Beef & Mashed Potato Bowls

Beef & Mashed Potato Bowls

adapted from Food Network

Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort featuring savory ground beef simmered with aromatic onions and carrots in a rich, tangy sauce of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. This hearty beef mixture is served over a bed of creamy, skin-on red mashed potatoes whipped with tangy buttermilk and finished with a fresh sprinkle of scallion greens.

Makes 2 servings

1/2 lb. red-skinned potatoes, peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces
Kosher salt
1 Tbsp.butter
1/2 cup buttermilk, plus more if needed
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh scallions, green part only, plus more for topping
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1/2 lb.ground beef
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. water

1. Put the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water and add a big pinch of salt. 
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat until tender, 12 to 15 minutes; Drain. 
3. Add the butter to the pan over low heat to melt.
4. Rice the potatoes into the pan, add the buttermilk and mash to combine. 
5. Season to taste with salt, pepper and the chives; Keep warm.
6. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 
7. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. 
8. Move the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beef to the empty side. 
9. Cook over breaking up the meat until no longer pink,  about 4 minutes; Stir to combine the beef and vegetables. 
10. Add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce; cook 1 minute. 
11. Spoon off any excess oil, then stir in 2 Tbsp. water and cook until the mixture is saucy, about 2 minutes.
12. Season to taste with salt and pepper
13. Add a splash of buttermilk to the mashed potatoes if they’re too thick; divide among bowls. 
14. Top with the beef and more scallions.

Enjoy!

Asian Chicken Salad with Corn and Mango in Wonton Cups

Asian Chicken Salad with Corn and Mango in Wonton Cups

Adapted from The Buffet Book^©  by Carole Peck

Treat your guests to a vibrant, tropical-inspired appetizer with these Asian Chicken Salad Wonton Cups. Each bite features tender shredded chicken, juicy diced mango, and sweet corn kernels nestled in a golden-brown, crispy wonton shell.

Makes about 24 cups

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. + 4 tsp. oyster sauce, divided
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh garlic
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh ginger
3/4 Tbsp. lemongrass paste

3 bone in skin on chicken thighs

1/2 cup bean sprouts, chopped

1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts or jicama
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
1/2 cup finely chopped mango
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped

Cooking spray

1/2 package (12 oz.) wonton wrappers

1. Combine the brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1Tbsp. oyster sauce, garlic, ginger and lemongrass paste in a sealable container and whisk to combine.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and place the sealed container in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 300F. 
4. Bake the chicken in the marinade for 75 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and set aside to cool.  
6. Increase oven temperature to 375F.
7. Coat a mini muffin tin for with vegetable cooking spray. 
8. Place one wonton sheet in each well, pushing down in center to form a cup. 
9. Bake in preheated oven about 5-10 minutes until cups are golden. 
10. Set the cups aside to cool.
11. Meanwhile combine the bean sprouts, corn kernels, carrot, water chestnuts, scallions, mango, cilantro and basil in a large bowl.
12. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and discard; Chop the meat finely. (You should have about 8 ounces of cooked meat.)
13. Add the chicken and and 4 tsp. oyster sauce to the large bowl and mix to combine.
14. Fill the wonton cups with the chicken salad prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Deviled Egg Dip

Deviled Egg Dip

adapted from Allrecipes

All the flavors of a deviled egg but you can spread it on a cracker or toast points.

Want to make this recipe for a crowd but hate peeling hard boiled eggs? Crack 12 eggs into a loaf pan, baked in a water bath, in a preheated 350F oven for about 30 minutes, allow to cool about 10 minutes then blend with the remaining ingredients. 

Makes 2 servings                                               3 WW pts / serving for dip alone

2 large hard boiled eggs, peeled

2 Tbsp. reduced fat mayonnaise 

1 1/2 oz. reduced fat cream cheese 

3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard 

1 Tbsp. pickle relish 

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 

1/4 tsp. Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning or your favorite Creole seasoning 

3/4 scallion, thinly sliced 

paprika for garnish 

1. Add eggs to a mini food processor and finely chopped. 
2. Add mayonnaise, cream cheese, mustard, Worcestershire, and Cajun / Creole seasoning; Process until smooth. 
3. Transfer dip to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 
4. Top with green onions and sprinkle with paprika prior to serving.

