Holly’s Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Slaw

Holly's Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Slaw

Holly’s Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Slaw

 

This unique coleslaw is terrific for a barbecue or a brunch, says Holly Whitcomb.  It is also really great with Buttermilk Ranch or Country French Vinaigrette dressing.                                                                               

 

Holly’s Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Slaw Recipe

 

Holly’s Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Slaw

1 bag (about 16 oz.) shredded cabbage coleslaw mix (or make your own by shredding ½ head green cabbage and 2 peeled carrots)

½ small red onion, chopped

1 pint blueberries, washed and destemmed

½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (1/3 – 1/2 cup)

½ tsp. CRACKED BLACK PEPPER

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing:     ¾ cup olive oil

¼ cup cider vinegar

1 Tbsp. RASPBERRY ENLIGHTENMENT

2 Tbsp. sugar (more or less to taste)

 (HIGHLIGHTED – are found in PENZEYS SPICES)

 

In a serving bowl, combine the slaw ingredients.  Using a blender or a whisk, combine the dressing ingredients.

Drizzle over the slaw and toss to coat.  Try to dress the salad half an hour or so ahead of time.  Toss before serving.          10 serving

 

(Recipe for Holly’s Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Slaw was in Penzeys Spices catalog)

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Mexican Rice with Chicken

Mexican Rice with Chicken

Mexican Rice with Chicken

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

This skillet supper comes together with leftover cooked chicken and a packaged mix.  After I prepared this rice, I served the extras on tortillas with cheese and sour cream the next day.  Both meals are a big hit.

         Debra Rzodkiewicz                                                                          Erie, Pennsylvania

 

Mexican Rice with Chicken Recipe

Mexican Rice with Chicken

1 package (6.4 oz.) Mexican-style rice and pasta mix

2 Tbsp. butter

1 ¾ cups water

1 can (14 ½ oz.) diced tomatoes with onions, undrained

2 cups cubed cooked chicken

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

 

In a large skillet, cook and stir pasta mix in butter until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.  Add the water, tomatoes and contents of rice seasoning packet.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and cook 10 minutes.

Add chicken and jalapeno.  Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4 servings

 

(Recipe for Mexican Rice with Chicken was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Summer Dessert Pizza

Summer Dessert Pizza

Summer Dessert Pizza

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

My family enjoys this dessert anytime of the year, but it’s especially refreshing during the hot months.  You can use whatever fruits are in season.

          Ida Ruth Wenger                                                                             Harrisonburg, Virginia

 

Summer Dessert Pizza Recipe

Summer Dessert Pizza

¼ cup butter, softened

½ cup sugar

1 egg

¼ tsp. vanilla extract

¼ tsp. lemon extract

1 ¼ cups flour

¼ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

Glaze:    ¼ cup sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch

1/4 cup water

¼ cup orange juice

Topping:    4 oz. cream cheese, softened

¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup whipped topping

1 firm banana, sliced

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

1 can (8 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained

2 kiwifruit, peeled and thinly sliced

1/3 cup fresh blueberries

 

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and extracts.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and beat well.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Press dough into a greased 12 x 14 inch pizza pan.  Bake at 350 F. for 12-14 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool completely on a wire rack.

For glaze, combine sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan.  Stir in the water and orange juice until smooth.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Cool at room temperature, about 30 minutes.

For topping, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.  Add whipped topping; mix well.  Spread over crust.  Arrange fruit on top.  Brush glaze over fruit.  Store in the refrigerator.         12-16 servings

 

(Recipe for Summer Dessert Pizza was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pockets

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pockets

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pockets

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

With their creamy filling and delightful crispy crust, these elegant entrees are easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for company, too.

 

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pockets Recipe

 

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pockets

4 cups fresh baby spinach

2 tsp. plus ¼ cup olive oil, divided

1 garlic clove, minced

½ cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese

2/3 plus ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided

½ tsp. salt, divided

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 oz. each)

1 egg, lightly beaten

¼ tsp. pepper

 

In a large skillet, sauté spinach in 2 teaspoons oil until spinach is wilted.  Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.  Remove from the heat the heat.  Stir in the spreadable cheese, 2/3 cup bread crumbs and ¼ teaspoon salt.  Cut a pocket in the thickest part of each chicken beast; fill with spinach mixture.  Secure with toothpicks.

