Thursday, July 28, 2011

Pulled Chicken

4 lbs. skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
4 lbs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
2 Tbsp EVOO
2 lemons, cut into wedges
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper

1. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment. Place the chicken breasts on 1 sheet and the thighs on the other. Drizzle with the EVOO and squeeze the lemons on top. Sprinkle with the paprika and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Roast until the skin is crisp and the juices run clear when the pieces are pierced with the tip of a small, sharp knife, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes.

2. Remove the chicken skin, then pull and cut the meat off the bones. Tear the meat into shreds. (Save the bones, skin and any juices fom the pans to make broth if desired).

Rice Pilaf

3 Tbsp EVOO
3 onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 1/2 cups)
3 1/4 C. long-grain rice
2 1/4 C. chicken broth
4 bay leaves
16 oz frozen peas

1. In a 7-qt dutch oven, heat the EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the onions, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and cook, stirring often, until golden and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 2 1/4 C. water, the chicken broth, bay leaves, 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper and bring to a boil. Stir, cover, lower the heat and simmer, undisturbed, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Quickly scatter the peas on top, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and let cool completely, tossing once or twice, Discard the bay leaves.

Grilled Chicken with Mint-Almond Pesto

1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
salt and pepper
1 butternut squash--halved lengthwise, peeled, seeded and sliced crosswise, 1/4 inch thick
1/3 C. EVOO
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 Tbsp chopped natural almonds, toasted
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1. Preheat a grill to medium. Place the chicken, breast side down, on a cutting board, with the large cavity facing you. Using kitchen scissors and starting at the open cavity, cut down each side of the backbone; discard the backbone. Open the chicken like a book, then flip over. Press down firmly on the top fleshy part of the breast until you hear the bone crack.

2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill skin side up, covered, until well browned, about 25 minutes. Turn and cook through, about 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the squash with 1 Tbsp EVOO, season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning, until tender and golden, about 7 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, mint, almonds, garlic and remaining EVOO. To serve, drizzle the chicken and squash with the mint-almond pesto.

Asian Coleslaw

1/4 C. soy sauce
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 C chunky peanut butter
7 C. shredded red cabbage
1/2 C. finely chopped mango
1/3 C. finely chopped fresh mint

Whisk soy, vinegar and peanut butter, toss with cabbage, mango, and mint. Serve with ribs. Makes about 8 cups.

Pulled Pork

2 boneless pork shoulder roasts (about 5 pounds each), cut into 2 to 3-inch chunks and excess fat discarded
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 lemons, zested
salt and pepper
1/2 C. white wine (optional)

1. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 450. Place all of the pork in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with the garlic, lemon zest, 1 Tbs salt and 1 1/2 tsp. pepper. Toss well, massaging the garlic and zest into the meat. Transfer half of the pork to a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven. Roast until the meat is browned on top, about 30 minutes. Turn the pork chunks over and roast to brown the other side, 15 minutes. Remove both pans from the oven and lower the oven temp to 325.

2. Using tons, transfer the pork from the baking sheet to the pork in the roasting pan. Pour the pan juices from the baking sheet over the pork and add the wine (if using). Tightly cover the pan with foil. Continue roasting the pork until nicely tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and dry the baking sheet and set aside.

3. Let the pork cool for at least 15 minutes, then, using 2 forks, shred it a few pieces at a time. As you work, transfer the shredded pork to the clean baking sheet and let cool completely. Pour the juices into a bowl to cool. Skim and discard the fat.

To freeze, divide the pork into 1-Cup portions and transfer to resealable plastic sandwich bags. Pour a little pork juice into each, squeeze out the air and flatten. Seal and store flat in 2-gallon freezer bags.

To use it, thaw at room temp for about one hour, or pop into the fridge in the morning and let thaw all day.

To change it, add some oregano or rosemary to the rub.

Marinate the pork in lime juice, soy sauce and ginger for 1 hr before roasting.

Toss the pork with adobo squce, orange juice in Step 2.

Toss the pork with some bbq sauce in the last 10 minutes.

Tex-Mex Tacos

1 lb ground turkey
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper
1 box hard taco shells

1. Preheat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for 1 minute. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes.

