Truffle Risotto

Truffle Risotto

adapted from Emerils.com

A bowl of truffle risotto is truly indulgent. Each pearl of Arborio rice is meticulously slow-cooked, releasing its starches to create a silky, sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and cream. The mushroom stock and the wild mushrooms enhance the mushroom flavor while the grated fresh grated truffles that finish this dish provide adeep, earthy aroma, blooming as they meet the gentle heat of the rice.

Makes 2 servings

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. minced shallots
1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup mixed wild mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Arborio rice
1 1/2 cups mushroom broth
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus 2 Tbsp. for garnish

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 truffle, grated
In a saute pan, heat the olive oil; Saute the shallots, garlic and mushrooms for 1 minute. 

Stir in the rice and saute for 1 minute.

Add the mushroom broth 1/2 cup at a time., stirring constantly until most of the liquid has been absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup; Repeat until all of the broth has been used and is fully absorbed into the rice, about 20 minutes. 

Stir in the cream, cook for 2-3 minutes. 

Fold in the most of the truffle shavings (reserving a little for garnish)and cheese; Season with salt and pepper. 

Spoon the risotto into a shallow bowl and garnish with truffle shavings, cheese and chives.

Enjoy!  










Yield: 4 servings

Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken Piccata Pasta

adapted from Food & Wine

The Piccata Sauce is a harmonious blend of rich butter, crisp white wine, and aromatic garlic, balanced by a bright splash of fresh lemon juice. Savory capers add a briny pop, while a pinch of crushed red pepper provides a subtle, warming heat. The dish is finished with a generous dusting of nutty Parmesan cheese and fresh, chopped parsley for a vibrant, elegant finish.

Makes 2 servings

4 oz. uncooked cavatappi pasta
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 tsp.kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 Tbsp. drained capers, rinsed
2 Tbsp. butter, cubed
2 Tbsp.. fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 
2. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions for al dente.
3. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid;  set aside.
4. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high; When hot, add chicken, and cook, undisturbed, until browned on 1 side, about 4 minutes. 
6. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until evenly browned, about 3 minutes; Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. Add garlic and crushed red pepper to skillet, and cook until fragrant and starting to brown, about 1 minute. 
8. Add wine and capers. Bring to a boil, and reduce by half, about 1 minute. 
9. Add reserved pasta, chicken,  2 Tbsp. reserved pasta cooking liquid, butter, and lemon juice; Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until sauce clings to pasta, about 3 minutes. (Add additional cooking liquid as needed.) 
10. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan and parsley. 
11. Serve with lemon wedges.

Enjoy!

Roasted Fennel with Parmesan

Roasted Fennel with Parmesan

adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook© by Ina Garten

Fennel has licorice flavor that mellows and sweetens when cooked. It is a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich vegetable and seed known for promoting digestive health, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidants like Vitamin C. Its compounds help alleviate bloating, gas, and cramps, while supporting heart health through potassium and lowering blood pressure. It is also used to improve skin, support immune function, and manage weight.

Makes 2 servings

1/2 large fennel bulbs, core removed and sliced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Toss the fennel with the oil and spread the fennel slices on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the fennel slices for about 1/2 hour, turning them once after 30 minutes, until the edges are crisp and brown. 
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and roast for 5 more minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Blackened Chicken with Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce

Blackened Chicken with Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce

adapted from Bonappeteach

This quick recipe is a one pan plan.The blackened seasoning is bold, smoky blackened spice blend. If you have a favorite store bought blackening seasoning go ahead and use that. The chicken can be eaten as the main course or put into sandwiches, on top of nachos / salads or in quesadillas.

