Showing posts with label Main Course. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Main Course. Show all posts

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Macaroni and Cauliflower Cheese Bake


You can either serve this macaroni unbaked, so it’s loose, gooey, and silky, or bake it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving to give it a crispy, golden topping. You could even try adding a grated hard-boiled egg or cooked prawns, but I like the simple style, as here.



1/2 
 
a head of cauliflower

8 oz. Cheddar cheese

4 oz. Parmesan cheese

~ A small bunch of fresh Italian parsley

~ Sea salt

1 lb. dried macaroni (elbows)

1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
  1. To prepare your pasta: Remove the outer green leaves from the cauliflower and discard. Slice the end off the cauliflower stalk and cut the head into small florets. Halve the thick stalk lengthways, then slice thinly. Grate the Cheddar and Parmesan into a large heatproof bowl. Finely chop the parsley stalks and leaves.
  2. To cook your pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and all your cauliflower and cook according to the macaroni-package instructions. Place the bowl of cheese over the saucepan and add the crème fraîche. Carefully stir every so often until the cheese is smooth and melted. If the water boils up beneath the bowl, just turn the heat down slightly. Add all the chopped parsley to the melted cheese and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Carefully remove the bowl of cheese using a towel or oven gloves and put aside. Drain the macaroni in a colander over a bowl, reserving the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pan, pour in the melted cheese, and stir. It should have a lovely, silky consistency, but if it’s too thick for you, add a splash of your cooking water to thin it out a bit.
  4. At this point you can either serve the macaroni as is, or finish it under the broiler to make it crispy and golden on top. To do this, preheat your broiler to a medium to high heat. Add ⅔ cup of the reserved cooking water to the macaroni, stir in, then transfer to a baking dish. Place under the broiler until golden and bubbling.
  5. To serve your pasta: Divide the pasta between plates or bowls, or place the baking dish in the middle of the table next to a nice green salad and let everyone help themselves

This content is from the book Jamie’s Food Revolution by Jamie Oliver.

Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes


Printable Version with Picture
Printable Version

*Serves 6-8
Potatoes:
3 tablespoons butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
26-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns
1/2 cup light sour cream
Topping:
3 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until the onion is softened and translucent,a bout 5-6 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute. Combine the chicken broth and milk in a liquid measure and slowly whisk in the mixture. Add the salt, pepper and thyme. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheese until smooth. Mix in the frozen hash browns, lifting and folding the mixture until well combined. Finally, stir in the sour cream.
In a medium bowl, toss the lightly crushed cornflakes with the butter until evenly combined. Scoop out the potato mixture into a 9X13-inch baking dish and top with the buttered cornflakes. If baking the potatoes by themselves, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges. If baking the potatoes with a ham (my ham recipe bakes at 300 degrees), bake the potatoes for 90 minutes at 300 degrees then crank the oven to 400 degrees and bake the potatoes for 10 minutes more. In both baking situations, let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Sweet Shredded Pork Recipe

This is a copy cat recipe of the shredded pork that is served at Cafe Rio.  

Don’t forget to make the YUMMY cilnatro ranch dressing here
You will need:
  • 1-10 lbs Pork tenderloin roast ( any pork roast will work)
  • 2 cans of Tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 can of coke or Dr Pepper
  • 1 clove garlic diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro minced
IMG_0178
Add your meat to the Crock pot, I think it taste best if you use about 5 lbs….I did it with 8 lbs and the flavors were not as bold as I would have liked them.  But the Recipe says you can use up to 10lbs so it is all a matter of taste.
IMG_0180
Add you Tomato sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
IMG_0182
Add  can of soda, and cilantro.   ( If you do not want to cook with soda I guess you could use broth instead)
020Put the lid on your crock pot, cook over Medium Heat at Least 4 hours.  ( you can cook longer)
IMG_0204
Once tender and pulls off easily with a fork, take out of liquid and shred with a fork.
IMG_0205IMG_0206Once Pork is shredded, return to liquid.
IMG_0208
Eat on tortilla, with rice, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and Cilantro Ranch.


