Andreas Viestad's Ultimate Hot Orange Chocolate

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces dark chocolate
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
• 1 orange zest of to garnish

Steps:

• Break the chocolate into very small pieces
• Add milk and chocolate to a small pot and heat while stirring constantly with a rubber spatula
• When the milk mixture is almost boiling remove from heat and pour into 2 mugs
• Whip cream to a medium stiff peak
• GENTLY fold in marmalade
• Top with orange whipped cream and orange peel if desired
• Bon appetit

Apple Veggie Burgers

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 slices sandwich bread stale or toasted
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 granny smith apple grated
• 1/2 bell pepper chopped I use red
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons rolled oats ground in food processor
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Steps:

• Chop the bread very fine or break into pieces and throw in a food processor breaking it into crumbs
• Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the onions
• Squeeze the grated apples lightly to remove excess juice then add to the bowl along with the bell pepper ginger rice egg and half the ground oats
• Season with salt and pepper to taste
• Form mixture into 1 1/2-inch thick patties
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat Coat the patties with the remaining ground oats and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned slightly
• Serve with hot sauce cole slaw or whatever else tickles your fancy

Artichoke and red pepper risotto

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 -3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 small red bell pepper cut julienne
• 1/2 cup artichoke heart cooked
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 onion minced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Steps:

• Heat broth to near boil and keep hot in saucepan
• Cook bell pepper and artichoke hearts in 2 tbs
• broth
• Remove
• Cook onion in 2 tbs
• broth until softened
• Add oil and rice and cook 1 minute
• Add wine
• Cook until wine is almost gone
• Add broth just to cover rice
• Cook and stir over medium heat until broth is absorbed
• Add more broth and continue cooking broth down and adding new broth until rice is just done about 20 minutes
• Add vegetables and cook to heat done
• Stir in Parmesan and parsley before serving
• Makes 2 servings

Asian Plum Sauce

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 garlic cloves minced fine
• 1/2 ounce fresh ginger minced
• 1 small onion minced
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1/8 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/8 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried chili
• 3 lbs plums pitted chopped
• 1 lemon juice of fresh
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Steps:

• Place first 11 ingredients into pot
• Bring to a boil then simmer 30 minutes
• Mix water and cornstarch
• Blend in a blender the solids from the pot with the cornstarch mixture and put back with the liquid simmering all the while
• Simmer till thickened
• Pour into sterilized jars size you like and put into a water bath for 10 minutes
• Remove jars from water bath cool and store in a cool dark place

Asian-Style Noodles With Spinach, Carrots and Mushrooms

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 7 ounces thin cellophane noodles or mung noodles
• 1/2 cup tamari
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic you can use less
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes to taste
• 3 carrots peeled and cut into matchsticks about 2-inches long
• 1/2 lb button mushroom sliced
• 3 cups fresh Baby Spinach
• green onion chopped

Steps:

• Soak the noodles in a bowl of warm water to cover until softened this will take about 8-10 minutes for thin noodles drain well
• Cook the noodled in a pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes; drain and rinse with COLD water; set aside
• In a blender or using a whisk blend the tamari sesame oil sugar and garlic until smooth if you are using a whisk mix until no sugar granules remain
• Heat about 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat until the oil JUST begins to smoke
• Add in the onions carrots and dry pepper flakes; cook for about 3 minutes or until the onions are softened
• Add in sliced mushrooms and stir-fry until softened about 4 minutes
• Add in the fresh spinach and stir-fry for about 30 seconds
• Add in the noodles and tamari mixture; toss to coat and simmer stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed about 3-5 minutes
• Transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle with green onions if desired

Asparagus Croustade

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons soft butter cut into pieces
• 8 ounces green asparagus trimmed
• 8 ounces white asparagus trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cream
• salt freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 8 ounces taleggio or 8 ounces gruyere cubed

Steps:

• Place water in a medium bowl and sprinkle in yeast and sugar
• Stir until dissolved and let stand for 10 minutes or until foamy
• Add yeast mixture egg salt flour and butter into food processor
• Process until dough forms into a ball Dough should be soft but not sticky Add more flour if the dough seems sticky
• Place dough in a clean lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel
• Put in a warm place for 20 minutes or until dough has relaxed
• and is slightly puffy
• Preheat oven to 400F 200C
• Bring a skillet of water to boil on high heat
• Add asparagus and boil for 2 minutes
• Drain and rinse well with cold water until cool
• Heat butter in pot over medium heat
• Add flour and stir together until incorporated
• Pour in milk and cream slowly whisking to incorporate Bring to boil whisking until thickened
• Season well with salt and pepper and stir in parsley Reserve
• Punch down dough and roll out into an approximately 10 x 14-inch rectangle and place on a baking sheet
• Brush sauce over base leaving a 2-inch 5-cm border
• Top with asparagus and cover with cheese
• Brush edges with water and fold over to form a crimped edge
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until dough is browned underneath and cooked through and filling is hot

Asparagus-Cheese Squares With Crescent Crust

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 8 ounce cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 -4 tablespoons butter
• 1 large sweet onion chopped
• 1 -2 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus can use less
• salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 1/2 cups swiss cheese grated or use mozzarella cheese

Steps:

• Set oven to 375F oven rack set to the lowest bottom position
• Prepare an ungreased a 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan
• Unroll the crescent rolls and press into the pan pressing edges to seal the perforations
• Brush the crescent crust with melted butter and then sprinkle with garlic powder if using and a small amount of salt
• Bake for about 6-8 minutes bottom oven rack or until lightly browned
• In a large skillet melt butter over medium-high heat; add in the onion and saute for 6-7 minutes adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes
• Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus then cut into 1-inch pieces
• Add in the asparagus pieces to the skillet with onion; saute for for about 6-7 minutes or until crisp-tender
• Season with a small amount of salt and pepper to taste
• Spoon the asparagus/onion mixture over the partially-baked crescent crust
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and then top with Swiss or mozzarella cheese any amount desired
• Return to oven and bake for about 8 minutes in a 375F oven or until the cheese is well melted
• Delicious

Baked Penne With Tomatoes And Peas

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces penne
• 1 cup frozen peas thawed
• 1 cup cherries or 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
• 2 cups bottled pasta tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded low fat mozzarella divided
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Cook pasta according to package
• Drain
• Meanwhile toss together peas tomatoes and pasta sauce
• Stir in 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan
• Toss pasta with vegetables and sauce; spread in pan coated with cooking spray
• Top with remaining cheeses
• Bake 15 minutes or until cheese on top is lightly browned and bubbly

Beets in Mustard Cream

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh beet peeledboiled until tender and then slicevery thinly
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup lite olive oil or 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Steps:

