Sweet Chili Lime Tofu

from: The Birthday Cake Book

Ingredients
Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
3 Tbs Sugar
3 Tbs Reduced Sodium Tamari (or soy sauce)
1 3/4 Tbs Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 Zest of the Lime
1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes (or 1-2 fresh hot chilies, minced)
1 Clove Garlic, pressed, optional
1/4 tsp Salt
4 Mint Leaves, chiffonaded

Quinoa
3/4 Cup Quinoa, rubbed/rinsed in cool water, drained
1/2 Zest Lime
2 Bruised Cardamom Pods, optional
1 Tiny Stick of Cinnamon (a broken piece of a larger stick), optional
1/4 tsp Salt
1 1/3 Cup Water

Wok Steamed Collards
1 Bunch Collard Greens, middle veins removed, washed
2-3 Tbs Water
1 Pinch Salt
1 tsp Lime Juice

Directions
Combine all the ingredients for the quinoa in a pot that has a tight fitting lid. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, then turn off heat. Do not open lid. Let steam for 10 minutes before serving.

Prepare the sweet chili lime sauce by whisking all of the ingredients together until the sugar and salt is dissolved.

Drain tofu and cut it into small triangles. I slice the block into 8 rectangles, then each rectangle in half to make two squares per rectangle. I cut each square diagonally to make four triangles per square.You can cut the tofu however you please, but a thinner, smaller shape will work best for this method.

Heat a well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. A 10″ skillet will fit all the tofu, so if you’re using a smaller skillet, you’ll need to do this in batches. In order to properly “dry fry” the tofu, you’ll need a pan the tofu won’t stick to even without any oil.

Spread the tofu out in one layer in the pan. Using a spatula, press the tofu. The liquid will squeeze out and boil away, and the tofu will begin to turn golden. The more water that evaporates, the sturdier the tofu will be, so be gentle at first to prevent the tofu from breaking up. After several minutes, flip the tofu over and press the other side. After about 10 minutes of dry frying, you can turn off the heat and set the tofu aside for finishing later, or proceed to adding the sauce. (You might want to set the tofu aside before finishing in order to to prepare the collards).

To finish the tofu, bring the pan back up to temperature if it’s not already very hot. You want to heat the pan and the tofu over high heat, making sure the tofu is hot all the way through. Add the sauce and stir to coat the tofu. Turn off the heat. The sauce will bubble up, reduce, and form a glaze. If it isn’t bubbling up and forming a glaze, turn the heat back on high and cook until the glaze is.. well.. glaze-y.

Stack the collard leaves on top of each other, 3-4 at a time, and roll. Slice the roll in 3/4 inch segments. Run your knife through the chopped collards to make smaller pieces, then add them to a wok with the water, lime juice and salt. Cover with any lid that will contain the collards and cook over high heat for 3-4 minutes until the collards are steamed and tender.

For plating, arrange the collards atop of a bed of quinoa. Add tofu over the top, drizzling any leftover sauce over the dish. Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves. Serve.

Stuffed Mushrooms

from: Parenting

Ingredients
4 mini­whole-wheat pitas, split
1 cup chopped cooked chicken (such as Perdue)
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 cup frozen corn kernels, defrosted
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place split pitas on a baking sheet. Put chicken, carrot, corn, and barbecue sauce in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Spoon 2 tablespoons chicken mixture onto each pita. Sprinkle 1 Tbs of cheese on top of each, and bake until cheese is bubbly, about 8 minutes.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
238 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 523 mg sodium, 38 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tsp lemon juice
1 tbs white wine vinegar
2 tbs canola oil
1 tbs honey
1 tbs peeled, grated ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

4 small flounder fillets, 4 to 6 ounces each
4 cups snow peas (about 3/4 pound)
Lemon wedges

Directions
Whisk the first 7 ingredients (OJ through S&P) together to create the dressing.

Place each fish fillet on a large square of foil and turn of the edges of the foil. Top each fillet with 1 cup of snow peas and 2 tablespoons of dressing. Fold the foil around the fish to form a pouch, and crimp so it is sealed.

Put the foil pouches on a baking sheet and bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Service with rice and garnish with lemon.

