Best Appetizer Recipes Blog: August 2016

Saturday, August 27, 2016

braised balsamic chicken

Ingredients

Servings: 6
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon garlic salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper.
heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken breasts until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. add onion; cook and stir until onion is browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
pour diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken; season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees f (74 degrees c).

Quinoa And Black Beans

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
mix quinoa into onion mixture and cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. bring the mixture to a boil. cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.

Simple Turkey Chili

Ingredients

Servings: 8
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (28 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can canned kidney beans - drained, rinsed, and mashed
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. place turkey in the pot, and cook until evenly brown. stir in onion, and cook until tender.
pour water into the pot. mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and garlic. season chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. bring to a boil. reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

exquisite pizza sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
6 fluid ounces warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
salt to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, combine tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese, garlic, honey, anchovy paste, onion powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and salt; mix together, breaking up any clumps of cheese.
sauce should sit for 30 minutes to blend flavors; spread over pizza dough and prepare pizza as desired.

Maple Salmon

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

feta tapenade

Ingredients

Servings: 3
2 cups pitted kalamata olives, drained
1 cup pitted green olives, drained
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (2 ounce) can anchovy fillets, rinsed
2 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

blend kalamata olives, green olives, lemon juice, anchovy fillets, garlic, thyme, and rosemary in a food processor until coarsely chopped; transfer to a bowl. slowly drizzle olive oil into the olive mixture while stirring. fold feta cheese into the mixture. season the tapenade with black pepper; stir.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

Servings: 4
3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced onion
5 serrano chiles, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime juice

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. chill for one hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Blueberry And Banana Steel Cut Oats

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 cups water
2 cups almond milk
2 cups blueberries
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

stir water, almond milk, blueberries, bananas, oats, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together in the crock of a slow cooker.
cook on low for 5 to 8 hours.

Irresistible Double Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat an oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.
combine flour, flax seed, wheat germ, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. in another bowl, beat the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined. spoon equal amounts of batter into muffin cups.
bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Quinoa And Black Beans

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
mix quinoa into onion mixture and cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. bring the mixture to a boil. cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

Servings: 4
3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced onion
5 serrano chiles, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime juice

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. chill for one hour in the refrigerator before serving.

zucchini blossom a la feta

Ingredients

Servings: 18
1/2 cup olive oil
4 eggs
2 cups dry bread crumbs
8 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes
18 zucchini blossoms

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
lightly beat the eggs in a bowl. place the bread crumbs on a dish. insert a cube of feta cheese into each zucchini blossom. dip the blossoms in the eggs, then dredge in the bread crumbs to lightly coat.
fry zucchini blossoms in the skillet until golden brown.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients

Servings: 3
3 cups warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. this may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. cover with a dishtowel. let rise in a warm place until doubled.
punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. cool completely

Baked Sweet Potato Sticks

Ingredients

Servings: 8
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into quarters

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). lightly grease a baking sheet.
in a large bowl, mix olive oil and paprika. add potato sticks, and stir by hand to coat. place on the prepared baking sheet.
bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven.

bluezy's stuffed jalapenos with bacon

Ingredients

Servings: 24
12 slices hickory-smoked bacon, cut in half crosswise
12 large jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 (6 ounce) tub whipped cream cheese at room temperature
6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 450 degrees f (230 degrees c). line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
place bacon in a skillet over medium heat, working in batches, and cook until bacon is translucent and still flexible, about 2 minutes per side. set bacon aside.
trim membranes from jalapeno pepper halves to reduce heat. rinse peppers and set aside.
place whipped cream cheese and cheddar cheese into a bowl and mix until well blended; stir in worcestershire sauce. spoon cheese mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large tip. pipe the cheese filling generously into the pepper halves. top each filled pepper with a precooked bacon strip and arrange prepared baking sheet.
bake in the preheated oven until cheese filling is bubbling and the bacon strips are lightly browned, 8 to 14 minutes. serve hot.

