant that helps strengthen immunity and promote bone health.
Pears
$0.85 each, about $1.75 per pound (depending on variety). White fleshy pears may help prevent strokes. They’re also full of fiber. Try the Bartlett, Bosc and Anjou varieties.
Oranges
$0.50 each, about $1 per pound (in family sized packages). Oranges aren’t just about their vitamin C. This citrus fruit is also filled with fiber, folate and potassium.
Garlic
$0.30 per bulb. It’s also full of antioxidants to promote heart health and reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s. Add to a pan of veggies or tomato sauce to spice up the flavor or roast it in the oven for a sweeter flavor.
Onions
$0.18 each, about $0.59 per pound. Onions pack a surprising nutritious punch, including a hefty dose of antioxidants. Sautée and add to an omelet or add a sandwich for extra flavor.
Sweet Potatoes
$0.50 each, about $1 per pound High levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene (which may help prevent cancer and protect us from the sun) and also helps keep skin silky smooth.
Winter Squash (acorn, butternut, etc.)
$0.50 per ½ cup serving, about $1.50 a pound. Squash is a versatile veggie filled with vitamins, fiber, and potassium. Delicious roasted.
Kale
$0.50 per cup (raw, chopped), about $2 per bunch. Kale contains vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Broccoli
$0.50 per ½ cup serving, $2 per bunch. Broccoli has high levels of folate and vitamin C, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
Beets
$0.35 each, about $1 per pound. Beets are packed with folate, fiber and vitamins, making them one of the best health bargains around. Roast or add to a salad.
Spinach
$0.50 per cup (raw), about $2 per bunch. These greens are nutrient dense with vitamin A, K, and calcium. Try sautéing them with mushrooms or use to replace lettuce in your next salad.
Carrots
$0.50 each, about $2 per pound. Carrots provide a nutritious crunch along with vitamin A. They’re perfect for dipping into hummus and taste great roasted with other root veggies and a drizzle of olive oil.
Frozen Vegetables
Great for: Side dishes, casseroles and stews.
What’s a serving? 1 cup. Price per serving: around 25 cents. Frozen vegetables come in 12-ounce to 24-ounce bags that cost anywhere from $1.75 to $2.25 and contain 6-8 cups, depending on the vegetable and the size of the bag. A bag of petite peas or a 10-ounce box of frozen chopped spinach will cost about $1.19. You will do even better when they are on sale, so stock up.
Dinner #1
Kielbasa Apple Kabobs
Serves 4-6
Kielbasa are fully cooked smoked sausages traditionally made of pork, but also available made with beef, turkey or chicken. The cooking time is short for these as the sausage is already cooked. I like to serve this dish with sauerkraut, an inexpensive side dish, but you can also serve brown rice.
Ingredients
- 10 wooden or metal skewers
- 1 pound fully cooked kielbasa sausage
- 1 large onion
- 1 red apple, such as Braeburn or Gala, cored
- 1 tart green apple, such as Granny Smith, cored
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Cut kielbasa, onion and apples into 2-inch pieces. Combine in a bowl with lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper and salt. Toss to coat.
Preheat grill to medium high. Thread sausage, onion and apple pieces on skewers, alternating them. Grill 3 to 5 minutes each side, until apples and onions are slightly blackened on the edges, yet still crisp inside, and the sausage is very hot.
Dinner #2
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
You can use leftover chicken or turkey in place of the ground meat. Serve this meal with a cucumber salad.
Serves 6
Ingredients
Topping
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (2 1/2 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup nonfat milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Filling
- 8 ounces mushrooms, optional
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen or canned green peas
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Scrub potatoes and pierce several times with a fork. Place in a baking pan and bake until soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool while you make the filling.
While the sweet potatoes are baking, wash and slice mushrooms, if using. Peel onion and garlic. Dice onion. Mince garlic.
While the sweet potatoes are cooling, in a large skillet over medium-high, cook beef or turkey, mushrooms and onion, crumbling the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink, about 30 minutes.
In a colander, drain off liquid and the mixture return to the skillet. Add thyme and garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat. Add broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in peas, salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and place in a medium bowl. Add milk, butter, salt and pepper. Mash until smooth. Spread over the filling. Bake until hot and bubbling at the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving
Tips:
- Substitute another green vegetable for the peas, if you prefer—spinach, green beans or lima beans are all good options.
