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Showing posts from April, 2010

04-30 Lingonberry jam breadcake

This cake is baked in a loaf pan. In large mixing bowl, cream until fluffy: 1/2 c unsalted butter, room temperature 1 c sugar 2 eggs In separate bowl, combine: 1 1/2 c flour 1 t ground cardamom 1/2 t ground cinnamon 1/2 t ground ginger 1 t baking powder 1/4 t baking soda 1/4 t salt In small bowl, combine: 1/2 c sour cream 1/2 c lingonberry jam Mix dry ingredients and jam mix into butter mixture. Pour into loaf pan. Bake 55-60 minutes.

04-29 Citrus Muffins

Line your muffin tin with cups or nonstick spray. Stir together: 1 c flour 1/2 c whole wheat flour 1 t baking powder 1/4 t baking soda 1/4 t salt Make well in the center of flour mix and add in: 1 beaten egg 1/2 c agave nectar 1/2 -1 t orange or lemon zest 1/4- 1/2 c lemon juice 1/4 c unsalted butter, melted Stir until dough is moist and fill muffin cups 3/4 full Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes I like my citrus flavors strong so I use the larger amounts of juice and zest but if you like them subtle, use the smaller amounts.

04-28 Sopa Tortilla Gringa

This tortilla soup is SO easy! Makes about 8-10 servings. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker. about 4 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed or 2 cans cooked chicken 6 c chicken broth 1 onion, chopped or 2 T dried onion 1 can kidney beans, drained 1 can pinto beans, drained 1 can black beans, drained 1/2 package frozen corn or 1 can corn 3-4 tomatoes, chopped or 1 can tomatoes, chopped 2-3 T taco seasoning (see 04-26) or 1 envelope taco seasoning 1 envelope ranch dressing mix (look for the no MSG brand) Cook on med-lo until heated through about 20-30 minutes Or on low setting in slow cooker for about 3 hours Serve with fresh cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips ...etc.

04-27 Quick Macaroni and Cheese

It would seem "un-American" to not have a mac and cheese recipe on here. There are MANY recipes out there but this one doesn't have to be baked. It is also very forgiving about which kinds of cheeses are used. I acknowledge the only thing healthy it has going for it is that it isn't out of a box! So when the craving hits, you can always add a fresh salad . Prepare desired amount of pasta - 1/2 - 1 lb for this recipe in salted boiling water (small shapes like elbow, shell or rigatini work best) Melt in saucepan: 2 T butter Whisk in: 2 T flour When roux is formed, whisk in slowly: 1 c milk , hot Over medium heat, warm one minute, then add: for extra creaminess add: 4 oz cream cheese/Neufchatel here (opt) 2 t Dijon mustard (opt) 1/2 t pepper 8 oz grated cheese: 1/2 sharp cheddar and one or two of Fontina, Gruyere, Jack, Dubliner, or Asiago. (you should experiment and see which combination you like best) Stir until cheeses are melted and sauce

04-26 Taco Seasoning

This is useful for seasoning meats and beans for use in Mexican-American foods. I use it frequently for the chicken and beans I use in enchiladas. Mix: 1 T chili powder 2 t onion powder 1 t cumin 1 t oregano 1 t garlic powder 1 t sugar 1 t paprika 1/2 t salt Store tightly sealed. Use about 1 Tablespoon per 1 pound of meat.

04-25 Belgian Waffles

FYI - I have never tried this recipe on a regular waffle iron. This is a great basic waffle recipe and goes well with a variety of toppings. There are two variations at the end for coconut or chocolate. Beat until thick: 3 eggs Beat into: 1 c milk 1/2 c butter, melted In separate bowl: 1 T vanilla 2 c flour 1/2 t salt 1 T baking powder 2 t sugar Add dry mix to egg mixture. Beat well. Pour onto hot iron. Top with fresh bananas or strawberries... Butter, syrup, Nutella, pb & j, etc. Coconut version: Add 1 c unsweetened coconut 1 t almond extract Chocolate version: Add 1 oz melted unsweetened chocolate 1 T sugar 2 T chopped nuts (optional)

04-24 Haricots verts italiens

"Italian Green Beans" this is my favorite way to eat them! Blanch in boiling water: 1 lb haricots verts, thawed (skinny frozen green beans but will work with thicker ones) 1 t salt Cook no more than 5 minutes and rinse with cold water immediately. Combine with: 1/2 c tomato, chopped 2 T basil, chopped 1 oz feta (herbed is fine) Then drizzle on top: 2 T olive oil 1 t balsamic vinegar Mix gently and serve immediately.

