I'm a recipe collector, so this is going to be my digital kitchen. posting recipes that I love and some that I recently tried.
Thursday
Fried Calamari with mixed greens
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons oil
500g calamari rings
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon water
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, seeded and sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1/4 cup small mint leaves
1/4 cup coriander leaves
3 onions (shallots), sliced
1 tablespoon thinly sliced lemongrass
radicchio leaves, to serve
Method:
In a wok, heat the oil. Stir-fry the calamari for 1 minute.
Add the lemon juice, sauces and water. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, until calamari is cooked and tender.
Transfer the calamari with sauce to a bowl and toss through remaining ingredients.
Serve on a bed of radicchio leaves.
Enjoy..
Wednesday
Oriental Salad ~ Chinese
Ingredients:
capellini pasta, cooked, drained
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, grilled, thinly sliced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup red peppers, finely chopped
1/2 cup oriental sesame dressing
2 green onions, sliced
Method:
Toss all ingredients except dressing and onions in large bowl. Add dressing; mix lightly.
Sprinkle with the green onions.
Enjoy...
Tuesday
Chicken with Ginger and Soy Sauce
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches long), peeled and cut into thin strips
5 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 Teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 Teaspoon ground pepper
4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs, skin removed
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
cooked white rice, for serving
Method:
- In a pot, stir together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cilantro, ginger, 1/2 cup scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper.
- Add chicken and carrots; toss to coat. Cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 2 hours .
- Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from surface of cooking liquid.
- In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute.
- With the heat turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture. Serve chicken with white rice, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 1/2 cup scallions.
Tip:
Could be done in a slow cooker for approx. 6 hours instead of 2.
Enjoy...
Ingredients:
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches long), peeled and cut into thin strips
5 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 Teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 Teaspoon ground pepper
4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs, skin removed
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
cooked white rice, for serving
Method:
- In a pot, stir together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cilantro, ginger, 1/2 cup scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper.
- Add chicken and carrots; toss to coat. Cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 2 hours .
- Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from surface of cooking liquid.
- In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute.
- With the heat turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture. Serve chicken with white rice, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 1/2 cup scallions.
Tip:
Could be done in a slow cooker for approx. 6 hours instead of 2.
Enjoy...
Monday
Angel Hair Pasta with Basil & Tomatoes
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
5-6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
3 tabelspoons balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 lb angel hair pasta
Method:
- In a large skillet, saute the garlic in olive oil until lightly browned. Leave on a side.
- Place tomatoes, salt & pepper, basil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and set aside for 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.
- Boil water for pasta.
- Just before you put the pasta in the water, drain tomatoes and reserve the juice .
- Put the angel hair pasta in the water to cook for the recommended amount of time.
- Heat your garlic skillet and toss drained tomatoes briefly just to heat. They should retain their shape.
- The pasta should finish cooking within 5 minutes; at the same time the tomatoes are ready.
- Toss the pasta and tomato mixture together and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Sunday
Classic Beef Stew
Serves 8
Ingredients:
2&1/2 pounds very lean beef stew meat
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups chopped onions
1/2 cup sliced celery
5 large potatoes, cut in eighths
5 large carrots, cut in 2-inch slices
salt and pepper to taste
a few cloves of garlic (optional)
1 can condensed tomato soup
Method:
- In a large pot, brown stew meat in oil, add chopped onions and sliced celery and cook until tender.
- Add vegetables and seasonings.
- Add soup and a soup can of water.
- Simmer over lowest heat for about 2&1/2 to 3 hours, or until meat and vegetables are tender.
- Add more water as needed.
Ingredients:
2&1/2 pounds very lean beef stew meat
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups chopped onions
1/2 cup sliced celery
5 large potatoes, cut in eighths
5 large carrots, cut in 2-inch slices
salt and pepper to taste
a few cloves of garlic (optional)
1 can condensed tomato soup
Method:
- In a large pot, brown stew meat in oil, add chopped onions and sliced celery and cook until tender.
- Add vegetables and seasonings.
- Add soup and a soup can of water.
- Simmer over lowest heat for about 2&1/2 to 3 hours, or until meat and vegetables are tender.
- Add more water as needed.
Enjoy...
Saturday
Low-fat Caesar Salad ~ Diet
Ingredients:
1 head of lettuce, washed and Dried
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise (I prefer Hellman's)
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar substitute (equal or sweet'n low)
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon mustard
garlic croutons
Method:
Wash and thoroughly dry the Romaine lettuce.
Cut the lettuce in pieces and set aside.
Place all ingredients in plastic bowl and beat together.
Add lettuce leaves, tossing to coat thoroughly.
Arrange on two dinner plates and garnish with garlic croutons.
Enjoy...
Friday
Low-fat Chicken Quesadilla ~ Diet
Serves 4
Ingredients:
8 corn tortillas
6 ounces low-fat monterey jack cheese
8 ounces chicken breasts, cubed
1 ripe avocado, diced small
1 cup green chilies, drained
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
4 ounces non-fat sour cream
Method:
- Heat a griddle over medium-high heat.
- When the griddle is hot, place 1 tortilla on the griddle and sprinkle 1/8 of the cheese on tortilla.