• Thoroughly combine mustard vinegar saltamp; pepper
• Slowly whisk in the olive oil pouring in a slow steady stream whisking all the while
• Stir in the yogurt to finish the dressing
• Pour the mustard cream over the beets toss cover and refrigerate for at least an hour

Buckwheat Noodles with Mushroom Sauce

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces buckwheat noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1/2 lb mushroom finely chopped
• salt and pepper
• 2/3 cup low-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Steps:

• Pour boiling water over noodles cover let stand 8 minutes then drain
• Melt butter in skillet and add mushrooms and saute 5 minutes
• Season with salt and pepper
• Stir in yogurt and soy sauce
• Pour sauce over noodles and serve

Carrot Celery Tomato Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 medium plum tomatoes
• 10 ounces carrots
• 2 medium celery ribs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 cups water

Steps:

• 1 Wash and steam all the veggies in pressure cooker up to 3 whistles
• 2 Let it cool remove tomato skin and blend all the boiled veggies until smooth
• 3 Pass it through a strainer add some water if required
• 4 Heat butter and pour-in the blended veggies with water amp; bring it to boil
• 6 Add more water if required
• 7 Add salt sugar and white pepper Adjust according to taste Serve it with whole wheat grilled cheese sandwich for a quick and comfy healthy meal

Chestnut Mushroom Pate

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 60 g unsalted butter
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 500 g chestnut mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 100 g cream cheese
• 100 ml fromage frais
• 1 cup slivered almonds reserve a handful for garnish
• 1 cup walnuts chopped

Steps:

• Chop the chestnut mushrooms
• melt the butter and saut the onion and garlic for 5 minutes Add the mushrooms and thyme
• and saut for 8 minutes or until the mushrooms are cooked
• Reserving the juices in case you need to add a little moisture in step three
• drain the onion/garlic/mushroom mixture
• and blend it with the cream cheese and fromage frais
• Reserving some slivered almonds for garnish
• process the nuts in the food processor then add them to the onion/garlic/mushroom mixture OR
• if you prefer a finer
• smoother pat
• add the onion/garlic/mushroom to the food processor and process OR
• for a more varied texture
• process some of the onion/garlic/mushroom mixture with the nuts
• then fold both mixtures together until they are well-combined If the mixture becomes too dry which is unlikely
• add a little of the juice reserved in step two
• Chill the pat for 2 hours
• then scatter the reserved slivered almonds on top and serve the pat with crusty bread
• pita bread
• crackers or vegetable sticks This pat is best eaten within 2 days
• Chefs Note Chestnut mushrooms are a closed cup mushroom with a wonderfully rich flavour If you cannot find these
• use flat field mushrooms which are always great
• but may need a little more cooking

Chocolate Fudge

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 can condensed milk I use Nestle brand
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder Go for Hintz Dutch Processed brand
• 50 g unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 100 g nuts finely chopped use almonds walnuts or cashews
• sugar

Steps:

• Add cocoa powder to milk in a bowl
• Stir to dissolve
• Now take a broad heavy based pan
• Pour the condensed milk alongwith the rest of the ingredients into the pan
• On low flame
• stir the contents of the panconstantly till the mixture becomes homogenous
• After 20 minutes
• you will notice that the mixture has thickened and started leaving the sides of the pan
• Now
• cook it till it becomes thick enough to set
• Pour it into a greased with butter plate
• Smoothen the top with a flat ladle
• It should be about 1/2 inch thick
• Allow to cool
• Cut into pieces
• Serve
• Store this in your freezer if it remains though it is so yummy that it is not quite likely that itll remain and allow to thaw a bit before serving

Chocolate Nut Crunch

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Steps:

• Mix butter and sugar in saucepan
• Bring to a boil
• Boil 4 minutes stirring constantly
• Pour into buttered 8x8in pan
• Sprinkle with chocolate chips
• Cover and let stand for 2 minutes
• Spread chocolate
• Sprinkle with nuts

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 18 1/4 ounce box brownie mix
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• whipped cream chopped peanuts chocolate-peanut butter candies and caramel sauce to garnish

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350F
• Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray Line pan with foil
• allowing sides to overhang; spray foil
• In small bowl
• combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar
• Mix in melted butter
• Press crumb mixture into prepared pan
• Bake until golden
• about 5 to 7 minutes
• Cool on wire rack
• Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cakelike brownies adding 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil and 3 eggs
• Fold in chopped nuts
• Pour batter into crust-lined pan
• Return to 350F oven; bake until brownie is just set and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
• 30 to 35 minutes
• Cool completely in pan on a wire rack
• With electric mixer in medium bowl
• beat cream cheese until smooth
• Add peanut butter and confectioners sugar; beat until just blended it will look lumpy
• Add milk; beat lightly to loosen mixture
• In separate bowl
• whip 1 cup of the cream and gently fold into peanut butter mixture
• Spread mousse evenly over cooled brownie
• Refrigerate 1 hour
• Heat remaining 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just boiling
• Remove from heat; add corn syrup and chocolate chips
• Cover and let stand 5 minutes
• Stir until smooth
• Pour glaze over chilled mousse and spread to cover completely
• Return to refrigerator for at least 1 hour
• Run a small knife around inside of pan and lift out brownie
• Heat knife under hot running water and trim edges
• Slice brownie
• rinsing knife after each cut
• into 5 strips about 1-1/2 inches wide
• Cut each strip into 5 pieces about 1-1/2 inches square
• Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with whipped cream
• nuts
• candy and caramel sauce

Citrus Haricots Verts

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh French haricots vert or 1 bunch green beans washed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 navel orange segmented without membrane
• 1 red grapefruit segmented without membrane
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• salt and pepper

Steps:

• Trim ends from beans Heat olive oil in a large saut pan over medium high heat Add beans and toss to coat Add garlic and orange zest and saut 1 minute Add 2/3 cup water and simmer beans uncovered until almost all the water has evaporated about 4 minutes Remove beans from pan onto serving dish Note that haricots verts will cook faster than regular green beans
• Add orange and grapefruit segments and stir gently to warm through juices will come out When juices begin to simmer stir in sugar and remove from heat Stir in cold butter in small pieces until melted Season to taste and spoon over beans

Coconut Jelly

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons agar-agar powder or 4 tablespoons agar-agar flakes
• 2 14 ounce cans coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup sugar

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil
• Mix agar agar with cold water before adding to boiling water
• Mix agar agar solution in boiling water
• Let cook for 5 minutes
• Add sugar and cook till dissolved
• Add coconut milk and vanilla
• Cook 5 minutes
• Pour in dish and cool in refrigerator
• It will form two layer a clear layer and a white layer

Cold Asparagus with Pecans

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus as young and tender as possible
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ground black pepper

Steps:

