Pork Piccata
Ingredients
1/3 cup flour
Salt & pepper
1 lb boneless center-cut loin pork chops, trimmed of all fat (about 3 pork chops-1/2 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons capers
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Cut each pork chop in half lengthwise to make 6 cutlets. Pound the cutlets thin between plastic wrap.
Place the flour in a shallow dish and add salt and pepper to taste. Dredge pork in the flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove pork from the pan. Reduce heat to medium.
Add shallots and garlic to the pan; cook 30 seconds. Stir in broth and lemon juice, scraping pan to loosen the browned bits. Stir in parsley, capers, and pepper; simmer 1 minute. Return pork to pan; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve pork in the sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf
Ingredients
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed several times
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 celery stalk chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, 2 minutes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Bring quinoa and broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low; cover; simmer until quinoa absorbs the liquid, about 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally until the onion begins to brown, about 6 minutes.
When the quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in onion, pine nuts, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tomato Salad With Burrata Cheese
For 2 servings
1 (8 to 10-ounce) ball of fresh burrata cheese
1 large tomato, preferably heirloom
Extra virgin olive oil
3 Fresh oregano stems with leaves removed
Sea salt or fleur de sel
Directions
Thinly slice the tomatoes and cut the cheese into pies. Place the tomatoes on a serving plate and top with the oregano leaves. Distribute the burrata over the tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes and burrata generously with olive oil and sprinkle with fleur de sel.
Whole grains generally are packed with nutrients and fiber, which aid in healthy digestion and weight management. These are the “good carbs” that help balance your diet and can fill you up.
Time-saving tip: cook extra grains and store portioned leftovers in the freezer — you’ll be ready when you need them for a recipe.
Farro And Chicken Chili
Farro is popular in Italy and, more recently, in North America and other European countries as well, for its roasted, nutty flavor and distinctive chewy texture. Farro’s tough husk makes it more difficult to process than other commercially produced grains, but that husk also helps protect the grain’s vital nutrients. With a higher fiber and protein content than common wheat, farro is also especially rich in magnesium and B vitamins. As a type of wheat, farro is unsuitable for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or a wheat sensitivity or allergy. As with all grains, pearled farro will take less time to cook.
6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-pearled farro
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups chopped onions (2 large)
- 2 cups chopped zucchini (2 small)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium)
- 1 fresh jalapeno chili pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped*
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Two 14 1/2 – ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
- One 14 1/2 – ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
- One 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
Directions
Rinse farro. In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups of water to boiling. Stir in farro. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until farro is tender. Drain off any excess water and discard.
In a large skillet bring 2 cups water to boiling. Add chicken breasts. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 12 minutes or until no longer pink (165 degrees F). Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a cutting board. Cool slightly. Coarsely dice the chicken. Set aside. Retain the chicken cooking water.
In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook onions, zucchini, carrots and chili pepper in hot oil about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste and the chicken cooking water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 20 minutes.
Stir in cooked farro and diced chicken. Cook and stir until heated through. Ladle chili into serving bowls. Top each serving with cheddar cheese.
Note* Chili peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes. When working with chili peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the peppers, wash your hands and nails well with soap and warm water.
Beef Steaks With Kasha Pilaf
Buckwheat Groats are soft white seeds with a mild flavor, but when toasted they develop a more intense flavor. Groats can be steam-cooked like rice for salads and side dishes or ground into fresh flour. Buckwheat flour makes delicious pancakes. Buckwheat groats are gluten-free seeds from a plant related to rhubarb. The outer husk is pulled away and the grain-like fruit is harvested and eaten. First cultivated in Southeast Asia thousands of years ago, kasha eventually took root in Eastern Europe, where it became a classic side dish. Buckwheat is very nutritious and provides a complete protein, including all the essential amino acids. Use buckwheat groats in any recipe that calls for whole grains. Be sure to purchase buckwheat groats that have been toasted.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup buckwheat groats
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (1 medium)
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup coarsely snipped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound beef tenderloin
- 1/4 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Directions
In a medium saucepan bring 1-1/2 cups water to boiling. Stir in buckwheat groats; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender (you should have about 2 cups of cooked groats). Set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or just until the onion begins to soften.
Drain cooked groats, if necessary. Add onion mixture to the cooked groats. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the cherries, basil, vinegar and salt.
Let stand at room temperature while you prepare the beef.
Cut beef crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. Evenly sprinkle beef pieces with the steak seasoning. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet; heat over medium heat.
Cook beef pieces in hot oil about 4 minutes or until medium (145 degrees F), turning once halfway through the cooking time.
Serve beef pieces over groats mixture. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Amaranth Biscuit Topped Stew
Amaranth is often popped like popcorn and mixed with honey, molasses or chocolate to make a popular treat in Mexico called “alegría” (meaning “joy”). Although amaranth derives its name from the Greek for “never-fading flower,” it is its highly nutritious seeds, not its vibrant red blooms, that are its most valuable asset. Like buckwheat and quinoa, amaranth is an especially high-quality source of plant protein including two essential amino acids, lysine and methionine. Amaranth is packed with iron and calcium and its fiber content is triple that of wheat. Amaranth is completely gluten-free and suitable for those with celiac disease. It is an especially digestible grain, making it a good choice for people recovering from illness.
8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole grain amaranth
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 pounds lean pork shoulder, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried sage, crushed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cubed sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
Directions
Place amaranth in a small bowl. Stir in 1 cup boiling water. Cover and let stand for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
Sprinkle pork with sage and toss to coat. In a large nonstick skillet brown pork in hot oil over medium-high heat. Transfer pork to the prepared baking dish.
Add mushrooms, onion and garlic to the same skillet. Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Stir in sweet potato cubes and 1 cup water. Bring to boiling.
In a small bowl stir together 1/4 cup cold water, the cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; stir into the mixture in the skillet. Cook and stir until mixture thickens.
Pour the mixture over the pork in the baking dish. (Sweet potatoes will not be done yet.) Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.
For the biscuits:
In a large bowl combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, thyme, black pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add soaked amaranth and any liquid remaining in the bowl. Stir until combined.
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop about ¼ cup of the biscuit dough into eight mounds on top of the stew.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of a biscuit comes out clean.
Quinoa Salmon Cakes
The quinoa plant is a relative of beets, spinach and Swiss chard, but we treat its seeds as we would a grain, preparing and eating them in much the same way. Available in light brown, red and even black varieties, quinoa is filling and has a mellow flavor. It is a good source of manganese, iron, copper, phosphorous, vitamin B2 and other essential minerals and has the highest protein content of any grain. It is especially high in lysine, an amino acid that is typically low in other grains. Quinoa’s protein is complete, containing all nine essential amino acids – a rarity in the plant kingdom. Quinoa is gluten-free and easy to digest.
While it’s best to rinse all grains before cooking, pre-washing is especially advisable for quinoa, in order to remove the bitter saponin coating on its outer hull that sometimes remains after processing. To do so, simply run cold water over quinoa in a fine-meshed strainer, rubbing the seeds with your fingers. (Avoid soaking quinoa, however, as saponins can leach into the seeds.)
After rinsing, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes, or until the grains become translucent and the germ appears as a thin white ring around each grain. This recipe will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa. Quinoa holds lots of water, so you have to make sure you drain it thoroughly after it’s cooked. Fluff with a fork.