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!

Asian Wedding Soup

Asian Wedding Soup

adapted from Food Network

One of my favorite soups is Italian Wedding Soup. This recipe puts an Asian twist on it with the flavors of dumpling filling and ramen noodles.

If you are not going to be eating the soup shortly after it is cooked, cook the ramen separately and store in a separate container. This prevents the noodles from over absorbing the broth and becoming soggy.

Reminder: If a recipe calls for chopped fresh herbs, measure the herbs AFTER you chop them' if herbs, chopped measure before chopping.

Makes 2 servings                                                                  8 WW pts / serving

1/2 lb. ground lean turkey

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce

1/2 large beaten egg

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp. sugar substitute
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1 clove garlic, grated
1 scallion, thinly sliced
Cooking spray

Cooking spray
3 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
Pinch of Kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp. minced ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups Homemade chicken stock or canned chicken broth

1 3 oz. package dried ramen noodles. broken up

1 cup sliced spinach

Sambal oelek or your preferred Asian chili sauce, for serving

1. In a bowl, mix the turkey, cilantro, soy sauce, egg, panko, sugar substitute, salt, garlic and scallions together. 
2. Scoop the meatball mixture into 12 small balls and roll. 
3. In a pan coated with cooking spray or in a slow cooker with a searing function (coat the bottom of the insert with cooking spray), cook the meatballs until cooked through , about 4-6 minutes, tuning to brown on all sides. 
4. Remove the meatballs to a plate and store in the refrigerator until the soup base is made.
5. Recoat the pan or slow cooker insert with cooking spray; Sauté the scallion whites with  a pinch of salt and cook for a couple of minutes until softened.
6. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute. 
7. Add the stock, cover and and cook on high for, 2 hours. If using a traditional slow cooker combine the sautéed scallion mixture and the both to the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours.
8. Open the slow cooker and set to sauté; Once it is boiling, add the ramen, spinach and meatballs and cook cook for another 3 minutes until the noodles and spinach are soft and the meatballs are heated through.  If using traditional slow cooker, transfer the both to a pot, bring to a boil; Add ramen, spinach and meatballs and cook for about 3 minutes.
9. Adjust seasoning as needed. 
10. Add the scallion greens and serve with sambal oelek.

Enjoy!

Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns with Pickled Cucumbers

Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns with Pickled Cucumbers

adapted from Bon Appetit

The pork can be cooked 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat before serving.

Bao buns are available in Asian grocers. No bao buns? No problem! Serve in lettuce cups.

Makes 3 servings

1 12-ounce piece skin-on pork belly
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp.Truvia brown sugar blend™, divided

4 chiles de árbol
2 star anise pods
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 Persian or kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 scallions, thinly sliced
½ red chile (such as Fresno or jalapeño), thinly sliced
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
3 Tbsp.white miso
6 Bao buns
1/4 bunch mint
1/4 cup kimchi

1. Diagonally score fat side of pork belly, cutting through fat but stopping at flesh and spacing about ¼" apart. 
2. Season pork with salt and pepper and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. brown sugar; Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let sit at least 2 hours, or chill up to 2 days.
3. Preheat oven to 400°. 
4. Unwrap pork and place in the smallest baking dish you have available. 
5. Add chiles de árbol, star anise, soy sauce, remaining 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, and 1¼ cups water. 
6. Roast until most of fat has rendered, meat is tender, and top is browned and crisp, 2–2½ hours.
7. Meanwhile, toss cucumbers, scallions, red chile, and vinegar in a small bowl to combine. 
8. Mix gochujang and miso in another small bowl.
9. Steam the bao buns for 10 minutes.
10. Transfer pork to a cutting board; let rest 10 minutes. 
11. Pour off pan juices into a measuring glass. Skim fat from surface.
12. Slice pork into ½" slices, transfer to a platter, and pour pan juices over. 
13. Meanwhile steam the bao buns for 10 minutes or until heated through; Cut  open the bao bun but not completely through.
14. Serve the pork in the bao buns with the cucumber salad, mint, kimchi , and gochujang-miso mixture for topping.

