Family Favorites Made Light

Family Favorites Made Light

Fried chicken, garlic fries, chicago style pizza–all quintessential family favorites. Share them with your family and feel good knowing these slimmed down recipes are actually good for them.



French Onion Soup

Slowly cooking the onions brings out their sweet flavor. The soup itself can be prepared up to two days ahead. When ready to serve, add bread cubes, top with cheese, and broil until the cheese is golden.

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 cups thinly vertically sliced Walla Walla or other sweet onion
4 cups thinly vertically sliced red onion
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dry white wine
8 cups less-sodium beef broth
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
8 (1-ounce) slices French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 (1-ounce) slices reduced-fat, reduced-sodium Swiss cheese (such as Alpine Lace)

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions to pan; sauté for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in sugar, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium; cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Increase heat to medium-high, and sauté for 5 minutes or until onion is golden brown. Stir in wine, and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and thyme; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours.

Preheat broiler.

Place bread in a single layer on a baking sheet; broil 2 minutes or until toasted, turning after 1 minute.

Place 8 ovenproof bowls on a jelly-roll pan. Ladle 1 cup soup into each bowl. Divide bread evenly among bowls; top each serving with 1 cheese slice. Broil 3 minutes or until cheese begins to brown.






Sloppy Joes

Prepare the filling in one skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. Making your own Sloppy Joe sauce is a reduced-sodium alternative to using canned sauce.

Kids and adults alike love this little sweet-savory sandwich. Keep the meat mixture warm in a slow cooker set on low. Carrots and vegetable chips make great sides.

Yield
12 servings (serving size: 1 sandwich)

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
3/4 pound ground round
2 cups no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
12 (1 1/2-ounce) rolls, split

Preparation

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add first 3 ingredients; cook until beef is browned, stirring to crumble. Stir in tomato sauce and next 8 ingredients (tomato sauce through black pepper); reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon 1/4 cup beef mixture over bottom half of each bun. Cover with top halves.


Oven-Fried Chicken

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half or 1 drumstick and 1 thigh)

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 large egg whites, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
1/3 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 chicken breast halves, skinned (about 1 pound)
2 chicken thighs, skinned (about 1/2 pound)
2 chicken drumsticks, skinned (about 1/2 pound)
2 tablespoons canola oil
Cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°.

Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine buttermilk and egg whites in a shallow dish; stir well with a whisk. Combine flour, cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and red pepper in a separate shallow dish; stir well. Sprinkle chicken evenly with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Dip chicken in buttermilk mixture; dredge in flour mixture.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet; lightly coat chicken with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes or until chicken is done.


Chicago-Style Pizza

Skip the delivery and make a healthy sausage pizza for the entire family. With a few on-hand topping ingredients and refrigerated pizza crust dough, prep time is only about 10 minutes.


Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1 piece)

Ingredients

2 (10-ounce) cans refrigerated pizza crust dough
Cooking spray
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cups cooked Atsa Spicy Pizza Sausage (recipe follows)
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450°.

Unroll dough portions onto a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray, slightly overlapping the edges. Pinch edges together to seal. Pat the dough into a 15 x 12-inch rectangle. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border, and top with sausage, basil, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pepper. Bake at 450° for 2 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 425° (do not remove pizza from oven), and bake an additional 12 minutes or until cheese melts.

It's as bold as the name implies. Use some now and freeze the rest for a quick pizza later.

This recipe goes with Chicago-Style Pizza

Yield
5 cups (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1 pound ground pork
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 garlic cloves, crushed

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain.

Note: The sausage can be frozen in zip-top plastic bags for up to 3 months.


Garlic Fries

Let your kids help by allowing them to toss the potatoes in a large zip-top plastic bag with oil and salt before cooking. After baking, toss with garlic-infused butter for a rich flavor.

Tossing the fries in butter and garlic after cooking makes them unbelievably rich.

Yield
6 servings

Ingredients
3 pounds peeled baking potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons butter
8 garlic cloves, minced (about 5 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag, tossing to coat.

Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 50 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning after 20 minutes.

Place butter and garlic in a large nonstick skillet; cook over low heat 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add potatoes, parsley, and cheese to pan; toss to coat. Serve immediately.


Biscuit-Topped Chicken Potpie

Combine refrigerated diced potatoes, baking mix, cooked chicken, and frozen mixed vegetables for a shortcut version of traditional chicken potpie.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
2 cups chopped leek
1/4 cup chopped shallot
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 cups refrigerated diced potatoes with onions (such as Simply Potatoes)
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 cups chopped roasted chicken breast
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2/3 cup half-and-half
Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups low-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart)
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°.