6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 12 ounces cooked salmon or two 6 ounce pouches pink chunk salmon, drained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- 6 cups arugula
Lemon-Mustard Sauce
- 1 lemon, cut into thin wedges
- One 6 ounce carton plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Dash freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl stir together cooked quinoa, salmon, onion, 2 tablespoons chives and the garlic.
In a medium bowl stir together panko and lemon pepper seasoning; then add milk, eggs, egg whites and oil, stirring until combined. Add the panko mixture to the salmon mixture; stir until well mixed.
Generously coat twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray. Divide salmon-panko mixture evenly among the prepared cups, using a heaping 1/3 cup in each cup.
Bake about 25 minutes or until tops are golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of a cup registers 160 degrees F. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Divide arugula among six serving plates. Run a knife around the edges of each cup to loosen; remove cakes from muffin the cups. Arrange on top of the arugula. Serve with lemon wedges and the lemon mustard sauce.
For the lemon-mustard sauce:
Stir together yogurt, mustard, 1 tablespoon chives, the lemon juice and black pepper. Serve sauce with warm salmon cups.
Barley-Stuffed Red Bell Peppers
A staple of soups and stews, barley is the oldest known domesticated grain and comes in hulled and pearled varieties. Hulled barley is the true whole-grain form, with only the outermost hull removed, whereas pearled barley is polished to remove the bran layer and often the inner endosperm layer as well. Pearled barley is both easier to find and the type called for in most recipes. Barley is an excellent source of fiber (one cup cooked contains 13 grams); its insoluble fiber helps maintain large populations of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Additionally, barley has been shown to aid in regulating blood sugar after meals (more so than other grains) for up to 10 hours, Like wheat and rye, barley is a gluten grain and is therefore unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
If you cannot find quick cooking barley then combine 1 cup pearled barley and 3 cups water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 45-60 minutes.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2/3 cup quick-cooking barley
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 ounces)
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/3 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Several dashes of bottled hot pepper sauce
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium saucepan combine mushrooms, broth and barley. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until barley is tender; drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
Halve sweet peppers lengthwise; remove seeds and membranes.
In a medium bowl combine egg, tomato, 1/2 cup of the cheese, onion, zucchini, bread crumbs, basil, rosemary, onion salt and hot pepper sauce. Stir in cooked barley mixture.
Place peppers, cut sides up, in an ungreased 2-quart baking dish. Spoon barley mixture into peppers. Pour the barley cooking water around the peppers to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes or until barley mixture is heated through and the peppers are tender. Sprinkle each pepper with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 2 minutes more or until the cheese is melted.
The centerpiece of contemporary Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada is a huge meal, generally featuring a large roasted turkey. The majority of the dishes in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner are made from foods native to the New World. However, many of the classic traditions attributed to the first Thanksgiving are actually myths.
According to what is known about “The First Thanksgiving,” the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag at Plymouth Colony contained waterfowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin and squash. William Bradford (Plymouth Colony Governor) noted that, “besides waterfowl, there was a great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many.” There were definitely wild turkeys in the Plymouth area, however, the best existing account of the Pilgrims’ harvest feast comes from colonist, Edward Winslow, author of Mourt’s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. Winslow’s first-hand account included no explicit mention of turkey. He does, however, mention the Pilgrims gathering “wild fowl” for the meal, although that could just as likely have meant ducks or geese. Many of the foods that were included in the first feast (except for the seafood) have since gone on to become staples of the modern Thanksgiving dinner.
The White House Cookbook, 1887, by Mrs. F.L. Gillette, et al., had the following menu: oysters on the half shell, cream of chicken soup, fried smelts, sauce tartare, roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, baked squash, boiled onions, parsnip fritters, olives, chicken salad, venison pastry, pumpkin pie, mince-pie, Charlotte russe, almond ice cream, lemon jelly, hickory nut cake, cheese, fruit and coffee.
1943 Thanksgiving Dinner Aboard the Navy Ship U.S.S. Wake Island
Many other foods are typically served alongside the main dish—so many that, because of the amount of food, the Thanksgiving meal is sometimes served midday or early afternoon to make time for all the courses. Copious leftovers are also common. Many diners would say the meal is “incomplete” without cranberry sauce, stuffing or dressing and gravy. Other commonly served dishes include winter squash, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dumplings, noodles, corn on the cob or hominy grits, deviled eggs, green beans or green bean casserole, sauerkraut (among those in the Mid-Atlantic; especially Baltimore), peas and carrots, bread or rolls, cornbread (in the south and parts of New England) or biscuits, rutabagas, turnips and salad.
There are also regional differences, as to the type of stuffing or dressing traditionally served with the turkey. Southerners generally make their dressing from cornbread, while those in other parts of the country make stuffing from white, wheat or rye bread as the base. One or several of the following may be added to the dressing/stuffing: oysters, apples, chestnuts, raisins, celery and/or other vegetables, sausages or the turkey’s giblets. The traditional Canadian version has bread cubes, sage, onion and celery. Rice is also sometimes used instead of bread in some parts of Canada.
Other dishes reflect the regional or cultural background of those who have come together for the meal. For example, many African-Americans and Southerners serve baked macaroni and cheese and collard greens, along with chitterlings and sweet potato pie; while Italian-Americans often have lasagna on the table alongside the turkey and Ashkenazi Jews may serve noodle kugel, a sweet dessert pudding. Other Jewish families may consume foods commonly associated with Hanukkah, such as latkes or a sufganiyot (a type of jelly doughnut). It is not unheard of for Mexican Americans to serve their turkey with mole and roasted corn.
In Puerto Rico, the Thanksgiving meal is completed with arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) or arroz con maiz (rice with corn), pasteles (root tamales) stuffed with turkey, pumpkin-coconut crème caramel, corn bread with longaniza, potato salad, roasted white sweet potatoes and Spanish sparkling hard cider. Turkey in Puerto Rico is stuffed with mofongo (a fried plantain-based dish). Cuban-Americans traditionally serve the turkey alongside a small roasted pork and include white rice and black beans or kidney beans. Vegetarians or vegans have been known to serve alternative entrées, such as a large vegetable pie or a stuffed and baked pumpkin or tofu substitutes. Many Midwesterners (such as Minnesotans) of Norwegian or Scandinavian descent serve lefse (a soft, Norwegian flatbread) at their holiday meal.
So, if you are not a traditionalist, you may want to change things around a little and try some new sides for your holiday meal. Much of the preparation in the recipes below can be done ahead of time.
Creamy Farro Pilaf with Wild Mushrooms
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup farro
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- Coarse salt
- 12 ounces wild mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch slices
- Red-pepper chili flakes
- 1 bunch spinach (10 ounces), stemmed
- 1/4 cup crumbled Parmesan, plus more for serving
Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add farro, stirring until toasted, about 1 minute. Add wine and reduce by half. Add stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the farro is tender and creamy, 35 to 40 minutes. Season with salt and cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, heat the oven to 450 degrees F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss mushrooms with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and season with salt and red-pepper flakes. Roast, stirring once, until crisp and golden, about 20 minutes.
Re-warm the farro over medium heat and add the spinach, stirring until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in mushrooms and Parmesan. Serve with additional Parmesan.
Creamy White Bean and Vegetable Mash
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups cooked white beans, drained (equivalent to one 16-ounce can)
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, celery and carrot until translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add potatoes and white beans and cover with water by 2 inches. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water.