- Top with 1/4 of the chicken mixture, 1/4 of the avocado, 1/4 of the green chiles, and 1/4 of the cilantro, and another 1/8 of the cheese. Top with another tortilla.
- When cheese begins to melt, flip with wide spatula and continue cooking until cheese is melted.
- Remove from griddle to cutting board. Cut into 4 pieces. Repeat process 3 more times.
- Serve with fat-free sour cream on the side.
Thursday
Tuna & Potato Salad
Serves 6
Ingredients:
500g small potatoes
olive oil for coating
250g cherry tomatoes
200g green beans, topped and tailed
200g tuna in olive oil, drained
1 large bunch of basil
For the dressing:
2 shallots, finely diced
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
7 tabelspoons extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Gently cook the potatoes in their skins in a pan of simmering water for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 200°C.
- Lightly brush a baking tray with olive oil.
- Toss the cherry tomatoes in the oil to coat them and roast in the hot oven for 10 minutes.
- Put the dressing ingredients, except the oil, into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until well blended. Then add the olive oil and shake vigorously again.
- Drain the potatoes, cut them in half and place in a salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over and toss to coat the warm potatoes. Plunge the green beans into boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain well and add, warm, to the potatoes.
- Flake and add the tuna along with the tomatoes straight from the oven, and gently mix.
- Tear up the basil, scatter it over the Tuna Salad and serve at once.
Enjoy...
Ingredients:
500g small potatoes
olive oil for coating
250g cherry tomatoes
200g green beans, topped and tailed
200g tuna in olive oil, drained
1 large bunch of basil
For the dressing:
2 shallots, finely diced
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
7 tabelspoons extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Gently cook the potatoes in their skins in a pan of simmering water for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 200°C.
- Lightly brush a baking tray with olive oil.
- Toss the cherry tomatoes in the oil to coat them and roast in the hot oven for 10 minutes.
- Put the dressing ingredients, except the oil, into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until well blended. Then add the olive oil and shake vigorously again.
- Drain the potatoes, cut them in half and place in a salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over and toss to coat the warm potatoes. Plunge the green beans into boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain well and add, warm, to the potatoes.
- Flake and add the tuna along with the tomatoes straight from the oven, and gently mix.
- Tear up the basil, scatter it over the Tuna Salad and serve at once.
Enjoy...
Wednesday
Mango Smoothie ~ Indian
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1&1/2 cups diced fresh mango
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
2 tablespoons honey
1&1/4 teaspoons rose water
1&1/2 cups plain yogurt
Method:
- In a blender, combine the mango, orange juice, ice, honey, and rose water. Process on high speed until it's well-combined, about 30 seconds.
- Add the yogurt and process until frothy, about 45 seconds.
Ingredients:
1&1/2 cups diced fresh mango
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
2 tablespoons honey
1&1/4 teaspoons rose water
1&1/2 cups plain yogurt
Method:
- In a blender, combine the mango, orange juice, ice, honey, and rose water. Process on high speed until it's well-combined, about 30 seconds.
- Add the yogurt and process until frothy, about 45 seconds.
Yum...
Tuesday
Satay Chicken ~ Thai
Ingredients:
6 Chicken breast halves boned, skinned and cut into strips
To marinade it:
1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Curry powder
2 tablespoons Crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Crushed dried chile peppers
For the peanut Sauce:
2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1&1/2 cups Coconut milk
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Cayenne pepper
Grated lime zest
Fresh cilantro sprigs
Method:
- For the marinade, combine the brown sugar,curry powder, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic and chile peppers in a shallow dish.
- Thread the chicken strips onto bamboo skewers, place the skewers into the soy sauce mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Make the peanut sauce by combining the peanut butter, coconut milk, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic in a saucepan. Season to taste with cayenne pepper.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is as thick as heavy cream (about 15 minutes).
- Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree briefly. Add chicken broth and cream and blend until smooth. This mixture can be made several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- preheat a broiler.
- Cook the skewered chicken, turning several times and basting with the marinade, until crispy on the outside but still moist on the inside, about 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle grilled chicken with lime zest and garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve with the peanut sauce as a dip.
Enjoy...
Monday
Vanilla Custard ~ Diet
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 cups low-fat or fat-free milk
1 piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise (you can use vanilla essence)
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 large egg
Method:
- Pour milk into heavy medium saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring to simmer.
- Whisk sugar and cornstarch in medium bowl until no lumps remain. Add egg; whisk until well blended.
- Gradually whisk hot milk mixture into egg mixture. Return to same saucepan; whisk over medium heat until sauce thickens and boils, about 5 minutes.
- Pour into another medium bowl. Chill until cold, stirring occasionally, about 4 hours.
- Before serving, remove vanilla bean and whisk to loosen.)
Tip:
You Can make this 2 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.
Sunday
Mushroom & Parsley Couscous
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup couscous
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
In a saucepan, heat the oil and add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often.
Add the couscous, broth, parsley and salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
Remove from the heat and cover. Let mixture sit 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Enjoy...
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup couscous
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
In a saucepan, heat the oil and add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often.