- This dish reheats well, so consider making it over the weekend and reheating it on a busy weeknight. Prepare through Step 4, cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat, covered, at 350 degrees F until hot throughout.
Dinner #3
Spinach Salad with Eggs
Serves 5-6
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (any type)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Wash and dry spinach. Remove stems. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by one inch. Bring to a boil. Cover and remove from heat right away. Let sit 12 minutes. Remove eggs and place in a bowl of ice cold water until cool. This will make it easier to peel the shells. Peel and chop eggs.
In a large bowl add spinach, eggs and dried cranberries. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
In a jar, add oil, vinegar, honey and salt. Cover tightly with lid. Shake well.
Just before serving, drizzle dressing over salad. Toss to coat spinach leaves.
Tips:
- Make double the dressing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator, up to 1 week. Use on other salads or to flavor sandwiches.
- To save time, cook eggs in advance. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make extra eggs, if you like. Use them for breakfast or to make egg salad.
Squash and Orzo
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 large winter squash (such as butternut or acorn)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cut squash in half. Remove seeds. Chop rosemary.
Drizzle the maple syrup over the cut sides of each squash half. Sprinkle each with rosemary and red pepper flakes.
Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Place squash halves on the baking sheet. Roast until squash is tender and pierces easily with a fork, about 30–35 minutes. Remove from the oven. Keep squash loosely covered with foil.
Cook pasta al dente in boiling salted water. Drain in a fine mesh colander. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir to coat well.
Cut each squash half into thirds. Remove skin from the squash and cut squash into cubes. Place over the pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Orzo and squash reheat well without losing flavor or quality. Cook the entire meal the night before. Refrigerate until ready to serve the next day.
- For faster cooking, cook squash halves in the microwave. Heat for 7 minutes on high or until squash is tender and pierces easily with a fork.
Dinner #4
Chicken Burger and Fries
Serve with a salad.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1/4 small bell pepper
- 1/4 small red onion
- 1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato slices
Directions
Finely chop bell pepper and onion.
In a medium bowl, combine bell pepper, onion, ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Divide mixture into 4 pieces. Form pieces into patties about 4 inches across.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add burgers. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Add water to the pan. Cover and cook until the burgers reach 165ºF, about 10 minutes more.
Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and condiments of choice.
Sweet Potato Fries
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Non-stick cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking pan with a layer of aluminum foil. Coat with non-stick cooking spray before placing the sweet potatoes on the pan.
Scrub sweet potatoes. Pat dry with a paper or kitchen towel.
Leaving the skin on, cut sweet potatoes into thick French fry strips, about ½-inch wide.
In a large bowl, mix paprika, salt, ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. Add oil. Blend with a fork until there are no lumps.
Add sweet potato strips to the bowl. Toss until they are coated on all sides.
Place sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking pan. For the crispest fries, be sure sweet potatoes do not lie on top of each other.
Bake for 15 minutes. Turn fries over and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until fries are crispy and tender.
Dinner #5
Crunchy Oven Fried Fish Fillets
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 2 egg whites or 1/3 cup refrigerated egg substitute
- 1/4 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1 pound tilapia, catfish or pollock fish fillets
- 1/4 cup dried Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or oregano, crushed
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Stir flour, seafood seasoning, salt and pepper together in a shallow dish and set aside. In a bowl, beat egg whites until white and frothy. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs with cornmeal and basil.
To bread the fillets, dip first into flour, shaking off any excess, then into egg whites, then into bread crumb mixture.
Spray a shallow baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Lay fillets flat in the dish, tucking under any thinner ends or edges for more even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is crispy and flakes easily with a folk.
Bow Tie Pasta with Zucchini Sauce
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper
Directions
Cook pasta al dente in boiling salted water. Prepare zucchini sauce while pasta is cooking.
Peel and mince garlic and grate zucchini.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, salt, pepper and minced garlic. Cook until mixture softens and zucchini yields some liquid, about 5 minutes.
Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta cooking liquid. Add 2 teaspoons cooking liquid to the zucchini mixture. Add drained pasta. Stir, coating pasta evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
Transfer pasta to large bowl for serving. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and toss to combine.
