Thai Chicken Pizza -
California Pizza Kitchen Copycat

2 Servings

pizza crust
PEANUT SAUCE CPK
1 boneless chicken breast, half, skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 to 2 green onion tops, julienned
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1/2 carrot, julienned or grated (1/4 cup)
2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced
1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped fine

Place chicken in zip-top bag, add 1/3 of the peanut sauce, seal and refrigerate for 2 hours. Heat 1 tsp. oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 3-4 minutes.
Prepare pizza crust, or use ready made bread shell. Top crust with remaining pizza sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over sauce. Sprinkle julienned green onion tops over cheese, followed by the chicken, bean sprouts and carrots. Top with remaining cheese, cilantro and nuts.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust turns light brown.
Cut into 8 slices.

dash curry powder
4 chicken breasts
PEANUT SAUCE

Rub chicken breasts with curry powder.
Grill until cooked through.
Serve with bottled or homemade Peanut sauce.

4 Servings

1 (2 1/2-lb.) boneless chuck roast
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground red pepper
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. vegetable oil, divided
3 cups chopped onion
1 cup diced carrot
2 Tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (16-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 cups light coconut milk
2 Tbsp. sliced peeled fresh lemon grass or 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced lime rind
3 bay leaves
6 cups hot cooked Chinese-style egg noodles (about 12 oz. uncooked)
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Trim fat from beef. Cut beef into 2-inch pieces. Combine salt and next 6 ingredients (salt through black pepper) in a small bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of spice mixture over beef, and toss to coat; reserve remaining spice mixture.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add onion, carrot, ginger and garlic; sauté 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in broth, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Return beef to pan. Add remaining spice mixture, coconut milk, lemon grass, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours. Remove beef from pan using a slotted spoon; shred with 2 forks, set aside and keep warm. Bring vegetable mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 10 minutes or until slightly thick. Discard bay leaves. Serve beef and vegetable mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Yield: 6 servings be

Note: You can find light coconut milk in the Asian or Mexican section of most supermarkets. If yours does not carry it, ask your grocer to order it for you.

1 pound ground beef
1 package Sloppy Joe's Seasoning
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 can (4 ounces) green chilies, chopped
8 hamburger rolls or flour tortillas
shredded cheese (optional)

In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain fat.
Add Seasoning, pinto beans, tomato sauce, ketchup and chiles. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Serve over hamburger rolls or place 3 tablespoons mixture along center of 8 warmed flour tortillas; garnish with shredded cheese, if desired. Fold over edges of tortillas.

8 Servings

2 pounds ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 10 3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 package tater tots
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Brown ground beef. Add salt, pepper and chopped onion.
Spread cream of chicken soup on top of meat. Pour tater tots on top, cover with cheese, Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

8 Servings

10 ounces dried spaghetti or linguine or fettuccine, broken
2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
2 large onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups water
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
2 (11 ounce) cans corn mixed with chopped peppers, drained
1 1/2 cups Colby-Monterrey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup favorite salsa
2 (4 1/2 ounce) cans diced green chili peppers, drained
4 cups lettuce, shredded
1 medium tomato, chopped

Cook pasta according to pkg directions, drain.
Meanwhile, cook ground meat and onion until meat is brown, in a dutch oven.
Drain off fat. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix. Bring to boiling and reduce heat.
Simmer, uncovered for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cooked pasta, corn, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, salsa and chili peppers Divide mix evenly between 2 lightly greased 2 qt casseroles. Package up, label and freeze up to 3 months.

To serve remaining casserole, cover and bake in a 350F oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with lettuce and chopped tomato.
If desired, pass broken tortilla chips and dairy sour cream as additional toppings.

To serve the 2nd casserole, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Bake, covered in a 375F oven for 1 hour or until heated through, stirring once about halfway through baking time. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Serve with 4 cups shredded lettuce and 1 medium tomato, chopped.

12 Servings

1 1/4 Teaspoon Chili powder
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Teaspoon minced onion
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic powder
1/4 Teaspoon Sugar
1/8 Teaspoon Ground oregano
1 Tablespoon Flour

Combine all of these dry ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an air tight container.

To prepare the meat filling for tacos, preheat a large skillet.
Brown 1 pound ground beef; drain the fat. Add your Taco Seasoning
that you prepared previously and 2/3 cup water to the beef; mix
thoroughly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook,
uncovered, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve taco filling with warmed taco shells or tortillas. Top with
shredded lettuce, grated cheddar cheese and chopped tomato or fresh
salsa.

This recipe makes enough meat filling for 12 tacos.

1 pound lean ground beef
2 eggs, well beaten
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks in its own juice

Combine first 4 ingredients; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet. Brown meatballs; drain and set aside.
Combine remaining ingredients in a large saucepan. Add meatballs; stir to coat with sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Serve warm.

1 package meatballs
1 12 oz. jar mushrooms, gravy
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon allspice
8 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained - toss with butter.

Heat mini meatballs - refrigerated or frozen - in mushroom gravy. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and allspice.
Serve over egg noodles.


4 Servings

Cheese Stuffing:

1/2 cup smoked shredded cheese (provolone or gouda)
8-oz package mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
2 Tbsp sun-dried tomato flakes (drain first if in oil)
1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup sour cream (6 oz)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce:

1 small onion, cut in half and thinly sliced lengthwise
24 fl oz Marsala wine
8 fl oz heavy cream
2 small containers button mushrooms, thinly sliced (6 cups)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts
4 fl oz olive oil
2 cups all-purpose flour


Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

Combine all cheese stuffing ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Butterfly thickest section of chicken breasts to create 2 lobes. Pound each breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap until ¼” - ½” thick. Place flattened chicken breasts on a plate and place desired amount of stuffing on one lobe of each chicken breast. Gently press stuffing down so it resembles a hockey puck. Fold over other lobe of chicken breast; does not have to seal.

Heat large sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Place flour in a shallow pan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Dredge stuffed chicken breasts in flour, shaking off excess. Saute chicken breasts with preheated oil, cooking until each side is golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and place in a baking dish. Bake for 10-20 minutes, or until juices run clean and center of chicken reaches 165°F.

Add onions to sauté pan, and stir to loosen chicken drippings. After 2 minutes, add mushrooms and sauté until onions are translucent. Deglaze pan with Marsala wine – make sure to incorporate drippings from bottom of pan. Heat wine to a simmer and add heavy cream. Simmer on low heat until reduced by half.

Place cooked chicken breasts on a plate and top each with onions, mushrooms and sauce.
Serve with your favorite garlic mashed potato recipe.

4 Servings

2 tsp. olive oil
3 cups chopped onion
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups frozen Southern-style hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated soft breadstick dough
Cooking spray
1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
1 cup fat-free milk
3 large egg whites
2 large eggs
1-1/4 cups (5-oz.) crumbled feta cheese


To decrease fat, we've used 2 egg yolks and 5 egg whites. Some egg yolks are necessary to produce a creamy filling. You can refrigerate the leftover yolks for up to 3 days in an airtight container (add a tablespoon of water so the yolks don't develop a film).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, sugar, and salt; cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in potatoes and cook for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
Unroll dough, separating into strips. Working on a flat surface, coil one strip of dough around itself in a spiral pattern. Add second strip of dough to the end of the first strip, pinching ends together to seal; continue coiling the dough. Repeat procedure with the remaining dough strips. Cover and let dough rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 12" circle, and fit into a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate coated with cooking spray.
Spread potato mixture in bottom of prepared crust, and top with spinach. Combine milk, egg whites, eggs, and cheese; pour the milk mixture over the spinach. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until set, shielding crust with foil after 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Several quarts of water

8 cups fresh spinach leaves, stemmed (1 pound)
Vegetable oil spray, if needed
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup low-sodium salsa
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
6 6-inch corn tortillas or nonfat or low-fat flour tortillas
1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat sour cream
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons lime juice
4 ounces shredded nonfat or low-fat Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 cup)
2 Italian plum tomatoes, diced
2 green onions (green and white parts), thinly sliced

In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat.
While water heats, thoroughly rinse spinach. Add spinach to boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well in a colander. Press out as much liquid as possible with the back of a large spoon. (Discard water or save for vegetable stock.)
Preheat oven to 3500 F. If using a casserole dish, spray it with vegetable oil spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine spinach, black beans, salsa, cumin, and chili powder.
Spoon 1/4 of the mixture down the middle of one tortilla. Roll the tortilla around the filling (jelly-roll style). Place tortilla seam side down in a shallow nonstick baking pan or prepared casserole dish. Repeat process with remaining tortillas.
Bake enchiladas, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine sour cream and lime juice. Remove enchiladas from oven and spread sour cream mixture evenly over enchiladas. Top with cheese, tomatoes, and green onions and bake for 5 minutes.
Cooks Tip: This dish freezes so well that you might want to make a batch to keep on hand for unexpected guests or evenings when you just dont want to cook. After rolling the enchiladas, place them in a container and cover tightly with foil or put them in an airtight plastic freezer bag. Increase baking time to 35 to 40 minutes.
You can substitute a 10-ounce package of no-salt-added frozen spinach for the fresh spinach. Cook according to package directions, omitting salt and oil, then continue with the recipe.