04-23 Veggie Chili

Saute: 1/4 c olive oil 1 med onion, chopped 1 colored pepper, chopped 2-3 large carrots, chopped Then add: 1 T ground cumin 1 T chili powder 1/4 t red pepper flakes 1-2 t garlic, minced 1/2 c celery, chopped or 1 T celery flakes 1 t oregano 1 t salt Stir then remove from heat to transfer to large soup pot then add: 2 c/15 oz tomato sauce 28 oz diced tomatoes and juice canned or fresh 1 c uncooked brown rice 14 0z water 3 cans beans, drained (any combo of red, black, cannellini) Stir well. Bring to boil then simmer 20-30 min. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips....

04-22 Chef's Salad

There really is no "right" way to do a Chef's salad. Traditionally it was served with Thousand Island Dressing... =} I happen to recommend a balsamic vinaigrette. Here is a list of some possible ingredients: Make a bed of baby lettuce and/or baby spinach then add on layers of: tomatoes cucumber slices carrot slices or shredded hard boiled egg slices crumbled bacon shredded cheese avocado cubes ham, turkey, or chicken, cubed or shredded broccoli, corn or asparagus spears (steamed) homemade bread and/or tofu croutons.... Yes tofu croutons... see below Bread croutons - Cube getting-old bread and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with italian herbs Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 10 -15 minutes, as toasted as you like Tofu croutons - Place tofu on tray/plate with edge and put something heavy on top to squeeze out liquids. Let liquid squeeze out for 15-30 minutes. Drain and cut into cubes or strips. Marinate in 1/2 cup of whatever flavor marinade you have or want

04-21 Yummy Fried Rice

Nooooo, not that stuff they put on your plate at the Chinese fast food places. This is actually worth eating! A very flexible recipe, you can use meat or skip it and make it with any combination of vegetables you are in the mood for or need to use up.   Saute 2 T sesame oil   2 c chicken, tempeh or tofu, cubed ... or pork or beef or shrimp  salt & pepper   Set aside   Scramble 4 eggs, beaten 1 t soy sauce   1 t agave or brown sugar   pinch of salt   Cut into slices   Saute 1 1/3 c in total of any combo of vegetables. Cook hard veg first, then add in softer veg:  onion, chopped or thinly sliced  cubed carrots,  colored bell peppers,   snow peas or petite peas,  (Consider bamboo, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, etc.)  Season with:   3 cloves garlic, minced   1 t ginger   2-4 T soy sauce, to taste   Add in: 4 c cooked rice brown and/or white  And the eggs and meat if using  Stir all together and serve immediately.  At this point you can add more soy sauce to taste or add any Asi

04-20 Red Quinoa Salad

The latest installment of my get-to-know-quinoa plan I looked up some info for your dad... did you know that a 1/2 a cup of quinoa equals a child's required protein for a full day? It is a grain (actually a seed) so it can't compete with the protein queen: chicken but its a great source with all 8 essential amino acids, low carbs and a bit of healthy fat. I saw a box of red quinoa and decided to see if it tastes different and... it really doesn't. So use whatever quinoa you have in the cupboard. Prepare by boiling for 15 min: 2 c chicken broth 1 c red quinoa In large bowl, combine: 1 can 15oz black beans, rinsed and drained 2 c frozen corn, cooked briefly 1 avocado, cubed 1 pint cherry/grape tomatoes, quartered 1/2 colored bell pepper, diced 1 large mango, cubed Gently combine with quinoa. A bit of grilled chicken tasted good in it too. For dressing, combine and pour over salad: 1/4 c olive oil 1/8 c red wine vinegar 1/8 c lemon juice 1/4 c Cotija, Parmesan or Feta chees

04-19 Warm German Potato Salad

Dad's roots here. Maybe that's why we like it so much =) Boil: 1 1/4 baby red potatoes, cubed Fry: 4 slices of bacon Set aside and crumble bacon Wipe pan with paper towel BUT leave a bit of the drippings to saute: 1/2 c onion, chopped Stir in: 1 T flour 1 T sugar 1/8 t pepper 1/2 t celery seed 3/4 t salt Combine well and add: 1/2 c water 1/4 c vinegar Stir until thick and bubbly. Add in potatoes and bacon. Serve warm and garnish with chopped hard boiled egg and fresh parsley Great potluck or picnic dish. There are never leftovers!

