Pasta Primavera with Pesto

From the same magazine as the chicken and asparagus stir-fry.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 lb. sugar snap peas, sliced in half

8 oz. dried spaghetti

1 cup prepared pesto

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 medium carrots, trimmed, peeled and coarsely grated

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Have ready a bowl of ice water. Drop the broccoli and peas into the boiling water; cook until bright green and tender, about 1 minute. Transfer vegetables with a slotted spoon to the ice water to stop cooking. Once cooled, drain.

2. Stir the pasta into the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still warm, add the pesto and toss until combined.

3. While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook 1 minute. Add the broccoli-peas mixture, carrots and a pinch of salt. Cook veggies until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Add them to pasta mixture and toss. Then add cheese, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Pulled this out of a magazine. Tyler especially liked it.

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken breast cut into 1-inch chunks

3 scallions, thinly sliced, tops reserved

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, divided

1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped, divided

1 1/2 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tsp. cornstarch, divided

1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp. dark sesame oil

1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

3 tbsp. peanut oil, divided

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 tbsp. hoisin sauce

3 tbsp. chopped roasted peanuts

Cooked rice for serving

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with the sliced scallions, half of each the garlic and the ginger, sugar, soy sauce, 1 tsp. cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and 3/4 tsp. salt. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tsp. cornstarch and 3 tbsp. water. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp. peanut oil and heat until shimmering. Add the asparagus and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in remaining garlic and ginger, 3 tbsp. water and 1/4 tsp. salt. Stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, as needed, to keep skillet from becoming completely dry. Transfer veggies to a plate.

3. Return skillet to stove top and warm the remaining 2 tbsp. oil. Add the chicken in its marinade and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry until nearly cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the hoisin sauce and asparagus. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick whisk and add to the pan. Simmer stir-fry until thickened, about 2 minutes. Toss in peanuts. Taste and adjust seasoning; serve over rice and garnish with sliced scallion tops.

*I only put in 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes and it was plenty for me. Tyler probably could have handled the 3/4 tsp. , so if you like it spicy put it all in. This has tons of flavor with all the fresh ingredients.

** they also said you could swap in broccoli instead, one head, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Chicken Enchiladas

So did you all even realize that I, too, am a contributor to this blog? Considering I haven't updated my family blog since February 2009, I am lucky to even be posting anything at all!

This recipe is from one of the first cookbooks I ever received once I was out on my own. The book is superlame and it's called the Great American Favorite Brand Name Cookbook. In the 11+ years that I've owned this book, I've cooked exactly 3 recipes from it and 2 of the 3 were gross. The enchiladas were good - super simple, but they taste better than the effort required. Now that we are moving soon I am getting rid of stuff and since the only reason I have kept this book this long is for this single recipe, I figured I'd throw it up on here and get rid of the book! So here I am MBA Wives World!

By the way, when I made this recipe the first time in college, it was the first time I remember ever having fresh cilantro. Maybe that's why I remember this recipe as being fantastic...

Also, I use fat-free or reduced-fat everything and it still tastes good...

Chicken Enchiladas
1 3/4 cups sour cream
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 T minced fresh jalapeno
1 t ground cumin
1 T vegetable oil
12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3x1" strips
1 t minced garlic
8 flour tortillas (8")
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
1 small tomato, chopped
Sprigs of cilantro

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray 13x9" pan with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, onions, cilantro, jalapeno and cumin.
3. Spray nonstick skillet with cooking spray, pour in the oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and garlic and saute for 4 mins or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.
4. Divide the chicken strips among the 8 tortillas, placing them down the center. Top with the sour cream mixture, then roll them up and place them, seam side down, in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle with cheese, cover with foil and bake for 30 mins. or until bubbly. Spoon salsa in a strip down the enter and sprinkle the salsa with the tomato. Garnish with the sprigs of cilantro. Serve Hot!