Ants On A Log

Ingredients

Servings: 10
5 stalks celery
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup raisins

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

cut the celery stalks in half. spread with peanut butter. sprinkle with raisins.

smoked shrimp and grit cakes

Ingredients

Servings: 8
8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 fresh lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
1/2 fresh lime
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup quick-cooking grits
1 tablespoon half-and-half, or as needed
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 red onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs, divided
1 cup olive oil for frying, or as needed

Recipe

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

prepare the smoker according to manufacturer's directions.
place shrimp, juice of half a lime, garlic powder, celery salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground chipotle powder in a bowl, stir to coat shrimp, and marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
transfer shrimp to a large piece of aluminum foil, fold the foil over the shrimp, and fold the edges over several times to make a packet. cut several slits in the top of the aluminum packet.
place the aluminum packet of shrimp the rack in the smoker. place remaining lime half the rack. smoke the shrimp and lime until shrimp are cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.
remove aluminum packet and lime half from smoker; cut each shrimp into 4 pieces and transfer to a large bowl. squeeze the juice from the smoked lime over the shrimp.
bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. stir half-and-half into the grits until they are are workable and the consistency of mayonnaise.
stir chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and cilantro into the grits; set grits mixture aside.
melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir red onion in the hot butter until translucent, about 4 minutes. stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. allow onion and garlic to cool; stir into the smoked shrimp.
mix cooked grits into smoked shrimp; stir 1/4 cup panko crumbs into the mixture to make it stiff enough to hold its shape. chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow mixture to set up.
pour remaining 2 cups panko crumbs into a shallow bowl. scoop about 2 tablespoons of the grits mixture, form into a small patty, and lightly press into the panko crumbs to coat both sides. set patties aside.
heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until oil shimmers.
pan-fry the grits cakes until golden brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. keep finished patties warm while remaining cakes finish cooking.

Quinoa And Black Beans

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
mix quinoa into onion mixture and cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. bring the mixture to a boil. cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

braised balsamic chicken

Ingredients

Servings: 6
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon garlic salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper.
heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken breasts until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. add onion; cook and stir until onion is browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
pour diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken; season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees f (74 degrees c).

jimmy dean southwestern sausage tarts

Ingredients

Servings: 24
1 (16 ounce) package regular flavor jimmy dean lamb sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
2 (15 ounce) packages refrigerated pie crusts
2 cups chunky-style salsa, drained
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Recipe

preheat oven to 350 degree f.
unwrap piecrusts and roll each out to slightly thinner than original thickness. use a 4-inch cookie cutter to cut circles out of crust; gently press each circle into bottom and up the sides of ungreased muffin cup baking pans (crust will not reach top of tin). if necessary, re-roll dough scraps to make additional dough circles.
combine cooked sausage with remaining ingredients; mix well. spoon mixture into each crust, filling about 3/4 full.
bake 40 minutes or until crust is browned.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Sun-dried Tomato Palmiers

Ingredients

Servings: 20
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). drain sun-dried tomatoes, reserving 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
in a small bowl, combine, sun-dried tomatoes, reserved oil, garlic, and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese.
lay roll dough out flat, and seal perforations. spread tomato and cheese mixture evenly over the dough. starting at one long end, roll the dough up to the middle. roll up other long end to meet in the middle. cut into 1/2 inch slices. arrange on a greased cookie sheet, and brush with egg yolk mixture.
bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. turn over, and continue baking for 5 minutes. remove from oven, and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese. serve warm.

Goat Cheese Risotto Balls

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 (5.5 ounce) package dry risotto mix
4 ounces goat cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

prepare risotto according to package directions. chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour, until cooled.
roll risotto into 2 inch mounds. place a marble-sized chunk of goat cheese on each mound. press cheese chunks into mounds, then roll mounds around cheese, creating balls.
in a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil and cook the risotto balls, turning occasionally, until evenly golden brown. drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Irresistible Double Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat an oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.
combine flour, flax seed, wheat germ, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. in another bowl, beat the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined. spoon equal amounts of batter into muffin cups.
bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Blueberry And Banana Steel Cut Oats

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 cups water
2 cups almond milk
2 cups blueberries
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

stir water, almond milk, blueberries, bananas, oats, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together in the crock of a slow cooker.
cook on low for 5 to 8 hours.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

superfast asparagus

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1 pound asparagus
1 teaspoon seasoning

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 425 degrees f (220 degrees c).
snap the asparagus at the tender part of the stalk. arrange spears in one layer on a baking sheet. spray lightly with nonstick spray; sprinkle with the seasoning.
bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 10 minutes.