Mash vegetables (or put through a ricer), adding reserved cooking water to adjust consistency. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil before serving.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pistachios
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 4 small acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
- 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
- Pinch red-pepper chili flakes
Directions
Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Brush squash with 2 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast cut side down on two baking sheets until tender and caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring quinoa and 2 cups water to a boil in a small pot. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let cool, then fluff with a fork.
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, parsley, feta, pistachios, remaining 2 tablespoons oil and vinegar. Season with salt and red-pepper flakes. Fill the squash cavities and serve.
Sweet Potato-Ginger Spoon Bread
Serves 8
Ingredients
- Butter forthe baking dish
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, plus more for dusting the pan
- 2 small sweet potatoes (12 ounces), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk (1%)
- 2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish and dust with cornmeal.
Cook sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash until very smooth; let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer. Whisk in cornmeal in a thin stream. Cook, whisking constantly, until just thickened, 1 to 3 minutes; remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, stir together mashed sweet potatoes, cornmeal mixture, egg yolks, sugar, molasses, ginger and salt.
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold half of the egg whites into the cornmeal mixture. Very gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish, place on a baking sheet and bake until puffed and set, about 35 to 40 minutes.
Lemon-Garlic Brussels Sprouts
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Dash pepper
- 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 cooked bacon slices, crumbled
Directions
Cut an “X” in the core of each brussels sprout. Place in a shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle oil and lemon juice over the brussels sprouts; sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and pepper.
Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until tender, stirring once. Sprinkle with cheese and crumbled bacon.
Sausage consists of meat, cut into pieces or ground, that is stuffed into a casing along with other ingredients. Ingredients may include a starch filler, such as breadcrumbs, seasoning spices and sometimes vegetables. The meat may be from any animal, but most often is pork, beef or veal. More common today are sausages made from chicken and turkey. The lean meat-to-fat ratio is dependent upon the style of sausage. Speciality sausages with other ingredients, such as apple and leek, are also popular.
In some jurisdictions foods described as sausages must meet regulations governing their content. For example, in the United States, The Department of Agriculture specifies that the fat content of different defined types of pork sausage may not exceed 30% to 50% by weight. Italian sausage must be at least 85% meat. Most Italian sausage contains salt, pepper, fennel and/or anise and no more than 3% water. Optional ingredients permitted in Italian Sausages are spices (including paprika) and flavorings, red or green peppers, onions, garlic and parsley, sugar, dextrose and corn syrup. The italian Sausage i buy from Fortuna does not contain any preservatives or sweetners and is low in fat. See the post I wrote recently on this type of sausage.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture mandates that fresh sausage contain no sodium nitrite and/or potassium nitrite or nitrates. However, cured sausages normally contain one of these preservatives, which are suspected of contributing to cancer. Many people are allergic to nitrites and nitrates, as well as some fillers, such as soy, so beware of these ingredients in commercial cured varieties. Read the ingredients label. There are a number of brands available today without nitrates.
Cured varieties also contain high amounts of salt, necessary to the curing process, which could be a potential problem for those with high blood pressure.
Precooked chicken sausage is convenient. Keep a package or two on hand to accompany Sunday morning pancake breakfasts or to sauté with sliced peppers and onions for a quick weeknight dinner. Two brands that I like are Applegate Farms and Al Fresco. These companies also make excellent breakfast sausages.
Many traditional styles of sausage from Europe and Asia contain only meat, fat and flavorings. In the United Kingdom and other countries with English cuisine traditions, many sausages contain a significant proportion of bread and starch-based fillers, which may comprise 30% of the ingredients.The filler used in many sausages helps them to keep their shape as they are cooked. As the meat contracts in the heat, the filler expands and absorbs moisture and fat from the meat. Many nations and regions have their own characteristic sausages, using meats and other ingredients native to the region to create their traditional dishes.
There are a wide variety of different sausages available throughout the world, however, they all fall into just a few basic categories.
Typical Sausage Classifications
- Cooked sausages are made with fresh meats and then fully cooked. They are either eaten immediately after cooking or must be refrigerated. Examples include hot dogs, Braunschweig and liver sausage.
- Cooked smoked sausages are cooked and then smoked or smoke-cooked. They are eaten hot or cold, but need to be refrigerated. Examples include kielbasa and mortadella. Some are slow cooked while smoking, in which case, the process takes several days or longer.
- Fresh sausages are made from meats that have not been previously cured. They must be refrigerated and thoroughly cooked before eating. Examples include Boerewors, Italian pork sausage, siskonmakkara and breakfast sausage.
- Fresh smoked sausages are fresh sausages that are smoked and cured. They do not normally require refrigeration and do not require any further cooking before eating. Examples include Mettwurst and Teewurst which are meat preparations packed in sausage casing, but squeezed out of it to serve (just like any other spread from a tube).
- Dry sausages are cured sausages that are fermented and dried. Some are smoked, as well, at the beginning of the drying process. They are generally eaten cold and will keep for a long time. Examples include salami, Droë worst, Finnish meetvursti, Sucuk, Landjäger (smoked), Slim Jim and summer sausage.
- Bulk sausage refers to raw, ground, spiced meat, usually sold without any casing.
- Vegetarian sausages are made without meat. The ingredients are usually soy protein or tofu, with herbs and spices. Some vegetarian sausages are not necessarily vegan and may contain ingredients such as eggs.
Cooking Sausages
Unless you are cooking sausages in a casserole dish or in a sauce, the key to great-tasting fresh sausages that do not get dried out is this: simmer them in beer or water until partially cooked and then finish in the oven or on the grill or stove top.
Fall is a popular time of year to cook with sausage. Tailgating and heartier meals are perfect for this meat. To keep sausage recipes healthy be sure to buy sausages that are pure meat with no fillers and not too much fat or salt. Stretch the amount of sausage used with vegetables and hearty grains.
Roasted Brats with Apples and Butternut Squash
Serves 8 to 10
Great for busy weeknights. The apples and butternut squash in this recipe go well with bratwurst, but any mild sausage will work.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes
- 1 small red onion, halved and cut into thick slices
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 fresh (uncooked) bratwurst (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet, combine squash, apples, grapes and onion. Sprinkle with oil, caraway seeds, salt and pepper and toss to coat.
Arrange brats over the top. Roast until brats are browned and hot all the way through and the squash is very tender, about 35 minutes.
Vegetarian Sausage and Quinoa One-Pot Supper
Ingredients
- 12 ounces vegetarian sausage, cut into (1/2 inch) cubes
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped sage
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach leaves, lightly packed
Directions
In a large skillet with a cover, cook sausage, onions and sage over medium-high heat until just browned, about 10 minutes. Add cider, quinoa, cranberries, salt and 3/4 cup water and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits.
Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is just absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in kale, cover again and set aside off of the heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork and serve.
Chicken Sausage with Potatoes & Sauerkraut
The flavor of the dish will vary depending on what type of chicken sausage you choose. Roasted garlic or sweet apple sausage are best for this recipe. Opt for the crisp texture of refrigerated sauerkraut over canned. Serve with roasted carrots and some mustard to spread on the sausage.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 ounces (4 links) cooked chicken sausage, halved lengthwise and cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bay leaf
Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
Add potatoes, sauerkraut, wine, pepper, caraway seeds and bay leaf; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Mediterranean Penne with Italian Sausage
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small fennel bulb, quartered lengthwise, cored and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
- 1 lb whole wheat penne pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Directions
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the bell peppers, fennel bulb, onion, eggplant and garlic. Cook, stirring often, over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the fennel starts to soften. Add the sausage. Cook, breaking up the sausage with the back of a spoon, for 3 minutes, or until no longer pink.