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek, shallot, and thyme; sauté 2 minutes. Add potatoes; sauté 2 minutes. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates. Stir in mustard and broth; bring to a boil. Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken, mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute. Combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture and half-and-half to pan. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Lightly spoon baking mix into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine baking mix, milk, and egg in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Spoon batter over chicken mixture; spread evenly to cover. Bake at 425° for 20 minutes or until topping is golden and filling is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes.


Spaghetti and Meatballs

Twirl up a forkful of this Italian favorite on any busy weeknight. The sauce is thin, so if you prefer it thicker, increase the amount of tomato paste.

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1 cup spaghetti, about 1/2 cup sauce, 4 meatballs, and 1 tablespoon cheese)

Ingredients

Sauce:

Cooking spray
1 cup finely chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (14-ounce) can less-sodium beef broth
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, undrained and chopped

Meatballs:

1 (1-ounce) slice white bread
2 (4-ounce) links sweet turkey Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons egg substitute
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1 pound ground sirloin

Remaining ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 pound hot cooked spaghetti
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano
Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)

Preparation

To prepare sauce, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 1 cup onion; sauté for 3 minutes. Add 3 garlic cloves, and sauté 1 minute. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and broth. Cook 4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes. Reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preheat broiler.

To prepare meatballs, place bread in a food processor, and process until fine crumbs measure 1/2 cup. Combine the breadcrumbs, sausage, 1/2 cup onion, and next 8 ingredients (through sirloin) in a bowl. With wet hands, shape sirloin mixture into 32 meatballs. Place meatballs on a broiler pan. Broil 15 minutes or until done. Add meatballs to sauce; simmer 15 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup parsley and 1/3 cup basil. Serve over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese; garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired.


Bourbon Bread Pudding

Day-old toasted bread cubes work best, absorbing plenty of the custard.

Yield
16 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup bread pudding and 1 tablespoon bourbon sauce)

Ingredients
Pudding:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 cups fat-free milk
9 cups (1/2-inch) cubed French bread
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large egg whites
1 large egg
1/2 cup raisins

Sauce:
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter
1 large egg
1/4 cup bourbon
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare pudding, spread 2 tablespoons butter onto bottom and sides of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Heat milk in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat to 180° or until tiny bubbles form around edge (do not boil). Place bread in a large bowl; pour hot milk over bread.

Combine 2 cups sugar and next 3 ingredients (through 1 egg) in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Gradually add the egg mixture to milk mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in raisins; pour into prepared dish. Place dish in a roasting pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of 1/2 inch. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until browned and set.

To prepare sauce, combine 3/4 cup sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, and 1 egg in a small, heavy saucepan over low heat. Cook 4 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 165° and mixture is thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in bourbon.
Source: Cooking Light

A Tapas Tale (or What I Ate in Barcelona)

Above: Barcelona Tapas Bar

In Spain, most locals enjoy tapas with sherry or wine, as a snack to tide them over until dinner (usually eaten around 10 or 11 at night). Almost always served at bars, tapas are thought to have originally consisted of a slice of cheese or ham placed over a drink to keep out flies. (The word tapa comes from the verb tapere, “to cover.”) Over time, these savory bites expanded to include regional specialties—oily slices of salt cod from the Basque or fried croquettes from the sherry region of Cadiz—that patrons would enjoy on toothpicks or rounds of bread. Nowadays, some tapas displays are so expansive, they could easily (and often do) comprise a full meal.

This is why tapas are so perfect for entertaining. These savory nibbles make terrific hors d’oeuvres as well as small-plate buffets. To round out the offerings below, simply add bowls of Spanish olives, some Spanish cheeses, including buttery Manchego, and fresh orange wedges and grapes.

And here’s the best part: tapas improve with age, which means you can (and should) make them one or two days in advance. They also taste wonderful at room temperature, which is how they’re served in Spain. So once you lay out all the goodies (along with plenty of bread, small plates, napkins and toothpicks), you’re done! Imagine—when your guests arrive, you can kick back, relax and actually enjoy your own party!


