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Chicken Parmesan Burgers in Cooking Light

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I am thrilled to announce that my recipe for Chicken Parmesan Burgers can be found in the “reader recipe” section of the April 2011 issue of Cooking Light magazine!

Chicken Parmesan Burgers in Cooking Light
Chicken Parmesan Burgers in Cooking Light

They tweaked my recipe a bit – as they said they would through our earlier contact – and I’m excited to try out the new version. I wish my photography skills were up to par with the professional who took this beauty:

Chicken Parmesan Burgers in Cooking Light

image source: healthyfoodforliving.com

Whether you try my original recipe or the updated Cooking Light version, may I suggest using my homemade Marinara Sauce for the burgers?

I’d love to hear how the Chicken Parmesan Burgers turn out if you decide to make them!

Turkey Bolognese

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Neither my husband nor I grew up eating meat sauce, and we rarely order it at restaurants… so I’m not sure what inspired me to try my hand at making a bolognese. Regardless, I’m glad I did because it came out pretty well!

To keep the bolognese sauce on the lighter side, I used lean ground turkey in place of the traditional ground beef.

The turkey is added to a trio of sauteed aromatic vegetables and cooked into a sauce consisting of two types of canned tomatoes seasoned with a touch of red wine and Italian spices.

Since personal tastes tend to vary when it comes to tomato sauces, the amount of spice is up to you. I suggest starting with about 1/2 tsp of each seasoning listed in the ingredient list, and then adding more according to your flavor preference.

This turkey bolognese sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, scooping up with Italian bread, or enjoying with both as us “carbovores” did for tonight’s dinner. I imagine that the sauce only gets better after a few days of sitting in the fridge, so you might want to make a double batch for leftovers later in the week.

NameTurkey Bolognese
CuisineItalian
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings4 servings
Turkey Bolognese

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 3/4 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ground oregano, to taste
  • dried basil, to taste
  • red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Fat:12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 800mg

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped carrot and saute for 5 additional minutes.
  2. Raise the stove heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Pour the wine into the skillet to deglaze, then add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
  3. Add about 1/2 tsp each of the seasonings, reduce stove heat to low, and simmer until the bolognese is thick and reduced, about 1 1/2 hours. Adjust seasonings to taste during the cooking process. Serve over pasta and/or with crusty bread.

Mocha Banana Smoothie

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Upon discovering the wonder that is blended frozen bananas many years ago, I completely gave up using ice in homemade fruit smoothies. Why use flavorless ice when you can add natural sweetness and a think, creamy, icy consistency with one healthy ingredient?

Therefore, I initially didn’t think twice about using frozen banana as the base of this mocha smoothie. Then I started dumping the ingredients into our blender, and began to doubt whether coffee & banana would taste good together.

Turns out, they do! At least, I think they do… in this application, at least.

Mocha Banana Smoothie

The recipe – although simple – does require some forethought as it calls for chilled brewed coffee and frozen bananas. I keep a container of peeled banana slices in the freezer pretty much all of the time, and we often have coffee leftover from when John makes it on the weekends.

This is a fun, tasty, and healthy way to simultaneously get your morning (or afternoon) java fix and satisfy your sweet tooth without blowing cash or calories on a commercially produced coffee smoothie.

Mocha Banana Smoothie
NameMocha Banana Smoothie
CuisineFusion
Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings2 servings
Yield2 cups per serving
Mocha Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe medium-sized banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen overnight
  • 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee or decaf, well-chilled
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 2 Tbsp rolled oats
  • 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • tiny splash pure vanilla extract

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 150-180 calories

Protein: 2-3 grams

Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams

Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams

Sugar: 20-25 grams

Fat: 2-3 grams

Saturated Fat: 1 gram

Cholesterol: 5 milligrams

Sodium: 10 milligrams

Instructions

Brew and Chill

Start by brewing a cup of your favorite coffee. Allow it to cool to room temperature or refrigerate it for a faster chill.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the sliced bananas, cooled coffee, milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Add Ice

Toss in the ice cubes to give your smoothie a refreshing and frosty texture.