Add the marinara sauce, fennel seeds and red-pepper flakes. Stir to mix. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta to the al dente stage. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Place the pasta in a serving bowl. Top with the sauce. Add the reserved cooking water and parmesan cheese. Mix well and serve.
Black Beans and Smoked Sausage
4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa or other smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium carrots, diced small
- 2 shallots, diced small
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Add carrots and shallots to the skillet and cook until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add black beans and broth and bring mixture to a boil. Add sausage, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until carrots are tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
Serve with hearty country bread.
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- Shrimp and Andouille Sausage w/ Grandma Maud’s Premium Black Beans and Rice and Cornbread (beatcancer2010.wordpress.com)
- Tortellini and Summer Sausage with Tomato Basil Vinaigrette (splendidrecipesandmore.com)
- Make your own sausage recipe (deafchefatlarge.com)
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
It All Starts with Crust
Whole-wheat flour. Forgo the traditional white-flour crust and make your own whole-wheat dough for some extra protein and fiber.
Tortillas. Rice and beans aren’t the only ingredients that can top a tortilla. Make your own whole-wheat tortilla for a perfect thin-crust alternative.
Pita bread. Pita pockets are the perfect size for a personal pizza and the whole-wheat variety adds an extra nutrition.
English muffins. With all the nooks and crannies, an English muffin pizza crust can toast up perfectly in the oven and are great for making mini-pizzas for a light lunch.
Matzo. Think of this as the ultimate thin-crust pizza. Super simple and super crispy.
Cauliflower. For a lighter option, forgo the extra carbs and turn cauliflower into a healthful, delicious pizza crust.
Zucchini. Similar to cauliflower, zucchini is easy to make into a lean, green, pizza crust.
Portobello. These mushrooms are a perfect bed for any pizza sauce and toppings.
Quinoa. This grain isn’t only great on top of salads or in soups. Cook up your own quinoa crust for a nutty, protein-packed alternative to classic pizza dough.
Leftover rice. Another use for that leftover rice from dinner last night. Add just a little flax-seed meal and Italian seasoning, and you’ve got an easy, inventive crust.
And Then There’s Some Crazy Toppings!
- Start with a whole-wheat crust, spread on a thin layer of goat cheese. Layer on some roasted beets and drizzle with oil. Bake until crispy and top with a handful of fresh arugula before serving. Drizzle with some high-quality balsamic vinegar.
- Toast a large tortilla until slightly crisp. Remove from oven and top with pumpkin puree, chicken sausage and kale.
- Start with a zucchini crust. Add pesto. Top with :broccoli or spinach or asparagus and sliced artichokes. Dollop with some pieces of fresh mozzarella and bake until crisp.
- On a whole-wheat crust, spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese. Bake until the cheese starts to brown. Top with sliced figs, grapes, strawberries and blueberries or any combination. Add a drizzle of honey.
- On a whole-wheat pita, spread a few tablespoons of fresh tomato sauce. Top with sautéed onions and peppers and sliced cooked sausage. Top with some mozzarella cheese and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. Bake a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Polenta Pizza Crust
Who says pizza has to be made from bread dough? Best of all, it’s gluten free!
Makes: one 11” x 14” rectangular crust
Ingredients
- 3½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups Polenta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped, fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the 3½ cups of water to a boil. Add the salt.
Slowly add the polenta to the boiling water and stir. Reduce the heat and continue stirring for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of oil and stir to incorporate. Add the chopped parsley, oregano and freshly ground black pepper (to taste). Stir to combine.
Remove the pan from the heat and prepare an 11×14 inch baking sheet by lining with parchment paper. Using a spatula (a silicone spatula works the best), spread the polenta evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Cover the pan and refrigerate for about an hour to set the polenta. You can also chill it overnight.
Once chilled, heat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until slightly crispy on top. Remove from the oven and apply pizza toppings of choice. Return to the oven just until the toppings are heated. Cut into serving pieces.
Whole Wheat Sandwich Pizza Dough
This pizza dough has a thick crust – more like focaccia. Top with prosciutto, figs and pesto for an unusual sandwich.
Makes: one 9×13” thick crust pizza
Ingredients
For the starter:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 package active dry yeast
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- Extra water
- Kosher salt
Directions
For the starter:
In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the 1 cup of warm water (about 115 degrees F). Let the mixture stand 5 minutes—it should start to foam and bubble a bit. Add flour and mix well. Cover and let it stand for about 1 hour.
Make the dough:
Add the remaining 1 cup water, oil and salt to the yeast mixture and mix together. You can use a standing mixer or food processor as well.
Add the bread and whole wheat flours and using the paddle attachment mix until smooth. Switch to the dough hook and knead the dough for 5-6 minutes. It shouldn’t be too sticky, but still slightly tacky. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise for 1½ hours.
Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly oiled 9×13 pan. Press the dough out to fit the pan and let it rise for 30 more minutes. After the 30 minutes, press the surface of the dough with your fingertips to make small depressions on the top. Apply toppings of choice or use the bread for sandwiches.
Bake the bread in an oven heated to 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 375 degrees F and bake for 20 minutes longer. If the top of the bread browns too quickly, cover it with some aluminum foil.
Sweet Potato Pizza Crust
Makes four 8” personal pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potato (about two medium sweet potatoes)
- 5 cups whole wheat flour (or use gluten-free flour as an alternative)
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup milk or nondairy milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Prepare the sweet potatoes:
Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Peel, dice, the sweet potatoes and then place them in the boiling water until soft.
Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Allow to cool. Add the milk, olive oil and salt and mix well.
In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and combine.
Dust hands with flour and gently knead the dough until it is well mixed. You may want to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface for more space. You can add a little more flour to reduce the stickiness of the dough, but not too much, as it should still be slightly sticky.
Separate into 4 equal parts and form into rounds. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and press one of the dough balls in the center. Press out from the middle of the ball, forming a flat, round disc (about 8 inches diameter). Repeat with remaining balls of dough.
Bake for 10 minutes. Add toppings of choice and return to the oven to bake for 10 more minutes.
Quinoa Pizza Crust
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa plus enough water to cover for soaking
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3-1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
Place the quinoa in a bowl and pour in enough water to cover the quinoa. Let it sit for about 8 hours to soak .
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Use a large 12-inch cast iron skillet or baking pan and brush with oil. Place in the oven to preheat.
Drain the quinoa, rinse and drain thoroughly. Place the quinoa in a blender. Add the 1/3 cup water and the seasonings and blend. Add more water as needed, until the batter resembles a thick pancake-style batter.
Once the oven reaches the set temperature, pour the batter into the skillet and quickly spread it out evenly across the bottom.
Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the underside is well-browned and starting to crisp. Use a large spatula and carefully flip the crust over. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and top with desired toppings. (Such as, tomato-based pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, sautéed mushrooms, onions, pork sausage or greens.)
As with any pizza, be careful not to overload on toppings or the crust will get soggy.
