Ham and Cheese Calzones

from:

Ingredients
1 pound frozen pizza crust dough, or frozen bread dough, thawed
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
4 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
6 oz lean deli-sliced honey ham, diced
4 oz low-fat Swiss cheese
1 sprays cooking spray, or enough to coat calzones

Directions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Divide dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into two 10-inch circles. Transfer circles to prepared baking sheet. Set aside.

Whisk together sour cream, mustard, oregano and black pepper. Spread mixture all over both circles, to within 1 inch of edges. Top one half of each circle with half each of ham and cheese. Lift untopped side of dough and fold over filling so it meets other side, forming a half moon. Pinch edges together to seal. Coat surface of calzones with cooking spray.

Bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Slice each calzone into thirds. Yields 1/3 calzone per serving.

Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken

from:

Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
10 oz dry lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (about 12 noodles)
10 oz cooked winter squash, thawed if frozen
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup golden seedless raisins
2 Tbsp pine nuts, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place flour in a small saucepan and very gradually whisk in milk and garlic. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until sauce simmers and is thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Spread 1/4 cup of cheese sauce over bottom of a 9 X 13-inch glass or metal pan and cover with 3 lasagna noodles; top with 1/3 of squash and 1/2 cup of cheese sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of raisins. Cover with 3 more lasagna noodles and spread with 1/3 of remaining squash and 1/2 cup of cheese sauce; sprinkle with 1/4 cup of raisins. Cover with 3 more lasagna noodles and top with remaining squash and raisins; cover with last 3 lasagna noodles, pressing sheets firmly down. Top with remaining cheese sauce; sprinkle with pine nuts and remaining mozzarella cheese

Bake until lasagna bubbles around edges and is browned on top, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.

from:

Ingredients
1 sprays cooking spray
2/3 cup lite honey mustard dressing
1/8 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dill, freshly chopped
1 medium scallion(s), finely sliced
1 cup cornflake crumbs
1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, four 4 oz pieces

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a shallow pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine honey mustard dressing, salt, pepper, dill and scallions; remove 1/3 cup and set aside.

Place cornflake crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken into dressing mixture and then cornflake crumbs; place in prepared pan.

Bake until chicken is golden and no longer pink in center, about 15 minutes.

Drizzle remaining dressing mixture (the 1/3 cup that was set aside) over chicken breasts and serve. Yields 1 piece of chicken and about 1 1/3 tablespoons of dressing per serving.

Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

 

shrimp_tomatoes_fetafrom: Everyday Food May 2006

Ingredients
2 T olive oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 t dried oregano
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
coarse salt & ground pepper
1.5 lbs frozen large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 T chopped fresh mint plush more for garnish
4 oz feta cheese

Directions
Heat oven to 475. With rack in upper third. Heat oil in a large skillet over med. Add scallions, garlic and oregano; cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 min.

Add tomatoes. Cook over med stirring occasionally until no liquid remains in the skillet, 10-15 min. Season with salt and pepper.

Add shrimp and mint to skillet. Stir to combine; transfer to an 8-inch square (or other shallow 2 qt) baking dish. Crumble feta over top.

Bake until liquid is bubbling, cheese is beginning to brown and shrimp in center of dish are opaque, 15-20 min. Serve with orzo and green beans, sprinkled with additional chipped mint.

Nutritional Info (with orzo and green beans, 1/4 recipe(
563 calories; 20.5 g fat; 46.6 g protein; 47.9 g carbohydrates; 5.7 g fiber

Lamb Chops with Pistachio Sauce and Veggie Saute

from: 164

Ingredients
1 qt veggie broth
1 T olive oil
1.5 C arborio rice
12 oz beer (1.5 cups)
3 C chopped broccoli
1 T Dijon mustard
4 C loosely packed grated sharp cheddar
2 C chopped tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
sprinkling of black pepper

Directions
In a saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan on medium-high eat, warm the olive oil. add the rice and stir until well-coated with oil. dd the beer and stir until the rice has absorbed the liquid, a couple of minutes. Ladle in the simmering broth a cup at a time, stirring often. Let the rice absorb most of the broth before adding the next cup, usually about 5 minutes between additions.

While the risotto is cooking, steam teh broccoli until bright green and just tender. Set aside.

When the last of hte broth is absorbed, the kernels of rice should be al dente and the risotto moist. Add the mustard and cheese to the risotto and stir until the cheese is melted. Stir in the broccoli and tomatoes, season with black pepper and serve hot.

from: Just Jenn

Ingredients
2 12-oz bottles rootbeer
1/2 C sweetened condensed milk
1 C half & half or whole milk

Directions
Open the rootbeers and let them sit out to get a bit flat. Then dump them and the other two ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Freeze according to the instructions on your ice cream freezer.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 lime, juiced
Spicy potato chips, any brand you like

Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet with EVOO over medium-high heat.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine chicken with spices and sugar. Drizzle in EVOO and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to combine. Score the meat into 4 equal parts and then form 4 patties, each about 1 1/2-inch thick. Add the burgers to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes on both sides or until cooked all the way through, there shouldn’t be any pink in the middle.