• Trim the asparagus and cook in boiling water for 6-7 minutes or until barely tender and still bright green; drain and rinse under cold water then drain again
• Arrange in 1 or 2 layers in an oblong serving dish
• Mix the pecans with the oil vinegar soy sauce and sugar; pour over the asparagus lifting the stalks so that the mixture penetrates to the bottom
• Sprinkle with pepper
• Serve chilled
• This dish can be made up to 36 hours ahead of serving time

Cold Cream of Cucumber Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 5 smooth-skinned cucumbers
• 1 potato peeled and coarsely chopped
• 2 leeks coarsely chopped
• 1 shallot chopped
• 4 cloves garlic peeled and halved
• 1 cup sour cream or 1 cup yogurt
• salt freshly ground black pepper
• fresh chives

Steps:

• Bring the vegetable broth to the boil
• Chop 4 of the cucumbers coarsely
• Thinly slice the fifth and set the slices aside
• Add the chopped cucumbers potato leeks shallot and garlic to the boiling broth and cook until tender about 45 minutes
• Remove from heat and blend
• Add salt and pepper to taste and cool
• Refrigerate for several hours until well chilled
• To serve pour the chilled soup into a soup tureen add the sliced cucumbers and chopped chives
• Spoon the sour cream or yogurt on top or serve it separately at the table

Creamy Tomato Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small sweet onion chopped
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes undrained
• 1 10 3/4 ounce can tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon cilantro
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• salt as needed to taste
• 1 -2 slice bacon cooked and crumbled for garnish

Steps:

• In a large soup pot
• over medium heat
• melt butter; add onion
• celery
• and saute in butter until softened about 5 minutes Add tomatoes un-drained
• basil and cilantro; bring to a boil Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft
• At this point puree or partially puree
• if desired
• or dont puree at all
• Add broth and cream cheese and pepper; salt to taste; heat through
• Serve with crumbled bacon on top if desired

Curry Omelette for One

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons chopped chives approx
• 2 teaspoons curry powder sieve it if it's lumpy
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

• Beat egg in a small bowl
• Mix in chives
• curry powder and water
• Heat a small pan to a high heat Heat oil once hot
• Add egg mixture to hot Let it cook for five to ten minutes
• scuffing it occasionally so that it doesnt stick The bottom should become solid and quite browned
• Slide the bottom of the omelette onto a plate Hold the pan over the plate
• then flip them so the raw side of the omelette is face down on the pan
• Cook for another five or so minutes - until the bottom is as browned as the top
• EAT

Daifuku Cake

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 cup azuki beans
• 10 cups water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water

Steps:

• For The Anko Filling
• Place 4 cups of water in a pan and add the azuki beans to the water
• Place on high heat and bring to a boil
• Remove from stove when mixture starts boiling and drain the water
• Place 6 cups of water in the pan with the azuki beans
• Place on low heat and simmer for about an hours until the azuki beans are softened
• Remove excess water and add sugar
• Stir on low heat for a few minutes just until it thickens
• Remove from heat and set aside
• For The Dough
• Place rice flour sugar and water in a pan
• Place on low heat and stir constantly until dough thickensPlace the dough on a floured surface and divide into 12 pieces
• Press the pieces into rounds
• Place a TBSP of anko in the center of each dough round and stretch the dough to enclose the anko
• Shape into a ball

Dan's Asian Rice

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 celery ribs chopped
• 4 carrots chopped
• 2 medium onions chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic chopped
• 1 -1 1/2 teaspoon sambal oblek chili paste depending on how spicy you like it
• 4 cups brown basmati rice cooked
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce Kecap Manis ABC brand

Steps:

• Cook rice or use left overs Set aside
• In a wok over medium-high heat add olive oil Let the wok get hot then add in the celery and carrots Cook for 2 minutes stirring
• Add onions Cook 2 minutes
• Add garlic and chili paste and cook for 1 minute stirring as you cook
• Turn heat down to medium then add in the rice Mix rice in well with vegetables
• Add soy sauces and mix well Let rice get nice and hot before serving
• Serve

Devil's Food Cupcakes W/Chocolate Ganache Frosting amp; Centers

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 13 ounces heavy cream
• 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate I use a bag of chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup cocoa preferably but not absolutely Valrhona or Cocoa Barry Extract Supermarket cheap stuff works also
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise I use fat free and it works fine
• 2 cups sifted cake flour I rarely ever sift as I find that cake flour seems to always measure right I know I should
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

• GANACHE
• In a sauce pan bring your cream to a light boil
• Then pour in the chocolate and start stirring immediately
• Keep going until you have a smooth mixture
• At first this will seem like its not working as the chocolate hasnt begun to mix with the cream
• Then
• in second
• it will start to form Just give it time
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool
• Dont be tempted to taste throughout the cooling process as youre not supposed to touch the ganache until it sets
• Put ganache in fridge until youre ready to use
• If youre making these in a hurry
• start making the batter
• If not
• make the batter when youre ready to start baking your cupcakes
• CUPCAKES
• Pre-heat oven to 375F
• Line cupcake tray with cupcake papers
• Whisk together water and cocoa
• Set aside and let completely cool you can put this in the fridge too
• When cocoa mixture is cool
• whisk in the mayonnaise and vanilla until smooth
• Meanwhile
• combine dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer and mix on low until combined
• Once mixed
• increase speed to medium and beat in cocoa mixture for one minute
• The batter is supposed to be thin
• but Ive seen it thin/medium
• Poor batter into a measuring cup with a spout and fill each cupcake 1/4 the way full
• Now take out your ganache and with a spoon make a small ganache ball and set one ball in the center of each cupcake
• Continue to fill each cupcake until its 3/4 the way full to prevent spilling batter
• Check to make sure your oven is at 375 and bake for 15-20 minutes until cupcakes are set
• Poke with a toothpick to confirm they are done
• The toothpick should slide out smoothly without any cake on it
• Once completely cooled make sure you cool the cupcakes or your ganache will melt
• frost with the rest of your ganache frosting
• You should have extra ganache left over - about a cup

Easy Bread and Butter Pickles

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 8 small pickling cucumbers unpeeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 1 medium onion cut in half and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Steps:

• Combine cucumbers onion vinegar sugar salt mustard seeds dry mustard turmeric crushed red pepper and celery seeds; heat to boiling over high heat stirring occasionally
• Boil 1 minute stirring frequently
• Pour cucumber mixture into a large bowl; cool to room temperature stirring occasionally
• Cover and chill overnight before serving
• You can spoon cooled cucumbers and their liquid into jars with tight-fitting lids and refrigerate up to 4 weeks

Easy Veggie Chili

Back to list

Ingredients:

• olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peppers and onions
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 28 ounce can tomato sauce I didn't use the entire can but I guess this depends on how think or thin you like your chili
• 2 8 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 1 4 ounce can diced green chilies
• 1 1 1/4 ounce packet taco seasoning You choose the spice level mild or hot
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 8 ounce can kidney beans
• 1 8 ounce can black beans
• 1 8 ounce can chickpeas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• salt and pepper

Steps:

• Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot Fry the onions/peppers and garlic for about 5 minutes
• Add the diced tomatoes sauce green chilis taco seasoning chili and cumin powder
• Bring to a boil and then add all the beans
• Cook for 25 mins on medium flame
• Add corn and cook for another 5 minutes
• Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and/or sour cream

Eggs with Garlic and Parsley Oil

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 dozen egg
• 1/2 cup tightly packed parsley
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup olive oil preferably Spanish extra-virgin
• 1 small carrot grated
• 4 green Spanish olives sliced
• 4 black olives sliced

Steps:

• Hardboil the eggs
• Place the eggs into a large saucepan
• cover with enough cold water to have 2 of water above the eggs
• Bring the eggs to a boil
• boil for 1 minute
• remove the eggs from the heat
• cover with a lid and set aside for 18 minutes
• Pour off the hot water and immediately fill the pan with cold water
• and keep pouring out and refilling
• until the water remains cool
• This will stop the eggs from continuing to cook
• This technique makes a hard-boiled egg that is cooked through
• without being tough or rubbery
• It also has a yolk that is a beautiful color with none of that over-cooked grayish-green rim
• Once the eggs have cooled; peel
• quarter and place into a decorative plate or bowl
• I prefer to use a slightly smaller serving dish and place the quartered eggs where they are laying slightly on top of each other
• Similiar to the way you layer fruit on a tart
• Place the parsley
• garlic
• paprika
• and black pepper into a blender container
• Pulse until the parsley and garlic are minced
• Then slowly add the olive oil while running the blender
• Drizzle the flavored oil over the eggs
• reserving 1/4 of the oil
• Garnish with the grated carrot
• sliced green olives
• and sliced black olives
• Drizzle the remaining flavored oil over the garnished eggs
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
• Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving

Fried Tofu

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 350 g package extra firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons tamari or 3 tablespoons soya sauce
• 1/4 cup Red Star nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon seasoning EG Tony Chachere's Mrs Dash or mix your own combination
• 1 tablespoon olive oil to lightly grease a skillet or other veggie oil

Steps:

• Lightly grease a non-stick pan with oil
• Put tamari soy sauce in a bowl
• In another bowl mix yeast and spices
• Slice tofu into 1/4-inch slices
• Dip tofu in the tamari and then in the yeast mixture
• Fry until golden; flip and brown the other side
• Add a bit of oil if necessary

Green Capsicum Pilaf

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice washed drained and cooked
• 4 green capsicum chopped
• 2 potatoes chopped
• 2 tomatoes chopped
• 4 green chilies slit
• 1/2 inch ginger minced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 large lemon
• 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
• 2 sprigs curry leaves
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons coconut grated for garnishing
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons black gram dal
• 2 teaspoons bengal gram dal
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 tablespoons oil
• salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Steps:

• Cook rice in 3 cups water
• Once cooked water has evaporated and rice is ready allow it to cool
• In the meantime
• chop the onion
• potatoes and capsicums
• Bring the green peas to a boil
• Heat oil in a wok
• Add mustard seeds and the black gram and bengal gram dals
• Stir-fry for a minute
• Add green chillies
• ginger and curry leaves
• Continue to stir-fry
• Add the chopped onions
• Add capsicums
• potatoes and tomatoes and fry
• Add half a cup of water and salt
• Cook until the vegetables are tender
• Add the green peas
• Stir until all the water has evaporated
• Allow to cool
• Add lemon juice and cilantro
• chopped for garnishing
• Pour seasoning into rice and mix well
• To serve
• put rice on a serving plate
• Garnish with grated coconut and the remaining cilantro and serve
• Notes Ive been told that a tbsp of sambhar powder when added to the vegetables enhances the taste tremendously
• Im yet to try this addition

Guasanas mexican Fresh Chickpea/garbanzo Snack

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh chickpeas in pods
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

• Wash the chickpeas
• Add the salt to the water
• Heat a cast iron skillet or a griddle
• Pour the salted water onto the skillet
• Put the chickpeas
• still in their pods
• in the steaming water
• Let steam for a few minutes
• until the pods are bright green and a bit tender - test one to see if the chickpea is ready - you can even eat them raw
• so they really dont need to cook much
• Remove all the chickpeas in their pods from the skillet Shell and eat as a healthy snack

Healthier Tgif Tuscan Portobello Sandwich Melt/Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 red peppers seeded and cut into half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup potato grated
• 1/3 cup carrot grated
• 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion diced
• 3 14 1/2 ounce cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 cup basil leaves chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste
• 3 portabella mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons onions diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tomatoes
• 5 3 ounce high-fiber rolls
• 5 ounces provolone cheese

Steps:

• To roast the red peppers for the soup Preheat oven to 500 degrees line pan with foil smooth out foil pour 2 tablespoons of oil into baking sheet and place the peppers cut side up on the oil and season them with pepper
• Turn the peppers over and roast in the oven for 18 minutes or until the skin blisters it should blacken slightlyPut warm peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap
• Set aside to cool for at least 30 minutes No peeking
• When peppers are cool remove and discard the skins slice into 1/4 pieces
• In a 5 quart dutch oven over medium heat add the 2 tablespoons oil butter potato carrots celery and onion; saut until vegetables are tender
• Add roasted peppers canned tomatoes undrained basil and vegetable broth
• Bring to a boil; simmer uncovered for 1 hour and 35 minutes when the potato and carrot is done
• Add pepper
• Optional Remove soup from heat and transfer to a food processor fitted with a metal blade process until mixture has reached a smooth consistency
• Sandwich Rub off mushrooms remove the gills slice and place the mushrooms in a shallow pan
• Add onion to the mushroom slices
• In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar oil oregano garlic and pepper
• Pour this liquid mixture over the mushroom mixture
• Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or so turning twice
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Bake mushroom mixture at 350 degrees for 20 or 30 minutes
• Preheat broiler
• Assemble partial sandwich onto baking pan by putting mushroom mixture onto bottom bun and topping it with one slice of tomato and one slice of cheese
• Set the top halves onto pan so they toast separately
• Broil until cheese melts 2-3 minutes
• Set top halves onto bottoms and serve with soup

Hootenanny Potatoes and Mushrooms

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 potato
• mushroom sliced
• cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• salt
• pepper

Steps:

• Oil your pan
• cut the potatoes
• either sliced of cubed
• and put them inches Season with Salt and Pepper
• Let sit
• or feel free to keep flipping and moving the potatoes around
• Which ever method you prefer
• is up to you
• Just before the potatoes begin to brown
• add the Cajun Seasoning amount is your preference
• Make sure that all the potatoes are seasoned
• After about another minute
• add the mushrooms
• You can add another amount of cajun seasoning if you want it extra spicy
• After everything is cooked to your liking I sayto your liking because some people like their potatoes cooked longer and some shorter you can remove from your pan
• and enjoy

Hot Party Drink

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1 ounce can pineapple juice Not concentrate
• 1 apple cored and sliced
• 3 -4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 broken cinnamon sticks
• 2 orange-flavored tea bags

Steps:

• Bring juice apple brown sugar and cinnamin stick to a boil and boil for 2 minutes
• Remove from heat
• Add tea bags and steep for 2-3 minutes and then remove

Incredible Low Fat Homemade Noodles for Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Shedd Spread Country Crock melted
• 4 egg whites or 1/2 cup fleischmann Egg Beaters egg substitute
• 4 1/2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

• In a medium size bowl
• combine flour
• salt
• and spread; mix thoroughly
• In a small bowl
• blend the egg whites with the cold water
• Make a well in the center of the flour mixture
• and put the egg mixture in the well; mix until the ingredients are blended
• Press into a ball
• Roll out until 1/8 thick on a floured board
• Cut into strips 1 1/2 wide and 4 long
• Bring whatever soup base you are making to a full boil and add the noodles all at once
• Return to a boil and cook 15 minutes
• stirring occasionally

Khatta Channa a Punjabi Indian Speciality Chickpeas Dish

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 100 g black channa washed and soaked in plenty of waterovernight black chickpeas NOT white chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons pure wesson canola oil
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fenugreek
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• salt
• 1 tablespoon gram flour
• 1/2 cup tamarind juice
• 2 1/2-3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon mango powder amchur

Steps:

• Soak the black channa overnight in a large bowl with lots of water
• The water level should be atleast 3 inches above the level of the black channachickpeas
• The next morning drain out the water completely and wash the channa in a bowl of fresh and clean water
• Now put the washed channa in a large pot
• Add watershould be 2-3 inches over the level of the chickpeas
• Boil the chickpeas on high heat
• Heat oil in a pot
• Add asafoetida fenugreek corriander turmeric and red chilli powders with salt to taste
• Mix well and stir-fry for a few seconds
• Prepare tamarind water by dissolving a lemon-sized piece of tamarind in 1/2 cup of HOT water
• Squeeze the tamarind ball really hard to let its juices flow into the water
• Pass this through a strainer and into a bowl
• Your tamarind water is ready
• In a bowl dissolve the gramflour in 3 tbsps
• of water
• Mix this really well ensuring that no lumps remain
• Add this mixture and the tamarind water to the pot containing all the spice powdersmasalas
• Stir well and bring to a boil
• Lower flame add the boiled chickpeas dry mango powder and 2 1/2- 3 cups of water
• Boil for 10-15 minutes on medium flame
• Remove from flame
• Serve hot over a bowl of white long-grain Basmati rice
• Enjoy

Lemon Coconut Cake

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter at room temp
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 3 egg yolks reserve whites
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/2 cup butter at room temp
• 1 cup shredded coconut divided
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Butter a 9x13 baking pan and set aside
• In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
• Beat in the coconut and egg yolks
• Combine the baking powder and flour in a small bowl
• Add to egg mixture in 3 batches alternating with the milk
• Pour into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes
• Test with a toothpick and if done remove from oven
• Set on a wire rack to cool
• Combine the lemon juice sugar cornstarch eggs and butter in a heavy double broiler
• Heat and stir for 5 minutes until thickened
• Pour onto warm cake
• Sprinkle 1/2 of the coconut on top of the filling
• Beat the whites in a medium bowl until soft peaks form
• Gradually beat in sugar until dissolved
• Spread over coconut layer
• Sprinkle second amount of coconut over top
• Bake for 12 minutes or until the coconut and whites are lightly browned
• Cool on the wire rack for 15 minutes
• Place in the fridge for 1 hour or better yet all day or overnight
• Cut when cooled

Lemon Dijon Green Beans

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans can use fresh or frozen
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds toasted
• salt and pepper

Steps:

• I usually steam the green beans for 5-7 minutes to get them a bit tender
• Melt butter or margarine in large frying pan
• Add green beans and cook on medium hight heat until coated with butter
• Add lemon juice mustard and dill
• Toss with beans until coated well and heated through
• Check taste add salt or pepper if desired
• Sprinkle with toased almonds before serving
• Note almonds can be toasted in oven on a baking sheet 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes

Lentil Pilaf

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lentils washed thoroughly
• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup rice washed thoroughly
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup vinegar balsamic perhaps

Steps:

• Clean the lentils with fresh cold water to avoid foaming when cooking
• Mix 2 cups of lentils with the 8 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt
• Heat on high uncovered for approximately 30 minutes mixing slightly every 10 minutes removing any foam that may have come up
• After the lentils turn tender and soft not melted make sure there is only about 2 cups of water remaining add or remove water
• Add the half cup of rice Cook for 10 mins at medium fire
• Simultaneously with the rice fry the chopped cup of onion in the olive oil and vegetable oil until golden brown should be about 10 minutes
• After the 10 minutes pass slowly pour the oil and onion over the lentils and rice Lower the heat to Low and let it lay for 10 minutes do NOT mix
• After the 10 minutes pass add the quarter cup of vinegar and mix everything
• Cover with a thick clean kitchen towel and leave covered for about 10 minutes
• After the 15 minutes pass you should have a thick pilaf of lentils and rice with onions showing up here and there

Lentils and Spinach

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs chopped fresh spinach or 1 1/4 lbs frozen chopped spinach
• 1 medium onion sliced in half rings
• 5 tablespoons oil
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup red lentil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

• heat onion and garlic for 2 min
• add lentils and 3 cups water and bring to a boil
• cover and simmer on low for 25 min
• add spinach salt cumin and bring to simmer for another 5 minutes

Macaroni Dandy Salad

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tomatoes diced
• 1 cup diced celery
• 3 tablespoons chopped pimientos
• 3 tablespoons green peppers chopped
• salad greens

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions
• Rinse with cold water drain and place in large bowl
• In small bowl mix mayonnaise lemon juice sugar celery seed salt and pepper
• Combine with macaroni and remaining ingredients
• Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until serving
• Serve on top of salad greens or from bowl