Return the pan to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the crust is well-browned on the bottom and crisp. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board or plate. Slice into serving pieces.
Zucchini Crust Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded (1 large) zucchini
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil or oregano
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup. grated fresh parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Dry zucchini well with clean paper towels. Shred the zucchini using a hand shredder, then take all the shredded pieces and squeeze out all the excess water in between two paper towels.
Combine the zucchini, flour, eggs, oil, herbs and the cheeses until well-blended.
Once the dough is fully formed, spread evenly to about 10 inches on a pizza pan covered with parchment paper, then bake in an oven pre-heated to 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until crispy.
Carefully turn the crust over with a wide spatula so the other side cooks as well. This will prevent sogginess. Bake for another 10-15 minutes
Once cooked, remove from the oven and add whatever toppings you choose (see below for ideas).
Turn the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Once topped, put the pan back in the oven for about 8 minutes until heated.
Some Topping Ideas Or Use Your Imagination:
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- 2-3 sautéed garlic cloves
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Thinly sliced bell peppers
- Thinly sliced potatoes sautéed with garlic
- Sliced olives
- Sliced onion
- Pesto
- Fresh Mozzarella or Italian Fontina cheese
Dear Readers: What is the most unusual pizza you have created or eaten?
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Cooking healthy doesn’t mean you suddenly start counting calories, checking your cholesterol or monitoring your sodium intake. It means making better food choices. More whole grains, less white flour; more leafy, hardy greens; more heritage-breed pork instead of plastic-wrapped supermarket meat; more sustainable fish and organic chicken. When we build our meals around these ingredients, we don’t think “health,” we think “delicious.” Celebrate what good food has always been about: the best possible ingredients, prepared well and consumed with portion restraint. For many of us, learning to develop healthy eating habits takes a little more discipline than it does for others. By making small changes with every meal, you can start developing healthier eating habits in no time.
Here are a few small steps that can lead to giant leaps for you and your family’s health.
Start by changing the “snack ratio” in the house. Slowly and gradually have more fruit and healthier choices around, rather than the typical, higher-calorie junk food. For instance, have three types of fruit (apples, oranges, grapes) to replace some of the small bags of chips or candy bars. Start replacing unhealthy snacks with alternative choices, such as oatmeal bars, granola bars or peanuts and yogurt.
Easy snacks:
- Toss sliced apples, berries, bananas and a tablespoon or two of whole-grain cereal on top of fat-free or low-fat yogurt.
- Put a slice of low-fat cheese on top of whole-grain crackers.
- Make a whole-wheat pita pocket with hummus, lettuce, tomato and cucumber.
- Pop some low-fat popcorn.
- Microwave or toast a soft whole grain tortilla with low-fat cheese and sliced peppers and mushrooms to make a mini-burrito or quesadilla.
- Drink fat-free or low-fat chocolate milk (blend it with a banana or strawberries and some ice for a smoothie).
When shopping at the grocery store, spend more of your time in the outer aisles. That’s where you’ll find the healthier foods, such as fresh fruits, fish and vegetables, which are naturally lower in fat and cholesterol and do not have added sugar, salt and other preservatives that add on the pounds.
A better choice because these chips contain just corn, oil and salt and less than 150 calories per serving.
Begin reading the labels of the foods that you eat. Foods that are labeled “low in fat,” or “light,” are not always the healthiest choice. Many times, if a product is lower in fat, it may be higher in sodium, or, if it’s lower in sugar, it may be high in fat. Read the “Nutrition Facts” chart on the back of the box, can or bag, so you know what you are eating. Reading the label of every food item while you’re shopping is not easy. A better way to start is with your favorite packaged foods and snacks at home. Notice the differences in the amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, sugar and calories per serving between the different foods that you have in your pantry. The next step is to slowly begin making adjustments in your shopping choices by looking for alternatives with fewer calories, sodium and fats.
Don’t get caught up in the calories. Instead look at the portions and calories per serving. Most consumers read the number of calories and assume that’s the number of calories for the entire package, rather than the number of calories per serving – buyer beware.
| 20 Years Ago | Today | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portion | Calories | Portion | Calories | |
| Bagel | 3” diameter | 140 | 6” diameter | 350 |
| Cheeseburger | 1 | 333 | 1 | 590 |
| Spaghetti w/meatballs |
1 cup sauce 3 small meatballs |
500 | 2 cups sauce 3 large meatballs |
1,020 |
| Soda | 6.5 ounces | 82 | 20 ounces | 250 |
| Blueberry muffin |
1.5 ounces | 210 | 5 ounces | 500 |
Develop a healthy habit of selecting sensible-sized food portions. If your plate has a serving of rice that can’t fit into the cupped palm of your hand, then, in most cases, the amount of food you’ve chosen is too much. Using this “cup of your hand” technique is a good way to mentally measure the amounts of foods that go onto your plate. Some people use the size of their fist as a measurement. The size of your fist, or a cupped hand, is about the same size of one measuring cup. You can also use the Healthy Eating Plate pictured at the top of this post as a guide to portion control.
Retrain your taste buds and attitude toward better food choices. The natural sweetness of an orange or apple can’t compete with the sugary taste of a candy bar. You can retrain your palate to like foods that are good for you. Eat more fruits and vegetables as snacks or as replacements for some of the fats that you would tend to add onto your lunch tray or dinner plate and your taste buds will get used to it.
The more color on your plate, the better. Not only does this keep things interesting and exciting for you and your taste buds, but it’s healthier. The nutrients that create the different colors in our fruit and vegetables, represent different nutrients for your body. Feed your body as many varieties as possible. The fight against the common cold, cancers and other illnesses can be prevented by having variety in your diet. Don’t skip meals (especially breakfast). Skipping meals, or starving your body will cause it to go into a starvation mode – it will start to hold on to fat rather than burn it. In fact, allow yourself to snack a little more, just make them healthy snacks. Your metabolism will actually pick up steam and start to burn more of what you’re giving it – especially with an accompanying daily exercise program.
Basic alternatives to fattening foods.
- Choose mustard instead of mayo (mustard naturally has less calories/fat).
- Choose brown rice, whole wheat, rye or oat bread over white bread (brown foods don’t have extra fats added to them to change their color).
- Choose the white meat of turkey or chicken over dark meat, red meat or pork (most of our fat intake comes from animal fat; white meat contains less fat).
- Choose baked or broiled instead of fried, battered or breaded.
- Choose water over juice and soda. Some juices contain just as many carbs and calories as a small bag of potato chips. Try slowly weaning yourself off caffeinated soda with tea or water – have two glasses of water or cups of tea for every can of soda you drink. (Also, don’t drink your calories – those 100 calories of juice could be two pieces of fruit or a cereal bar, a more filling feeling for you and your stomach.)
- Choose low-calorie sauces and ask to have sauces and dressings served on the side when dining at a restaurant. (Usually more sauce is poured on than is needed. Dip your fork into the sauce, then dip your fork into the food. This will give you the flavor with every bite, but without the extra, unnecessary fat.)
- Choose fat-free milk and skim milk cheese, as opposed to whole milk (again, most of our fat intake comes from animal fat).
- Choose vegetables as side orders over fries and chips. Oven roasted or stir fried veggies are preferable over creamed veggies (vegetables naturally carry less fat).