Source :  A Thrifty Mom

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

ITALIAN SAUSAGES AND ZUCCHINI

1 pkg Italian sausage (about 6 links)
1 large or 2 medium onions
1 green or red bell pepper
2-3 small or 1-2 medium zucchini
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4-5 fresh basil leaves
3-4 fresh oregano leaves
salt, pepper and garlic powder, to taste

Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, slice sausages into halves lengthwise; slice again into quarters. Next, slice across the quarters until you have 3/4 inch chunks.Peel and chop onion coarsely. Wash, core, and chop pepper. Peel and mince garlic. Wash and chop basil and oregano. Wash and slice unpeeled zucchini into 1/4 inch thick coins or circles.

Heat olive oil in skillet. Sauté sausage over high heat for 10 minutes or so; when they begin to take on color, add onion and pepper, continuing to cook until the vegetables brown slightly. Add garlic and chopped basil and oregano; reduce heat and cook until sausage is done (no longer pink inside).

Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked sausage and vegetables to a serving plate; keep warm. (No need to drain or wash skillet). Melt butter in remaining olive oil in skillet. Sauté zucchini coins over high heat until the edges and a little of the center portion browns; flip each coin and sauté the other side. Sprinkle zucchini with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder (very lightly) and a pinch of hot pepper.

Return sausage mixture to skillet with cooked zucchini and mix, cooking until evenly heated (1-2 minutes). Be careful not to overcook zucchini (should be browned but still slightly firm and not mushy).
Serve as is or with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Note: If no fresh herbs are available, substitute 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried.
Variation: Serve over wide noodles, spaghetti or with Ziti. Dress with a little olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and run under the broiler just until cheese melts.



Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Fajita-Ranch Chicken Wraps


Ingredients 
12   ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast strips for stir-frying
1/2  teaspoon chili powder
1/4  teaspoon garlic powder
Nonstick cooking spray
1  
small red, yellow, or green sweet pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
2  tablespoons bottled reduced-calorie ranch salad dressing 
10-inch whole wheat, tomato, jalapeño, or plain flour tortillas, warmed*
1/2 cup Easy Fresh Salsa*
1/2  cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions Sprinkle chicken strips with chili powder and garlic powder. Coat a medium nonstick skillet with nonstick spray; heat over medium-high heat. Cook chicken and sweet pepper strips in hot skillet over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and pepper strips are tender. Drain if necessary. Toss with salad dressing. 


Divide chicken and pepper mixture between warmed tortillas. Top with Easy Fresh Salsa and cheese. Roll up; cut in half.


*To warm tortillas: Wrap tortillas tightly in foil. Heat in a 350°F oven about 10 minutes or until heated through.


*Easy Fresh Salsa: 
In a medium bowl combine 2 seeded and chopped tomatoes, 
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 
1/4 cup chopped yellow or green sweet pepper,
2 to 3 teaspoons snipped fresh cilantro, 
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 
1/8 teaspoon salt, 
a dash of black pepper, and, 
if desired, a few drops bottled hot pepper sauce. 
Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. Makes 1 2/3 cups.
nutrition facts
Servings Per Recipe 4 servings
Calories224
Total Fat (g)7
Saturated Fat (g)2,
Cholesterol (mg)59,
Sodium (mg)316,
Carbohydrate (g)15,
Fiber (g)1,
Protein (g)25,
Starch (d.e.)1,
Very Lean Meat (d.e.)3,
Fat (d.e.)1,
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Monday, July 25, 2011

Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole




6 oz no yolk noodles (you can use Ronzoni Healthy Harvest, or brown rice pasta for gluten free)
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, minced fine
3 tbsp flour (gluten free use rice flour)
1 3/4 cups fat free chicken broth
1 cup 1% milk
1 oz sherry (optional)
10 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms
1 cup frozen petite peas (thawed)
2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained (I used albacore)
4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar (I used Cabot)
butter flavored cooking spray
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
2 tbsp whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs

Cook noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly undercooked by 2 minutes. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a large deep skillet. Add onions and cook on medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly spray 9 x 12 casserole with butter flavored cooking spray.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined, increasing heat to medium and whisking well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil. When boiling, add sherry, mushrooms and petite peas, adjust salt and pepper to taste and simmer on medium, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 6-7 minutes). Add drained tuna, stirring another minute.