Place egg in shallow bowl.  In another shallow bowl, combine the pepper and remaining bread crumbs and salt.  Dip chicken in egg, then coat with bread crumbs mixture.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in remaining oil for 8-10 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170 F.  Discard toothpicks before serving.           4 servings

 

(Recipe for Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pockets was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

 

 

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Cool Watermelon Pops

 

Cool Watermelon Pops

Cool Watermelon Pops

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

The kids are going to flip for the miniature chocolate chips in these picture-perfect pops.  They’re almost too cute to eat (but you’ll be glad you did.  * This is a Diabetic Friendly recipe! *

 

Cool Watermelon Pops Recipe

Cool Watermelon Pops

2 cups boiling water

1 cup sugar (leave out for diabetic recipe)

1 package (3 oz.) watermelon gelatin

1 envelope unsweetened watermelon cherry Kool-Aid mix)

2 cups refrigerated watermelon juice blend

1/3 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 cup prepared limeade

2 to 3 tsp. green food coloring, optional

28 freezer pop molds or 28 paper cups (3 oz. each) and wooden pop sticks

 

In a large bowl, combine the water, sugar, gelatin and Kool-Aid mix; stir until sugar is dissolved.  Add watermelon juice.  Fill each mold or cup with 3 tablespoons watermelon mixture.  Freeze until almost slushy, about 1 hour.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Top with holders or insert sticks into cups.  Freeze.

In a small bowl, combine limeade and food coloring of desired.  If using freezer molds, remove holders.  Pour limeade mixture over tops.  Return holders.  Freeze completely.          28 pops

 

(Recipe for Cool Watermelon Pops was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Grilled Salmon with Herbs

Grilled Salmon with Herbs

Grilled Salmon with Herbs

 

A fast and healthy meal for a busy weeknight.

 

Grilled Salmon with Herbs Recipe

Grilled Salmon with Herbs

1 piece salmon (1 ½ – 2 lbs.), cut into 4 equal pieces

½ tsp. HUNGARIAN-STYLE SWEET PAPRIKA

½ tsp. THYME

½ tsp. CRACKED ROSEMARY

½ tsp. TURKISH OREGANO

½ tsp. HERBS DE PROVENCE

½ tsp. SEA SALT

 (HIGHLIGHTED – are found in PENZEYS SPICES)

 

Brush your grill grate or grill pan with olive oil and heat to medium-high heat.

Combine all the SPICES and HERBS in a bowl and mix well.  Sprinkle the mixture over the non-skin side of the salmon pieces.  Place the salmon on the grill, skin side up and cook for 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.  Place a tented piece of foil over the salmon while grilling.  Gently flip the fish and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Great served hot or room temperature and any leftovers would make an awesome addition to a green salad.

 

(Recipe for Grilled Salmon with Herbs was in Penzeys Spices catalog)

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Berry Pie

Berry Pie

Berry Pie

 

Visit usaweekend.com to watch the Culinary Institute of America’s Chef Bill will show you a foolproof way to make a perfect lattice-top crust.

 

Berry Pie Recipe

Berry Pie

Pie crust dough for two-crust pie

3 Tbsp. cornstarch, sifted

¾ sugar, plus as needed for garnish

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups blueberries, rinsed, picked over for stems, drained and blotted dry

2 cups raspberries, rinsed, drained and blotted dry

2 cups blackberries, rinsed, drained and blotted dry

½ tsp. finely grated orange zest

Juice from one orange

¼ tsp. kosher salt

2 eggs, whisked together for egg wash

 

Make or purchase pie crust dough for a two-crust pie.  Put the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide into two pieces.  Shape into 5 to 6 inch disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, or until firm.  Roll out the bottom crust to a 12 inch diameter round that is 1/8 inch thick.  Carefully lift and drape the dough in the pie pan and gently press in place.  Trim the excess dough from the outer edge of the pan and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat the oven to 370 F.   Combine the cornstarch with the ¾ cup of sugar using a whisk to mix together thoroughly.

Prepare the filling by gently, but thoroughly, tossing the berries with the cornstarch and sugar mixture, orange zest and juice, and salt in a medium bowl.  Pour the mixture into the bottom crust.