Serves 6

1 teaspoon acceptable vegetable oil
2 pounds boneless pork loin, all visible fat removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 medium limes)
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 habaqero or jalapeno chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the pork cubes for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the onion and garlic, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook, covered, over low heat for 40 to 50 minutes, or until pork is tender.
Uncover pan and cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until juices have reduced to a thick glaze. Serve warm.

Serves 8; about 1/2 cup per serving

Vegetable oil spray
1 pound boneless pork loin chops, all visible fat removed
Egg substitute equivalent to 1 egg
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
1/3 cup cornflake crumbs
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crumbled
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Using vegetable oil spray, spray a shallow baking pan large enough to hold pork chops in a single layer. Set aside.
Cut pork chops into 4 portions, if necessary. Set aside.
In a small, shallow bowl, combine egg substitute and milk. In a shallow dish such as a pie pan, combine crumbs, cornmeal, marjoram, pepper, mustard, ginger, and cayenne. Using tongs, dip pork chops in milk mixture, letting excess liquid drip off. Coat both sides of pork chops with crumb mixture. Arrange pork chops in prepared pan.
Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Turn chops with a spatula and bake for 10 minutes, or until chops are tender and slightly pink in center.

Serves 4

1/2 pound spaghetti, broken up into thirds
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 cups bottled spaghetti sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 ounces pepperoni, chopped
4 eggs, large, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

In large saucepan of lightly salted water, cook spaghetti one minute less than directed on package. Drain.
Heat oven to 350. Coat 10 inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray. If handle is not ovenproof, wrap with foil.
Coat with crumbs. In bowl, combine spaghetti, pasta sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni. Stir in beaten eggs. Spoon mixture into prepared skillet. Bake in 350 degree oven 30 minutes.
Sprinkle with parmesean, bake until cheese is golden brown, 10 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.

6 Servings

1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
2 16 oz. cans tomato sauce, or crushed tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons pesto
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 cup wine
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper, to taste

MEATBALLS


Saute onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the rest of ingredients and simmer on low until meatballs are done.

4 Servings

2/3 cup salsa
8 8-inch flour tortillas (optional)
1/2 cup water
1 medium yellow or green sweet pepper, cut into squares
1/2 cup cooked or canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1 1- to 1.5-ounce envelope fajita seasoning mix
Nonstick spray coating
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 small onion, cut into thin wedges
1 small zucchini, bias-sliced
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Colby-Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons cooking oil


For marinade, in a medium mixing bowl combine fajita mix, water, and oil. Add chicken to marinade. Stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Spray a large skillet with nonstick coating. Preheat over medium heat. Add sweet pepper, zucchini, and onion; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from skillet.
Drain chicken; discard marinade. Add chicken to skillet. (If necessary, add 1 tablespoon cooking oil during cooking.) Cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until no pink remains. Return vegetables to skillet. Stir together salsa and chili powder. Add salsa mixture, corn, and beans to skillet. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes more or until heated through. Serve with warm tortillas and cheese, if desired. (To heat tortillas, wrap in microwave-safe paper towels; micro-cook on high power for 30 seconds). Makes 4 servings.

pizza crust
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup black beans, refried or black bean dip
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup white onions, sliced
1 green chili, canned, whole
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Make marinade by combining lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper flakes in a blender or small bowl with an electric mixer until well mixed. Marinate the chicken for 2 hours. Heat one teaspoon oil in small skillet over high heat. Cook chicken 2-4 minutes or until cooked through. Mix black beans with water and cayenne pepper.
Roll out pizza crust or use prepared crust. Preheat oven to 475. Spread black bean mixture over crust, arrange chicken evenly over beans. Top with onions. Thinly slice the chili pepper into strips. Sprinkle over onions. Top with cheeses. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until pizza crust lightly browns.
Serve with tomatillo salsa and sour cream on the side.

2 Servings

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
2 teaspoons Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place chicken in a large self-closing plastic bag and pour in remaining ingredients.
Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes or up to 3 hours for stronger flavor. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill chicken 10-14 minutes or until done.

4 Servings

2 lbs cut-up chicken

Sauce mixture

4 eggs
1/3 cup water
1 cup hot sauce (I use Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco might be hotter)

Seasoning blend

1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Dredging mixture

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat peanut oil in a large deep pot to 350°F (do not fill more than half full--you don't want a hot-oil spill-over accident!).
For sauce mixture: in a medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs with the water.
Add hot sauce and whisk together well.
Pour this mixture into a large plastic zip-top bag.
For seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
For dredging mixture: In a another bowl, mix flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Rinse and pat dry chicken pieces with a paper towel.
Cut breast pieces in half across ribs.
Sprinkle chicken generously on both sides with seasoning blend.
Drop a few chicken pieces of chicken into bag of sauce mixture and squish around to coat thoroughly.
One piece at a time, roll chicken in flour mixture and drop into hot oil.
Don't crowd chicken pieces--I cook about half the chicken at a time.
Fry chicken until brown and crisp.
Drain on paper toweling.
Dark meat will take about 14 minutes, white meat about 10 minutes.
Remember smaller pieces cook faster than the larger ones.
You can check for doneness by piercing to the bone in the thickest part with a fork.
If the juices run clear, it is done.

8 Servings

Cooking spray
2-1/2 cups shredded peeled baking potato or refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 large egg whites
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
3 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill



Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add potato; saute 5 minutes or until golden brown, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Combine the egg whites, eggs, goat cheese, and smoked salmon in a medium bowl, and stir well with a whisk. Spread the egg mixture evenly over the potato in skillet, and cook 2 minutes or until edges are set and bottom is lightly browned. Sprinkle the top with dill.
Bake at 350&176; for 5 minutes. Broil 3 minutes or until center is set. Carefully loosen frittata from skillet with a spatula; gently slide frittata onto a platter. Cut into 4 wedges.

YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)

1 pound ground sirloin burger, browned and drained
1 16 oz. can sloppy joe sauce
8 hamburger buns

Add sloppy joe sauce to drained browned hamburger. Simmer until warmed through. Serve on a hamburger bun.

8 Servings

For marinade:

1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic
4 tablespoons pureed, canned chipotle chiles


For steak:

2 pounds skirt steak

For chimichurri sauce:

3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, no stems
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro, no stems
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Combine all marinade ingredients in large shallow bowl. Place meat in marinade for 15 minutes. Prepare sauce by combining all
ingredients in a medium bowl. Heat an oiled, well-seasoned grill over high heat until hot but not smoking. Grill steak, turning
occasionally, for about 2 minutes per side for thin pieces or 4 to 6 minutes per side for thicker pieces (medium-rare). Portion onto 4
dinner plates. Drizzle with the chimichurri sauce.

4 Servings

If you need dinner in a flash, this recipe goes from stove top to table in just 20 minutes. Use your favorite enchilada sauce, mild or hot.


Salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sour cream
1/4 cup prepared enchilada sauce
1 can (4 oz.) whole green chilies, drained and cut into thick strips
Warm tortillas
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound chicken cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
4 ounces sliced Monterey Jack cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Add cutlets to skillet and saute until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 2-1/2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium.
Spoon enchilada sauce over chicken; top with chilies and cheese. Cover and cook until cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
ransfer to serving platter and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with sour cream and tortillas. Makes 4 servings.