Nutritional Info (1 packet(
273 calories, 11 g fat, 118 mg sodium, 68 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
2 1/2 lb beef brisket
1/2 tsp pepper
1 package dried onion-soup mix
2 tsp dry mustard
3/4 cup water
12 baby carrots

Directions
Brown the brisket on all sides in a large skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes per side. Sprinkle with pepper. Place in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup mix, mustard, and water. Stir well. Pour over brisket. Add carrots to pot and stir. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours — meat will be soft and tender, almost falling apart.

Remove from cooker and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing thin. Serve on sandwich buns, with ketchup or mustard.

Nutritional Info (1/8 recipe(
237 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated), 385 mg sodium, 83 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
6 oz-package stuffing mix
4 cups broccoli florets
4 chicken cutlets (approximately 4 oz each)
1/2 cup jarred chicken gravy
Pepper

Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spritz center of 4 sheets of foil with cooking spray. Prepare stuffing according to package directions, excluding butter. Place 1/4 stuffing in center of each foil sheet. Top with 1 cup broccoli and a chicken cutlet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons gravy over each cutlet; sprinkle with pepper.

Seal packages and place on foil-covered baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (to 170 degrees). Reheat remaining gravy and serve on the side.

Nutritional Info (1 packet(
318 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 880 mg sodium, 66 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1 cup rice
2 Tbs butter
½ small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
10-oz package frozen peas
Pinch salt
¼ cup chicken broth or prepared bouillon
30 basil leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)
cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions
Prepare rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until quite soft but not brown, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Add the peas and a pinch of salt, stir thoroughly with the garlic and onion mixture, then add the chicken broth. Cover pan and bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes (not more, or the peas will be overdone).

Remove from heat and transfer contents to the bowl of a food processor. Add the basil leaves. Process for about 15 seconds, until the peas are beginning to be mashed and the basil is chopped but there are still many whole pieces of pea in the mixture. Combine thoroughly with the cooked rice and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

from: Weight Watchers Shortcuts Cookbook

Ingredients
1/2 C plain fat-free Greek-style yogurt
1 T lemon juice
1 T chopped fresh mint
12 oz packaged fully-cooked turkey meatballs
4 6-inch multi-grain pitas
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

Directions
Combine yogurt, lemon juice & mint in a bowl and set aside. Spray large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add meatballs and cook, covered, turning frequently until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Cut a pocket in each pita. Fill with 3 meatballs, tomatoes, cucumber and about 3 T of the yogurt sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Info (1 pocket(
353 cals, 9 g fat, 787 mg sodium, 43 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 26 g protein, 144 mg calcium

from: adapted from Rachael Ray's Recipe

Ingredients
grilled or roasted chicken breast, cut into small chunks or strips
buffalo sauce (we like Frank's best)
scallions
monterey jack cheese
bleu cheese crumbles
finely chopped scallions
pizza crust of your choice

Directions
Toss the chicken in the sauce and assemble the pizza as you would any pizza. This seems to work paticularly well if you put the jack cheese on last since it contains the bleu cheese crumbles.

Bake it up … and enjoy (possibly with celery and carrot sticks and a beer?)!

from:

Ingredients
1 pound uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
1 small onion(s), chopped
14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, with chiles, drained, reserve 1 Tbsp of liquid
1 cup canned yellow corn, drained, or frozen, thawed corn kernels
10 items olive(s), Kalamata, sliced
2 Tbsp canned jalapeno peppers, pickled, chopped (optional)
3/4 tsp table salt, divided
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup polenta, quick-cooking
3 cup canned chicken broth
1/3 cup salsa
1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
2 Tbsp cilantro, or scallion, fresh, chopped (optional)

Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef and onion, stirring frequently, until meat is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes; drain off any liquid. Stir in tomatoes and reserved liquid, corn, olives, jalapenos (if using), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, cumin and pepper; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine cornmeal, broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt; stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until cornmeal is thick, about 5 minutes.

Spoon polenta onto a large serving plate and top with beef mixture. Top with salsa, cheese and cilantro (or scallion). Divide into 6 portions and serve.

from:

Ingredients
3/4 pound dry lasagna noodles
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 large Spanish onion, peeled, cut in half and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 Tbsp rosemary, fresh, chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup Coca-Cola Diet Coke, or other brand
1 sprays cooking spray
6 medium portobello mushroom(s), stems removed, caps cut in half and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 tsp table salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cup fat-free skim milk
3 medium garlic clove(s), chopped
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh, divided (Parmigiano Reggianno recommended)

Directions
Place a large pot of water over high heat; bring to a boil. Add noodles; boil for 10 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Drain noodles and briefly rinse under cool water to prevent sticking; set aside.

Place a very large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and onions; cook, without stirring for 3 minutes, and then continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 7 minutes. Add rosemary and water; scrape up any food from bottom of pan using a wooden spoon. Cook until water evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add soda and cook until onions are nicely browned and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes; remove to a large bowl and set aside.

Coat same skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, without stirring, until they start to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes; sprinkle with salt and stir. Continue to cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are browned, about 3 to 4 minutes; add to onion bowl. (If mushrooms are too cramped in skillet, either use 2 skillets or cook them in 2 batches.)

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

To make sauce, place same skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and butter; allow butter to melt. Add flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until combined, about 1 minute. Add milk, a little at a time, stirring to prevent lumps; bring to a boil. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring continuously, until thick, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add nutmeg and 2 tablespoons of cheese; stir to combine and set aside.

To assemble lasagna, spread 1/3 cup of sauce over bottom of a 9- X 11-inch lasagna pan or baking dish. Place 3 noodles over sauce in a single layer; spread with 1/3 cup of sauce and about 1 1/2 cups of onion-mushroom mixture. Top with 1/4 cup of sauce and then 3 more noodles; spread with 1/3 cup of sauce and about 1 1/2 cups of onion-mushroom mixture. Top with 1/4 cup of sauce and then 3 more noodles; spread with 1/3 cup of sauce and about 1 1/2 cups of onion-mushroom mixture. Top with 1/4 cup of sauce and then top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes; change oven temperature to broil. Broil until top of lasagna is crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 to15 minutes.

from: Giada De Laurentis

Ingredients
1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
28 large (2 1/2-inch-diameter) white mushrooms, stemmed

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Stir the bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano, garlic, parsley, mint, salt and pepper, to taste, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium bowl to blend.

Drizzle a heavy large baking sheet with about 1 tablespoon olive oil, to coat. Spoon the filling into the mushroom cavities and arrange on the baking sheet, cavity side up. Drizzle remaining oil over the filling in each mushroom. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve.

Crunchy Mac 'n' Cheese

from: Matt & Jess original

Ingredients
1/2 C refried beans or black beans
1/4 C cooked ground beef (seasoned as you or your baby likes it)
2 T cheddar cheese

Directions
If using black beans, mash them with a fork. Then combine beans, beef and cheese together.

from: 171

Ingredients
2 C ricotta cheese
3 T greated parmesan cheese
1 scant cup all purpose flour
salt
pesto, butter and more parmesan to serve

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Mix the ricotta, flour, parmesan and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. With lightly floured hands, roll the dough into thin sausages (5/8 inch thick is recommended). Cut into little dumplings about 3/4 inch long.

Drop them into the boiling water and cook for about 45 seconds (they will rise to the surface). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with pesto (sun dried tomato is very good), butter and parmesan.

from:

Ingredients
buffalo mozzarella
good tomatoes
romaine lettuce
balsalmic vinegarette dressing

Directions
Cut up the mozarella, tomatoes and romaine into good bite-sized pieces. Toss together with the balsalmic vinegarette dressing.

from: Everyday Food

Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for the cups
10 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the cups
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for the cups 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions
Heat oven to 375° F. Generously butter, flour, and sugar eight 6-ounce ovenproof coffee cups, mugs, or ramekins. Wipe the rims clean.

Place the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Set it over a pan of simmering water, and heat, stirring once or twice, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes.

With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar until the volume doubles and the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir the flour into the chocolate mixture, mixing until incorporated. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, mixing until incorporated. FIll each cup about 1/2 inch from the rim. Bake until the cakes puff and begin to crack on the surface but are still a bit runny in the center, 13 to 17 minutes, depending on the size of the cups. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with the marshmallows and return to oven until the marshmallow begins to crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Sift the cocoa over the top.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 cup whole-grain cereal flakes (like Wheaties or Total)
1/4 cup wheat germ, unsweetened
2 Tbs grated parmesan
6-oz package macaroni and cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup White Puree
1/2 to 1/2 cup Orange Puree
2 Tbs butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat casserole dish with cooking spray. Put cereal in zip-close bag and crush to coarse crumbs. Pour crumbs in a bowl and mix in wheat germ and parmesan.

2. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions, adding White Puree, Orange Puree, or both (use no more than 1/2 cup puree total per 6-oz box of macaroni and cheese). Transfer to casserole dish, sprinkle with crunchy topping, and dot with butter. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until topping is golden.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
313 calories, 18 g fat (10 g saturated), 418 mg sodium, 45 mg cholesterol

Spinach and Cheese Casserole

from: Matt & Jess original

Ingredients
1/2 C refried beans or black beans
1/4 C cooked ground beef (seasoned as you or your baby likes it)
2 T cheddar cheese

Directions
If using black beans, mash them with a fork. Then combine beans, beef and cheese together.

from: 171

Ingredients
2 C ricotta cheese
3 T greated parmesan cheese
1 scant cup all purpose flour
salt
pesto, butter and more parmesan to serve

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Mix the ricotta, flour, parmesan and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. With lightly floured hands, roll the dough into thin sausages (5/8 inch thick is recommended). Cut into little dumplings about 3/4 inch long.

Drop them into the boiling water and cook for about 45 seconds (they will rise to the surface). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with pesto (sun dried tomato is very good), butter and parmesan.

from:

Ingredients
buffalo mozzarella
good tomatoes
romaine lettuce
balsalmic vinegarette dressing

Directions
Cut up the mozarella, tomatoes and romaine into good bite-sized pieces. Toss together with the balsalmic vinegarette dressing.

from: Everyday Food

Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for the cups
10 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the cups
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for the cups 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions
Heat oven to 375° F. Generously butter, flour, and sugar eight 6-ounce ovenproof coffee cups, mugs, or ramekins. Wipe the rims clean.

Place the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Set it over a pan of simmering water, and heat, stirring once or twice, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes.

With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar until the volume doubles and the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir the flour into the chocolate mixture, mixing until incorporated. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, mixing until incorporated. FIll each cup about 1/2 inch from the rim. Bake until the cakes puff and begin to crack on the surface but are still a bit runny in the center, 13 to 17 minutes, depending on the size of the cups. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with the marshmallows and return to oven until the marshmallow begins to crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Sift the cocoa over the top.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 cup whole-grain cereal flakes (like Wheaties or Total)
1/4 cup wheat germ, unsweetened
2 Tbs grated parmesan
6-oz package macaroni and cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup White Puree
1/2 to 1/2 cup Orange Puree
2 Tbs butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat casserole dish with cooking spray. Put cereal in zip-close bag and crush to coarse crumbs. Pour crumbs in a bowl and mix in wheat germ and parmesan.

2. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions, adding White Puree, Orange Puree, or both (use no more than 1/2 cup puree total per 6-oz box of macaroni and cheese). Transfer to casserole dish, sprinkle with crunchy topping, and dot with butter. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until topping is golden.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
313 calories, 18 g fat (10 g saturated), 418 mg sodium, 45 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1 yam, peeled and cut in chunks
3 carrots, peeled and cut in chunks
2 Tbs water

Directions
In a pot, cover yam and carrots with cold water. Boil 25 minutes, or until very tender.

Drain and puree in food processor with water until completely smooth (no telltale chunks!), 1 minute. If necessary, add up to 1 tablespoon water to make puree smoother.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
One 15-oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 Tbs water

Directions
Pulse cannellini beans and water in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Puree should be the consistency of peanut butter. If necessary, add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until there are no bean flecks visible.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Two 10-oz packages frozen spinach
1 1/2 cups blueberries (if frozen, puree)
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 Tbs water

Directions
Put spinach in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 6 to 7 minutes. Drain.

Puree spinach, blueberries, lemon juice, and water in a food processor until smooth, 1 minute. If necessary, add 1 tablespoon water to make puree smoother.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
4 eggs
2/3 cup flour
Two 10-oz packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
24-oz container low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Salt, to taste

Directions
Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with flour until smooth.

Add remaining ingredients and stir well to blend. Spoon into prepared dish, cover, and refrigerate.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 75 minutes.

Nutritional Info (1/8 recipe(
273 calories, 13 g fat (7 g saturated), 818 mg sodium, 140 mg cholesterol

Orange Soup

 

from: Parenting

Ingredients
12-oz package frozen cooked winter squash
1 Tbs olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion (1 small onion)
1 Tbs flour
1 tsp salt, or to taste
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth

Directions
Thaw the squash in the microwave for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the onion, flour, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and the milk. Add the broth and cook 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.