Makes 2 servings

2 Chicken breasts, boneless, skin-on
1 tbsp Olive Oil

Blackening Seasoning

1 Tbsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce
2 Tbsp. sun-dried tomatoes removed from the oil and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes 
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 cup Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Kosher salt & Freshly ground pepper
Fresh basil garnish (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano salt, black pepper and cayenne to create the blackened seasoning.
3. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel then and set it aside.
4. In a preheated skillet, add oil and let it preheat in the pan (do not let it get too hot so that it starts smoking). 
5. Place each chicken into the skillet skin side down and let it cook for 3 minutes or until it easily lifts from the pan and can be flipped.
6. Once you flip each chicken breast, turn off the stove and carefully transfer the pan into the oven to finish cooking for about 15 minutes or it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
7. Remove from the oven and remove the transfer the chicken to a plate.
8. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 
9. Place the skillet back onto the heat and leave any drippings and seasoning in the pan.
10. Over medium-low heat, add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; Sauté a few minutes to develop the aromatic flavors in the spices.
11. Add the chicken stock and cream; Continue to whisk over the heat for a few minutes to bring it up to temperature. Do not boil !
12. Reduce the heat to low; Slowly add in the parmesan cheese and whisk well before adding more. 
13. Let the cheese melt and thicken the sauce.
14. Serve over the top of the sliced chicken. 
15. Garnish with basil if desired.

Enjoy!

Egg, Ham and Cheese Bagel Sandwich with Creamy Sriracha Sauce

Egg, Ham and Cheese Bagel Sandwich with Creamy Sriracha Sauce

adapted from Grilled Cheese Social

We have always liked hot sauce on your egg sandwiches but never thought of mayo.  The Creamy Sriracha Sauce is a Sriracha Mayo. Yum!

Makes 2 servings

2 Everything Bagels, split and toasted
1 Tbsp. butter
2 large eggs

2 slices deli ham
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 slice American Cheese
1 mini avocado
1 Tbsp. Creamy Sriracha Sauce
Kosher salt and Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add the eggs and sprinkle them with a pinch of kosher salt. 
3. When the edges are done and the inner white is starting to turn opaque, flip them and turn the heat down to low.
4. Place one slice of deli ham on top of each egg then top the ham with one slice of each of the cheeses
5. Add the ham to the other side of the skillet to warm it up and slightly brown it.
6. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts.
7. Smear half of the avocado on the bottom of each bagel; Season lightly with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer the ham and egg stack to the bottom of each toasted bagel.
9. Smear the top half of the bagel with the creamy spicy sriracha sauce and close up the sandwich.
10. Serve immediately with additional sriracha sauce on the side of dunking if desired.

Enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche

Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche

adapted from Allrecipes

This recipe was originally designed to feed a crowd. Since it is just the 2 of us I wanted the flavors without all the leftovers.

Makes 2-4 servings                                                            4-5 WW pts/ serving

4 large eggs
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp, fat-free milk
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp, reduced fat sour cream
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped cooked ham
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 375F .
2. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, sour cream, and salt together in a large bowl until well blended. 
4. Mix ham, bell peppers, mushrooms, scallions and cheese into egg mixture; Pour into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Fondue

Pepperoni Pizza Fondue

adapted from Food Network

This is definitely a cheat day recipe. It is ooey, gooey and rich. The variations are limitless... add crumbled cooked sausage, onions, peppers, mushrooms ... any topping you would add to a pizza with red sauce.

I was a little concerned about putting my oven safe pans under the broiler because they are usually on safe up to 400-450F. By putting it on the bottom rung of the oven it worked just fine.

Makes 4 servings

3/4 cups whole milk
1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 1 1/2 tsp. water

4 oz. freshly shredded whole milk mozzarella
4 oz. white American cheese
1/2 clove garlic, grated on a microplane
Kosher salt
1/2 cup Simple Pizza Sauce or store-bought 
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
3/4 cups pepperoni 
Fig's Pizza Dough (cooked without toppings and cut into pieces), store bought breadsticks, steamed broccoli, roasted mushroom caps, and / or Roasted Sausage, Potatoes, Onions & Peppers

1. Preheat the broiler with the rack on the lowest level.
2. Stir together the milk and cornstarch into a slurry in a medium saucepan; Bring to a light simmer, then turn down the heat until it is no longer simmering. 
3. Add the mozzarella, American cheese and garlic.; Whisk over very low heat until very smooth and no longer stringy.
4. Season to taste with salt.
5. Pour into a 6-8-inch oven proof skillet or baking dish; Let cool for about 15 minutes. 
6. Spoon the pizza sauce on the fondue; Sprinkle the Italian seasoning on the sauce. 
7. Top the surface with the pepperoni; Place on the lowest rack and broil until the pepperoni starts to char and turn into little cups, 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly, then serve with the Fig's Pizza Dough, breadsticks, steamed broccoli, roasted mushroom caps and / or Roasted Sausage, Potatoes, Onions & Peppers

Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Skillet

Pepperoni Pizza Skillet

adapted from Dinner then Dessert

Think Hamburger Helper on steroids but without all of the sodium and additives. Use any small to medium size pasta that you have on hand.