Blend Until Smooth

Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Make sure there are no banana chunks left.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed.

Serve

Pour the Mocha Banana Smoothie into glasses and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

Enjoy

Grab a straw and savor this delightful Mocha Banana Smoothie. It’s a delightful combination of coffee and banana flavors that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Monday Musings

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I was generously given some coupons for a few free Good Belly dairy-free probiotic juice beverages.

They’re a great way to get your daily dose of digestion-aiding probiotics if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan! They come in a variety of sizes and delicious flavor combinations; my favorite was the Blueberry Acai.

Every couple of years or so I’m motivated to flip through the plethora of cookbooks stacked in our kitchen cabinets. What with Pinterest, food blogs, e-cookbooks,Foodgawker, Tastespotting, and the like, it’s easy to overlook the good old hard copy cookbooks.

The first up on my list: Super Natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson & The New Moosewood cookbook by Mollie Katzen.

Do you have any favorites from either of those cookbooks that I should try?

Did you dress up for Halloween? I miss dressing up. I think it would be fun to put together a trio of themed costumes for us next year.

I’m also bummed we didn’t get any trick-or-treaters. I had to turn off our welcoming outdoor lights when Lily went to bed b/c anyone knocking on the door always turns Shelby into a canine alarm clock.

Every time I make quinoa I tell myself that I need to make it more often. It cooks so quickly, lends itself to so many different [savory & sweet] applications, and is great leftover. I’ve been sprinkling it on salads, cooking it into oatmeal, and stirring it into yogurt. I’m also working on a recipe for quinoa veggie patties for Lily, which I will share soon!

Speaking of Lily, she has recently discovered the joy of feeding our dog. Fortunately Shelby is ultra gentle when taking an offered piece of whatever Lily should be eating herself; I just hope she doesn’t start gaining too much weight.

Pumpkin. The season does NOT end with Halloween, folks. I consider the whole month of November to be fair game for pumpkin recipes.

I have one waiting in the wings to be published that I know you will love!

Piggbacking off of #6… I don’t have the time to roast my own pumpkin puree these days, so canned it is. Not all canned pumpkin is created equally, though. My favorite is the bright orange-hued organic pumpkin puree from Trader Joe’s. So good!

When we purchased my Jeep at the beginning of the year, it came with a free year of satellite radio. The ’90s station never fails to make me feel old. Some of the songs I’ve heard recently are: “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” {Crash Test Dummies}, “How Bizarre” {OMC}, “Tubthumping” (aka “I Get Knocked Down”) {Chumbawamba}, & “Don’t Turn Around” {Ace of Base}.

Some of these songs came out 20 years ago, people. TWENTY.

Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

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It’s Friday!

I know what you might be thinking: It’s almost the weekend, so forget about eating healthy and bring on the nachos/beer/pizza/brownies/ice cream.

I’d be willing to bet that most people have this mindset as the school/workweek winds down – and I see no problem with a couple of weekend indulgences – but why not fit a super healthy meal in somewhere between the syrup-saturated Saturday morning pancakes and Sunday afternoon football snacks?

Such as this salad consisting of massaged kale and roasted butternut squash.

Name:Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
Cuisine:Fusion
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Servings:4 servings
Yield:1 salad bowl

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 bunch of fresh kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Roast the Butternut Squash

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Toss the butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  • Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Prepare the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Massage the Kale

  • Place the torn kale leaves in a large mixing bowl.
  • Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the kale leaves.
  • Use your hands to massage the kale for 2-3 minutes, until the leaves become tender and vibrant in color.

Combine the Salad

  • Add the roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pumpkin seeds to the massaged kale.
  • Gently toss the ingredients to combine.

Serve

  • Divide the salad into individual servings.
  • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over each serving.
  • Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top.

Enjoy

  • Serve immediately and savor the delightful flavors and textures of this nutrient-packed Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Protein:7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Dietary Fiber:7 g
  • Sugars:12 g
  • Fat:20 g
  • Saturated Fat:3 g
  • Cholesterol:10 mg
  • Sodium:400 mg
  • Vitamin A:500% DV
  • Vitamin C:100% DV
  • Calcium:20% DV
  • Iron:15% DV

Please note that the nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Always refer to the exact products and quantities you use for the most accurate nutritional information. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to add or modify!

Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

So many autumnal dishes we’re drawn to are heavy and calorie-laden, as we instinctively bulk up for the colder months, but don’t let the cooler temperatures chase away any thought of salad that may be lingering around from summer.

Luckily, some of my favorite foods that come into season around now just so happen to be nutritious and perfect in a salad.

Massaged kale isn’t a new concept. In fact I made my Massaged Kale Salad with Mango & Avocado numerous times over the course of spring & summer. I’m changing things up this time around, using sweet roasted butternut squash and my Pumpkin Cider Vinaigrette for a more seasonal massaged kale salad.

Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

This salad would be a great addition to any fall dinner, but it can also stand alone as a light lunch. If you’re looking for more of an entree salad, add a few tablespoons of crumbled goat or blue cheese, a small handful of chopped roasted pecans or walnuts, and a scattering of dried cranberries.

Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

by Lauren Zembron

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Keywords: roast entree main salad side vegetarian vegan kale butternut squash Thanksgiving fall

Ingredients (4 servings)

Ingredients for the salad:

  • 2 cups peeled & cubed butternut squash (I prefer smaller cubes)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 tightly packed cups washed & torn kale leaves (discard stems) (I used organic red kale)

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Cider Vinaigrette:

  • 2 Tbsp pure pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 tsp course ground Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil and season to taste with salt & pepper. Turn out in an even layer onto a baking sheet or dish and roast until soft and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes, depending on size of cubes, stirring once.

About 10 minutes prior to the squash being done, make the vinaigrette by whisking together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.

Place the kale leaves in a large bowl and drizzle with a couple tablespoons of the vinaigrette. With your hands, massage the kale until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.

Toss roasted squash with the massaged kale and dress the salad with the remaining vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

177.8 calories, 7.9 grams fat, 1.0 grams saturated fat, 8.2 grams fiber, 4.2 grams sugars, 5.8 grams protein

Chipotle Chicken Salad Wraps

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Well hello, friends!

It’s been strange not blogging as regularly as I used to, but then again pretty much every facet of my life has changed ;). I will post more Lily updates in next week’s Monday Musings post, but for now I can tell you that I am absolutely smitten with our precious little 3 week old baby. Sure, there are nights (more often than not) when I only get a few hours of sleep, but we’re learning what calms her down and when she’s happy she’s just the sweetest thing ever!

Meals are often consumed while standing at the kitchen counter, Lily snuggled in her Moby wrap and me swaying from side to side to either get her to fall asleep or to keep her asleep. John has willingly taken on most of the cooking duties, and we’re also still making our way through the freezer meals I prepared in advance.

I was able to toss together these wraps using leftovers from a roasted chicken dinner, but there were a few interruptions along the way. I’ve learned to just go with the flow, and to cook/eat whenever Lily gives me the chance to!

Ok, so the wraps.

I love roasting a whole chicken… even more so for the leftovers than for the initial meal. These particular leftovers were destined to become chicken salad spiced up with chipotle peppers. John and I have become fairly obsessed with chipotles in adobo sauce, but the smoky peppers pack a serious punch of heat, so it takes a little while to make our way through a can. I used both minced peppers and adobo sauce for the chicken salad, and the resulting flavor was perfectly spicy for our taste buds.

There are so many add-in options for chicken salad, and it’s fun to play around with different flavors. If you like chipotles, you will definitely like this version!

Chipotle Chicken Salad Wraps
NameChipotle Chicken Salad Wraps
CuisineMexican-inspired
Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil mayo
  • 1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tsp adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (I used leftover roasted chicken, but you can also used poached)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tortillas
  • 2 leaves romaine lettuce

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix together the adobo sauce, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Grill or Cook the Chicken

Preheat the grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill or cook on the stovetop for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let it rest for a few minutes, then shred the chicken using two forks.