Add the couscous, broth, parsley and salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
Remove from the heat and cover. Let mixture sit 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Enjoy...
Saturday
Risotto in Lemon cups ~ GL
Courtesy of Chef Giada De Laurentiis
Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, plus 1 tablespoon
1 large shallot, diced
1 cup short grain rice
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus 2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
1/2 a lemon, zested and juiced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 lemons, for serving
Method:
- In a medium saucepan bring the broth and 1/2 cup water to a simmer. Cover the broth and keep hot over low heat.
- In a medium, heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and saute until tender but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat with the butter. Add 1/2 cup of the simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition of the broth to absorb before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, mascarpone cheese, the lemon zest and juice, and the salt and pepper.
- To serve, cut 1/4-inch off the bottom of each lemon so they stand on their own. Take 1-inch off the stem end. Using a spoon scoop out the flesh of the lemon and discard.
- Fill each lemon with about 1/2 cup of risotto. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Very creative and yummy...
Friday
Low-fat Chocolate Cake ~ Diet
202 calories per serving (per piece)
Ingredients:
125g margarine (soft)
1&1/2 cups sugar
2 whole eggs
1 egg white
4 tablespoons cocoa
3&1/2 cups prepared chocolate pudding
2 cups self rising flour
75g natural apple sauce
Method:
- Preheat oven to 390 degrees F.
- Grease baking pan with a little bit of the margarine.
- Mix the rest of the margarine with sugar and 1 whole egg until mixture is unified.
- Gradually and alternately add: flour, cocoa, 1 whole egg, pudding, flour, cocoa, apple sauce, pudding -- and so on, until all mixes up nicely to a homogeneous mixture.
- Pure into greased baking pan (square or round) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until cake is ready: dry and bouncy to touch.
- When the cake is ready take it out of the oven and cover-seal it with aluminum foil until cools. This ensures the crust keeps moist.
- To decorate, use chocolate syrup and spread it all over as if it was frosting. It's good enough for the sprinkles to stick, and it adds additional moist and chocolaty flavor.
Enjoy...
Thursday
Balsamic Mushrooms
Ingredients:
1 diced red onion
2 cups any type of mushrooms
1 Garlic clove
3 tabelspoons Balsamic vinegar
1 diced red onion
2 cups any type of mushrooms
1 Garlic clove
3 tabelspoons Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons pomegranate juice concentrate
olive oil
Thyme
Basil
parsley
a little bit of lemon juice
Method:
Place a pan with olive oil in it on medium to high heat.
Saute the onions for 2 minute or until they're soft and alittle golden.
Add the garlic and saute for 1 more minute.
Add the mushrooms, balsamic, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, thyme, basil and parsley.
Lower the heat and cover the pan.
Cook for 7-12 minutes or until the mushrooms have turned brownish and soft.
Enjoy...
olive oil
Thyme
Basil
parsley
a little bit of lemon juice
Method:
Place a pan with olive oil in it on medium to high heat.
Saute the onions for 2 minute or until they're soft and alittle golden.
Add the garlic and saute for 1 more minute.
Add the mushrooms, balsamic, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, thyme, basil and parsley.
Lower the heat and cover the pan.
Cook for 7-12 minutes or until the mushrooms have turned brownish and soft.
Enjoy...
Wednesday
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serves 6
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
500g beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tabelspoons breadcrumbs
good grind black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Tomato sauce:
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large tomatoes
1&1/2 cup boiling water
pinch sugar
salt and pepper
100ml full fat milk
Method:
For the meatballs:
Just put everything in a large bowl, and then, using your hands, mix to combine, shape them into small balls. Place the meatballs on baking sheets or plates that you have lined with clingfilm, and put in the fridge.
For the tomato sauce:
Put the onion, garlic and oregano into the process and blitz to a pulp. Heat the butter and oil in a deep wide pan, then scrape the onion-garlic mix into it and cook over a low-medium for about 10 minutes. Don't let the mixture catch, just let it become soft. Add the tomatoes, boiling water, pinch of sugar, some salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes.
The tomato sauce will appear thin at this stage, but don't worry as it will thicken a little later. Stir in the milk, and then drop the meatballs in one by one. Don't stir the pan until the meatballs have turned from pink to brown as you don't want to break them up. Cook everything for about 20 minutes, with the lid only partially covering it. At the end of cooking time, check the seasoning as you may want more salt and a grind or two more of pepper.
Enjoy...
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
500g beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tabelspoons breadcrumbs
good grind black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Tomato sauce:
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large tomatoes
1&1/2 cup boiling water
pinch sugar
salt and pepper
100ml full fat milk
Method:
For the meatballs:
Just put everything in a large bowl, and then, using your hands, mix to combine, shape them into small balls. Place the meatballs on baking sheets or plates that you have lined with clingfilm, and put in the fridge.
For the tomato sauce:
Put the onion, garlic and oregano into the process and blitz to a pulp. Heat the butter and oil in a deep wide pan, then scrape the onion-garlic mix into it and cook over a low-medium for about 10 minutes. Don't let the mixture catch, just let it become soft. Add the tomatoes, boiling water, pinch of sugar, some salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes.
