Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Congrí Light (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)

    How to Make Congrí Light (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)

    This healthy and classic Cuban recipe is a great dish to bring to parties or add on as a side to make a complete meal.


    20 min prep time


    1 hr cook time


    10servings


    3/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Into a stovetop pressure cooker, add rinsed beans and 3 cups water, and cover. Place pressure cooker on stove and set on high heat. Once the beans start boiling, lower heat to medium and cook beans until they are tender, about 45 minutes. Make sure beans submerged in water while they cook; add more water if needed.
    2. Once beans are tender, add rice, 1 cup water, salt and 1/2 Tsp. avocado oil. Stir well and add the remaining ingredients. Stir once more with spoon, and make sure to put a little hip into it.
    3. Make sure there is about 3/4 inch of water above the beans. Cover the mixture, and put heat on medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender. Once the congrí is done, fluff with a fork and serve. Enjoy!
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      190mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      29g

      11%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      540mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    black beans (dried, sorted and rinsed (1 1/2 cups))
    10 oz

    water (divided (use more if needed))
    4 cup

    uncooked brown rice
    1/2 cup

    sea salt
    1 tsp

    avocado oil (divided)
    1 1/2 tsp

    garlic powder
    1 tsp

    green pepper (finely chopped)
    1 cup

    red pepper (finely chopped)
    1/2 cup

    Spanish onion (finely chopped)
    1 cup

    garlic (finely chopped)
    2 tbsp

    dried oregano (dried)
    1 1/2 tbsp

    ground cumin
    1 1/2 tsp

    bay leaves (dried)
    3

  • Classic Meatloaf

    Classic Meatloaf

    How to Make Classic Meatloaf

    Author Robyn Webb:”Ask anyone about childhood food memories and meatloaf is usually mentioned. We owned a collection of loaf pans when I was growing up, but my mom used them more for baking bread than forming meatloaves. She was the one who taught me to form a meatloaf into an oblong shape on a baking sheet, which let the air circulate all the way around the loaf to produce those crusty edges.”

    This recipe from The Perfect Diabetes Comfort Food Collection, by Robyn S. Webb. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    20 min prep time


    55 min cook time


    6servings


    3 ounces (approx. 1 1/2 inches thick)

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
    2. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes. Add in the green pepper and mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and sauté for 1 minute.
    3. Add the onion mixture to a bowl, and let cool for 2 minutes. Add in the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke, if using. Mix gently, do not over handle the meat.
    4. Place the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and form into an oblong loaf. Combine the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar and pour over the meatloaf.
    5. Bake the meatloaf for 40-45 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest 5-7 minutes prior to slicing.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 ounces (approx. 1 1/2 inches thick)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      75mg

      25%

    • Sodium
      440mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      21g

    • Potassium
      480mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    small onion (minced)
    1

    green or red bell pepper (finely minced)
    1/3 cup

    white (button) mushrooms (chopped)
    4 oz

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    ground beef (95% lean)
    1 lbs

    eggs (beaten)
    1

    whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
    1 cup

    milk (fat-free)
    1 cup

    Worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp

    liquid smoke (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    ketchup (sugar-free, such as Walden Farms)
    1/3 cup

    Dijon Mustard
    1 1/2 tbsp

    brown sugar
    1 tsp

  • Classic Italian Panzanella Salad

    Classic Italian Panzanella Salad

    How to Make Classic Italian Panzanella Salad

    This classic bread and tomato salad pairs well with any roasted meat or poultry entrée. Double the recipe and it can also make a great side dish at your holiday feast this year!


    4servings


    1/4 of recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place tomatoes in large salad bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let stand 5 minutes.
    2. Break up bread and add to tomatoes. Add remaining salad ingredients and mix well.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 of recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      455mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      20g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      415mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    medium tomatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved))
    2

    fine sea salt
    1/2 tsp

    Italian bread (good quality such as multigrain Ciabatta)
    2 cup

    cucumber(s) (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced (about 1/2 an English cucumber))
    1 cup

    celery (sliced 1/2-inch thick)
    2 stalks

    small red onion (cut in half and thinly sliced)
    1

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    red wine vinegar
    2 tbsp

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    2 tbsp

    fresh basil leaves (torn into strips)
    1/2 cup

    flat Italian parsley leaves (roughly chopped)
    1 cup

  • Classic Beef Stew

    Classic Beef Stew

    How to Make Classic Beef Stew

    You don’t need cold weather to enjoy a great beef stew. There are so many new renditions of beef stew, but if you can make this classic version really well, that’s all you’ll need. Although button mushrooms can be used, try and seek out cremini mushrooms as the stew will taste more full-bodied.