- Choose to pack fruit and nuts to hold you over to the next meal, rather than opting for fast food or snacks from a vending machine. Fruit snacks will help you get to the next meal without the extra fat intake). Fruits like bananas and oranges are convenient and have their own protective packaging.
Italian Sausage Soup
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for easy reheating. If you use a slow cooker, combine everything together except the cabbage, kale, beans and tomatoes; add those during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. Serve with rustic bread.
10 servings
Ingredient
- 1 (20-ounce) package pre-cooked, all-natural Italian chicken or turkey sausage, sliced diagonally
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 stalk celery with leaves, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups low-sodium stock or broth (chicken, beef, or a mixture)
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cubed potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup peeled, chopped carrots
- 1 small fennel bulb, chopped (about 7 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried fennel seed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 3 cups thinly sliced kale leaves, tough center stems removed
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil leaves
Directions
Brown sausage in a Dutch oven or large saucepan for 5 minutes. Add onion, celery and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes more. Drain off any fat in the pot.
Add stock or broth, potatoes, carrots, fennel, fennel seed, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 35-40 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender.
Stir in cabbage, kale, beans and tomatoes. Return to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10-15 minutes more. Ladle into bowls and serve with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and crusty bread.
Quinoa-Stuffed Winter Squash
This vegetarian dish can be prepared up to three hours ahead and reheated just before serving time.
8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 small acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 tablespoon sea salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice, divided
- 1 red onion, cut in 1/4-inch dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place halves, cut side down, in a lightly greased, large baking dish. Bake for 35 minutes, until just tender.
Turn cut side up, brush each half with olive oil and place 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable broth into each of the eight cavities. Season tops with ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon allspice. Return squash to the oven and bake until browned on the edges, another 5–10 minutes. Remove from oven and drain any broth from the squash into a bowl with the unused broth. Set baking dish and bowl with broth aside.
Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over high heat and add onions. Stir until they begin to soften and then reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic, cranberries, remaining salt, pepper and allspice. Cook, stirring often, for another 5–10 minutes, until the onions are tender. Add cooked quinoa and reserved broth; mix well.
Remove saucepan from the heat and stir in nuts, mint, parsley and salt to taste. Divide mixture among squash halves. Return to the oven and warm through.
Chicken and Gnocchi with Squash Sauce
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 small acorn (or butternut) squash, halved and seeded
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons low fat milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Tiny whole sage leaves
- Grated nutmeg
Directions
Prepare gnocchi according to package directions. Drain. Cover and keep warm.
While the gnocchi are cooking, place squash, cut sides down in a microwave-safe baking dish with 2 tablespoons water. Cook in the microwave, covered, on high (100 percent power) 7 to 10 minutes; rearrange once. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
Sprinkle chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. In large skillet cook chicken in 1 tablespoon hot oil over medium heat 4 minutes on each side, until no longer pink. Remove; cover, keep warm.
Scrape flesh from the squash; mash. Transfer to the hot skillet where the chicken was cooked; stir in broth and chopped sage. Bring to boiling; simmer 1 minute. Stir in milk. Add gnocchi and stir carefully.
Spoon gnocchi with sauce into 4 serving bowls. Top with chicken and sprinkle each with Parmesan cheese, sage leaves and nutmeg.
Creamy Spinach Lasagna
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/4 cups chopped onion (about 2 medium)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 ounces)
- 3 cups reduced-fat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 (26-ounce) jar or 3 ½ cups homemade marinara sauce
- Cooking spray
- 12 cooked whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Heat oil in a large skillet with a cover over medium heat. Add onion; cook 10 minutes or until onion is browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and spinach. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 3 minutes or until spinach is tender. Set aside.
Combine flour, milk, salt, black pepper and red pepper in a small saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add 2 cups of the milk mixture to the spinach mixture. Cover remaining milk mixture and set aside.
Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce; top with half of the spinach mixture.
Top with 3 lasagna noodles, 1 cup marinara sauce and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Layer 3 more lasagna noodles, remaining spinach mixture and remaining 3 lasagna noodles.
Top with remaining marinara sauce. Pour reserved milk mixture over the top and sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese.
Bake at 375° for 50 minutes or until lasagna is browned on top. Garnish with parsley.
Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits
2 Servings (recipe is easily doubled)
Ingredients
- 1/4 ounce ladyfingers, cubed (6 halves)
- 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
- 1/4 cup light dairy sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup frozen raspberries, defrosted
- Fresh mint sprigs and additional raspberries for garnish
Directions
Divide half of the ladyfinger cubes between two 5- to 6-ounce dessert dishes. Drizzle ladyfinger cubes with half of the espresso. Set aside.
In a medium bowl stir cream cheese to soften. Stir in sour cream, sugar and vanilla. (Beat smooth with a wire whisk, if necessary.) Stir in the defrosted raspberries with a spoon, mashing slightly.
Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the ladyfinger cubes. Add remaining ladyfingers and drizzle with remaining espresso.
Top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill for 1 to 24 hours. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and a few raspberries before serving.
Related articles
- How to Eat Healthy (nutritionwithbite.wordpress.com)
- 13 Keys to a Healthy Diet (ressurectionaphtharsia.wordpress.com)
- Small Changes = Big Change (mindbodyhealthytips.wordpress.com)
- 10 Tips to Cut Back on Salt and Sodium (herbalwrap4u.wordpress.com)
- Smart Food Swaps for a Healthier 2014 (freshwaddabrooks.com)
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2013/06/25/eating-like-a-mediterranean/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2013/01/07/healthy-weekday-meals-to-kick-off-the-new-year/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/09/06/healthy-hurry-up-meals/
Quinoa is a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids. It’s light and fluffy in texture but has that whole grain ability to fill people up.
The quinoa plant is native to the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia and Chile on the continent of South America. There are many different types of quinoa, including wild quinoa which is still grown today. While wild quinoa has been cultivated as a crop in some areas, it is considered a weed in others. The quinoa we eat today has been cultivated in South America for around 5000 years. Archeological evidence suggests that some of the wilder forms of quinoa were also cultivated in this same region as long ago as 9,000 years.
Cultivating Quinoa
In the 16th century, when the Spanish invaded the Andes region, the Incas were forced into submission and the cultivation and consumption of quinoa was banned due to its association with non- Christian ceremonies. The Incas were forced to grow corn and potatoes instead, but some wild quinoa continued to grow and a small amount was able to be cultivated. So in secret, quinoa survived.
Quinoa was imported into the US in the 1970’s and has seen an increase in popularity in western cultures, particularly in the last 5 years. While quinoa is now commercially grown in some other areas of the world, the majority still comes from the same South American regions that it originated from.
Quinoa is generally available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Whether purchasing quinoa in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture. When deciding upon the amount to purchase, remember that quinoa expands during the cooking process to several times its original size. If you cannot find it in your local supermarket, look for it at natural foods stores, which usually carry it.
The most common type of quinoa you will find in the store has an off-white color but red and black quinoa are becoming more available.
Store quinoa in an airtight container. It will keep for a longer period of time, approximately three to six months, if stored in the refrigerator.
Quinoa has a coating on it called saponin that is very bitter. Place the quinoa in a fine strainer and run it under cold water for a few minutes before placing it in boiling water.
Quinoa has a light, fluffy texture when cooked. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it a great alternative to white rice or couscous. Quinoa cooks quickly, so it adds an element of ease to any recipe. This is not typically a grain used by Italian cooks, but it provides much nutritional value and flavor when added to Italian flavored soups.