The tomato sauce will appear thin at this stage, but don't worry as it will thicken a little later. Stir in the milk, and then drop the meatballs in one by one. Don't stir the pan until the meatballs have turned from pink to brown as you don't want to break them up. Cook everything for about 20 minutes, with the lid only partially covering it. At the end of cooking time, check the seasoning as you may want more salt and a grind or two more of pepper.
Enjoy...
Tuesday
BBQ Salmon with Creamy Dill ~ Diet
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 salmon fillet
fat-free or low-fat mayonnaise
dill
lemon juice
salt and pepper
Method:
- Lay salmon filet on large piece of tin foil (shiny side of foil facing up).
- Sprinkle salmon with lemon juice.
- Spread enough mayonnaise over salmon to cover the filet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Season with enough dill to cover the filet.
- Make a "tent" around the salmon with the foil.
- BBQ on medium heat until salmon is cooked to your liking.
Monday
M&M's Chocolate Cake ~ Book
Serves 16
Ingredients:
4 ounces semisweet or sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
2 tablespoons butter
1 bag mini marshmallows
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts (optional)
1 cup M&M's Mini Bits
Method:
1. Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, heat chocolate and butter in microwave oven on High 1 minute, stirring once during heating. Remove from microwave; stir chocolate mixture until melted and smooth. Add marshmallows to mixture. Heat in microwave on High 1 minute longer; stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth.
3. Add cereal, peanuts (optional), and M&M's to chocolate mixture. Stir until all ingredients are coated and mixture is well combined.
4. Transfer cereal mixture to prepared pan, pressing mixture down with fingertips. Let stand at least 1 hour to set chocolate.
5. To unmold, with knife or metal spatula, loosen cake from side of pan; invert onto serving plate. Cut into slices to serve. Store in covered container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Enjoy...
Sunday
Rosemary and Olive Bread
Yields: 2 loaves, Serves 12 per loaf
Ingredients:
2 packages active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup kalamata or green olives, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons salt
About 5 cups bread flour
Method:
1. In small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F); let stand until yeast mixture foams, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in large bowl, with wooden spoon, mix olives, rosemary, salt, and 4 cups flour. Add yeast mixture and 1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F); stir until combined.
3. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, working in more flour (1/2 to 1 cup) while kneading.
4. Shape dough into a ball; place in greased large bowl, turning dough over to grease top. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees F), until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down dough. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and cut in half; cover and let rest 15 minutes for easier shaping. Grease large cookie sheet.
6. Shape each half into a 7 1/2" by 4" oval and place on cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush tops of loaves with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. With sharp knife, cut 3 diagonal slashes across top of each loaf.
Nothing tastes better than home made bread... and the aroma... hmmmm ...
Saturday
Oven Baked Chicken ~ Diet
Serves 4
Ingredients:
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 chicken breast halves, skinned
2 chicken drumsticks, skinned
2 chicken thighs, skinned
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
cooking spray
Method:
- Combine chicken pieces and buttermilk in and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Combine flour and seasonings in another large bowl.
- Remove chicken and discarding marinade. Shake in flour mixture one piece at a time. Shake off excess flour.
- Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly coat chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until done, turning after 20 minutes.
Yummy and Healthy...
Friday
Fast & Easy Banana Smoothie...
Thursday
Gather around .. Chips & Dips
Chips
Yields: 8 dozen chips
Ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 package white or whole wheat pita bread
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 425° F. In a liquid measuring cup, with fork, mix oil, Parmesan, chili powder, and cumin.
2. With knife or kitchen shears, carefully split each pita. Brush insides of pita halves lightly with oil mixture. Cut each half into 8 wedges.
3. Transfer wedges to 2 ungreased large cookie sheets (wedges can overlap slightly). Place cookie sheets on 2 oven racks and bake chips 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden. Watch carefully, as they can burn quickly.
4. Cool chips on cookie sheets on wire racks. Store chips in tightly covered container or large self-sealing plastic bag up to 1 week.
DIP
Ingredients:
1 package frozen chopped spinach
1 envelope dried vegetable recipe-and-soup mix
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 green onions, cut up
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 container reduced-fat sour cream
1 jar sliced pimientos, drained
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Method:
1. Remove frozen spinach from package. In microwave-safe medium bowl; heat block of frozen spinach in microwave oven on High 1 minute. Break up spinach with fork, then heat 30 to 45 seconds longer or just until spinach is mostly thawed but cool enough to handle. With hands, squeeze spinach to remove excess water. Pour off any liquid in bowl; return spinach to bowl.
2. From envelope of vegetable soup mix, measure 3 tablespoons dried soup mix, making sure to incorporate all soup ‑- mix components if possible. Reserve remaining soup mix for use another day.
3. In food processor with knife blade attached, combine spinach, dried soup mix, Cheddar, green onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, pimientos, and vinegar; pulse just until mixture is almost smooth. If not serving dip right away, cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Serve with vegetables.
Enjoy...
Wednesday
Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Serves 4
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 Teaspoon crushed red pepper
1&1/2 Pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 Tablespoons oil
1&1/2 Pounds broccoli, stems peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick, florets separated
1 small lemon, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed
2 Teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Method:
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, 3 tablespoons water, vinegar, honey, garlic, and crushed red pepper.