Enjoy!

Tomato & Charred Corn Butter Toast

Tomato & Charred Corn Butter Toast

adapted from EatingWell^©

This is a fresh, bright, knife and fork-able open-faced sandwich which is especially good right now when corn and tomatoes are in season. It has a nice combination of sweet, savory and tangy. You can bake the corn butter ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. If you have extra, you can add it to your summer vegetables, seafood or pasta.

Urfa pepper or Urfa Biber, is a dark burgundy almost black Turkish chili pepper characterized by a complex, smoky, salty-sweet, and slightly sour flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and raisins. It is not easy to find so common substitutes are Aleppo pepper, chipotle chile powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper for black pepper. Each have some of the characteristics of urfa pepper but not all of them.

Makes 1 serving                                                                9 WW pts / serving

1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh corn kernels
1 tsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
3/4 tsp thinly sliced fresh scallion, green part only, plus more for garnish
1/2 small clove garlic, grated
1 slice sourdough bread or your favorite hearty bread, toasted
2 slices heirloom tomato (½-inch thick), halved
Flakey sea salt or Kosher salt

Urfa pepper or Freshly ground black pepper

Torn basil leaves for garnish

1. Heat  the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels; cook, undisturbed, until most kernels are charred, 5 to 7 minutes more. 
2. Transfer to the bowl and set aside to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
3. Add softened butter, chives, garlic and scallions to the corn mixture; stir to combine.
4. Spread the corn butter on toast using as much or as little as you desire. 
5. Arrange halved tomato slices on top of the corn butter. 
6. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and basil.

Enjoy !

Garlic Miso Pork Noodle Bowl

Garlic Miso Pork Noodle Bowl

adapted from Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2019

Miso is a traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans and is a rich source of probiotics.

Probiotics improve gut health, boosts immune function, reduces inflammation and supports heart health.

Makes 2 servings                                                            7 WW pts / serving

4 oz. rice noodles, cooked according to package directions

Cooking spray
4 oz. of lean ground pork
1 1/2 Tbsp. grated yellow onion
4 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms
1 Tbsp. white miso
1/2 tsp. chili garlic sauce
1 cup of beef stock
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
1/4 cup sliced scallions

1. In a skillet coated with cooking spray, cook the pork, onion and mushrooms, until the pork is cooked entirely and the mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. 
2. Stir in the miso paste, garlic sauce, beef broth, and carrots; Bring to a boil and cook until the carrots are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce; Toss to combine.
4. Top with the scallions prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Korean Bulgogi Tacos

Korean Bulgogi Tacos

adapted from Food Network

Bulgogi is a Korean dish of thinly sliced, marinated meat, most commonly beef, that is grilled or stir-fried. Feel free of substitute boneless skinless chicken for the short ribs for the non-beef eaters.

This recipe was originally featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives from Garbo's Grill in Key West.

Makes 6 tacos                                                                    15 WW pts / taco

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, beef short ribs or 2 - 2 1/2 lbs. bone in short ribs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 Tbsp. Truvia brown sugar blend
2 Tbsp. sesame oil
3 cloves garlic
3 scallions
1 tsp. peeled and grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 cups roughly chopped green or Napa cabbage
1/2 cup matchstick-size jicama slices
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 large or 3 small scallions, slivered

1 lime, juiced, about 2 Tbsp.
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. mirin
1 tbsp. Sriracha
1 Tbsp. olive oil