Finishing pasta in sauce creates a cohesive dish where the pasta absorbs flavor and the starchy water thickens the sauce, making it coat every bite.

Makes 2 servings                                                            10 WW pts / serving

1/4 lb. orecchiette pasta

Cooking spray
1/4 lb. lean ground turkey
1/4 small yellow onion, diced
1/4 small bell pepper, diced
2 oz. turkey pepperoni quartered
1/2 cup Classic Fat Free Marinara or your favorite pasta sauce
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 oz. 6 Cheese Italian blend shredded cheese or mozzarella 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta 1 minute less that the package directions recommend; Drain reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water; Do not rinse.
2. Add the ground turkey to a skillet coated with cooking spray; Brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until cooked through, about 8 minutes.
3. Strain the turkey and set aside; Wipe out the skillet.
4. Coat the skillet with cooking spray; Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the cooked turkey to the pan and add the marinara sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water; Cook and additional 2 minutes to tighten up the sauce.
6. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and stir until melted.
7. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Cheese and Onion Enchiladas with Tomatillo-Green Chile Sauce

Cheese and Onion Enchiladas with Tomatillo-Green Chile Sauce

adapted from Bon Appétit - July 2001

Cheese and delicious... these enchiladas are moderately spicy. Adjust your heat level by adjusting the amount of poblanos or canned chiles. 

Block cheese that is shredded as needed tends to melt more evenly that pre-shredded due to the stabilizers that are used to prevent it from clumping. 

Don't have Colby Jack, use Monterey jack, cheddar or the pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend. Reduce the WW points by using reduced fat cheese.

Pictured with Easy Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas

Makes 2 servings                                                              11 WW pts. / serving

6 oz. tomatillos, husked, rinsed, quartered
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. minced seeded jalapeño chilies
6 garlic cloves
1 1/4 cups chopped scallions, divided
2 poblano peppers, roasted and chopped or 1/4 + 2 Tbsp. canned green chiles
6 large spinach leaves
4 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Cooking spray

1. Bring tomatillos, water, jalapenos and garlic to boil in a saucepan; Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until tomatillos are soft, about 15 minutes.
2. Transfer mixture to blender; add 1 cups of green onions, green chilies, and spinach and puree. 
3. Season the sauce  to taste with salt and pepper; Place sauce in a wide bowl.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
5. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
6. Dip a tortilla into the sauce;  Top with about 2 Tbsp cheese, and 1 Tbsp green onions.
7. Roll up tortilla; Place seam side down in prepared dish. 
8. Repeat with remaining tortillas, sauce, cheese, and onions.
9. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. 
10. Bake until cheese melts, about 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Easy Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas

Easy Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas

adapted from Gourmet 2003

Not so authentic, but a good way of using leftover chicken or turkey. It is quick to pull together with ingredients most of us have in our refrigerator.

Pictured with Cheese Enchiladas with Tomatillo Chile Sauce

Makes 2 servings                                                            7 WW pts / serving

1 oz. reduced fat cream cheese

1 Tbsp. reduced fat sour cream

3/4 cup prepared salsa, divided

1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup shredded, poached, leftover or rotisserie chicken breast

1/4 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen, thawed

1/8 tsp. cumin

1/8 tsp. cayenne

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 scallions, thinly sliced

2 medium flour tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. In a small bowl cream together the cream cheese and the sour cream; Stir in 1/4 cup of the salsa, 1/4 cup of the grated cheese. 
3. In a second bowl toss together the chicken, corn, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, and 1/2 of the scallions. 
4. Add the chicken mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
5. In a baking dish spread a 1/4 cup of the salsa over the bottom. 
6. Place half of the filling on a corn tortilla, roll up and transfer to the baking dish with the seam side down. 
7. Repeat process for remaining tortilla. 
8. Pour remaining salsa over enchiladas, spreading to coat 
9. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over the top. 
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. 
11. Sprinkle with the remaining scallions and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice

adapted from CopyMeThat

This is a riff on the Fiesta Lime Chicken served at Applebee's™. i chose not to serve the chicken on a bed of tortilla chips since I was serving the Spanish rice.