- Pour half the mixture into another bowl; reserve.
- Place chicken in remaining mixture; let marinate 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add half the chicken; cook, tossing often, until brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a plate. Repeat with another 1/2 tablespoon oil and remaining chicken. Wipe skillet with a paper towel.
- Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli and lemon, tossing often, until broccoli is bright green, about 3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup water; cook until broccoli is tender and lemon is translucent, about 6 minutes.
- Add reserved marinade, cornstarch mixture, chicken, and any accumulated juices from plate.
- Bring to a boil; cook, stirring until thickened, 1 minute. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Enjoy...
Tuesday
Healthy Vegetable Soup ~ Diet
Serves 8
Ingredients:
3 medium zucchini, sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
10 mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 potato, peeled,cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cans vegetable broth
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes, with added puree
1 can stewed tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
additional chopped fresh parsley
Method:
- Combine zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onion and potato in heavy large Dutch oven.
- Add vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, 3 tablespoons parsley, cilantro, garlic, basil and oregano.
- Bring mixture to boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Strain cooking liquid into large saucepan; reserve vegetables.
- Place 3 cups vegetables in blender. Add 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Puree until smooth.
- Stir puree into remaining cooking liquid in saucepan. Return remaining vegetables to cooking liquid.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with additional parsley.
Tip:
Can be prepared 5 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
Monday
Asparagus and Sesame Shrimp
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 cup jasmine rice
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons olive oil
1&1/2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 large green onion, chopped
1 pound large shrimp
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare rice as label directs.
2. Meanwhile, in cup, combine salt, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. In a pan, toss asparagus with oil mixture; roast 10 to 12 minutes, until tender.
3. In small bowl, whisk soy sauce, vinegar, green onion, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; set aside dressing. Shell and devein shrimp.
4. In a skillet, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Add shrimp; sprinkle with red pepper and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Arrange shrimp, asparagus, and rice on 4 plates; drizzle with dressing.
Tip:
You can substitute long-grain aromatic basmati for the jasmine rice.
1 cup jasmine rice
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons olive oil
1&1/2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 large green onion, chopped
1 pound large shrimp
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare rice as label directs.
2. Meanwhile, in cup, combine salt, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. In a pan, toss asparagus with oil mixture; roast 10 to 12 minutes, until tender.
3. In small bowl, whisk soy sauce, vinegar, green onion, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; set aside dressing. Shell and devein shrimp.
4. In a skillet, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Add shrimp; sprinkle with red pepper and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Arrange shrimp, asparagus, and rice on 4 plates; drizzle with dressing.
Tip:
You can substitute long-grain aromatic basmati for the jasmine rice.
Sunday
Lamb Curry ~ Indian
Ingredients :
1oz butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 pund cubed lamb
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stick cinnamon, broken in 2
6 cardamom pods, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder
Method :
- Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the oil.
- When it starts to sizzle fry the lamb until it colors on all sides. Remove with a draining spoon and set aside.
- Add the onion and fry until golden, scraping up any residues.
- Add the garlic and fry for another minute.
- Add the whole spices and cook for about 2 minutes, then add the ground spices.
- Cook until fragrant but be careful not to burn.
- Return lamb to the pan and add 8oz water or stock. Stir well, reduce heat to medium and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve with bread or rice.
Enjoy...
Saturday
Chicken Tandoori Salad
Serves 6
Ingredients:
1 Cup yogurt
2 Teaspoons garam masala powder
1 Teaspoon ground ginger
1 Teaspoon minced garlic
1 Teaspoon ground turmeric
1 Teaspoon coarse salt
1 jalapeno chile, stemmed seeded, and finely minced (optional)
1&1/2 Pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, gently flattened and cut into strips
1 small head shredded lettuce, (3 cups)
1 small head shredded red cabbage, (3 cups)
6 large diced tomatoes, (3 cups)
1 sliced radishes, (1 cup)
1 large sliced cucumber, (2 cups)
1&1/2 white turnip (optional)
1 scallions, minced
1 Cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 2 to 3 small lemons
Method:
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl combine yogurt, garam masala, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, and jalapeño, if using.
- Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate while preparing salad.
- In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, radishes, cucumber, scallions, white turnip(optional), and cilantro; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken along with the marinade and cook, stirring, until the chicken is just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer chicken and pan juices to salad mixture and toss to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Amazing...
Friday
Chicken Parmesan ~ Diet
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons low-fat Italian salad dressing
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon italian seasoning mix
1 cup thick spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated low fat mozzarella
Method:
- Remove any clinging fat from the chicken & discard; wash& pat dry.
- Lay chicken between sheets of waxed paper, gently pound with a meat mallet to flatten slightly.
- Rub all over with Italian dressing and let it sit while measuring out the remaining ingredients.
- Combine bread crumbs and seasonings on a piece of wax paper.
- Spray a large non-stick frying pan with cooking spray and place over medium heat.
- When hot, dredge dressing coated breasts through the bread crumb mixture and saute until golden, about 5- 8 minutes per side.
- Spoon some spaghetti sauce on top of each breast, sprinkle with Parmesan and top with mozarella.
