Shrimp Lo Mein

Meal Plan Monday's #23

Recently I have been trying to cook some meals that are easier to eat as Rick is recovering from his 2nd oral surgery. OUCH!
Last night, I decided to make Shrimp Lo Mein with ingredients that I had on hand. He said, "I'm sure I won't like it...I didn't like the last time we had that." Excuse me, Dear, the last time wasn't a stir fry that I made, it was some frozen concoction, don't even remember what brand.
So, I proceeded to concoct our dinner! BTW, he loved it & even had a second helping! LOL

Shrimp Lo Mein

1 lb. medium shrimp, thawed

1 large clove garlic, minced

1" piece of fresh ginger, minced

1/4 cup diced red onion

2 cups spinach/Swiss chard (or green of your choice, like bok  choy) This is just what I had on hand. 

2 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup baby carrots sliced on the diagonal

1/2 red bell pepper, cut in strips

1 pkg. Hokkein stir fry noodles (use both packets in package)

1 tsp. Chicken base mixed with 1 cup water

1/2 cup TSang Classic Stir Fry Sauce

2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil, divided

Heat wok with 1 Tbsp. Vegetable oil, add onion, garlic & Ginger. Stir fry for 1 minute, add shrimp & cook 1-2 minutes longer. Remove shrimp & aromatics to plate. 

Add 1 Tbsp. Oil to wok. Add broccoli, carrots, greens & bell pepper. Sauté 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken base & stir fry sauce & cook until vegetables are crisp tender, 3-4 minutes. 

Stir in noodles & shrimp with aromatics, cook 2 minutes longer, tossing to coat noodles with sauce. 

15-20 Minute Healthy Chicken & Veggies Bake

Also found at Meal Plan Monday #22

Found this recipe online & adapted a bit to my liking, I highly recommend it! Very tasty! Easy prep & a meal in one pan!

15-20 Minute Healthy Roasted Chicken and Veggies (One Pan)

My changes/additions are in parentheses. Paula aka mecookin

Author: Layla

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 medium chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any colors you like)
• ½ onion, chopped (1 red onion, coarse chopped) 
• (1 carrot, sliced) I added this
• 1 zucchini, chopped ( I used 2)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup tomatoes, chopped or plum/grape
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• (1 tsp. Minced garlic)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• (2 hot peppers, whole to be removed after cooking)
• Optional: Add other veggies of your choice...cauliflower, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, etc. 
• Season 1 lb. peeled, deveined & tail on shrimp, toss with mixture last 10 minutes of cooking. 
• Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees  F.
2. Chop all the veggies into large pieces. On another cutting board chop the chicken into cubes.
   
   Place the chicken and veggies in a medium roasting dish or sheet pan.(I used a sheet pan.) Add the olive oil, salt and pepper, italian seasoning, and paprika.Toss to combine.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until the veggies are charred and chicken is cooked.Enjoy with rice, pasta, or a salad.

Almond Peach Summer Salad

Be sure to check it out here:

Meal Plan Monday #27

Almond Peach Summer Salad with Peach Vinaigrette 

This Almond Peach Salad with Peach Vinaigrette is the perfect addition to your summer entertaining table.

Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients ~

6 cups spring mix salad
2 fresh peaches, cored and coarsely chopped
½ cup  almond slices, toasted 
8 ounces gorgonzola cheese crumbles
½ cup peach jam
¼ cup white wine vinegar or citrus vinegar
¼ cup honey ***Too sweet for my preference

                                      ***In lieu of the honey, I used 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
                                                            2 teaspoons grapeseed oil

Instructions ~

Place the salad greens, chopped peaches, gorgonzola cheese crumbles and toasted almond slices into a large salad bowl. 

***I toast my almonds in a small skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently. 

In the meantime, place peach jam, vinegar, honey (if using, or Dijon mustard, my preference) and grapeseed oil into the jar of your blender. Blend until smooth.
Drizzle the peach vinaigrette over the salad and serve.

Garlic-Parmesan Hasselback Zucchini

Find this recipe at Southern Plate
*My notes. 


