Saturday, August 22, 2009

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto
from AllRecipes.com
Ingredients:
6 cups chicken broth, divided
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 pound white mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 shallots, diced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
4 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, warm the broth over low heat.
  2. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the mushrooms, and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Remove mushrooms and their liquid, and set aside.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, and stir in the shallots. Cook 1 minute. Add rice, stirring to coat with oil, about 2 minutes. When the rice has taken on a pale, golden color, pour in wine, stirring constantly until the wine is fully absorbed. Add 1/2 cup broth to the rice, and stir until the broth is absorbed. Continue adding broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, and stir in mushrooms with their liquid, butter, chives, and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

"Authentic Italian-style risotto cooked the slow and painful way, but oh so worth it. Complements grilled meats and chicken dishes very well. Check the rice by biting into it. It should be slightly al dente (or resist slightly to the tooth but not be hard in the center)."

Review...Please do cut the mushrooms in half, I think it was a typo when it was first entered, but you can use any amount of mushroom you desire! Feel free to also adjust the wine to your preference. You can also try different variations to make this a main dish, peas & prociutto, shrimp and asparagus, chicken and mushroom, saffron & seafood... whatever you desire for the last mix in (cooked meat of course)! Optionally, you can add some tarragon to this and add more broth if you like it "soupy". It's fantastic!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Portobello Mushroom "Burgers"

Portobello Mushroom "Burgers"
submitted by: Bob Cody
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Portobello-Mushroom-Burgers/Detail.aspx

INGREDIENTS:

4 portobello mushroom caps
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
4 (1 ounce) slices provolone cheese


DIRECTIONS:

  1. Remove stems and place the mushroom caps, smooth side up, in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the mushrooms. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or so, turning twice.
  2. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Brush grate clean.
  3. Brush grate with oil-soaked folded paper towel. Place mushrooms on the grill, smooth side up, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until tender. Brush with marinade frequently. Top with cheese during the last 2 minutes of grilling.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Potato Lasagna

POTATO LASAGNA
A delicious new spin on vegetarian lasagna with potatoes and tofu.By Liz Applegate Ph.D.
PUBLISHED 07/03/2003, Runner's World Magazine
Ingredients:
6 medium potatoes
2 lbs firm tofu
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 Tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 qt light spaghetti sauce
1 cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Boil, steam or microwave potatoes until tender. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, mash tofu with a fork or potato masher. Add lemon juice, honey, salt, oil, basil and garlic powder. Combine thoroughly and set aside. When you're ready to assemble the lasagna, peel and slice potatoes.
In a 9x13-inch pan, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer half the sliced potatoes on top, then spread half of the tofu mixture over the potatoes, then half the remaining spaghetti sauce onto the tofu. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, tofu and sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 12.Per serving: 251 calories; 25.8 g carb; 17.3 g protein; 10.4 g fat (35% of total calories); 511 mg sodium; 2.7 g dietary fiber.

Potato Frittata

POTATO FRITTATA
This delicious post-run meal will replace those lost carbs and fuel you up for your next run.
PUBLISHED 08/02/2007 Runner World Magazine
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 baked russet potato, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices, lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 eggs
3 egg whites
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Coat a nine-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat pan, then add onion, pepper, and thyme to pan and cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about five minutes. Add sliced potato, salt, and pepper, and cook until heated, about two minutes. Whisk together eggs and whites, and pour evenly over potato mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook (without stirring) until eggs are set, about 15 minutes. If desired, place the pan under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp the top of the frittata (be sure your pan is oven-safe). Top with grated Parmesan.
Serves four.
Calories: 130, Fat: 4 g, Protein: 10 g, Carbs: 14 g, vitamin c: 40% Daily Value
Optional: mushrooms

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Perfect Latkes

From Sunset Magazine, December 2004
The goal: pancakes that are light and crisp, not heavy or soggy. The trick is to soak the shredded potatoes to remove some of the starch (and keep them from changing color). Choose a Yukon Gold potato over a russet and your cake is extra creamy on the inside.

2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and rinsed
1 onion ~(8 oz.), peeled
2 eggs, beaten
3 T potato starch or all-purpose flour
1/2 t salt
~ 2 c vegetable oil
  1. Using a food processor or grater, shred potatoes, transferring shredded potatoes to a bowl of water. Let stand at least 30 min.
  2. Drain potato. With hands, squeeze excess water from a large handful and pile into clean dish towel. Enclose potatoes tightly in towel and twist it to wring out remaining moisture. Repeat to dry all potatoes.
  3. Shred onions and drain. in dry bowl combine dry potatoes and onions. Add eggs, flour, and salt and mix well.
  4. Pour oil into a fry pan with high sides to a depth of up to 1/2". Heat over medium-high heat. When surface of oil ripples slightly, shape ~1/3 cup of potato mixture into 1/2" thick cakes with hands and and place in hot oil. Don't crowd pancakes. Cook until edges of pancakes are crisp and well browned and undersides are golden brown. (Check after ~3 minutes.) Turn and cook until remaining sides are golden brown. Transfer to a paper towels to drain. Keep warm in a 200 degree oven while you cook the remaining pancakes.
  5. Serve hot with applesauce, sour cream, or other accompaniments.