04-18 Deviled eggs

Super simple.   Hard boil desired amount of eggs - I have the most success if I bring the water to a boil, add the eggs, cover & bring the water back to a boil. Then turn of the heat and allow the eggs to sit 8-10 minutes. Then place the eggs in ice water. This keeps the yolks from getting overcooked When the eggs are cool enough to handle: Peel and slice eggs lengthwise.  Set the white halves aside. Put yolks into small mixing bowl  Add: 1 T of mayo or sour cream  1 t of mustard or Dijon per 2 eggs.  Mash and combine into smooth mixture.  Spoon back out into the egg whites.  Sprinkle with paprika , dill, or tarragon .  That's it!

04-17 Almost Mole Chicken

I named it this because it reminds me of authentic Mole sauce from Mexico Saute in oven proof skillet: 1 t olive oil 1 c onion, chopped 1/2 colored bell pepper, chopped when veggies glisten, add: 1 4.5 oz can diced green chiles (New Mexico Hatch are recommended!) 1 garlic clove, minced 1 t cumin 1/8 c cider vinegar 2 c shredded, cooked chicken 1 T brown sugar 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, grated 6 oz enchilada sauce or taco sauce 6 oz chicken broth Stir well and allow to thicken. Cut 1 sheet of puff pastry into strips and make lattice atop chicken mixture. Bake 30 minutes at 375 degrees F. MMM delicioso. Le gustaria mucho. If you want to just use the sauce, omit the chicken and the pastry strips and use in tacos, enchiladas, etc.

04-16 E.B.'s Dungeon Bars

Serve Fettuccini Alfredo with ham and peas in it then this as dessert and you have his preferred birthday dinner. (at least the oats are good for you) Got this from a Diane Mott Davidson book and he loves them. I think it could be played with to be a bit healthier but haven't tried that...yet. Sift together: 1 c flour 1/2 t salt 1/4 t baking soda Set aside Cream together in large bowl: 1 c unsalted butter 1/2 c packed brown sugar 1/2 c sugar Then beat in: 2 eggs 2 t vanilla Stir in flour mixture and add 1 c rolled oats 1 c golden raisins Spread into 9x13 (nonstick or buttered) baking dish and smooth top Bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees until golden

04-15 Feta Burgers

Spring is making me look forward to the BBQ dinners in the backyard by the pool! So here is one of our favs: (try it first-its fast, easy and delicious) Feta Burgers Mix together in food processor or Countertop mixer: 1 lb organic ground beef and/or ground turkey breast (I like half and half) 1/2 c crumbled feta or herbed feta 1/2 c chopped baby spinach or thawed & drained frozen spinach 1 T steak seasoning Beat well, turning a very light color (means more tenderized) Shape into patties thicker on the edges than the center (red blood cell shape) Throw them on the barbie.... or if its not great outdoor weather they'll cook anywhere Serve as you like for your favorite hamburger

04-14 A couple of Salads

Pacific Northwest: On a bed of mixed baby greens or baby spinach layer, slivered red onions, "crannies" (more moist than "craisins") crumbled herbed or plain feta pine nuts sliced pears Use a balsamic dressing. Cooper Green: On a bed of mixed baby greens or spinach, layer: carrot coins tomato slices red onion slivers cucumber slivers bacon crumbles pine nuts shredded Asiago Serve with Honey Mustard dressing

04-13 Plättar - Swedish Pancakes

One of Papa's favorite memories is of his grandmother making these for him when he would stay at her house. The kitchen would be smoky and hot and these pancakes would melt in his mouth. His mother felt like he was spoiled when he was at his mormor's house which was probably the point. After you eat these you will see why. I imagine his mother wouldn't make these often since she had 8 children to feed. She would have had to stand at the stove for hours! These are best when cooked on a plättpanna because it has the perfect 3 inch wide, shallow depressions but the pancakes will cook fine if you just pour small amounts onto a hot griddle. Keep them small as they are light and moist and delicious. Combine in mixing bowl: 1/2 c flour 1 t sugar 1/4 t salt Make a well in center and add: 1 c milk 1/2 c sour cream or heavy whipping cream 3 eggs 2 T unsalted butter, melted Blend all until smooth. Batter will be runny. Place by tablespoon onto hot pan and turn ove

04-12 Citrus Smoothie

Make ice cubes out of: 3/4 c pineapple juice 3/4 c orange juice When frozen, place in blender with: 1/23 c plain yogurt 1/2 banana 1 1/2 T agave nectar 1/8 t cinnamon Buzz it up and enjoy with someone!