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, cooked and chopped
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, or to taste
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise
Olive oil, for frying
4 to 6 soft rolls


Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and tartar sauce
In a large bowl, stir shrimp, celery, onion, bell pepper, seasoning, eggs, bread crumbs and mayonnaise together. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Drain off any liquid. Form into 6 to 8 patties. Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons oil in a skillet until hot. Fry patties, about 3 minutes each side, until browned, turning only once. Serve each patty on a roll with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and tartar sauce.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

1 pound penne rigati pasta
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup hot water
1 pound cooked medium shrimp
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Toasted sesame seeds

Cook pasta according to package directions. During last minute of cooking time add asparagus. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until pasta and asparagus are cool. Transfer to a large serving bowl and set aside. If preparing a day ahead, bring to room temperature before serving.
Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Add hot water and stir until sauce is smooth, breaking up any small clumps.
Add shrimp, red pepper, green onions, and 1/4 cup of the cilantro to the pasta. Add sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and sesame seeds.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

1 pound ground Beef Top Round, cooked
1 12 oz. can green peas
1 12 ounce corn, creamed
1 12 ounce can green beans, drained
6 potatoes, peeled and cubed, or leftover mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups water
dash salt and pepper
1 dash garlic powder
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - or slices of American cheese

Cook amd mash potatoes. Brown beef, drain all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add seasonings and water, simmer until gravy thickens. Layer meat, hamburger gravy,vegetables, potatoes and cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove from oven when cheese is melted.
8 Servings

This is nothing short of awesome! And oh, so easy!

3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
1 12 oz. can chicken broth
1 10 3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 12 oz. can canned corn, (Mexicorn), drained
1 12 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 8 oz. bottle green taco sauce or Tomatillo Salsa
1/4 cup salsa
9 corn tortillas
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - may use the Mexican flavored cheese


In a large bowl, whisk together the soup and half of the broth. Stir in the green taco sauce, salsa, corn, black beans and one cup of the cheese.
Place one layer of corn tortillas over bottom of a 13x9" baking dish. Top with half of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers ending with a layer of corn tortillas. Top with remaining cheese and pour remaining chicken broth over the casserole.
Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.

8 Servings

1 pound penne rigati pasta
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup hot water
1 pound cooked medium shrimp
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Toasted sesame seeds

Cook pasta according to package directions. During last minute of cooking time add asparagus. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until pasta and asparagus are cool. Transfer to a large serving bowl and set aside. If preparing a day ahead, bring to room temperature before serving.
Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Add hot water and stir until sauce is smooth, breaking up any small clumps.
Add shrimp, red pepper, green onions, and 1/4 cup of the cilantro to the pasta. Add sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and sesame seeds. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Asian vegetables, fresh ginger, and soy sauce recall the taste of lo mein. Break the spaghetti before cooking to make it easier to prepare and serve.


8 ounces uncooked spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 cup red bell pepper strips
8 ounces shiitake mushroom caps, sliced
2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cream sherry
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
3/4 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, divided

Cooking spray

1 cup panko (coarse, dry) breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400°.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add red bell pepper strips and mushrooms; sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken, ginger, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in soy sauce; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine broth and cornstarch, stirring well with a whisk. Add broth mixture to pan, and cook 2 minutes or until mixture is slightly thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in sherry, vinegar, and crushed red pepper. Add pasta, bok choy, green onions, and 2 teaspoons sesame seeds to pan, tossing well to combine. Spoon pasta mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray.
Combine breadcrumbs, butter, and remaining sesame seeds; sprinkle evenly over pasta mixture. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until breadcrumbs begin to brown.

Yield: 4 servings

1 package lasagna noodles
2 4 oz. cans shrimp, baby, or 1 cup fresh shrimp, cooked
2 6 1/2 oz. can crab meat, 1 1/2 cups fresh
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups half and half
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup feta cheese, with sun dried tomatoes and basil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 slice bread, crumbled into crumbs

Cook lasagna noodles for 5 minutes, drain.
In medium sized saucepan, melt the butter or margarine. Add flour and salt and pepper, cook until bubbly. Add the half and half and stir until blended well. Add the cheeses and continue stirring until cheese is melted and mixture thickens. Add the garlic and seafood, stir well. Remove from heat.
In small baking pan, layer the noodles and seafood sauce. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

8 Servings

Paula Deen's Recipe

1/2 lb cleaned and peeled cooked shrimp
1 (6 ounce) can crab meat
1 (6 ounce) can salmon, bones removed
1 (7 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
1 cup cooked white rice, leftover is fine
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup prepared tartar sauce, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon grainy mustard
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs, beaten, divided
1/4 cup dried breadcrumb
peanut oil, for frying
emon wedge, for serving

Directions

Pulse the shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped.
Transfer the shrimp into a large mixing bowl.
Add all the remaining ingredients except 1 of the beaten eggs and the bread crumbs, and fold together gently but thoroughly.
Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and dip into the beaten egg and then dredge in the bread crumbs.
Deep-fry in 350 degree F oil until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve with lemon wedges and more tartar or remoulade sauce for dipping.

4 Servings

1/2 pound sausages, sliced and browned
1 cup chicken broth
2 14 oz. cans canned stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup onions, diced
1/2 cup red and yellow bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
2 cups rice, 5 minute instant

Add all ingredients to a large pot. Simmer for 3 minutes. Add the rice, cover and cook for 5 minutes.

4 Servings

I love mixing up things that are on hand to make new tastes. This concoction was a winner!

4 salmon fillets
1/4 cup salad dressing, sesame and ginger
1/4 cup salad dressing, french


Preheat oven to 350. Place the fillets in baking dish. Top with the dressings. Bake until flaky - about 15 minutes.

4 Servings

My Sister's Recipe

1 14 oz. can salmon, bone and skin removed - may use crab meat for crab cakes
2 tablespoons red or green bell peppers, diced
2 tablespoons onions, diced
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)
dash salt and pepper

Mix together all ingredients. Fry in skillet in just enough oil to cover bottom until browned on both sides. Can also be deep fried like hush puppies. Yummy with cocktail sauce or lemon juice.
4 Servings

1 pound turkey breast tenderloin slices, all visible fat removed
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil spray
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
8 ounces chanterelle or button mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed and sliced
1/4 cup chopped shallots or onion
Fresh rosemary (optional)

Rinse turkey and pat dry. Set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together broth, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Spray a large skillet with vegetable oil. Place over medium-high heat.
Add half the turkey to hot skillet. Cook about 2 minutes on each side, or until turkey is tender and no longer pink. Repeat with remaining turkey.
Remove skillet from heat; remove turkey from skillet and keep warm.
Add vinegar and rosemary to skillet, stirring to scrape up brown bits from bottom of pan. Return skillet to heat and add mushrooms and shallots or onion.
Over medium heat, cook and stir until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir broth mixture and add to skillet. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Serve sauce with turkey. Serve on a bed of rosemary if desired.

4 Servings

4 pounds chicken , whole roasting
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper


Preheat oven to 350. Remove giblets from chicken, rinse inside and out. Pat dry with paper towel. Rub with oil and salt & pepper. Place on roasting pan breast side up. Bake uncovered for 23 minutes per pound of meat.


8 Servings

1/4 cup olive oil
1 eggplant, cubed
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 orange bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
12 ounces dry penne pasta
3 tablespoons red pesto sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
fresh ground black pepper
8 ounces feta cheese
basil leaves (to garnish)

Heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the eggplant and peppers, and sauté over a moderate heat for 10 minutes until the eggplant is golden and the peppers softened and browned at the edges.
While the vegetables are sautéing, cook the penne in a large pan of boiling water for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain, return to the pan and add the red pesto, stirring until the penne is coated. Add the rice vinegar to the eggplant and pepper mix, and season with black pepper. Spoon the penne on to warm plates and pile the vegetables on top. Crumble over the feta cheese and serve garnished with basil leaves.