Black Bean Vegetable Soup

This is one that we will be making again. I got it from allrecipes.com. It is healthy, fast and delicious. I cooked beans two days before. It was the first time I had actually cooked black beans and not used canned. I put in 2 cans of chicken broth instead of the 4 cups vegetable broth. I also put in celery and fresh parsley and cilantro. I added 3 garlic cloves and a little more chilli powder based on others recommendations. I also added more beans. I put all the vegetables in my food processor except for some beans and the corn. But we don't like a lot of chunky vegetables. Have I told you that I am in love with my food processor. I use it almost every day. It has made cooking way easier. I highly recommend one. By the way please share recipes. I know you are cooking:) Especially you Natalie...Share some of those vegetarian dishes:)

Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 35 min Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (8.75 ounce) can whole kernel corn
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

Directions

1. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, garlic, and carrots, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Add chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add stock, 1 can of the beans, corn, and pepper; bring to boil.
2. Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, puree together tomatoes and remaining can of beans; add to pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 164 | Total Fat: 3.4g | Cholesterol: 0mg

Chipotle Shrimp Taco with Avocado Salsa Verde

Shawn is on this big health kick so I have been trying to make him healthy meals. We thought this was good but it definitely has a kick to it. I used my food processor and it made it even easier.

Avocado Salsa:

• 1 small onion, quartered
• 1 jalapeno, quartered, seeds optional
• 1 garlic clove, smashed
• 4 medium tomatillos, (about 8 ounces) husked, rinsed, and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 Hass avocado, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Shrimp:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chipotle or blended chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound medium shrimp (about 20), peeled and deveined
• 8 corn tortillas
• 8 sprigs cilantro for garnish
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

Directions

Put the onion, jalapeno, and garlic in a food processor and finely chop. Add the tomatillos, avocado, and salt and pulse until chopped but still chunky. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cilantro.

Heat a stovetop or outdoor grill to medium-high. Mix the olive oil, chipotle or chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Grill the shrimp until translucent, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side.

Grill tortillas, until slightly charred and pliable, about 20 seconds per side. (Alternatively, wrap in a damp paper towel and heat in a microwave.) Spoon sauce on the tortilla, then top with about 2 or 3 shrimp and a sprig of cilantro. Serve 2 tacos per person, with a lime wedge on the side.

Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

Spring Green Salad with Strawberries, Avocado, and Kiwi

Spring Green Salad with Strawberries, Avocado, and Kiwi

My mom makes this salad often. She just made it for a wedding and everyone wanted the recipe. It is delicious.

From: California Heritage Continues A Cookbook (revised by Janice Gray)

Serves: 6

This beautiful salad is extremely light and colorful.

Salad

12 strawberries, sliced

3 kiwi, peeled and sliced

1 head Boston lettuce or mixture of greens

1 avocado, cut into cubes

Orange Dressing (below)

Combine all ingredients except avocado and dressing and chill. Just before serving add avocado and toss with dressing.

Orange Dressing

1/3 cup olive old

3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar

3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper

1/8 c. sugar

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Pesto Minestrone

One of my favorite soups!

Pesto Minestrone
Olive oil
Yellow onion (finely chopped)
7 cups chicken broth (we could use veggie broth)
Green cabbage (1 head) or coleslaw package
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1 carrot finely chopped (I used baby carrots because we always have those)
1 yellow potato
1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans
2 zucchini diced
1 cup ditalani pasta
Bertinelli’s basil pesto 1 package/jar

Cook onion with olive oil for a couple of minutes then add green cabbage, diced tomatoes, carrots and yellow potato.

Cook veggies for 7-10 minutes.

Add chicken broth and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add chickpeas and zuchinni and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add pasta and simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve with a spoonful of pesto mixed in to each individual bowl. If desired top with freshly grated parmesan.

Tortellini Soup

Tortellini Soup


This is a quick and easy recipe!

Ingredients:

1 package of tortellini noodles
2 cans of Progresso Tomato Basil Soup
1 container of onion and chive cream cheese

Directions:

Boil tortellini noodles in chicken broth. Once noodles are soft, take out and set aside one cup of broth. Add 1-2 cans of Progresso Tomato Basil Soup. Mix 1 cup of broth with 1 container of chive/onion cream cheese. Add mixture to soup and let sit until warm throughout.