- Cover pan and continue to cook over medium heat until sauce is hot and cheese melts, about 3- 5 minutes.
Stay Healthy ...
Thursday
Indian Chicken ~ Indian
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
2 cup cooked diced chicken
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
28oz Whole tomatoes, can
2 tabelspoon Chopped parsley
2 cup Cooked rice
1/2 cup Chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1&1/2 teaspoon Curry powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Raisins
Method:
Cook the onions, pepper, garlic powder in oil until the onions get tender, about 3 minutes.
Add the chicken, tomatoes, parsley, green peppers, curry powder and worcestershire sauce until well mixed except rice, cook over low heat for 30 min.
Serve over rice.
Enjoy...
Wednesday
Chicken with Marinara Sauce
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, in oil
2 whole garlic cloves
1&1/2 tablespoons olive oil
4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 jar Marinara Sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until tomatoes are coarsely chopped; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Beat eggs in large bowl. Dip chicken in eggs then dredge in bread crumb mixture pressing crumbs into chicken.
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides about 5 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and bake chicken for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and ladle sauce over chicken; continue baking for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Top with cheese and bake until cheese melts approximately 5 minutes.
Enjoy...
Tuesday
Mushrooms Provencale ~ French
Ingredients:
3 tablespoon Olive oil
1 bunch Parsley chopped
1 pound Mushrooms
1/4 cup Bread crumbs
2 cloves Garlic
1/2 Lemon juiced
Method:
1. Crush the garlic , add the parsley and combine.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet.
3. Add the mushrooms, salt, and cook for 5-10 minutes over high heat, tossing constantly, until mushrooms lose and reabsorb their moisture.
3. Add the parsley and garlic, stir, add the lemon juice, stir.
4. Toss with breadcrumbs and pepper,
Yummy..
Monday
Mexican Fajitas - Mexican
Ingredients:
450 g sirloin steak
1/4 cup beef stock
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tabelspoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 small green & red bell peppers, cut in thin strips
1 large tomato, diced
4 large flour tortillas
Salsa, sour cream or guacamole (optional) - Found at Sultan Center
Method:
- Slice beef in thin strips.
- In a medium bowl, combine stock, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, half the coriander and pepper. Add beef, turning to coat each piece, and refrigerate, covered, for 15 minutes.
- In a large frying pan heat oil, drain beef, reserving marinade. Add beef to pan and stir-fry until no longer pink, about five minutes.
- Add onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp.
- Stir in marinade and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. Add tomato and chili, turning ingredients, until hot through. Add remaining coriander.
- Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve beef mixture wrapped in warmed tortillas. Top with salsa, sour cream or guacamole, if desired.
Enjoy...
Sunday
More Amazing Marinades
Chicken Marinade:
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 teaspoon thyme
1 1/4 cup olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together. Pour onto chicken. Best to marinate 24 hours. Grill or bake.
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 teaspoon thyme
1 1/4 cup olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together. Pour onto chicken. Best to marinate 24 hours. Grill or bake.
Fish Marinade:
1 tablespoon garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon dill
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together. Pour onto fish. Best to marinate 24 hours. Grill or bake.
Saturday
French Onion Soup
Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
3 large onions, peeled, sliced
1 can beef broth
3 cups cold water
1 bay leaf
6 slices French bread, toasted
1 cup Shredded Swiss Cheese
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Method:
- Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat.
- Add onions; cook about 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add broth, water and bay leaf; stir. Cover; simmer 15 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf.
- Preheat broiler. Ladle hot soup evenly into 6 ovenproof bowls; top each bowl of soup with a toast slice. Sprinkle evenly with cheeses.
- Broil 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
Enjoy...
Tip:
For a milder cheese flavor, substitute Shredded Mozzarella Cheese for the Swiss cheese.
Friday
Caramel Cheesecake II
This is another recipe for Caramel Cheesecake that I came across a while ago and decided to try out. It's a little bit harder than the previous one I posted.. and might I add..yummier !
try it out..
Serves 10 to 12
Ingredients:
Gingersnap crust
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1&1/2 cups ground gingersnap cookies
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons golden brown sugar
Cheesecake
4 packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel topping
1&1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Method:
For gingersnap crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray bottom of 9-inch springform pan with 2&1/2-inch-high sides with nonstick spray.
- Stir ground cookies, butter, and sugar in medium bowl until moist clumps form.
- Press cookie mixture firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Wrap outside of pan with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil.
- Bake crust until firm and beginning to darken, about 14 minutes. Cool crust. Maintain oven temperature.
For cheesecake
- Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Beat in butter, then eggs, 1 at a time, until just blended. Beat in vanilla.
- Pour batter over crust in pan. Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Add enough hot water to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake cake uncovered until filling is puffed around edges and moves slightly in center when pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Remove pan from water; remove foil. Place hot cheesecake uncovered in refrigerator overnight.
For caramel topping
- Stir sugar, water, and lemon juice in large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat; boil without stirring until mixture turns deep amber, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, about 9 minutes.
- Add cream (mixture will bubble). Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until reduced to 1&1/4 cups, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
- Chill until thickened but still pourable, about 15 minutes.