04-11 Quick Stir Fry

Put rice in the rice cooker In bowl with lid, mix together: 1/4 c soy sauce 1 1/2 T red wine vinegar 1 T cornstarch 1 garlic clove, minced 1 T ginger, minced 1 lb chicken, cooked and cut into strips or pieces (or sirloin cut into strips and cooked can be used) Toss frequently as it soaks for at least ten minutes. In skillet, saute: 1 1/2 T sesame oil, heated 2 c broccoli cut into small florets 1/2 colored bell pepper, cubed 1/2 onion, cubed Over med. heat, stir fry for 3 minutes. Then add 2 T water and cover for 3 minutes. Remove lid and add chicken mixture. Stir well and heat through about 3 minutes more. Serve on rice. makes about 4-5 servings I think some edamame added in would be good too, going to try that next time. I will increase the sauce by half if I do as there is none to spare.

04-10 Sandwich Ideas

Time for a list of Sandwich ideas: Turkey, cranberry sauce in veggie wrap or corn muffin PB & Nutella & banana on whole grain toast PB & Strawberry jam on graham crackers Deli ham wrapped around strip of cream cheese (childhood favorite) Egg salad sandwich on whole grain white Pesto, deli meat, cheese slices on crackers (Milton's are good) BLTA - bacon (keep tomato, lettuce & avocado separate until eating) on french bread cucumber sandwiches (see 02-14) add some deli meat if needed chicken quesadilla with pico de gallo ham & cream cheese with herbs on 1/2 a bagel tuna salad (see 03-31) hot dog with turkey or bean chili and cheese on a sub or hot dog bun BBQ chicken or pulled pork on sandwich roll chicken salad in pita pocket refried or black beans with cheese, sour cream, cilantro & salsa as dip for tortilla chips pesto, baby spinach, tomato, asiago slice on baguette grilled cheese and apples on cinnamon raisin bread sliced apples dipped in peanut butter mix

04-09 Quick & Fresh Pasta Salad

Cook then cool: 1 1b bowtie or shells pasta of whatever grain Or use leftover pasta In small mixing bowl, combine for dressing: 4 T canola oil juice of 1 lemon or 2 T lemon juice 1 T rice vinegar 1 T white wine vinegar 1 t fresh garlic, minced 1 t salt Mix well and set aside. (OR use bottled Italian or Tuscan dressing) Combine any combination of most of the following ingredients in large bowl: 6-8 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped 1 zucchini, chopped 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, sliced in half OR other tomatoes, cubed 1/2 colored bell pepper, cubed 1 cucumber, cubed 4 oz black olives, sliced 1/2 c mozzarella, cubed or Feta, crumbled 1/2-1 c cooked chicken or ham or pepperoni or Canadian bacon, etc. cubed 2 T capers 1/4- 1/2 c artichoke hearts, chopped Add pasta and pour dressing on top and gently mix. Consider adding to taste Italian herbs like fresh basil or Italian Seasoning Sprinkle with 1/2 c fresh grated Parmesan or Asiago.

04-08 Hawaiian Omelette

Funny how we call anything with pineapple "Hawaiian" since when we are there, we see more macaroni salad than we do pineapples! Make filling by combining in small bowl: 1/4-1/3 c cooked deli ham, chopped 2 T pineapple, crushed (drain well if using canned) 1 T coconut, flaked set aside. In medium bowl, whisk together: 2-3 large eggs 1 T water salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Heat skillet over med. heat. Melt 1 t unsalted butter swirl to coat bottom of pan when butter foams, pour in egg mix Let set about 20 seconds With spatula, lift edges so the runny eggs run under cooked areas Continue until top is "dry", 3-4 minutes Place ham mix on one half of omelette and fold Let sit in pan to warm through then serve with Hawaiian music and mango slices and a portable heater blowing in your face if its cold so you can imagine you are there again.

04-07 Nachos Rapidos

Layer layer layer! On a small plate layer your chips - Costco has some good whole grain at the moment red kidney or black or pinto beans and/or shredded cooked chicken grated cheese Place in microwave for 45 seconds or so When cheese is melted, layer with chopped tomatoes chunky mango salsa or pico de gallo avocado or guacamole chopped lettuce torn cilantro sliced black olives squish a half a lime on top Enjoy with your favorite TV show or movie and forget about finals for a while. Maybe a bit of sour cream if it tastes dry to you. FYI-the first "Nachos" were made in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico just over the border from Texas. Tortillas were cut into triangles, sprinkled with longhorn cheddar and jalapeños and warmed. That scary, oozy cheese didn't appear until 1977.

04-06 Italian Grilled Veggies

I know you don't have a grill but you can use the broiler in your oven, carefully, to "grill" some veggies. I like colored bell peppers and zucchini the best, but experiment... Sprinkle over prepared vegetables (sliced lengthwise) on baking sheet: onion powder garlic powder crushed basil lemon zest paprika oregano black pepper ginger (barely any) thyme salt then spritz or drizzle with olive oil Place in oven on broil, watch carefully and remove when tender and glistening.

