Baked Ziti and Veggies

Baked Ziti and Veggies

Ingredients

4 oz. uncooked ziti (I used Rice Shells as shown in the photo)

1 TBS olive oil

2 cups chopped yellow squash

1 cup chopped zucchini

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cups chopped tomato

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

2 TBS chopped fresh basil

2 tsp chopped fresh oregano

3/4 tsp salt, divided

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper

1/4 cup part-skim ricottta cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Cooking spray

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Rinse. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In an 8-inch baking dish, spray with cooking spray.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to pan. Add squash, zucchini and onion; saute 5 minutes.

Add tomato and garlic; saute 3 minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in pasta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, herbs, 1/2 tsp salt and crushed red pepper.

Combine ricotta, remaining salt and egg. Stir into pasta mixture. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

Serves 4. (Serving size: approx. 1 1/2 cups)

Nutritional Information:

Calories 301

Fat 312.1 g

Sat Fat 5.3 g

Monofat 5 g

Polyfat 0.9 g

Protein 16.5 g

Carbohydrate 32.8 g (if using regular pasta)

Fiber 4.1 g

Cholesterol 65 mg

Iron 1.9 mg

Sodium 640 mg

Calcium 291 mg

(Recipe and nutrititional information taken from www.cookinglight.com)

Honey Lime Chicken

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 TBS honey

1 TBS vegetable oil

Juice of 1 lime

2 tsp hot chili sauce, such as Sriracha sauce

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 TBS cilantro (or parsley), chopped

3-4 skewers (metal or wooden)

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, oil, lime juice, hot chili sauce, garlic and cilantro. Stir to combine.

In a large gallon sized plastic zipper bag, add the chicken pieces to the bag along with the marinade. Zip the bag closed, removing the air from the bag as you close it. Gently knead the marinade and chicken together until chicken is coated completely.

Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours.

Remove the chicken from the bag, discard any marinade left in the bag. Thread 8 to 9 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. (If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes prior to skewering the chicken.)

Grill over medium heat, 7 to 8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.

Serve with a fresh garden salad and wedges of lime.

Serves 3-4

Tuesday Tip of the Day - Zesting

Loads of recipes call for the juice of lemons, limes and oranges, but what about the zest? Whenever a recipe call for just the juice of the fruit, I always zest the peel first. 

Using your microplaner or other zesting tool, zest the peel of the fruit over a clean paper towel. Be careful not to zest the white pithy part which can be quite bitter.

Allow the zest to dry completely on the paper towel. Once dry, place in a marked container in a cool, dry place. You are now ready to add zest to your favorite recipes without having to purchase the zest in the store, which can be very costly.

Oreo and Peanut Butter Brownie Cakes

Oreo and Peanut Butter Brownie Cake

Ingredients:

1 Box Brownie Mix

24 Oreo Cookies

1/2 cup Peanut Butter, creamy

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12 muffin cup baking tin with paper liners.

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.

For each cupcake cup, spread 1 teaspoon of peanut butter over 2 Oreo cookies and stack them on top of each other. Place Oreo stacks into the cupcake lined muffin cups.

Spoon 2 tablespoons of brownie batter over each stacked Oreos and let it run down the sides of the cookies.

If you have left over brownie batter, bake separately in a muffin tin(s).

Bake cookies for 18-20 minutes, until brownies are cooked through.

Let cool completely, then serve.

An Apple a Day!

Why should we eat an apple a day? There are a number of reasons:

• Reduce your Cholesterol Level: The soluble fiber in apples clings to fats in your intestine to reduce overall cholesterol levels.
• Make your heart healthy: Lower cholesterol levels lead to a slower buildup of plaque in the arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also helps prevent cholesterol from solidifying on the artery walls and clogging them, which would lead to reduced blood flow to the heart and thus coronary artery disease.
• Have Healthy White Teeth: Although an apple can't replace a toothbrush. . .eating one stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth, lowering the bacteria level in the mouth and thus reducing tooth decay.
• Decrease the risk of Diabetes: Apples are loaded with soluble fiber which reduces blood sugar swings.
• Slow Cancer Formation: Many types of cancer growth have been proven to slow with the consumption of an apple a day. Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research report that an apple a day helps reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Cornell researchers found compounds in apple peel (triterpenoids) that fight cancer growth in the breast, colon and liver. The National Cancer Institute recommends a high fiber diet to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Prevent gallstones: Gallstones form if there's too much cholesterol in your bile to remain liquid, so it solidifies. This is most common in the obese. So again, grab an apple a day like the doctor recommends.
• Become "regular": Whether you're constipated or have the runs, the fiber in apples can help. It either pulls water out of the colon to keep things moving or absorbs excess water from the stool to slow things down. This can also help avoid the development of hemorrhoids which form from too much pressure when using the bathroom. The symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can also be controlled with a diet high in fiber (and avoiding dairy and fatty foods).
• Avoid Alzheimer's: Studies with mice show that just drinking apple juice fights the effects of aging on the brain. These mice showed higher levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, and did better in maze tests than those without apples.
• Protect against Parkinson's: Research shows that people who eat high fiber fruits gain some protection against Parkinson's disease, which is a breakdown of the brain's dopamine producing nerve cells. This has been linked to the antioxidants.
• Weight control: To manage weight and thus improve overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fiber - an apple a day. Foods high in fiber fill you up without a lot of calories.
• Liver detoxification: The liver is responsible for clearing the toxins that are constantly consumed back out of the body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. But all doctors seem to recommend an apple a day.
• Boost the immune system: Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin which can help boost the immune system, especially when you're stressed out. This antioxidant has also recently been linked to a decrease in the development of cataracts.