Spoon caramel over top of cake just to edges (do not allow caramel to drip down sides). Chill at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours.
Run knife around pan sides to loosen cake; release pan sides.
Enjoy...
Thursday
Smoothies & Shakes ~ Diet
Serves 3
These smoothies will supply most of the vitamins and amino acids you'll need for a day.
Smoothie #1
1 cup soymilk
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 apple, cored and diced
3 bananas
8 frozen peach halves
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 mango, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Blend all ingredients together. Drink and enjoy!
Smoothie #2
1 cup pineapple/coconut juice
1/2 cup apple or orange juice
2 frozen bananas
1/2 cups frozen strawberries
Pour juices into blender. Add fruit and blend well. Enjoy!
Strawberry & banana Shake
1&1/2 cups soy milk
3/4 cups frozen strawberries, unsweetened
1&1/2 frozen bananas
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
maple syrup (to taste)
Whiz all ingredients in a blender. Serve immediately. Shake should be fairly thick.
Wednesday
Sandwich speads
Chicken Chunky Spread:
Ingredients:
dark and white meat chicken, minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tabelspoons honey dijon mustard
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shelled salted sunflower seeds
method:
In medium bowl, combine all ingredients and blend gently to combine. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days. Makes enough for 4-6 sandwiches
Chicken Curry Spread:
Ingredients:
dark and white meat chicken, minced
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained (cubes)
1/4 cup mango chutney
1&1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Method:
Combine all ingredients in medium bowl and blend gently to combine. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to two days. Makes enough for 4-6 sandwiches
Egg Salad Spread:
Ingredients:
6 eggs
3 tabelspoons mayonnaise
2 tabelspoons Miracle Whip
1 tabelspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method:
Boil eggs. Then peel eggs and cut in half.
Remove yolks and place in medium bowl. Mash until smooth with mayonnaise, salad dressing, salt, and pepper. Chop egg whites and add to egg yolk mixture with cheese. blend gently, cover and refrigerate tightly up to 2 days. 4-5 sandwiches
Olive Spread
Ingredients:
1 packet cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped green olives or black or both
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tabelspoons olive juice
dash pepper
Method:
In a medium bowl, cream the cream cheese until smooth and softened. Add mayonnaise and stir thoroughly to combine. Add olive juice for desired spreading consistency, then fold in olives and pecans. Cover and refrigerate.
Turkey & Cucumber Spread
Ingredients:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tabelspoon dried dill weed
dash pepper
1/2 cup cooked turkey, chopped
1 cup cubed dill Havarti cheese - found in Sultan Center
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
Method:
Combine all ingredients in medium bowl and mix gently to combine. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
getting hungry..?
Tuesday
Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pint sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
8 flour tortillas - found in Sultan Center
1 jar taco sauce
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain excess fat. Cube the chicken and return it to the skillet.
Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano and ground black pepper. Heat until cheese melts.
Stir in salt, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, green pepper and garlic.
Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in a baking dish. Cover with taco sauce and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pint sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
8 flour tortillas - found in Sultan Center
1 jar taco sauce
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain excess fat. Cube the chicken and return it to the skillet.
Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano and ground black pepper. Heat until cheese melts.
Stir in salt, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, green pepper and garlic.
Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in a baking dish. Cover with taco sauce and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy..
Monday
Marinates ~ JO
Some Marinates by Jamie Oliver..
Cajun Spicy
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, ground
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
3 tablespoons of onion flakes
2 tablespoons of dried oregano
salt
Method:
Crush all the ingredients together until you have a powdery consistency, and rub all over your chosen meat.
Asian Marinade
Ingredients:
2 sticks lemon grass, crushed and bruised
1 small handful of kaffir lime leaves, torn
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
1 fresh red chili, finely chopped
2 limes, halved, juiced and skin squashed
10 good splashes of olive oil
Method:
Crush and crumble together in a bowl and coat over your chosen meat. Also works brilliantly with fish.
Olive oil & Lemon juice
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
5 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method:
Mix all together and use of your chosen meat.
Sunday
Shrimp & Garlic Spaghetti
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 whole pack of Spaghetti
1 pound medium shrimps, deveined, shelled and chopped coarsely.
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons butter
5 cloves of garlic
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Method:
- Put pasta to boil. Remember to toss in 1/4 cup of salt into boiling water with pasta. 10-12 mins.
- In the meantime, in a par or skillet, brown the garlic
- Toss in shrimps and chili flakes. As soon as the shrimps turn pink, remove.
- Using same skillet, toss in butter, return chilli/shrimps into it and cook thoroughly
- Toss in parsley and mix nicely
- Toss in pasta and mix until everything is distributed nicely. Serve hot!
Saturday
Cream-Filled Chocolate Cake
Serves 16
Ingredients:
Filling:
1/4 cup sugar
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake:
2 cups flour
1&1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 large eggs
1&1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
2 ounces white chocolate
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Method:
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all filling ingredients in small mixer bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth; set aside.
- Combine all cake ingredients in large mixer bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until all ingredients are moistened. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
- Pour 3 cups batter into greased and floured 12-cup bundt pan. Spoon filling over batter without touching sides of pan; cover with remaining batter.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely.