Baked Beef Brisket

1 beef brisket (~4-5 lbs.)
1 bottle bbq sauce (or make your own)
water (or beer)
1 envelope lipton onion soup mix OR
salt to taste,
1 t. pepper,
1 t. garlic powder, and
1 T. instant minced onions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°f. Sprinkle both sides with dry ingredients. Place meat in pan and top meat with as much bbq sauce as needed to thoroughly cover the meat. If sauce is thick, dilute a little with water.
  2. Cook covered with foil at 325°f. The recipe says allow 1 hour per pound but I question this formula. I think it depends more on how thick it is, not how many pounds it is. I would allow at least 3 1/2 hours for a 4 or more pounder. If you have an instant read thermometer I'd use it. The finished temp should be at least 195°f. and preferably 204°. Check after about 3 hours to make sure the thinned sauce hasn't boiled away. Add more if needed.
  3. Slice and serve with leftover bbq sauce and/or sauce from pan. I find it easiest to slice the meat with an electric knife. (Thinner is better.)

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Coconut-Almond Energy Bars

Great as a pre-workout snack! From Runner's World Magazine (~2009) 2 c. rolled oats 1 c unsweetened coconut 1/2 c dates (or raisins) 1/2 c raw almonds 1/2 c sesame seeds 1/2 c sunflower seeds 1/2 c cashews 1 1/2 c tahini (or natural peanut butter) 1 c honey 1 t vanilla
  1. Combine rolled oats, one cup unsweetened coconut, dates (or raisins), raw almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews.
  2. Mix 1 1/2 cups tahini (or natural peanut butter) with one cup honey and one teaspoon vanilla. Microwave for one minute.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. On a greased baking sheet, spread mixture into a one-inch-high rectangle. Bake at 350° F for 15 minutes and cut into 12 bars.
This recipe for energy bars, adapted from The Bakery in New Paltz, New York, has powered runners, bikers, and climbers for nearly 30 years. The dates and honey provide quick carbs, while the nuts are high in healthy fats, which help sustain energy levels. "People doing the fat-free thing often find they're hungry all the time," says Cooke. The oats keep cholesterol in check, and research shows "the fiber in oats may offset the risk of upper-respiratory infections, which are common in runners," says Dikos.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Spiced Black Bean Burger

Spiced Black Bean Burger (serves 2)
from Carmichael Training Systems http://www.trainright.com/articles.asp?uid=3442&p=3440
1 15- to 16- ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
¼ block extra firm tofu, chopped, crumbled
1/3 cup chopped red onion
½ cup dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons med-hot chunky salsa
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon hot sauce
  1. Drain and rinse beans (significantly reduces the sodium content). Using a fork, mash bean in medium bowl.
  2. Drain the tofu. Using a fork, mash the tofu and add to bean mixture.
  3. Mix in onion, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons salsa, cumin and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Using moistened hands, shape bean mixture into two 3.5- to 4.5- inch diameter patties.
  5. Prepare grill (med-high heat). Brush grill rack with vegetable oil. Grill burgers until heated through, about 3 minutes per side.

Nutrient Information: per single serving
Calories 366, Carbs 57g, Protein 22g, Fat 5.5g, Sat. Fat .5g, Fiber 16g, Sodium 820mg*

*To reduce sodium even more, try Goya Low Sodium Black Beans, which have as little as 140 mg per ½ cup serving compared to 400 mg in most canned black beans.

Grilled Flatbread (serves 4)
½ teaspoon dry, active yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt

  1. Place ¾ cup warm water in a medium size bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top; stir to dissolve, then set aside for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
  2. Add olive oil, flour and salt and mix to combine.
  3. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface, knead 2 minutes or until elastic.Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it stand in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece 10 1/8 inch thick round.
  5. Lightly brush one side of each round with olive oil and place the rounds oiled side down on the hot grill.
  6. Grill the flatbread for 2 minutes, brush the side that’s facing up with olive oil and flip the rounds.
  7. Grill for 2 minutes, remove from the grill and serve warm.