The sauce is a bit spicy. If people like different levels of heat, microwave the sauce until it is warm and serve on the side as opposed to under the cheese.

Makes 2 servings of chicken and 3 servings of rice

7 WW pts. / chicken*, 6 WW pts / 1/3 of the rice & 1 WW pts. / 1 Tbsp. of sauce

2 cups homemade or store bought mojo criollo marinade
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 Tbsp your favorite salsa
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
10 dashes (or to taste) Texas Pete's hot sauce™or your favorite hot sauce

1 tsp. Slap Ya Mama™ or your favorite Cajun seasoning

1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Cooking spray
1/2 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded

Spanish Rice

1/4 onion diced
Cooking spray
2 large garlic cloves, minced 
5 oz package yellow saffron rice, uncooked
3/4 cup fire roasted tomatoes, drained
1 cup Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1 cup water

1. Place chicken breast in sealable bag with the marinade; Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. The the bowl or a small food processor combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, cumin, and garlic powder; Processor until well combined; Refrigerate until chilled.
3. Start the rice by sauteing the onion and garlic in a pot coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until softened, about 2 minutes..
4. Add uncooked rice, tomatoes, chicken broth, water, smoked paprika and cumin.
5. Stir everything together and simmer on medium for 20 minutes. 
6. Preheat oven on Broil – Low
7. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry; Discard the marinade.
8. Cook the chicken breasts in a pan coated with cooking spray until cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
9. Remove the spicy sauce from fridge, spoon 1-2 Tbsp, over the chicken, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and broil until cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve passing additional sauce as desired.

Enjoy!


* To calculate the WW points, I measured the volume of marinade remaining after the chicken was removed. It was reduced by 1/3 cup so I calculated the WW points based on 1/3 of a cup of the marinade total points divided between 2 servings. You can reduce the points by decreasing your serving size of rice or by substituting reduced fat Mexican blend cheese for the Colby.

Pasta with Squash Blossom Butter and Snap Peas

Pasta with Squash Blossom Butter and Snap Peas

adapted from Food & Wine

I had the pleasure of going to the Union Square Green Market and was able to get some beautiful squash blossoms along with other vegetables and herbs that I can not get in south central PA. Unfortunately they shriveled a bit before I could stuff  and fry them but this recipe put them to good use.

Makes 2 servings                                                                  9 WW pts / serving

2 Tbsp.butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup finely, chopped squash blossoms (about 4-5 blossoms), stems and pistils removed and petals 
3 oz. snap peas, stems and strings removed
4 oz. penne, cooked according to pacage instructions, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water
2 Tbsp. snipped chives
1 Tbsp. chopped basil leaves
1 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt & Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a small bowl, mix the butter with the chopped squash blossom petals; Set aside.
2. Prepare an ice bath. 
3. In a pot of salted boiling water, blanch the snap peas until crisp-tender, about 1-2 minutes. 
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice bath to cool completely; Drain and pat dry.
5. In a large skillet, melt the squash blossom butter. 
6. Add the pasta and pasta water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. 
7. Add the peas; Cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened and the peas are heated through, about 2 minutes. 
8. Add the chives, the basil, cheese, lemon zest and lemon juice.
9. Season with salt and pepper prior to serving and pass additional cheese as desired.

Enjoy!

Cacio e Pepe Ham and White Bean Soup

Cacio e Pepe Ham and White Bean Soup

adapted from Food & Wine

This soups takes a but of time but it is well worth the effort. Always save your cheese rinds and ham bones in your freezer for just such occassions as this. 

My husband cuts up my ham bones with a santized saw. No ham bone use ham hocks and chop a few ounces of a ham steak.

Need to save a little time, replace the dried, cooked beans with a 15 oz. can of cannellini beans.

Makes 3 servings                                                                5 WW pts / serving

Cooking spray
2/3 yellow onions, chopped divided
1 1/3 large celery stalks, chopped, divided
1 1/3 carrots (about 1/3 pound), peeled, chopped, divided
4 garlic cloves, peeled, 2 smashed and 2 chopped, divided
1/3 (2/3-1 lb.) smoked ham bone, preferably with meat
2 2/3 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds or pecorino Romano cheese rinds 
3 thyme sprigs
4 cups water, plus more if soup is getting too thick
1 tsp.coarsely ground black pepper, plus more for serving
1/3 cup dried cannellini beans or other dried white beans, soaked overnight, drained
1/3 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for serving

Kosher salt

1. To a pot coated with cooking spray add half of the onion, celery, carrot and smashed garlic cloves;  Cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. 
2. Add ham bone, cheese rinds, thyme sprigs, and water; bring to a boil over high. 
3. Reduce heat to low; simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally until broth is cloudy and tastes strongly like Parmesan and ham, about 1 1/2 hours.
4. Pour the broth through a fine mesh strainer set over a large measuring cup or bowl, pressing vegetables and cheese rinds to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. 
5. Reserve ham bone. Wipe pot clean.
6. Coat the pot with cooking spray; Add the remaining chopped vegetables and pepper.
7. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables start to soften,  about 5 minutes. 
8. Stir in the minced garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
9. Add ham bone, drained beans, and strained broth; bring to a boil over high. 
10. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until beans are creamy and tender and ham meat easily pulls away from bone, 2 hours; Add a little water if the soup is getting too thick.
11. Transfer 1/3 cup of soup to the bowl of a mini food processor, removing any ham pieces, process until smooth; Stir mashed soup back into pot.
12. Remove ham bone from soup, and shred meat (about 1/3 cup); Return meat to soup, and discard bone. Add cheese and stir until melted; Season to taste with salt. 
13. Ladle soup into individual bowls; Sprinkle with additional black pepper and cheese.

Enjoy!

Pork Meatball Chili

Pork Meatball Chili

adapted from Food Network Magazine March 2019

This recipe is essentially using a vegetable chili as a sauce for pork meatballs that use tortilla chips as a binder. The cream in the meatballs keep them very tender and moist.

Mexican oregano has a strong, citrusy, and slightly licorice-like flavor, while Italian oregano (also known as regular or Mediterranean oregano) is more earthy, floral, and minty with a milder taste.

Makes 2 servings                                        3 WW pts / serving without garnishes

1/2 lbs. lean ground pork
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. light cream
2 Tbsp. crushed tortilla chips
1 Tbsp. grated Cojita or Parmesan cheese
1/2 beaten egg
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

Cooking spray
1/4 large onion, chopped
1/4 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 small clove of garlic, chopped  
1 1/2 tsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp.chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. dried Mexican oregano

1/4 tsp. Penzeys Southwest Seasoning™

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 15-ounce cans kidney beans (do not drain)
3/4 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes

1/4 cup water + more for thinning if needed

1/2 tsp. dried cilantro

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Jalapeno peppers, reduced fat sour cream, reduced fat cheddar cheese, cilantro & /or scallions (optional)

1. Make the meatballs by mixing the pork, cream, tortilla chips, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder and kosher salt. 
2. Form into 1-inch balls; If time refrigerate for an hour.
3. Meanwhile, heat a pot coated with cooking spray over medium heat and cook the onion and pepper cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes; Add the garlic and cook  a couple more minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, coriander and oregano; Cook, stirring, until brick red, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the beans, tomatoes, 1/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, adjusting the heat as needed and stirring occasionally, until thickened, and the flavors meld, about 60 minutes, adding additional water if it is getting too thick.
6. Preheat the broiler.
7. Remove the meatballs from the refrigerator; Broil the meatballs on a baking sheet until browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
8. Add the meatballs to the finished chili and simmer 10 more minutes; Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
9. Garnish as desired prior to serving, if using.

Enjoy!

No Knead Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

No Knead Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

adapted from Bon Appetit

This bread is the first recipe I tried from the Bon Appetit Bake Club but of course I had to make some changes like using bread flour and using my stand mixer.

It takes a long time to make but a lot of it is not active time.

My husband told me, he thought it came from a bakery, it was so good.

Makes 1 large round loaf, 12 slices                                        6 WW pts / serving

4 cups (500 g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
2 tsp. Kosher salt
1 ¼-oz. envelope instant yeast (about 2¼ tsp.)

