Monday, April 7, 2008

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE

One large brownie mix (either with or without nuts)
Three packages Jell-O Mousse mix (or chocolate pudding with just a little less milk)
Five SKOR candy bars
One large container of Cool Whip

Make the brownie mix according to instructions on the box. When done, cut into small sections or pieces. Make the Chocolate Mouse according to package directions. Break the SKOR candy bars into small pieces. Using a large trifle (or similar bowl), put a thin layer of Cook Whip in the bottom of the bowl and sprinkle pieces of the candy bar on top of it. Add a layer of brownie sections (about one-third) and some candy bar pieces. Cover with another layer of Cool Whip and candy bar pieces. Add a layer of the Chocolate Mousse and candy bar pieces. Continue to fill the bowl with layers of the ingredients, ending with a top layer of Cool Whip and candy bar pieces. Keep cool until served.

TEXAS CAVIAR

Fabulous for a reception or get together.

2 cans black beans - drained
1 package frozen corn (Trader Joe's roasted is great)
2-3 avocados - chopped
4-6 tomatoes - chopped
1 large red onion - chopped
1 bunch cilantro - finely chopped
3-4 colored peppers - chopped
Juice of 3 limes
1 Tbsp. cumin

Mix all of the above in a large bowl. Pour in 1/2 of a large bottle of Wishb0ne Italian dressing
and mix well. Serve with chips. This make a lot.

PLAYDOUGH

This is a great recipe for making your own play dough.

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tarter
2 Tbsp. cooking oil
2 cups water
food coloring

Mix dry ingredients, add oil and blend. Mix water and food coloring and add to the dry mixture. Cook on stove over low heat, stirring until dough pulls away from side of pan. Pour on a cookie sheet. Let cool, then knead. Store in an air tight container.

CREAM CORN

Great at Thanksgiving - can be made ahead and popped in the oven after the turkey is out.

2 Tbsp. chopped onion
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 cup low fat sour cream
24 oz. frozen corn, thawed
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

Melt butter and saute with onion. Blend in flour and salt. Add sour cream. Gradually heat to a boil. Add corn. Heat through. Fold in bacon and parsley. Can be served immediately, or placed in a casserole dish and baked for 10-15 minutes.

ZUPPA TOSCANA

This soup is almost identical to that served at Olive Garden.

1 lb. sausage - cooked and drained
2 potatoes - cut in 1/4 inch slices
3/4 cup onion - chopped
6 slices bacon
1 1/2 tsp. garlic - minced
2 cups Kale - washed and dried (or you can use spinach or Swiss Chard) - shredded
2 Tbsp. chicken soup base
1 quart water
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Cook the onions and bacon until onions are almost clear. Add garlic and cook one minute. Add the soup base, water, potatoes and simmer 15 minutes. Add the bacon, sausage, kale and cream. Simmer four minutes and serve.

TURKEY & WILD RICE SOUP

3 (10 3/4 oz.) cans chicken broth
2 cups water
1/2 cup wild rice (long grain may be used)
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp poulry seasoning (optional)
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups 1% or 2% milk
1 1/2 cups cubed, cooked turkey or chicken
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1 Tbsp. chopped pimento (optional)

In a large saucepan, combine broth and water. Add wild rice and onion - simmer 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in the flour, salt, poultry seasoning and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Add milk, stir and cook until thickened. Slowly add the sauce mixture to the rice mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add bacon and turkey (and pimento). Heat thoroughly. Garnish, if desired, with additional bacon or parsley.
Makes 8 (1 1/2 cup servings)

GRANNY'S SALSA CHICKEN

8 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 large egg whites
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces chunky tomato salsa
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
Cilantro springs (optional)

Divide the lettuce among 4 individual plates, cover and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the chili powder and cumin. Add the chicken, turning to coat. Lift the chicken from the bowl, shaking off the excess coating. Dip the chicken into the egg whites, then coat again with the remaining dry mixture. (I split the chicken breasts length wise and leave them whole.)
Heat the oil in a wide nonstick frying pan or wok over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-gry gently until no longer pink in the center. Cut to test (5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm. Pour the salsa into the pan; reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the salsa is heated through and slightly thickened.
Arrange the chicken over the lettuce; top with the salsa and sour cream. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if using. (Serves4 )

Per serving: 266 calories, 32 g protein, 12 g carbohydrates, 10 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 457 mg sodium, 66 mg cholesterol, 5 g fiber.