Thursday, November 3, 2011

Royal Treatment Frittata ™

You don't have to be royalty to eat like one.


This is great for brunch or even a light supper.  Once you've mastered this recipe you can use the fillings you like. You can even make this vegan by using egg substitute. 

8 eggs
1-2 oz. approx. each: chopped bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, sliced mushrooms,
diced cheese, diced ham
non- stick cooking spray
1 clove garlic chopped
1/8 tsp salt (optional)
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp dried or fresh parsley



Crack eggs into mixing bowl.  Whisk eggs well for 10-20 seconds.


Add chopped vegetables, salt, pepper, cheese, garlic, parsley, ham and cheese to eggs.


Preheat oven to broil.


Spray skillet with non- stick cooking spray and heat to medium high.  Lower heat to medium, add eggs and cook for 5-7 minutes or until it just starts to set.


Place pan in oven and broil for 5- 7 minutes. Remove pan from oven with pot holders or oven mitt.  


Cut frittata into 4  wedges.


Serves 4. 




Friday, October 7, 2011

Easy Margaritas ™

This is refreshing for tailgating or for anytime. I serve this frozen but omit the ice if you wish to serve it over ice. 

16- 20 oz prepared limeade 
4 oz tequila
2 T triple sec 
Ice (optional)
Salt for rim of glass
2 limes 


Juice 1 lime into small bowl, cut second one in quarters, set aside.


Wet a napkin slightly, rub around rim of glasses to wet. Put salt on small dish. 


Put mouth of glasses face down on plate to coat rim of glasses with salt, set glasses aside. 


Combine limeade, lime juice, triple sec, ice, and tequila in blender. Blend well for 20- 30 sec.  Pour into glasses. Garnish glass with lime wedges.  


Serves 4. 



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Pico De Gallo


This is a very easy recipe for Pico De Gallo. It's similar to salsa except, I've added avocados.


2- 3 Roma tomatoes (diced)
1 bell pepper (diced)
1 cup onions (diced)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp salt (optional)
1-2 tsp lime juice (to taste)
2 tsp cilantro (chopped)
1-2 tsp diced chilies 
1 avocado, peeled and diced

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl. Let chill until ready to serve.

Makes 8 servings (2 T).






Sunday, August 14, 2011

Recipe To Help the Hungry

This post is dedicated to the memory of  Eleanor Josaitis. Josaitis, along with Father William Cunningham founded Focus Hope which has transformed the lives of many in the Detroit area. May her legacy endure and her work inspire others.


When most of us get hungry, all we have to do is go to the kitchen to get something to eat, Those who are unfortunate around the world, they don't have or can't afford that luxury.  Whether hunger is taking place halfway around the world or on the next block, it affects everyone.  


One the side of this site, under "recipe to pay it forward" are links to organizations that are working to eradicating hunger. By getting involved you are helping others and maybe someone you know.


Thank you for making a difference!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Not So Super Secret To Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup's a great way to sweeten your summertime drinks and can be used in many recipes. 

Once you mastered this basic recipe, you can make your own twists to the syrup. 

I've used 1/3 c. of sugar for this. 

You can adjust the amount of sugar for desired sweetness. 

1 c. cold water
1/4 - 3/4 c. sugar (regular or dietetic)

Heat water on high just until it just comes to boil in saucepan.

Reduce heat to medium, add sugar. 
Stir sugar 2 - 5 min or until it's fully dissolved.

Remove from heat and let cool. 

Pour into small container with lid.
 
Store in refrigerator until needed.

Makes 48 (1 tsp.) servings.


Friday, July 1, 2011

Ready for Summer Fish ™

This is a satisfying, yet light recipe for fish, perfect for summer. I've used pollack for this, but you can use what you like.


4 fish fillets 
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp each: parsley, granulated garlic
Non-stick cooking spray
1-2 T olive oil
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice


Preheat broiler to high.

Spray cooking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Sprinkle: salt, pepper, parsley and granulated garlic over both sides of fish.
Drizzle olive oil over both sides of fish.  Squeeze fresh lemon over fish.


Broil for 12 -15 min or until done. 


Serves 4.









Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Honey Mustard Dressing

This is a very easy recipe for honey mustard dressing. You can adjust the amount of ingredients to taste.  Enjoy!

1/4 c (4T) appx.  mayo (regular or lite)
2-3 T each: honey, mustard

In a bowl combine ingredients. Mix well with a fork. 


Serves 12  (1 tsp.).

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Here A Chicken, There A Chicken, Everywhere A Chicken Noodle Soup ™

There is nothing better than homemade soup to make one feel better. This is an easy recipe for chicken soup. You can adjust the amount of chicken, noodles and vegetables used. 