There are so many other benefits to eating an apple a day and with such a large variety coming into season, consider starting a new, healthy habit.

Flavorful Rice

Rice can tend to be bland and boring. To liven up your rice and to add great flavor, here is a tip:

• Heat approx. 1 TBS of olive in a pot and saute 1 TBS garlic for about 2 minutes
• Add rice and saute until lightly browned
• Finish cooking rice according to your package directions, substituting vegetable broth for the water called for in the directions
• Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley
• Serve immediately

You can also saute additional ingredients such as chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Simply follow all the steps above.

Kids in the Kitchen

A great way to get kids to try something new is to get them involved! From planting new veggies in the garden to buying the staples in the grocery store, kids should play a role on a regular basis. I know, I know - it's sometimes easier said than done but in the long run will your kids learn to love a variety of food, you will be able to spend great time with them and instill in them a love for good time together in the kitchen.

If you have children even as young as 2 or 3, they can help wash fruit and veggies (they love to play in water), pour pre-measured ingredients into the mixing bowl and even stir pre-moistened batter (make sure your dry ingredients are moistened to keep the dry ingredients from flying around).

Older kids can help with cutting soft foods, cracking eggs and mashing fruits. If they are beginning to read, have them help to read the directions. (They will be getting a little extra schoolwork in without even knowing it!)

Important too is not only letting them help with the prep and cooking, but clean up as well. And most of all, have fun!!!

Time Saving Tip

For some summer is starting to wind down, for others it is still at it's wonderful peak of picnics, barbecues, vacations, and anything that takes us out of our kitchens.

To save some time in the kitchen so you can enjoy those wonderful outdoor activities, why not purchase a rotisserie chicken that has already been seasoned and cooked at your local grocer? They are reasonably priced, won't heat up your kitchen and has enough meat to possibly cover a couple of meals.

You can use your chicken for all types of wonderful recipes like salads, tacos, sandwiches, pizza, soups, etc. Be creative and enjoy the last days of summer!

Blueberries

In some areas, blueberries are in the height of freshness. Nothing says summer better than fresh blueberry muffins, blueberry pie, blueberry cobbler, blueberry ice cream - can you see we love blueberries?

When making baked goods like muffins, mix your dry ingredients together and reserve approximately 1 TBS of the flour mixture. Add your wet ingredients according to your recipe directions. Before adding your blueberries, toss them with the reserved flour mixture and then gently (very gently) fold the blueberries into your batter. 

Tossing the berries with flour helps in a couple of ways:

• It will keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of your muffins and cakes. The reason behind this is because your blueberries are heavier than the batter.
• It will also help the berries retain their beautiful blue color. 

(Remember: gently fold the berries into your batter.)

This tip can also be used for anything you add to your batter, such as nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruits, etc. Anything that is heavier than your batter will tend to sink but when coating with flour allows everything to be more evenly distributed.

Using Wooden Skewers on the Grill

We are still in the height of "grilling season" and shish kebab cooking is quick and easy. If making kebabs with chicken or meat, you will want to make sure that you cut uniform pieces of 1-2" and refrigerate in your favorite marinade following your favorite recipe directions.

Wooden kebab skewers can be found in any grocery store. Before using on the grill, you MUST soak them in water BEFORE skewering your meats and/or vegetables to prevent the wood from burning on the grill. You can even cover the tips of the wooden skewers with small pieces of aluminum foil.

If you do a lot of grilling this way, consider investing in stainless steel skewers. They may cost a little more initially, but they can be used over and over again.

Making a Crumb Crust

There are a couple of ways to make a cracker or cookie crumb crust. You can place your crackers or cookies in a large zipper bag, sealed tight and crush with your rolling pin. Or, you can place your crackers or cookies in your food processor and process until desired consistency.

Finally, finish according to your recipe's directions.

Melting Butter in the Microwave

Does your recipe call for melted butter? Tired of having it splatter in your microwave?

