Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Oven Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Shallots

    Oven Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Shallots

    How to Make Oven Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Shallots

    This dish is a beauty. The light purple color of the shallots contrasts nicely with the bright orange of the sweet potatoes. This is one of those classic stovetop-to-oven dishes that fills the kitchen with a heavenly aroma.


    20 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven or similar pan. Add the pork, in two batches, until the pork is well browned on all sides, about 6 minutes per batch. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside. Add in the onion, sweet potatoes, shallots, and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
    2. Add the pork with any accumulated juices back into the pan and sprinkle with the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the flour is absorbed into the pork and vegetables. Add in the chicken broth, wine, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add in the mushrooms.
    3. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with parsley.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      230

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.1g

        11%

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      195mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      18g

    Ingredients

    large shallots (peeled and left whole)
    8

    sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 8 wedges)
    2 med

    medium onion (chopped)
    1

    boneless pork loin (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    4 clove

    flour
    3 tbsp

    low sodium chicken broth (fat-free)
    1 3/4 cup

    dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
    1/2 cup

    fresh thyme (minced)
    1 tbsp

    Kosher or sea salt, to taste
    1

    black pepper, to taste (freshly ground)
    1

    cremini or white button mushrooms (cleaned, stems removed, and cut in half)
    1/2 lbs

    fresh parsley (chopped)
    1/2 cup

  • Orzo, Lentil, and Fig Salad

    Orzo, Lentil, and Fig Salad

    How to Make Orzo, Lentil, and Fig Salad

    Author Barbara Seelig-Brown said, “The delicious and healthy flavors of the Mediterranean inspired me to create this salad. This recipe can be made a day or two ahead of time and kept refrigerated. This recipe is great for picnics, make-ahead meals, or brown bag lunches.”


    15 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    8servings


    1/8 recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Cook orzo according to package directions, approximately 9 minutes.
    2. Cook lentils in 3 cups water until tender, approximately 20 minutes.
    3. Place balsamic vinegar in bowl. Add garlic, oregano, basil, a pinch of sea salt, and a few grindings of pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Set aside.
    4. Mix orzo, lentils, olives, figs, cheese, and nuts together. Add dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings.
    5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      395

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      20g

      26%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.2g

        11%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      435mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      44g

      16%

      • Dietary Fiber
        8g

        29%
      • Total Sugars
        10g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      415mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    Orzo (rice shaped pasta), or the pasta shape of your choice (uncooked)
    8 oz

    lentils (uncooked, preferably French or small dark green)
    1 cup

    oil-cured black olives (pitted and chopped)
    1/2 cup

    mission figlets (dried, sliced)
    1/2 cup

    feta cheese (crumbled, fat-free)
    1/2 cup

    pignoli nuts (pine nuts) (toasted)
    1/2 cup

    white balsamic vinegar
    3 tbsp

    extra virgin olive oil
    6 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    dried oregano (fresh, chopped)
    1 tbsp

    fresh basil leaves (fresh, torn)
    1/2 cup

    sea salt (Fine)
    1 pinch

    black pepper (Freshly ground)
    1

    Additional herbs for garnish (basil)
    1

  • Orange and Walnut Salad

    Orange and Walnut Salad

    How to Make Orange and Walnut Salad

    Serve this light salad as a healthy option at your holiday gathering this year. It’ll provide you with some fresh fruit and veggies – two things that are often missing from the typical holiday spread!


    20 min prep time


    8servings


    about 2/3 cup orange-carrot mixture + 1 cup greens

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the greens on a platter. Top with the carrots, onion, and oranges.
    2. For the vinaigrette, whisk together the orange and lemon juices, honey, and mustard. Slowly add the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly.
    3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Add salt and pepper to taste, and top with the walnuts.
    4. *Note: The nutrition facts above do not include any added salt.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      about 2/3 cup orange-carrot mixture + 1 cup greens


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      135

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.9g

        5%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      55mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      13g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        9g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      285mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    large oranges (peeled and sectioned)
    2

    mixed salad greens
    8 cup

    small red onion (thinly sliced)
    1

    large carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
    2

    fresh orange juice
    2 tbsp

    fresh lemon juice
    2 tbsp

    honey
    1 tbsp

    Dijon Mustard
    2 tsp

    walnut oil
    1/4 cup

    salt and pepper to taste
    1

    walnut pieces
    1/4 cup

  • One-Pot Roasted Chicken with Acorn Squash

    One-Pot Roasted Chicken with Acorn Squash

    How to Make One-Pot Roasted Chicken with Acorn Squash

    The apples and cinnamon in this savory one-pot main dish will fill your home with a delicious Autumn aroma.