A Tapas Menu

Your tapas offerings may include refined dishes, but they can also feature something as simple as a plate of olives. Consider assembling a platter of delectable ready-to-eat foods, which will save you time and still satisfy guests. Here are suggestions:

• Cured olives–niçoise, picholine, lucques (France), kalamata (Greece), and manzanilla (Spain), to name a few–are tasty party snacks. Gourmet and international markets offer the widest choices.
• Include a selection of cheeses. As with any cheese board, present a wide variety that ranges from soft to hard textures and from mild to strong flavors (for instance, goat cheese, Manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and gorgonzola). Ask your cheese merchant for advice; he should steer you away from cheeses that might be popular but are not at peak quality, and encourage you to sample new varieties.
• Provide an assortment of cured hams and sausages, such as sopressata, prosciutto, and serrano ham.
• Offer a crudités medley to enjoy with tapas-style dips, such as Classic Tzatziki.


Spiced Almonds

Salty, sweet and laced with smoke—the perfect kind of almond for a party. If any remain the next day, savor them over a salad topped with sliced ripe pears and shaved Manchego cheese.

Makes 12 servings, 1/4 cup each

Ingredients

1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon hot paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 pound (about 3 cups) Marcona or raw whole almonds (see Tip)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 275°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Whisk brown sugar, cumin, paprika, thyme, salt and cayenne in a large bowl. Whisk egg white and water in a medium bowl until foamy. Add almonds and stir to coat; pour through a sieve to drain off excess egg white. Transfer the almonds to the bowl of spices; stir well to coat. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the almonds for 30 minutes. Stir, reduce the oven temperature to 200° and bake until the almonds are dry and golden, about 30 minutes more. Let cool before serving, about 20 minutes.

TIP: Spanish Marcona almonds have recently become more popular and more available. They’re a little flatter than ordinary almonds, with a richer flavor. Always skinned, most Marcona almonds have already been sautéed in oil and lightly salted when you get them. For this recipe, select unsalted and oil-free nuts if you can, though either will work well. Find them in specialty stores or online at tienda.com.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.


Spicy Lamb Meatballs

These succulent meatballs can be served on little plates with plenty of bread for sopping up the rich tomato sauce or simply with toothpicks (and a napkin!). They are best served warm.

Makes 12 servings, 4 meatballs each


Ingredients

12 ounces ground lamb
12 ounces 93%-lean ground turkey
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs (see Tip)
1 large egg white
1 cup minced onion, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, divided
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup red wine
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Combine lamb, turkey, breadcrumbs, egg white, 1/2 cup onion, half the garlic, 2 tablespoons mint, coriander, cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gently mix to combine. Shape into 48 little meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. Set aside.
4. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining 1/2 cup onion and cook, stirring, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining garlic, wine, cayenne and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer over medium-low heat until the wine has reduced significantly, 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, return to a simmer, reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
5. Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons mint.


Serrano Ham with Crusty Tomato Bread

For this classic tapas morsel, sweet and garlicky tomato spread is the perfect companion for thin slices of salty, dry-cured Spanish ham. Plum tomatoes are called for because they contain less water and therefore have a more intense flavor when they are slow-roasted.

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

12 plum tomatoes
4 tablespoons garlic oil (see Note), divided
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 whole-grain baguette, cut into 24 slices, or 12 pieces whole-grain bread, cut in half
6 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham (about 24 slices; see Note)

Preparation

1. To prepare tomatoes: Preheat oven to 300°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each half with some oil, some oregano and salt. Roast for 2 hours. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop the tomatoes and transfer (with juices) to a serving bowl.
3. To serve tapas: Shortly before serving, preheat oven to 350°F.
4. Place bread on a baking sheet and brush with some of the remaining garlic oil. Bake until slightly crispy, but not hard, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. To serve, arrange the bread on a large platter with ham and the bowl of tomato mixture for spreading.


Catalan Sauteed Polenta & Butter Beans

This dish is a satisfying vegetarian meal complete with spinach, beans and polenta, inspired by classic Spanish flavors. Note: Look for smoked paprika with other specialty spices; it’s available in three varieties: sweet, bittersweet and hot. Sweet is the most versatile, but if you like a little bit of heat, choose the hot variety. You can find Spanish products in specialty-foods stores or online at tienda.com. Make it a Meal: Enjoy with a green salad tossed with sherry vinaigrette and a glass of Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône.

Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

Ingredients

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 16-ounce tube prepared plain polenta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked, plus more for garnish (see Note)
1 15-ounce can butter beans, rinsed
4 cups packed baby spinach
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup shredded Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

Preparation

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add polenta and cook in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garlic to the pan, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring, until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in beans, spinach and broth; cook, stirring, until the beans are heated through and the spinach is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese and vinegar. Serve vegetables over polenta. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.