1 - 2  chopped boneless chicken breasts or thighs (uncooked)
4 c - 6 c cold water
1/3 c chopped onions
1/4 c each: sliced carrots, sliced celery
1/4 tsp each: black pepper, dried or fresh parsley
1/8 tsp salt  (optional)
1 clove fresh garlic crushed, chopped
1/4 c star shaped noodles (optional)


In a saucepan combine: chicken, water, onions, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic.  Bring pan to a boil. 


Boil ingredients for 30 min, stirring occasionally. Lower heat to medium low, add noodles if desired and let simmer for 20 more min.  Stir occasionally.


Serves 4-6.



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Spring Fling Cooler ™

What a better way to celebrate a new season with a refreshing smoothie. This recipe is from a nephew.


I've used reduced fat milk , but you can also make this vegan by using dairy free milk and vegan ice cream. You can even try this recipe with frozen yogurt too. 


You can adjust the amount the ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!


1/2 c each sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen), orange juice, milk 
1/2 - 1 c strawberry ice cream
1 banana sliced


Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend well for 15 - 30 seconds.


Serves 2





Thursday, March 10, 2011

Simple Simon Salmon ™

 This is a very easy recipe that is perfect for Lent or anytime of the year. 


1.5 - 2  lb salmon fillet
1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 - 1 tsp each:  dried parsley, dried or fresh dill (to taste)
1 clove chopped garlic, crushed
juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 - 3  T approx.  butter (cut into pieces)
Nonstick cooking spray

Preheat broiler.

Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.


Place salmon fillet on cookie sheet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, parsley, dill, garlic, butter pieces and lemon zest evenly over fillet. Squeeze lemon evenly over salmon.


Place salmon in broiler and broil on high for 12- 15 min. or until flaky. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Cut fillet into 4 - 6 serving pieces.


Serves 4 - 6.  











Saturday, March 5, 2011

Please Eat Your Vegetables Soup ™

Nothing is more satisfying on a late Winters day than a hearty bowl of soup. This is a very easy recipe for vegetable soup.


 I've used inexpensive stewing beef and low sodium beef broth. You can use leftovers as well.  You can even make this soup with chicken or even vegetarian if you wish.


8 c low sodium broth (I've used beef broth) 
2 c  meat (cut into chunks)
4 c mixed vegetables (canned or frozen)
1 c chopped celery
1 can diced tomatoes
1 c chopped onions
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
pinch of salt (optional)


In a large pot combine: broth, meat, veggies, celery, tomatoes, onions,pepper and salt. Bring to a boil for 10-15 min. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1- 2 hours, stirring occasionally.


Serves 8.






Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Easy Chili ™

This basic and easy recipe is perfect for a cold day or anytime.


I've used ground round, but you can easily make this vegetarian if desired. You can also adjust the degree of heat according to preference. 

1 lb. lean ground beef (ground round)
1 - 2 cans each: kidney beans drained,
diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1/4 tsp each: black pepper, chili powder
1/8 tsp each: salt, red pepper flakes (optional)
1 onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed, chopped
1 - 2 T. olive oil

Peel, rinse, chop onion.

Rinse, seed and chop pepper.

Preheat a medium sized pot over medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium and add oil.

Add onions, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic and meat. 

Brown for 8 to 10 min. Drain well in strainer. 

Return beef mixture to the pot.

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, bell peppers, red pepper flakes.

Cook for 15 min or until well heated, stirring occasionally. 

Serves 6 - 8.







Saturday, January 22, 2011

Special Request Pork Chops ™

By request here is a very easy recipe for pork chops. I used lean boneless pork loin but this should work with any kind of pork chop.


4 boneless pork loin chops
1- 2 T oil (olive or canola)
1 T low sodium soy sauce
Juice of 1 orange
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp salt (optional)


Cut one orange in half. 


Heat skillet to medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add oil. Add pork chops. Salt and pepper chops on both sides. Pour soy sauce over chops. Squeeze orange juice over chops. Cook chops on one side for 8-10 min or until done.  Turn over and squeeze remaining orange over chops. Repeat cooking process for 8-10 min or until done. 


Let pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.


Serves 4.












Friday, January 7, 2011

Asian Inspiration Chicken ™

This is a great dish to start the new year off healthy. I've used boneless chicken breast, but you can use chicken thighs as well.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: ground black pepper, diced fresh ginger
1/8 tsp salt (optional)
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 orange, juiced,  zested
1- 2 T olive oil (enough to coat bottom of pan)


In a shallow bowl combine: chicken breast, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, salt, pepper and ginger. Let marinate for several hours.


Heat skillet over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add oil. Add chicken, marinade  and cook for 10 min. Flip chicken over on other side and cook for 10 min or until done.


Serves 4.