2. Add 1/2 C. water, turn the heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

3. To make the tacos, spoon 2 to 3 Tbsp of meat into each shell and top with desired accompaniments.

Suggestions - avocado, scallions, lime juice, tomatoes

Mexican CHicken and Rice Soup

1 qt chicken broth
1 C. tomato salsa
1/4 C. fresh lime juice, plus 4 lime wedges
1 1/2 C. pulled chicken
3 C. rice pilaf
1 avocado
2 Tbs chopped cilantro

In medium pot, bring broth, salsa, and lime juice to boil. Divide chicken and pilaf among 4 bowls. Fill each bowl with hot broth, top with avocado and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Rachael Ray Sept 2011

Blackberry Ice Cream Sodas

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 half-pt. (6 oz. each) blackberries
  • 3 pt. vanilla ice cream
  • 1 bottle (32 oz.) seltzer

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, 1/4 cup water and two thirds of the berries to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the berries are very soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and press through a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl; discard the seeds. Refrigerate until cold.

  2. Divide the ice cream among six tall 16-oz. glasses. Top with the seltzer, leaving a little space at the top of each glass. Top the sodas with the blackberry puree and garnish with the remaining berries. Serve immediately with a long spoon and a straw.

    http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/drink-cocktail-recipes/blackberry-ice-cream-sodas

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Chocolate Banana Freezer Pie

5 small ripe bananas (about 1 lb) peeled and broken or cut into small pieces
1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 C. light coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 baked pie crust
2 Tbsp unsalted dry roasted peanuts, chopped
1 oz dark chocolate (70% or greater), finely chopped

1. Combine bananas, cocoa, coconut milk and vanilla in the jar of a blender. Blend until very smooth (like thin cake batter), stopping to scrape down sides of jar and stir mixture 2 or 3 times (to ensure all banana is pureed).

2. Pour banana puree into baked pie crust. Sprinkle peanuts and chocolate across surface of pie. Cover very tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for a min. of 4 hours, or overnight.

3. To serve, remove plastic wrap and set at room temp for about 30 minutes (longer if pie was frozen for more than 4 hours), until pie is just soft enough to yield to the cut of a knife. Slice and serve.

Lemon-Chive Tilapia

1 lb yellow fingerling potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces
juice 1 lemon
1 bunch chives, minced (about 1/4 C)
1/2 tsp sea salt, divided
1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, chopped
4 3-oz boneless, skinless tilapia fillets
sweet paprika, to taste, optional

1. Fill medium pot halfway with water. Place on high heat, bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, add potatoes and simmer for 12 min. or until they are easily pierced with fork. Drain potatoes, then place back into hot pot. Do not place pot back on heat, set aside.

2. In a small bowl, add lemon juice, chives, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir and set aside.

3. In a large, nonstick pan, heat 1 tsp oil on medium-low for 1 minute. Add garlic, and cook for 3 min. until garlic is soft and fragrant. Add garlic to reserved potatoes, setting pan aside. Add 1 tsp oil and remaining 1/4 tsp salt to potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash until smashed but still chunky.

4. Place remaining 1 tsp oil into garlic-scented pan, then heat on medium for 1 minute. Add tilapia and cook for 3 minutes. Gently flip fillets over and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until tilapia flakes apart easily with fork and flesh is opaque in center.

5. Serve each fillet with 1 Tbsp lemon-chive dressing and 4 oz potatoes. Dust potatoes with paprika, if desired.

Pineapple Chicken Satay

  • YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 2 skewers, about 1/3 cup pineapple mixture, and about 3 tablespoons soy sauce mixture)
  • TOTAL: 20 MINUTES
  • COURSE: Main Dishes
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup lower-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (such as Mae Ploy)
  • 1/4 cup natural-style, crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons peanut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 pound chicken breast tenders, cut lengthwise into 8 pieces
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups diced pineapple
  • 1/3 cup vertically sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Preparation
  • 1. Combine the first 3 ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  • 2. Place peanut oil, curry powder, and chicken in a bowl; toss to coat. Thread chicken onto 8 (6-inch) skewers.
  • 3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until chicken is done.
  • 4. While chicken cooks, combine 1 1/2 cups pineapple, 1/3 cup red onion, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper. Serve chicken with soy sauce mixture and pineapple mixture.