1 3/4 cups warm water, about 110F
4 jalapeños, quartered lengthwise, cut into ½" pieces
1 8-oz. block sharp orange cheddar, cut into ½" cubes
Vegetable oil (for scissors)

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, Kosher salt, yeast and water and mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically, just until the flour is hydrated and a very shaggy dough forms, about 3 minutes. 
2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let mixture sit at room temperature 15 minutes.
3. Set a small bowl of room-temperature water on work surface within easy reach. 
4. Uncover dough and, using a damp hand, stretch one side of dough up and over to meet opposite side; turn bowl 90°. Repeat process 3 more times, turning bowl after each fold. (This constitutes 1 full fold.) Re-moisten your hands and shake off excess water any time dough begins to feel sticky. 
5. Cover dough and let sit 30 minutes. 
6. Repeat folding process to make 1 full fold every 30 minutes, for a total of 3 more full folds, 1 hour and 30 minutes total. By the last full fold, the dough should be significantly smoother and tighter.
7. Add about half jalapeños and cheeseto dough, pressing pieces in, then stretch dough over itself to evenly distribute throughout the dough. 
8. Repeat with remaining jalapeños and cheddar. 
9. Transfer dough to a generously floured surface, dust with flour, and shape into a tight round ball; Dust dough with more flour. 
10. Dust a kitchen towel with flour and place in a the cleaned bowl of the stand mixer to line. 
11. Place dough, smooth side down (seam side up), on top of towel in bowl. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough sit in a warm, dry area until puffy, about 45 minutes.
12. Place a rack in middle of oven and set a large Dutch oven with a lid in center of rack. Preheat to 450°.
13. Tear a 12x12" sheet of parchment paper; Cut a 2" slit in each corner, cutting toward the center; Place it on a large plate. 
14. Set parchment-lined plate upside down over bowl and very carefully turn bowl and plate over in one motion to tip dough out gently onto center of parchment.
15. Working quickly and using a pair of sharp scissors lightly coated in vegetable oil, cut an X in center of dough. 
16. Using parchment paper, lower dough on parchment into center of Dutch oven; Cover pot and bake bread 35 minutes.
17. Remove lid from pot and reduce oven temperature to 375°. Continue to bake bread until crust is deeply browned, 60–90 minutes more. 
18. Turn loaf out onto a wire rack and let cool before slicing (about 2 hours).

Enjoy!

Crispy Pork Milanese

Crispy Pork Milanese

adapted from Food & Wine^© August 2007

The mix of panko and Parmesan cheese in the breading here gets crunchy when pan-fried.

Makes 2 servings                                                                12 WW pts / serving

2 center cut pork chops, pounded 1/4 inch thick
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup panko 
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
pinch dried oregano, crumbled
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
2 Tbsp. + 2 Tsp. rice flour or all-purpose flour
1 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

1. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. 
2. Set up a 3 stage breading station with the panko, cheese, oregano and nutmeg in one bowl, flour in a second bowl and egg in a third.
3. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place rack over the top.
4. Dredge the cutlets in the flour,tapping off the excess, then dip them in the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off; Finally, coat the cutlets with the panko mixture, pressing to help the crumbs adhere.
5. In each of 2 large skillets, heat 1/2 inch of olive oil until shimmering. 
6. Add the cutlets to the skillets and fry over high heat, turning once, until crisp, golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes total. 
7. Drain the pork on rack over the paper towel lined rack.paper towels,
8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Enjoy!

Layered Ham Salad

Layered Ham Salad

I like to make individual servings of this salad in clear glass bowls so the lavering is apparent. If increasing amount use a large glass bowl or a trifle bowl.

Reduce the point value by substituting chicken or turkey for the ham and use reduced fat Mexican cheese blend.

Makes 2 servings                              3 WW pts / salad + 1 WW pt./Tbsp dressing

1 Tbsp. chopped jalapeno pepper
1 Tbsp. chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
1 tsp. sugar substitute
4 tsp. taco sauce
3 oz, torn romaine lettuce or prefered lettuce
4 slices deli ham or ham steak, chopped (about 2 ounces)
1 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
2 Tbsp. chopped onions
2 Tbsp. cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

1. In a small saute pan coated with cooking spray, saute the jalapeno and bell peppers until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the corn kernels; Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes; Set aside to cool.
3. Combine the mayonnaise, taco sauce and sugar substitute in a small bowl and whisk to combine; Set aside.
4. Divide the lettice between two bowls.
5. Divide the remaining ingredients between the 2 bowls layering in the following order: ham, tomato, onion / cucumber, corn mixture, cheese and dressing.