04-05 Yumm Sauce

Okay, this not the corporate recipe but it is as close as I can get for now... thanks to the Register Guard columnist Jan Roberts-Dominguez She calls it Heavenly Sauce In a blender jar, combine: 1/2 c canola oil 1/2 c almonds, toasted and slivered OR whole hazelnuts, toasted 1/3 c c garbanzo beans, cooked and drained (canned ok) 4 garlic cloves stop several times to scrape sides. When its a rough puree add: 1/2 c water 1/2 c fresh lemon juice 1/3 c nutritional yeast (DIFFERENT than active dry yeast) 1 T ponzu seasoning or soy sauce 1/2 t salt 1/2 t dried basil 1/4 t curry powder 1/4 t cumin powder 1/8 t ascorbic acid Continue blending until smooth. Store up to two weeks in refrigerator.

04-04 Easter - The Good Shepherd's Pie

Get it? =) Happy Easter! This is a lighter, chicken version of a shepherd's pie.  The herbs are very flexible so feel free to substitute and experiment. Separately, make 2-3 c mashed potatoes (with broth or milk) for topping or use your potato pearls. Mix into the potatoes: at least 1 T fresh parsley, chopped or 2 t dried 5 oz herbed soft cheese or grated Parmesan, etc. 1 t sage 1 t garlic, minced Set aside. In large pan or dutch oven, sauté in  olive oil  about 3 minutes, not quite done: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken, cubed salt and pepper Then push to side of pan and add: 1 c carrots, shredded 1/2 onion, diced small Stir all together again and when onion is glistening, add 1/2 c frozen corn 1/2 c frozen peas Stir all well and push to side of pan again Make a roux, by whisking in side of pan: 1 T butter 2-3 T flour Then whisk in 2 C chicken stock 1 T Dijon mustard Bring to boil, as sauce thickens reduce to medium and season with: 1 t or so each-parsley, tarragon, thyme salt an

04-03 The common Broccoli Salad

Make salad by combining: 4 bunches broccoli, broken or cut into florets 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced 1/4 - 1 lb bacon, cooked crisp and broken into small pieces 1 c golden ra isins or craisins 1 c nuts: I like cashews , but have seen sunflower seeds, pecans, etc. opt-   sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 c, shredded Dressing: 3/4 c plain yogurt 1/4 c honey or sugar 2 t red wine vinegar or substitute white salt and pepper Mix well and then combine with salad mixture- Refrigerate at least an hour, serve cold.

04-02 Pizza Pot Pie

Saute in olive oil: 2 oz pancetta or Canadian bacon (optional but adds flavor) 3 cloves garlic, minced When glistening, add 1 T rosemary or few fresh sprigs Salt and pepper Stir well and add 1 14 oz can tomatoes, crushed Simmer med-lo 15 minutes In mixing bowl, stir together 1 1/2 c mozzarella, cubed 3 c broccoli florets OR large handful of baby spinach, chopped AND 2 med zucchini, cubed (or all of it) 2 c cooked chicken, diced Pour sauce and mix together Fill 6 - 10 oz ramekins or other small oven-safe dishes (the larger the dish, the longer you will need to bake it.) Roll out pizza dough (made or store bought-enough for one large) to 1/4" thick Cut shape of baking dishes. (circles for ramekins) Place dough shapes on top of baking dish. Edges should hang over the sides Brush olive oil over top of dough. Slit tops and sprinkle with Parmesan Bake 400 degrees for 25+ minutes until dough is golden. *You can bake everything without the dough and serve over pasta, toasted sourdough

04-01 Coconut muffins

You can make these banana coconut or apple coconut, the apple is a subtle flavor. Mix together in small bowl: 1 c unsweetened coconut flakes (or sweetened) 1 c flour 1/2 c whole wheat flour 2 t baking powder 1 - 1 1/2 t cinnamon 1/2 baking soda 1/2 t salt In a larger bowl, beat until fluffy: 1/2 c butter, softened 1/2 c agave nectar 1/4 c brown sugar , packed Beat in 1 egg 1/4 c plain yogurt or buttermilk 1 t vanilla Add and mix: 1 1/3 c mashed ripe bananas or applesauce Then add dry ingredients 1/3 at a time, barely mixing each time. When all ingredients are combined, fill each muffin cup or paper 2/3 full. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350, til tops are springy and golden.