Grilled Flank Steak Soft Tacos with Avocado-Lime Salsa



Chili and chipotle powders lend earthy, smoky flavors to the grilled beef. For milder flavor, use ancho chile powder in place of the hot chipotle. The spice rub would also work nicely on chicken breasts.
Grilled Flank Steak Soft Tacos with Avocado-Lime SalsaPhoto by: Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Jan Gautro
  • YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 2 tacos)
  • COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

  • Steak:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons grated lime rind
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed
  • Cooking spray
  • Salsa:
  • 1 cup diced peeled avocado
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped tomato
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • Remaining ingredients:
  • 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • 2 cups very thinly sliced green cabbage

Preparation

1. To prepare steak, combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Score a diamond pattern on both sides of steak. Rub chili powder mixture evenly over steak. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. Prepare grill to medium-high heat.
3. Place steak on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 8 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices.
4. To prepare salsa, combine avocado and next 7 ingredients (through pepper sauce) in a medium bowl.
5. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon steak mixture evenly over each of 8 tortillas. Top each taco with 1/4 cup salsa and 1/4 cup cabbage.

Grilled Pineapple-Avocado Salsa


Cooking Light June 2011 - 

Grilled Pineapple-Avocado SalsaPhoto by: Photo: Levi Brown; Styling: Thom Driver
  • YIELD: 6 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)
  • HANDS-ON:25 MINUTES
  • TOTAL:25 MINUTES
  • COURSE: Sauces/Condiments

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 serrano chile, minced
  • 1 avocado

Preparation

1. Preheat grill to high heat.
2. Combine oil and honey, stirring well. Brush oil mixture over pineapple. Place pineapple on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove from grill; cool 5 minutes. Chop. Combine pineapple, onion, and next 6 ingredients (through serrano); toss gently.
3. Peel, seed, and dice avocado. Add avocado to the pineapple mixture, and toss gently.

Mango-Coconut Sherbet


To toast flaked unsweetened coconut, spread it in an even, single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Then, bake in a 350° preheated oven for 5 minutes or until golden, stirring once.

Mango-Coconut SherbetPhoto by: Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
  • YIELD: 6 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup sherbet and 2 teaspoons coconut)
  • HANDS-ON:5 MINUTES
  • TOTAL:2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES
  • COURSE: Desserts, Ice Cream/Sherbet

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cubed peeled ripe mango
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can light coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, toasted

Preparation

1. Combine cubed mango, sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and coconut milk in a blender; process until mixture is smooth, scraping sides as necessary. Pour mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer, and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions to soft-serve consistency. Spoon sherbet into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze 2 hours or until firm. Sprinkle each serving with coconut.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Coconut-Lime Berry Cake

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
1 3/4 C. plus 1 Tbs flour, plus more for baking dish
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1 C. packed sweetened shredded coconut
1 C. plus 1 Tbs sugar
3 large eggs
3/4 C. buttermilk
2 tsp finely grated lime zest, plus 2 Tbs lime juice
3 C. mixed berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries (about 1 pound)
3 Tbs orange juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 C. flour, baking powder, salt, and coconut.

2. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and 1 C. sugar on high, scraping down bowl as needed, until light and fluffy, 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions buttermilk, and beat until combined. Stir in lime zest and juice. Pour batter into dish. Smooth top with a small offset or rubber spatula.

3. In a medium bowl, toss together 1 Tbs flour, 1 Tbs sugar, berries, and orange juice. Scatter berry mixture over batter. Bake until cake is golden at edges and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Refrigerate cooled cake, wrapped tightly in plastic, up to 5 days.)

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette


Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 T grated onion
1/3 C fresh orange juice
3T fre
sh lime juice
2T honey
3/4 t cumin

1/2 t salt
1/4 t ground black pepper
1/2 C vegetable oil 


3. Place all ingredients in a tightly sealed jar and shake your bootie (and the jar) vigorously. Store in the fridge, and shake before dressing salad.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Maple Vinaigrette


2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
kosher salt and pepper
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Vinaigrette for Simple Green Salad


adapted from Ina Garten

1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced, fresh garlic
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Greek Style Vinaigrette

Greek style Vinaigrette


1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1-1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 2/3 cup red wine vinegar (I also put a few splashes of balsamic vinegar because I like the flavor)

  • Put all of these ingredients into a mason jar, seal the lid tight and shake.  The Dijon mustard will act as an emulsifier and incorporate all of your ingredients together.  

  • This salad dressing makes an awesome Greek salad.  Just use Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, peppercinis, cucumbers, and croutons.  Trust me, next time you have to "bring a salad" bring this one. 