Marabella Chicken

Marabella Chicken

¼ cup Italian seasoning
1 jar capers
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp. salt
½ cup lemon juice
1 cup prunes
1 jar Spanish olives
2 Tbs. garlic
1 bay leaf

Place 8-10 chicken breasts in a large bowl with lid. Pour all the above ingredients over chicken and marinate at least 4 hours. (Can marinate overnight.) Spray a cookie sheet and place chicken and marinade on sheet. Mix together ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup apple juice and pour over chicken. (You may need 2 cookie sheets.) Bake 325˚ for 40 min. Serve on a tray.

Indian Chicken Curry

Indian Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs of boneless/skinless chicken thighs (I used chicken breast)
3 tbsp Canola oil
1 Yellow onion sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp fresh ginger chopped (I used ground ginger like 1/2 tsp)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2/3 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup plain yogurt
2 tsp Garam Marsala
2 tbsp cilantro chopped
1/2 cup roasted cashews chopped (I didn't use this)

1. Brown the chicken in oil
2. Using a slotted spoon transfer the chicken to a plate
3. Add onion to the drippings and saute for 4-5 minutes
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, saute until softened about 1 minute
5. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth
6. Return chicken to the sauce and bring to a simmer
7. Reduce heat to medium-low for about 20-25 minutes
8. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes
9. Stir in yogurt garam marsala and 2 tbsps of cilantro
10. Serve over a bed of rice and sprinkle with cilantro and cashews


Don't add the yogurt too soon or it will curdle!

Chicken Parmesan

from Sisters Cafe blog
Sauce Ingredients:

2 Tb. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (approx 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 cans Italian diced tomatoes
1 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp. oregano
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are tender and transparent. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Chicken Ingredients:

1-2 lbs chicken breasts
2 eggs
Italian breadcrumbs
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
8 oz very thinly sliced mozzarella
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Dip the chicken in egg and then in bread crumbs. Heat oil and cook chicken 2-3 minutes on each side. Put chicken on the bottom of a large baking dish (9x13). Put one thin slice of mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan on each breast and half of sauce on top. Repeat. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Lowfat version:
skip breading and frying of the chicken. Place the chicken raw in the dish and do one layer of the cheeses then top with sauce. Bake a little longer- more like 40 minutes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

From Sisters Cafe blog
Ingredients:

2 packages reduced sodium stuffing mix
1 can (10.75oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. pepper
3/4 lb sliced deli ham, cut into 1 inch strips
1 cup swiss cheese shredded
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed

Directions:

Prepare stuffing mixes according to directions on box. Meanwhile in a bowl, combine soup and milk. Put chicken in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with pepper. Layer with ham, swiss cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese, soup mixture and stuffing. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. At this point you can freeze. Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer.

Yummy Chili Cheese Bundles

Ingredients:

12 Rhodes Texas rolls, thawed but still cold
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbs. oil
2 1/2 cups cooked diced chicken
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
flour

Directions:

In skillet saute onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender. Then drain. In a bowl, combine onion and garlic, chicken, chili sauce, cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Flatten each roll into a 6-inch circle and dust with flour. Turn flour side down. Spoon about 1/3 cup mixture onto the center of each roll. Pull opposite edges up, pinch together and tuck under forming a center seam. Pinch side edges and tuck underneath. Place filled bundles in jumbo muffin tins or on a large baking sheet, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise 15-20 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan and serve warm.

Sweet 'n' sour meatballs

Ingredients:

1 egg
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp ground ginger
dash pepper
1 lb ground beef
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1 cup sliced carrots
1 med green pepper, julienned
1 Tbs. cornstarch
2 Tbs. cold water
Hot cooked rice

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 1 in balls. In a skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs until no longer pink; drain. Drain pineapple, reserving juice to measure 1 cup. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar and soy sauce; pour over meatballs. Add carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until carrots are crisp-tender. Stir in green pepper and pineapple; cover and simmer 5 minutes longer or until pepper is crisp-tender. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into meatball mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over rice.
Serves 4-6

Stir-Fried Steak and Veggies

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. cornstarch
1 Tbs. brown sugar
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 lb boneless sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflowerets
1 lg onion, chopped
1 cup sliced carrots

Hot cooked rice

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the first eight ingredients until smooth; set aside. In a skillet or wok, stir-fry steak in oil for 3-5 minutes. Add broccoli, cauliflower, onion, carrots, and soy sauce mixture; cover and cook for 8 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. serve over rice.

