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.

This is one of my favorite fast and easy recipes. Great to serve when you have company for dinner.


1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
1/2 package penne or ziti pasta, drained
1 12 oz. jar Alfredo sauce with sun-dried tomatoes
1 16 oz. can black beans
1 10 3/4 ounce can Rotel Tomatoes


Grill or broil chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Boil pasta according to pkg. directions.
Drain Rotel Tomatoes and black beans - rinse beans.
Combine all in a pan and warm through.
Serve with garlic bread and a salad.

3 limes
2/3 cup bottled Thai peanut sauce
12 chicken tenders (about 1 lb 4 oz)


1. Heat outdoor grill or ridged grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Squeeze 1 to 2 limes to get 2 Tbsp juice. Mix with peanut sauce. Pour all but 1/4 cup into a small bowl.
3. Thread 1 chicken tender on each of twelve 10- to 12-in. wooden skewers. Brush both sides of chicken with the 1/4 cup sauce, then lightly coat with nonstick spray.
4. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through. Serve with lime wedges and remaining sauce for dipping. Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.

Serves 4

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, mexican blend, shredded
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa
4 flour tortillas


Mix chicken with seasoning mix. Melt 1 tsp. butter in skillet. Place tortilla in preheated skillet, top with chicken and cheese, fold in half. Grill on both sides until lightly toasted and warmed through.

Remove from pan, cut into triangles. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

This is super easy and very good!


1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken cutlets
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pre-diced onions
4 ounces pre-sliced baby portabella mushrooms
1/4 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (.75-ounce) packet mushroom gravy mix


1. Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with thyme. Wash hands.

2. Place oil in pan; swirl to coat. Add onions and mushrooms; cook 3–4 minutes or until tender. Move onions and mushrooms to outer edge of pan. Place chicken in center of pan (wash hands); cook 2–3 minutes on each side until browned.

3. Stir in wine, then add remaining ingredients. Stir until well blended. Reduce heat to low and simmer 6–8 minutes until sauce thickens and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to accurately ensure doneness. Serve.

From Southern Living

2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (6-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sour cream
6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup to 1 cup chopped pecans


Stir together chicken and next 6 ingredients.
Arrange 3 noodles in a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish; top with half of chicken mixture. Repeat layers with remaining noodles and chicken mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pecans.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 45 minutes; uncover, and bake 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let lasagna stand 15 minutes before serving.

To Make Ahead: Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking; proceed as directed.

To lighten: Substitute reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup, 2% reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced (julienned)
½ zucchini, sliced, (julienned)
Salt to taste
4 chicken breasts, sliced in ½” strips
2 small branches rosemary
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of ½ lemon

Veronese Sauce

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup ricotta cheese
14 fl oz heavy cream

Gnocchi

2 qt water
6 oz all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 lbs russet potatoes
2 tsp salt

OR

1 lb gnocchi (potato dumplings), cooked according to package directions

Procedures

NOTE: You may make your own gnocchi by following the steps below, or you may purchase them already made.

Gnocchi

1. WASH potatoes and place in water. Cook potatoes until soft (cook time will depend on size of potatoes). Remove potatoes from water and cool in refrigerator.
2. PEEL cooled potatoes and push them through a fine grater (rice grater) until mashed; do not over-mash potatoes or they will get tough.
3. COMBINE potatoes, flour and eggs in a mixing bowl. Mix well until dough does not stick to hands (add small amounts of flour at a time if needed).
4. DIVIDE dough into 4 sections. Roll out each section into a long rope. Cut each rope into ½” pieces. Push fork tines on each piece for the classic gnocchi appearance.
5. BRING water to a boil in a sauce pot. Drop in gnocchi and cook until they float.

Chicken & Sauce

1. COMBINE garlic, lemon juice, rosemary and chicken slices in a mixing bowl. Let marinate for at least 2 hours.
2. COMBINE Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese and heavy cream in a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. HEAT sauté pan on medium high. Add extra virgin olive oil, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. Saute until onions are translucent (do not brown).
4. ADD marinated chicken slices and cook until slices are brown on all sides and internal temperature is 165°F. Reduce heat and add sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer.
5. DRAIN cooked gnocchi and add to pan with chicken, vegetables and sauce. Stir to coat gnocchi with sauce.
6. SERVE gnocchi topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Sauce:

1 Tbsp butter
¼ tsp dry thyme
½ tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic pepper
1 Tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ cup water
¼ cup white wine
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced width-wise into ½” strips
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 small rosemary sprigs
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Juice of ½ lemon


Vegetables:

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ bunch fresh asparagus (remove bottom inch of stem; cut remainder into 1” pieces)
1 zucchini, julienne cut
1 yellow summer squash, julienne cut
2 roma tomatoes, cut into ½” pieces
½ red bell pepper, julienne cut
1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
½ cup frozen peas
1 cup spinach, cut into ½” pieces
½ cup carrots, julienne cut

1 lb farfalle pasta (bow ties), cooked according to package directions

Procedures

Sauce Preparation:

1. MELT butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in thyme, garlic pepper and rosemary. Whisk to thoroughly blend and cook for 1 minute.