Monday, March 7, 2011

Pizzeria Bianco Dough

Pizzeria Bianco Dough (makes 4 12-inch pizzas)
2 1/4 t. active dry yeast
2 c. warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
5 to 5 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. fine sea salt
Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing bowl

Dissolve yeast in warm water, let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 3 c. flour and the salt,
stirring until smooth. Stir in additional 2 c. flour, adding flour (up to 1/2 c.) 1 T. at a
time, stirring until dough comes away from bowl but is still sticky (I use my KitchenAid
stand mixer for all this). Continue to knead, by hand or in a mixer, until dough is
smooth, elastic, and soft, but still a little tacky, about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in
a mixer.

Shape dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Cover with
plastic, let rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (2-3 hours; when pressed with
finger the indent should remain).

Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 500. Scrape dough out of bowl onto floured
surface, cut into 4 pieces, and shape into balls. Dust with flour, and cover with plastic.
Let rest 20-30 minutes until dough relaxes and almost doubles. (Note: you can let the
dough rest in the ‘fridge for a few hours rather than 30 minutes on the counter, making
this a viable after-church meal). Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper to the size of your stone.

Holding top edge of 1 dough ball in both hands, let bottom edge touch work surface.
Carefully move hands around edge to form a circle, as if turning a wheel. Hold dough on
back of your hand, letting its weight stretch into a 12-inch round (my husband likes to
toss it; I can’t do that without tearing it).

Transfer dough to parchment paper. Arrange toppings, then transfer the dough and paper
to the hot stone. Bake pizza for 12 minutes or until crust is crisp and golden brown;
remove from oven with peel and serve hot!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Smoothies

Berry Orange: Blend 1 orange, peel and pith removed with a sharp knife, quartered, 1/2 C. yogurt (I'd subsitute something else or omit), 1/2 C. raspberry sorbet, and 1/2 C. 100% cranberry juice. Serves 2.

Peach, Berry, and Spinach: Blend 1 C. fresh or frozen peach slices, 1/2 C. fresh or frozen blackberries, 1 C. packed fresh spinach leaves, 1 1/2 C. white grape juice, and 1/2 C. ice (if using fresh fruit). Serves 2.

Green Machine: Blend 1 C. packed fresh spinach leaves, 1 1/4 C. white grape juice or pear juice, 1/2 avocado, 1 granny smith apple, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, and 1 C. ice. Serves 2.

Cucumber Blueberry: Blend 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces. 1 C. frozen blueberries, 1 C. white grape juice, and 1/2 C. low-fat plain yogurt. Serves 2.

Honey-Almond Focaccia with Rosemary


Yield: 24 servings (serving size: 1 (2 1/2-inch square) piece)

Ingredients

  • 1/2  cup  sliced almonds
  • 1/2  cup  olive oil
  • 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/8  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/8  teaspoon  crushed red pepper
  • 1  cup  warm 1% low-fat milk (100° to 110°)
  • 1 1/2  teaspoons  granulated sugar
  • 1  package dry yeast
  • 14.7  ounces  all-purpose flour (about 3 1/4 cups), divided
  • 1  teaspoon  salt
  • 1  large egg yolk
  • 2  tablespoons  olive oil, divided
  • 3  tablespoons  powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2  teaspoons  honey
  • 1  large egg white

Preparation

1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 1 minute or until golden. Drain nut mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, reserving oil. Toss nuts with 1/8 teaspoon salt and red pepper in a bowl.
2. Combine milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes or until bubbly. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add reserved oil, 5.7 ounces flour (about 1 1/4 cups), 1 teaspoon salt, and egg yolk to yeast mixture; beat with a mixer at low speed until combined. Gradually add remaining 9 ounces flour (about 2 cups) to oil mixture; beat at low speed until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 3 minutes). Press dough into a jelly-roll pan coated with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place (85°) for 40 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
3. Preheat oven to 350°.
4. Press dough gently with fingertips. Combine remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, powdered sugar, honey, and egg white; stir with a whisk until smooth. Gently brush dough with half of egg white mixture. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven. Brush top of bread with remaining egg white mixture; sprinkle with almonds. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool 10 minutes on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
137
Fat:
7.1g (sat 1g,mono 4.9g,poly 0.9g)
Protein:
2.9g
Carbohydrate:
15.5g
Fiber:
0.8g
Cholesterol:
8mg
Iron:
1mg
Sodium:
119mg
Calcium:
21mg
Gloria Piantek, West Lafayette, Indiana, Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2010