4 Servings

Eight 8-in. flour tortillas
1 cup preshredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 cup frozen chopped red bell peppers, thawed
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
4 tsp vegetable oil

Note: Next time you make bean soup, serve these Mexican “grilled cheese” sandwiches on the side.

Sprinkle 4 tortillas with 1/2 cup of the cheese, the red peppers, scallions and cilantro. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and tortillas.
Heat 1 tsp oil in each of two nonstick skillets over medium heat. Cook a quesadilla in each about 2 minutes per side, turning once, until tortillas are crisp and cheese is melted; repeat with remaining quesadillas. Cut in wedges.

4 Servings

12 oz ravioli or tortellini, cooked according to package directions
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms and walnuts until mushrooms are golden brown. Add heavy cream stir frequently for 5 minutes, until sauce has slightly thickened. When cream stops simmering, turn heat to warm. Add pepper and Parmesan cheese; stir until sauce is smooth. Do not boil.
Drain pasta and place on a serving plate. Pour sauce over pasta.
Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.



4 Servings

Debbie's Mom's recipe

1 1/2 cups eggplants, peeled and diced
1/2 cup onions, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 1/2 cups zucchini, sliced
1 16 oz. can tomatoes, stewed
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (7 3/4 oz.) can mushrooms
dash pepper

Place eggplant, onion, garlic and oil in a 2 quart casserole. Cook in microwave oven 5 minutes.
Cut peppers into 1/2 strips. Mix peppers and zucchini with eggplant mixture.
Add seasonings to tomatoes. Mix with vegetables. Cook in microwave oven 8-10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

*You can use vegetable soup in place of tomatoes and cut corn off the cob and add to the casserole.

1 package au gratin potatoes
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 eggs, large
1 8 oz. can corn, creamed
1/2 pound Surimi seafood, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 scallion tops, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper


Heat oven to 450. Prepare potatoes in 8x8x2" baking dish. follow package directions for milk and butter. Bake for only 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in bowl, combine eggs, corn, surimi, flour, scallions, salt, nutmeg and cayenne. Pour over potatoes.
Reduce oven temperature to 350. Bake until set, 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into 6 squares.

6 Servings

1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sirloin or lean steak of choice, all visible fat removed, cut into serving-size pieces
2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
2 Italian plum tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
Black pepper to taste
Pinch of salt

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the steaks until desired doneness, about 10 minutes for rare. Transfer the meat to a serving platter and cover with foil or a lid to keep warm. Set aside.
Add the garlic to the skillet and sauti over low heat until golden, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Add the rest of the ingredients except the meat. Cook over medium heat until the tomatoes are tender but still have texture, about 5 minutes. Return the meat to the skillet, along with any juices, and cook gently for a few minutes to combine flavors.
Transfer meat and sauce to the platter and serve immediately.
Cook's Tip: Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook slightly both when covered on the platter and when returned to the sauce. If you like your steak on the pink side, you might want to undercook it a bit to ensure desired doneness.

1-1/2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
5-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 small purple Peruvian or red potatoes (about 1 pound), quartered
1 large onion, chopped
6 large garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 boxes (10 ounces each) frozen corn, thawed
1-1/2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle in adobo
1/2 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Rinse pork and pat dry; season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy 5-quart pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Add pork, in 3 batches, and cook, turning, until golden brown, about 6 minutes per batch (adding oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed). Transfer, as cooked, with a slotted spoon to a bowl, leaving fat in pot.
Rinse chicken and pat dry; season with salt and pepper. Add 1-1/2 tablespoons oil to fat in pot and heat over moderately high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to bowl with pork. Add potatoes, onion and garlic to pot; cook over moderately high heat until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in broth, corn, adobo sauce and peanut butter. Return pork and chicken to pot with any drippings and push into liquid. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, meat is cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender, 35 minutes; salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, ladle stew into bowls and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

6 Servings

2 cups pork tenderloin, cooked, diced
2 cups rice, cooked
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup scallion tops, sliced
1/4 cup frozen peas
2 eggs
dash soy sauce
dash sesame oil
dash ginger
1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon white pepper


Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet. add 2 cups each of diced pork and rice, carrots, peas and scallions. Stir fry until hot. Add 2 beaten eggs and remaining ingredients.

Stir until eggs are set.

4 Servings

4 pork chops, boneless, trimmed
2 cups stuffing cubes, or Stove Top Stuffing
1 3/4 cups water
1/2 stick margarine, or butter, cut up
1/4 cup honey mustard

Sprinkle dried stuffing into a casserole dish, add water and place cut up butter or margarine over top. Place pork chops over stuffing. Spread honey mustard over pork chops. Bake at 350 for approx 30 minutes.

4 Servings

1 tablespoon paprika, hot
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 pork chops, bone in- center cut (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup apple juice


In a small bowl combine first 4 ingredients. Rub onto both sides of the chops. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 12 inch skillet over med-high heat. Add pork chops and cook 3 minutes, turning once. Reduce heat to low and add juice. Cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. Serve with pan juices.

4 Servings

1 pound salmon fillets
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup dry white wine or water
2 green onions, sliced
1 bay leaf
1/2 of a 10-ounce package frozen no-salt-added chopped spinach
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon slices (optional)

Cut salmon into 4 pieces, rinse, and pat dry. Set aside. In a large skillet, combine water, wine, green onions and bay leaf. Over high heat, bring just to a boil. Carefully add salmon and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove fish and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut each salmon steak in half, removing as much of the bone, cartilage and skin as possible.
Meanwhile, cook spinach according to package directions. Drain well, squeezing out moisture. Stir in nutmeg.
Preheat broiler. Place fish on a broiler-proof serving platter or on the rack of an unheated broiler pan. Top with spinach mixture, sprinkle with cheese and season with pepper. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

Serves 4

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons frozen (thawed) pineapple juice concentrate
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 oz each)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 slices (1/2 inch thick) fresh pineapple, rind removed

Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small bowl, mix mustard and juice concentrate; reserve 2 tablespoons. Into remaining mixture, stir garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper; set aside.
When grill is heated, rub chicken breast halves with oil. Place chicken on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill over medium coals; cover grill. Cook 5 minutes.
Add pineapple to grill; brush with rosemary mixture. Turn chicken; brush with rosemary mixture. Cover grill; cook 6 to 8 minutes longer, brushing chicken occasionally with rosemary mixture and turning chicken and pineapple once, until chicken is fork-tender and juices run clear. Discard any remaining rosemary mixture.
Place chicken on serving plates. Spoon reserved 2 tablespoons mustard mixture over chicken. Halve or quarter pineapple slices; serve with chicken.

2 Servings

1 pound large shrimp, cleaned
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup pineapple juice
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
2 cups white rice, uncooked
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup coconut, toasted
1 green onion, sliced

Cook and stir shrimp in hot oil in large skillet on medium-high heat for 4 minutes until almost cooked through. Add pineapple juice and pineapple chunks; bring to boil. Stir in rice and coconut milk; cover. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. (If all liquid has not been absorbed, cook on low heat additional 2 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.) Fluff with fork. Spoon onto serving platter; sprinkle with coconut and green onion.


6 Servings

1/2 pound sausages, smoked - cut into 1/2" slices
1 16 oz. package pierogies
2 onions, sliced


Saute above ingredients in 1 tablespoon oil for at least 8 minutes - until onions are browned and pierogies are tender.

4 Servings

pizza crust
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup honey mustard
1 tablespoon horseradish
salt and pepper
1 cup sirloin tip steaks, thinly sliced, bite-sized pieces
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded


Combine mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, salt and pepper in small bowl, set aside. Saute onion in small amount of oil until almost browned. Add peppers and mushrooms, cook until soft. Stir in garlic and steak, heat through.
Top pizza crust with sauce, meat and vegetable mixture then cheeses. Bake in 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.

2 to 2 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (breasts, thighs and drumsticks), skinned, all visible fat removed
3 tablespoons purchased pesto or homemade pesto
1/4 cup cornflake crumbs
Fresh lemon or lime wedges (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Rinse chicken and pat dry. Place breasts and thighs bone side down in a shallow baking pan. Add drumsticks and brush top of chicken with pesto and sprinkle with cornflake crumbs.
Bake, uncovered, 45 to 55 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Serve with lemon or lime wedges if desired.
Cook's Tip: Skinning chicken, especially drumsticks and wings, can be tricky since they are so slippery. An easy way around this problem is to grasp the skin with a dry paper towel as you pull it away from the meat.