sesame stick snacks

Ingredients

Servings: 20
2 cups biscuit baking mix
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 425 degrees f (220 degrees c). lightly grease 2 baking sheets.
stir together baking mix and cream; blend for 30 seconds. turn dough out a lightly flour surface and knead 10 times. roll dough into a 5x10 inch rectangle. cut dough into 1/2 inch wide strips.
place strips on prepared baking sheets. brush strips with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, until golden.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

exquisite pizza sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
6 fluid ounces warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
salt to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, combine tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese, garlic, honey, anchovy paste, onion powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and salt; mix together, breaking up any clumps of cheese.
sauce should sit for 30 minutes to blend flavors; spread over pizza dough and prepare pizza as desired.

Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch dried oregano
2 sprigs fresh parsley, for garnish

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

cut lemon in half, and squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon on chicken. season with salt to taste. let sit while you heat oil in a small skillet over medium low heat.
when oil is hot, put chicken in skillet. as you saute chicken, add juice from other 1/2 lemon, pepper to taste, and oregano. saute for 5 to 10 minutes each side, or until juices run clear. serve with parsley for garnish.

Maple Salmon

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.

superfast asparagus

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1 pound asparagus
1 teaspoon seasoning

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 425 degrees f (220 degrees c).
snap the asparagus at the tender part of the stalk. arrange spears in one layer on a baking sheet. spray lightly with nonstick spray; sprinkle with the seasoning.
bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 10 minutes.

Green Tea Yogurt

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1 (8 ounce) container low-fat french vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

place yogurt in a bowl. sift matcha powder over yogurt and whisk until evenly blended.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Baked Sweet Potato Sticks

Ingredients

Servings: 8
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into quarters

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). lightly grease a baking sheet.
in a large bowl, mix olive oil and paprika. add potato sticks, and stir by hand to coat. place on the prepared baking sheet.
bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven.

Quinoa And Black Beans

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
mix quinoa into onion mixture and cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. bring the mixture to a boil. cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.

zucchini parmesan appetizer

Ingredients

Servings: 6
3 pounds zucchini, cubed
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, packed
salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
place zucchini in a pot with about 1 inch of water. bring to a boil, and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. drain zucchini and transfer to a large bowl. mash with a fork, then transfer to a fine mesh strainer or sieve, pressing to release excess water. return to mixing bowl.
melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. add onion and garlic, and cook until lightly browned being careful not to burn the garlic. remove from heat, stir into the zucchini. mix in the eggs, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and basil. season with salt and pepper.
butter an 8 inch square baking dish with remaining butter. pour the zucchini mixture into the dish, and spread evenly. bake in the preheated oven until firm in the center and lightly browned on top, about 45 minutes. allow to cool, cut into squares, and serve.

Italian-style Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

Servings: 24
12 eggs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped prosciutto
5 green olives, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
5 dashes hot pepper sauce, such as frank's redhot
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place eggs in a large pot and cover with cold water. bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. remove from hot water, cool and peel.
slice the eggs in half lengthwise and place the yolks into a bowl and mash with a fork. set aside some of the parmesan cheese and chives to use as a garnish. mix the remaining into the yolks along with the prosciutto, green olives, red bell pepper, dijon mustard, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder and pepper. spoon the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves. garnish with reserved parmesan cheese and chives.

Irresistible Double Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat an oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.
combine flour, flax seed, wheat germ, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. in another bowl, beat the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined. spoon equal amounts of batter into muffin cups.
bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 20 to 30 minutes.

exquisite pizza sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
6 fluid ounces warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
salt to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, combine tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese, garlic, honey, anchovy paste, onion powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and salt; mix together, breaking up any clumps of cheese.
sauce should sit for 30 minutes to blend flavors; spread over pizza dough and prepare pizza as desired.

