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Cravings are common. Here are clever ways to satisfy them without going overboard.
A common craving is for ethnic, spicy fare, and these Vietnamese-style sandwiches fill the bill. You can prepare the pork and the mayonnaise mixture (steps 3 and 4) up to a day ahead. Assemble the sandwiches up to four hours ahead, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Bahn Mi
Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1 sandwich)
Ingredients
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup grated peeled daikon radish
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
2 (20-inch) baguettes (about 8 1/2 ounces each)
16 thin cucumber slices (about 1 cucumber)
16 cilantro sprigs
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (about 2)
1 seeded and thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
Preparation
1. Combine the first 5 ingredients; cover and let stand 15 minutes to 1 hour. Drain.
2. Preheat oven to 400°.
3. Combine the chili garlic sauce and 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; stir well. Place pork on the rack of a small roasting pan or broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Spread 2 tablespoons chili garlic mixture evenly over pork; sprinkle the pork with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until a thermometer registers 155° (slightly pink). Cool; cover the pork, and refrigerate.
4. Combine mayonnaise and remaining chili garlic sauce mixture; cover and refrigerate.
5. Cut each baguette horizontally, cutting to, but not through, other side using a serrated knife. Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly on cut sides of baguettes. Thinly slice pork; divide pork evenly between baguettes. Top evenly with carrot mixture. Arrange 8 cucumber slices and 8 cilantro sprigs on each baguette. Top evenly with onions and jalapeño. Press top gently to close; cut each baguette into 4 equal servings.
Cooking Light, SEPTEMBER 2008
Hot Artichoke-Cheese Dip
This warm dip is just the thing when you hanker for a creamy, cheesy snack. And because you are likely to have the ingredients on hand in the fridge and freezer, it's also great for impromptu entertaining.
Yield
12 servings (serving size: 2 1/2 tablespoons dip and 2 baguette slices)
Ingredients
2 garlic cloves
1 green onion, cut into pieces
1/3 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
12 ounces frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and drained
Cooking spray
24 (1/2-ounce) slices baguette, toasted
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Place garlic and onion in a food processor; process until finely chopped. Add 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and next 4 ingredients (through pepper); process until almost smooth. Add artichoke hearts; pulse until artichoke hearts are coarsely chopped. Spoon mixture into a 3-cup gratin dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated and bubbly. Serve hot with baguette.
Cooking Light, SEPTEMBER 2008
Steak Frites with Shallot Pan Reduction
Many crave hearty meals, and this take on the classic French bistro dish satisfies. You can add a side of sautéed spinach to round out the plate for a company-worthy supper.
Yield
4 servings (serving size: 3 ounces steak, about 3 tablespoons sauce, and about 8 frites)
Ingredients
1 3/4 pounds baking potatoes (about 2 large potatoes), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch sticks
Cooking spray
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
1 pound boneless sirloin steak, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons brandy
3/4 cup less-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
Preparation
1. Position 1 oven rack on the highest setting. Position another rack on the lowest setting.
2. Preheat oven to 450°.
3. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on baking sheets. Coat with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bake at 450° for 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring potatoes and rotating pans halfway through. Toss potatoes with 1 teaspoon thyme.
4. Heat a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle both sides of steak with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add steak to pan; sauté 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove from pan; keep steak warm.
5. Add shallots to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add brandy; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Add beef broth, Dijon mustard, and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 2/3 cup (about 3 minutes). Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add butter, stirring with a whisk.
6. Slice steak. Serve with shallot pan reduction sauce and potatoes.
Wine note: This classic dish deserves its classic match: cabernet sauvignon. If price is no object, opt for a top red Bordeaux from France. But to stay under $30, a rich, full-bodied cabernet from California will do the trick. The Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is a steal at just $18.
Cooking Light, SEPTEMBER 2008
A common craving is chips. This snack quells an oft-cited yen for Mexican fare and has protein, complex carbs, and fiber.
Ultimate Nachos
Yield
80 nachos; about 6 servings
Ingredients
80 corn tortilla chips, approximately 8 ounces
3 to 4 jalapenos, thinly sliced*
4 1/2 ounces diced red onion, approximately 1 cup
6 ounces finely grated Cheddar, approximately 2 1/4 cups
6 ounces finely grated Oaxaca cheese, approximately 2 1/4 cups
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
2 cups fresh salsa
2 cups sour cream
2 cups guacamole
Directions
*Cook's Note: Depending on your heat preference, you may remove the seeds from the jalapenos or leave them intact.
Set 1 of the oven racks on the lowest shelf and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Make 8 (2-inch) balls out of aluminum foil. Spray 3 wire cooling racks with non-stick cooking spray and place 1 of the aluminum balls in each of the corners of 2 of the racks.
Lay 1/3 of the chips on one of the racks. Top each chip with a jalapeno slice and sprinkle the chips with 1/3 of the red onions, and 1/3 of both the Cheddar and Oaxaca cheeses. Repeat with the remaining chips and the other 2 racks. Stack the racks on top of one another and set into the parchment lined baking pan. Bake in the oven on the bottom rack for 7 minutes or until the cheese begins to bubble. Sprinkle with fresh oregano. Serve immediately with the salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
alton brown, food network
The Perfect Salad
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups (1/2-inch cubes) rustic country bread
Extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
Olive oil, for brushing
1 baking potatoes, like russet, sliced thinly lengthwise into 16 slices
8 mixed herb leaves, such as basil, parsley, mint, lemon thyme, or tarragon cleaned and dried, plus 1/2 cup chopped mixed herb leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano
4 eggs
2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
4 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
6 to 7 cups loosely packed torn mixed greens such as romaine, frisee, arugula, baby red oak leaf, Belgian endive, or radicchio, washed and dried
1 cup unpeeled English or Kirby cucumbers, sliced
2 tablespoons snipped dill or chives
Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, place on baking sheet in single layer bake of 6 minutes, toss cubes and bake for another 6 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt.
Heavily oil a pan with olive oil. Lay down 8 slices of potato. Place an herb leaf in the center of each potato. Lay another potato slice on top of the herb and brush liberally with oil. Bake for 7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Increase heat to 400 degrees F.
On a silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet, place each of 4 tablespoons of cheese, spreading out each to 3-inch diameter across. Cook the cheese until melted and slightly browning, about 6 minutes. Remove the cheese from the pan and drape the cheese over a rolling pin, bottle, or the bottom of a cup to shape it. Place the frico on top of the salad.
Place eggs in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes. Transfer to ice bath. Peel and quarter eggs.
In a medium pan place chicken in a single layer and add enough chicken broth to cover by 1/2-inch. Transfer the breasts to a plate, and bring liquid to a boil. Return breasts, bring to a boil, and simmer gently for 7 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Remove from liquid and let cool. Slice on a diagonal before adding to salad. Serve warm or room temperature.
Sprinkle sliced tomatoes with salt. Lay slices on paper towels to drain. Set aside.
Place greens on a platter. Arrange egg quarters, sliced chicken breast, tomatoes, and cucumber in a decorative manner. Sprinkle mixed herbs and croutons on top.
In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper. Add oil in a slow stream and whisk to emulsify. Add the shallots and garlic and adjust seasoning. Serve vinaigrette on the side.
sarah moulton, food network
Another recipe to satisfy a craving for spicy ethnic fare
West Indian Curried Chicken Roti
Yield
6 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ground turmeric
1 tablespoon crushed dried chili flakes
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds
1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 hot pepper, such as Scotch bonnet or serrano, seeded and finely chopped, or to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 recipe West Indian Bread for Roti, recipe follows, breads kept covered and warm
Directions
In a medium skillet or saute pan combine the turmeric, chili flakes, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, ginger, garlic powder, mustard seeds, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon and cook, shaking the pan frequently, until spices are fragrant and just beginning to smoke. Remove from the heat, transfer to a shallow plate and allow to cool completely. Transfer to a coffee grinder or spice mill and process until very finely ground. Reserve 6 tablespoons of the spice mixture separately and transfer the remainder to an airtight container and save for another purpose.
In a mixing bowl combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons of the curry powder, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil and set aside, covered, for 20 minutes.
In a large Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and, when hot, add the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, thyme, hot pepper if using, and remaining 4 tablespoons curry powder and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, and brown sugar and bring to a simmer. Add the remaining teaspoon of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is very tender and falling from the bone and the sauce has reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 1/2 hours. Stir in the cilantro and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
(Note: traditionally, curried chicken roti is eaten with the chicken still on the bones. If you prefer otherwise, at this point you can remove the chicken from the sauce and remove the meat from the bones and then return the meat to the sauce before serving.)
Serve the chicken and sauce ladled into the center of the roti breads, then fold both sides over the filling. Fold the top and bottom ends over the sides to form a neat square package, and serve.
West Indian Bread for Roti:
4 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for cooking roti
1 cup water
To make the breads, combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Combine the oil and water and add this mixture to the well. Using your hands, mix to form a dough. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth. Divide the mixture into 6 balls of dough and set aside for about 2 hours, covered with a damp kitchen towel. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a thin, flattened circle about 9 inches in diameter. Set aside, covered, until ready to cook the breads to serve. (Do not stack.)
Heat a large griddle or 12-inch skillet over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. When hot, add the bread dough and cook until brown spots form on the bottom, about 1 minute. Turn the bread and cook on the second side, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large plate or baking sheet and cover with a damp towel to keep warm while you prepare the remaining breads.
Yield: 6 large roti breads
emeril lagasse, food network
Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Some have a hankering for pasta with high quality cheese. The ultimate comfort food is mac and cheese. Keep a close eye on the flour while it cooks so it doesn't burn. For a weeknight supper, bake the macaroni in an 8-inch square baking dish for 35 minutes.
Yield
6 servings (serving size: about 1 ramekin)
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
Cooking spray
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to pan; cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add flour and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add Gorgonzola, 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, and salt; stir until cheeses melt. Discard bay leaf.
2. Preheat oven to 375°.
3. Cook pasta in boiling water 5 minutes or until almost tender, omitting salt and fat; drain well. Add pasta to cheese mixture, stirring well. Place about 1/2 cup pasta mixture into each of 6 (1-cup) ramekins coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella. Top evenly with remaining pasta mixture. Combine remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and panko; sprinkle evenly over pasta mixture. Spray lightly with cooking spray; sprinkle with black pepper. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until heated.
Cooking Light, September 2008
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Brownies
Sweets are a top craving, and chocolate is in a class by itself. These rich brownies are just the ticket. Lining the pan with parchment paper helps prevent the moist brownies from sticking.
Yield
16 servings
Ingredients
Cooking spray
3.4 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3/4 cup)
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cherry preserves
1/3 cup water
5 tablespoons butter
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 large egg white
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Powdered sugar (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper; coat with cooking spray.
3. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, unsweetened cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Combine cherry preserves, 1/3 cup water, and butter in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Add preserves mixture to flour mixture; stir well. Add egg and egg white; stir until smooth. Stir in semisweet chocolate chips. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan on wire rack. Garnish with powdered sugar, if desired.
Cooking Light September 2008
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