5 pounds beef round roast, all visible fat removed
2 tablespoons acceptable vegetable oil
1 teaspoon fresh, coarsely ground black pepper
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 large stalk celery, sliced
1/2 cup dry red table wine

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Rub meat with oil and pepper, and place in an open roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer so tip reaches center of thickest part. Arrange onion, carrot and celery slices around meat. Pour wine over meat and vegetables.
Place in oven and cook uncovered 1 1/2 hours, or until meat thermometer registers desired degree of doneness.
If more liquid is needed, baste with additional wine during the roasting period. Do not use drippings from the roast for basting.
Skim fat from pan juices or remove juices with bulb baster and discard fat. Remove meat from pan and slice thin. Spoon pan juices over meat and serve immediately.

1-pound flank steak, all visible fat removed
2 teaspoons coarsely cracked black pepper
Vegetable oil spray
1 cup (about 3 ounces) sliced fresh mushrooms
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup evaporated skim milk or skim milk
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Preheat broiler.
To prevent meat from curling as it cooks, make 6 shallow slashes on each side of the meat in a crisscross fashion (three slashes in each direction).
Rub cracked pepper onto each side of the steak. Place steak on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 3 to 5 inches from the heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn and broil meat about 5 minutes more, or until desired doneness.
Meanwhile, spray a medium saucepan with vegetable oil. Place over medium heat. Cook mushrooms, green onions and garlic in skillet until mushrooms are just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour. Add milk and mustard all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
To serve, thinly slice steak diagonally across the grain. Serve with mustard sauce.

12 oz fettucine pasta

Sauce:

4 strips bacon, cut in 2-in. pieces
1 medium onion, cut in thin wedges
1 pkg (8 oz) presliced mushrooms
1 large clove garlic, cut in slivers
1 bag (10 oz) prewashed fresh baby spinach

Nice to add:

Diced tomato and grated Parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook as package directs.
Meanwhile cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Place on a paper towel to drain. Remove all but 1 Tbsp fat from skillet.
Add onion and mushrooms to skillet. Sauté 4 minutes or until onion has browned. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach; cook until wilted.
Scoop 1/2 cup cooking water from pasta pot; stir into spinach mixture. Drain pasta; return to pot. Add Sauce and bacon; toss to mix. Sprinkle with tomato and cheese.

4 Servings

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
12 oz sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 oz ham (Black Forest if possible), julienned
1/4 cup chopped parsley
8 oz pasta (your favorite shape), cooked according to package directions
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

Heat extra virgin olive oil and garlic in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Once garlic starts to sizzle, add mushrooms. Sauté 2-3 minutes. Add heavy cream and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Allow to slightly reduce, for about 10 minutes. Add ham, peas and parsley and cook 4 minutes.
Return cooked, drained pasta to pot and add sauce. Cook until sauce simmers and coats the pasta.
Remove pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Toss gently to combine.
Transfer to large serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Chef’s Tip: Use a small amount of salt. The parmesan cheese naturally contains salt.

loaf pesto focaccia bread
8 ounces freshly sliced turkey
4 ounces spinach artichoke spread
2 ounces asiago cheese (asiago parmesan blend)
1 small red onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1-2 tomato, sliced (6-8 slices)
1 pinch salt and pepper

Preheat panini grill to medium temperature. In a medium sauce pan, sauté diced red onion in olive oil until transparent. Add balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the loaf of pesto focaccia into two semi-circles, and halve each semi-circle. Layer the turkey onto the bottom halves of the focaccia bread, and spread spinach artichoke mix over turkey. Layer sautéed onions, asiago/parmesan blend and tomato slices. Close face of panini with the top halves of focaccia bread.
Add panini to preheated grill and press lightly. Grill 5 minutes on medium or until the cheese begins to melt and there are grill marks on the focaccia bread.
Serve hot with chips or your favorite soup!

Sweet scallops are given a Cajun-flavored crust, then tossed with balsamic vinegar-dressed spinach and crisp-cooked bacon. Serve with corn bread and cold beer and you have a meal that's both homey and elegant in no time flat. This recipe is featured in the book Better Homes and Gardens Fresh & Simple 20-Minute Super Suppers.

1 pound fresh sea scallops
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 to 2 teaspoons blackened steak seasoning or Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 10-ounce package prewashed spinach
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup cooked bacon pieces

Rinse scallops; pat dry. In a plastic bag combine flour and seasoning. Add scallops; toss to coat. In a large skillet cook scallops in hot oil over medium heat about 6 minutes or until browned and opaque, turning once. Remove scallops.
Add spinach to skillet; sprinkle with water. Cook, covered, over medium-high heat 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Add vinegar; toss to coat evenly. Return scallops to skillet; heat through. Sprinkle with bacon.

Four 10-12 oz. pork tenderloins
8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons garlic, minced
4 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sprinkle tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides. Brush with olive oil, rosemary, garlic and parsley. Let marinate approximately 2 hours. Cook on a hot grill until internal temperature reaches 165 F.

4 Servings

Nonstick spray coating
6 6-inch corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup loose-pack frozen whole kernel corn
1 16-ounce jar salsa verde
3 tablespoons light dairy sour cream
3 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup crumbled Mexican chihuahua or farmer cheese (4 ounces)
Light dairy sour cream (optional)
Snipped fresh cilantro (optional)
Chopped tomato (optional)
Jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

Spray four 10- to 12-ounce baking dishes with nonstick coating. Place 5 tortilla wedges in the bottom of each dish. Place remaining tortilla pieces on a baking sheet; bake in a 350 degree F oven about 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. Meanwhile, combine chicken, corn, salsa, the 3 tablespoons sour cream, cilantro, and flour. Divide mixture among dishes.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Arrange baked tortilla pieces atop casseroles. Top with cheese; bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. If desired, garnish with additional sour cream, jalapeno slices, cilantro, and tomato. Makes 4 servings.
To bake frozen casseroles: Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake about 20 minutes more or until heated through. Top with tortilla pieces and cheese; bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. Garnish as above.
To micro-cook frozen casseroles: Cover microwave-safe casseroles with waxed paper; micro-cook on 30% power, allowing 4 minutes for 1 casserole and 5 minutes for 2 casseroles. Continue cooking, covered, on 100% power until heated through, allowing 2 to 4 minutes for 1 casserole or 3 to 6 minutes for 2 casseroles, rotating the dishes once. Top with baked tortilla pieces and cheese; micro-cook, uncovered, about 30 seconds more or until cheese is melted. Garnish as above.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble casseroles as directed above, except do not top with baked tortilla pieces; place baked pieces in a moisture- and vapor-proof plastic bag. Freeze casseroles and tortilla pieces up to 1 month.

1 cup Mojo Criollo Marinade (we used Goya)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2-lb boneless pork loin roast, well trimmed
2 navel oranges, peel and white pith removed, flesh cut into sections
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Mix 3/4 cup of the marinade, the pepper and garlic in a 3 1/2-qt or larger slow-cooker. Add pork and turn to coat. (If you have time, cover and place in the refrigerator to let pork marinate for several hours, turning occasionally.)
Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or until pork is tender.
About 10 minutes before serving, combine oranges, onion and remaining 1/4 cup marinade in a medium bowl. Leave at room temperature.
Transfer pork to cutting board; slice. Skim fat from top of liquid in slow-cooker. Spoon liquid over sliced pork. Stir cilantro into orange mixture; top pork with mixture.

6 Servings

1 slice whole grain bread
1/3 cup milk
1 3/4 pounds lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 carrot, grated - about 1/2 cup
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
2 tablespoons onions, grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons corn syrup

Preheat oven to 350. Tear bread into small piecs and transfer to a large bowl; add milk. Let bread soak until absorbed, about 1 minute.
Add beef to bread mixture; mix well with a fork. Add egg, carrot, parsleyy, onion, oregano, mustard, salt and pepper; mix until well combined.
Using your hands, form 1/2-3/4 cup meat mixture into a ball; place in an ungreased muffin cup. Repeat for a total of 8 mini meat loaves.
In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worstershire sauce and corn syrup; mix well. brush glaze over the top of each meat loaf.
Bake meat loaves until tops are lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle each meat loaf with about 1 tablespoon cheddar. Bake meat loaves until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Run a knife around each loaf; remove from muffin cups and serve.