While the burgers cook, make the mango salsa. In a small bowl, combine the mango, red pepper, jalapeño, cucumber and lime juice.

When the burgers are done, transfer them to a serving platter alongside the mango salsa and spicy chips.

Yields 4 servings

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
2 pounds potatoes, such as russet, peeled and cubed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 3/4 pounds ground lamb
Pinch of allspice
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beef stock or broth
1/2 cup dark beer
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (eyeball it)
2 tablespoons sour cream or softened cream cheese
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup cream
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (a handful), chopped

Directions
Fill a large pot with water, add the potatoes, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Add some salt and cook until tender, about 12 minutes.

While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Once hot, add the lamb and, using the back of a wooden spoon, break it up as it browns, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and allspice. Add carrot, parsnip and onion, and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Dust with flour, cook 1 minute, then add stock, beer and Worcestershire. Cook until thickened, then transfer to oven-safe pan.

Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Let sit a few minutes to cool slightly. Add sour cream or cream cheese, egg yolk and cream. Smash until smooth.

Preheat broiler to high. Spoon potato mixture evenly over the meat mixture.

Top potatoes with paprika and broil 6-8 inches from the heat until evenly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 pound button mushrooms and stems, cleaned and chopped
2 sprigs dill, chopped
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped (a small handful)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 6-ounce salmon filets, skin removed
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 11 x 17 inches, defrosted but still cold
1 egg, beaten with a splash of water

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add oil, onions and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté 10 -15 minutes or until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. Remove from heat and add to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add dill, parsley, lemon juice, mustard, hard-boiled egg, salt and pepper. Mix to combine.

Wipe out the pan you used for the mushrooms and return it to medium-high heat with a drizzle of EVOO. Season salmon with salt and pepper, and sear 1-2 minutes on each side in a drizzle of oil. Remove skillet from the heat.

Spread the puff pastry sheet onto a counter and roll to 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut in half. On each rectangle of dough, place 2 spoonfuls of the mushroom mixture and top with salmon. Starting with the corners, wrap dough over the salmon, creating a package. Trim excess dough and seal with the egg water mixture using a pastry brush (leftover dough bits can be used to decorate the top of the packages.). Place sealed side down on a non-stick cookie sheet and make small slit in the top to let steam escape. Brush with a light coating of the egg/water mixture to give it a nice sheen.

Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes, then serve.

from: Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients
Butter, for greasing the pans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

for frosting:
6 ounces good semisweet chocolate (recommended: Callebaut)
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 2 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.
Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

frosting:
Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue beating for 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water. On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don't whip! Spread immediately on the cooled cake.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 pounds thin-cut chicken cutlets, cut into thin, 2-inch-long strips
2 tablespoons grill seasoning, recommended brand Montreal Seasoning by McCormick
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin, 2-inch-long strips
1 onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 pound fresh bean sprouts
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 head iceberg lettuce

Directions
Place a large nonstick skillet over high heat with 3 turns of the pan of vegetable oil, about 3 tablespoons. Season the chicken with the grill seasoning and, once you see ripples in the oil, add the chicken pieces the hot skillet in an even layer. Stir while it cooks through, about 3 minutes. Add the red bell pepper, onion, garlic and continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes.

While the chicken and veggies are cooking, combine the hoisin sauce and the chicken stock in a small bowl. Add the liquid to the chicken along with the drained water chestnuts and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for about another minute to heat up the water chestnuts, then add in the bean sprouts. Stir to combine and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the top with the toasted sesame seeds.

Remove the core of the iceberg lettuce by slamming the head, root end down, on the countertop — really slam it! Once you turn the head over, you'll find that the root can be easily pulled out away from the leaves. Cut the head into 6 wedges and arrange the wedges around the bowl of chicken, making the leaves resemble the petals of a flower.

To assemble the wraps, grab a lettuce leaf and mound a spoonful of the chicken in the center. Wrap the leaf around the chicken and chomp away!

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
8 6-inch flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for shallow frying plus 2 tablespoons
2 ripe avocados, pit removed and peeled
1 clove garlic, finely grated or chopped
1/4 cup sour cream (eyeball it)
Juice of 3 limes, divided, zest of 2
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 to 1 cup beer, any kind you like (eyeball it)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (eyeball it)
3 tablespoons (3 palmfuls) sesame seeds
1 1/2 pounds cod or haddock or halibut, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
Salt
1 small head Napa cabbage, cored and shredded
1 large red onion, thinly sliced

Directions
Preheat oven 250°F. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven to warm up while you prepare the rest of the meal. Or, wrap them in a clean damp kitchen towel and microwave them until warm and pliable right before you're ready to eat.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add about an inch and a half vegetable oil; make sure the pot is deep enough so you have a few inches between the top of the layer of oil and the edge of the pot. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil temperature reaches 375°F. To see if it has reached the desired temperature, drop a cube of bread in the oil. If it browns up by the count of 40, it’s good to go. Another way to check is to place the tip of the handle to a wood spoon in the oil, if little bubbles form on the sides, the oil is ready.