6 6-inch flour tortillas

Sriracha, for serving

1. If using bone-in short ribs, remove the bones, reserving for making stock if desired.
2. Trim any excess fat from the boneless short ribs then thinly slice the beef and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces and place in a large container.
3. In a small food processor, blend the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, scallions and ginger. Pour half of the sauce over the short ribs; Seal tightly and marinate the short ribs in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
4. Place the other half of the marinade in a pan and reduce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick, about 5 minutes; Place in a serving bowl and reserve to drizzle on the tacos.
5. Place the cabbage, jicama, cilantro and scallions together in a medium bowl; set aside.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, mirin, sriracha and oil; Store the dressing in the fridge until ready to use.
7. Heat oven and ovenproof bowl to 250F.
8. Heat a large skillet over high heat. 
9. Cook 1/3 - 1/2 of the meat in the skillet 2 minutes, flip. and cook an additional 3 minutes, transfer to the heated bowl and store in warm oven until ready to make the taco.
10. Repeat with remaining meat.
11. Heat tortillas in microwave, about 20 seconds.
12. Make the tacos by piling some slaw, dressing, beef, reserved and reduced marinade.
13. Serve with extra sriracha if desired.

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!

Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken

adapted from Jerk from Jamaica by Helen Willinsky

Jerk chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish featuring chicken marinated in a spicy and aromatic blend of seasonings, then traditionally grilled or smoked. To make it easier for the home cook I put mine in the oven.

Makes 2 - 4 servings               7 WW pts for 4 servings / 14 WW pts for 2 servings

1 onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped scallions

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

1 tsp. sugar substitute

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 habanero chile, chopped

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

2 chicken legs, thigh separated from drumstick

1. Make the marinade by combining all ingredients except the chicken legs and cooking spray; Whisk to combine.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable container and add the marinade; Turn the chicken to coat.
3. Place the chicken in the refrigerate to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 350F.
5. Place a rack over a baking sheet; Coat the rack with cooking spray.
6. Place chicken on the rack; Bake in the preheated oven until it registers 165F on an instant read thermometer, about 45 minutes.
7. Turn on the broiler; Broil the chicken until the chicken begins to crisp, about 5 minutes.

Enjoy!

Zucchini Feta Tots with Minty Yogurt Dip

Zucchini Feta Tots with Minty Yogurt Dip

adapted from Recipeineats

These tasty little bites are a great way to use the bounty of summer zucchini. Traditionally these tots or fritter are deep or pan fried but these are baked in a convection oven to make them healthier.

No convection oven? An air fryer will work. You can also cook them in a conventional oven at 400F but you might need to cook them longer.

Makes 9 tots                                                                            2 WW pts/ piece

1/3 lb. zucchini, shredded
3 pinches kosher salt, divided
2 2/3 Tbsp. rice flour 
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
2 2/3 Tbsp. shredded parmesan cheese

1 tsp. dried oregano 
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 2/3 oz feta cheese , crumbled
Cooking spray
Lemon wedges and fresh oregano leaves , optional garnishes
1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt 
1 tsp. fresh mint , finely chopped
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp olive oil
Few grinds  of black pepper

1. Preheat convection oven to 390°F
2. Place the shredded zucchini mixed with a pinch of pepper in a colander; Let sweat for 30 minutes.
3. Place the drained zucchini in a towel and twist to remove excess water; Place the it in a bowl.
4. Add the rice flour, panko, egg, scallions, parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic, and a pinch of salt to the zucchini; Mix well to combine. 
5. Add the feta and gently stir through.
6. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray
7. Form the tots using a tablespoon of zucchini mixture and place on prepared pan.–
8. coat the tots generously with cooking spray. 
9. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a crunchy crust forms on the surface. 
10. While the tots are baking, make the mint by combining the yogurt, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, remaining salt and pepper.
11. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves, if using, and serve with minty yogurt and lemon wedges.

Enjoy! 

BBQ Shrimp with Avocado Salad

BBQ Shrimp with Avocado Salad

adapted from Food & Wine

This recipe has a surprising amount of worcestershire sauce but it works.

When cooking for 2 I like to get the mini avocados. They are large enough for 2 without any leftovers that are going to oxidize.