Chickpeas with Mussels

When you think “mussels” you may not instantly think “chickpeas,” but the two are joined in tasteful union in this delicious, bistro-style dish. You’ll want some crusty bread to sop up the sauce.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 8-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed (3/4 cup)
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 4-ounce jar chopped pimientos, rinsed
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of saffron
1/2 cup vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded (see Tip)

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, garlic and pimentos. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Stir in oregano, pepper and saffron. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in broth and sherry, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add mussels and stir to combine. Return to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until the mussels open, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir; discard any unopened mussels before serving.

TIP: To debeard a mussel, hold the mussel in one hand. Firmly pull out the black fibrous "beard" from the shell.


Spanish "Tortilla"

Don’t confuse this with the flour or corn tortillas you use to make wraps. A Spanish tortilla is a potato-and-egg omelet found on numerous menus throughout Spain. Traditionally these are cooked in heaps of olive oil. Our version uses less oil, so it’s lower in calories, and if you use precooked diced potatoes, it’s faster too.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup precooked diced red potatoes (see Tip)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1/2 cup shredded Manchego or Jack cheese
3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add potatoes, thyme and paprika and cook for 2 minutes more.
2. Lightly whisk eggs and egg whites in a large bowl. Gently stir the potato mixture into the eggs along with cheese, spinach, salt and pepper until combined. Wipe the pan clean; add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and heat over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture, cover and cook until the edges are set and the bottom is browned, 4 to 5 minutes (it will still be moist in the center).
3. To flip the tortilla, run a spatula gently around the edges to loosen them. Invert a large plate over the pan and turn out the tortilla onto it. Slide the tortilla back into the pan and continue cooking until completely set in the middle, 3 to 6 minutes. Serve warm or cold.


A Spanish Wine Sampler List

Reds

Fra Guerau, Montsant ($12). Well-balanced blend whose bright fruit and crisp acidity goes well with plates of olives or a selection of cheeses.


Valdubón Cosecha, Ribera del Duero ($14). A great wine to serve with grilled foods, made solely from tempranillo with plenty of plummy fruit.


Morlanda Criança, Priorat ($48). A blend of garnacha, cariñena and cabernet sauvignon dominated by black cherry with hints of raisins and dates.


Whites

Segura Viudas Creu de Lavit, Penedès ($15). Made exclusively from Xarel-lo, a white grape used to make cava. With a nose full of citrus, this is the perfect aperitif wine.


Vionta Albariño, Rías Baixas ($18). A touch of green apple and dried herbs; perfect with seafood or grilled vegetables.


Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad, Cava ($20). Medium-bodied sparkler with faint notes of apple and peach; ideal match for most tapas.

Sources: Eating Well, Cooking Light and The Food Network..and salvadordalimuseum.org

Oh, just came across these Tapas plates from Salvador Dali Museum


http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/store/product.php?productid=2906&cat=106&page=1


http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/

Easy Easter Menu

Easy Easter Menu

A variety of herbs lend sophistication to this menu of simple spring foods. If there's no time to soak the ham, a prepared one will work fine. Save your effort instead for the chocolate cake, which is heavenly.



This basic recipe yields a fine ham to serve for breakfast or dinner. Because the seasonings are mild, leftovers are at home in a variety of dishes. Soaking the ham in water draws out some of the sodium so the ham won't taste too salty.

Simple Baked Ham

Yield
26 servings (serving size: about 3 ounces)

Ingredients

1 (8-pound) 33%-less-sodium smoked, fully cooked ham half
2 teaspoons whole cloves
Cooking spray
2 cups apple juice, divided
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Preparation

Place ham in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Cover with water to 2 inches above ham; cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. Drain; rinse well with warm water. Drain.

Preheat oven to 325°.

Trim fat and rind from ham. Score outside of ham in a diamond pattern; stud with cloves. Place ham, skin side down, on the rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Place rack in pan; pour 1 cup apple juice over ham. Cover ham loosely with foil. Bake at 325° for 2 1/2 hours, basting occasionally with remaining 1 cup apple juice.

Remove ham from oven (do not turn oven off); uncover ham. Combine sugar and mustard; brush over ham. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 140°. Place ham on a cutting board; cover and let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Light January 2005



Rosemary Potatoes

These potatoes taste as if they were roasted in the oven--but take only half the time.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, quartered (about 4 cups)

Preparation

Place butter and garlic in an 8-inch square baking dish. Microwave at MEDIUM-HIGH (70% power) 45 seconds or until butter melts. Add rosemary, salt, pepper, and potatoes; toss well. Cover and microwave at HIGH for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Cooking Light March 2001


Glazed Julienne Carrots

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons reduced-calorie margarine
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Melt margarine in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add sugar, stirring until melted.