While the oil is heating up, prepare the avocado sauce: In a food processor, add avocados, garlic, sour cream, zest and juice of 2 limes, and blend until smooth. For the batter for the fish, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder together in large bowl. Whisk in the beer, hot sauce, and sesame seeds, and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter consistency should be quite thick, so add the beer accordingly.

Season the fish with the coriander, chipotle powder and salt. Working in batches, drop some of the seasoned fish into the bowl with the batter and coat completely. Using a fork or tongs, gently remove the fish from the batter and carefully place into the hot oil. Cook fish for 4-5 minutes, turning continuously, until golden and crispy all over. Cook them in batches if you need to, you don't want to overcrowd the pot. Remove pieces to a paper towel-lined platter.

While the fish is frying, prepare the cabbage mixture: Place a large skillet over high heat with 2 turns of the pan of vegetable oil, about 2 tablespoons. Once hot add the shredded cabbage and sliced onions, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with some salt, pepper and juice of 1 lime.

Add 2 to 3 pieces of the fish to a tortilla, top with the avocado sauce and cabbage salad. Fold it and eat it up!

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
4 sea bass fillets (about 6-ounces each), small bones removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 stick of butter
5 sprigs fresh tarragon, leaves removed and roughly chopped
10 leaves fresh basil, roughly chopped
4 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and roughly chopped
10 whole radishes
1 large shallot, finely minced
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar (eyeball it)
2 large heads frisee lettuce (use escarole if frisee is not available)
Crusty bread for serving at the table

Directions
Preheat broiler to high. Drizzle a cookie sheet with a little bit of EVOO and spread it out evenly across the surface of the pan. Arrange the sea bass fillets skin side down on the cookie sheet and season with some salt and pepper.

Give the top of the fish fillet a little drizzle of EVOO and transfer to the broiler, leaving about 4 inches between the fish and the heating element. Broil the fish for about 5-6 minutes or until cooked through.

While the fish is broiling, make the herb butter and the salad: Place a small sauce pot over low heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, season it with a little salt and pepper and add the chopped herbs.

For the salad, thinly slice all the radishes, arrange them in stacks and then thinly slice again, yielding thin little sticks.

For the dressing, combine the shallots, sherry vinegar and some salt and pepper in the bottom of a salad bowl. Pour in the 1/3 of a cup of EVOO in slow, steady stream while whisking to combine. Add the frisee and the radishes to the bowl and toss to combine.

To serve, arrange the cooked sea bass on dinner plates and pour some of the herb butter over the top. Serve the salad and some crusty bread alongside.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1 pound pasta cavatappi or orecchiette
Salt
2 pints grape tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, grated
A few drizzles of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Freshly ground black pepper
20 leaves fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions
Preheat oven 425°F. Place a large pot filled with water over high heat and bring up to a boil to cook the pasta. Once boiling, add some salt and the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about a 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid before draining the pasta.

While the water is coming up to a boil to cook the pasta, place the tomatoes on a cookie and grate the garlic over them.

Drizzle with some EVOO and season with some salt and pepper. Transfer cookie sheet to the oven and roast tomatoes for 8-10 minutes or until the tomatoes start to burst. Remove from the oven, discard the garlic cloves and transfer roasted tomatoes to a large serving bowl. Add the reserved pasta water and, with a potato masher or a fork, lightly smash the tomatoes.

Add basil, drained pasta and Parmigiano cheese and toss to coat.

Toss to combine, taste and re-season with some salt and pepper then serve.

from: Everyday Food May 2006

Ingredients
1/4 C pine nuts
1/4 C raisins
slivered zest and juice of 1 lemon (peel off the zest of the lemon with a veggie peeler and slice it very finely, then juice)
4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)
coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 C chopped parsley
3 T olive oil
5 oz baby spinach

Directions
Heat oven to 450. Spread pine nuts on cookie sheet and toast for 5-7 min or until lightly golden. Remove from sheet and reserve. Meanwhile, place raisins and lemon zest in a small bowl, cover and set aside.

Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt & pepper. Roast until salmon is opaque throughout, 8-10 min. Meanwhile drain and discard liquid from raisins and lemon zest. Return raisins and zest to bowl, add lemon juice, pine nuts, parsley and oil. Season with salt and pepper, stir and combine.

Dividing evenly, make a bed of spinach on each of four plates. Top with salmon and relish.

from: Everyday Food May 2007

Ingredients
2 bunches asparagus
4 T butter
12 oz cavatappi or other short pasta
1 small log soft goat cheese (5 oz), crumbled
2-3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives for garnish

Directions
Heat oven to 450. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet, dot with 1 T butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10-15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.