- Melt white chocolate and 1 teaspoon shortening in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted (1 to 2 minutes). Drizzle over cooled cake. Let stand until firm.
- Repeat with remaining shortening and chocolate chips. Store refrigerated.
Yumm...
Items needed:
Friday
Asparagus with Parmesan
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 bunch of fresh asparagus
1 tablespoon butter
2 tabelspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper seasoning (found at the Sultan Center)
2 tabelspoons shredded parmesan cheese
non-stick cooking spray (also found at TSC)
Method:
- coat the grill with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the grill to medium high, break the asparagus's tough ends and set them aside.
- Blend the melted butter, olive oil and garlic pepperin a small bowl.
- place the asparagus directly on the grill (parallel to grid) after brushing them with half the butter mixture.
- Grill the asparagus covered 6 to 8 minutes or until the asparagus is lightly charred and tender., carefully turn once.
- Remove to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining butter mixture, toss to coat and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Enjoy...
Thursday
Preserved Feta with Herbs ~ JO
Ingredients:
feta cheese
fennel seeds
pepper
2 dried chilies
olive oil
dried herbs, i.e. parsley, thyme, red basil, green basil, oregano
Method:
- Put the cheese on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the chilies into small pieces. Put them on a flat surface with fennel seeds and some pepper. Crumble the herbs lightly and remove the thick stalks.
- Spread out on the surface and push the cheese into the mixture, so seeds and herbs stick to it.
- Spread out on the surface and push the cheese into the mixture, so seeds and herbs stick to it.
- Put the cheese carefully into a jar. Break the cheese into smaller pieces to leave as little space as possible in the jar. Fill the jar with olive oil.
- Ready to serve after 1 week. Do not put in the fridge, as the oil will stiffen. A delicacy served on warm baguettes.
- Ready to serve after 1 week. Do not put in the fridge, as the oil will stiffen. A delicacy served on warm baguettes.
Enjoy...
Wednesday
Baked Potato Soup
A home-made recipe.. delicious and filling..
Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups milk
2 cups peeled, chopped potatoes
4 green onions, chopped and divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1&1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 slices of turkey bacon, cooked, crumbled
Method:
1. melt butter in a pot over low heat; add flour and stir until it's smooth.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute until it thickens and bubbles.
3. Gradually stir in the milk. Stir in the potatoes, half the green onions, salt and pepper.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, 30 minutes or until thickened and the potatoes are done and cooked.
5. Stir in 1 cup of cheese and cook for about 5 minutes more.
6. Serve the soup with the remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.
Enjoy...
Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups milk
2 cups peeled, chopped potatoes
4 green onions, chopped and divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1&1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 slices of turkey bacon, cooked, crumbled
Method:
1. melt butter in a pot over low heat; add flour and stir until it's smooth.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute until it thickens and bubbles.
3. Gradually stir in the milk. Stir in the potatoes, half the green onions, salt and pepper.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, 30 minutes or until thickened and the potatoes are done and cooked.
5. Stir in 1 cup of cheese and cook for about 5 minutes more.
6. Serve the soup with the remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.
Enjoy...
Tuesday
3abeer's Kitchen.. a new addition
Monday
Cheese Pancakes with Strawberry Syrup ~ NL
Ingredients:
2 cups strawberries, chopped into quarters
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sugar
3 eggs, yolks and whites separated
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup flour
Method:
- Put the strawberries into a bowl and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and sugar.Stir before covering with plastic wrap and leaving to steep while you make the pancakes.
- Mix the egg yolks with the sugar, beating well. Add the vanilla, cottage cheese, and flour. Then, in another bowl, whisk the whites until frothy with a hand whisk and fold into the cottage cheese mixture.
- Heat a nonstick skillet and dollop the batter onto it. Make pancakes of about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Each pancake will take a minute or so to firm up underneath, then you should flip it and cook the other side, and remove to a warmed plate when ready.
- Turn the strawberries in the ruby syrup they've made and squish some pieces with a fork at the same time. Serve with the hot pancakes.
Enjoy...
Sunday
Tiramisu ~ WS Style
Ingredients:
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 pound Mascarpone Cheese, softened (found in Sultan Center)
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons espresso, plus 2 to 3 cups brewed 5 egg whites
40-50 lady fingers
cocoa powder
Method:
- In a mixing bowl set over a pan of simmering water, beat the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick (4 to 5 minutes).
-Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer.
- Add the mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth and creamy (2 to 3 minutes).
- In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat the cream to stiff peaks.
Add the water, vanilla and the 2 tablespoons of espresso and beat until smooth.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.With a rubber spatula, gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the cream until blended and smooth.
- Add about 1 cup of the beaten egg whites and fold gently until blended.
- Add the remaining egg whites and fold gently until the mixture is smooth and blended.
- One at a time, submerge each ladyfinger into the remaining espresso, then it on the bottom of a 6-quart glass or ceramic baking or serving dish (about 2 inches deep). Continue to form a complete layer.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers until evenly covered.
- Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers over the mascarpone cream, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the top.
- Dust the Tiramisù with cocoa powder to create a rich, dark topping.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day before serving.
Enjoy...