Nutrient Information: per single serving
Calories 220, Carbs 28g, Protein 7g, Fat 4.5g, Sat. Fat .5g, Fiber 7g, Sodium 475mg

Friday, August 15, 2008

Ginger Chicken with Broccoli

Ginger Chicken with Broccoli
From Runners World 01/07/2008
Marinade for chicken slices
1 1/2 pints (3 cups) chicken stock or water
16 oz chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 eggs
2 TB cornstarch
2 TB vegetable oil
1/4 Tspn white pepper
1/4 Tspn salt
Combine ingredients and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

Sauce
1/2 cup wheat free soy sauce
2 TB rice vinegar
2 TB sugar
1/2 cup chicken stock
Combine ingredients and set aside.

Vegetables and Aromatics
3 TB vegetable oil
2 TB minced Ginger (or use 2 t. dried ginger
2 TB minced Scallions
1 Tsp minced Garlic
1/2 pound Broccoli trimmed to 2"-3" florets (can use defrosted)

Finishing Touches
4 TB dry cornstarch dissolved in 8 TB cold water
Pure Sesame Oil

Procedure:
  1. In a seasoned wok place 1 1/2 pints (3 cups) of chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil then down to a simmer.
  2. Carefully place marinated chicken slices into the simmering liquid. Carefully separate with a pair of chop sticks to cook evenly about 2/3 of the way (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Remove chicken from liquid, and drain.
  4. At this point you can either cook the broccoli until "tender crisp" in the liquid you cooked the chicken in or steam the broccoli until "tender crisp" in a bamboo or metal steamer, or in the microwave.
  5. Assemble cooked broccoli in a ring pattern onto your serving plate. Keep warm.
  6. Drain liquid from wok, clean thoroughly and heat 3 TB of vegetable oil in the bottom.
  7. Stir-fry the ginger scallions and garlic on medium heat until the flavors and aromas are released, about 5 to 8 seconds.
  8. Add sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer.
  9. Add the cooked chicken back in while stirring and cooking until tender and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
  10. While sauce is simmering, add half of the cornstarch mixture to thicken. Cook briefly and check consistency; sauce should coat the back of a spoon. You can add more cornstarch mixture as needed.
  11. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
  12. Drizzle with 1 Tsp of sesame oil and pour chicken with sauce into the center of the broccoli ring.
  13. Serve with steamed white or brown rice, or noodles.

Nutrition info below does not include rice or noodles.
4 servings
Per serving:380 calories,20 g fat (46% calories), 23 g carbs (24.2%), 29 g protein (29.9%)
For lower fat version, reduce oil in marinade to 1Tb, reduce oil needed to stir-fry aromatics to 2 tsp.Lower-fat version, per serving:300 calories10 g fat (29.7 % of calories)23 g carbs (31.5%)29 g protein (38.9%)

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Chicken Breast

50 Ways to Feed Your Muscles
By Phillip Rhodes, Men's Health Magazine
50 Ways to Prepare Chicken Breast

STIR-FRYING Basic technique: Cut the raw chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Cook them in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned. Then add the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently.

Tip: Sesame oil gives stir-fries their distinct flavor. Its nutritional profile is similar to that of olive oil (i.e., high in the unsaturated fats you want). But if you don't have sesame, use canola or peanut oil, since olive oil can burn at high temperatures.
1. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 c green or red bell pepper, cut into strips; 1/4 medium onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2. 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/3 c matchstick carrots; 1/3 c chopped celery; 1 green onion, sliced; 2 Tbsp chopped, unsalted peanuts
3. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 c asparagus tips; 2 Tbsp chopped, unsalted cashews
4. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/2 c snow peas; 1 c chopped celery
5. 1 whisked egg; 1/2 c (or more) chopped broccoli; 1/4 medium onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
6. 1 whisked egg; 1/2 c snow peas; 1/2 c green or red bell pepper, cut into strips; 1/4 onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce

BAKING Basic technique: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the chicken breast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an internal roasting thermometer reaches 170°. Don't overcook it. Err on the side of tenderness. An overcooked, dried-out chicken breast won't give you salmonella, but you probably won't want to eat it in the first place.

Tip: Quickly searing the breast in a hot skillet will help avoid dryness because it locks in the bird's juices.

Sauced: Watery ready-made sauces like salsa will bake fine—some of the liquid will boil away as the chicken bakes. But thicker sauces, like barbecue or ranch, need water or broth mixed in, otherwise you'll be left with a sticky, blackened char.