    20 min prep time


    2 hr cook time


    10servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Combine the all-purpose flour with the Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Dredge the beef cubes lightly in the flour mixture and add the beef, in batches to keep the beef in one layer, until well browned on each side.
    2. Remove the beef from the pan and deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup chicken broth. Add in the mushrooms and sauté for about 4 minutes until well browned. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and deglaze with another 1/4 cup of the broth. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes. Return the beef to the pot, add the remaining chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Partially cover, lower the heat to simmer, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3. Peel and cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces. Cut the carrots into 1/2-inch pieces. Add the potatoes and carrots to the stew and continue to cook for another 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add in the reserved mushrooms, peas, and thyme. Season with red wine vinegar and black pepper.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      250

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      45mg

      15%

    • Sodium
      290mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      24g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      980mg

      21%

    Ingredients

    all-purpose flour or whole-wheat pastry flour
    2 tbsp

    Italian seasoning
    1 tbsp

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    top round (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
    2 lbs

    cremini (baby bella) mushrooms (cleaned, stemmed, and quartered)
    1 1/2 lbs

    low sodium chicken broth (reduced-sodium, low-fat, divided use)
    4 cup

    large onion (coarsely chopped)
    1

    garlic (minced)
    3 clove

    large russet potatoes
    2

    medium carrots (peeled)
    3

    frozen peas
    1 cup

    fresh thyme (minced)
    1 tbsp

    red wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    freshly ground black pepper (1/4-1/2 tsp)
    1/2 tsp

  • Cinnamon Roasted Pears

    Cinnamon Roasted Pears

    How to Make Cinnamon Roasted Pears

    Fruit is a great end to a meal. By experimenting with roasting and grilling fruit, you can bring out its maximum flavor. This recipe could easily be made with apples too.


    10 min prep time


    4servings


    1/2 pear

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    2. In a small bowl (using fingers) combine margarine, cinnamon and brown sugar. Add walnuts and mix.
    3. Arrange the pears cut side up in an 8-inch square glass baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup water in bottom of pan.
    4. Divide the brown sugar mixture evenly among the pear halves and place in middle of pears.
    5. Bake until the pears are tender and beginning to brown, about 45 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 pear


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      25mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%

    • Protein
      1g

    Ingredients

    Smart Balance margarine
    1 tbsp

    ground cinnamon
    1/2 tsp

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    2 tbsp

    medium Anjou Pears ((about 6.5 ounces each) peeled, cored and sliced in half)
    2

    walnuts (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    water
    1/4 cup

  • Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

    Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

    How to Make Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

    Instead of a tossed salad, try something new and different. Rows of salad ingredients make for a pretty presentation and it’s easy to identify exactly what you’re eating. The cilantro dressing is so sublime; pour it over any other green salad to make that salad shine.


    25 min prep time


    8servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the lettuce on a shallow platter. In rows, arrange the carrots, celery, plum tomatoes, cucumber, and black beans.
    2. Prepare the salad dressing. Whisk together the cider vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking to incorporate.
    3. Drizzle on the dressing. Top with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      210mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      11g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      4g

    Ingredients

    romaine lettuce (thinly sliced)
    4 cup

    carrot(s) (peeled and diced)
    2

    celery stalks (diced)
    2

    roma (plum) tomatoes (seeded and diced)
    2

    cucumber(s) (peeled and diced)
    1/2 cup

    canned black beans (drained)
    1 cup

    cider vinegar
    2 tbsp

    lime juice (fresh)
    2 tbsp

    cilantro (chopped )
    2 tbsp

    honey
    2 tsp

    sea salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    olive oil
    1/4 cup

    pumpkin or sunflower seeds (toasted)
    2 tbsp

  • Chipotle Chili and Tea Rubbed Salmon

    Chipotle Chili and Tea Rubbed Salmon

    How to Make Chipotle Chili and Tea Rubbed Salmon

    Spice rubs are simple to make and keep in the refrigerator for weeks. Try this rub on seafood, meat, poultry, or vegetables.


    25 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    8servings


    4 oz salmon

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place all ingredients except the salmon in a blender or food processor and purée until smooth.

    2. Rub the mixture over the surface of the salmon. Place the salmon on a baking dish and let marinate for 20 minutes.

    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. You can cook the salmon directly on a piece of foil or place them on a perforated grill grate used for fish or vegetables. Cook over indirect heat (away from the heat source) for 5–6 minutes on each side. The salmon is done when it reads 145 degrees F on an instant thermometer.

    4. Cool for 30 minutes before serving. 

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      4 oz salmon


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      360mg

      16%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      26g

    • Potassium
      282mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    chipotle chili in adobo
    4 whole

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    light brown sugar
    1 tbsp

    ground tea leaves (green or black)
    1 tbsp

    dried oregano
    1 tsp

    Kosher Salt
    1 tsp

    lime juice
    1 tbsp

    sockeye salmon (skin removed)
    2 lbs

  • Chickpea Tabbouleh

    Chickpea Tabbouleh

    How to Make Chickpea Tabbouleh

    Bulgur is the grain used in traditional tabbouleh, but the bulk of this tasty tabbouleh is made up of vegetables, herbs and protein-packed chickpeas.


    30 min prep time


    10servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Rinse the bulgur wheat and add it to a small bowl. Pour hot water over the bulgur, cover, and let soak for about 20 minutes, until doubled in size. Drain excess liquid, if any, and place the bulgur in a large bowl.
    2. Chop the parsley to a medium-fine consistency. It should have some texture left in it and should not look pureed. Add the parsley to the bulgur wheat, and add all the remaining salad ingredients. Cover and set aside.
    3. For the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients. Add to the salad; taste and adjust any seasonings. Add more lemon juice if desired. Turn the tabbouleh out onto a platter to serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      95

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      110mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      275mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    bulgur wheat
    1/2 cup

    hot water (to cover and soak bulgur)
    1

    fresh parsley ((about 1/2 pound), thick stems removed)
    2 bunch

    fresh mint (minced)
    4 tbsp

    cucumber(s) (peeled, seeded, and diced)
    1/2 cup

    green onion (scallion) (finely minced (about 1/2 cup))
    3

    small tomatoes ((about 1 pound), diced (about 2 1/2 cups))
    3

    medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup))
    1/2

    canned chickpeas (garbanzos) (drained and rinsed)
    1 cup

    fresh lemon juice
    3 tbsp

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    salt
    1/4 tbsp

  • Chicken Satay

    Chicken Satay

    How to Make Chicken Satay

    This makes a great party appetizer. You can serve the dip in a bowl on a large platter and surround it with the skewers.

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


    1 hr prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    2 skewers with 2 Tbsp. sauce

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 30 minutes. While skewers are soaking, slice chicken breasts into eight strips lengthwise.
    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, half the minced garlic, ginger, lime juice and hot sauce. Add chicken to the marinade and marinate chicken strips in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
    3. Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill.
    4. While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the remaining tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend, remaining tbsp soy sauce, remaining minced garlic, peanut butter, and coconut milk in a microwave safe bowl. Set aside.
    5. Thread chicken strips lengthwise onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes one each side.
    6. Right before serving, microwave sauce for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and whisk again to combine. Serve two skewers with 2 Tbsps. of sauce.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 skewers with 2 Tbsp. sauce


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      220

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      65mg

      22%

    • Sodium
      380mg

      17%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      27g

    • Potassium
      290mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    bamboo skewers
    8

    boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    1 lbs

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute (divided use)
    2 tbsp

    lower sodium soy sauce (divided use)
    2 tbsp

    garlic (minced, divided use)
    2 clove

    minced fresh ginger
    1 tsp

    lime juice
    2 tbsp

    Asian-style hot sauce, such as sriracha
    1/2 tsp

    creamy peanut butter
    2 tbsp

    unsweetened coconut milk beverage
    1/4 cup

  • Chicken or Turkey Pot Pie

    Chicken or Turkey Pot Pie

    How to Make Chicken or Turkey Pot Pie

    Comfort food can be enjoyed even if you want to cook healthier. Phyllo dough makes a fabulously crispy top crust without the fat. Garlic mashed potatoes make a great alternative top “crust.”

    This recipe from The Stress Free Kitchen, by Barbara Seelig-Brown. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.


    15 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    6servings


    1/6 recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    2. Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add celery and carrot and cook 5 minutes to soften. Set aside.
    3. Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter in 4-quart saucepan. Melt butter. Whisk in flour and mix well. (Mixture will be dry.) Gradually add 1 cup stock to saucepan. Cook 2–3 minutes until mixture begins to thicken and takes on a golden color.
    4. Add chicken, peas, parsley, and additional stock to achieve desired consistency (some like it soupy, some like it thick). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place mixture in baking dish.
    5. Spray each sheet of phyllo with olive oil mister and place on top of baking dish. Trim edges.
    6. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until crust is golden and pie is bubbly.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/6 recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.6g

        13%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      390mg

      17%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      380mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided use)
    2 tbsp

    onion(s) (chopped)
    1/2 cup

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    celery (sliced)
    1 cup

    carrot(s) (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
    1 cup

    butter (unsalted)
    1 tbsp

    all-purpose flour
    1/4 cup

    chicken stock (low-sodium, plus additional, if desired)
    2 cup

    cooked chicken (or used cooked turkey, or leftover chicken/turkey)
    3 cup

    baby peas (frozen)
    1 cup

    Italian parsley (chopped)
    2 tbsp

    sea salt (fine)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper (freshly ground)
    1/2 tsp

    sheets frozen phyllo dough (thawed)
    5