While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water and ad pasta and cook until al dente. Set aside 1.5 C pasta water, drain pasta and return to pot. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 T butter and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper and whisk until smooth. Add goat cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve garnished with chives.

from: Everyday Food May 2007

Ingredients
1/2 C shelled pistachios
3/4 C coarsely chopped parsley
8 loin lamb chops, 1 inch thick
2 pints grape tomatoes
1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered

Directions
Make sauce: in a blender, puree pistachios with 1/4 C parsley and 1/3 C water until smooth (add a splash more water if necessary); season well with salt and pepper and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Season lamb with salt and pepper and place in skillet. Cook until medium-rare, 4-6 min on each side. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Reserve skillet (and any fat left in it).

Add tomatoes, artichokes and 1/4 C water to skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high, stirring frequently until tomatoes begin to soften 6-8 minutes. Mix in remaining parsley. Serve lamb with vegetable saute and pistachio sauce.

London Broil with Crispy Potatoes and Peppers

from: 164

Ingredients
1 qt veggie broth
1 T olive oil
1.5 C arborio rice
12 oz beer (1.5 cups)
3 C chopped broccoli
1 T Dijon mustard
4 C loosely packed grated sharp cheddar
2 C chopped tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
sprinkling of black pepper

Directions
In a saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan on medium-high eat, warm the olive oil. add the rice and stir until well-coated with oil. dd the beer and stir until the rice has absorbed the liquid, a couple of minutes. Ladle in the simmering broth a cup at a time, stirring often. Let the rice absorb most of the broth before adding the next cup, usually about 5 minutes between additions.

While the risotto is cooking, steam teh broccoli until bright green and just tender. Set aside.

When the last of hte broth is absorbed, the kernels of rice should be al dente and the risotto moist. Add the mustard and cheese to the risotto and stir until the cheese is melted. Stir in the broccoli and tomatoes, season with black pepper and serve hot.

from: Just Jenn

Ingredients
2 12-oz bottles rootbeer
1/2 C sweetened condensed milk
1 C half & half or whole milk

Directions
Open the rootbeers and let them sit out to get a bit flat. Then dump them and the other two ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Freeze according to the instructions on your ice cream freezer.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 lime, juiced
Spicy potato chips, any brand you like

Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet with EVOO over medium-high heat.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine chicken with spices and sugar. Drizzle in EVOO and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to combine. Score the meat into 4 equal parts and then form 4 patties, each about 1 1/2-inch thick. Add the burgers to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes on both sides or until cooked all the way through, there shouldn’t be any pink in the middle.

While the burgers cook, make the mango salsa. In a small bowl, combine the mango, red pepper, jalapeño, cucumber and lime juice.

When the burgers are done, transfer them to a serving platter alongside the mango salsa and spicy chips.

Yields 4 servings

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
2 pounds potatoes, such as russet, peeled and cubed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 3/4 pounds ground lamb
Pinch of allspice
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beef stock or broth
1/2 cup dark beer
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (eyeball it)
2 tablespoons sour cream or softened cream cheese
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup cream
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (a handful), chopped

Directions
Fill a large pot with water, add the potatoes, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Add some salt and cook until tender, about 12 minutes.

While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Once hot, add the lamb and, using the back of a wooden spoon, break it up as it browns, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and allspice. Add carrot, parsnip and onion, and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Dust with flour, cook 1 minute, then add stock, beer and Worcestershire. Cook until thickened, then transfer to oven-safe pan.

Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Let sit a few minutes to cool slightly. Add sour cream or cream cheese, egg yolk and cream. Smash until smooth.

Preheat broiler to high. Spoon potato mixture evenly over the meat mixture.

Top potatoes with paprika and broil 6-8 inches from the heat until evenly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 pound button mushrooms and stems, cleaned and chopped
2 sprigs dill, chopped
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped (a small handful)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 6-ounce salmon filets, skin removed
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 11 x 17 inches, defrosted but still cold
1 egg, beaten with a splash of water

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add oil, onions and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté 10 -15 minutes or until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. Remove from heat and add to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add dill, parsley, lemon juice, mustard, hard-boiled egg, salt and pepper. Mix to combine.

Wipe out the pan you used for the mushrooms and return it to medium-high heat with a drizzle of EVOO. Season salmon with salt and pepper, and sear 1-2 minutes on each side in a drizzle of oil. Remove skillet from the heat.

Spread the puff pastry sheet onto a counter and roll to 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut in half. On each rectangle of dough, place 2 spoonfuls of the mushroom mixture and top with salmon. Starting with the corners, wrap dough over the salmon, creating a package. Trim excess dough and seal with the egg water mixture using a pastry brush (leftover dough bits can be used to decorate the top of the packages.). Place sealed side down on a non-stick cookie sheet and make small slit in the top to let steam escape. Brush with a light coating of the egg/water mixture to give it a nice sheen.

Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes, then serve.

from: Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients
Butter, for greasing the pans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

for frosting:
6 ounces good semisweet chocolate (recommended: Callebaut)
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 2 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.
Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

frosting:
Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue beating for 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water. On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don't whip! Spread immediately on the cooled cake.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 pounds thin-cut chicken cutlets, cut into thin, 2-inch-long strips
2 tablespoons grill seasoning, recommended brand Montreal Seasoning by McCormick
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin, 2-inch-long strips
1 onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 pound fresh bean sprouts
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 head iceberg lettuce

Directions
Place a large nonstick skillet over high heat with 3 turns of the pan of vegetable oil, about 3 tablespoons. Season the chicken with the grill seasoning and, once you see ripples in the oil, add the chicken pieces the hot skillet in an even layer. Stir while it cooks through, about 3 minutes. Add the red bell pepper, onion, garlic and continue to cook for 3-4 more minutes.

While the chicken and veggies are cooking, combine the hoisin sauce and the chicken stock in a small bowl. Add the liquid to the chicken along with the drained water chestnuts and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for about another minute to heat up the water chestnuts, then add in the bean sprouts. Stir to combine and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the top with the toasted sesame seeds.

Remove the core of the iceberg lettuce by slamming the head, root end down, on the countertop — really slam it! Once you turn the head over, you'll find that the root can be easily pulled out away from the leaves. Cut the head into 6 wedges and arrange the wedges around the bowl of chicken, making the leaves resemble the petals of a flower.

To assemble the wraps, grab a lettuce leaf and mound a spoonful of the chicken in the center. Wrap the leaf around the chicken and chomp away!

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
8 6-inch flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for shallow frying plus 2 tablespoons
2 ripe avocados, pit removed and peeled
1 clove garlic, finely grated or chopped
1/4 cup sour cream (eyeball it)
Juice of 3 limes, divided, zest of 2
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 to 1 cup beer, any kind you like (eyeball it)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (eyeball it)
3 tablespoons (3 palmfuls) sesame seeds
1 1/2 pounds cod or haddock or halibut, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
Salt
1 small head Napa cabbage, cored and shredded
1 large red onion, thinly sliced

Directions
Preheat oven 250°F. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven to warm up while you prepare the rest of the meal. Or, wrap them in a clean damp kitchen towel and microwave them until warm and pliable right before you're ready to eat.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add about an inch and a half vegetable oil; make sure the pot is deep enough so you have a few inches between the top of the layer of oil and the edge of the pot. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil temperature reaches 375°F. To see if it has reached the desired temperature, drop a cube of bread in the oil. If it browns up by the count of 40, it’s good to go. Another way to check is to place the tip of the handle to a wood spoon in the oil, if little bubbles form on the sides, the oil is ready.

While the oil is heating up, prepare the avocado sauce: In a food processor, add avocados, garlic, sour cream, zest and juice of 2 limes, and blend until smooth. For the batter for the fish, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder together in large bowl. Whisk in the beer, hot sauce, and sesame seeds, and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter consistency should be quite thick, so add the beer accordingly.

Season the fish with the coriander, chipotle powder and salt. Working in batches, drop some of the seasoned fish into the bowl with the batter and coat completely. Using a fork or tongs, gently remove the fish from the batter and carefully place into the hot oil. Cook fish for 4-5 minutes, turning continuously, until golden and crispy all over. Cook them in batches if you need to, you don't want to overcrowd the pot. Remove pieces to a paper towel-lined platter.

While the fish is frying, prepare the cabbage mixture: Place a large skillet over high heat with 2 turns of the pan of vegetable oil, about 2 tablespoons. Once hot add the shredded cabbage and sliced onions, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with some salt, pepper and juice of 1 lime.

Add 2 to 3 pieces of the fish to a tortilla, top with the avocado sauce and cabbage salad. Fold it and eat it up!

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling
4 sea bass fillets (about 6-ounces each), small bones removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 stick of butter
5 sprigs fresh tarragon, leaves removed and roughly chopped
10 leaves fresh basil, roughly chopped
4 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and roughly chopped
10 whole radishes
1 large shallot, finely minced
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar (eyeball it)
2 large heads frisee lettuce (use escarole if frisee is not available)
Crusty bread for serving at the table

Directions
Preheat broiler to high. Drizzle a cookie sheet with a little bit of EVOO and spread it out evenly across the surface of the pan. Arrange the sea bass fillets skin side down on the cookie sheet and season with some salt and pepper.

Give the top of the fish fillet a little drizzle of EVOO and transfer to the broiler, leaving about 4 inches between the fish and the heating element. Broil the fish for about 5-6 minutes or until cooked through.

While the fish is broiling, make the herb butter and the salad: Place a small sauce pot over low heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, season it with a little salt and pepper and add the chopped herbs.

For the salad, thinly slice all the radishes, arrange them in stacks and then thinly slice again, yielding thin little sticks.

For the dressing, combine the shallots, sherry vinegar and some salt and pepper in the bottom of a salad bowl. Pour in the 1/3 of a cup of EVOO in slow, steady stream while whisking to combine. Add the frisee and the radishes to the bowl and toss to combine.

