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Showing posts from March, 2016

Spanish Bar Cake

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My husband has never requested a special cake for his birthday, until this year... He asked if I could bake him a Spanish Bar Cake, a cake I wasn't familiar with . He said his mom would occasionally buy this cake from the A&P grocery store for some of the kids' birthdays. I was from a big family too and remember what some of those store-bought cakes were like, such as the angel food cake I might get if my birthday fell just before a pay day. So I was a bit sceptical of the Spanish Bar Cake... Why did he wait so many years to mention this cake? It's funny, though, how some of the not-so-favorite memories return as some of the fondest. He was quite pleased (at least after I cut the 2-layer cake in half so it was shaped more like a bar).  If you like gingerbread or spice cake, you might like this cake. But if you remember this cake from your childhood, you're sure to love it ~ just like I love angel food! Ingredients 2 cups all purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp...

Zucchini Lasagna

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My DIL asked me to make this lasagna to cut down on carbs and calories. I used my regular lasagna recipe and substituted grilled zucchini for the pasta.  4-5 Zucchini, sliced lengthwise about 25 slices* 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 lb ground Beef 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 2 1/2 cups B�chamel Sauce (recipe below) 4 cups Tomato Sauce 1 tsp minced Garlic 1 tsp Basil Salt and Pepper 15 oz Ricotta cheese 2 large eggs 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Sprinkle sliced zucchini with salt, pepper and a little garlic powder. Coat a grill pan with oil and grill zucchini on both sides until lightly brown, and set aside. In a large saut� pan, heat olive oil on med-high. Add ground beef, salt and pepper, and saut� until browned, breaking up large clumps. Remove from heat, drain excess fat and let cool completely. Preheat oven to 375 and make sure rack is in center position of oven. In a medium bowl, mix the b�chamel and tomato sauces to blend. Add meat mixture, garlic and basil. In a...

Green Smoothie with Mango

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I ?? eating green  smoothies for breakfast. Thanks to the sweetness of fruit, it's a painless way to get some not-so-favorite vegetables into our diets ~  which means improved digestion ??  as well as some other potential long term benefits... This recipe includes some cruciferous vegetables that tend to have a bitter taste due to their sulfur-containing compounds. Dr. Fuhrman says cruciferous vegetables are the most micronutrient-dense of all vegetables and are the most powerful anticancer foods in existence. He recommends eating 2 servings a day ~ and I created this recipe to help me get closer to that goal. He indicates that finely chopping cruciferous veggies maximizes the production of ITCs (i.e., isothiocyanates). ITCs are not pre-formed in cruciferous plants but made when their plant cell walls are crushed (or chewed ;o). The more cell walls that are broken, the better! I like to prepare a large quantity of veggies at a time and freeze  them into one-cup indiv...

Split Pea and Cruciferous Veggie Soup

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A juice cleanse can be costly. As an alternative, load up on brightly colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans to ensure your body has everything it needs to do its own version of detoxifying, says Brigitte Zeitlin, a dietitian at B-Nutritious. The antioxidants activate liver enzymes that eliminate harmful substances, so our body can get rid of them more easily. If you drink plenty of water, eat clean, cut back on sugar ~ and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, you won't need a cleanse. Eating healthy soups is a great way to incorporate veggies into your diet. This Split Pea & Cruciferous Veggie Soup is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber to assist you in getting rid of toxins and waste. When I created this recipe, my goal was to make it healthy ~ I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much my family loves it! Even if you aren't crazy about the taste of some of the vegetables, you'll be surprised how well they taste together...

SANDRA'S ALASKAN HALIBUT FRIED RICE

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An incredible and  tasty one-pot-wonder that is quite versatile in that you can change it up by substituting halibut with shrimp, chicken, or pork, and so on.. . Servings: ( 8 to 10) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided 3 eggs, lightly beaten 8 oz. fillet halibut, cut into 1" cubes 2 cups *pre-steamed carrots and sweet petite peas (See How To TIP below) 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon dried minced onion Freshly ground pepper, to taste 5 cups cooked white rice 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar METHOD In a Dutch Oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and stir fry, while breaking into large bits; remove to a plate. Wipe out pot clean, and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the halibut, and stir fry until opaque. Remove halibut to same plate as eggs; set aside. Wipe out the skillet, place it back on heat and add the remaining ...

English Toffee Sugar Cookies

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My son loves soft sugar cookies. I made him a batch and decided to use the Heath's English Toffee Bits I bought on sale and make another batch. The hubby was my test tester on these. After "Mmmmm!" and "Oooooo!"-ing and 6 cookies later, he declared that they are delicious! 2 1/2 cups self rising flour 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3 egg yolks 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 to 1 cup Heath's English Toffee Bits 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, cream together the butter, and granulated sugar until combined. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract. Add flour and mix until just combined. Using a spoon fold in the toffee bits. I used 1 cup, but use as little or as much as you like. We like a heavy toffee taste. Use a cookie scoop to scoop dough into balls, roll in sugar and place onto a baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or until tops of cookies start to...

