Tag: appetizers

  • Stuffed Mushrooms

    Stuffed Mushrooms

    How to Make Stuffed Mushrooms

    This low-carb appetizer is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Stuffed mushroom recipes are typically loaded with calories, but the turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese in this recipe help save calories while still providing bold flavor.

    Find this recipe and more in The Diabetes Cookbook. To order dierctly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    15 min prep time


    6servings


    1 mushroom

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a square baking dish with cooking spray.
    2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely. Set aside the stems.
    3. Place the mushroom caps in a bowl and toss them with 1 Tsp. olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Set aside the caps.
    4. Heat the remaining Tsp. olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and mushroom stems and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the sausage and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is completely browned.
    5. Add the bread crumbs, stirring to combine evenly with all the other ingredients. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and melt.
    6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
    7. Fill each mushroom generously with the sausage mixture (about 1 heaping Tbsp. per mushroom cap). Arrange the mushrooms in the baking dish and bake 40 minutes or until the stuffing is crispy on the top.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 mushroom


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      85mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      160mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    extra-large white mushrooms
    6 (about 8 oz)

    olive oil (divided)
    2 tsp

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tsp

    small onion (diced)
    1/4

    small green pepper (diced)
    1/4

    lean turkey breakfast sausage
    2 oz

    gluten-free bread crumbs
    2 tbsp

    reduced-fat, shredded mozzarella cheese (reduced-fat, shredded)
    1 tbsp

    grated Parmesan cheese
    1 tbsp

  • Stuffed Brussels Sprouts Bites – Foodie Recipe

    Stuffed Brussels Sprouts Bites – Foodie Recipe

    How to Make Stuffed Brussels Sprouts Bites – Foodie Recipe

    These make for a unique holiday appetizer or side dish that your guests will love.


    20 min prep time


    12servings


    2 bites

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
    2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half, lengthwise. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the sprouts for 2 minutes, drain and set aside.
    3. Using a melon baller or Tsp. measure, core the sprouts, set aside the shells and roughly chop the scooped cores.
    4. Add olive oil to a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add bacon and sauté until almost crisp. Add the chopped sprouts and garlic and sauté for a 3-4 more minutes until the sprouts have softened.
    5. In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, milk, salt (optional), black pepper and parmesan cheese. Add the sautéed bacon and sprouts and mix thoroughly.
    6. Divide the filling mixture evenly among each sprout core (about a rounded Tsp.). Lay sprouts on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the filled sprouts are a golden brown. Serve warm.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 bites


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      45

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      70mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      90mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    Large Brussels sprouts
    12

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    lean turkey bacon (diced)
    3 slice

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    soft goat cheese
    3 oz

    skim milk
    2 tbsp

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    1 tbsp

  • Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Spinach Artichoke Dip

    How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip

    This low-carb appetizer is a much lighter version of traditional spinach artichoke dip, but it still packs in great flavor. Whip this dip up in no time for your next party.


    15 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    12servings


    2 Tbsps

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small pot, boil spinach and artichokes in 1 cup water until tender. Discard liquid, drain well and set artichokes and spinach aside in a bowl.
    2. In the same pot, melt Laughing Cow cheese wedges over low heat. Add remaining ingredients; mix well and continue to cook for additional 1-2 minutes.
    3. Add drained spinach and artichokes to pot and stir. Cook additional 2 minutes.
    4. Serve warm with your choice of vegetables or whole-wheat crackers.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 Tbsps


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      40

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1.5g

      2%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      115mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    frozen artichoke hearts (chopped and thawed)
    1 1/2 cup

    frozen spinach (chopped, thawed)
    1 cup

    light garlic and herb cheese (wedges)
    5

    lemon (juiced)
    1/2

    light mayonnaise
    2 tbsp

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    3 tbsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp

  • Southern Italian Fava Bean Purèe (Maccu)

    Southern Italian Fava Bean Purèe (Maccu)

    How to Make Southern Italian Fava Bean Purèe (Maccu)

    Maccu is a popular dish in Amy Riolo’s ancestral homeland of Calabria, Italy. The word calabria is derived from a Byzantine term meaning “fertile land.” This region lives up to its name with rich agricultural traditions that continue today. The word maccu comes from the dialect word for “mashed” and refers to a purée that is made of fava beans, one of the world’s oldest agricultural crops. Fresh and dried fava bean dishes are served in Calabria for St. Joseph’s Day. Serve this appetizer alone, drizzled with olive oil as a side dish, or with crackers, flatbread, or Whole-Wheat Cracker Rings with Black Pepper and Fennel Seeds. Use first cold-pressed olive oil and pecorino Crotonese—a high-quality, aged sheep-milk cheese from Calabria, if possible. This dish, like many popular Italian appetizers, can be served hot or at room temperature. Chickpeas and cannellini beans can be substituted for the fava beans.