Quinoa and Parsley Salad


Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup)

Ingredients

  • 1  cup  water
  • 1/2  cup  uncooked quinoa
  • 3/4  cup  fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2  cup  thinly sliced celery
  • 1/2  cup  thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/2  cup  finely chopped dried apricots
  • 3  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
  • 1  tablespoon  olive oil
  • 1  tablespoon  honey
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper
  • 1/4  cup  unsalted pumpkinseed kernels, toasted

Preparation

1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Spoon into a bowl; fluff with a fork. Add parsley, celery, onions, and apricots.
2. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add to quinoa mixture, and toss well. Top with seeds.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
238
Fat:
8.6g (sat 1.3g,mono 4.3g,poly 2.8g)
Protein:
5.9g
Carbohydrate:
35.1g
Fiber:
3.6g
Cholesterol:
0.0mg
Iron:
4.6mg
Sodium:
172mg
Calcium:
47mg
Pam Riesenberg, Millburn, New Jersey, Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2010

Romaine Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette


Customize this basic salad by using other fruit, such as dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins, or different cheeses, like blue or goat.
Total: 11 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

  • 3  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
  • 2  tablespoons  olive oil
  • 1  tablespoon  minced shallots
  • 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh parsley
  • 1  teaspoon  Dijon mustard
  • 1/8  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
  • 1  garlic clove, crushed
  • 6  cups  chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/4  cup  dried cherries, chopped
  • 2  tablespoons  crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add lettuce, dried cherries, and cheese; toss gently to coat.

Variations -

Lemony Sugar Snap:
Omit vinegar and garlic; add 3 Tbs lemon juice. Use 6 C. torn butter lettuce. Omit cherries and feta; add 1 C. sliced sugar snap peas and 3 Tbs toasted sliced almonds.

Cilantro-Lime:
Omit vinegar; add 3 Tbs lime juice. Use 1 Tbs cilantro in place of parsley. Omit cherries and feta. Add 1/2 C. diced yellow bell pepper and 1/4 C. sliced green onions.

Honey-Balsamic Arugala:
Decrease vinegar to 2 Tbs. Add 1 tsp honey. Use 6 C. arugula. Omit cherries and feta; add 1/2 C. sliced red onion and 2 Tbs chopped walnuts. 

Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots


Total: 39 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

  • 5 1/2  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2  cup  thinly sliced shallots (about 2 medium)
  • 1 1/2  teaspoons  brown sugar
  • 1 1/3  pounds  sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2  teaspoons  finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/4  teaspoon  coarse sea salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper

Preparation

1. Heat 4 teaspoons oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add shallots to pan, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with sugar; cook 20 minutes or until shallots are golden, stirring occasionally.
2. Place potatoes in a medium saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook 8 minutes or until tender. Drain. Place potatoes in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add rosemary, salt, and pepper; beat until blended. Spoon into a bowl; top with shallots, and drizzle with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil.
Cooking Light.

Garlic Roasted Kale


Roasting kale is amazing—the leaves turn from a dusty dark green to dark emerald with brown-tinged curly edges that crunch. This vegetable side is delicious served hot from the oven; the leaves lose their crisp texture as the dish stands.
Total: 24 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup)

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4  teaspoon  kosher salt
  • 1  garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 10  ounces  kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1  teaspoon  sherry vinegar

Preparation

1. Arrange oven racks in center and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 425°. Place a large jelly-roll pan in oven for 5 minutes.
2. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; toss to coat. Place kale mixture on hot pan, spreading with a silicone spatula to separate leaves. Bake at 425° for 7 minutes. Stir kale. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until edges of leaves are crisp and kale is tender.
3. Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar; toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Cooking Light

Citrus Green Beans with Pine Nuts


Total: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

  • 1  pound  green beans, trimmed
  • 2  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4  cup  sliced shallots (about 2 large)
  • 1  teaspoon  grated orange rind
  • 1  tablespoon  fresh orange juice
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper
  • 1/8  teaspoon  coarse sea salt
  • 1  tablespoon  pine nuts, toasted

Preparation

1. Cook green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Add green beans; stir well. Add rind, juice, pepper, and salt; sauté 2 minutes. Spoon onto a platter; sprinkle with nuts.