Black Beans & Eggs

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You can't beat the health benefits of eggs ~ they're rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. And they're economical, easy and versatile. With the black beans, this recipe is hearty enough to serve for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You're sure to enjoy this southwest-inspired black beans and egg dish! Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 small jalape�o, seeded and diced 1 30-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 medium garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 cup water juice from small lime, about 4 tsp fresh lime juice 6 large eggs, free range or organically raised 1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup sharp cheddar, shredded 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped Recipe Wash and prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Saut� onion and jalape�o until lightly browned and soft, about 3 minutes.  Add beans, garlic, cumin, salt, water and lime juice; stir and cook until heated through.  Remove sk...

Sweet Pea Salad

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This is a simple salad, but it is very yummy! It sounds a little strange, but it is delicious. For a change, add cucumber instead of egg and Parmesan cheese instead of Cheddar. It's another great side salad! 1 can small sweet peas, drained 1 egg, boiled and diced 1/2 mayonnaise 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese 2 tbsp bacon bits (or more for more bacon flavor) 1 tbsp red onion, diced (optional) Salt and Pepper, to taste Mix ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Toss to combine well. Chill until ready to serve.

SANDRA'S EASY PRUNE PLUM GINGER JAM

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Prune plums have a slight tang and are less juicy than other plums and are fabulous cooked, as the heat concentrates their flavor. It's divine drizzled over pancakes, ice cream and cheesecakes or spread over toast, bagels, scones and muffins... Yield: (Approximately 3-1/2 cups) Prep: 5 Mins. Cook: 20 Mins. INGREDIENTS 2 pounds (appx. 7 large) quartered, pitted prune plums (Found at Costco in a 4 lb container) 2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground ginger 2 tablespoons Dole orange-pineapple-banana juice Salt --1 tablespoon cold butter METHOD Over medium heat, bring prune plums, sugar, ginger, juice, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a pot, while stirring constantly then let cook for 10 minutes.  Begin mashing prune plums with a potato masher, until mixture has the consistency of jam.  Use tongs to remove skins, and continue cooking until you reach your desired consistency.  Remove pot from heat, add the cold butter and incorporate using a wooden spoon (this eliminates th...

Whole Wheat Bread with Sunflower Seeds

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There are so many advantages to baking your own bread. Most  importantly, it allows you to include only quality and natural ingredients. Did you know many so called " wheat" breads sold in stores are actually white breads colored with caramel? Also baking your own bread is economical,  relatively easy, and you can slice your loaves as thin or thick ;o) as you'd like.  Whole wheat bread is high in insoluble fiber and full of essential vitamins and minerals. This simple whole wheat recipe from Mickey Turner has a touch  of honey that gives it just the right amount of sweetness ~ and the sunflower seeds give it a bit of a crunchy texture.  There's absolutely nothing like the smell of home baked bread ?? Yield 3 loaves Ingredients 2 packages active dry yeast 3 1/4 cups warm water (110-115 degrees) 1/4 cup bread flour 1/3 cup canola oil 1/3 cup raw honey 3 tsp salt 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (can use white whole wheat flour or a combination of both) 1/2 c...

Taco Cheese Dip

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I made this dip today with what I had on hand for my son and his friend while they were working on his car! Nice treat for a job well done!  2 cups prepared Taco Meat 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temp 1 cup Cheddar Cheese 10 oz can Rotel (Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles) Combine and pour into a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until melted and bubbly! Serve with chips or crackers.

Green Salad with Chickpeas, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette

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This recipe was inspired by a salad served at the LittleEater at the North Market in Columbus, Ohio. I  roasted my chickpeas to give the salad a crunchy and spicy flare. The light citrus dressing gives it a fresh and clean taste, while not overpowering the taste of the veggies and other ingredients. If you want something not only tasty, but also healthy, give this salad a try! Serves 4 Salad Ingredients 10 ounces Spring Mix (mixture of small, young salad greens, herbs and edible flowers) 2 large carrots, peeled and grated 2 large radishes, grated 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup feta cheese Chickpeas Ingredients 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed, drained and thoroughly dried 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp chili flakes (or to taste) 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste Salad Dressing Ingredients 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp white vinegar 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp fresh organic juice Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to ta...

Meatball Sub Macaroni and Cheese

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Macaroni and Cheese Base: 16 oz box elbow pasta 3 tbsp butter 3 tbsp all purpose flour 1/4 cup diced yellow onion 1 tsp minced garlic   2 cups milk 8 oz cream cheese � mayonnaise 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper   Meatball Topping: 24 meatballs, cooked (or more, if you like) 2 cups spaghetti sauce � cup mozzarella cheese � Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pasta according to the box directions.  Sit out cream cheese until room temperature. Combine with mayonnaise and Italian seasoning, and stir until smooth. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter, add in onion and garlic. Saute over medium heat until the onions become translucent. Add garlic and stir. Sprinkle the onion and garlic mixture with the 3 tbsp of flour, whisking until a paste forms. Slowly mix in milk, whisking until smooth. Continue mixing until it comes to a low boil. Stir in Mozzarella, Parmesan,...