Add squash to the milk mixture and cook for about 2 minutes or until the squash is very soft.

Pour the soup carefully into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Serve hot.

Nutritional Info (1/6 recipe)
106 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated), 564 mg sodium, 12 mg sodium

Fall Vegetable Soup

 

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 small potatoes, diced
1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup raw rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 16-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
1 16-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh kale or spinach, chopped
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 1 pound (1 small squash)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, optional

Directions
In a large soup pot, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, rice, thyme, and salt.

Once soup boils, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the tomatoes with juice, the white beans, kale, and squash; simmer about 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Nutritional Info (1 cup(
150 calories, 7 g protein, 3 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 25 g carbohydrate, 540 mg sodium, 0.5 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber

Easy Cheesy Fritatta

from: Matt & Jess original

Ingredients
1/2 C refried beans or black beans
1/4 C cooked ground beef (seasoned as you or your baby likes it)
2 T cheddar cheese

Directions
If using black beans, mash them with a fork. Then combine beans, beef and cheese together.

from: 171

Ingredients
2 C ricotta cheese
3 T greated parmesan cheese
1 scant cup all purpose flour
salt
pesto, butter and more parmesan to serve

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Mix the ricotta, flour, parmesan and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. With lightly floured hands, roll the dough into thin sausages (5/8 inch thick is recommended). Cut into little dumplings about 3/4 inch long.

Drop them into the boiling water and cook for about 45 seconds (they will rise to the surface). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with pesto (sun dried tomato is very good), butter and parmesan.

from:

Ingredients
buffalo mozzarella
good tomatoes
romaine lettuce
balsalmic vinegarette dressing

Directions
Cut up the mozarella, tomatoes and romaine into good bite-sized pieces. Toss together with the balsalmic vinegarette dressing.

from: Everyday Food

Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for the cups
10 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the cups
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for the cups 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions
Heat oven to 375° F. Generously butter, flour, and sugar eight 6-ounce ovenproof coffee cups, mugs, or ramekins. Wipe the rims clean.

Place the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Set it over a pan of simmering water, and heat, stirring once or twice, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes.

With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar until the volume doubles and the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir the flour into the chocolate mixture, mixing until incorporated. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, mixing until incorporated. FIll each cup about 1/2 inch from the rim. Bake until the cakes puff and begin to crack on the surface but are still a bit runny in the center, 13 to 17 minutes, depending on the size of the cups. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with the marshmallows and return to oven until the marshmallow begins to crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Sift the cocoa over the top.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 cup whole-grain cereal flakes (like Wheaties or Total)
1/4 cup wheat germ, unsweetened
2 Tbs grated parmesan
6-oz package macaroni and cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup White Puree
1/2 to 1/2 cup Orange Puree
2 Tbs butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat casserole dish with cooking spray. Put cereal in zip-close bag and crush to coarse crumbs. Pour crumbs in a bowl and mix in wheat germ and parmesan.

2. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions, adding White Puree, Orange Puree, or both (use no more than 1/2 cup puree total per 6-oz box of macaroni and cheese). Transfer to casserole dish, sprinkle with crunchy topping, and dot with butter. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until topping is golden.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
313 calories, 18 g fat (10 g saturated), 418 mg sodium, 45 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1 yam, peeled and cut in chunks
3 carrots, peeled and cut in chunks
2 Tbs water

Directions
In a pot, cover yam and carrots with cold water. Boil 25 minutes, or until very tender.

Drain and puree in food processor with water until completely smooth (no telltale chunks!), 1 minute. If necessary, add up to 1 tablespoon water to make puree smoother.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
One 15-oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 Tbs water

Directions
Pulse cannellini beans and water in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Puree should be the consistency of peanut butter. If necessary, add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until there are no bean flecks visible.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Two 10-oz packages frozen spinach
1 1/2 cups blueberries (if frozen, puree)
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 Tbs water

Directions
Put spinach in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 6 to 7 minutes. Drain.

Puree spinach, blueberries, lemon juice, and water in a food processor until smooth, 1 minute. If necessary, add 1 tablespoon water to make puree smoother.

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
4 eggs
2/3 cup flour
Two 10-oz packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
24-oz container low-fat cottage cheese
3 cups grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Salt, to taste

Directions
Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with flour until smooth.