First, make sure you place your butter in a glass container. Then you will need to cover the top. The butter wrapper will keep the splatter in the container and not make a mess of your microwave!

Now, why didn't I think of that long ago?

Summer Fare

When the temperatures heat up outside, the last thing you want is to heat up the temperature inside by using your oven. We do tend to want to eat lighter fare on those warm days and not want something heavy like we do in the colder months.

How about cooking some corkscrew pasta (or the pasta you prefer). Drain, run cool water over pasta to stop the cooking process and to prevent pasta from sticking together. Cut up some veggies into bite size pieces, such as peppers, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes or some of your favorite veggies you like to eat raw. 

Toss all together in a large bowl. Pour on your favorite Italian dressing (to taste). So light, refreshing and satisfying!!! Also, travels very well to bring to the beach, lake, camping, picnics and barbeques.

Options: Add some sliced black olives, cubed cheese, grated parmesan, etc. Serve as a main dish or as a side with your favorite grilled meat.

Making Iced Tea

(stock photo)

There are so many variations to making Iced Tea. Here's a very simple recipe that I think you'll enjoy.

Ingredients:

6 tea bags
4 cups water
4 cups cold water

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil.

Add tea bags.

Remove from heat. Steep the teabags for 10 minutes only.

In a large pitcher, add 4 cups cold water. At the end of the 10 minutes, remove and discard the teabags. Pour hot water slowly into the cold water.

Allow tea to cool completely. Grab your favorite glass, add a couple of ice cubes, pour your iced tea over the ice, then add your favorite fixings. Consider using simple syrup instead of sugar. (Recipe can be found here.)

Some suggestions: Add lemon, blueberries, raspberries, or mint leaves. Sit back and enjoy!!!

How To Grill Corn

Ahhhh - grilled corn!!! True summer fare! Want to get that smoky sweet flavor that only fresh corn can get when it's grilled?

First, you will need to pull back the husks from the corn. (Make sure you leave them attached at the stem.) Remove and discard the silk.

Once the silk has been removed, pull the husks back up around the corn. After the husks are pulled back, you want to soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes to prevent the husks from burning on the grill. You can simply soak them in a roasting pan or a large bowl.

Have your grill preheated at medium heat. Put the ears on the grill, turn often about 8 to 10 minutes or until the kernels are tends and the husks are lightly charred.

Can't you just taste it?!?

Simple Syrup

'Tis the season for lemonade and iced tea!!! Yummy! When making homemade sweetened drinks, please do not just pour sugar directly into your drink. Make a simple syrup instead.

Simply combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir often, until the sugar has completely dissolved, 3-5 minutes. Let syrup cool.

To use: For every teaspoon of sugar you would normally use, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of simple syrup.

Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Wasn't that easy? And no yucky sugar granules left on the bottom of your glass!!!

Tuesday Tip of the Day!

We will be coming into grilling season soon and no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen on those nice, sunny days. Did you know that you can marinate in the freezer? Prepare your meat or poultry ahead of time, put into your freezer bags, mix up your marinade, add to the freezer bag, zip closed letting out as much air as possible and place in freezer. Not only will this save your meat or poultry from freezer burn, you will be ready to grill once thawed!!!

This also saves a lot of space in your freezer since you can lay the freezer bags flat on top of one another!!! (Leaves more room for ice cream ;-) !!!)

Tuesday Tip of the Day!

In today's economy, we need to learn how to stretch our money and our meals. And with so many two person income families or single working parent families, time is also not easy to come by. Today's tip: Buy larger quantities of ground beef when it is on sale. Since cooked ground beef freezes well, fry the ground beef and freeze in one pound portion sizes (or larger depending on the size of your family) in freezer safe containers or to save on freezer space, freezer safe Ziplock bags. So easy to thaw and add to your favorite recipes and a real time saver too!!!

Tuesday Tip of the Day!

When making pasta, always salt the water - not the pasta!!! When the water comes to a boil, add salt, then the pasta. For a 4 quart pot, add approx. 1-2 TBS of salt. Does sound like a lot but the pasta will only absorb a small amount of the salt.

If you wait to salt the pasta until after it is cooked, the pasta will taste bland.

Go ahead! Give it a try!!!

Valentine Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup butter

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Sanding sugar

Dove heart chocolates or Hershey's kisses

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In large bowl with mixer at medium speed, cream together butter and peanut butter. 

Beat in sugars until blended. 

Add eggs and vanilla.

Add flour mixture, beat until well blended.

Chill dough for about 1 hour.

Shape dough into 1" balls, roll in sanding sugar and place 2" apart on ungreased or parchment lined baking sheet. (Do not flatten.)

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 12 minutes. As soon as you remove them from the oven, place either a heart shaped chocolate or Hershey kiss in center of cookie. Press down lightly. Wait about 1 minute and remove to cooling rack to cool completely.

Yield: 6 dozen