Tip: Use a small baking dish to keep the meat covered with sauce.
7. 1/3 c salsa
8. 2 Tbsp jalapeƱo cheese dip, 2 Tbsp salsa, 1 Tbsp water
9. 2 Tbsp marinara sauce, 2 Tbsp water
10. 2 Tbsp barbecue sauce, 2 Tbsp water
11. 2 Tbsp ranch dressing, 2 Tbsp water
12. 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp olive oil
13. 3 Tbsp chicken broth; 1 Tbsp mustard; 1 clove garlic, crushed
14. 2 Tbsp condensed mushroom soup, 2 Tbsp water
15. 2 Tbsp pesto, 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium chicken broth
16. 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 c crushed pineapple with juice
17. 3 Tbsp chicken broth, 2 Tbsp light coconut milk, 1/4 tsp curry powder
18. 1/3 c chicken broth, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 Tbsp apple juice
19. 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce; 1 clove garlic, crushed
20. 2 Tbsp hot sauce, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp chili powder
21. 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp orange marmalade, 1/4 tsp rosemary

Rubbed Rub one of the following spice mixtures evenly over each breast, then hit the chicken with a shot or two of cooking spray (not too much, though) to hold the rub in place and help form a light crust when cooking.
22. Tex-Mex style: 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano; pinch of salt
23. Southwestern: 1/4 tsp each black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, and hot sauce
24. French: 1/4 tsp each dried basil, rosemary, and thyme; pinch of salt and pepper

Crusted A whisked egg acts like glue, holding the crust to the meat. It also gives your poultry a small protein boost. Crack one open in a shallow bowl, whisk it, and dip the chicken in it. Tip: Put your crust ingredients in a shallow plate instead of a bowl—it'll be much easier to coat the breast evenly.
25. Nut crusted: Dip the chicken in the egg, then roll it in 1/3 c nuts of your choice, finely chopped. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
26. Parmesan crusted: Dip the chicken in the egg, then roll it in a mixture of 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 Tbsp Italian bread crumbs, and a pinch of black pepper.
27. "Like fried": Dip the chicken in the egg, then roll it in 1/2 c crushed cornflakes or bran flakes. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Stuffed Relax, this isn't hard. First, pound the heck out of the chicken breast with a meat tenderizer or the heel of your hand—you want it to be uniformly thin. (Just be careful not to tear it.) Then, arrange your ingredients on the breast, roll it up, and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine so it doesn't come undone while it's baking.
28. 1 slice Cheddar cheese, 2 slices deli ham, 1/4 tsp black pepper
29. 1 slice mozzarella cheese; 3 slices pepperoni; 3 leaves fresh basil, chopped
30. 1 slice mozzarella; 1/4 c chopped tomatoes; 3 leaves fresh basil, chopped
31. 1 small handful baby spinach leaves, chopped; 1 Tbsp blue-cheese crumbles; 1 clove garlic, crushed
32. 1 slice mozzarella, 1 slice salami, 1 Tbsp chopped roasted red pepper
33. 1 1/2 Tbsp part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 tsp oregano
34. 1 1/2 Tbsp part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp diced olives, 1/4 tsp lemon zest
35. 1 Tbsp pesto, 1 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp black pepper

GRILLING, SEARING, OR GEORGE FOREMAN-ING
Basic technique: Heat the grill, place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat on the stove until it's hot, or power up the Foreman. Add the marinated chicken, cooking 3 to 5 minutes per side (6 to 8 total on the Foreman), or until an internal roasting thermometer reaches 170°F. The chicken doesn't stop cooking when you take it off the heat. If it's still hot, it's still cooking.

Marinades: Marinades need only about an hour or so to penetrate the meat. Whether you're cooking one chicken breast at a time or four at once, just mix the marinade ingredients well in a resealable plastic bag, drop in the chicken, seal, shake, and refrigerate.

Tip: If you're grilling, make a little extra marinade and reserve it in a separate bag or bowl. Brush it on the chicken during cooking to keep the meat moist.
36. 2 Tbsp bourbon, 1 tsp deli-style mustard, 1/4 tsp black pepper
37. 2 Tbsp bourbon; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, crushed
38. 2 Tbsp white wine; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/4 tsp thyme
39. 2 Tbsp red wine; 1 tsp barbecue sauce; 1 clove garlic, crushed
40. 2 Tbsp Coca-Cola, 1/4 tsp black pepper
41. 2 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette, 1/4 tsp rosemary
42. 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp black pepper
43. 2 Tbsp plain yogurt, 1/4 tsp dill
44. 2 Tbsp plain yogurt, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp curry powder
45. 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp cilantro
46. 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
47. 2 Tbsp orange juice, 1/4 tsp powdered ginger, 1/4 tsp cilantro
48. 2 Tbsp orange juice, 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
49. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
50. 2 Tbsp pineapple juice; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Friday, March 21, 2008

Curried Rice

Curried Rice
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green peppers
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup uncooked rice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook onion and green peppers in butter in large saucepan until tender. Add rice, pepper, turmeric and curry; brown slightly. Add chicken broth; stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in parsley.
Makes 6 servings
Recipe provided courtesy of USA Rice Federation. Modified.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Triple Mushroom and Rice Fajitas