Add carrots, salt, and pepper and cook 10 minutes, or until carrots are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley.

Cooking Light November 1996



Light'n'Creamy Chocolate Cake Roll

This creation won second place in the professional competition, the winning chef studied culinary arts at the University of Akron and spent three years working in Italy as a private chef and currently lives in Hudson, Ohio.

Yield
10 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

Ingredients

Cake:

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (such as Hershey's)
1 (16-ounce) package angel food cake mix (such as Duncan Hines)
Cooking spray
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Filling:

2 (1-ounce) bars unsweetened baking chocolate (such as Hershey's)
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8-ounce) container frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa (such as Hershey's)
Chocolate curls (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare the cake, combine 3 tablespoons cocoa and cake mix in a large bowl. Prepare the cake mix with added cocoa according to package directions. Coat a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray; line bottom with wax paper. Pour batter into pan.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool the cake in pan 5 minutes. Loosen cake from sides of pan, and turn out onto a dish towel dusted with 1/2 cup powdered sugar; carefully peel off wax paper. Cool the cake 1 minute. Starting at narrow end, roll up cake and towel together. Place, seam side down, on a wire rack, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).

To prepare the filling, place baking chocolate in a glass bowl; microwave at high 2 minutes or until almost melted, stirring after 1 minute. Cool. Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the melted chocolate and 1 cup powdered sugar, beating mixture well (mixture will be very thick). Gently stir 1/2 cup whipped topping into the filling, and gently fold in the remaining whipped topping.

Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread filling over the cake, leaving a 1/2-inch border around outside edges. Re-roll cake, and place, seam side down, on a platter. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon cocoa. Cut the cake into 10 slices; garnish with chocolate curls, if desired.

Cooking Light December 2001

Snowy Easter Menu

Snowy Easter Menu

If spring's not yet sprung in your neighborhood, warm up with this hearty Easter feast.


Rosemary Garlic Roast Leg of Lamb

This roast cooks with just a simple rub of rosemary and garlic; coarse salt goes on the second the lamb emerges from the oven.

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 3 ounces)

Ingredients

1 (3-pound) rolled boned leg of lamb, trimmed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°.

Secure roast at 1-inch intervals with heavy string. Rub surface of roast with rosemary and garlic. Place roast on the rack of a broiler pan or roasting pan; insert a meat thermometer into thickest portion of roast. Bake at 450° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until thermometer registers 140° (medium-rare) to 155° (medium).

Sprinkle with salt. Place roast on a cutting board; cover loosely with foil. Let stand 10 minutes. (Temperature of roast will increase 5° upon standing.) Remove string before slicing.

Cooking Light December 2002


Golden Onion Strata with Gruyère and Prosciutto

We love the flavor and layered look of this strata, with paper-thin prosciutto providing a mere but welcome hint of salt. It's a perfect make-ahead dish for brunch.

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients

4 cups chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
1 cup (4 ounces) very thin slices prosciutto or ham, chopped
1/3 cup water
2 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) carton egg substitute
8 cups (1/2-inch) cubed French bread (about 9 ounces)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Gruyère, Jarlsberg, or Swiss cheese

Preparation

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and prosciutto, and sauté 5 minutes or until onion begins to brown. Add water; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer 30 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Cool.

Combine the milk, mustard, pepper, and egg substitute in a large bowl, and stir with a whisk until mixture is well-blended. Stir in the onion mixture. Add bread, tossing gently to coat.

Arrange half of the bread mixture in a single layer in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese, and top with remaining bread mixture. Cover strata, and chill 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Uncover strata. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese; bake an additional 20 minutes or until set.

Cooking Light May 2000


Barley Pilaf with Sautéed Mushrooms

The button mushrooms should be cooked in a cast-iron or heavy skillet instead of a nonstick skillet because you need high heat to get a nice browning. You could also use this hearty side dish as a filling for stuffed cabbage.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups pilaf and about 1/4 cup mushrooms)

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (about 1/2 ounce)
1 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups chopped button mushrooms (about 8 ounces)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon butter
4 cups sliced button mushrooms (about 8 ounces)

Preparation

Combine the dried porcini mushrooms and boiling water in a bowl; cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain in a sieve over a bowl, reserving mushroom liquid. Finely chop porcini mushrooms; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over high heat. Add chopped button mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium. Add porcini mushrooms, wine, pepper, and garlic; cook 1 minute or until liquid almost evaporates. Remove from heat.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large sauce-pan over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Add reserved mushroom liquid, 2 1/4 cups water, porcini mixture, barley, and salt, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 35 minutes or until barley is tender. Fluff with a fork; stir in parsley.

