Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Light And Fluffy Spinach And Cheese Strata

    Light And Fluffy Spinach And Cheese Strata

    How to Make Light And Fluffy Spinach And Cheese Strata

    Author Aviva Goldfarb: “It took me a few attempts, but I finally made the strata of my dreams. In case you aren’t familiar with it, strata is an Italian baked egg and bread dish. This is a great dish to serve at a brunch, especially because you can make it in advance, but it also makes a nice change for a family dinner. Serve with blueberries or blackberries.”

    This recipe from The Six O’Clock Scramble Meal Planner, by Aviva Goldfarb. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    15 min prep time


    50 min cook time


    8servings


    2 1/4 × 3 1/4-inch piece

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. DO AHEAD OR DELEGATE: Defrost the spinach, combine and refrigerate the eggs and the milk, shred the cheese, if necessary, and refrigerate, combine the dry seasonings, cube the bread, or fully assemble and refrigerate the strata.
    2. Defrost the spinach in the microwave or on the stovetop. Spray a 9 × 13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the bacon, if necessary.
    3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and the milk. Whisk in the cheeses, herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the spinach, bacon (optional), and bread cubes until the bread is completely moistened. Pour the egg mixture into the baking dish, smoothing it with the back of a spoon, if necessary. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
    4. When you are ready to bake it, remove the strata from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake it in the center of the oven, uncovered, for 45–50 minutes until it is browned on the edges and cooked through in the center. Cut into squares to serve.
    5. SLOW COOKER DIRECTIONS: In the slow cooker, whisk together the eggs and the milk, then whisk in the cheeses, herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the spinach, bacon, and bread cubes until the bread is completely moistened. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 1/4 × 3 1/4-inch piece


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      200

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        4.3g

        22%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      155mg

      52%

    • Sodium
      420mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      15g

    • Potassium
      250mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    frozen spinach (chopped)
    10 oz

    eggs
    6 large

    milk (non-fat or low-fat)
    1 1/2 cup

    cheddar cheese (shredded, reduced-fat)
    1 cup

    Swiss cheese (shredded)
    1/2 cup

    Italian herb blend
    1 tsp

    garlic powder
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    bacon ((turkey, pork, or meatless), cooked and diced (optional))
    3 slice

    ciabatta bread (about 1/2 inch thick, cubed, or use any day-old bread (about 4 cups))
    6 slice

  • Lentil Bruschetta

    Lentil Bruschetta

    How to Make Lentil Bruschetta

    To reduce the carbohydrates in this recipe, serve the bruschetta in Belgian endive leaves instead of baguette. This will also make the recipe gluten-free.


    30 min prep time


    14servings


    2 pieces

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a medium sauce pan, combine lentils and hot water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
    3. While the lentils are cooking, combine tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, garlic, cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, feta cheese and ground black pepper. Stir to incorporate and set aside.
    4. Arrange sliced baguette pieces on a large baking sheet. Spray the tops of the bread slices lightly with cooking spray. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. (See note in step 6).
    5. When the lentils are done cooking, drain and rinse them under cold water. Shake the colander to get rid of all of the water on the lentils, then add them to the bruschetta mixture and stir to incorporate.
    6. To serve, either add the bruschetta mixture to a serving bowl and arrange the toasted baguette around the bowl for self-serve bruschetta, or top each toasted baguette slice with 2 heaping Tbsps. of bruschetta mixture. Note: If you plan to serve the bruschetta on the baguette, you may want to toast the bread a little longer to avoid sogginess.
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    Nutrition facts

    14 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 pieces


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      135

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      210mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    brown lentils (dry)
    1/2 cup

    hot water
    2 cup

    medium tomatoes (seeded and diced)
    2

    medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1

    red onion (diced)
    1/2 cup

    English cucumber ((seedless or hothouse), diced)
    1/2

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    red wine vinegar
    2 tbsp

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp

    feta cheese (reduced fat, crumbled)
    1/4 cup

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    multigrain baguette (sliced into 28 slices, about 1/4 inch thick)
    1 lbs

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

  • Lemon-scented Shrimp (Gamberi Al Limone)

    Lemon-scented Shrimp (Gamberi Al Limone)

    How to Make Lemon-scented Shrimp (Gamberi Al Limone)

    Author Amy Riolo says, “All of the bodies of water that border Italy—from the Adriatic to the Ionian, Mediterranean, and Tyrrhenian seas—contain multiple varieties of shrimp, making shrimp popular everywhere. If you’ve never prepared shrimp before, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is. In my seafood cooking classes, I often tell students that, if they’ve had bad luck making shrimp in the past, it’s because they’re doing too much, not too little. The key to preparing good shrimp is choosing the freshest shrimp possible and cooking them just until done—not a second longer. Baby, regular, and jumbo shrimp all work in this recipe, so feel free to use whatever is freshest.”