How To Cook Quinoa
Makes about 4 cups
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Method: Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve until water runs clear, drain and transfer to a medium pot. Add water and salt and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside, off the heat, for 5 minutes; uncover and fluff with a fork.
Italian Style Quinoa
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery, chopped
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped and loosely packed
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Directions:
Cook quinoa according to package (usually takes about 10-15 minutes).
While quinoa is cooking heat oil over low/medium in separate pan.
Add diced onion, tomato, celery, green pepper and cook until soft, approximately 10 minutes, stirring often.
Add tomato paste and garlic, stir to combine all ingredients, cook two minutes.
Add basil and oregano, stir to combine, and cook for two more minutes.
Once quinoa is done cooking combine the vegetables mixture with the quinoa and mix well.
Garnish with fresh Italian parsley and serve warm.
Lentil Quinoa Salad
4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 1/4 cups water, plus 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon, zested
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Put the quinoa in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a large microwave-proof bowl with a cover, add the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water. Cover and microwave on high for 9 minutes. Let it sit for 2 minutes then stir. Quinoa should be tender enough to eat, but with a little bite.
Put the lentils in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a saucepan, simmer the lentils in 2 cups water until the lentils are tender, but not mushy, about 25-30 minutes. Drain and cool.
In a small bowl, whisk the mustard and vinegar together. Drizzle in the oil to make an emulsion. Add the garlic powder, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
To assemble the salad:
Mix the quinoa, lentils, green onions, tomatoes. olives and chopped mint. Top the salad with the dressing, toss to coat and serve.
Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients:
- 3-4 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 links turkey Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1/2 Vidalia onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup fresh plum tomatoes, chopped
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme and oregano, leaves removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa, cooked
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino-Romano cheese plus more for topping
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut a slice off the side of the zucchini to create a large boat. Scoop out the inside of the squash leaving a shell and bake the shell in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Dice the scooped out zucchini to use in the filling.
While the zucchini shells bake, brown the turkey sausage in olive oil over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Add the onions, garlic, tomatoes and diced zucchini. Cook until softened (about 5-10 minutes).
Add the herbs, quinoa and broth and cook for a few more minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in the cheese and salt and pepper.
Removes the shells from the oven and stuff them all as full as possible with the sausage mixture.
Sprinkle with additional Pecorino-Romano cheese and return to oven to bake for at least another 20 minutes or longer depending on the size of the zucchini boats.
Wild Mushroom Quinotto
Serves 2 as a main course, 4 as a side dish or appetizer
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 3 cups warm low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and the liquid used to rehydrate porcini mushrooms
- 1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, broken into small pieces and rehydrated (see Step 1)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cleaned fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, porcini, chanterelles, etc.) sliced or cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 3 to 4 tablespoons sour cream
- A grating of fresh nutmeg
- Several leaves fresh basil, shredded
Directions:
1. To rehydrate porcinis: cover in boiling water and let soften 20-30 minutes; or you can boil them for about 5 minutes to rehydrate faster. Save the liquid to add to the broth for cooking the quinoa, but make sure to strain the liquid through a coffee filter to remove any sand or residue.
2. In a heavy nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat, lightly toast the quinoa until slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of the liquid, stirring as you go. Add the rehydrated porcini mushrooms and stir frequently.
3. When the liquid has been absorbed by the grains, add more of the liquid a little at a time, continuing until the grains have absorbed it all and are tender but al dente, about 15-25 minutes total.
4. In a saute pan melt butter over medium-high heat and add the fresh mushrooms and the onion ,cooking until lightly browned and softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic about halfway through.
5. Add the mushroom mixture, sour cream and nutmeg; to the quinoa, cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork, garnish with the basil and serve.
Quinoa Pasta
Try this pasta with your favorite spaghetti sauce and meatballs. It is also great with basil pesto sauce.
Quinoa Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
Makes 4 servings
1 lb. quinoa spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1/2 lb. Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-6oz. can tomato paste
- 2 26-oz containers Pomi chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and the turkey sausage and cook until no longer pink. Add the onion and cook until softened, 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, another 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, red pepper flakes, and oregano and stir to combine well. Simmer until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the quinoa spaghetti according to package directions. Do not overcook. Drain and set aside.
To serve, toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and place in a large serving bowl. Garnish with sprigs of fresh basil. Serve with crusty Italian bread and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the side.
Related articles
- Quinoa 101 (foodophilic.wordpress.com)
- Quinoa Tabbouleh (gourmetonthegoblog.com)
- If Emma Stone Were A Bowl Of Quinoa (dinnerbysusan.wordpress.com)
- quinoa and salad (bigdawgeats.wordpress.com)
- My Very Famous (Quinoa) Recipe (healthandwellnesswarrior.com)
- Beet and Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad (truefoodlove.wordpress.com)
- Quinoa, Spinach + Mushroom Meatballs (blissfulbasil.com)
- Asparagus and Red Quinoa Salad (thrivingwithout.com)
- I LOVE Quinoa!! (nufflovecreations.wordpress.com)
- The magic quinoa (celinebjercke.com)
Hit the market and it sure seems like everyone is cooking for a crowd. Everything seems to be in such large packages.
In reality, there are a lot more folks cooking for one or two than you might think. There are, of course, those seniors and empty nesters but there are also the newlyweds, the college kids, the single parent and child and other young professionals.
It does take a bit of organization to make cooking for two a pleasurable experience. With some organization, you won’t find yourself eating goulash leftovers for an entire week.
Here are some organizing ideas for cooking for just two.
- Purchase a supply of freezer bags, plastic wrap, foil, freezer dishes, freezer labels and a permanent marker. This way you can be prepared for those too-large-for-you portions.
- Sure you think you’ll remember but, once frozen, it is often hard to tell which dish is which. Use your marker to write on the foil or bag or use stick on labels. Adding the cooking temperature and time will save you from looking it up later.
- Perhaps your recipe needs only half of a can. Place the remaining half of the can in a small freezer bag or container, label and freeze for another day or use.
- Most recipes seem to serve four, six or eight. However, you don’t need to divide the recipe in two. This often results in less than satisfactory results. Instead, prepare the dish but divide it in two. Have half for dinner and place half in the freezer.
- Individual casserole dishes are a great gift for you. Dishes, such as lasagna, chicken tetrazzini and tuna casserole, can be prepared and divided among small casseroles. Freeze the extras and pull out one or two, as needed, on a busy night.
- Shop in smaller quantities. When cooking for two, the big box discount stores are probably not your friend. You’ll surely tire of the five pounds of anything before it is consumed. You might think you are saving money but, if you end up wasting some of what you bought, then you haven’t saved anything.
- Continue to buy the meat you enjoy but divide the package into smaller portions and place some in the freezer. When buying something larger, like a roast, you can ask at the meat counter for them to split into two pieces for you.
- Purchase frozen vegetables in plastic bags. This allows you to pour out just the right serving for two and reseal the bag to preserve the rest.
- For dry goods, such as pastas, beans and rice, use what you need and then reseal the container. Sometimes, you can just place the entire box in a quart or gallon plastic bag and zip it shut to keep it fresh.