Ants On A Log

Ingredients

Servings: 10
5 stalks celery
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup raisins

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

cut the celery stalks in half. spread with peanut butter. sprinkle with raisins.

braised balsamic chicken

Ingredients

Servings: 6
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon garlic salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper.
heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken breasts until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. add onion; cook and stir until onion is browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
pour diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken; season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees f (74 degrees c).

superfast asparagus

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1 pound asparagus
1 teaspoon seasoning

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 425 degrees f (220 degrees c).
snap the asparagus at the tender part of the stalk. arrange spears in one layer on a baking sheet. spray lightly with nonstick spray; sprinkle with the seasoning.
bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 10 minutes.

creamy black bean dip

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon apple vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

combine the black beans, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, apple vinegar, salt, onion powder, and chili powder in a food processor; pulse until creamy. serve at room temperature.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

Servings: 4
3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced onion
5 serrano chiles, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime juice

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. chill for one hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Simple Turkey Chili

Ingredients

Servings: 8
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (28 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can canned kidney beans - drained, rinsed, and mashed
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. place turkey in the pot, and cook until evenly brown. stir in onion, and cook until tender.
pour water into the pot. mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and garlic. season chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. bring to a boil. reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch dried oregano
2 sprigs fresh parsley, for garnish

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

cut lemon in half, and squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon on chicken. season with salt to taste. let sit while you heat oil in a small skillet over medium low heat.
when oil is hot, put chicken in skillet. as you saute chicken, add juice from other 1/2 lemon, pepper to taste, and oregano. saute for 5 to 10 minutes each side, or until juices run clear. serve with parsley for garnish.

pimento cheese spread ii

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1 (4 ounce) jar pimento peppers, chopped with juice reserved
1 cup mayonnaise
1 pound shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped pecans
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, stir together the chopped pimentos, their juice, and the mayonnaise. add the cheese, and stir until thoroughly coated. stir in the pecans and season with salt and pepper. serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving.

Blueberry And Banana Steel Cut Oats

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 cups water
2 cups almond milk
2 cups blueberries
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

stir water, almond milk, blueberries, bananas, oats, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together in the crock of a slow cooker.
cook on low for 5 to 8 hours.

superfast asparagus

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1 pound asparagus
1 teaspoon seasoning

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 425 degrees f (220 degrees c).
snap the asparagus at the tender part of the stalk. arrange spears in one layer on a baking sheet. spray lightly with nonstick spray; sprinkle with the seasoning.
bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 10 minutes.

Maple Salmon

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients

Servings: 3
3 cups warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. this may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. cover with a dishtowel. let rise in a warm place until doubled.
punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. cool completely

Asparagus Appetizers

Ingredients

Servings: 40
20 thin slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
3/4 pound butter
4 ounces blue cheese, at room temperature
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 egg, beaten
20 fresh asparagus spears

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

trim crusts from bread, and flatten slightly with a rolling pin.
in a bowl, stir blue and cream cheeses together with the egg until well blended and creamy. spread a thin layer of cheese mixture over each slice of bread. roll one asparagus spear inside each, and fasten with a toothpick.
melt butter in a small saucepan. roll each asparagus wrap in butter to coat. place on a baking sheet small enough to fit into the freezer, and freeze for one hour, or until butter hardens and wraps are somewhat firm. remove pan from freezer, discard toothpicks, and cut each wrap in half crosswise. store in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer until ready to use.
to serve, preheat oven to 400 degrees f (205 degrees c).
arrange frozen asparagus wraps on an ungreased baking sheet. bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. check occasionally, and turn if necessary, for even browning and to prevent burning. enjoy!

stuffed crimini mushrooms with gruyere

Ingredients

Servings: 36
36 crimini mushrooms, stems removed
1/2 cup olive oil
2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
1/3 cup minced shallot
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped italian flat leaf parsley
3/4 cup chopped fresh chives
3 fluid ounces lemon juice
2 cups fresh bread crumbs
5 ounces shredded gruyere cheese

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

bring a large pot of water to a boil. add mushrooms, and cook for about 3 minutes. drain, and set aside to cool.
heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. add the onion, shallot, garlic, parsley, and chives. cover, and let the vegetables sweat for a few minutes to release the aromas. remove from heat, and stir in the breadcrumbs and lemon juice.
preheat the oven's broiler. scoop out the mushroom caps, and fill with the bread crumb mixture. place on a baking sheet. top with shredded cheese.
broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is melted. serve hot.