Garlic-Parmesan Hasselback  Zucchini 
Adapted
From EatingWell: July/August 2016
Using the hasselback technique—cutting partially into a whole fruit or vegetable every 1/2 inch or so—gives you an easy way to sneak lots of flavor into this healthy zucchini recipe. To bake the zucchini instead of grilling, place in a foil-lined 8-inch-square baking pan and bake at 425°F until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

*I use 2 wooden spoon handles on either side of zucchini to cut in the Hasselback method. This prevents cutting through the entire zucchini. I also prepared these in the oven method. Very tasty & will prepare again! I will also add more cheese the last few minutes of baking. 

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
4 small zucchini (about 1 pound total)
1/3 - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, large pieces broken in half
Preparation

Preheat grill to medium-high.
Combine oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Make crosswise cuts every ½ inch along each zucchini, slicing almost to the bottom but not all the way through. Gently fan the zucchini to open the cuts wider and place a small piece of Parmesan into each cut. Brush the oil mixture over the top.
Place the zucchini on a double layer of foil and grill, without turning, until browned and tender, 16 to 18 minutes.
Nutrition

Per serving : 75 Calories; 5 g Fat; 2 g Sat; 3 g Mono; 4 mg Cholesterol; 4 g Carbohydrates; 4 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 245 mg Sodium; 319 mg Potassium

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 lean meat, 1/2 fat

JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER

JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Reflecting  Independence
by Paula George
June 26, 2006

As Independence Day approaches, many thoughts and memories travel through my
mind and heart.

Thoughts of the freedoms, others have sacrificed home and lives for bringing us
to this point in time.

Families divided, others brought closer as they faced enemies seeking to destroy
these freedoms.

Goodbyes said as loved ones shipped to foreign lands, never to return, yet;
giving their lives to protect their homeland.

Unfortunate the divisions in our own homeland, families divided, others
reunited...infiltrated within by...

Outsiders...taking advantage of our freedoms and government, unwilling to accept
our land according to the laws it was founded upon.

Only taking of the opportunities...unwilling to become an intricate part of the
Independence we have because of lives sacrificed.

Reflections still remain that I have the opportunity to live in "freedom" and I
am a "citizen" of the "Land of Independence".

Refections of those who serve in our military forces...those near and
far...those past and present...those willing to sacrifice home and family to
protect our freedom and homeland..."Reflecting Independence".

ITALIAN TUNA SALAD (Valerie Bertinelli)

Ingredients
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 slices jarred sweet and hot cherry peppers, chopped
1 to 3 kalamata or nicoise olives, pitted and chopped
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1 7 -ounce jar Italian tuna packed in oil, drained
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

White bread, such as Wonder Bread, crusts removed and quartered, for serving
Sesame crackers, for serving

Directions
In a bowl combine the mayo, capers, relish, mustard, peppers, olives, eggs and tuna. Mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on the quartered white bread and the sesame crackers.

Four bean salad w/ Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
12 oz. fresh green beans, split lengthwise
8 oz. wax beans, split lengthwise
2 cups frozen edamame
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 orange or red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
Dressing:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup champagne vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. coarse ground pepper

Prepare green beans & wax beans. Add edamame & steam in microwave for 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water & drain. Add drained garbanzo beans, chopped pepper & chopped red onion.
Whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over bean mixture, toss to coat. Let stand 30-40 minutes at room temp, toss again & serve. Refrigerate any salad that is left.

Chicken Salad Casserole

from Ruth Tidwell 

2 cups chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

3 cups cooked rice

1 medium onion, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

4 boiled eggs, chopped

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 package slivered almonds

1 cup buttered bread crumbs

Combine all ingedients except buttered bread crumbs. Place in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Top with buttered bread crumbs. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 45 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Bacon Stuffed Eggs

INGREDIENTS

6 large eggs

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 -3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

DIRECTIONS

Place eggs in a large sauce pan or Dutch oven. Add enough water to measure at least 1 inch above eggs. Cover and quickly bring to a boil. Remove from heat.Let stand covered in hot water 12 minutes. ( This is always how I boil my eggs, it helps to keep eggs from cracking, and gives a more emven cooking.) Drain. Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until cooled completely.