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Many seafood sellers are working to raise awareness about the need for sustainable, eco-friendly fishing and the importance of not purchasing seafood on the endangered list. However, it does have one downside: a glut of eco-labels that can make for confusion at the seafood counter. When you’re grocery shopping and you’ve forgotten your Monterey Bay Guide, look for these two labels: Marine Stewardship Council and Friend of the Sea. Fish and seafood with these labels came from certified sustainable and well-managed fisheries.
The Marine Stewardship Council’s standards for sustainable fishing meet the world’s toughest best practice guidelines. With their practices and diligent efforts, they are transforming the way seafood is sourced—and helping you get the best produce for you and the Earth.
Friend of the Sea is a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) working to conserve marine habitats. Products stamped with the Friend of the Sea logo come from sustainable seafood fisheries and aquaculture where the harvesting of seafood leaves no lasting impact or damage to the surrounding environment.
Types of Fish
1. Dark and oil rich: anchovies, bluefin tuna, grey mullet, herring, mackerel (Atlantic, Boston or King), Salmon, farmed or King (Chinook), sardines, skipjack tuna.
2. White, lean and firm: Alaska pollock, catfish, grouper, haddock, Pacific cod, Pacific halibut, Pacific rockfish, Pacific sand dab & sole, striped bass (wild and hybrid), swordfish.
3. Medium color and oil rich: amberjack, Arctic char, Coho salmon, Hawaiian kampachi, mahimahi, paddlefish, pompano, Sockeye Salmon, wahoo, yellowfin tuna.
4. White, lean and flaky: Atlantic croaker, black sea bass, branzino, flounder, rainbow smelt, red snapper, tilapia, rainbow trout, weakfish (sea trout), whiting.
5. White, firm and oil rich: Atlantic shad, albacore tuna, California white sea bass, Chilean sea bass, cobia, lake trout, lake whitefish, Pacific escolar, Pacific sablefish, white sturgeon.
Budget-conscious families can eat fish. The key is strategic shopping.
Your seafood seller can point you to budget buys or specials. Grocery stores sell large packs of individually wrapped, frozen fish fillets, usually at a rate discounted from fresh varieties. In-season, fresh varieties are also a good buy; you can enjoy them now and freeze some for later.
For top quality, look for “Frozen-at-Sea” (FAS)―fish that has been flash-frozen at extremely low temperatures in as little as three seconds onboard the ship. When thawed, sea-frozen fish are almost indistinguishable from fresh fish, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Frozen wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon is a good alternative when fresh wild salmon are out of season. Ask your seller for guidance when considering frozen options. Some processors use tripolyphosphates, a type of phosphate sodium preservative that increases moisture in frozen fish fillets (which are often defrosted for sale). The price may be lower, but you’re buying water and preservatives along with your fish.
Look for recipes that use less expensive varieties or smaller amounts of pricier seafood. Look for meaty heads, tails and trimmings of larger fish, like salmon, cod and halibut, which are often sold at bargain prices. Simmer or steam, pick off the meat and add to chowder and casseroles. (Don’t forget the cheek meat under the gills). Heads and trimmings are essential to making fish stock, which is more flavorful and lower in sodium that ready-made varieties. Use homemade fish stock in place of water or clam juice in your recipes.
If whole fish seem intimidating, try steak-cut or skin-on fillets. The bones and connective tissue of steak-cut fish, like salmon, cod and halibut help retain moisture and prevent shrinkage when cooked. For the same reasons, skin-on fillets are a better choice than skinless fillets. Since these options are less processed, they’re often less expensive.
How To make Good Seafood Choices
Choose a fish market with knowledgeable salespeople. Fish should be displayed attractively and surrounded by plenty of clean crushed ice.
The best approach to buying and eating fish is to aim for variety. Let freshness be your guide. It’s easy to substitute one fish for another, so if the mahimahi looks and smells fresher than the pompano, buy it instead.
When shopping, ask for your fish to be packed with a separate bag of crushed ice to keep it cold. Refrigerate whole fish up to two days; fillets and steaks one to two days. Place the fish in a plastic bag, then top with a zip-top plastic bag filled with ice. Thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator.
Farmed seafood, also called aquaculture, can provide high-quality fish, can be environmentally friendly and can be a way to supplement the supply of wild-caught fish.
Ways to Save
When local fish are in season, the price goes down and the quality goes up. Here is a simple guide to what is generally in season but you can also check your State Fish and Game website for additional information on fish from your region.