Prepare the Chipotle Chicken Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Assemble the Wraps

Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions to make them pliable.

Spread a generous portion of the chipotle chicken salad onto the center of each tortilla, leaving some space around the edges.

Add a layer of chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, avocado slices, and shredded cheddar cheese (if desired) on top of the chicken salad.

Fold and Serve

Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then fold the bottom and top edges to enclose the filling, creating a wrap.

Secure the wraps with toothpicks, if needed, and cut them in half diagonally for easier handling.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chipotle Chicken Salad Wraps

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Dietary Fiber: 9g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 66mg
  • Sodium: 621mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. Adjustments can be made to suit dietary preferences and restrictions. Enjoy your Chipotle Chicken Salad Wraps.

Cheesy Garlic & Herb Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

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Photogenic it is not, but this casserole is deeeeelicious!

Chewy and nutrient-packed quinoa is folded into a velvety herb cheese sauce speckled with tender broccoli florets and then crowned with a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. The whole shebang is baked to a gooey + crispy perfection.

Kids & adults alike are sure to love it!

Cheesy Garlic & Herb Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
NameCheesy Garlic & Herb Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Time55 minutes
Total Time75 minutes
Servings8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, soaked for at least 20 minutes and drained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (preferably organic) or water
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 1/2 cups 1% low fat milk, preferably organic
  • 1 (8 oz) block Cabot Garlic & Herb Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets, preferably organic
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup unseasoned Panko breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 47mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine drained quinoa and 2 cups broth or water in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stir briefly, then cover and lower heat. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

While the quinoa cooks, heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 30 seconds.

While whisking, slowly stream in milk. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese and chopped broccoli, and season to taste with salt and & pepper. Combine with cooked quinoa. Spread evenly in a casserole dish (I used an 11 inch oval dish).

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, 2 Tbsp olive oil, and breadcrumbs. Stir until the the breadcrumbs are fully moistened. Scatter evenly over the quinoa.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Apple Cheesecake Bread

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I can blame pregnancy, the colder weather, or the holidays – heck, probably all three – for my recent insatiable craving for homemade quick breads.

I love warming the kitchen with a preheating oven and scenting the house with seasonal aromas while snow flurries carpet the bare trees, and I of course adore biting into a thick, still-warm slice of freshly baked bread such as this one.

NameApple Cheesecake Bread
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Time50-60 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Servings10 servings
Yield1 loaf
Apple Cheesecake Bread

Made hearty with whole wheat pastry flour + rolled oats and studded with pieces of fresh apple, the apple bread is delicious in its own right… but when a layer of luscious, gently sweetened cheesecake adorns the top, the bread is taken to a whole new level of tastiness.

The maple syrup-sweetened cheesecake layer ended up being on the thin side, so I highly suggest doubling the ingredients for the crowning pièce de résistance!

You could also add the cheesecake layer to your favorite quick bread recipe: banana bread, pumpkin bread, etc. It’s such a lovely way to add a bit of decadence to a quick breakfast!

Apple Cheesecake Bread

Although some loaves of quick bread get better with a few days of age, this one is best when served warm from the oven. If you’re not feeding a crowd, simply gently reheat leftover slices in the microwave or toaster oven.

Needless to say, this loaf did not last long in our house!

Apple Cheesecake Bread

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Calories: 320 calories

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 11g

Cholesterol: 90mg

Sodium: 300mg

Total Carbohydrates: 35g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 20g

Protein: 5g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.

2. Make the Cheesecake Swirl

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and beat until well combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of the dry flour mixture (from step 1). This helps to prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry flour mixture (from step 1) into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Gently fold the prepared apple mixture into the batter.

6. Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Spoon half of the cheesecake mixture over the bread batter.

Repeat with the remaining bread batter and cheesecake mixture.

7. Swirl It

Use a knife to swirl the cheesecake mixture into the bread batter, creating a marbled effect.