To remove shell ,gently tap each egg all over, and roll between hands to loosen shell; then hold egg under cold running water as you peel shell.

Slice eggs in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out yolk; mash yolks with a fork. Add cream cheese and next 4 ingredients to yolks, stirring until smooth.Stir bacon, and spoon into egg whites. 

Quinoa Salad

1 cup tri-colored quinoa, uncooked*

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces or toasted sliced almonds

1 cup small grapes, half them if using large grapes

1/4 cup chopped red onion

6 radishes, sliced thinly (optional)

1 Tbsp.each fresh basil & fresh cilantro or Italian parsley chopped (mint is also a great addition)

Cook the quinoa the night before, chill. Fluff with fork. Add the celery, walnut pieces, grapes, radishes, basil & cilantro.

Season with S&P, toss with dressing.

*Tonight I used a package of pure cooked Seeds of Change Quinoa & Brown Rice w/roasted garlic

Plate on bed of baby spinach.

Can be kept refrigerated 48 hours to maintain good consistency.

For the dressing, whisk together:

⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange

⅓ cup olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

2-3 tablespoons honey 

Or use this one: 

Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. Honey

1/4 tsp. kosher salt & fresh ground pepper 

2 Tbsp. Red wine vinegar 

1/3 cup EVOO

Whisk together.

   Cannoli Dip

Yield: 8 - 10 servings

Ingredients

15 oz Ricotta cheese, strained*

8 oz Mascarpone cheese

2/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting if desired

1 cup heavy cream**

1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (chopped pistachios would also be good)

Directions

In a mixing bowl using a spatula, blend together Ricotta and Mascarpone cheese, while pressing mixture along bottom of bowl to smooth mixture. Fold in powdered sugar. In a separate mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add half of whipped cream to Ricotta mixture and fold until combined, then add remaining half and fold until combined. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving 1 - 2 Tbsp to garnish. Serve topped with remaining chocolate chips, dusted lightly with powdered sugar if desired and serve with graham crackers, strawberries, cannoli chips or fried flour tortilla chips dusted lightly with cinnamon.

*To strain I simply lay the ricotta over several layers of paper towels, then wrap and squeeze to remove excess moisture. You want to remove enough moisture that the Ricotta should hold it's shape pretty well so you may want to do this step twice.

**If you don't want the dip fluffy you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or even omit it (which will give it a texture closer to a traditional cannoli filling). If you do omit it you may want to reduce the powdered sugar by a few Tbsp.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Serve with broken waffle ice cream cones or in mini puff pastry shells.

JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER

JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Reflecting  Independence
by Paula George
June 26, 2006

As Independence Day approaches, many thoughts and memories travel through my
mind and heart.

Thoughts of the freedoms, others have sacrificed home and lives for bringing us
to this point in time.

Families divided, others brought closer as they faced enemies seeking to destroy
these freedoms.

Goodbyes said as loved ones shipped to foreign lands, never to return, yet;
giving their lives to protect their homeland.

Unfortunate the divisions in our own homeland, families divided, others
reunited...infiltrated within by...

Outsiders...taking advantage of our freedoms and government, unwilling to accept
our land according to the laws it was founded upon.

Only taking of the opportunities...unwilling to become an intricate part of the
Independence we have because of lives sacrificed.

Reflections still remain that I have the opportunity to live in "freedom" and I
am a "citizen" of the "Land of Independence".

Refections of those who serve in our military forces...those near and
far...those past and present...those willing to sacrifice home and family to
protect our freedom and homeland..."Reflecting Independence".

ITALIAN TUNA SALAD (Valerie Bertinelli)

Ingredients
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 slices jarred sweet and hot cherry peppers, chopped
1 to 3 kalamata or nicoise olives, pitted and chopped
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1 7 -ounce jar Italian tuna packed in oil, drained
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

White bread, such as Wonder Bread, crusts removed and quartered, for serving
Sesame crackers, for serving

Directions
In a bowl combine the mayo, capers, relish, mustard, peppers, olives, eggs and tuna. Mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on the quartered white bread and the sesame crackers.