SANDRA'S STRAWBERRY-BANANA-ORANGE SMOOTHIE

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A perfect, sinfully scrumptious afternoon snack... Serving: (1) Prep: 5 Mins. INGREDIENTS 1 cup Dole Pineapple-Orange-Banana juice 1 ripe banana 1 cup frozen, whole strawberries 1 (5.3 oz container) Chobani Greek Yogurt (I used strawberry) 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons Organic Light Agave (or honey) METHOD Add all ingredients in order listed to the blender pitcher, cover, and blend until smooth. ~ Enjoy!

Cherries, Berries and Spinach Smoothie

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This is one of my favorite smoothie recipes because I ?? cherries! It's the only fruit I prefer frozen ~ so I can't resist snacking on a few frozen cherries while making my weekly smoothie packets ;o)  Per Serving Ingredients 1/2 cup frozen cherries 1/4 cup frozen mixed berries 1/2 frozen banana 1/2 cup orange juice 1 cup spinach, firmly packed 1/2 Tbsp flaxseed Recipe To prepare smoothie, blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth ~ and enjoy ??

Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans with Lime, Scallions and Cilantro

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One  of my daughter's favorite places to eat is the North Market in Columbus, Ohio, and her favorite eatery at the North Market is Little Eater. They have a wide variety of delicious vegetarian options. Instead of ordering a main entree, you can choose as many side dishes as your little heart (and belly) desires.  I love the food too, but I have to admit, my favorite thing about going to the North Market is eating on the upper floor so I can look down at the operations of Destination Donuts , a little donut shop, where you can watch bakers knead the dough, shape the donuts - and dip the fried donut tops in a variety of toppings, like salty caramel & toasted pecans, triple berry cardamom and kiwi strawberry. It's a natural thing for my husband and both of my daughters to want to eat healthy, but for me, it's definitely more of a challenge. Okay, back to this recipe... This is my take on one of Little Eater's vegetarian side dishes. Sweet potatoes pair up nicely with...

French Toast Casserole

I made this for a birthday brunch for my dad today and was thrilled with the result. Since I assembled the casserole the night before, all I needed to do was bake and serve it this morning. So I could spend the time relaxing with family. Anyway, I loved the texture, the sweet richness, and the ease of preparation. By the way, this casserole is plenty sweet without any syrup, but you could sprinkle with powdered sugar or use maple or buttermilk syrup (see recipe on this blog) if you prefer additional sweetness. This recipe is adapted from allrecipes.com . 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 loaf crusty French bread, cut into bite-size pieces (the original recipe calls for an eight-ounce loaf, which seems way too small to me. I used nearly a full 32-ounce loaf and I thought that was perfect) 2 cups milk (I used half and half or light cream instead because it I had it on hand, and it added to the richness) 6 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 pinch ground cinnamon, or to taste 3 tablespoon...

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Grilled cheese isn't just for kids! Good quality ingredients turn this standard sandwich into a simple, but satisfying meal that even grown ups will love ?? Ingredients (per sandwich) 2 slices artisan bread 2-3 ounces fontina cheese Meyer lemon, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp sugar 1 shallott, thinly sliced Salt and pepper to taste Recipe Thinly slice as much of the lemon as desired. Place lemon slices and sugar in a small bowl and set aside to marinate. Place cheese evenly on one slice of bread. Add as many shallot and marinated lemon slices as desired. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the second slice of bread. Generously coat skillet with olive oil on medium heat. Place sandwich in skillet and toast about 3 minutes or until browned; turn and toast other side about 3 minutes, or until browned and cheese is melted, adding more oil if needed. Serve with a salad for a complete meal. ~adapted from blueapron.com

SANDRA'S BAKED RICE PUDDING with RAISINS

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Each time I prepare this heavenly dessert  it brings back numerous and comforting memories... Servings: (6-8) Prep: 15 Mins. Bake: 1 Hr. 30 Mins. INGREDIENTS 3 large eggs 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons bourbon-vanilla extract (or vanilla extract ) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 2-1/2 cups 2% milk (or regular) 1/2 cup raisins 1-1/2 cups cooked, cold basmati rice METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 qt. casserole dish; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs. Add sugar, bourbon-vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, whisk to combine. Switch to a wooden spoon and add the remaining ingredients (making sure to un-clump rice beforehand). Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Place casserole in a larger baking pan, then pour hot tap water (1-1/2" deep) so it surrounds outside of casserole for a water bath.  Bake for 45 minutes, then gently stir, and continue baking the remaining 45 minutes until set. Re...