Remove from heat and add 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar and mix well until it melts. Add the noodles to the sauce and mix well until evenly coated. Pour into casserole and top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray and top and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes. Place under the broiler a few minutes to get the crumbs crisp (careful not to burn).



Saturday, July 2, 2011

Baked Chicken Parmesan | Ginas Skinny Recipes


Here's an Italian classic made lighter. Baking the cutlet as opposed to frying really lightens this dish up while remaining moist and full of flavor. Serve this with a big salad for a complete dinner.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 piece • Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 6 pts 
Calories: 224.5 • Fat: 8.6 g • Protein: 25.1 g • Carb: 14.2 g • Fiber: 1.3 g   
  • 4 (8 oz) chicken breast halves, sliced in half
  • 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (I used 4C whole wheat)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara
  • cooking spray
Preheat oven to 450°.
Spray a large baking sheet lightly with spray.

Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Melt the butter in another bowl. Lightly brush the butter onto the chicken, then dip into breadcrumb mixture.  Place on baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Lightly spray a little more cooking oil on top and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn chicken over, bake another 5 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon sauce over chicken and top with shredded cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Pork With Orange Sauce


Ingredients





  • 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 whole(s) (1 1/4 pounds) pork tenderloin
  • 1 large navel orange
  • 1 teaspoon(s) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small (4 to 6 ounces) red onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard with seeds
  • 1 package(s) (7.4 ounces) heat-and-serve precooked brown rice

Directions
  1. In 9-in. glass pie plate, combine carrots and 1/3 cup water. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on High 6 to 7 minutes or until tender, stirring once.
  2. Meanwhile, cut pork crosswise into 1 1/4-in.-thick slices. Press each slice with palm of hand to flatten slightly; season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. From orange, grate 1/2 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1/2 cup juice.
  3. Heat 12-in. skillet on medium-high until hot. Add oil, then pork in single layer. Sprinkle onion in pan around pork; cook 4 minutes or until pork browns. Turn pork over and stir onion; cook 4 to 5 minutes longer or until pork is barely pink in center. Transfer pork to plate, leaving onion in skillet.
  4. Add mustard and orange peel and juice to skillet; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, microwave rice as label directs.
  5. Divide pork, carrots, and rice among 4 serving plates and spoon sauce over all.


Chicken Pot Pie Filling

  • 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided
  • 1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed
  • 1 cup peeled baby carrots
  • 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
  • 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken, or turkey
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

To prepare filling: Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and carrots; cook, stirring, until golden brown and tender, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until browned and their liquid has evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Return the onions and carrots to the pan. Add 2 cups broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup broth; add to the pan and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Stir in chicken (or turkey), peas, sour cream, salt and pepper. Transfer the filling to a 2-quart baking dish.


Place filling in prepared pie shells
Bake the potpie until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Vegetarian Sweet Potato and Couscous

1 medium sweet potato, sliced thin
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 T Olive Oil
1 Can Vegetable Broth
1 Can Garbanzo Beans
1 Box Toasted Pinenut Couscous
Optional: 1 T Moroccan Rub
Optional: Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Saute sweet potatoes and onions with olive oil on medium heat until the potatoes start to be tender.
Add canned tomatoes, broth, and the seasoning packet to skillet. Let simmer for 5 or 10 minutes, covered.
Stir in couscous and remove from heat. Let sit 8 to 10 minutes and serve. Top with fresh cilantro and serve. Serves 4 people at 290 calories per serving.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Chicken Marengo

Comfort food that is good year round.