Makes 2 servings                                                            9 WW pts / serving

Cooking spray
1/2 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. dry white wine
1/4 tsp. chopped thyme
1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Homemade chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
12 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. butter
Sliced scallions, for garnish
1 Tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 small avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into wedges
1/2 romaine hearts (5 ounces), chopped
1/2 small fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 large radishes, thinly sliced

Flaky sea salt & Aleppo pepper (optional)

1. In a small saucepan coated with cooking spray, cook the shallot and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. 
2. Stir in the wine and thyme and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. 
3. Add the Worcestershire sauce and broth and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes.
4. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of grapeseed oil. 
5. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; Cook over moderately high heat, turning once, for 2 minutes total.
6. Stir in the sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes. 
7. Add the butter, stirring until incorporated and season with salt. Transfer the shrimp to a platter and garnish with scallions.
8. Meanwhile, make the salad by whisking the olive oil with the water and lemon juice in a large bowl. 
9. Add the romaine, fennel and radishes, season with salt and toss to coat; Top with the avocado seasoned with flaky sea salt an Aleppo pepper, if using.
10. Serve the salad beside the shrimp.

Enjoy!

Scallion Speckled Rice

Scallion Speckled Rice

adapted from Bon Appetit

Scallion-infused oil, or pa gireum in Korean, is a fragrant way to start this simple but tasty rice dish. 

Served with Chicken with Snap Peas & Shiitakes

Makes 3 servings                                                                7 WW pts  1/2 cup

1/2 thinly sliced scallions whites and light green parts

1 Tbsp. thinly sliced scallion dark green part 
1 Tbsp.. grapeseed oil or other neutral oil
1/2 cup jasmine rice, rinsed until water runs almost clear
½ tsp. Kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium; Add white and pale green scallion parts and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the rinsed rice,  1/2 tsp. salt, and 3/4 cup water and bring to a boil. 
3. Tightly cover pan and reduce heat to low; cook, adjusting heat as needed to maintain a simmer, 10 minutes.
4. Remove rice from heat, uncover, and scatter reserved dark green scallion parts on top. Drape a kitchen towel over pan and cover with lid. Let sit 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and finish cooking.
5. Fluff rice with a fork to incorporate scallions. 
6. Season to taste with more salt if needed.

Enjoy!

Sichuan Beef Tenderloin

Sichuan Beef Tenderloin

adapted from Food Network

You can adjust the heat of the dish by removing some of the chiles or by leaving the seeds in the chiles.

If the sauce gets too thick while it is resting, thin it out to your liking with a little water.

Makes 3 servings                                                            6 WW pts / serving

2 tsp. corn starch
2 tsp. egg whites
2 tsp.Chinese cooking wine or white wine
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch Kosher salt
10 ounces beef tenderloin, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

2 Tbp. soy sauce
2 Tbsp. sugar substitute
2 Tbsp. Chinese black vinegar

2 Tbsp. water
2 tsp.corn starch

5 ounces vegetable oil
6 pieces dried chile de arbol, stems & seeds removed, 1/4-inch dice
2 tsp. scallions, white and light green parts, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
1 cup steamed broccoli

1 1/2 cups cooked white rice for serving

Chopped scallion greens for garnish.

1. Combine the corn starch, egg whites, wine, garlic, garlic powder, pepper and salt in a bowl; Whisk together. 
2. Add in the cubed beef; Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
3. In a small saucepan bring the soy sauce, sugar and vinegar to a boil. 
4. Combine water and the corn starch in a small bowl to make a slurry; Stir into the sauce.
5. Cook the mixture for 1 minute; Remove from the heat and set aside.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a wok until just hot (a drop of water will sizzle); Pour rhe oil into a heat proof container and reserve.
7. Return the pan to the heat and cook the marinated beef  until seared on both sides.; Remove the beef from the pan; Set aside.
8. Add 2 teaspoons of the reserved oil to the pan; Add the dried chiles and saute for 30 seconds
9. Add in the onions, garlic and ginger, and saute until the onions are lightly wilted and the garlic and ginger are slightly caramelized, about 1 minute.
10. Return the beef to the pan, and add the broccoli and sauce.
11. Serve over the rice garnished with scallions.

Enjoy!