6 Servings

1oz. dried porcini mushrooms
1/4 lb. Swiss chard, stems removed
1/4 lb. spinach, stems removed
Salt
2 small zucchini, diced
2 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced
2 Japanese eggplants, peeled and diced
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups pasta
2 cups cooked white beans
2 tbsp. pesto (see recipe below) Freshly ground black pepper


Soak porcini in 2 cups warm water until soft, about 20 minutes. Remove porcini, rinse, chop and set aside. Pour porcini water through a coffee filter and reserve. Chop chard and spinach leaves.
Bring porcini water and 6 cups salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add porcini, chard, spinach, zucchini, potatoes, eggplant and oil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Add pasta to soup. Cook pasta for about 10 minutes, add beans and cook 5 minutes longer. Stir in pesto and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or, in the Genovese tradition, at room temperature. Sprinkle with parmigiano-reggiano, if you like.


Pesto

2 tightly packed cups stemless fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp. pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
Coarse salt
1/2 cup mild extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano

Crush basil, pine nuts, garlic and a large pinch of salt into a fine paste with mortar and pestle. Drizzle in oil, stirring constantly, then stir in parmigiano-reggiano. Put plastic wrap directly on surface of pesto, then set aside. If using a food processor, put pine nuts, garlic and salt into the bowl of the food processor fitted with a metal blade and blend to a paste. Add basil, drizzle in oil and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in parmigiano-reggiano.

6 ounces turkey breast tenderloin
1 14½-ounce can dried tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano
3/4 cup skim-milk ricotta cheese
1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp. shredded nonfat (real mozzarella) cheese
2 tbsp. nonfat liquid egg substitute
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped white onion
1 tsp. minced roasted garlic
1/2 tbsp. chili powder
Tortillas

Preheat oven to 400 F.
In a food processor, chop up the turkey breast.
In a skillet, add onion and 2/3 cup chopped turkey.
Add tomatoes, garlic and chili powder, and cook about 2 minutes.
In a bowl mix together the ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, egg substitute, cilantro, salt and pepper.
Line a nonstick 9-inch-round cake pan with one of the tortillas and spread the turkey mixture over the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border. Place a second tortilla on top and spread with all of the ricotta mixture, again leaving a 1-inch border. Add a third tortilla and cover to within an inch of the outside with the remaining turkey mixture.
Top with the fourth tortilla and cover with aluminum foil.
Place in oven for 10 minutes, remove foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese over top and put back in oven for 2 minutes.

1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 (4.5-oz.) cans chopped green chilies, divided
1-3/4 lbs. skinned, boned chicken breasts
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup (2 oz.) tub-style light cream cheese
1 (10-oz.) can enchilada sauce
12 6" corn tortillas
Cooking spray
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 oz. tortilla chips, crushed (about 6 chips)


Combine broth and 1 can of chilies in a large skillet; bring to a boil. Add chicken; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is done, turning chicken once. Remove chicken from cooking liquid, reserving cooking liquid; cool chicken. Shred meat with two forks, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 can of chilies and onion; sauté 3 minutes or until soft. Add reserved cooking liquid, milk, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and enchilada sauce; stir well. Stir in shredded chicken; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Place 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Spoon 2 cups chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat layers twice, ending with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Make ahead and freeze cooked meatballs. Thaw and heat in spaghetti sauce or use in other recipes which call for meatballs.

2 pounds ground sirloin
3 slices bread, crumbled
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon ketchup
salt and pepper

Mix together in large bowl. Spread out on a flat baking dish lined with wax paper. Cut into squares, use hands to shape each of these into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze. When frozen, place in ziplock bags.
12 Servings

1 to 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, 1 inch thick, all visible fat removed

Marinade:

1/2 cup dry red wine, nonalcoholic red wine, or low-sodium beef broth
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar or wine vinegar
1 teaspoon acceptable vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
3 cloves garlic, crushed, or 1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Vegetable oil spray

Freshly ground pepper to taste


Place steak in an airtight plastic bag or in a baking dish. In a small nonmetallic bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Pour over steak and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, turning occasionally.
Preheat broiler. Spray broiler pan with vegetable oil spray. Set aside.
Remove steak from marinade, pat dry, and sprinkle with pepper. Place meat on prepared broiler pan. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat until desired doneness, 4 to 7 minutes on each side for medium-well done, or 3 to 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Slice diagonally across the grain into thin slices.

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 small onion, grated
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root or 3/4 teaspoon dry ginger
1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon peel
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup light soy sauce
1 pound whole pork tenderloin
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon firmly packed dark brown sugar

In a small bowl, combine oil, onion, ginger, lemon peel, garlic and soy sauce. Stir to mix well. Set aside.
Place pork loin in a glass bowl. Pour soy mixture over pork and turn to coat evenly. Cover and place in refrigerator to marinate overnight.
Remove pork from marinade; drain well.

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a small bowl, combine wine, honey and brown sugar. Stir to mix well. Pour over pork, coating all sides of roast. Place in a shallow, nonstick pan and cook 25 to 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F to 160 F.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve. Serve with steamed rice and snow peas.

Microwave Method for Cooking Pork Tenderloin:

Season pork with salt-free garlic seasoning. Shield each end of the tenderloin with 1 inch of lightweight foil to prevent burning. Place on microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave for 3 minutes at high. Reduce power to 50 percent and microwave 5 more minutes.
Remove foil shields, turn tenderloin over and cook 7 or 8 minutes longer or until meat thermometer reads 165 F. Remove and let sit covered until thermometer reads 170 F.

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2/3 cup vertically sliced onion
1 1/2 Tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. grated orange rind
8 garlic cloves, minced
4 (6-oz.) mahi mahi fillets
1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. dark sesame oil
1/4 tsp. salt
4 cups (about 1 1/4 pounds) asparagus, 1" slices
1/4 cup coarsely chopped dry-roasted cashews
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups hot cooked brown rice
Orange rind strips (optional)

NOTE: You can substitute any firm-fleshed, non-oily fillets such as monkfish, tilapia, cod or grouper.

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; saute 1 minute. Add ginger, orange rind, and garlic; saute 1 minute. Add fish; cook 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned, stirring onion mixture in pan constantly to prevent burning. Sprinkle fish with lemon rind and juice.
Combine soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil and salt in a medium bowl; add asparagus and cashews, tossing well to coat. Add asparagus mixture to pan; cook 4 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Sprinkle with cilantro; serve over rice. Garnish with orange rind strips, if desired. Serving size: 5 ounces fish, 3/4 cup asparagus mixture, and 1/2 cup rice).

Makes 4 servings.

Vegetable oil spray
1 pound beef chuck roast, all visible fat removed, cut into cubes
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 1/4 cup homemade beef broth or low-sodium beef broth
3 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
1/4 cup flour
1 8-ounce package fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onion

Preheat broiler. Lightly spray a broiler pan with vegetable oil spray.
Place meat on prepared broiler pan and place in broiler. Allow meat to brown on all sides, turning frequently. Remove from broiler and set aside.
Set oven to bake at 300 F.
In 1 1/2-quart casserole, combine wine, broth, tomato paste, spices and flour. Stir to mix well. Place meat in casserole and add mushrooms and onion.
Cover and bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until meat is tender.

1 6 oz. package wild and long grain rice, pilaf mix
1 1/2 pounds sirloin tip steaks, 1 inch thick
1/2 cup honey mustard
2 teaspoons freshly ground steak-house seasoning
1 bunch asparagus


Prepare rice pilaf mix according to pkg. directions, cooking about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat gas grill to medium-high or prepare charcoal grill with medium-hot coals. Brush both sides of sirloin liberally with 1/4 cup of the honey mustard. Place on grill and cook aobut 5 minutes, turning to prevent burning. Remove and set aside.
Trim ends of asparagus; brush lightly with 1 tablespoon of the honey mustard. Place on grill and cook aobut 5 minutes, turning to prevent burning. Remove and set aside.
Add sirloin to grill and cook 4 minutes per side, turning once. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
To serve, cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Stir into pilaf along with remaining 3 tablespoons honey mustard. Slice sirloin across the grain. Serve over pilaf.

1 (2 lb.) cut up frying chicken
Oven frying mix (See Homemade Shake & Bake Mix)

Rinse chicken in cold water. Dredge chicken pieces in oven frying mix.
Spray cookie tin with cooking spray. Place chicken skin side up on cookie tin. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 50 minutes, until chicken is crisp and cooked through. Blot with paper towels and serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

1 1/2 c. unseasoned bread crumbs
1/2 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. celery salt
2 tsp. onion salt
2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. pepper

Mix ingredients together. Store in a covered container. Does not need refrigeration. Makes 2 cups (enough for 8 pieces of chicken).

**Use this to make Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups frozen loose-pack diced hash brown potatoes with onion and peppers
1 cup cut broccoli florets
1/3 cup finely chopped turkey bacon or turkey ham (about 2 ounces)
1/3 cup evaporated fat-free milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 8-ounce cartons refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil sprigs (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange hash brown potatoes and broccoli in bottom of baking dish; top with turkey bacon or ham. Set aside.
Stir milk gradually into flour in a medium bowl. Stir in egg product, half of the cheese, the snipped or dried basil, and black pepper. Pour egg mixture over vegetables.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil sprigs. Makes 6 main-dish servings.

Make-ahead Tip: Assemble as above, but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours. Before serving, remove cover and bake as directed above.

Serves 8

2 cups ham , shredded into medium-sized pieces
1 pound linguine
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, thawed
lemon zest, and juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cup mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped


Cook pasta according to pkg. directions.
While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. When pan begins to smoke, saute garlic for one minute. Add the ham and continue to saute until ham begins to brown. Finally, add the peas; saute for one more minute.
While skillet is still hot, drain the pasta and add to the ham mixture. Add the lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper and 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Saute for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove from heat and toss with herbs. Serve immediately.

6 Servings

1 pizza crust, Boboli or other pre baked pizza crust
2 cups mixed grilled veggies
2 cups mozzarella cheese, cheddar and Parmesan
1/2 cup pizza sauce
dash oregano

Assemble pizza:

Place crust on pizza pan. Top crust with the pizza sauce, grilled vegetables, grated cheeses and oregano. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.


4 Servings

4 (1-inch-thick) slices day-old French bread or other firm white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large tomato, cut into 1-inch-thick slices (about 12 ounces)
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 garlic clove, chopped
48 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 2 pounds)

Cooking spray

9-1/2 cups torn romaine lettuce
3/4 cup cubed peeled avocado
1/2 cup sliced red onion

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.
Brush tomato slices with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place to-mato slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 10 minutes on each side or until tomato slices are blackened. Combine 3 teaspoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, tomato slices, parsley, and next 5 ingredients (parsley through garlic) in a food processor, and process until blended. Divide vinaigrette in half. Set aside.
Thread shrimp onto 6 (12-inch) skewers, and brush with half of vinaigrette. Prepare grill. Place kebabs on grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill 4 minutes on each side or until shrimp are done. Remove shrimp from skewers. Combine remaining half of vinaigrette, toasted bread cubes, shrimp, lettuce, avocado, and sliced onion in a large bowl; toss gently to coat.

6 servings (serving size: 2-1/2 cups)

1 -3 pound pork tenderloin
salt and pepper

Grill for 17-20 minutes or until the meat reaches 160degrees internal temp.

4 Servings

1 pound ground sirloin
Everglades seasoning

Form the hamburger into 4 patties. Sprinkle with Everglades. Grill until done - about 5 minutes each side.

4 Servings

6 pounds ham , fully cooked - rump half or shank portion
2 teaspoons orange peel, finely shredded
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
24 cloves

Score ham by making diagonal cuts in a dimond pattern. Stud with cloves in middle of each diamond. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer. Bake in a 325 degree oven until thermometer registers 125 degrees. For rump, cook 1 1/2 hr to 1 1/2 hr; for shank cook 1 3/4 hr to 2 hrs.
For glaze, in a medium pan, combine orange peel and juice, brown sugar, cornstarch and dried mustard. Heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more.
Brush ham with some of the glaze. Bake 20-30 minutes more or til thermometer registers 135 degrees. Let stand 15 minutes more before carving. Serve with remaining glaze.

16 Servings

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon red pepper, flakes
2 tablespoons oil
1 pound pork, thinly sliced

Combine first 6 ingredients in a 10 inch skillet. Heat over med-high heat until bubbly. Add the pork; stir fry 3 minutes. Blend 1/4 cup water and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to skillet, cook 2 minutes to thicken. Serve over noodles.

4 Servings

Delicious Deep Fried Turkey - Crisp and Tender

1 turkey, giblets removed, rinse and pat dry
salt and pepper, to taste


In turkey deep fry pot, pour in oil to the appropriate mark for the size of your bird. If your pan is not marked, put the turkey in pot and add water to just above the turkey. Remove the turkey and mark the depth of the water. Pour our the water, dry out pot, then add peanut oil to the mark.

Preheat the oil to 350. Place the seasoned turkey on the stand, use the hook to lower into the preheated oil. Cook the turkey for 3 minutes per pound at 325 degrees. Remove turkey and test for doneness with meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 170 in the breast and 180 in the thigh.

1 1/3 cups French's French Fried Onions
1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 egg


Crush french fried onions in plastic bag. Dip chicken into egg then coat in onion crumbs. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees until cooked through.

4 Servings

Herb jus:

1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups chopped fennel bulb (about 1 fennel bulb)
2 (16-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Salmon:

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups coarsely chopped cremini mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
1/2 cup dry sherry
1 cup (4 ounces) cubed fontina cheese
1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
6 (6-ounce) skinned salmon fillets (about 1 inch thick)

Cooking spray

1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Hazelnut-Herb Couscous

1/4 cup (1 ounce) shaved fresh Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Basil sprigs (optional)


To prepare herb jus, combine first 4 ingredients in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 8 minutes). Add fennel and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until reduced to 2 cups (about 30 minutes). Add 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped basil, and rosemary; simmer 5 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To prepare salmon, heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup shallots and 2 minced garlic cloves; saute 1 minute. Add mushrooms; saute 2 minutes. Add sherry; cook 4 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates. Remove from heat; cool completely. Stir in fontina, shredded Parmesan, and 2 teaspoons thyme. Cut 1 (3/4-inch-deep) diagonal slit from the center of 1 fillet; cut another slit in the opposite direction to form an X. Pull back salmon to form a pocket. Repeat with remaining fillets. Stuff 1/3 cup cheese mixture into each pocket. Place fillets on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with white wine, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve with herb jus and Hazelnut-Herb Couscous; sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and parsley. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.

2 tsp olive oil
1 lb chicken tenders
1 pkt (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning mix
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn
1 cup salsa
3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro


Note: Serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas.


Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add tenders and cook over medium-high heat, turning once, 3 minutes or until lightly colored. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning and 2 Tbsp water; toss over medium heat 1 minute until coated and chicken is cooked through.

While tenders cook, combine beans, corn and salsa in a medium saucepan or microwave dish. Heat until hot. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Serve along with the tenders.

1/4 cup Spicy Sesame Sauce (see below)
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound medium raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
4 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon loose green tea, preferably gunpowder
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch-long matchstick-size strips
2 medium red bell peppers, cut into 2-inch-long matchstick-size strips
1 medium white onion, cut into 2-inch-long matchstick-size strips
6 tablespoons cashew nuts, toasted


Combine sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a nonstick wok or cooking pan over medium-high heat and swirl to coat pan. Add the tea and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and place in a bowl.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the wok. Add the bell peppers and onion and stir-fry until peppers soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry until heated through. Stir in cashew nuts. Serve hot

4 eggplants, sliced 1/2" thick
dash salt
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
4 cups spaghetti sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese


Sprinkle salt on slices of eggplant. Let sit for 30 minutes, blot moisture from eggplant slices.

