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...

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.
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...

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
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...

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...

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...


Serves 2


Ingredients:

2 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 pint milk
2 handfuls of ice
3-4 tabelspoons honey


Method:

1. Place the bananas, milk, ice and honey in a blender and then blend until smooth.
2. Transfer to a serving glass and serve at once.

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.

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.


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.