Triple Mushroom and Rice Fajitas
http://www.recipezaar.com/290379
Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked regular brown rice
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 ounces portabella mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
3 ounces fresh chanterelle mushrooms or oyster mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
1 medium green pepper or red pepper, cut into thin strips
4 green onions, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
8 flour tortillas, 8 inch

Directions
  1. Cook rice according to package directions, except omit the salt.
  2. In a large ziplock bag, combine the water, lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt.
  3. Add mushrooms, pepper strips, and green onions.
  4. Seal the bag and turn to coat ingredients evenly.
  5. Marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
  6. Stack tortillas and wrap in foil. Heat in a 350Āŗ oven for 10 minutes to soften.
  7. In a large skillet, cook undrained mushroom mixture over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until peppers are tender and all but about 2 tbsps of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in cooked rice and heat through.
  9. To serve, spoon mushroom-rice mixture onto warmed tortillas and roll up.

Pennsylvania Pasta with Crimini

Pennsylvania Pasta with Crimini
http://www.mushroomrecipes.com/crimrec1.html
Egg noodles are the heart and soul of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. They are not as prevalent as pasta is in the Italian kitchen, but that is because the Pennsylvania Dutch have an equal fondness for potatoes. Egg noodles are almost always served as a side dish with meat, but can be used as universally as their pasta cousins.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ pound fresh crimini, sliced
5 ounces dried egg noodles
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 1/3 cup cold water

Preparation:

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet and add the onion. SautĆ© over medium-high heat until the onion is just translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Stop the cooking by adding ½ cup water to the skillet. Stir in the seasonings, lemon juice, wine, sugar, and soy sauce. Add the mushrooms and turn the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile bring a pot of lightly salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until just slightly firm. Drain.
  3. While the noodles are cooking, stir the cornstarch mixture into the mushrooms and heat until thickened.
  4. Place the noodles on a serving dish and spoon the mushrooms and sauce over.

This dish can be reheated very successfully.Serves 4

Monday, February 25, 2008

Mushroom Shrimp Pasta

Mushroom Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
8 oz linguine or other pasta
3 T olive oil
1 lbs fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 med. onion, chopped
1 T garlic, minced
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water when draining.
  2. In large skillet, heat oil. Add mushrooms and onions. Saute until mushrooms are softened and most of the liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and shrimp and saute until shrimp turn pinkish, about 3 minutes, stirring. Stir reserved pasta cooking water and cook 1 more minute. Toss shrimp mixture with cooked linguine.
  4. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt if desired.

Tried 2/25/08 - good

Zesty Shrimp and Pasta

Low-Fat Zesty Shrimp and Pasta
http://food.yahoo.com/recipes/kraft/53322/low-fat-zesty-shrimp-and-pasta
Ingredients:
1 lb cleaned, shelled large shrimp (21 to 30 count)
3/4 c bottled Italian Salad Dressing, divided use
2 c sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained, cut into halves
1 T chopped fresh parsley, optional
8 oz linguine or similar pasta, cooked as directed on package
Grated Parmesan Cheese


Directions:
  1. Cook and stir shrimp in 1/2 cup of the dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat 2 min.
  2. Add mushrooms, onions, artichokes and parsley. Continue cooking until shrimp turn pink and vegetables are tender, stirring frequently.
  3. Toss with hot cooked linguine and remaining 1/4 cup dressing in large serving bowl. Sprinkle with cheese.
    Yield: 6 servings

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Asparagus Vegetable Medley

Asparagus Vegetable Medley for the crock pot
Ingredients:
2 lbs asparagus cut into 1" pieces
2 large leeks (white part only), rinsed well and halved lengthwise and sliced
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup homemade or canned vegetable broth
1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
2 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
1 1/2 tsp dried tarragon, crushed
1-2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  1. In your crockpot, mix together the asparagus, leeks, green and red bell peppers, broth, 3 tablespoons of the vinegar, 2 teaspoons of the dill weed, and 1 teaspoon of the tarragon.
  2. Cover and cook on the low heat setting 5 to 5 1/2 hours, or until the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp. Drain off and discard the cooking liquid.
  3. Mix in the remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon dill weed,and 1/2 teaspoon tarragon. Add olive oil to taste.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Shrimp

http://www.weloveseafood.com/ShrimpsWithStirFriedNoodles.html
http://www.weloveseafood.com/DillShrimpRecipe.html
http://www.weloveseafood.com/Curry-shrimps-with-zucchini.html
Shrimp Scampi Linguini
http://www.shrimprecipes.org/asian-grilled-shrimp.html
http://www.shrimprecipes.org/garlic-shrimp.html