2. COMBINE chicken broth, water, wine, milk, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Add cornstarch and whisk until cornstarch has dissolved and there are no lumps.

3. ADD liquid mixture to sauce pan. Whisk all ingredients together and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Chicken & Vegetables Preparation:

1. COMBINE all chicken ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend well.
2. MARINATE for 30 minutes.
3. HEAT a saute pan over medium high heat. Add ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil.
4. SAUTE chicken strips until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. ADD all vegetables and sauté until cooked through.
6. ADD cooked, drained pasta and sauce to sauté pan. Stir until pasta is thoroughly coated with sauce.
7. TRANSFER to a serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley.

Kids will love the creamy, lemony flavor. Short on time? Use a precooked chicken and canned broth.

1 cup white rice
Salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
4 cups Basic Chicken Soup or 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cooked 4- to 5-lb chicken, shredded
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon juice, to taste

1. In a medium saucepan, mix the rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked; set aside.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the butter over moderate heat. Add the flour and stir together to make a paste; let cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken soup (reserve vegetables and chicken) or broth and let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens.

3. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk, cream, another pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add a few tablespoons of the simmering broth from the skillet and slowly whisk it in; add back to the skillet. Add the vegetables from the soup, if using soup instead of broth, then add the chicken to the skillet.

4. Reduce heat; add lemon juice. Taste sauce for seasoning; add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste, if needed. Serve with the rice.

How kids can help: Measure ingredients; add lemon juice and seasonings to taste.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1/6 of recipe)

4 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced - or uncooked, sliced, sauteed in oil
1/2 cup red and yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup onions, sliced
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup salsa
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
8 flour tortillas

If using uncooked chicken, saute in 1 tablespoon olive oil until no longer pink. Remove from pan. Heat 2 tablespoons oil, saute onions and peppers until slightly browned. Add mushrooms, taco seasoning, salsa and vinegar. Stir until mushrooms are soft. Add chicken and garlic. Stir.

Serve with flour tortillas, sour cream, salsa.

From Cooking Light

Cooking spray
1 1/4 pounds skinned, boned chicken breast
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup beer
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 (2 1/4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, drained
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
2 cups 1% low-fat milk
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten or 6 tablespoons egg substitute
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut in half
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup salsa

Preheat oven to 350°.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Add chicken; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from skillet; let cool. Shred chicken with 2 forks; set aside.

Recoat skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add shredded chicken, beer, red pepper, and tomatoes; cook 10 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates. Remove from heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon green onions and 1 tablespoon olives for garnish. Stir remaining green onions, remaining olives, and chiles into chicken mixture; set aside.

Combine flour, salt, cumin, and coriander in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Place over medium heat; cook 7 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Gradually add hot milk mixture to egg whites, stirring constantly with whisk. Set aside.

Place cheeses in a bowl; toss well. Set aside.

Spread 1/2 cup white sauce in bottom of a 2 1/2-quart round casserole or soufflé dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 4 tortilla halves over sauce; top with 2 cups chicken mixture, 1/2 cup white sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice, ending with sauce. Set remaining 1/2 cup cheese mixture aside.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese mixture, reserved green onions, and reserved olives; bake an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

NOTE: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time; cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350º for 1 hours or until bubbly. Or freeze casserole, thaw in refrigerator 24 hours, then bake for 1 hour or until thoroughly heated.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 wedge, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and 1 tablespoon salsa)

1 10 3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 12 ounce salsa, green chilie, mild
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or pork, beef or turkey)
1 1/2 cups cheese, mexican style blend, shredded
1 1/4 cups corn
1 4 oz. can green chili, chopped
12 corn tortillas
2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, Hass, diced
1/2 cup red onions, diced

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 13 x9 in baking dish with nonstick spray.

Sauce: Whisk soup and 1/2 can water in a bowl until smooth. Stir in salsa, 1/4 cup cilantro and cumin.