    5 min prep time


    55 min cook time


    4servings


    1 chicken thigh, 2 acorn squash wedges, about 4 slices of apple

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    2. Season the chicken with the rosemary. In a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pot and sear for 3 minutes per side.
    3. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half into quarters; discard ends.
    4. Place the acorn squash and apple slices around the chicken. Drizzle the honey evenly over the squash and apple slices and then sprinkle them with cinnamon. Pour the water over the chicken.
    5. Bake for 45 minutes in the oven, uncovered. To serve, pour some of the juices over the chicken, squash, and apples.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken thigh, 2 acorn squash wedges, about 4 slices of apple


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      240

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.1g

        11%

    • Cholesterol
      105mg

      35%

    • Sodium
      70mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        12g

    • Protein
      19g

    • Potassium
      615mg

      13%

    Ingredients

    thighs (4-ounce each, boneless, skinless chicken)
    4

    dried rosemary
    1 tsp

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    acorn squash (1-1/4 lbs)
    1

    Granny Smith or other tart apple (cored and sliced)
    1

    honey
    1 tbsp

    ground cinnamon
    1/4 tsp

    water
    1/2 cup

  • Onion, Shallot and Herb Frittata

    Onion, Shallot and Herb Frittata

    How to Make Onion, Shallot and Herb Frittata

    Looking for a light and simple breakfast to enjoy with the family during the holidays? This frittata will do the trick. Serve it with some greens, whole wheat toast and some fruit on the side if your meal plan allows for it.


    7 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    6servings


    1/6 of pan

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 1 Tsp. of the olive oil in a large nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and shallot and sauté for about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set aside.

    2. Beat the eggs, egg whites, basil, and salt and pepper. Fold in the onion mixture.

    3. In the remaining 1 Tsp. of oil, heat the egg mixture on medium low in the skillet. Cook without stirring for about 8 minutes.

    4. Transfer the skillet to the oven, sprinkle with the cheese, and bake for about 10 minutes until top is no longer runny. Cook an additional 5 minutes if necessary. Cut into wedges to serve.

    5. *Note: The nutrition facts above do not include any added salt.

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/6 of pan


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      55mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      135mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      115mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    olive oil (divided)
    2 tsp

    onion(s) (chopped)
    1 cup

    shallots (minced)
    2 tbsp

    eggs
    2 whole

    egg whites
    4 whole

    fresh basil (minced)
    1/4 cup

    salt and pepper to taste
    1

    Parmesan or Romano cheese (freshly grated)
    2 tbsp

  • Oat Bran Muffins

    Oat Bran Muffins

    How to Make Oat Bran Muffins

    These moist, delicious muffins make a great breakfast or snack. Bring them to a potluck brunch or early-morning tailgate!


    12servings


    1 muffin

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    2. Mix the first four ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.
    3. Combine milk, egg, and oil. Mix applesauce with mashed banana and blend with liquid ingredients. Add to dry ingredients and mix just until moistened.
    4. Pour into muffin tins that have been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Do not use paper liners, as the muffins have a tendency to stick to the paper. Bake for 15-17 minutes.
    5. TIP: The tops of these muffins don’t brown well due to the low sugar content, but they are still moist and full of flavor!
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 muffin


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      121

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      20g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%

    • Protein
      4g

    Ingredients

    oat bran
    2 1/4 cup

    firmly packed brown sugar
    1/4 cup

    baking powder
    1 tbsp

    ground cinnamon
    1 1/2 tsp

    milk (fat-free)
    3/4 cup

    egg substitute ((equal to 1 egg))
    1/4 cup

    canola oil
    2 tbsp

    unsweetened applesauce
    1 cup

    medium banana (mashed)
    1

    dried fruit such as raisins, dates, apricots (optional) (optional)
    2 tbsp

  • No-Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bites

    No-Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bites

    How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bites

    Need a healthy snack for your summer road trip? This simple treat is much better for you than any processed snack that you get at a gas station.


