TEX-MEX TURKEY ROLL-UPS

2 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 1/2 cups sour cream, divided
3 tsp taco seasoning mix, divided
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 1/2 cup shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup sliced black olives
10 (7-inch size) tortillas
Shredded lettuce for garnish
Chopped tomatoes for garnish

In a bowl combine the turkey, 1/2 cup of the sour cream, and half the taco seasoning mix, half of the soup, the onion, 1 cup of the cheese, the salsa and the olives.  Be sure to combine well. 

Place 1/3 cup of the mixture down the center of each tortilla.  Roll up and place seam side down in the prepared baking pan. 

In another bowl, combine the remaining sour cream, taco seasoning mix, and soup.  Stir to blend well then pour over the tortillas in the pan. 

Cover pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.  Remove from oven, remove foil and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.  Garnish with shredded lettuce, additional black olives, if desired, and chopped tomatoes.

 Note: File Photo

BROILED SPICY SALMON STEAKS & SALSA

Make the salsa first so the flavors can mingle while you prepare the fish.

2 (8-oz each) salmon steaks about 1-inch thick
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp ground oregano

Spray broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Cut each of the salmon steaks into 2 pieces; set aside.

In a small bowl combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and oregano, mixing well.  Lightly sprinkle both sides of the salmon steakes with the mixture and place on the prepared broiler pan.
Broil salmon 4 to 6 inches from the heat for 8 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.  Turn once during cooking.

SALSA:
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup diced orange sections
1/2 cup finely chopped ripe tomato
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp granulated sugar
3/4 tsp cumin

Combine the beans, orange, tomato, lime juice, sugar, and cumin in a medium bowl and mix well.  Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before serving.  Stir before serving.


Yield: 4 servings

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SUPERCHIP OATMEAL COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
3 cups raw old-fashioned or quick oats
1 bag (12-oz) semisweet chocolate chunks, chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixer bowl with the mixer on high, beat the butter, sugars, cinnamon, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt together until well blended.  Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the flour just until blended.  Stir in the oats, chocolate, and nuts.

Drop the dough onto cookie sheets by rounded tablespoonfuls about an inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool for a minute on the sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 3 1/2 to 4 dozen cookies

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QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN MARINARA

1 medium green bell pepper
1 large carrot
1 medium zucchini
1 tbsp olive oil
4 skinless boneless chicken breast pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
1/2 tsp oregano
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 can (14-oz) Italian-style stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced black olives
5 or 6 medium to large (approximately 4-oz) mushrooms, sliced*

Cut the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot into long (about 3-inch), thin strips; set aside.  Slice the mushrooms and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat cook the chicken in the olive oil until the chicken is lightly browned on both sides, approximately 3 minutes per side.  Sprinkle with the salt and pepper and the oregano.  Remove from the skillet.

Add the tomatoes, cut-up vegetables, and the olives.  Cook, covered, for 3 minutes.  Add the chicken back into the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high.  Cook, uncovered, for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened, chicken is tender and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender. 

*A can of sliced mushrooms may be substituted but be sure to drain well.

 

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SPICY HOT BEAN SALAD

1 can (15-oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
1 jalapeno pepper, cored, seeded, chopped
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tbsp vegetable broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp olive or canola oil
dash of salt, optional
freshly ground black pepper to suit taste
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp chipotle chile powder*

In a large bowl combine the beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, scallion, halapeno pepper, and the cheese; toss gently to mix together well.

To make the dressing:
In a small bowl or cup, combine the broth, tomato paste, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili
powder.  Stir to blend well; pour over the salad in the large bowl.  Toss well and set aside around 5 minutes
before serving.

Yield: 4 cups
*Chipotle chile powder is quite hot so use sparingly if you cannot take the heat.

File photo