Serves: 6 person(s)
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Extra Time: 10 mins
(for pre-cooking noodles)
Yield: 6 x 2 cup servings

1 vegetable cooking spray
2 cup frozen, chopped onions
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp flour
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (15 oz) light red kidney beans, or 1½ cups cooked dry-packaged light red kidney beans, double rinsed, drained
1 can (14½ oz) diced no salt added tomatoes, undrained
1 1/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 Tbsp no salt added tomato paste
1 can (4 oz) mushrooms, drained
2 stripes orange rind (3 x 1-inch)
3/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 dash of salt (optional) *
1 pinch of black pepper
4 cup cooked noodles, warm

Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Sauté onion and garlic 5 minutes; stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, mushrooms, orange rind, thyme, and tarragon; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until onions are tender and chicken is cooked, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve over noodles. Makes 6 entrée servings or 12 1-cup servings.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas


1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded into bite-sized pieces
fresh parsley, cilantro
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 8-oz carton of light sour cream
1/4 cup plain, nonfat yogurt ( I suggest Fage Greek Yogurt 0%)
2 tbs all purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup 1% Milk
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
6 flour tortillas (6-8 inches in diameter) ( I use Laabuela Flour Tortillas)
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2%)
Serves 6 (Serving Size 1 Enchilada)
Calories 235
Fat 8
Carbs 23
Protein 17
Sodium 363
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken and green onions. Mix well and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a medium sized bowl, combine sour cream, yogurt, flour, cumin and salt. Add milk and jalapeño pepper and mix well.
Pour half the sauce into the chicken mixture and mix well. Divide the filling among
the tortillas. Fold opposite ends of a tortilla up about 1 inch over filling then fold the left aright sides over the folded end, overlapping.
Place filled tortillas, seam sides down on an ungreased rectangular baking dish.
Spoon remaining sauce over the tortillas and bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and let stand for 5 minutes.
Top with salsa and chopped green onions as desired and serve.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Chicken Tortilla Casserole



Ingredients 
1 can (10.75 oz) 98% fat-free, 45% less-sodium, condensed cream of chicken soup 
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles 
1 container (8 oz) fat-free sour cream 
1/2 cup fat-free (skim) milk 
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast 
8 yellow corn tortillas (6 or 7 inch), torn into bite-size pieces 
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup) 
1 large tomato, chopped (1 cup) 
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend (6 oz) 

Directions 
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix soup, chiles, sour cream and milk until blended. Stir in chicken, tortillas and bell pepper. Stir in tomato and 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon and spread mixture in baking dish.2. Cover with foil. Bake 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake uncovered 5 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes. 
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. 

Calories 270 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 60mg; Sodium 610mg; Total Carbohydrate 22g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 4g); Protein 22g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 20%; Iron 8%. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat. Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Fajita Friday & Homemade Fajita/Taco Seasoning

Fajita Friday

2 Chicken Breasts or 12 oz equivalent (Boneless, Skinless)
1/4 Cup Water
1 - 7 oz can diced Green Chilies
Fajita Seasoning
1 Red Bell Pepper (seeds removed)
1 Green Bell Pepper (seeds removed)
1/2 Red Onion
2 Tsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tsp Black Pepper
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
Reduced Fat Sour Cream
Baby Spinach

Cut the chicken into small strips prior to cooking. Also cut the peppers into strips and then onion into quarters. In a large skillet / frying pan heat up 1 tbsp of the olive oil to about medium high heat. Add the black pepper and veggies and suate until the onion show a slight brown color around the edges. Remove the vegetables into a container and set aside. Add the other tsp of olive oil, minced garlic, and chicken and cook until the chicken is no longer pink. With the chicken in the skillet, add the water and Fajita Seasoning. Once well mixed, add diced green chilies and the sauteed vegetables. Heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Low Sodium  Homemade   Taco/Fajita Seasoning
Recipe From SparkPeople

Ingredients


    1 tablespoon Chili Powder
    2 teaspoons Onion Powder 
    1 teaspoon Ground Cumin 
    1 teaspoon Garlic Powder 
    1 teaspoon Paprika 
    1 teaspoon Ground Oregano


Directions


Mix all seasonings together... For Fajita's add toyour own oil/vinegar blend to marinate before grilling...
For taco's ... and to meat along with either i 4 oz can tomato paste or 1/4 cup chicken stock or water.
If it's too spicy... omitt chili powder.
FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE TO WATCH THERE SODIUM INTAKE.. ADD 1 TSP KOSHER SALT.