    5 min (plus 1 hr bean-soaking time) prep time


    1 hr 5 min cook time


    6servings


    1/3 cup

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place beans, onion, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until tender, approximately 1 hour.
    2. Drain beans and place in a food processor with cheese, 1 tablespoon. olive oil, and fennel seeds. Purée until smooth. Taste and season with crushed red chile flakes, salt, and pepper.
    3. Spoon onto a serving platter and smooth out the top with a spatula. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon. olive oil, and sprinkle crushed red chile flakes and fennel seed on top, if desired.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      120mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      90mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    peeled, dried fava beans, soaked in boiling water for 1 hour and drained
    2/3 cup

    small onion, quartered
    1

    dried bay leaf
    1

    Pecorino Romano cheese
    2

    extra virgin olive oil (preferably first cold-pressed), divided
    2 tbsp

    fennel seeds, plus extra for garnish
    1 tsp

    Crushed red chile flakes, to taste
    1

    unrefined sea salt
    1/8 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Scallop Kebabs

    Scallop Kebabs

    How to Make Scallop Kebabs

    Here’s a totally different way to prepare scallops. Most recipes will have you pan sear them, but why not try something new. I coat the scallops with crunchy panko crumbs seasoned with some Parmesan and garlic and thread them up into kebabs. Under the broiler, the outside gets crisp and the inside of the scallop stays silky.


    15 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    3 ounces

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add the wooden skewers to a pan of hot water. Set aside for 1–2 hours.
    2. Cover a broiler pan with aluminum foil. Coat the foil with cooking spray. Preheat the oven broiler to high with the rack set about 5 inches from the heat source.
    3. Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning together on a plate. Roll each scallop in the breadcrumb mixture.
    4. Remove the wooden skewers from the hot water. Using two skewers per kebab, thread the scallops onto the skewers so the scallops are lying flat through the skewer.
    5. Place the skewers on the prepared broiler pan. Coat each skewer with olive oil cooking spray. Broil the scallops for about 4 minutes per side until cooked through.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 ounces


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      105

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1.5g

      2%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      25mg

      8%

    • Sodium
      405mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      190mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    wooden skewers
    8

    panko bread crumbs
    1/2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    2 tbsp

    garlic (very finely minced, almost to a paste)
    3 clove

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    large sea scallops (fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
    12 oz

    Olive oil cooking spray
    1

  • Savory Cauliflower and Cheesy Cakes

    Savory Cauliflower and Cheesy Cakes

    How to Make Savory Cauliflower and Cheesy Cakes

    When you are craving something cheesy, try this low-carb snack. Cauliflower adds extra fiber and nutrients and baking gives it a light crunch. You can add garlic powder and/or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give them an extra kick of spice.


    15 min prep time


    6servings


    2 cakes

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
    2. Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until you get a fine texture similar to rice.
    3. In a medium bowl, mix together the cauliflower and remaining ingredients.
    4. Scoop about 1/4 cup cauliflower mixture into each muffin cup. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cakes are lightly golden on top.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 cakes


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.1g

        6%

    • Cholesterol
      35mg

      12%

    • Sodium
      120mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      200mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    cauliflower head ((about 2 pounds) cut into florets)
    1

    eggs
    1

    extra light sharp cheddar (shredded)
    1/2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
    2 tbsp

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

  • Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

    Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

    How to Make Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

    Stuffed mushrooms are always a hit at cocktail parties. Try this recipe out for your next get together!


    20 min prep time


    14 min cook time


    6servings


    3 mushrooms

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove stems from mushrooms and finely chop stems. Mix 2 Tbsps. bread crumbs and Parmesan in small bowl.
    2. Lightly coat large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium heat. Cook sausages until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes, breaking up with side of spoon. Stir in onion, red pepper, mushroom stems and parsley and cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining bread crumbs and black pepper. Remove from heat. Add 1 Tsp. of water at a time until you have s tuffing that is moist enough to mound.
    3. Mound stuffing in mushrooms and arrange, stuffing-side up, in 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkly with Parmesan mixture. Bake until heated through, about 9 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 mushrooms


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      115

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      195mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      6g

    Ingredients

    large cremini mushrooms
    18

    plain dry bread crumbs (divided)
    3/4 cup

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    2 tbsp

    chicken sausage links (casings removed)
    2 oz

    large onion (finely chopped)
    1

    small red bell pepper (finely chopped)
    1

    parsley (fresh minced)
    2 tbsp

    pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Salmon and Arugula Wraps

    Salmon and Arugula Wraps

    How to Make Salmon and Arugula Wraps

    These wraps make for a light and tasty appetizer. You can also make them with leftover grilled or baked salmon.