To serve, arrange the cooked sea bass on dinner plates and pour some of the herb butter over the top. Serve the salad and some crusty bread alongside.

from: Rachael Ray

Ingredients
1 pound pasta cavatappi or orecchiette
Salt
2 pints grape tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, grated
A few drizzles of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Freshly ground black pepper
20 leaves fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions
Preheat oven 425°F. Place a large pot filled with water over high heat and bring up to a boil to cook the pasta. Once boiling, add some salt and the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about a 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid before draining the pasta.

While the water is coming up to a boil to cook the pasta, place the tomatoes on a cookie and grate the garlic over them.

Drizzle with some EVOO and season with some salt and pepper. Transfer cookie sheet to the oven and roast tomatoes for 8-10 minutes or until the tomatoes start to burst. Remove from the oven, discard the garlic cloves and transfer roasted tomatoes to a large serving bowl. Add the reserved pasta water and, with a potato masher or a fork, lightly smash the tomatoes.

Add basil, drained pasta and Parmigiano cheese and toss to coat.

Toss to combine, taste and re-season with some salt and pepper then serve.

from: Everyday Food May 2006

Ingredients
1/4 C pine nuts
1/4 C raisins
slivered zest and juice of 1 lemon (peel off the zest of the lemon with a veggie peeler and slice it very finely, then juice)
4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)
coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 C chopped parsley
3 T olive oil
5 oz baby spinach

Directions
Heat oven to 450. Spread pine nuts on cookie sheet and toast for 5-7 min or until lightly golden. Remove from sheet and reserve. Meanwhile, place raisins and lemon zest in a small bowl, cover and set aside.

Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt & pepper. Roast until salmon is opaque throughout, 8-10 min. Meanwhile drain and discard liquid from raisins and lemon zest. Return raisins and zest to bowl, add lemon juice, pine nuts, parsley and oil. Season with salt and pepper, stir and combine.

Dividing evenly, make a bed of spinach on each of four plates. Top with salmon and relish.

from: Everyday Food May 2007

Ingredients
2 bunches asparagus
4 T butter
12 oz cavatappi or other short pasta
1 small log soft goat cheese (5 oz), crumbled
2-3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives for garnish

Directions
Heat oven to 450. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet, dot with 1 T butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10-15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.

While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water and ad pasta and cook until al dente. Set aside 1.5 C pasta water, drain pasta and return to pot. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 T butter and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper and whisk until smooth. Add goat cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve garnished with chives.

from: Everyday Food May 2007

Ingredients
1/2 C shelled pistachios
3/4 C coarsely chopped parsley
8 loin lamb chops, 1 inch thick
2 pints grape tomatoes
1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered

Directions
Make sauce: in a blender, puree pistachios with 1/4 C parsley and 1/3 C water until smooth (add a splash more water if necessary); season well with salt and pepper and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Season lamb with salt and pepper and place in skillet. Cook until medium-rare, 4-6 min on each side. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Reserve skillet (and any fat left in it).

Add tomatoes, artichokes and 1/4 C water to skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high, stirring frequently until tomatoes begin to soften 6-8 minutes. Mix in remaining parsley. Serve lamb with vegetable saute and pistachio sauce.

from: Everyday Food May 2007

Ingredients
1/4 C plus 1 T veggie oil
1.5 lbs red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 yellow or red bell peppers, ribs and seeds removed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1.5 lbs London broil
1 T paprika

Directions
Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil; set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil oer medium heat. Add potatoes and cook turning frequently with a thin metal spatula, until golden and crisp-tender, 15120 minutes. dd peppers; season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, tossing occasionally until veggies are tender, about 10 min more.

Meanwhile, rub beef with remaining T oil; season with paprika, salt and pepper. Broil, turning once, until med-rare (an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part should register 130 degrees), 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil and set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes. Thinly slice beef against the grain, and serve with veggies.

Pasta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Asparagus

from: Everyday Food May 2007

Ingredients
2 bunches asparagus
4 T butter
12 oz cavatappi or other short pasta
1 small log soft goat cheese (5 oz), crumbled
2-3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives for garnish

Directions
Heat oven to 450. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet, dot with 1 T butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10-15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.

While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water and ad pasta and cook until al dente. Set aside 1.5 C pasta water, drain pasta and return to pot. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 T butter and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper and whisk until smooth. Add goat cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve garnished with chives.

Pregnancy Casserole

from: Jesser Original

Ingredients
1 (10 or 12 oz.) pkg. frozen broccoli, cooked according to package directions
1 can Campbell's (Healthy Request) cream of mushroom soup
2 cans (I use the big ones) chicken
1 c. grated mild cheese
1 tube low salt or low fat Ritz crackers, crushed
a splash of milk

Directions
Mix up broccoli, soup, milk and chicken (drain the cans of course). Top with the ritz crackers and then the cheese. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

BBQ Chicken Tenders

from: Jess original

Ingredients
2 bags mini marshmallows
half a stick of butter
1 cup (approx?) peanut butter
rice cereal (rice krispies or similar) … 8 cups? I dunno
1 bag (larger) milk-chocolate chips