Spicy Garlic Rosemary Shrimp

Spicy Garlic Rosemary Shrimp
Recipe courtesy Sara Moulton, 2006 Television Food Network, G.P.
1 pound medium shrimp, deveined, peeled, tail end left on
2 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 T minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 t hot red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon juice
To a large skillet, add olive oil and garlic slices and cook over moderate heat until golden. Remove garlic chips. To the skillet, add rosemary, pepper flakes, and shrimp, and cook, stirring, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and transfer to serving dish. Squeeze some lemon juice over shrimp.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Mushroom Soup

Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook, 2004
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/231145
This is a ridiculously easy soup to make. It's tasty and durable, and it gets even better overnight.
Servings: Makes 4 servings. Recipe may be doubled very easily.
Ingredients:
6 T butter
1 small onion, thinly sliced
12-16 oz button mushrooms or substitute cremini
4 c light chicken stock or broth or substitute vegetable stock
1 sprig of flat parsley
Salt and pepper
2 oz high-quality sherry (don't use the cheap grocery-store variety; it's salty and unappetizing and will ruin your soup)
Equipment:
Medium saucepan, Wooden spoon, Blender
Method:


  1. In the medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat and add the onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, then add the mushrooms and the remaining butter. Let the mixture sweat for about 8 minutes, taking care that the onion doesn't take on any brown color.
  2. Stir in the chicken stock and the parsley and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour.
  3. After an hour, remove the parsley and discard. Let the soup cool for a few minutes, then transfer to the blender and carefully blend at high speed until smooth. Do I have to remind you to do this in stages, with the blender's lid firmly held down, and with the weight of your body keeping that thing from flying off and allowing boiling hot mushroom purƩe to erupt all over your kitchen?
  4. When blended, return the mix to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and bring up to a simmer again. Add the sherry, mix well, and serve immediately.

Improvisation:

To astound your guests with a Wild Mushroom Soup, simply replace some of those button mushrooms with a few dried cĆØpes or morels, which have been soaked until soft, drained, and squeezed. Not too many; the dried mushrooms will have a much stronger taste, and you don't want to overwhelm the soup. Pan sear, on high heat, a single small, pretty, fresh chanterelle or morel for each portion, and then slice into a cute fan and float on top in each bowl.

For a thicker consistency, blend only half of the soup mixture.

If you really want to ratchet your soup into pretentious (but delicious), drizzle a few tiny drops of truffle oil over the surface just before serving.

Tried Feb 2008 - GOOD!

Creamy Roasted Mushroom Soup

Bon AppƩtit November 2002
Big chunks of portobello and shiitake mushrooms make for a hearty soup.
Servings: Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Ingredients:
1 lb portobello mushrooms, stemmed, dark gills removed, caps cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/2 lb shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps cut into 3/4-inch pieces
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 14-ounce cans (or more) vegetable broth
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Madeira
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup whipping cream
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Preparation:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with foil. Divide mushrooms between prepared baking sheets. Drizzle mushrooms on each sheet with 3 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Cover with foil. Bake mushrooms 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until mushrooms are tender and still moist, about 15 minutes longer. Cool slightly.
  2. Puree half of mushrooms with 1 can broth in blender until smooth. Set mushroom puree aside.
  3. Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sautƩ until onion is tender, about 8 minutes. Add Madeira and simmer until almost all of liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add flour; stir 2 minutes. Add 2 cans broth, cream, and thyme. Stir in remaining cooked mushroom pieces and mushroom puree. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  4. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving, thinning with additional broth if necessary.)
May substitute cooking Sherry for the Madeira if necessary.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Dutch Apple Pie with Oatmeal Streusel

Dutch Apple Pie with Oatmeal Streusel
from Allrecipes.com, 2002
Ingredients:
glass pie dish
1 (9 inch) pie shell
2 1/2 c Granny smith apples - peeled, cored, and sliced (~3 lbs)
2 1/2 c Fuji apples - peeled, cored, and sliced (~3 lbs)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, rounded
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter
egg white
  1. Fit pastry shell into glass pie dish, coat with egg white, and let dry. Place in freezer.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  3. Prepare apples if they aren't ready. Slice pies fairly thinly so they will cook well.
  4. To Make Apple Filling: Place apples in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine 2 tablespoons flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well, then add to apples. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
  5. Remove pie shell from freezer. Place apple mixture in pie shell and dot with 2 tablespoons butter or margarine. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil lightly on top of filling, but do not seal.
  6. Bake at 425 on top of cookie sheet for 10 minutes or when crust begins to brown .
  7. While filling is baking, make Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, oats, and lemon peel. Mix thoroughly, then cut in 1/2 cup butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly. Remove filling from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
  8. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until streusel is browned and apples are tender. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2007 Allrecipes.com

Gail's Graham Cracker Bark

Gail's Graham Cracker Bark
Gail Muckler Arno, 21 December 2007
Ingredients:
Graham crackers
3/4c. brown sugar or brown sugar Splenda
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 c pecan pieces
baking sheet
  1. Line baking sheet with crackers.
  2. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over crackers.
  3. Let cool in refrigerator about 1 hour. Break into pieces.

Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf
from Jayne Slade (prior to 1976)
1 to 1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 egg
1 slice bread, cubed into 1/4" to 1/2" cubes
1 medium onion, chopped (or 2 T dryed minced onion)
1/8 t. pepper
catsup
  1. Combine beef, egg, bread, pepper, and onion together in a mixing bowl. Mix well with hands.
  2. Press into loaf pan. Leave a little space along one side so fat can be drained off. Cover the top with catsup.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (1 hour if meat is icedold)
  4. Leftovers can be refrigerated 4-5 days or frozen.

Suggestion:

  1. To bake potatoes in same oven, put them in 1/2 hour before meat loaf goes in.
  2. Add 1/4 c. parmesian cheese when mixing meat and other ingredients.

Marinated Grilled Veggies

Marinated Grilled Veggies
Trish Barr, SD Union-Tribune, 13 May 1998
Ingredients:
Zucchini
Yellow squash
Tomatoes
Wine Vinegar
Olive oil
Onions, dried or fresh, chopped
  1. Slice vegetables onto heavy-duty aluminum foil. Sprinkle with wine vinegar and remaining ingredients.
  2. Wrap foil tightly and grill until vegetables are tender.

Low-Fat Honey Mustard Chicken

Low-Fat Honey Mustard Chicken
Jeanne Jones - Cook It Light, SD Union-Tribune, 1 June 2005 (modified)
Serves 4
Ingredients:
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 c. honey, heaping
1/2 c. prepared (yellow) mustard
4 t. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1 t. curry powder
non-stick spray
9" x 13" pan/glass casserole dish
  1. If chicken is frozen, defrost, or increase cooking time about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray pan with nonstick spray.
  3. If chicken breasts are very thick, place your hand on top of the breast and run a sharp knife parallel to the countertop midway through the breast, so that you are splitting the chicken in half. This allows for a shorter cooking time and helps to keep meat moist. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of sprayed pan in one layer.
  4. Combine honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and curry powder. Pour sauce over chicken, bake for about 40 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
  5. Serve, pouring remaining sauce over chicken.

Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes

Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes
From Desperation Dinners - SD Union-Tribune 8/8/07
6 servings
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. small red potatoes
1 T cornstarch
2 t dried rosemary
1 t garlic powder
1/4 t salt
1/8 t black pepper
2 T vegetable oil
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rinse and quarter the potatoes. (Make sure the pieces are fairly uniform, about 1 inch.)
  2. Place the potatoes in a large zipper-top bag with the cornstarch, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake well to coat. Transfer the potatoes to a large baking pan and spread them in a single layer.
  3. Drizzle the oil over the potatoes and bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Serve immediately.

127 calories (33% from fat), 5 g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 2 g protein, 20g carbohydrates, 2g dietary fiber, 104mg sodium

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Banana Honey Nut Bread

Ingredients:
1 1/2c. ripe, mashed banana (~3)
1 T. (heaping) honey
1/4c. canola oil
1 egg, beaten
1 t. almond extract
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2c. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Cooking spray, 4 x 8 loaf pan, 2 mixing bowls
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large metal bowl, mash bananas. Add honey, oil, egg, and almond extract and stir to mix well.
  3. In a second bowl mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir into banana mixture and mix in the nuts.
  4. Spray the loaf pan with cooking spray and coat with flour. Turn bread batter into pan and bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden toothpick into the middle and removing. If it comes out clean, the banana bread is done. Begin checking after 35 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool on a cooling rack.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

South-of-the-Border Casserole

South-of-the-Border Casserole
This recipe requires a 1 1/2qt. casserole dish
Ingredients:
1 lb lean/extra lean ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion
2- 8oz cans tomato sauce (salt free if available)
1/2 t. Pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco) or to taste
1 Tbl. chili powder
12 corn tortillas
2 c. shredded Cheddar or Mexican cheese
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Brown meat in skillet, stirring to break up meat. Add onion and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, and pepper sauce.
  3. Cut tortillas into halves. Alternate layers of meat mixture, tortillas, and cheese in 1 1/2 qt casserole, making about 4 layers total. (Therefore, use about 1/4 of each per layer)
  4. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Serve with a salad or Caesar Salad