Gluten-free, Allergy-friendly Trail Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 16
3/4 cup sunflower seed spread (such as sunbutter®)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped roasted macadamia nuts
1/3 cup cashews, chopped

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
stir sunflower seed spread, honey, agave nectar, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl until evenly mixed. add oats and stir to coat oats completely.
stir cranberries, chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, and cashews into oats mixture. turn oat mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down until evenly spread out and compact.
bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. cool completely before cutting into bars.

exquisite pizza sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
6 fluid ounces warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
salt to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, combine tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese, garlic, honey, anchovy paste, onion powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and salt; mix together, breaking up any clumps of cheese.
sauce should sit for 30 minutes to blend flavors; spread over pizza dough and prepare pizza as desired.

Fried Garlic Pita

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
2 small (4 inch) pita bread rounds, cut in half

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over low heat. mix in the olive oil, 1/2 the lemon juice, garlic, and garlic powder.
place the pita bread in the skillet, and top with remaining butter and lemon juice. cook 10 minutes, turning often, until golden brown.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

Servings: 4
3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced onion
5 serrano chiles, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime juice

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. chill for one hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Maple Salmon

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients

Servings: 3
3 cups warm water (110 degrees f/45 degrees c)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. this may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. cover with a dishtowel. let rise in a warm place until doubled.
punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. cool completely

Irresistible Double Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients

Servings: 12
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat an oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.
combine flour, flax seed, wheat germ, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. in another bowl, beat the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined. spoon equal amounts of batter into muffin cups.
bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 20 to 30 minutes.

English Muffin Hors D'oeuvres

Ingredients

Servings: 48
1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 green onions, chopped
1 pinch salt
1 pinch garlic salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 (12 ounce) package english muffin, split

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
mix the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onions, salt, garlic salt, and pepper in a bowl. spread the cheese mixture over each english muffin half. cut the muffins into quarters and place on a baking sheet.
broil in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbly, 4 to 6 minutes.

braised balsamic chicken

Ingredients

Servings: 6
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon garlic salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper.
heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken breasts until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. add onion; cook and stir until onion is browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
pour diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken; season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees f (74 degrees c).

Simple Turkey Chili

Ingredients

Servings: 8
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1 (28 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can canned kidney beans - drained, rinsed, and mashed
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. place turkey in the pot, and cook until evenly brown. stir in onion, and cook until tender.
pour water into the pot. mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and garlic. season chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. bring to a boil. reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

Refried Beans Without The Refry

Ingredients

Servings: 15
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
5 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
9 cups water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place the onion, rinsed beans, jalapeno, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. pour in the water and stir to combine. cook on high for 8 hours, adding more water as needed. note: if more than 1 cup of water has evaporated during cooking, then the temperature is too high.
once the beans have cooked, strain them, and reserve the liquid. mash the beans with a potato masher, adding the reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

four cheese mashed potato stuffed portobello mushrooms

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1 (4 ounce) package idahoan® four cheese flavored mashed potatoes
2 large portobello mushrooms, or more depending on size
oil
salt and pepper
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons bell pepper, diced and lightly sauteed
2 tablespoons scallions, chopped

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f or grill to 400 degrees f.
clean the mushrooms and rub with oil.
sprinkle with salt and pepper and place on a foil lined baking tray.
bake for 5 minutes until tender. or if grilling, turn mushrooms once or twice while cooking on the grill until tender.
while mushrooms are cooking, prepare idahoan four cheese mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
fold in the cheddar cheese and the peppers.
when mushrooms are cooked, sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper and stuff with the mashed potatoes.
top with the scallions and serve hot.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Quinoa And Black Beans

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
mix quinoa into onion mixture and cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. bring the mixture to a boil. cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.

fig and ricotta crostini

Ingredients

Servings: 24
1 french baguette, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
12 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
8 black mission figs, cut in quarters
1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar

Recipe

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preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
place the baguette slices on an ungreased, foil-lined baking sheet.
bake the bread in the preheated oven until the bottoms are brown, about 5 minutes; flip and bake until crisp, 5 minutes. remove the pan from the oven.
spread 1 tablespoon of ricotta on each slice of toasted bread. place a few ribbons of basil on each, arrange a slice of fig on top, and drizzle the finished crostini with balsamic vinegar.

Sarah's Applesauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Recipe

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in a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Quinoa And Black Beans

Ingredients

Servings: 10
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe

Preparation Time:

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heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
mix quinoa into onion mixture and cover with vegetable broth; season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. bring the mixture to a boil. cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.