Add remaining ingredients and stir well to blend. Spoon into prepared dish, cover, and refrigerate.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 75 minutes.

Nutritional Info (1/8 recipe(
273 calories, 13 g fat (7 g saturated), 818 mg sodium, 140 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
12-oz package frozen cooked winter squash
1 Tbs olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion (1 small onion)
1 Tbs flour
1 tsp salt, or to taste
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth

Directions
Thaw the squash in the microwave for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the onion, flour, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and the milk. Add the broth and cook 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.

Add squash to the milk mixture and cook for about 2 minutes or until the squash is very soft.

Pour the soup carefully into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Serve hot.

Nutritional Info (1/6 recipe(
106 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated), 564 mg sodium, 12 mg sodium

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Filling
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped, about 3/4 cup
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat milk
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Crust
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons peanut or olive oil

Directions
Heat broth and chicken in a large saucepan until boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside. Add carrots to hot broth and simmer about 5 minutes, until fork-tender, then remove and add to the cooked chicken. Reserve the broth and set aside.

In another medium saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the reserved broth. Return to heat and cook, stirring until sauce boils and thickens. Remove from heat; blend in milk and salt, then pour sauce over chicken and carrots. Mix in the peas and parsley, and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder. Using a fork, blend in the milk, egg, and oil. Pour over the chicken filling and spread to edges of dish with a spatula. Bake 45 to 50 minutes if 1 large pie (40 minutes if in 2 smaller casseroles, 35 minutes if 9 individual ones), or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly

Nutritional Info (1/9 recipe(
326 calories, 30 g protein, 11 g fat (4 g saturated), 24 g carbohydrate, 546 mg sodium, 92 mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 small potatoes, diced
1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup raw rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 16-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
1 16-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh kale or spinach, chopped
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 1 pound (1 small squash)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, optional

Directions
In a large soup pot, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, rice, thyme, and salt.

Once soup boils, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the tomatoes with juice, the white beans, kale, and squash; simmer about 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Nutritional Info (1 cup(
150 calories, 7 g protein, 3 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 25 g carbohydrate, 540 mg sodium, 0.5 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber

from:

Ingredients
2 tsp butter
1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced
4 eggs
2 egg whites
2 Tbs water
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar
Salt and pepper
4 strips precooked bacon

Directions
Preheat broiler. Melt butter over medium-high heat in a 10-inch oven-proof skillet (e.g., cast iron). Add apple slices and sauté 1 minute, or until softened.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, and water until frothy. Stir in cheddar, salt, and pepper.

Put bacon strips on top of apples. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Cook 2 minutes, until bottom and sides of frittata are set. (Resist the urge to stir!) Carefully transfer skillet to broiler and cook 6 inches from heat, 2 to 3 minutes, or until top is set. Cut into 4 wedges.

Nutritional Info (1 wedge(
194 calories, 12 g fat (6 g saturated), 333 mg sodium, 234 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Two 3-oz packages ramen noodles (save seasoning packets for another use)
12-oz package cooked turkey meatballs, cut in half
16-oz bag frozen Asian sitr-fry vegetables, thawed
3/4 cup sweet-and-sour sauce (in the Asian-food section of grocery store)
1/2 cup reduced-sodium, fat-free chicken broth

Directions
Boil 4 cups water in a covered pot over high heat. Break noodles in thirds (for easier serving); add to water. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, uncovered, 3 minutes, stirring. Drain; keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through and vegetables are crips-tender. If pot bubbles too vigorously, reduce heat to medium. Serve over noodles.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
411 calories, 11 g fat (3 g saturated), 956 mg sodium, 65 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
4 eggs
2 egg whites
1 cup part-skim ricotta
2 Tbs water
1/2 cup chopped pimientos, drained
1 cup corn kernels (canned, drained, or frozen and thawed)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp butter

Directions
Preheat broiler to high. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, ricotta, and water until creamy. Stir in pimientos, corn, salt, and pepper.

Melt butter over medium heat in a 10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet (cast iron works really well). Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Cook for three minutes, until the bottom and sides of the frittata are set. Don't stir!

Carefully remove skillet to the broiler and cook six inches from the heat source for two minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cut into four wedges. Serve with chips and salsa.