Directions
This is basically the recipe for rice krispie treats, but with a peanut butter chocolate cast to them. So you melt up the butter and then you add the marshmallows and melt them in like 1 min increments, stirring in between until they're all melty. Then you spoon in a bunch of peanut butter … until it looks more peanut butter colored. Then you toss in a bunch of rice krispies until it's the right consistency. I like fewer rice krispies in mine than the old recipes call for, but whatever you like. Then you smush the whole blob into a greased 9×13 pan and then you pour the chocolate chips over it in an even layer. Then you stick the whole thing in an oven (I did a couple of minutes broil this time, but next time I think I'll do 350 for a bit longer, maybe) and then the chocolate gets all melty and you can smooth it out with a spoon or knife or whatever so there's a layer on the top.

from: Cooking Light October 2003

Ingredients
4 cups cubed peeled Yukon gold potato (about 2 pounds)
1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Place potato in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return potato to pan. Add milk and remaining ingredients; mash with a potato masher to desired consistency.
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup)

Nutritional Info (3/4 cup(
CALORIES 215(30% from fat); FAT 7.1g (sat 4.5g,mono 1.8g,poly 0.3g); PROTEIN 4.5g; CHOLESTEROL 20mg; CALCIUM 51mg; SODIUM 280mg; FIBER 2.4g; IRON 0.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 34.5g Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

from: Cooking Light May 2006

Ingredients
3 cups (1-inch) sliced asparagus (about 1 pound)
1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated linguine
4 bacon slices (uncooked)
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (2 ounces) preshredded Parmesan cheese
Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions
Cook asparagus and pasta according to pasta package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; set aside.
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; cool slightly. Remove bacon from the pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan. Crumble bacon. Add onion, garlic, and oregano to drippings in the pan; sauté 4 minutes or until onion is lightly browned. Add tomatoes; cook 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper; remove from heat. Place asparagus mixture in a large bowl; add tomato mixture and juice, tossing well. Top with bacon and shredded cheese. Garnish with shaved Parmesan, if desired.

Nutritional Info (2 cups pasta mixture, 2 T cheese(
CALORIES 360(30% from fat); FAT 11.9g (sat 5.3g,mono 3.9g,poly 0.8g); PROTEIN 16.9g; CHOLESTEROL 23mg; CALCIUM 171mg; SODIUM 683mg; FIBER 5.6g; IRON 1.3mg; CARBOHYDRATE 46.1g

from: FillorBurst.com

Ingredients
2 Tilapia fillets
2 Portuguese rolls (or other not too hard, not too soft roll)
Blackened seasoning (Old Bay makes a nice one)
Chili powder
Cayenne pepper
Horseradish sauce
1/3 cup Light mayo
2 leaves Romaine lettuce torn

Directions
Mix mayo with cayenne pepper, chili powder and horseradish to taste. Chill. Sprinkle both sides of fillets with blackened seasoning and pan fry with a little bit of oil. Put mayo mixture on top and bottom of rolls. Place lettuce on top of roll and also bottom to keep roll from getting soggy. Place fillet between lettuce. Assemble and eat. Serve with baked or regular chips on the side.

from: Cooking Light November 2002

Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup water
1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups chopped plum tomato
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1/2 pound)
1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (about 2 slices)
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 cups hot cooked angel hair (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded Asiago cheese

Directions
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add water and spinach; cover and cook 2 minutes or until spinach wilts.
Stir in tomato, chicken, bacon, and vinegar; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Serve over pasta; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutritional Info (1 C spinach mixture, 1 C pasta, 1 T cheese(
CALORIES 350(21% from fat); FAT 8.1g (sat 2.4g,mono 2.6g,poly 0.8g); PROTEIN 26.4g; CHOLESTEROL 42mg; CALCIUM 153mg; SODIUM 433mg; FIBER 4.7g; IRON 4.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 44.7g

from: Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients
18 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 cups sugar
6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

For the icing:
1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

To assemble:
2 half-pints blueberries
3 half-pints raspberries

Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 18 x 12 x 1 1/2-inch sheet pan.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed, until light and fluffy. On medium speed, add the eggs, 2 at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and stir until smooth.

Sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool to room temperature.

For the icing, combine the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mixing just until smooth.

Spread three fourths of the icing on the top of the cooled sheet cake. Outline the flag on the top of the cake with a toothpick. Fill the upper left corner with blueberries. Place 2 rows of raspberries across the top of the cake like a red stripe. Put the remaining icing in a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe two rows of white stripes below the raspberries. Alternate rows of raspberries and icing until the flag is completed. Pipe stars on top of the blueberries.

from: Words to Eat By

Ingredients
2 T soft butter or margarine, plus more for topping
2 T flour
½ t salt
1/8 t pepper
½ t mustard powder (optional, this gives it a little bite)
2 cups hot milk (take it off the heat just before it boils)
1 ½ cups diced cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
½ cup fresh bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Put butter or marg, flour, salt, pepper, and hot milk into blender container. Press low button, then high for 40 seconds. After 20 seconds, gradually add cheese. Mix with macaroni, and empty all into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and dot with additional butter or margarine. Bake for 30 minutes, until bread crumbs are nicely browned and cheese sauce is bubbling.