Maggie Beer's Caponata

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 stalk celery leaves washed and chopped
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 eggplant cubed approx 2cm x 2cm
• 2 ripe roma tomatoes seeded diced
• 4 large green olives pitted roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers packed in salt rinsed drained
• 1/3 cup basil leaves roughly shredded
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons raw sugar
• 5 g dark chocolate good quality
• sea salt to taste
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
• extra virgin olive oil to taste

Steps:

• Saut the onion and celery in a frying pan with a splash of olive oil until the onion colours a little and the celery retains a crunchy firmness
• Add the sugar and mix well to combine deglaze with the vinegar and continue to cook until a little syrupy Remove from the pan and set aside
• Add a good splash of extra virgin olive oil evoo to the pan and fry off the eggplant you may need to do this in batches if your pan isnt big enough adding a little more oil if needed and a little salt
• When the eggplant is almost cooked all the way through with a rich golden colour add the diced tomatoes Reduce the heat and continue to cook until the tomato has softened a little
• Add the onion and celery mixture along with all the liquid back into the pan with the eggplant Mix well and then add the olives capers sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• While the mixture is still warm add the chocolate so that it melts and stir in gently Then add the basil and adjust the seasoning if necessary
• Serve

Maple, Walnut amp; Flax Pancakes

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour or 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup flax seed meal
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups reduced-fat buttermilk can substitute 1/2 yogurt and 1/2 milk
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or more

Steps:

• Whisk flour flax seed meal walnuts baking powder baking soda and salt in medium bowl to blend Whisk buttermilk 1/4 cup maple syrup and egg in another medium bowl Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and whisk just until incorporated
• Brush large nonstick skillet lightly with vegetable oil and heat over medium heat Working in batches add batter to skillet by scant 1/4 cupfuls Cook until bubbles appear on surface of pancakes and undersides are golden brown about 2 minutes Turn pancakes over and cook until golden on bottom about 2 minutes Brush skillet lightly with vegetable oil as needed before adding each batch
• Transfer pancakes to plates Serve with additional maple syrup or jam

Mayonnaise by June

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2-1 teaspoon dry mustard
• salt and pepper

Steps:

• Beat all ingredients together with a whisk
• Place into saucepan and heat stirring at all times until boils

Million Dollar Relish

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 3 quarts cucumbers
• 1 quart onion
• 3 sweet red peppers
• 3 green peppers
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 1 quart vinegar
• 5 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons dry mustard
• 1 cup flour

Steps:

• Grind all Step1 ingedients up with a food processor
• Cover with 3/4 cup pickling salt to 2 quarts of water
• Let brine stand overnight
• In the AM drain the mixture well
• Then add the Step2 ingredients except for the flour and vinegar
• Bring to a boil
• Mix 1 cup of flour with the vinegar to make a smooth paste
• Add some of the hot mixture to the paste before mixing it together
• Cook for about 10 minutes
• Pour into sterilized jars

Molten Flourless Chocolate Cake

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 lb semisweet chocolate
• 2 ounces unsalted butter
• cooking spray
• powdered sugar for decorating

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425
• Place a saucepan of water on high heat Heat to a boil
• then reduce to simmer
• In a mixing bowl
• crack eggs and warm them over simmering water for 1 minute hold bowl directly over the water
• using a dish towel to protect your hands
• whisking constantly
• Remove eggs from heat
• and whisk for another minute until eggs are very fluffy
• Meanwhile
• put the chocolate and butter in a large
• heatproof
• stainless-steel or tempered-glass bowl; set it over the simmering water
• making sure the water doesnt touch the bowl
• Let the chocolate and butter melt; remove from heat
• Let mixture cool slightly by stirring occasionally
• about 5 minutes
• Once slightly cooled
• fold the chocolate and butter into the whipped eggs until no more streaks show Batter will deflate
• Spray 6 4-ounce ramekins or ovenproof dessert cups with nonstick cooking spray or use foil cups
• or muffin tins
• Fill them 3/4 of the way full and place on a baking sheet
• Bake for 10-12 minutes
• depending on how gooey youd like the centers
• Turn the cakes out onto dessert plates
• and serve immediately with a sprinkle of powdered sugar

Mom's Danish Potato Salad

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 eggs well beaten
• 1 cup salad dressing I use Miracle Whip but you can you mayo or anything you like
• 4 -5 cups potatoes cooked and cubed
• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/4 cup celery diced
• 2 tablespoons onions diced
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

Steps:

• Combine first 6 ingredients and bring to a boil
• Gradually beat in well-beaten eggs
• Cook stirring constantly until slightly thickened
• Remove from heat and add salad dressing
• Mix well and pour over potato egg celery onion and relish
• Add more salt and pepper if desired
• Refrigerate until well-chilled and enjoy

Mom's E-Z Tortellini Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 bag mixed vegetables
• 1 can vegetable broth
• 1 can of torusso whole tomato Spices included
• 1 bag tortellini
• parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

• Add Mixed Veggies to less than a half cup of Boiling Water
• Then add Veg broth
• Cut Tomatoes and add to pot with the Tomato liquid Do not drain Tomatoes
• Simmer until veggies are almost cooked and then add Tortellini
• After Tortellinis are at desired softness
• let stand before serving
• then sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top

Mulling Syrup for Wine

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 250 g golden caster sugar
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 12 juniper berries
• 6 -9 whole cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients into a large pan with 900ml or 1 1/2 pints of water
• Heat the mixture very gently to dissolve the sugar slowly then boil for five minutes
• Leave to cool in the pan
• Sterilise a funnel by pouring boiling water over it then use to divide the mulling syrup among three sterilised bottles 300ml or 10 fl oz each
• Divide the cinnamon sticks and juniper berries among the bottles
• Seal and store for up to two months
• When ready to serve pour the syrup into a pan add three slices each of orange and lemon plus a bottle of medium red wine
• Warm through

No More Plain Jane Green Beans

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 14 ounces frozen green beans or 1 lb fresh green beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice bottled is fine
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
• parmesan cheese

Steps:

• Clean green beans if using fresh Steam green beans in the microwave or preferred method
• Mix lemon juice
• garlic powder
• pepper and olive oil together in the bowl you will be serving the veggies If you are using fresh lemon I like to add some of the zest to this as well
• Add cooked green beans and fold to distribute the sauce at the bottom
• Sprinkle with parmesan if desired- kids like that part
• Serve

Onions and Thyme

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 large onions sliced
• 250 ml dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 sprigs thyme

Steps:

• Place butter and oil in large frypan over medium heat
• When butter has melted add onions and cook stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until onions have softened but not coloured
• Add wine honey and thyme and stir to combine
• Cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until onions are soft and tender
• Season to taste with salt and pepper

Orange Sesame Broccoli

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 medium orange
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or 1 tablespoon nama shoyu
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Steps:

• Grate 1 tsp orange peel from the orange and squeeze 1/4 cup juice
• Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large skillet until hot
• Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally
• Add ginger garlic and orange peel and cook 1 or 2 minutes longer until the veggies are tender crisp
• In a small bowl mix soy sauce sesame oil and orange juice; add to skillet and cook 30 seconds
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately

Pancakes

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/4 cups milk

Steps:

• Beat egg
• Stir in butter and milk
• Combine flour
• salt
• sugar
• and baking powder
• Stir into egg mixture
• Lightly grease a griddle
• Heat griddle and drop about 1/4 cup batter onto griddle
• Spread lightly with a spoon
• When bubbles begin to appear around outside edge and break
• turn with a spatula and cook on other side
• I also lift edge a little with the spatula and peek under it to see how its doing You will need to adjust your heat so they do not cook too fast and burn
• For me
• the temperature usually ends up somewhere between medium and medium-high

Roast Red Capsicum Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 red capsicums halved seeded bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 750 g tomatoes roughly chopped
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 handful basil torn
• 1 tablet Equal sugar substitute

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180C 350F
• Place capsicums in a shallow baking dish skin side up drizzle with half the oil and roast for 25 mins or until softened
• Remove from the oven amp; cover with foil and allow to cool slightly
• Peel off the skin and roughly chop the flesh
• Heat remaining oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
• Add onion and saut until soft then add garlic and tomato paste amp; cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly
• Add capsicum tomato amp; stock then cover amp; simmer for 15 minutes
• Allow to cool slightly then puree using a blender/ stick blender
• Season to taste- for a sweeter soup add Equal
• Reheat soup amp; serve sprinkled with basil

Seaweed and Split Pea Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dried split peas
• 5 cups water
• 1 ounce wakame seaweed
• 2 onions
• 1/2 lb carrot
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• salt to taste
• soy sauce to taste

Steps:

• Soak the split peas overnight
• Drain and cover with water and bring to the boil
• Lower the heat then cover and simmer for 20 minutes
• Meanwhile cover the wakame with cold water and leave to soak
• Chop the carrot and onion finely
• Drain and chop the wakame discarding the tough centre
• Add the seaweed carrots and onion to the pot
• Continue to simmer for about 25 minutes
• Remove from heat add the tahini and the soy sauce and salt to taste
• Serve immediately

Simple Peanut Sauce

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Steps:

• Combine everything except the peanut butter in a small saucepan
• Bring to a boil over medium high heat while stirring constantly
• Boil 1 minute or until sugar dissolves
• Stir in peanut butter until smooth
• Allow sauce to cool to room temperature

Simply Spiced String/ Green Beans

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs fresh string beans
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Steps:

• Wash and trim the string beans
• I usually start out with more string beans than the 3 pounds called for in the recipe since I eat a lot raw and not all of them make it into the pot
• Combine with all the other ingredients in a 3 quart pot and mix
• Cook covered on a small flame for 30 minutes
• Drain
• Serve warm or chilled

Singapore Hot Spicy Sesame Noodles

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder with parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
• 1/2 lb spaghetti or 1/2 lb linguine
• 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter softened in microwave for 15 seconds on high
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
• 2 cups shredded cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 4 scallions chopped on an angle
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

• Cook pasta to al dente
• then cold shock it by running it under cold water in colander
• Drain the pasta very well Set aside
• Prepare the Singapore Sauce by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl
• In the bottom of a large bowl
• whisk together soy
• peanut butter
• vinegar
• oil
• sesame oil and 2 Tablespoons of Singapore Sauce
• Add noodles and vegetables and toss to combine the noodles and coat them evenly with sauce
• Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds throughout the salad
• Shredded cabbage
• mixed cabbage amp; carrot mix found in your produce dept The fresh bean sprouts are also found in produce dept To toast the sesame seeds place them in a non-stick pan on medium-low heat amp; watch them closely - about 3 minutes
• Serve and enjoy

South Texas Spanish Rice

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white rice
• 1 8 ounce can Ro-Tel tomatoes stewed diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 -2 teaspoon chili powder personal taste
• 1 teaspoon salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon pepper to taste
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Steps:

• Saute garlic and onions with cumin salt amp; pepper
• Add rice and brown It should take 2-4 minutes stirring frequently
• Add chili powder; stir well
• Add undrained Ro-tel tomatoes Let sit on heat for 2-3 minutes
• Add water bring to boil reduce to good simmer cover and cook 17-20 minutes
• Remove from heat stir cover and let sit 5 minutes

Soybean Succotash With Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces frozen whole kernel corn
• 12 ounces frozen edamame shelled soybeans
• 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion chopped
• 4 -5 green onions thinly sliced
• kosher salt to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 -2 garlic clove pressed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

• Steam the corn and edamame as directed on package
• Place under cool water and rinse to cool; drain well
• Mix the corn and edamame with chopped vegetables and sprinkling of salt
• Mix together the dressing and pour over prepared vegetables; cover and refrigerate several hours to allow flavors to blend
• Serve chilled

Spicy Fried Tofu with Peppers and Cashews

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 lb firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons sucanat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 cups red peppers de-stemmedde-seededcut into quarters lengthwiseand julienned
• 1 cup oranges or 1 cup yellow pepper de-stemmedde-seededcut into quarters lengthwiseand julienned
• 1 cup green pepper destemmeddeseededcut into quarters lengthwiseand julienned
• 1 cup green onion thinly sliced
• 2 jalapenos de-stemmedde-seededand diced

Steps:

• Cut the block of tofu in half lengthwise
• Turn each half cut-side down on the board and cut through the outer edge of the block of tofu 3 times to yield 4 tofu cutlets from each half
• This means that the block of tofu will yield 8 tofu cutlets
• On a large cookie sheet place a clean lint-free towel or a layer of natural unbleached paper towels then all of the tofu cutlets in a single layer followed by another layer of toweling and finally place another large cookie sheet on top
• Place several large cans or something very heavy on top of the cookie sheet and leave tofu to sit for 1 hour
• This process is known as cutting tofu into cutlets and pressing; it makes the texture of the tofu much firmer
• In a small bowl place the cumin coriander Sucanat salt garlic powder paprika and cayenne pepper; stir well to combine and then set aside
• Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and transfer them to a bowl
• Sprinkle the tofu with the reserved spice blend toss well to evenly coat the tofu cubes and set aside
• In a dry wok or large non-stick skillet place the cashews and cook for 3-4 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant
• Remove the cashews from the wok and set them aside to cool
• In the same wok heat the peanut oil add the cubes of tofu and stir-fry for 5-7 minute or until crispy and lightly browned on all sides
• Remove the tofu cubes from the wok with a slotted spoon and set them aside
• In the same wok stir-fry the red orange and green peppers for 2 minutes
• Add the green onion and jalapenos and stir-fry an additional 2 minutes
• Roughly chop the toasted cashews add them and the cooked tofu to the wok and stir fry an additional 1 minute
• Transfer to a large platter or bowl for service