    5 min prep time


    5 min cook time


    4servings


    Approximately 4 ounces shrimp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. When olive oil begins to release its aroma, add shrimp, salt, black pepper, and crushed red chile flakes. Cook shrimp on one side just until the tail of the shrimp is bright pink, approximately 1–2 minutes.
    3. Turn shrimp over and squeeze lemon juice over top. Cook shrimp until all gray color is gone and they are pink and cooked through, approximately 1–2 more minutes. At this point, shrimp should be coiled slightly tighter than when they were raw. Shrimp will continue to sizzle in the pan.
    4. When they are cooked completely through, transfer shrimp to a serving platter, garnish with lemon zest, and serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      Approximately 4 ounces shrimp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      140mg

      47%

    • Sodium
      110mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g

    • Protein
      18g

    • Potassium
      245mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tbsp

    shrimp, peeled and deveined
    1 lbs

    Kosher Salt
    1/2 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    Crushed red chile flakes, to taste
    1

    Juice and zest from 1 lemon
    1

  • Lemon Chiffon With Fresh Berries

    Lemon Chiffon With Fresh Berries

    How to Make Lemon Chiffon With Fresh Berries

    Author Barbara Seelig-Brown says, “This deliciously sweet tart dessert is very refreshing with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. It is light enough to enjoy without feeling guilty. Including fruit in a dessert helps to reduce the calorie and fat content. You can make it a day or two before a party and it will be even better once the flavors have blended.”


    70 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    6servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place lemon juice and sugar substitute in saucepan. Heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

    2. Crack eggs into the bowl and whisk well. Slowly pour the lemon sugar mix into the eggs while whisking. Whisk for 1 minute, then return the egg mixture to the saucepan. 

    3. Whisk and cook on low to medium for several minutes until the egg mixture thickens. (The more you whisk, the lighter the mixture will be.) This will take 2-5 minutes depending on your equipment. The mixture is ready to be removed from heat when it coats the back of a spoon. 

    4. Refrigerate for one hour or more. It will thicken more as it cools.

    5. Place some of the lemon chiffon in a dessert glass or bowl and spoon berries over top. Alternate layers of lemon cream and berries. Top with berries.

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      110mg

      37%

    • Sodium
      40mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      140mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
    1/3 cup

    low-calorie sugar substitute
    1/2 cup

    eggs
    4 large

    fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
    3 cup

  • Kid-Friendly Meatballs

    Kid-Friendly Meatballs

    How to Make Kid-Friendly Meatballs

    This is a diabetes-friendly meatball recipe your family will love. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for yourself and your kids.


    20 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    11servings


    2 meatballs

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and vinegar for the sauce.
    3. In a medium bowl, mix together remaining ingredients for the meatballs. Shape into 1-inch balls.
    4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and top evenly with sauce (11/2 Tsp. per meatball).
    5. Bake for 45 minutes or until done.
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    Nutrition facts

    11 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 meatballs


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      50mg

      17%

    • Sodium
      185mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      10g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    ketchup
    1/2 cup

    balsamic vinegar
    3 tbsp

    ground turkey (93% lean)
    1 lbs

    zucchini (grated)
    1/2

    carrot(s) (grated)
    1

    onion(s) (grated)
    1/2

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    chili powder
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    salt (optional)
    1/4 tsp

    eggs (slightly beaten)
    1

    old-fashioned rolled oats
    1/2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated )
    3 tbsp

  • Kale and Quinoa Salad

    Kale and Quinoa Salad

    How to Make Kale and Quinoa Salad

    It is ideal to dress this salad and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to let the kale wilt a bit and absorb the dressing. Toss again just before serving.


    15 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    10servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Rinse the dry quinoa in a strainer under cold running water. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook the quinoa for 12-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and leave the lid on for 10 minutes to steam. Spread the quinoa on a sheet pan to cool.
    2. In a large salad bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, mustard, honey, parsley, salt (optional), and pepper. Add the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.
    3. In the same bowl, toss together the kale, cranberries, sunflower seeds, feta cheese and cooled quinoa until coated with dressing.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.6g

        8%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      260mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      160mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    quinoa
    1 cup

    water
    1 1/2 cup

    white balsamic or white raspberry balsamic vinegar
    1/4 cup

    garlic (grated or minced)
    1 clove

    Dijon Mustard
    1 tbsp

    honey or 2 packets artificial sweetener
    1 tbsp

    chopped fresh parsley
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1/4 cup

    fresh kale leaves (chopped)
    4 cup

    dried cranberries
    1/4 cup

    sunflower seeds
    2 tbsp

    reduced fat feta cheese (crumbled)
    3 oz

  • Kale Pesto Salmon

    Kale Pesto Salmon

    How to Make Kale Pesto Salmon

    Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Serve up this dish with roasted green beans and your favorite whole grain such as quinoa, farro or wild rice.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    1 salmon fillet

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. In a blender or food processor, blend the kale, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, water, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and pepper until smooth.
    3. Lay the salmon filets skin side down on the baking sheet. Spread the top of each salmon filet with 1/4 of the pesto.
    4. Bake the salmon for 20 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 salmon fillet


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      300

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      19g

      24%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.9g

        15%

    • Cholesterol
      80mg

      27%

    • Sodium
      95mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      5g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      28g

    • Potassium
      555mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    Nonstick cooking spray
    1

    kale leaves (chopped)
    2 cup

    walnuts (toasted)
    1/4 cup

    garlic
    1 clove

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    water
    2 tbsp

    lemon juice
    1 tbsp

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    2 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    salmon fillets (4-ounce each)
    4

  • Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    How to Make Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    To make this recipe a little quicker, use a jalapeno salsa or hot sauce instead of roasting the peppers. Use about 1/4 cup or adjust to the spiciness that you prefer.