San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles

San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

I had never heard of San Francisco Garlic Noodles prior to reading the article. According to AI, it originated at the Thanh Long restaurant in San Francisco. It feature chewy, garlicky, and buttery noodles. They are an umami bomb.

Maggi seasoning is a savory element that made from hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which is derived from wheat. Make sure you are using garlic powder not granulated garlic or the sauce will be grainy.

Clarifying the butter(removing the whey) gives it a higher smoke point. If it is not the whey will brown and create a nutty taste which will detract from the garlic.

Makes 2 servings                                                                20 WW pts / serving

4 Tbsp. butter, cut into 4 pieces
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated on the large holes of a box grater
2 1/2 tsp. minced garlic, divided

1 1/2 tsp. water, divided
pinch Kosher salt
1 lb. fresh udon noodles
1 1/2 tsp. Maggi liquid seasoning
1 1/2 scallions, sliced thin
1/8 tsp. sugar substitute
Freshly ground black pepper.

1. To clarify the butter, microwave butter, covered, in a cup at 50 percent power until melted, about 30 seconds; Let sit until whey and yellow butterfat separate, about 3 minutes. 
2. Combine the garlic powder and 3/4 tsp. water in small bowl; Stir until smooth paste forms.
3. Stir in additional 3/4 tsp. water; Set aside.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil. 
5. Meanwhile, transfer 1 1/2 Tbsp. clarified butter to a skillet.
6. Add 2 tsp. garlic and salt; Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic is pale golden brown, about 5 minutes. 
7. Add remaining 1 tsp. garlic, stir well, and remove skillet from heat.
8. When water comes to boil, add noodles; Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 5 minutes. Transfer the noodles directly from the water to the skillet.
9. Add the Maggi to skillet; Cook over medium-high heat, tossing with tongs, until Maggi is absorbed and any large garlic clumps are broken up, about 30 seconds. 
10. Add the scallions, sugar substitute, remaining 2 1/2 Tbsp. remaining whey and butterfat, and the garlic powder mixture; Toss until well combined, about 30 seconds. 
11. Off heat, season with to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
12. Add 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. 
13. Serve immediately, passing the remaining Parmesan separately.

Enjoy!

Homemade Veggie Cream Cheese Finger Sandwiches

Homemade Veggie Cream Cheese Finger Sandwiches

adapted from Food Network

Homemade veggie cream cheese is so much better than store bought!

Makes 24 servings 

1 1/2 (8-ounce) packages reduced fat cream cheese, slightly softened
2 Tbsp. finely diced red onion
1 1/2 tsp.  chopped chives, or more to taste
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh dill, or more to taste
3 scallions, sliced
1/2 large carrot, peeled and finely grated
1/2 stalk celery, finely diced
1/2 clove garlic
1/4 red bell pepper, finely diced
12 slices hearty white bread

1. Combine the cream cheese with the red onion, chives, dill, scallions, carrot, celery and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. 
2. Pulse until mixed together and the spread reaches the consistency you want.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture 6 of the slices of br4ead' Top with remaining bread.
4. Cut off the crust from the sandwiches.
5. Cut into quarters prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Pepped Up Potato Salad

Pepped Up Potato Salad

adapted from Gourmet Magazine May 1994

Soaking the seeds overnight infuses the vinegar with the mustard and celery flavors that get dispersed throughout the salad. I do not light chunks of hard boiled eggs in my potato salad so I blend them into the mayonnaise.

Makes 5-6 servings                                                            4 WW pts / serving

1 1/2 tsp. mustard seed
1 tsp. celery seed
3 tbsp. cider vinegar

2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes
1 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, plus additional for garnish
3/4 cup mayonnaise
4 hard boiled eggs. 3 chopped, 1 sliced

Aleppo pepper for garlish, optional

1. In a small bowl combine the mustard seed, celery seed and vinegar. Set aside for several hours or overnight.
2. Place the potatoes in a pot of water covered by 2 inches of water. Simmer covered until tender, about 30 minutes.
3. Drain; Cool: Cut into 3/4 inch dice.
4. In a small food processor combine the mayonnaise, 3 eggs and seed mixture to form a dressing. 
5. In a large bowl combine the potatoes and scallions; Toss with the dressing to coat.
6. Chill.
7. Prior to serving, garnish with the sliced eggs, additional scallions and Aleppo pepper if using.