Nutritional Info (1 wedge(
215 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated), 594 mg sodium, 234 mg cholesterol

Smashed Peas with Rice

from: Parenting

Ingredients
4 mini­whole-wheat pitas, split
1 cup chopped cooked chicken (such as Perdue)
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 cup frozen corn kernels, defrosted
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place split pitas on a baking sheet. Put chicken, carrot, corn, and barbecue sauce in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Spoon 2 tablespoons chicken mixture onto each pita. Sprinkle 1 Tbs of cheese on top of each, and bake until cheese is bubbly, about 8 minutes.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
238 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 523 mg sodium, 38 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tsp lemon juice
1 tbs white wine vinegar
2 tbs canola oil
1 tbs honey
1 tbs peeled, grated ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

4 small flounder fillets, 4 to 6 ounces each
4 cups snow peas (about 3/4 pound)
Lemon wedges

Directions
Whisk the first 7 ingredients (OJ through S&P) together to create the dressing.

Place each fish fillet on a large square of foil and turn of the edges of the foil. Top each fillet with 1 cup of snow peas and 2 tablespoons of dressing. Fold the foil around the fish to form a pouch, and crimp so it is sealed.

Put the foil pouches on a baking sheet and bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Service with rice and garnish with lemon.

Nutritional Info (1 packet(
273 calories, 11 g fat, 118 mg sodium, 68 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
2 1/2 lb beef brisket
1/2 tsp pepper
1 package dried onion-soup mix
2 tsp dry mustard
3/4 cup water
12 baby carrots

Directions
Brown the brisket on all sides in a large skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes per side. Sprinkle with pepper. Place in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup mix, mustard, and water. Stir well. Pour over brisket. Add carrots to pot and stir. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours — meat will be soft and tender, almost falling apart.

Remove from cooker and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing thin. Serve on sandwich buns, with ketchup or mustard.

Nutritional Info (1/8 recipe(
237 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated), 385 mg sodium, 83 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
Cooking spray
6 oz-package stuffing mix
4 cups broccoli florets
4 chicken cutlets (approximately 4 oz each)
1/2 cup jarred chicken gravy
Pepper

Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spritz center of 4 sheets of foil with cooking spray. Prepare stuffing according to package directions, excluding butter. Place 1/4 stuffing in center of each foil sheet. Top with 1 cup broccoli and a chicken cutlet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons gravy over each cutlet; sprinkle with pepper.

Seal packages and place on foil-covered baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (to 170 degrees). Reheat remaining gravy and serve on the side.

Nutritional Info (1 packet(
318 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 880 mg sodium, 66 mg cholesterol

from: Parenting

Ingredients
1 cup rice
2 Tbs butter
½ small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
10-oz package frozen peas
Pinch salt
¼ cup chicken broth or prepared bouillon
30 basil leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)
cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions
Prepare rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until quite soft but not brown, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Add the peas and a pinch of salt, stir thoroughly with the garlic and onion mixture, then add the chicken broth. Cover pan and bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes (not more, or the peas will be overdone).

Remove from heat and transfer contents to the bowl of a food processor. Add the basil leaves. Process for about 15 seconds, until the peas are beginning to be mashed and the basil is chopped but there are still many whole pieces of pea in the mixture. Combine thoroughly with the cooked rice and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Ricotta Gnocchi

from: Matt & Jess original

Ingredients
1/2 C refried beans or black beans
1/4 C cooked ground beef (seasoned as you or your baby likes it)
2 T cheddar cheese

Directions
If using black beans, mash them with a fork. Then combine beans, beef and cheese together.

from: 171

Ingredients
2 C ricotta cheese
3 T greated parmesan cheese
1 scant cup all purpose flour
salt
pesto, butter and more parmesan to serve

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Mix the ricotta, flour, parmesan and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. With lightly floured hands, roll the dough into thin sausages (5/8 inch thick is recommended). Cut into little dumplings about 3/4 inch long.

Drop them into the boiling water and cook for about 45 seconds (they will rise to the surface). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with pesto (sun dried tomato is very good), butter and parmesan.

Pumpkin Dip

from: Cooking Light, I think..

Ingredients
1 cup powdered sugar
4 oz fat-free cream cheese
1 cup E.D. Smith (Canada) Pure Pumpkin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger

Directions
Combine the confectioner’s sugar and cream cheese with a hand mixer until well-mixed and fluffy. Mix in pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger until fully incorporated.
Taste to make sure the sugar/spice ratio is to your liking; adjust accordingly.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve with gingersnaps or apple slices.