Carefully melt butter in a cast-iron or heavy skillet over high heat. Add the sliced button mushrooms, and sauté for 5 minutes or until browned. Top the pilaf with sautéed mushrooms.

Cooking Light December 2000


Sour Cream Babka

Russian and Polish immigrants gloried in Easter babkas - enriched yeast breads studded with dried fruits and nuts. For a more traditional babka, omit the amaretto and use dried sour cherries and candied cherries in place of cranberries and raisins.

Yield
28 servings

Ingredients

Dough:

1 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur)
1 cup evaporated fat-free milk
1 (8-ounce) carton low-fat sour cream
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Icing:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup evaporated fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Preparation

To prepare dough, combine cranberries and amaretto in a small bowl; set aside. Heat milk over medium-high heat in a small, heavy saucepan to 180° or until tiny bubbles form around edge (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in sour cream. Cool to room temperature.

Dissolve yeast in warm water, and let stand 5 minutes. Place 1/2 cup granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolks in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until thick and pale (about 2 minutes). Add milk mixture, yeast mixture, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and salt; beat until well blended.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 5 1/2 cups flour to egg mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray; dust with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Knead cranberry mixture, raisins, and almonds into dough. With floured hands, pat dough into an 8-inch circle. Form a 2-inch hole in center of dough; place dough in prepared pan, allowing center of Bundt pan to emerge through hole in dough. Gently press the dough into pan. Lightly coat top of dough with cooking spray; cover and let rise 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Uncover dough. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until loaf is browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool in pan 5 minutes on a wire rack.

To prepare icing, combine powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, stirring with a whisk. Remove babka from pan, and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with icing; cool completely.

Cooking Light January 2004

Stormy Easter Menu

Stormy Easter Menu

Spring weather can be very unpredictable and if your Easter weather is forecasted to be more wet than wonderful then this is the menu for you. Each dish features a bold look and flavor to outshine a wet, dreary day.


Fire and Spice Ham

Sweet-hot pepper jelly and tangy pineapple preserves create an easy glaze for the ham.

Yield
18 servings (serving size: about 3 ounces)

Ingredients

1 (5 1/2- to 6-pound) 33%-less-sodium smoked, fully cooked ham half
Cooking spray
1/2 cup red pepper jelly
1/2 cup pineapple preserves
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°.

Trim fat and rind from ham half. Score outside of ham in a diamond pattern. Place ham on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Combine jelly and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Brush about one-third of jelly mixture over ham.

Bake at 425° for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325° (do not remove ham from oven); bake an additional 45 minutes, basting ham with jelly mixture every 15 minutes. Transfer ham to a serving platter; let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Light December 2002


Green Beans with Roasted Onion Vinaigrette

To simplify things, make and refrigerate the vinaigrette and steam and chill the green beans a day ahead.

Yield
8 servings (serving size: about 4 ounces green beans and 1/4 cup vinaigrette)

Ingredients

2 red onions, peeled (about 1 pound)
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
2 pounds green beans, trimmed, steamed, and chilled

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°.

Cut onions in half vertically. Drizzle the cut side of each onion half with 1/4 teaspoon oil. Sprinkle halves evenly with salt and pepper. Place 1 thyme sprig on 1 onion half; top with other half. Wrap in foil. Repeat procedure with the remaining thyme and onion halves. Bake the wrapped onions at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool to room temperature. Discard thyme, and chop onions. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion, dill, vinegar, and mustard in a small bowl.

Toss the beans with the vinaigrette.

Cooking Light November 2001


Carrot Soufflé

Because this dish contains no beaten egg whites, it is not a true soufflé the name is derived from its light airy texture. Similar in color and flavor to sweet potato casserole, it pairs well with ham or turkey.

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

7 cups chopped carrot (about 2 pounds)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cook carrot in boiling water 15 minutes or until very tender; drain. Place carrot in a food processor; process until smooth. Add granulated sugar and next 7 ingredients (granulated sugar through eggs); pulse to combine.

Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until puffed and set. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Cooking Light November 2002


Double Coconut Cake

Coconut milk, found with the Asian foods in the supermarket, makes this cake moist and rich.

