TEX-MEX HAMBURGER BEANS

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 can (approx 16 oz)chili beans
1 can (10-oz) enchilada sauce, mild
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder

In a large skillet cook the ground beef with the onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water; drain and return to skillet.

Add the chili beans, enchilada sauce, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder to the meat and onion mixture. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with warm tortillas, if desired.

 Clipart for fun

GINGERED SQUASH SAUTE

1/2 lb small zucchini squash, sliced
1 lb yellow squash, sliced in half lengthwise
1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
1 medium green bell pepper, julienned
4 tsp butter
3 medium tomatoes, peeled, quartered
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp ground ginger

Cut the lengths of yellow squash into 1/2-inch slices. Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the yellow squash, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper for a minute. Cover and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and ginger. Cover and cook another couple of minutes or until heated through.

This is a file photo.

YUMMY BANANA CREAM DESSERT

This recipe has to chill but it does go together in minutes and chills quickly.

1 pkg (4-serving size) instant banana pudding mix, prepared according to pkg directions
1 cup diced bananas
1 cup miniature marshmallows
2 tbsp chopped maraschino cherries

Add the bananas and miniature marshmallows to the prepared pudding; mix well. spoon into dessert dishes and top with the cherries. Chill.

Note: May substitute vanilla pudding for the banana.

HAWAIIAN-STYLE DESSERT

1 pkg (4-servings size) vanilla tapioca pudding mix
1 small can sliced pineapple
2 tbsp butter
1/3 cup brown sugar, firmy packed
1/4 cup flaked coconut

Prepare the pudding mix according to the package directions. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes. Stir the pudding well and then spoon evenly into 4 dessert dishes. Chill.

Drain the pineapple well, reserving 1/3 cup juice. Cut the pineapple slices in half.

Melt the butter in a skillet and add the brown sugar, stirring until softened. Gradually add the reserved pineapple juice while stirring constantly. Add the pineapple and the coconut and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and just simmer for 4 minutes. Serve the pineapple warm over the pudding.

Yield: 4 servings

PARMESAN CHICKEN SUPREME

6 round butter crackers, such as Ritz, crushed very fine
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb (4) skinless boneless chicken breast halves
2 tsp canola oil
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup low-fat tub cream cheese with onion & chives

Mix the cracker crumbs and the Parmesan cheese in a pie plate. Rinse chicken in cold water and shake off excess water. Roll chicken in the crumb/cheese mixture until evenly coated. Throw out any left over crumbs!

In a large nonstick skillet heat the oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked thoroughly. Remove to a serving platter and keep warm.

Add the chicken broth and cream cheese to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Cook, stirring, until thickened-2 to 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to serve.

 Recipe and photo from Kraft Foods.

QUICK AND EASY STRIP STEAKS

You can enjoy a quick "fancy" dinner with these steaks, a salad, and a crusty bread.

4 strip steaks (approx. 12-oz each)
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried marjoram
2 tbsp cooking sherry*

Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Add the steaks and cook, turning only one time, to the desired doneness level. This will take about 10 minutes for medium-rare; adjust time accordingly.

Once steaks are done, sprinkle the salt and a teaspoon of the pepper over them. Remove from the skillet to the serving platter. Set platter on the stovetop and cover with foil to keep warm.

Add the onion slices, remaining pepper, garlic, and marjoram to the skillet; cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onion is tender. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the sherry; mix well. Spoon the onion sauce over the steaks and serve immediately.

 * White grape juice may be substituted for the cooking sherry, if desired.

Note: File Photo

LUAU-STYLE CHICKEN SALAD

4 cups seasoned cooked chicken, diced
1 can (20-oz) chunk pineapple, well drained
1 can (16-oz) mandarin oranges, well drained
1 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 bottle (8-oz) buttermilk salad dressing
1 firm medium banana
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

In a large bowl, gently toss all ingredients together. Cover and chill for at least an hour. Before serving slice the banana and toss into the salad. Sprinkle the macadamia nuts over the top.

VEGGIE BAKED FLOUNDER

This recipe is quick and easy but it is also a good recipe for those watching their diets whether for reasons of health or weight. For these reasons, nutritional information is included.

1/2 to 2/3 cup sliced green onions (depending on your taste for onion)
1/2 to 34 cup sliced fresh white mushrooms (depending on your love of mushrooms)
2 lbs flounder fillets*
1 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp lemon pepper (or black pepper)
2 tbsp chicken broth
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
1/4 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400.

Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle the green onions over the bottom of the pan. Cover onions with mushrooms. Arrange the fish over the vegetables over lapping the thin part over the thick part of the next fillet. Sprinkle with the salt, marjoram, and lemon or black pepper. Combine broth and lemon juice and pour over the fish. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and cheese. Drizzle with the melted butter. Leave uncovered and bake in a 400 degree oven 10 to 15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Yield: 6 servings

*Sole also works well.
Per serving: 212 cal, 7 g (4 sat) fat, 86 mg chol, 438 mg sodium, 5 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 31 g protein.
Diabetic exchanges: 4 very lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch

EASY CHOCOLATE CRACKLES

These cookies are easy to make and they are delicious with a fudge-like center.