Maple-Date Cannellini Dip

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Although not quite a re-interpretation of Crazy Camel Dessert Hummus, this sweetened white bean dip was certainly inspired by the clever and unique brainchild of Fed By Chuck & Co. My Maple-Date Cannellini Dip features a creamy base of cannellini beans pureed with plump dates that is perked up with pure maple syrup, rich maple extract, and warm cinnamon. The dip is finished off with a couple handfuls of raisins for textural contrast and a bit more natural sweetness.

I recommend making and refrigerating this dip at least one day prior to serving, in order to give the flavors time to meld. As the dip sits, the bean flavor becomes less apparent, allowing the maple and cinnamon flavors to shine. The resulting dip tastes great right from a spoon, but is even better when scooped up with cinnamon-sugar pita chips, crisp apple slices, crackers, or pretzels.

Maple-Date Cannellini Dip
Name:Maple-Date Cannellini Dip
CuisineFusion
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time0 minutes (No cooking required)
Total Time10 minutes
Servings8 servings
Yield2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped pitted Medjool dates, about 6 dates
  • 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • water, as needed (approximately 2-3 Tbsp)
  • 1/2 cup raisins, or other dried fruit such as cranberries, cherries, or more dates

Directions

Combine beans through cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Turn processor on and add enough water through the feed tube until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.

Turn processor off, add in the raisins or other dried fruit, and pulse a few times until raisins are incorporated but still visible.

Transfer dip to a sealable container, and refrigerate at least one day before serving.

Serve with cinnamon-sugar pita chips, apple slices, pretzels, or as a sandwich filling.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 90 calories
  • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 13g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Vitamin D: 0%
  • Calcium: 2%
  • Iron: 5%
  • Potassium: 140mg

Please keep in mind that these nutritional values are rough estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on the ingredients you use to calculate precise nutritional information if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.

Chicken Parmesan Burgers

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Chicken Parmesan with garlic bread. Burgers. Two of John’s very favorite meals that just happen to meld perfectly into one mouthwatering recipe.

I am aware that this Italian-American hybrid has been done before, but I wanted to share with you my own version. I kept the burger mixture nice and simple, using neither eggs nor breadcrumbs as a binding. The ground chicken remains juicy and moist thanks to a generous amount of marinara sauce cooked right into the meat. A touch of red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning adds a gentle spice to the chicken and the toasted garlic-dusted ciabatta rolls make for a perfect burger bun.

I actually made these burgers for the first time a few months back, but didn’t have the foresight to photograph them before digging in. They were every bit as delicious the second time around, and I have a feeling that these burgers will make it into our dinner rotation!

Chicken Parmesan Burgers
NameChicken Parmesan Burgers
CuisineItalian-American
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp marinara sauce of choice, divided
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • a few grinds black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 slices low-moisture park-skim mozzarella cheese (or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, divided)
  • 2 individual square ciabatta rolls
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • garlic powder

Estimated nutrition per serving

  • Calories: ~450 calories
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~32g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugars: ~4g
  • Fat: ~22g Saturated
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Cholesterol: ~120mg
  • Sodium: ~800mg

Directions

  1. Lay two pieces of plastic wrap  (about 6 inches x 6 inches) on the counter.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/3 cup marinara sauce, and seasonings. Gently stir with a rubber spatula just until combined. Using the rubber spatula, divide the mixture evenly between the two pieces of plastic wrap. Fold the excess plastic wrap around each patty, gently forming the patties into squares to fit the rolls. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Remove the chicken patties and let sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before cooking.
  3. Heat a cooking spray-coated non-stick skillet over medium/medium-high heat. Unwrap the burger patties and carefully drop them into the hot skillet. Cook the burgers for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 minutes (you may need to add a few more sprays of cooking oil before the flip). Top burgers with mozzarella cheese, tent with aluminum foil, remove from heat, and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
  4. While the burgers are cooking, cut the ciabatta rolls in half. Spray each half with cooking spray, then sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Spoon 1 Tbsp of the remaining marinara sauce onto one half of each roll.
  5. When the burgers are fully cooked (juices run clear when gently pressed) and the cheese has melted, sandwich the burgers between the garlic bread roll halves and serve.

*Submitted to Burger Club Free-For-All at Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice