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Showing posts with the label Spring

SANDRA'S CHICKEN and FRESH VEGETABLE TACO SOUP

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I created this recipe using what I had on hand today, and I tell you... this Chicken and Fresh Vegetable Taco Soup  is quite phenomenal,  you truly must give this recipe a whirl... Servings: (4-6) Prep: 10 Mins. Cook: 30 Mins. INGREDIENTS --1 cup uncooked mini-macaroni, cooked according to pkg directions but only to par-cook for 5 minutes, reserve after draining to add back during 'finishing' below... Taco Soup: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 medium white onion, chopped 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped 1 ear of fresh corn, kernels removed, reserving corn cob 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped 1/2 bunch fresh asparagus, cut in half and discard rough end sections; --Cut tips to 1" lengths, then thinly slice stocks - both are cooked separately 1 (14.5-oz. can) stewed tomatoes, undrained (break apart in a small bowl with masher) 1/2 cup bottled chili sauce 2 cup of cooked, roughly shredded chicken 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic 2 cups of low-sodium chicke...

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE APPLE-BANANA-CRAN BARS with CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

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Very moist and flavorful homemade bars, with a distinct hint of banana, apple and cinnamon, including the pop here and there of delicious craisins...  Yields (32 bars) Prep: 10 Mins. Bake: 20 Mins. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular) 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (1 medium banana) 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup craisins, roughly chopped --Cream cheese frosting (recipe below) METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 10x15" baking sheet with parchment paper, and spray top; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, then stir in sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana, ap...

SANDRA�S SPRING ASIAN SWEET PEA GREEN SALAD with HONEY-LIME DRESSING

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I created this vibrant and crunchy salad today, mainly from "green" ingredients I had on hand; it�s superb and will fare well alongside any main dish... Servings: (8 to 10) Prep: 10 Mins. INGREDIENTS Dressing: 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lime juice Salad: 6 cups romaine lettuce, torn 1-1/2 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed, and pat dry 1 (8 oz. can) sliced water chestnuts, drained, pat dry, and cut into slivers 3 ribs celery, diagonally sliced 4 long green onions (green parts only), sliced Handful of fresh parsley, chopped --(Or, 2 tablespoons dried parsley) Garnish: --Toasted sesame seeds METHOD In a medium glass (or non-reactive) bowl, add and whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Toss in all salad ingredients, and fold to combine. To serve, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. ~ Enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I served this salad for lunch with homemade meatloaf, and smashed potatoes with sour cream and chives topped with mushroo...

THE FLAVORS OF SPRING

Spring is a time of renewal, not only for our sight and senses, but for our palates. With memories of winter fading, we can turn our thoughts to the wonderful array of springtime produce. Firm asparagus and sweet green peas are at their peak. Celebrate the awakening of the warming soil with these time tested recipes. ASPARAGUS NUTRITIONAL INFO: Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, and folate. LOOK FOR: Firm smooth stalks and thin or fat shoots with tight buds at the top. STORAGE: Cut the ends of the stems and place in water as you would flowers. Store in refrigerator for just a few days. USES: Roasted, steamed. Drizzle with olive or nut oils. LAYERED ASPARAGUS GRATIN 2 lb. trimmed asparagus 3 tablespoons butter 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese sea salt & freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a shallow baking dish that is just big enough to hold the asparagus. Divide asparagus into three bunches. Layer one bunch at a time with the tips all pointed...