from: Cooking Light April 2000

Ingredients
1/2 cup fat-free Caesar dressing
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
5 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds large shrimp with peels on
1/3 cup dry white wine
10 (1-ounce) slices French bread baguette
10 lemon wedges

Directions
Combine the first 11 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet; bring to a boil. Add shrimp, and cook 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine, and cook 1 minute or until shrimp are done. Serve with bread and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Info (5 oz shrimp, with sauce, 2 slices bread(
CALORIES 403(20% from fat); FAT 9.1g (sat 3.8g,mono 2.4g,poly 1.7g); PROTEIN 34.4g; CHOLESTEROL 219mg; CALCIUM 211mg; SODIUM 1021mg; FIBER 2.8g; IRON 7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 41.7g

from: Cooking Light January 2005

Ingredients
Rice:
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash of ground red pepper
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

Stir-fry:
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil, divided
1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced across the grain
1 cup vertically sliced onion
1 cup red bell pepper strips
3 cups sliced bok choy
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 lime wedges

Directions
To prepare rice, bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. It will be soft and creamy.
To prepare stir-fry, heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of beef; stir-fry 4 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cover and keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and beef.
Add onion and bell pepper to pan; stir-fry 5 minutes. Add bok choy; stir-fry 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add beef, cilantro, chili garlic sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with rice and lime wedges.

Nutritional Info (1 1/4 cups stir-fry, about 3/4 cup rice, and 1 lime wedge(
CALORIES 416(28% from fat); FAT 13.1g (sat 7.5g,mono 3.2g,poly 0.9g); PROTEIN 28.3g; CHOLESTEROL 45mg; CALCIUM 90mg; SODIUM 561mg; FIBER 1.7g; IRON 4.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 46.5g

from: Everyday Food July/August 2006

Ingredients
3 ears corn, husks and silk removed
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sour cream (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 200°. Remove kernels: Cut off tip of each cob; stand in a wide shallow bowl. With a sharp knife, slice downward to remove kernels. To bowl, add milk, egg, sugar, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix. Fold in cornmeal and flour.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Working in two batches, drop batter into pan by heaping tablespoons. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt; place in oven. Repeat. Keep warm in oven up to 30 minutes. Serve with sour cream, if desired.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
222 calories; 11 grams fat; 6.8 grams protein; 26.8 grams carbohydrates; 2.4 grams fiber

from: Everyday Food July/August 2006

Ingredients
Vegetable oil, for the grates
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3/4 cup store-bought barbecue sauce (see note, below)

Directions
Heat grill to medium-high; lightly oil grates. Place chicken in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/4 cup barbecue sauce over chicken, and toss to coat. Divide remaining barbecue sauce between two bowls (1/4 cup each); use one for basting and the other for serving.

Grill chicken, turning and basting occasionally with reserved basting sauce, 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove chicken from grill; serve with reserved serving sauce.

Nutritional Info (1/4 recipe(
222 calories; 3 grams fat; 40.1 grams protein; 6 grams carbohydrates; 0.6 gram fiber

BBQ Shrimp

from: Cooking Light April 2000

Ingredients
1/2 cup fat-free Caesar dressing
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
5 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds large shrimp with peels on
1/3 cup dry white wine
10 (1-ounce) slices French bread baguette
10 lemon wedges

Directions
Combine the first 11 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet; bring to a boil. Add shrimp, and cook 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine, and cook 1 minute or until shrimp are done. Serve with bread and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Info (5 oz shrimp, with sauce, 2 slices bread(
CALORIES 403(20% from fat); FAT 9.1g (sat 3.8g,mono 2.4g,poly 1.7g); PROTEIN 34.4g; CHOLESTEROL 219mg; CALCIUM 211mg; SODIUM 1021mg; FIBER 2.8g; IRON 7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 41.7g

Coconut Rice with Beef Stir-Fry

from: Cooking Light January 2005

Ingredients
Rice:
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash of ground red pepper
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

Stir-fry:
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil, divided
1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced across the grain
1 cup vertically sliced onion
1 cup red bell pepper strips
3 cups sliced bok choy
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 lime wedges

Directions
To prepare rice, bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. It will be soft and creamy.
To prepare stir-fry, heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of beef; stir-fry 4 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cover and keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and beef.
Add onion and bell pepper to pan; stir-fry 5 minutes. Add bok choy; stir-fry 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add beef, cilantro, chili garlic sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with rice and lime wedges.

Nutritional Info (1 1/4 cups stir-fry, about 3/4 cup rice, and 1 lime wedge(
CALORIES 416(28% from fat); FAT 13.1g (sat 7.5g,mono 3.2g,poly 0.9g); PROTEIN 28.3g; CHOLESTEROL 45mg; CALCIUM 90mg; SODIUM 561mg; FIBER 1.7g; IRON 4.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 46.5g