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/afreshapproach/whats-in-season.aspx
Try fish that you have not eaten before. If you live in the East, try Atlantic black sea bass and weakfish; in the Gulf states try amberjack and black drum; in the Great Lakes region try walleye and smelts and on the West Coast try Pacific sardines and sablefish (black cod).
Whole fish shrink less than fillets when cooking, giving you more value for your per-pound price. Whiting, croaker, porgy and Pacific rockfish can be great values. Also, consider summer flounder (sometimes called fluke), red snapper and farmed striped bass and Arctic char.
Canned fish is an excellent budget-friendly option. It can also be a nutritious one, particularly varieties like canned tuna and salmon that are low in sodium and rich in omega-3s. Keep them―along with flavorful sardines and anchovies―on hand for fish cakes and salads.
Save extra fish from the previous night’s dinner. Leftover fish works well in cold preparations like salads, sandwiches and wraps. Add leftovers to cooked pasta mixed with diced tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Panko Crusted Fish Sticks
Panko crumbs, or Japanese bread crumbs, are flake-like, coarsely ground bread crumbs used to make crisp, light fried foods and crumb toppings for casseroles. Here is a very simple and inexpensive way to make your own. FYI, these crumbs are also gluten-free.
- 3 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional seasonings, as desired
Place the Rice Chex cereal in a plastic bag. Use a rolling-pin to crush the cereal into coarse flakes. You can also pulse the cereal in a processor until it is the right consistency. Don’t overprocess. Season with salt and pepper and any herb blend that you like.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds catfish or tilapia fillets, halved lengthwise
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Directions
Heat the oven to 450º F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until foamy. Place the panko in a second shallow bowl and add the Italian seasoning.
Cut the fish pieces crosswise into finger size pieces. Dip each piece of fish in the egg mixture then coat in the panko crumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere; transfer to the baking pan. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Serve with a sauce of your choice.
Tilapia Piccata
4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked orzo (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3/4 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
Directions
Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pasta pot; stir in tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and flour in a large shallow dish. Dredge fish in the flour mixture. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish to the skillet; cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and is lightly browned. Remove fish from the pan; keep warm.
Add wine, juice and capers to the skillet; cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet; stir until butter melts. Pour sauce over the fish and serve with the orzo.
Cod Chowder
Great dinner for a cold, rainy night.
Ingredients
- 3 slices pork or turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice or 1 cup homemade fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound frozen cod, defrosted and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup half-and-half, warmed
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Heat a heavy soup pot over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and reserve, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the onion, celery, thyme and bay leaf to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, another 2 minutes.
Add the potatoes, broth and clam juice and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender yet still firm, 5 to 7 minutes.
Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the cod and corn. Do not stir. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover and allow the chowder to sit for 10 minutes (the fish will finish cooking during this time).
Return chowder to low heat and stir in the warmed half and half, gently to avoid breaking the fish into small pieces. Bring chowder to serving temperature over gentle heat, uncovered. Sprinkle reserved crisped bacon and parsley on top and serve with a side salad and cornbread.
Fish Kebabs
Stretch your fish dollars with kebabs. Add several vegetables to make this dish even more economical. Zucchini and different colored peppers are good additions.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds halibut or any fish fillet that is on sale, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut in eighths
- 3 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Weather permitting, you can grill the kebabs on an outdoor grill.
Place fish and bell pepper in a shallow dish. Combine the pesto with the vinegar and drizzle over the fish and vegetables; toss to coat. Let mixture stand 5 minutes.
Thread fish, onion and pepper alternately onto each of 4 (12-inch) skewers; sprinkle evenly with salt. Place skewers on a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Broil for 8 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, turning once.
Baked Trout Fillets
Trout is a fish that you’ll be able to buy at many markets without hurting your wallet. The flavor of trout is outstanding.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound trout fillets
- 1 cup (8 ounces) light sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Paprika
- Lemon wedges
Directions
Place fish in a greased shallow 3-qqart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, onion and salt; spread over fish. Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° F for 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges.
Related articles
- Seafood Watch (serves4.wordpress.com)
- Create delicious fish on the grill (diningtemecula.wordpress.com)
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/08/22/five-oven-baked-fish-dinners/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/11/30/fish-cakes-italian-style/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2014/01/06/eat-more-fish/