Yield
14 servings

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 tablespoon cake flour
2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Fluffy Coconut Frosting (recipe follows this one)
2/3 cup flaked sweetened coconut, divided

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; dust with 1 tablespoon flour.

Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (for about 5 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in vanilla.

Pour batter into prepared pans. Sharply tap the pans once on countertop to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on wire racks, and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1 cup Fluffy Coconut Frosting. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup coconut. Top with remaining cake layer; spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle 1/3 cup coconut over top of cake. Store cake loosely covered in refrigerator.

Cooking Light December 2001

Fluffy Coconut Frosting

Yield
about 4 cups (serving size: about 1/4 cup)

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Dash of salt
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract

Preparation

Place egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until candy thermometer registers 238°. Pour hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over egg whites, beating at high speed. Stir in extracts.

Cooking Light December 2001

Sunny Easter Menu

Sunny Easter Menu

This brunch menu is designed for Easter al fresco, but can be enjoyed just as thoroughly indoors.


Grilled Wild Salmon and Vegetables

You often can find different varieties of locally grown onions at farmers' markets and occasionally at supermarkets. The original recipe calls for specialty onions, including red torpedo, bianco de maijio, and gold coin. Here, it calls for more readily available varieties. Use a grill basket to cook the fish and vegetables.

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

8 fingerling potatoes (about 8 ounces)
4 small red onions, cut into 1-inch slices (about 1 pound)
4 Vidalia spring onions, quartered (about 8 ounces)
4 cipollini onions (about 4 ounces)
2 cups sliced fennel (about 7 ounces)
1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon chopped fennel fronds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
2 cups pea tendrils or baby spinach
1/4 cup Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette (recipe follows this one)

Preparation

Prepare grill.

Place potatoes in a large pan of boiling water; cook 8 minutes or until tender. Add onions and sliced fennel; cook 3 minutes or until onions are tender. Drain and plunge into ice water; drain.

Toss vegetables with oil. Place vegetables on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until tender and lightly browned. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, fennel fronds, and parsley.

Sprinkle salmon with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place salmon on grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill 5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Place 1 salmon fillet onto each of 4 plates. Toss pea tendrils with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette. Place about 1/2 cup pea tendril mixture over salmon. Add 1 1/2 cups grilled vegetables to each serving, and serve immediately.

CookingLight August 2006

Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

Preserved lemons are lemons that have been preserved in salt and water. You can find them at gourmet and Middle Eastern markets, or prepare the recipe for Quick Preserved Lemons (recipe follows this one).

Yield
1/3 cup (serving size: about 1 tablespoon)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons finely chopped preserved lemon, pith removed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
1 teaspoon minced shallots
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until blended.

Cooking Light, August 2006


Quick Preserved Lemons

Preserving lemons typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to acquire the right consistency and flavor. However, this quick method bypasses the lengthy preservation time and is a great substitute for the real thing. Use the rind to accent a variety of dishes, from seafood to vegetable stir-fries. Mash the pulp in a sauce or a stew, or use it to baste chicken or lamb. These can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To distribute the flavor, chop before adding to a dish.

Yield
1/2 cup (serving size: 1 teaspoon)

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 lemons, washed and quartered

Preparation

Combine water and salt in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Add lemons; cook 30 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup and lemon rind is tender. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.

Cooking Light, June 2004


Ham and Asparagus Frittata

Extend whole eggs with egg whites for a generous serving size. Serve the frittata with fruit and toasted English muffins and jam for an Easter brunch for two.

Yield
2 servings (serving size: 2 wedges)

Ingredients
2/3 cup chopped 33%-less-sodium ham (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded low-fat Jarlsberg cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites
2 large eggs
Cooking spray
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup (1-inch) slices asparagus
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Preparation
Preheat broiler.

Combine ham, cheese, black pepper, salt, egg whites, and eggs, stirring well with a whisk.

Heat a 9-inch nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and asparagus; sauté 3 minutes. Add egg mixture; reduce heat to medium. Cook, covered, 3 minutes or until almost set. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Wrap handle of pan with foil; broil 3 minutes or until egg is set. Cut into 4 wedges.

Cooking Light April 2004


Herbed Potato Salad

Dill, parsley, and onion combine with yogurt and sour cream to make a pungent, creamy dressing. Because it travels well, this flavorful potato salad is wonderful for potlucks and picnics.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

Preparation

Place potatoes in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes or until tender. Drain. Cool slightly and peel. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; cut halves crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place potatoes in a large bowl; sprinkle with vinegar.