    5 min prep time


    8servings


    ½ wrap (4 rounds)

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the cream cheese and lemon zest in a small bowl.
    2. Add the arugula to a medium bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and the olive oil over the arugula. Sprinkle the black pepper over the arugula and toss gently to coat.
    3. Lay out one flat bread. Spread 1 ounce of the cream cheese mixture down the center of the flatbread. Top with 1 portion of salmon and 1 cup of dressed arugula. Wrap tightly and cut in half. Then, slice each half into four equal rounds.
    4. Repeat for the remaining three wraps.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      ½ wrap (4 rounds)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      90

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      310mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      9g

    • Potassium
      130mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    cream cheese (fat-free, softened)
    4 oz

    lemon (zested and juiced)
    1

    arugula
    4 cup

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    whole grain flatbread wraps
    4

    cold smoked salmon (cut into 4 equal portions)
    4 oz

  • Root Vegetable Cakes

    Root Vegetable Cakes

    How to Make Root Vegetable Cakes

    These cakes make a great side dish or snack and are excellent when paired with our Beef and Sweet Potato Stew.


    20 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    10servings


    1 cake

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.
    2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
    3. Pack the root vegetable mixture into a 1/2 cup measure and turn out onto the baking sheet. Press lightly to form a cake. Repeat this process for remaining 9 cakes (depending on the size of your baking sheet, you may need to make these in batches or use two baking sheets).
    4. Spray the tops of the cakes with cooking spray and bake for 35 minutes.
    5. Let the cakes slightly cool before removing from pan.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cake


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0.5g

      <1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      13g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      270mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    sweet potato (peeled and shredded)
    1 large (about 10 oz)

    rutabaga (peeled and shredded)
    1 medium (about 10 oz)

    parsnips (peeled and shredded)
    2 small (about 6 oz total)

    eggs
    1

    egg whites
    3

    chopped fresh parsley
    1/4 cup

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    whole wheat flour
    1/2 cup

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

  • Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant, and Fresh Mint Bruschetta (Bruschetta Calabrese)

    Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant, and Fresh Mint Bruschetta (Bruschetta Calabrese)

    How to Make Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant, and Fresh Mint Bruschetta (Bruschetta Calabrese)

    Author Amy Riolo says, “The popular Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio once described the view of the sea from Reggio Calabria as ‘the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.’ Known as the ancestral homeland to 20% of the Italian-American population, the southern Italian region was once home to powerful Greek and Byzantine colonies like the city of Crotone, where Pythagoras once formed a secret society of intellectuals. This recipe is popular in Calabria because it incorporates eggplant and ricotta—two widely celebrated ingredients—on their beloved country-style bread.”


    5 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1 slice bread, 2 tablespoons ricotta, and approximately 1/3 cup eggplant

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat broiler to high or grill to medium-high.
    2. Lightly brush the eggplant slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set on a baking sheet. When the grill is ready, use tongs to place slices directly on the grill and cook each side until grill marks appear and slices are nicely browned, 3–4 minutes per side. Or, if broiling, place baking sheet directly under broiler, and broil each side until golden, 1–2 minutes per side.
    3. Remove baking sheet from oven or, if grilling, use tongs to transfer eggplant back to the baking sheet, and sprinkle with about half the salt. When slices are cool enough to handle, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, place in a bowl, and set aside.
    4. When ready to serve (do not prepare these ahead of time or the bread will get soggy), grill the bread slices on both sides until grill marks appear, or place under the broiler until golden brown. Slather each piece evenly with 2 tablespoons. ricotta. Sprinkle with remaining salt and the pepper. Top with the chopped eggplant. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon. olive oil and garnish with mint. Serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice bread, 2 tablespoons ricotta, and approximately 1/3 cup eggplant


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.6g

        13%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      170mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      11g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      225mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    baby eggplants (1/2 pound total), ends trimmed and cut lengthwise into 4 × 1/4-inch slices
    2

    good-quality extra virgin olive oil (preferably Calabrian; see Where to Buy Guide), divided
    2 tbsp

    unrefined sea salt, divided
    1/8 tsp

    ciabatta or other light, crusty, country bread
    4 (1/2-inch) slices

    ricotta cheese, divided
    1/2 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    finely chopped fresh mint
    1/4 cup