Saturday, March 30, 2013

Go Greek Lamb Chops ™

This is perfect for Easter or anytime. I've broiled the lamb chops in the oven, but this can be done on the grill as well. 


1 package rack of lamb
1/4- 1/3 c olive oil (adjust as needed)
1- 2 cloves crushed, chopped garlic
1 lemon juice and zest
1/2  - 1 tsp each dried or fresh parsley:  oregano, rosemary (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper 


Divide rack of lamb into lamb chops.

In a measuring cup combine: oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper, garlic,  herbs and mix well. Pour some of the marinade into bottom of a baking dish. Place lamb chops into baking dish and squeeze some lemon juice over lamb chops. Flip lamb chops over and squeeze lemon juice on other side. Place in refrigerator and marinade for a few to several hours. 

Preheat oven to broil.  Place lamb chops on broil pan and place pan in oven. Broil lamb chops on 1 side for 6- 7 min or until done.  Flip lamb chops on other side and repeat cooking process for 5 - 7 min or until done. 

Serves 3-4 approx. 





Saturday, March 23, 2013

Spring Soup ™

This soup is light, yet satisfying. It's perfect for those early days of spring. This is also a great recipe for leftovers. 


8 c low sodium chicken broth 
2 boneless chicken breasts chopped
1 c each: chopped carrots, chopped onion, chopped celery
1 potato chopped
1/2 c chopped butternut squash
1/3 c sliced mushrooms
1/ 8  - 1/4 tsp each: ground black pepper, salt (to taste)
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 clove garlic crushed and chopped
1/2  - 1 tsp dried parsley (adjust to taste)

In a large pot combine: broth, chicken, vegetables, parsley, garlic, pepper, red pepper flakes and salt. Bring to a boil for a few minutes. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1 - 1  1/2 hrs, stirring occasionally. 

Serves 8. 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Manicotti Florentine ™

This is a great recipe for spring. 

I've used lean ground beef, but you can use turkey or even vegan meat or just use spinach if desired. 

 I've used fresh baby spinach which is easier to use than frozen.

2 c. fresh baby spinach
1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper 
1 package Manicotti  noodles
2 c. ricotta cheese
1 - 1  1/2 c. Parmesan cheese (adjust to taste)
1 tsp each:  oregano, basil
1 - 2 T. olive oil
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
3 c. pasta sauce (homemade or jar)
Non stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 F. 

Rinse and pat dry spinach. 

Cook noodles according to package. Drain in colander, set aside.

Spray non-stick cooking spray in baking dish, set aside. 

Heat saute pan over medium high heat. 

 Lower heat to medium and add meat, 1 clove garlic, 1/2  of oregano salt, pepper and basil. 

Brown meat for 6- 8 min. 

Drain meat,  set aside in bowl.  If using vegan meat or ground turkey, spray saute pan with cooking spray first. 

In same pan heat oil over medium. Add spinach and saute for 5 min. 

In a large mixing bowl combine; meat, spinach, ricotta cheese,  remaining oregano, salt, pepper, basil, garlic. Mix well. 

Pour 1 c. of sauce in bottom of baking dish. 

You can use a spoon to fill the noodles with the mixture. 

You can also fill the noodles by filling a baggie with the filling and snipping the end of the baggie to pipe the filling into the noodles.

Arrange filled noodles in baking dish. 

Pour remainder of sauce over noodles. 

Top noodles with Parmesan cheese. 

Bake for 30 min.

Serves 6. 


Monday, March 4, 2013

Easy Pepper Steak ™

This is an easy recipe for pepper steak. I've used New York strip but you can also use beef strips that have been pre sliced.

1 lb sliced beef
1 onion
1-2 peppers
1-/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper (adjust for taste)
1- 2 T oil
1/4 tsp diced fresh ginger
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 c snow peas
1/3 - 1/2 c water (adjust as needed)

In a bowl combine: sliced beef, salt, pepper, ginger, soy sauce. Stir to coat beef and let marinate in refrigerator for a few hours. 

Peel, rinse and slice onion, set aside in bowl. Seed rinse and slice peppers, add to onions. Rinse, cut ends of snow peas. Cut snow peas in half, add to other vegetables. 

Preheat saute pan over medium high heat, reduce heat to medium and add oil. Add beef to pan and stir fry for 6- 10 min. Remove from pan and transfer beef to a clean bowl.  Add onions, peppers, snow peas to pan and stir fry for 5--7 min. Return beef to pan. 

In a measuring cup combine water and cornstarch, mix well to dissolve cornstarch. 

Push beef and vegetables to sides of pan to make well in middle of pan. Pour mixture into 
pan. Let liquid reduce for 1 min.  Stir to coat vegetables and beef with sauce. 

Serves 4.