    10 min prep time


    24servings


    2 bites

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar blend and milk over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a boil for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.

    2. Remove from heat and add oats. Stir until oats are evenly coated in the peanut mixture and everything has cooled. Fold in the chocolate chips.

    3. Scoop oat mixture into 1 Tbsp. balls and place on waxed paper. Let cool and refrigerate.

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    Nutrition facts

    24 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 bites


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      30mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      64mg

      1%

    Ingredients

    sugar substitute
    1/3 cup

    skim milk
    1/3 cup

    peanut butter
    1/2 cup

    vanilla extract
    1 tsp

    old-fashioned rolled oats
    2 cup

    mini-chocolate chips
    3 tbsp

  • Mushroom and Walnut Meat Loaf

    Mushroom and Walnut Meat Loaf

    How to Make Mushroom and Walnut Meat Loaf

    These retain their shape well because they are baked in individual ramekin dishes and are perfect for portion control.


    25 min prep time


    50-55 min cook time


    4servings


    1 ramekin

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat 4 (8-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray. Set the ramekins aside.
    2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and mushrooms for 10 minutes or until richly browned. Add in the red pepper and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté about 8 minutes. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and sauté 1 minute.
    3. Add the mushroom mixture to a large bowl, allow to cool for 2 minutes. Add in the egg, breadcrumbs, milk and walnuts. Mix gently. Divide the mixture among all the ramekins, pressing down on the mixture to fit all the ramekins.
    4. Set the ramekins onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is browned. Run a knife around each ramekin to loosen the loaf
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 ramekin


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      300

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      15g

      19%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%

    • Cholesterol
      45mg

      15%

    • Sodium
      340mg

      15%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      33g

      12%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        10g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      1050mg

      22%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    large onion (chopped)
    1

    mixed mushrooms ((white, cremini, Portobello, or others) stemmed, cleaned, and finely chopped)
    1 lbs

    red bell pepper (diced)
    1/3 cup

    rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes (minced)
    1/3 cup

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    sea salt
    1/2 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    eggs (beaten)
    1

    panko bread crumbs
    1 cup

    fat-free milk
    1/2 cup

    walnuts (finely chopped)
    1/2 cup

  • Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts

    Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts

    How to Make Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts

    Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This salad would be a great starter for a homemade Valentine’s Day dinner.

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


    10 min prep time


    5servings


    1 1/2 cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until done. Place the bacon on a paper towel and set aside.
    2. Place the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet on low heat and cook until the walnuts begin to brown, about 4 minutes.
    3. In a salad bowl, mix together all of the salad ingredients.
    4. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour dressing ingredients over the salad and toss to coat.
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    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 1/2 cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      13g

      17%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        8g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      280mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    2 slice

    walnuts (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    bag spring lettuce mix
    1 (10-oz) bag

    broccoli slaw mix
    6 oz

    dried cranberries
    2 tbsp

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

    Dijon Mustard
    1/2 tsp

    olive oil
    2 1/2 tbsp

    honey or 2 packets artificial sweetener
    1 tbsp

  • Modern Tuna Noodle Casserole

    Modern Tuna Noodle Casserole

    How to Make Modern Tuna Noodle Casserole

    This recipe is a great example of using vegetables to bulk up a dish that is typically high in carbs and fat.


    5 min prep time


    40 min cook time


    8servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

    2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions minus two minutes (the pasta should be slightly undercooked).

    3. While the pasta is cooking, add the olive oil to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until the onions turn clear, about 5 minutes.

    4. Add the spinach and no-salt seasoning and sauté until the spinach is wilted and soft, about 3 more minutes.

    5. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, salt and ground black pepper until all the flour lumps are mixed in. Pour over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Stir in the tuna and pasta and pour into the prepared baking pan.

    6. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the casserole and bake for 15 minutes.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      240

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      330mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      38g

      14%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      18g

    • Potassium
      526mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    whole grain penne, shells, or farfalle pasta
    12 oz

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    white (button) mushrooms (sliced)
    8 oz

    small onion (diced)
    1

    baby spinach
    5 oz

    salt-free all-purpose seasoning
    1/2 tsp

    flour
    3 tbsp

    skim milk
    2 cup

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    tuna packed in water (drained)
    5 oz

    Parmesan cheese (shredded)
    1/2 cup