Enjoy!

Vegetable Sushi Roll with Sesame Miso Sauce

Vegetable Sushi Roll with Sesame Miso Sauce

adapted from Bon Appetit August 1991

Somen are thin, white, Japanese noodles made from wheat flour. They can be found on Amazon or local Asian markets. Feel free to substitute angel hair pasta or soba noodles.

The original recipe cut the rolls into 1- inch pieces. I was not convinced that they were going to hold together so I left them whole.

Makes 2 servings                                                                2 WW pts / serving

2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Homemade chicken stock, or canned broth
1 Tbsp miso

1 1/2 tsp. sugar substitute
4 large Napa cabbage leaves
2 1/2 oz. somen noodles
2 cups cold water
8 matchstick size strips red bell pepper
8 matchstick size strips hothouse cucumber
8 matchstick size strips scallions
8 matchstick size strips carrot

1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together the vinegar, stock, miso and sugar substitute in a small bowl; Set aside.
2. Fill a skillet 2/3 full with water; Bring to a boil. 
3. Add 2 cabbage leaves and simmer until leaves are just pliable, about 1 1/2 minute. 
4. Remove from water with a slotted spoon to colander. 
5. Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves; Dry thoroughly.
6. Return water in skillet to boil.
7. Add noodles and bring to boil. 
8. Stir in 1 cup cold water and return to boil. 
9. Stir in other cup of cold water and return to boil. 
10. Drain noodles; Rinse under cold water to cool and drain well.
11. Pat the cabbage dry with a paper towel; Place cabbage on work surface. 
12. Place ¼ of the noodles across width of leaf, 1 inch from stem. 
13. Top the noodles with 2 strips each of pepper, cucumber, scallion and carrots. 
14. Fold stem end in over filling, then continue to roll up tightly. 
15. Repeat with remaining leaves. 
16. Cover and chill 1-4 hours.
17. Serve passing sauce separately.

Enjoy!

Asian Pork Tenderloin with Sesame Snap Peas

Asian Pork Tenderloin with Sesame Snap Peas

adapted from Food Network

We love Asian flavors and Emeril Lagasse was one of the first chef's I watched on Food Network I never realized he created his own Asian seasoning - Emeril's Asian Essence™. It does not look like it is available to purchase any longer but there is a recipe on Emeril.com. I modified the recipe there to create only the 1 Tbsp. that you need for this recipe. You can click on the link in the recipe or use you favorite seasoning blend.

This is a little spicy so adjust the red cayenne in the seasoning blend to your taste.

Makes 2 servings                                                          4 WW points / serving                                                          

2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped scallions
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped shallots
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp. pineapple juice

2 Tbsp. loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp.  rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp.  Emeril's Asian Essence™
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 pork tenderloins (about 1/2 pounds total)

1 tsp. sesame oil
1/4 lb. snap peas, cleaned
3/4 tsp black sesame seeds
1/4 lemon, juiced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

1. Combine the green onions, shallots, soy sauce, pineapple juice, cilantro, ginger, honey, rice wine vinegar, Essence, garlic, sesame oil and crushed red pepper into the bowl of  a mini food processor; Process to puree. 
2. Place the tenderloins in a quart plastic storage bag and pour in the marinade. 
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
5. Heat an ovenproof skillet over high heat; Add the tenderloins and sear, turning to ensure even browning, about 4 minutes. 
6. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10 to 13 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 140 F. 
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
8. While the pork is cooking, heat a sauté pan over high heat, add sesame oil and heat. 
9. Add the snap peas and stir-fry for 3 minutes. 
10. Add the sesame seeds and toss well. Add the lemon juice and zest
11. season to taste with salt and pepper. 
12. Garnish with parsley before serving the peas topped with the pork.

Enjoy!