This will replace one whole taco or Fajita seasoning packet you would buy in the store. :)

Servings per Recipe : 6
Calories : 11.0
Total Fat : 0.4g
Cholesterol : 0.0mg
Sodium : 13.9mg
Carbs : 2.1mg
Dietary Fiber : 0.8g
Protein : 0.4

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken

Servings: 8 servings • Size: 1 cup • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts
Calories: 190 • Fat: 1.5 g • Fiber: 5.6 g • Carbs: 23.1 g • Protein: 21 g

24 oz (1 1/2) lbs chicken breast
14.4 oz can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
15 oz can black beans
8 oz frozen corn
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
14.4 oz can fat free chicken broth
3 scallions, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
salt to taste

Combine chicken broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and salt in the crock pot. Season chicken breast with salt and lay on top. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. Adjust salt and seasoning. Serve over rice (extra pts)."

Skinny Sloppy Joes



Adapted from Rachel Ray
Servings: 7 • Serving Size: 1/2 cup or 1/4 lb • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 121.8 • Fat: 3.7 g • Protein: 13.7 g • Carb: 9.9 g • Fiber: 2.1 g

1.25 lbs 93% lean ground beef sirloin
1 tbsp steak seasoning or seasoned salt
1 carrot, minced
1 medium onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced
4 oz mushrooms, minced
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
Chop all the vegetables really fine, using a chopper or food processor.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the meat to the pan and break it up as it cooks. Season with steak seasoning and cook the meat until it browns, then add onion, carrots, mushrooms and red peppers to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and add red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, cook 5 more minutes. Add tomato sauce and paste to pan, stir to combine. Cover and reduce heat to simmer and cook an additional 5 minutes. Using a measuring cup, pile 1/2 cup of sloppy meat onto toasted buns."

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Chicken Fajitas

  Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 servings  Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 192.1 • Fat: 5.5 g  Carb: 16.7 g  Fiber: 8.3 g  Protein: 25.5 g  

  • 16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 poblano chile, cut into strips
  • 1 onion, cut into strips
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ancho chile powder or chipotle chili powder, to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 4 low fat, low carb tortillas (La Tortilla Factory)
Marinate the chicken with lime juice, and season with chile powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.

Season vegetables with salt and pepper and toss with olive oil.

Heat George Forman grill. Grill chicken until well browned, but not hard to the touch. Transfer to a plate when done. Cut into strips. Grill vegetables until tender (about 15 minutes). Once cooked, combine with chicken. Serve immediately with tortilla and toppings.

Optional 0 point toppings: Salsa, chopped serrano chiles, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions.



Saturday, January 15, 2011

Homemade Pizza Sauce


1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
1 6 oz can of tomato paste
2 tsp basil
2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 cloves of garlic, crushed

Mix all the above ingredients in a medium size bowl.  Spread on your pizza dough.  



Pizza Dough



2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp oil
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix the water and oil together then add to the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Kneed for a few minutes by hand or in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Lightly oil a bowl, place dough in the bowl and roll it around to oil the outside of the dough. Cover bowl for 20 minutes for dough to rise. 
Spread dough out onto a 12" or 16" pizza pan. I use a 12" pan and this was a really thick dough. If you don't want it quite as thick you could use a larger pan or split the dough into two crusts. Oil the top, add your favorite spices, sauce and toppings. Cook on 450 for 11-15 minutes. 

Monday, January 3, 2011

Wild West Pizza


1 can Pillsbury refrigerated classic pizza crust
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 can refried beans
1 cup taco sauce or chunky style salsa
1 can whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, well drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Heat oven to 400*. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough place on cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough onto 14 x 12 inch rectangle. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of crust being to brown.

Meanwhile, in 8 inch skillet, cook ground beef sprinkled with salt and pepper over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

Spread refried beans evenly over partially baked crust.  Spread 1/2 cup of the taco sauce over beans. Top with ground beef mixture, corn and cheese.

Bake 10 to 14 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Cut into squares or wedges; serve with remaining 1/2 cup taco sauce.