    25 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    9servings


    about 1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. Lay jalapeno peppers on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking sheet. Place on the top rack of the oven and roast until the skin is blackened, turning occasionally. About 20-30 minutes.
    3. Remove the blackened jalapenos from the oven and place in a bowl and immediately cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to cool. Once the peppers have cooled, peel and seed the peppers. Set aside. Note: Protect your hands while doing this with gloves or even plastic sandwich bags to avoid getting and pepper juices on your hands.
    4. Once the peppers have finished roasting, turn the oven down to 350 degrees F.
    5. While jalapenos are roasting and cooling, add olive oil to a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, taking care not to brown it. Stir constantly.
    6. Slowly whisk in the skim milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
    7. Add in the Laughing Cow Lite Cheese Wedges, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt (optional) and black pepper. Whisking constantly.
    8. Add the jalapeno peppers to the cheese mixture and using an immersion blender or stand up blender, blend them until smooth. There will be some texture from the peppers. Set aside.
    9. Using a food processor, blend the whole wheat bread, garlic and 2 Tbsps. grated parmesan cheese to make the crumble topping. Set aside.
    10. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain pasta and immediately add it to the cheese mixture, stirring well to incorporate.
    11. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle the top with the whole wheat breadcrumb mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown.
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    Nutrition facts

    9 Servings



    • Serving Size

      about 1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      250

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.7g

        9%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      360mg

      16%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      43g

      16%

      • Dietary Fiber
        7g

        25%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      420mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    small jalapeno peppers
    2

    whole grain rotini
    16 oz

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    whole wheat flour
    2 tbsp

    skim milk
    3 cup

    Laughing Cow Lite Cheese wedges
    6

    Parmesan cheese (plus 2 Tbsp freshly grated, (divided))
    1/4 cup

    ground nutmeg
    1/8 tsp

    salt ((optional))
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    whole wheat bread
    1 slice

    garlic
    1 clove

  • Italian Style Vegetable Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – Foodie Recipe

    Italian Style Vegetable Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – Foodie Recipe

    How to Make Italian Style Vegetable Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – Foodie Recipe

    This entrée is great for a holiday gathering or meal with the family. Note that allowing the meat to rest before slicing keeps this dish nice and juicy.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    2 slices or ¼ of recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a small baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
    2. Add olive oil to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, bell pepper, onion and dried Italian seasoning and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add garlic and sauté another minute. Set aside. (This should result in about 3/4 cup of filling.)
    3. Insert a long, thin knife into the center of one end of the pork loin; repeat this process at the other end. After cutting with the knife, use the handle of a long wooden spoon to make sure the incision goes all the way through the pork tenderloin and move it back and forth to make the hole big enough to hold the stuffing.
    4. Fill the hole with all of the stuffing, using a spoon to ensure the stuffing goes all the way through the tenderloin.
    5. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt (optional) and black pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the pork tenderloin. Place on the baking sheet, spray the pork lightly with cooking spray and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork is 145 degrees.
    6. Remove from the oven and allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 slices or ¼ of recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.6g

        8%

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      45mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      23g

    • Potassium
      560mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    small zucchini (diced)
    1

    small red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1

    small onion (diced (about 1/2 cup))
    1

    Italian seasoning (or dried basil) (dried)
    1 tsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    pork tenderloin
    1 lbs

    paprika
    1 tbsp

    garlic powder
    1 tsp

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

  • Hummus Deviled Eggs

    Hummus Deviled Eggs

    How to Make Hummus Deviled Eggs

    Try this twist on traditional deviled eggs. Replace the yolk with a zesty bean mixture to cut down on calories, fat and cholesterol. Your guests will enjoy them just as much!


    15 min prep time


    8servings


    2 egg halves

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Slice hardboiled eggs in half lengthwise and discard the yolk.
    2. Add garbanzo beans, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, broth, salt, pepper, salsa and parsley to a blender or food processor. Process until hummus is smooth.
    3. Fill each egg half with a heaping tablespoon of hummus.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 egg halves


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      90

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.3g

        2%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      250mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      180mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    eggs (hardboiled and peeled)
    8

    garbanzo beans (chickpeas) (drained and rinsed)
    1 (14.5-oz) can

    garlic
    2 clove

    small lemon (zested and juiced)
    1

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    low sodium vegetable broth
    1/4 cup

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    salsa
    1/4 cup

    chopped fresh parsley
    1 tbsp