In another bowl, combine chicken, 3/4 cup each cheese blend and sauce, corn, chilies and remaining cilantro.

Layer tortillas on bottom of baking dish. Top with chicken mixture, cheese and sauce. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top. Cover dish with foil, bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes, or until sauce bubbles around edges and cheese is melted.

Serve with lettuce, tomato, avacado and onion on side.

From Southern Living


6 (10-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
1/2 (15-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey breast
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted
1 cup shredded lettuce

Heat tortillas according to package directions.

Stir together cranberry sauce, mustard, and ginger. Spread mixture evenly over 1 side of each tortilla. Top with chicken, green onions, pecans, and lettuce; roll up.

Yield: 6 servings

Sauce

1/4 cup pancetta (or bacon), diced
6 Tbsp butter, cubed
1 tsp garlic, chopped
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups milk
1 oz cornstarch
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup smoked Gouda cheese, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
8.5 oz can sliced artichokes, drained
1/4 tsp pepper
¼ cup mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 lbs pasta of choice, cooked according to package directions

Chicken

1 1/2 lbs skinless/boneless chicken breasts, cut in 1 - 1 ½” pieces
¾ cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup white wine
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Procedures:

Sauce:

1. SAUTÉ pancetta (or bacon) in a 3-qt sauce pan or large pot, over medium/high heat until crisp and golden brown. Reduce heat, add butter and allow it to melt. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for approximately one minute, stirring frequently (do not brown).

2. WHISK in cream, milk and cornstarch. Raise heat to medium/high. Whisk in Parmesan and Gouda cheeses. Once cheese melts, add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.

3. REMOVE from heat and let stand uncovered.

Chicken:

1. MIX flour with salt and pepper. Coat chicken in seasoned flour, shaking off excess flour.

2. HEAT olive oil in large sauté pan. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on both sides (approximately 7 minutes total). Juices should run clear.

3. ADD wine to chicken in pan (caution: there will be a low flame in pan). Toss gently until wine is evaporated. Add sauce and bring to a boil on medium/high heat.

4. TRANSFER drained, cooked pasta to large platter. Evenly distribute chicken and sauce over pasta.

5. GARNISH with chopped parsley and serve.

This recipe, from Charlotte Skelton's book Absolutely a la Carte (A la Carte Alley, $22.95), is named after a community north of Biloxi. When pressed for time, try the Kitchen Express method below. This makes a huge amount - great recipe for freezing.


2 (3-pound) whole chickens
1 cup water
1 cup dry sherry
2 celery stalks
1 onion, quartered
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 (6-ounce) packages long-grain and wild rice mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 (8-ounce) packages sliced mushrooms
1 bunch green onions, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 (8-ounce) carton sour cream
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 sleeve round buttery crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 (6-ounce) can French-fried onions, crushed
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder


Bring first 9 ingredients to a boil in a large Dutch oven; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1 hour or until chicken is done. Remove chicken, reserving broth in Dutch oven. Let chicken cool. Pour broth through a fine wire mesh strainer into an 8-cup liquid measuring cup; discard solids.
Cook rice according to package directions, substituting 4 1/4 cups reserved chicken broth for water and omitting butter. (Add water to broth to equal 4 1/4 cups, if necessary.)
Skin, bone, and coarsely chop or shred chicken.
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; add mushrooms and green onions, and sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in rice, chicken, sour cream, and soup. Spoon mixture into 8 (2-cup) casserole dishes, 8 (5 1/2- x 3 1/2- x 2-inch) mini-loaf pans, 3 (8-inch or 9-inch) square baking dishes, or 1 (4-quart or 15- x 10-inch) casserole dish.
Stir together crushed crackers and fried onions. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle casserole evenly with cracker mixture.
Bake, covered, at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 more minutes or until bubbly.

To make ahead: Cover casseroles tightly with foil, and freeze unbaked up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Bake as directed. (Casserole may also be baked frozen. Plan to double the baking times.)

To microwave one frozen, unbaked 8-inch square casserole: Casserole must be in a microwave-safe dish. Cover dish with wax paper. Microwave at HIGH 15 to 16 minutes or until casserole is bubbly, giving dish a half-turn once.

To microwave one thawed, unbaked 8-inch square casserole: Follow directions to microwave a frozen, unbaked casserole, reducing microwave time to 7 to 8 minutes.

Kitchen Express: Use 2 deli-roasted chickens (about 2 pounds each) in place of boiled chickens. Use 1 cup dry sherry and 3 1/4 cups (26 ounces) canned chicken broth to cook rice.

Yield: Makes 12 to 16 servings