Stir-fry Cabbage

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1/2 small cabbage
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

• Cut the central core from the cabbage and shred the leaves finely
• Heat the oil until quite hot in a wok and then stirfry the cabbage for about 2 minutes
• Toss in the soy sauce lemon juice caraway seeds and pepper to taste

Strawberry Compote

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 150 g strawberries fresh or frozen

Steps:

• Place sugar an 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves
• Increase heat to high and bring mixture to the boil Cook for 3 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly
• Remove from heat and stir in strawberries Set aside

Swedish Brown Beans With Pears

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups swedish brown beans picked and rinsed well or pinto
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup dark corn syrup or molasses
• 2 large pears peeled cored and chopped

Steps:

• Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water
• Soak overnight
• The next day drain and transfer to a large saucepan or stockpot
• Add water again to just cover
• Add cinnamon stick to beans and bring to a boil
• Reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes
• Add salt brown sugar vinegar corn syrup and pears
• Simmer covered for 2-2 hours until beans are tender
• Transfer to serving bowl and serve

Tex-Mex Black Beans Saffron Rice

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 2 5 ounce packages saffron rice mix plus ingredients to prepare rice according to package directions such as Mahatma brand
• 1 10 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies such as Ro-tel mild or spicy
• 1 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed well
• 1/4 cup sour cream to taste
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves chopped

Steps:

• Prepare the saffron rice according to the package directions
• using the amount of oil/butter and water as indicated on the package I usually use olive oil
• While the rice is cooking
• rinseamp; drain the black beans in a mesh strainer to remove all the sludgey canning liquid and dump them into a small saucepan
• Pour the entire contents of the diced tomatoes w/chili peppers
• liquid and all
• into the same pan with the beans and stir to combine
• Cover the saucepan with lid
• turn on the heat to low
• and let bean mixture heat while the rice cooks
• stirring occasionally- it should be ready when the rice is done
• When the rice is fully cooked
• pour it into a deep
• medium sized casserole dish
• Pour bean mixture into the center of the rice
• leaving a border of the yellow rice peeking out arounds the sides
• Place the sour cream in the center of the bean mixture in a dollop as a garnish you can use more if you like
• Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the sour cream and over the beans
• Sprinkle with cilantro leaves optional if you like and serve immediately
• NOTE If you dont have access to canned diced tomatoes with chilis
• then you can substitute an equal amount of chunky salsa
• if you like
• You may wish to provide a bowl of additional sour cream as well as a bowl of more cheese for guests to add extra to each serving
• but it isnt necessary

Thai Cantaloupe Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cantaloupe
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes or 1 tomato chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 teaspoons nuoc nam fish sauce
• 1 green onion minced
• 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped
• 1 tablespoon cilantro minced

Steps:

• Half cantalope
• discard seeds
• scoop out flesh and set aside
• Reserve shells to use for bowls
• Heat oil in a saucepan
• Add onion
• Saut 2 minutes
• Add cantaloupe flesh and tomatoes
• Cook 5 minutes
• Add the next 5 ingredients
• Bring to a boil
• Reduce
• Simmer 5 minutes
• Pure in batches
• Return to pot
• Re-heat
• Ladle into shells
• Top with the last 3
• YUM

Tomato and Lentil Soup

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 leek thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot quasrtered and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 250 g red lentils
• 1 1/4 liters water
• 350 ml tomato juice
• 1 400 g can chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper
• chopped fresh parsley to garnish

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
• Add the leek carrot onion and garlic cover and cook for 4-5 minutes or stirring frequently until the leek and onion are a little softened
• Rinse and drain the lentils picking them over for any foreign matter
• Add the lentils to the pan and stir in the waster juice and tomatoes Add the cumin coriander bayleaf and a large pinch of salt
• Bring to the boil and reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender
• you can now puree the soup if you prefer it smoother or leave it as it is
• Season well with salt and pepper before serving
• Garnish each serving with a sprinkling of fresh parsley

Vegan Soy Meatball Stroganoff

Back to list

Ingredients:

• olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup soymilk plain
• 1 14 ounce package Gimmie Lean soy product ground beef flavor
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3/4-1 cup sweet onion
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ground
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 6 large basil leaves chopped

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400
• Add vinegar to soymilk; set aside in small cup
• Mix next five ingredients in a large bowl
• Form small soyballs and place on a oil prepped pan
• Bake for 10 minutes; broil until tops are brown--watch carefully
• Meanwhile saute onions and garlic in a saucepan on medium heat
• Add flour and stir for a couple of minutes; then add wine and nutmeg
• Cooking at a simmer slowly add half of the soymilk/vinegar mixture and stir
• Add the remaining half along with the nutritional yeast stirring constantly
• Add basil and soyballs to saucepan and simmer until ready to serve

Where's Mom's Chocolate Chip Apricot Cookies?

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped dried apricot

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F 190 degrees C Grease a cookie sheet
• Mix the flour and baking soda in a bowl In a separate bowl beat together the butter turbinado sugar and brown sugar until fluffy then beat in the egg vanilla and salt Stir the flour and baking soda into the butter mixture Fold in the chocolate chips and apricots Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the cookie sheet
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely

Ww Friendly Mint-Infused Darjeeling Tea

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 1 quart water
• 3 tablespoons of fresh mint coarsely chopped and tightly packed or 1 tablespoon dried mint
• 3 darjeeling tea bags

Steps:

• Boil the water in a saucepan and add the mint and tea bags
• Remove from the heat cover and steep for 3-5 minutes
• Strain into mugs

Ww Tortilla Bake

Back to list

Ingredients:

• 4 corn tortillas
• 4 ounces monterey jack cheese grated
• 4 eggs beaten
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tomatoes cut into 8 slices
• 1 tablespoon onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion chopped
• parsley sprig optional garnish

Steps:

• Place 1 tortilla in each of 4 round individual casseroles which have been sprayed with Pam
• Top each tortilla with 1/2 ounce grated cheese
• In a bowl combine next 5 ingredients eggs - mustard Pour 1/4 of the mixture into each casserole and then sprinkle with 1/2 ounce of cheese
• Bake casseroles at 350F for 30 minutes
• Meanwhile in a small saucepan heat olive oil Add garlic and saut until tender Stir in tomato sauce and cumin and cook for 2 minutes
• Spoon 1/4 of the sauce over each tortilla
• Garnish each casserole with 2 tomato slices 1 teaspoon of chopped onion and parsley