Beef with Brown Rice and Mushrooms

Beef with Brown Rice and Mushrooms
1979 from A1 Steak Sauce - serves 4
Ingredients:
1/2 c chopped onion (~1/2 med. onion)
6-8oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1-2 med. cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder)
2 Tbl. margarine
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup brown rice, uncooked (don't use instant)
1 3/4 c. water
1 tsp. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 t. instant beef or chicken broth/boullion
Parmesian cheese, grated
  1. In a large skillet melt margarine over med. heat and cook onion, mushroom, and garlic until liquid (released from mushrooms) is absorbed.
  2. Stir in beef and continue cooking until meat is brown and crumbly. Mix in remaining ingredients except parmesian. Simmer (on low), covered, for 25-30 min or until rice is tender. If tender but liquid remains, remove lid, turn up to med., and continue cooking. Stir ocassionally to keep from sticking to bottom of pan.
  3. Serve and top with parmesian cheese.

Serve with salad or a vegetable. Should make 2-3 meals. Store in frig 4-5 days or freeze.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

BBQ Chicken Breast

1 to 4 Chicken breasts, frozen
1 bottle BBQ sauce
glass baking dish
dish cover or foil
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Arrange chicken breast(s) in one layer at bottom of baking dish.
  3. Pour BBQ sauce over breasts just to cover.
  4. Cover with glass lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove and slice into thickest breast to make sure juice run clear (no pink or red). If juice is not clear cook for additional 10-15 minutes.

Suggestion: serve with rice and a vegetable or salad.
Refrigerate leftovers for 3 days or freeze.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Pasta / Tortellini with Sauce

  1. Check your pasta sauce to be sure it is still good if it has already been opened.
  2. Fill cooking pot 3/4 full of water and bring to a boil. Do NOT add sauce.
  3. Meanwhile, pour pasta sauce in another sauce pan/pot, cover, and turn burner to low/medium. Stir ocassionally with wooden spoon, scraping bottom to keep it from burning on the bottom. If it starts to bubble you can turn burn to warm or low or even off. Leave cover on until ready to serve.
  4. AFTER water is boiling, add pasta and stir a little. Do NOT cover. Control your portions by reading package and then pour a fraction of the bag into the pot. (e.g. bag has 8 servings and you plan to eat 2, use 1/4 bag. If you plan to cook a couple days worth, adjust accordingly.)
  5. Bring back to a boil and lower temp a little so it doesn't boil over but continues to boil. Set timer for the longer time on the package. Stir ocassionally to keep pieces from sticking.
  6. Drain and serve immediately. Pour sauce over top.
  7. Left over pasta sauce can be returned to the jar. An open jar will keep 2-4 weeks; longer if it is very cold in the back of the frig. You can also freeze individual portions if you don't think you'll use it for a while.
  8. Leftover pasta can be stored in frig for 3-5 days. Best way to reheat pasta is to pour hot water over it for a minute or two, or put it in a bowl or pot of hot water for a minute or two, and drain. Microwave also works but stir half way and don't over do it.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Tatons

Tatons
Potato croutons!
10 new potatoes (red-skinned, if possible), washed and peels intact
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tbsp each dried basil, oregano and tarragonsalt and pepper to taste

Place the potatoes, whole, in your vegetable steamer over boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are semi-tender. Remove and cool until you can handle them. Dice them into 1″ cubes.

In a bowl, toss all other ingredients together, and then throw the cubed potatoes in and toss to coat them in the oil mixture.

Place them on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are very brown and crisp.
Serves 2

http://veganmania.com/recipes/index.php/side-dishes/potatoes/tatons/

Friday, January 5, 2007

Tuna Nicoise Pasta Toss

Tuna Nicoise Pasta Toss
Makes 5 servings
Cooking Light Magazine, May 1997, modified

Ingredients:
2 c small red potatoes, cut into bite sized cubes (~10oz / 4 to 5)
2 c cut green beans
4 T olive oil, divided use
1/3 diced onions 3 garlic cloves, minced
4 c uncooked cavatappi (spiral-shaped pasta)
2 T minced fresh or 2 t dried tarragon
2 T yellow mustard
1 T white wine vinegar
½ t salt
1 – 9 oz can solid white tuna in water, drained
Freshley ground pepper

  1. Place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 7 minutes. Don’t overcook—will cook longer in step 2. Add beans; cook an additional 3 minutes or until beans are crip-tender. Drain.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onions saute 3 minutes. Add potatoes, beans, and garlic; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; set aside.
  4. Combine 3 tablespoons oil, tarragon, mustard, vinegar, and salt; stir well. Combine pasta, potato mixture, and tuna in a large bowl; toss well. Drizzle mustard mixture over pasta mixture, tossing gently to coat. Serve with freshly ground pepper.

Other suggestions and comments:
Yield: 5 servings
Serving size: 1 ½ cups
Calories~390
Substitute broccoli for green beans.
First tried 19 August 2005. Corey likes this a lot.