- Desserts for two pose a special challenge. While you can make a whole cake or pie, you might not want to be tempted by having the entire cake on that kitchen counter. Turn that cake recipe into cupcakes, freezing some of them. Turn the pie recipe into tarts. Look for dessert mixes that make an 8 x 8-inch size pan rather than a 9 x 13-inch pan. When making desserts, such as brownies or cookies, divide them into individual portions and wrap them separately.
- When making a casserole that calls for half-cup of green pepper or a few ribs of celery, head to the salad bar. Instead of an entire head of celery going bad in the refrigerator drawer, you can scoop up just the portion you need.
- If you have trouble using fresh produce before it can go bad, try some of the fresh produce bags, sometimes marketed as “green” bags. These extend the life of produce.
Here are some menus to get you started and these recipes are designed for two.
Menu One
Seared Scallops with Mint Pesto
2 Servings
Serving Size: 3 scallops, 1/4 cup pesto, 1/2 cup spinach
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh mint
- 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons almonds, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 sea scallops (8 to 10 ounces total)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Directions:
For pesto::
In a food processor, combine mint, parsley, almonds, Parmesan cheese, the water, lemon juice, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper. Cover and process until nearly smooth. Set aside.
Rinse scallops and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle scallops with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add scallops; cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until scallops are opaque, turning once halfway through cooking.
Serve scallops and pesto over spinach.
Roasted Beets and Shallots
2 servings
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces trimmed red and/or yellow small beets, quartered
- 2 small shallots, chopped
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Dash ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon snipped fresh sage or tarragon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Arrange beets and shallots in a single layer in a 2-quart square baking dish. Drizzle with oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cover with foil and roast for 20 minutes. Uncover and roast for 10 to 15 minutes more or until beets are tender. Cool completely. Peel the beets. Drizzle beets and shallots with lemon juice; sprinkle with sage.
Apple-Cranberry Cobbler
2 servings
Ingredients:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 small apples (such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp), cored, quartered, and thinly sliced (1-1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons low-fat granola without raisins
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat two 6-ounce custard cups or other 6-ounce oven-safe dishes with nonstick spray; set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together apple slices, cranberries, honey, the water, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Divide mixture between prepared custard cups. Cover cups with foil.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove foil and top with granola. Bake, uncovered, about 5 minutes more or until granola is lightly browned.
Menu Two
Grilled Fish with Pepper Salsa
2 Servings
Serving Size: 1 fish steak and 2/3 cup salsa each
Ingredients:
- 2-5 ounce fresh or frozen fish steaks, cut 3/4- to 1-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped, seeded tomato
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow or orange bell pepper
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons snipped fresh mint
- Lemon wedges
Directions
Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish.
In a small bowl, combine crushed fennel seeds, the lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, 1/8 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper and the salt. Pour over fish in bag; turn to coat fish. Seal bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, turning bag occasionally.
Meanwhile, for salsa:
In a small bowl, combine tomato, bell pepper, green onion, mint, and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Set aside.
Drain fish, discarding marinade. For a charcoal grill, grill fish on the greased rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 6 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, gently turning once halfway through grilling.
For a gas grill, preheat grill . Reduce heat to medium. Place fish on greased grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.
You can also use a preheated stove top grill or grill pan; follow directions above.
Serve fish topped with salsa mixture and lemon wedges.
Quinoa
2 Servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup chopped seeded cucumber
- 1 large green onion, thinly sliced, or 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
Directions:
In a small nonstick saucepan, cook quinoa and garlic in hot oil over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in cucumber, green onion, and snipped basil.
Berry Cheesecake Dessert
2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fat-free cream cheese
- 1/4 cup skim ricotta cheese
- 4 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
- 2 teaspoons orange juice
- 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries
- 2 gingersnaps or chocolate wafers, broken
Directions:
In a blender container or food processor bowl combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, orange peel and orange juice. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
To serve, spoon the fruit into two dessert dishes. Top with the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with the broken cookies
Menu Three
Wine-Glazed Steak
2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick (8 to 10 ounces total)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Trim fat from steak; cut steak into two equal portions. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add steaks. Reduce heat to medium; cook for 10 to 13 minutes or until desired temperature (145 degrees F for medium-rare or 160 degrees F. for medium), turning steaks occasionally. If steaks brown too quickly, reduce heat to medium-low. Transfer steaks two dinner plates; keep warm.
Add mushrooms, garlic, and crushed red pepper to skillet; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Carefully add wine. Return to heat. Boil gently, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until most of the liquid is evaporated. Add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and honey; return to simmering. Cook and stir about 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Spoon over steaks.
Roasted Carrots
2 Servings
Ingredients:
- 6-8 slender carrots, trimmed, scrubbed
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoons honey
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange carrots in single layer in a small baking pan. Add olive oil and orange peel; sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss. Pour orange juice over; cover tightly with foil. Roast until crisp-tender, about 20 minutes. Remove foil. Increase oven to 450°F. Drizzle honey over carrots. Roast uncovered until carrots are tender and browned in spots, about 10 minutes longer. Divide carrots and transfer them and any juices to the dinner plates with the steak.
Cucumber Radish Slaw
2 Servings
Serving Size: 3/4 cup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute equivalent to 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- Dash salt
- Dash ground black pepper
- 1/4 of a medium English cucumber, thinly sliced (1 cup)
- 1/2 cup radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1/4 of a medium red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Add cucumber, radishes, sweet pepper, and green onion. Toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 2 hours.
Roasted Mangoes with Brown Sugar Topping
2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 medium ripe mango, halved lengthwise and pitted
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoons flaked coconut
- 1 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel
- 1 teaspoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
Directions:
Place mango halves in a small baking dish. Combine brown sugar, coconut, orange peel, and crystallized ginger in a small mixing bowl. Sprinkle over mango halves.
Bake in a 425 degree F. oven about 10 minutes or until mangoes are hot, and topping just begins to brown.
Vegetarian Entree Option
Substitute this entree for any of the entrees above.
Spicy Black Bean Burgers
2 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 15- to 16-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons plus extra salsa, recipe below
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 2 whole wheat hamburger buns, optional
Directions:
Using a fork, mash half of the beans in medium bowl. Mix the remaining beans, onion, carrot, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons salsa, oregano and hot pepper sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Using moistened hands, shape bean mixture into two 3- to 4-inch-diameter patties.
Preheat broiler. Brush broiler rack or pan with oil. Broil burgers until heated through, about 3 minutes per side.. Spoon 1/4 cup salsa over each. Serve in a hamburger bun, if desired.
Homemade Tomato Salsa
Makes 3 cups
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sized fresh tomatoes (from 1 lb to 1 1/4 lb), stems removed, finely diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced
- 1 serano chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced
- Juice of one lime
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Directions:
Chop 2 medium sized fresh tomatoes. Prepare the chilies. Be very careful while handling these hot peppers. If you can, avoid touching them with your hands. Use surgical gloves or a paper towel to protect your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after handling and avoid touching your eyes for several hours. Set aside some of the seeds from the peppers. If the salsa isn’t hot enough, you can add a few for heat.
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Taste. If the chilies make the salsa too hot, add some more chopped tomato. If not hot enough, carefully add a few of the seeds from the chilies and the oregano
Let sit for an hour for the flavors to combine.
Related articles
- Can I freeze that? (starttobehealthynow.wordpress.com)
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/06/20/dinner-for-one-or-two/
- What Should I Do With The Leftovers ? (jovinacooksitalian.com)