Enjoy!









In a small bowl, mix dressing ingredients.

Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Gravy

Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Gravy

adapted from Food Network

These are the cheesiest grits I have ever had. The smoked black pepper white cheddar cheese was a challenge to find. The only brand I found was made by Tillamook and it was only available at Sprouts . I think you would be able to use a more readily available smoked cheddar and add freshly crushed black pepper to taste.

Makes 4 servings

Grits:
1 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 tsp. Better Than Bouillon Premium Roasted Chicken Base™ or powdered bouillon

1/2 cup grits

2 cups water
1 oz. block cream cheese
2 oz. smoked black pepper white cheddar cheese, chopped
2 1/2 oz. gouda, shredded
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. ground white pepper

Cajun Gravy:

1 strip bacon
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. Slap Ya Mama Original Blend Cajun Seasoning™
2 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
2 tsp. chili powder
pinch of dried parsley

Shrimp:

1 lb. large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tablespoon Slap Ya Mama Original Blend Cajun Seasoning™

1. In a saucepan on medium heat, stir together the butter, bouillon and water until the butter is melted.
2. Add the grits; Cook until the grits are fluffy and tender, about 15 minutes. 
3. Add the cream cheese and stir until blended; Add the cheddar and gouda and stir until completely melted, about 10 minutes. 
4. Add the heavy cream and white pepper; Set aside and keep warm.
5. Cook the bacon in a skillet, then remove the bacon and crumble and set aside. 
6. Mix the tomato paste into the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until it turns a darker color.
7. Whisk in the the cream. 
8. Add the paprika, Creole seasoning, white pepper, chili powder and parsley and bring to a simmer until it thickens.
9. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet with the oil.
10. Season the shrimp with the cajun seasoning.
11. Sauté the shrimp in a saucepan until opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on the size of your shrimp.
12. Plate the grits, top with cajun gravy then shrimp and crumble bacon on top.

Enjoy!

Tomato Scallion Parmesan Mini Quiches

Tomato Scallion Parmesan Mini Quiches

adapted from Eating Well

A fun play on a crustless quiche which comes together quickly. Trade out any leftover vegetables you have in the refrigerator.

Makes 1 serving                                                                1 WW pt. / serving

Cooking spray
1 slice deli cooked ham, cut in half
2 slices roma tomatoes, chopped
1/3 scallion, thinly chopped
1 leaf basil, chopped
a few grinds freshly cracked black pepper
2 tsp. finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 large eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 
2. Coat 2  standard muffin cups with cooking spray.; Add water to the remaining cups to prevent scorching.
3. Line prepared muffin cups with ham. 
4. Divide tomatoes, green onions, basil and pepper among cups. 
5. Top with cheese. 
6. Pour eggs over tomato mixture.
7. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and a tester comes out clean; Cool in cups 5 minutes. 
8. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Bun-less Chili Cheese Turkey Dogs

Bun-less Chili Cheese Turkey Dogs

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

I lightened this recipe by replacing ground beef with ground turkey, beef hot dogs with smoked turkey dogs and American cheese with light American cheese as well as making less cheese sauce.

served with Zucchini Chips

Makes 4 servings                                                        5 WW pts / serving

1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 cup water
8 ounces deli American cheese, chopped coarse
4 tsp. skim milk
2 Tbsp. chopped jarred hot banana peppers, plus 1 tsp. brine
4 smoked turkey hot dogs
¼ cup finely chopped onion

1. In a pan coated with cooking spray, combine the turkey, chili powder, salt, and pepper; Cook over medium heat breaking up the meat, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. 
2. Push the turkey to the side; Add the tomato paste and cook until paste begins to darken, about 1 minute. Add water, stir to combine the tomato paste and turkey; Cook until sauce thickens and coats the turkey, about 4 minutes. 
3. Set aside and keep warm.
4. While the meat is cooking, microwave the American cheese, milk, and brine in small bowl until cheese is fully melted, about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Cover to keep warm.
5. Cook the hot dogs in a grill pan or on the grill, about 2 minutes per side. 
6. To serve divide hot dogs, chili, and cheese sauce evenly among 4 plates. 
7. Top with the peppers and onion prior to serving

Enjoy!.