Combine yogurt and sour cream in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add oil; stir with a whisk. Add onion and remaining ingredients; stir with a whisk. Add yogurt mixture to potato mixture; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours.

Cooking Light July 2002


Fresh Berry Pavlovas

Crème fraîche is cultured cream that has a texture and consistency similar to sour cream, which you could substitute in a pinch. Look for cartons of crème fraîche in your supermarket's dairy case. You can make and freeze the meringues in an airtight container for up to a month; just remove them from the freezer before you start putting the pavlovas together. No further thawing or reheating required.

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients
4 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 (8-ounce) carton plain fat-free yogurt
3/4 cup commercial crème fraîche
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries
Preparation
Preheat oven to 250°.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw 8 (3-inch) circles on paper. Turn the paper over; secure with masking tape. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form (do not underbeat). Divide egg white mixture evenly among 8 drawn circles on baking sheet. Shape the meringues into nests with 1-inch sides using the back of a spoon. Bake at 250° for 1 hour. Turn oven off; cool meringues in closed oven for at least 2 hours or until completely dry. Carefully remove the meringues from paper.

Spoon yogurt onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels, and spread to 1/2-inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand for 5 minutes. Scrape into a bowl using a rubber spatula. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, drained yogurt, and crème fraîche. Spoon the yogurt mixture evenly into the meringues. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons each of strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Cooking Light September 2001

Ramps : Not Just a Way to Get on the Highway Anymore

It's April, and all you farmers market shoppers know what that means! It's ramp season! Ramps (which are really members of the wild leek family) are available only for a short time in early spring. They taste like a heady combination of garlic and onions and look like scallions. Though you won't necessarily be seeing them at Stop & Shop, the distinctive flavor and relative unavailability of ramps make them items of worship for foodies. So here's what you do: run down to your local farmers market and pick some up. This alone will make you feel like you just learned the handshake to an exclusive secret club. Then, go back home and whip up this recipe for spaghetti with ramps. Invite your food snob friends over for dinner and laugh when they assume it's pesto. (Note: due to the strong flavor and odor of ramps, do not plan to kiss any of said food snob friends.) Serve a nice white wine with it (**MY NOTE: I'd actually go for the Pinot Grigio but maybe that's just me**) and there you have it: instant street cred in the foodie world. If, you know, there is such a thing as street cred in the foodie world.


from wikipedia:

Ramps

Allium tricoccum, commonly known as ramps, spring onion, ramson, wild leek, or ail des bois (French), is a member of the onion family (Alliaceae). Found in groups with broad, smooth, light green leaves, often with deep purple or burgundy tints on the lower stems and a scallion-like bulb strongly rooted just beneath the surface of the soil. Both the white root and the broad green leaves are edible. They are found from the U.S. state of South Carolina to Canada and are especially popular in the cuisine of the US state of West Virginia and the Canadian province of Quebec when they emerge in the springtime. A common description of the flavor is like a combination of onions and strong garlic.

In central Appalachia, ramps are most commonly fried with potatoes in bacon grease or scrambled with eggs and served with bacon, pinto beans, and cornbread. Ramps, however, are quite adaptable to almost any food style and can also be used in soups, puddings, ketchup, guacamole and other foods, in place of onions and garlic.




Spaghetti with Ramps

Ingredients

1/2 pound ramps
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan


Toasted Bread-Crumb Topping (recipe follows)

Preparation

Trim roots from ramps and slip off outer skin on bulbs if loose. Blanch ramps in a 6-quart pot of boiling salted water, 2 to 3 seconds, and transfer to a cutting board with tongs. Coarsely chop ramps and put in a blender with zest and oil.

Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook a few minutes, then ladle out 1/2 cup pasta water and add to blender. Purée ramps until smooth and season with salt. Continue to cook spaghetti until al dente, then ladle out about 1 cup additional pasta water before draining spaghetti in a colander. Return pasta to pot with ramp purée and toss with parmesan over moderate heat 1 to 2 minutes, thinning sauce with a little pasta water as needed to coat pasta.


Toasted Bread Crumb Topping for Pasta

3 (1/2-inch-thick) slices whole-grain bread
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cut bread into cubes, then grind to crumbs in a food processor. Spread in a shallow baking pan and bake in middle of oven, stirring occasionally, until golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour crumbs into a bowl and stir in oil and salt.


Source : wikipedia.com
epicurious.com
blogs.menupages.com/boston/