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tbsp water
1/2 cup shortening
powdered sugar for rolling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Stir together the cake mix, eggs, water, and shortening until well blended. Using your hands, shape the dough into small (about 1-inch) balls. Roll the balls in powdered sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet, about 1 1/2-inches apart.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Yield: approximately 4 dozen cookies.

 

Note: File Photo

PEA-CASHEW SALAD

1 pkg (10-oz) frozen peas, thawed
1 cup diced celery
1 cup cauliflower florets, broken into small pieces
1/4 cup diced green onion, including green leaves
1 cup chopped cashews*
6 strips bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup Ranch Buttermilk salad dressing
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Line serving bowl with lettuce leaves and ripe tomatoes, if desired

Rinse peas to remove any ice; drain.

In a medium bowl, combine the peas, celery, cauliflower, green onion, cashews, and bacon with the sour cream. Mix the Ranch dressing, mustard, and garlic together until well blended. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix.

*For a healthier alternative, substitute sunflower seeds for the cashews.

Yield: 4 servings

 

Note: File Photo

STUFFED CABBAGE, UNSTUFFED

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 small head of cabbage, shredded
1 can (28-oz) Mexican or Italian (your choice) tomatoes, undrained
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
dash of fresh ground black pepper

Hot cooked brown rice, if desired.

Spray the bottom of a Dutch oven lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Brown ground beef and onion together in the pan; drain off any excess grease. Stir in the cabbage, cover and cook for 5 minutes until crisp tender. Add the tomatoes. brown sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper stirring to blend together. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If desired, serve over the hot cooked rice.

Yield: 4-6 servings.

ITALIAN CHICKEN ROLLS

This recipe takes a little longer than some but you can still be eating less than an hour after you start preparation. It is also a good recipe to make ahead, wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate and serve the next day cold, sliced with your favorite creamy salad dressing.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 thin slices Provolone cheese
2 thin slices prosciutto or very lean ham
1 tsp paprika
6 tbsp panko crumbs*
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
3 tbsp melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pound each chicken breast half to a thickness of approximately 1/4-inch. Cut Prosciutto slices in half.

Layer a slice of cheese, then a half slice of prosciutto on each pounded out chicken piece. Roll up and secure with wooden toothpicks (or cooking string).

Mix the paprika, panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil together in a shallow dish. Dip chicken rolls in the butter, using tongs. Roll butter dipped chicken in the panko crumb mixture to coat evenly.

Place the dipped and breaded chicken rolls, seam sides down, in a baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is golden brown.

*Japanese bread crumbs. Substitute regular fine bread crumbs if you do not have panko.

 

Note: File Photo

YUMMY CHERRY SALAD

1 can cherry pie filling
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can (20-oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup nuts

When cream cheese is softened, mix with the sweetened condensed milk, mixing together thoroughly. Stir in the whipped topping. Add the pie filling and pineapple. Mix well. Fold in the nuts.

Note: File Photo of similar recipe.

QUICK SKILLET MEAL SUBS FOR STUFFED PEPPERS

1 lb lean ground beef
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cups chopped bell peppers
2 cans (14.5-oz each) Italian-style diced tomatoes
2 cups water
1 can (6-oz) tomato paste
8 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tsp salt
2 or 3 twists of fresh ground black pepper
1 cup uncooked instant brown rice

Spray a large, deep nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add beef to saucepan and cook until browned through. Drain the meat to remove excess fat. Return the meat to the skillet with the garlic, cooking for about a minute. Add the bell peppers and cook approximately 3 more minutes until peppers are crisp tender. Stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste, two tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil; stir in the rice. Remove from the heat, cover, let stand for five minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 6 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the mixture before serving.
 

 Note: File photo for reference

GARLIC CANNELLINI BEAN DIP

1 can (15-oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp ground cumin
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

In a food processor combine the beans, vinegar, garlic, salt and cumin. Add the cover and process until smooth. Add the yogurt, parsley, and cilantro. Replace cover and process just until blended.

This dip is great with assorted crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.

WESTWARD HO GUACAMOLE

1 cup mashed ripe avocado
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/3 cup mayonnaise

In a small bowl combine the avocado, lemon juice, salt, and chili powder. Stir in the mayonnaise until blended. Serve with corn or tortilla chips.

FRENCH DRESSING PARTY DIP

1 block (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup bottled French Salad Dressing
2 tsp onion, chopped very fine
2 tbsp catsup

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix until well blended. Refrigerate until serving time.

This dip is great with assorted crackers, chips, and fresh vegetables.

 For reference only. Not a brand recommendation.

CARAMEL PECAN BROWNIES (BLONDIES)

12 vanilla caramels (from a package of wrapped caramels)
1/3 cup butter
2 tbsp milk
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan and set aside.