Dip each slice of eggplant in egg then in bread crumbs. Fry in a small amount of oil until browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Put one cup of sauce on bottom of 13x9" baking dish. Layer eggplant slices, top with sauce then cheeses.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 or until cheese is bubbly.

8 Servings

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 (3 to 3 1/2 pound) broiler-fryer, cut up
1/2 cup butter, melted


Combine first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Dip chicken in butter; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place chicken in 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until done.

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cutlets - thinly sliced
2 cups bread crumbs, Panko Japanese bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying

Sauce: Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside until serving.

Chicken: In large glass bowl, whisk buttermilk, pepper sauce, mustard, egg and 1 teaspoon oregano. Add cutlets; turn to coat with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. In shallow dish, toss together bread crumbs, remaining oregano, salt and pepper. Set aside mixture. In deep pot, heat oil until 350 degrees on deep fat frying thermometer - or until crumbs sizzle when dropped into the oil. One at a time, remove cutlets from marinade, dredge in seasoned bread crumbs and set aside for 15 minutes to rest. Fry until golden brown and juices run clear.

1 egg, beaten
1 cup bread crumbs, Progressive Panko Crispy Italian Style
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
4 chicken breasts, cutlets
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
4 cups salad greens
1 15 oz. can white beans, (cannellini), rinsed
1 cup tomatoes, grape, halved


Put egg in shallow bowl. Mix crumbs and cheese on wax paper. Dip cutlets into egg, then intno crumbs to coat.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add cutlets and cook 5 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Remove. Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss to mix and coat.

Serve cutlets with salad mixture. Serve with lemon wedges.

1/2 lb broccoli florets
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup sliced fresh mushroom
1 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces spaghetti
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon thyme
2 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

In lg skillet, saute broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots in oil until crisp-tender.
Set aside. Cook spaghetti according to pkg directions.
In another saucepan, saute onion and garlic in butter for 30 seconds.
Stir in flour, bouillon and thyme.
Slowly add milk, bring to a boil.
Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses.
Add vegetables; heat through.
Drain spaghetti; toss with vegetable mixture.

1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 ounces dried beef
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
1 can (4 ounces) chopped mushrooms, drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes)
salt and pepper to taste


Preparation:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cut beef into thin strips; add to melted butter. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes; blend in flour. Gradually add milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Stir sour cream, mushrooms, cheese, chopped or dried parsley, and salt and pepper to taste; heat through. Serve creamed chipped beef on rice, in pastry shells, or over toast points.

Recipe for creamed chipped beef on toast serves 4.

1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 turkey thighs (about 2 lb), skin and excess fat removed
1 can (16 oz) whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup salt-free Southwestern chipotle marinade (we used Mrs. Dash)

PREPARATION

1. Place onion, then turkey thighs in a 3 1/2-qt or larger slow-cooker.

2. Stir 1/2 cup cranberry sauce and 1/4 cup chipotle marinade in small bowl until blended. Spoon over thighs to coat.

3. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours until turkey is tender. Remove turkey thighs to cutting board. Cut meat in large pieces from both sides of each thigh bone and slice.

4. Remove onion from cooking liquid with slotted spoon; discard cooking liquid. Microwave remaining cranberry sauce and chipotle marinade about 2 minutes until melted. Stir in onion and spoon over turkey.

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup roasted red peppers
6 ounces fettuccine (approx. 1/3 box)
2 tablespoons garlic butter
one 8-ounce tub fresh jumbo lump crab meat
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
1 1/2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning


Steps

1. Fill saucepan 3/4 full of hot water, cover and place on high heat to boil for pasta.
2. Wash parsley. Remove and discard stems.
3. Using food chopper, chop parsley (enough for 1/4 cup). Set aside.
4. Dice roasted peppers into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.
5. Check pasta water for boil. When boiling, add pasta and cook uncovered for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Measure remaining ingredients and place near stove.
7. Preheat sauté pan on high for 1-2 minutes.
8. Add garlic butter and swirl to coat. Add: roasted peppers, parsley, and crabmeat; cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Add wine and cook for 1 minute.
10. Add whipping cream and cook for 1 minute.
11. Remove pasta from heat and drain in colander.
12. Add to crabmeat mixture: pasta, cheese and steak seasoning; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.

1lb Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
1 egg
1 tsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Hellman’s Mayo
1 tsp Mustard
1 tsp or to taste Old Bay Seasoning
Cracker Meal

Mix the egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mayo,& mustard together in a bowl. Pick thru the crab meat and remove any cartilage or shells (shouldn’t have any using jumbo lump) Add the egg mixture to the crab meat and gently mix, try not to break up the lump crab. Sprinkle the old bay and gently mix into the mixture.

Add the cracker meal…a little at a time…until the crab mixture holds together. The amount of craker meal you use depends on the way you going to prepare the crab cakes. If your going to broil the crab cakes, you don’t need as much cracker meal.

2 cups flour
3/4 cup corn meal
1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups fat-free milk
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
10 turkey hot dogs
8-10 cups of vegetable oil
5 pairs of chopsticks


1. Preheat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Combine the flour, corn meal, sugar, salt and baking soda in a large bowl.
3. Combine the milk and egg yolks to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer on high speed until batter is smooth.
4. Dry off the hot dogs with a paper towel. Jab the thin end of a single chopstick about halfway into the end of each hot dog.
5. When the oil is hot, tip the bowl of batter so that you can completely coat each hot dog. Roll the hot dog in the batter until it is entirely covered with batter.
6. Hold the hot dog up by the stick and let some of the batter drip off. Quickly submerge the hot dog in the oil and spin it slowly so that the coating cooks evenly. After about 20 seconds you can use a lid to the deep fryer or pan to put weight on the stick, keeping the hot dog fully immersed in the oil. You can cook a couple dogs at a time this way. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until coating is dark brown. Turn them once or twice as they cook. Drain on paper towels while cooling, and repeat with remaining hot dogs.

Makes 10 hot dogs.

8 pounds ham , spiral cut
1 12 oz. can cola
1 20 oz. can pineapple, slices
40 whole cloves
10 maraschino cherries


Lightly oill a shallow roasting pan. Place ham, cut side down, in pan and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and place rack in lower third. Pour cola over ham and cover with foil. Bake, basting every 30 minutes, until an instant read thermometer inserted 2 inches into center (without touching bone) registers 140 degrees, about 1 1/2 hours. Drain pineapple slices and arrange on ham, attaching with cloves, and place 1 cherry in center of each; bake 15 minutes more. Transfer ham in pan to a wire rack and let stand 10 minutes before carving.

8 fluid ounces flat beer
1 cup self-rising flour
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut, divided (one 7-ounce package)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon
12 jumbo shrimp
vegetable oil (for frying)
paprika

Marmalade Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup orange marmalade
2 teaspoons stone ground mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 dash salt


Combine all marmalade dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour.

To Make the Batter:

Use an electric mixer to combine the beer, flour, ½ cup of the coconut flakes, sugar and salt in medium bowl.
Mix well, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

To Prepare the Shrimp:

De-vein and peel off the shell back to the tail.
Leave the last segment of the shell plus the tail as a handle.
When the batter is ready, preheat oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to about 350°F.
Use enough oil to cover the shrimp completely.

Pour the remainder of the coconut into a shallow bowl.
Be sure the shrimp are dry before battering.
Sprinkle each shrimp lightly with paprika before the next step.
Dip one shrimp at a time into the batter, coating Drop the battered shrimp into the coconut and roll it around so that it is well coated.
Deep-fry four shrimp at a time for 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp become golden brown.
Flip the shrimp halfway through.
Drain on paper towels briefly before serving.

12 ounces broad egg noodles
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (any variety and/or combination)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cooked chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives

Directions

Cook egg noodles according to package directions.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until soft. Add mushrooms and cook 3 minutes, until mushrooms soften. Add thyme and cook 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in chicken. Add wine and simmer 1 minute. In a small bowl, whisk together broth, cornstarch and Worcestershire sauce. Add mixture to pan and bring to a simmer. Simmer 2 minutes, until mixture thickens. Stir in cooked noodles and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Transfer to a serving platter and top with chives.