Serves:4

Awesome Egg Rolls

From allrecipes
Ingredients:

6 cups cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, shredded
1/2 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 celery stalk, diced
2 Tbs. chopped onion
1 (4oz) can shrimp, drained (I used shredded chicken, can also use pork)
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
black pepper to taste
1 egg beaten
cornstarch
20 egg roll wrappers
vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together cabbage, carrots, sprouts, celery and onion. Stir in shrimp, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2.Pour beaten egg into a skillet placed over medium heat; cook flat and thin, flipping once, until done. Remove from skillet, cool, and chop finely. Stir egg into cabbage mixture. Sprinkle top with cornstarch, mix and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
3.Mix 1 Tbs. cornstarch with 2 Tbs. cold water. Set aside.
4. Place 2 or 3 Tbs. of shrimp mixture into the center of an egg roll skin. Dip a spoon into the water and cornstarch mixture, and moisten all corners but the bottom corner. Fold the egg roll skin from the bottom over the mixture, making a tight tube of the shrimp mixture. Fold corners in from the sides, and press to stick against folded roll. Then roll the rest of the way. Repeat with remaining egg roll wrappers.
5. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to a depth of 3 or 4 inches, and heat oil to 350 degrees F. Carefully place egg rolls into hot oil, and fry until golden brown. Remove to paper towels.

Quick Cheesy Ravioli Bake

From You got Served blog
Ingredients:

1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 Tbs. olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbs. tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
3 Tbs. minced fresh basil
1/4 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper
2 (9oz) packages fresh cheese ravioli
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Cook sausage in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat up with wooden spoon until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain meat and set aside. Add oil, garlic, and tomato paste to skillet and return to medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and reserved sausage and cook until slightly thickened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in basil and cream and continue to simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat, cover, and set aside. Add 1 Tbs. salt and ravioli to boiling water and cook, stirring often, until tender. Drain ravioli and return to pot. Stir sauce into ravioli and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread mixture into 13x9 inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Serve.

Farmers Market Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 zucchini, chopped
1 red sweet pepper, chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrot
3 cups baby spinach
1 jar (26 oz) pasta sauce
6 regular lasagna noodles, broken in half (uncooked)
1/2 carton part skim ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Put zucchini, pepper, and carrot sin a bowl and pour in 2 Tbs. water. cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes; drain. Stir in spinach. Heat pasta sauce, covered on high for 2 minutes. Later 1/2 cup sauce, 4 noodles, half the veggies, half the ricotta and 1 cup sauce, and 1/3 cup mozzarella. Stack on 4 more noodles, remaining veggies and ricotta, 1/3 cup mozzarella, 4 noodles and rest of sauce. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing. Makes 8 pieces.

BBQ Chicken Braid

From the blog My Kitchen Cafe
*makes 2 large braids
Ingredients:

1 recipe French Bread Rolls
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1 red onion, sliced into thin half moons
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
see http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/03/bbq-chicken-braid.html

Sweet and Sour chicken

Ingredients:
Chicken:
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Directions:
Cut boneless chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in cornstarch and then in egg. Fry in a little oil until brown but not cooked through. Place in a single later in a baking dish. Mix sauce ingredients (below) together and pour over chicken.

Sauce:
3/4 cup sugar
4 Tbs. ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar
1 Tbs. soy sauce
1 tsp. garlic salt

Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. Turn chicken every 15 minutes. If you like extra sauce, make another batch of sauce and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Stir constantly and let cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced- about 6-8 minutes.

Serve with rice