In a 2-qt saucepan, combine the caramels, butter, and milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, just until the caramels melt. Remove from the heat. Stir in the sugar; add the eggs and vanilla stirring well until blended. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the mixture in the saucepan, stirring until blended. Stir in the pecans. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, at 350 degrees. Cool before cutting into bars.

ZUCCHINI CORNBREAD CAKES

1 small zucchini
1 pkt (6 1/2-oz) cornbread mix
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
canola oil for frying

Shred the zucchini and microwave on medium-high for 2 minutes. drain well. In a small mixing bowl combine the zucchini, cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Mix well and let stand about 5 minutes.

Heat the canola oil in a pan with deep sides. Use only enough oil to coat the pan, you do not want to deep fry the cakes. When the oil is hot, drop batter into the pan by heaping tablespoonsful. Cook approximately two minutes on each side. Remove from the pan to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Yield: Approximately 14 cakes.

Note: This picture is a file photo.

CANADIAN BACON AND PINEAPPLE PIZZA

1 (10-oz) prebaked Italian bread crust shell
1/2 cup prepared sweet and sour sauce
3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple tidbits, well drained
1 pkg (7-oz) Canadian bacon, diced
4-oz shredded Mexican blend cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Place the crust on an ungreased pizza pan or a baking sheet. Spread the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the top of the crust. Evenly distribute the pineapple tidbits over the sauce. Sprinkle the Canandian bacon over the pineapple. Top with the shredded cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

 Note: This is a file photo

SPINACH CORN MUFFINS

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
2 tbsp canola oil
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped*

Combine the cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In another mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the milk and oil to the egg and beat to mix. Fold the egg mixture into the cornmeal mixture just until moistened. Gently fold in the spinach, cheese, and jalapeno peppers.

Spray 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into the prepared muffin cups until each is about 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 22 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for a couple of minutes before removing from the pans. Cool on wire racks.

*Use jalapeno pepper amount at your discretion. If you don't like much heat, use only one. Always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when handling jalapeno peppers. Never touch your eyes or sensitive skin before giving your hands a good washing first.

Note: This is a file photo

HAM AND CHEESE ROLL

8 oz grated American cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
dash of red pepper
dash of garlic salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1 tbsp Dr. Pepper
2 small pkgs shaved ham (Buddig-style)

Lay ham slices out overlapping each other in a square pattern. Mix the American cheese, cream cheese, red pepper, garlic salt, nuts, and Dr. Pepper together. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the ham. Roll into a log. Use more ham until all the cheese is covered. Refrigerate until serving time.

To serve, slice and inserted party pick into each slice. Arrange slices on a lettuce lined tray.

Note: File Photo

MEAT AND VEGETABLE FRIED RICE

2 tsp canola oil
1 bag (1-lb) frozen broccoli stir-fry blend
2 cups cooked chicken or pork cut into strips
2 tsp minced garlic
2 cups brown minute rice, cooked according to the package directions
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp cider vinegar
3 green onions, sliced

Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat. Add the frozen stir-fry vegetable mix and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Add the chicken or pork and the garlic; cook another couple of minutes. Stir in the rice and heat through.

In the center of the rice mixture, make a well. Add the eggs to the well and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the soy sauce and vinegar. Sprinkle the green onions overall.

 

Note: File Photo

SPINACH PESTO OVER PASTA

6 bacon slices
10 oz pkg spaghetti or fettucini noodles
1 pkg (10-oz) frozen chopped spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
dash of fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the grease off bacon but save 2tablespoons of the drippings*. Crumble the bacon and set aside.

Cook the spaghetti or fettucini as directed on package.

While the pasta is cooking, cook the spinach according to package directions in a medium saucepan. Place the undrained spinach, reserved bacon drippings, garlic, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Cover and process until smooth. Add the undrained cottage cheese, replace cover and blend until smooth.

Arrange the pasta on a large serving platter. Pour the spinach pesto over the pasta; toss to mix well. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and the Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Serve immediately.

*For a healthier dish, substitute olive oil for the bacon drippings.

 This is a file photo similar to this recipe. This one is topped with mushrooms instead of bacon.

QUICK AND EASY ROCKY ROAD CAKE

1 box (2-layer size) dark chocolate cake mix
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp milk

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions and bake in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. When cake is done (a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean), remove from the oven and sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the top. Return to the oven for a couple of minutes until the marshmallows are softened. Remove from oven again. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over top of cake.

In the microwave or a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips with the milk until chips are completely melted and mixture is well blended. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the marshmallow and nuts. Cool before cutting.

QUICK AND EASY CHERRY CRISP DESSERT

2 cups white cake mix
2 cups canned cherry pie filling
1 box coconut pecan frosting mix
1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour (or spray with a baking nonstick spray)a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Spread the pie filling evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pie filling. Sprinkle the frosting mix over the cake mix. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the frosting mix. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown.

Use topped with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Note: Option - use yellow cake mix and apple pie filling for apple crisp.