Four bean salad w/ Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
12 oz. fresh green beans, split lengthwise
8 oz. wax beans, split lengthwise
2 cups frozen edamame
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 orange or red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
Dressing:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup champagne vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. coarse ground pepper

Prepare green beans & wax beans. Add edamame & steam in microwave for 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water & drain. Add drained garbanzo beans, chopped pepper & chopped red onion.
Whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over bean mixture, toss to coat. Let stand 30-40 minutes at room temp, toss again & serve. Refrigerate any salad that is left.

Chicken Salad Casserole

from Ruth Tidwell 

2 cups chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

3 cups cooked rice

1 medium onion, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

4 boiled eggs, chopped

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 package slivered almonds

1 cup buttered bread crumbs

Combine all ingedients except buttered bread crumbs. Place in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Top with buttered bread crumbs. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 45 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Bacon Stuffed Eggs

INGREDIENTS

6 large eggs

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 -3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

DIRECTIONS

Place eggs in a large sauce pan or Dutch oven. Add enough water to measure at least 1 inch above eggs. Cover and quickly bring to a boil. Remove from heat.Let stand covered in hot water 12 minutes. ( This is always how I boil my eggs, it helps to keep eggs from cracking, and gives a more emven cooking.) Drain. Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until cooled completely.

To remove shell ,gently tap each egg all over, and roll between hands to loosen shell; then hold egg under cold running water as you peel shell.

Slice eggs in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out yolk; mash yolks with a fork. Add cream cheese and next 4 ingredients to yolks, stirring until smooth.Stir bacon, and spoon into egg whites. 

Quinoa Salad

1 cup tri-colored quinoa, uncooked*

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces or toasted sliced almonds

1 cup small grapes, half them if using large grapes

1/4 cup chopped red onion

6 radishes, sliced thinly (optional)

1 Tbsp.each fresh basil & fresh cilantro or Italian parsley chopped (mint is also a great addition)

Cook the quinoa the night before, chill. Fluff with fork. Add the celery, walnut pieces, grapes, radishes, basil & cilantro.

Season with S&P, toss with dressing.

*Tonight I used a package of pure cooked Seeds of Change Quinoa & Brown Rice w/roasted garlic

Plate on bed of baby spinach.

Can be kept refrigerated 48 hours to maintain good consistency.

For the dressing, whisk together:

⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange

⅓ cup olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

2-3 tablespoons honey 

Or use this one: 

Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. Honey

1/4 tsp. kosher salt & fresh ground pepper 

2 Tbsp. Red wine vinegar 

1/3 cup EVOO

Whisk together.

   Cannoli Dip

Yield: 8 - 10 servings

Ingredients

15 oz Ricotta cheese, strained*

8 oz Mascarpone cheese

2/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting if desired

1 cup heavy cream**

1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (chopped pistachios would also be good)

Directions

In a mixing bowl using a spatula, blend together Ricotta and Mascarpone cheese, while pressing mixture along bottom of bowl to smooth mixture. Fold in powdered sugar. In a separate mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add half of whipped cream to Ricotta mixture and fold until combined, then add remaining half and fold until combined. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving 1 - 2 Tbsp to garnish. Serve topped with remaining chocolate chips, dusted lightly with powdered sugar if desired and serve with graham crackers, strawberries, cannoli chips or fried flour tortilla chips dusted lightly with cinnamon.

*To strain I simply lay the ricotta over several layers of paper towels, then wrap and squeeze to remove excess moisture. You want to remove enough moisture that the Ricotta should hold it's shape pretty well so you may want to do this step twice.

**If you don't want the dip fluffy you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or even omit it (which will give it a texture closer to a traditional cannoli filling). If you do omit it you may want to reduce the powdered sugar by a few Tbsp.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Serve with broken waffle ice cream cones or in mini puff pastry shells.