To prepare the lattice, roll out the top crust to a 12 inch diameter rounds that is 1/8 inch thick.  Cut the round into 10 or more to ½ to ¾ inch strips.  Lightly egg-wash the outer rim of the bottom crust.  Starting with a long strip in the center, gently arrange five strips going in the same direction over the top of the pie, spacing them evenly.  Turn the pie 90 degrees and fold back alternating strips to slightly more than halfway.  Place the first perpendicular strips onto the pie, slightly off center, and then carefully fold each strip back to the edge of the pan.  Repeat, folding back the alternating strips and adding the next strip.  Working back and forth, continue weaving by folding alternating strips back and unfolding them over added strips.  Adjust as needed to make them even.  Use a knife to trim off excess dough at the ends of the strips.  Using the tines of a fork, press down along the edge of the pie to seal the top and bottom crusts together.  Lightly egg-wash the lattice and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar to garnish.

Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet, then onto an oven rack set in the center of the oven.   Bake until bubbly and thick, about 45 to 50 minutes.  Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack for 2 to 3 hours.  The filling will thicken as it cools.            8 servings

 

(Recipe for the Berry Pie was in USA Weekend, June 29, 2014)

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Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers

Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers

Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers

 

This recipe, Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers is from Diabetic Connect.  Our usual problem with turkey burgers is the dry, chewy texture of the cooked meat.  The usual solution is to add fat, but a little sautéed onion, dried cranberries and soaked couscous work even better without larding down this healthy main course.  With sage and thyme, call it a summery answer to Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers Recipe

Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers

¼ cup plus t Tbsp. whole-wheat couscous

½ cup boiling water

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 stalk celery, minced

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 ½ tsp. chopped fresh sage

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground pepper

¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey

 

Place couscous in a large bowl.  Pour in boiling water, stir and set aside until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.  If grilling the burgers, preheat grill to medium-high.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.  Add celery; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.  Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook cranberries and stir to combine.  Let cool for 5 minutes.  Add turkey and stir until combined; do not over mix.  Form the mixture into 6 patties.

To cook on the stovetop:  Coat a large nonstick skillet, preferably cast-iron, with cooking spray and set oven to medium-high heat for 2 minutes.  Add the patties, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 4 minutes.  Turn and cook on the other side for 2 minutes.  Cover and continue to cook until lightly browned but still juicy (the juices should run clear, not pink), about 4 minutes more.  (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165 F.)

To grill:  Oil the grill rack and grill the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping gently to avoid breaking them.  Serve immediately.         6 patties

 

(Recipe for Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers came from Diabetic Connect, 2014)

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White Chocolate Strawberry Torte

White Chocolate Strawberry Torte

White Chocolate Strawberry Torte

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

This decadent dessert has proved popular at family gatherings.

            Denise McNab                                                                  Warington, Pennsylvaina

 

White Chocolate Strawberry Torte Recipe

White Chocolate Strawberry Torte

1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers)

½ cup finely chopped almonds, toasted

¼ cup butter, melted

12 oz. white baking chocolate, melted

3 cups whole medium fresh strawberries

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup thawed orange juice concentrate

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 Tbsp. baking cocoa

Additional strawberries, cut in half

 

Set aside 2 tablespoons wafer crumbs.  Combine almonds, butter and remaining crumbs; press onto the bottom on an ungreased 9 inch springform pan.  Spoon 5 tablespoons of melted white chocolate over crust; sprinkle with reserved wafer crumbs.  Arrange whole strawberries, tips up, over crumbs.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add sugar, juice concentrate and vanilla.  Beat in remaining white chocolate.  In another bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form.  Stir 2 cups into the creamed cheese mixture; mix well.  Fold in remaining whipped cream.  Spread between and over strawberries.  Cover and chill for 3 hours or overnight.

Carefully run a knife around sides of pan to loosen.  Remove sides.  Arrange between four 1 ½ inch wide strips of waxed paper over top; sprinkle cocoa between strips.  Remove waxed paper.   Place halved strawberries between cocoa rows.              10-12 servings

 

(Recipe for White Chocolate Strawberry Torte was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling asparagus for a side dish.  I serve these bacon-wrapped spears with grilled meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal.

             Patricia Kitts                                                                      Dickinson, Texas

 

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

10 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

1/8 tsp. pepper

5 bacon strips, halved lengthwise

 

Place asparagus on a sheet of waxed paper; coat with cooking spray.   Sprinkle with pepper; turn to coat.  Wrap a bacon piece around each spear; secure ends with toothpicks.

Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until bacon is crisp.  Discard toothpick.       2-3 servings

 

(Recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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