Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Instant Pot Spiced Pork Roast with Butternut Squash

    Instant Pot Spiced Pork Roast with Butternut Squash

    How to Make Instant Pot Spiced Pork Roast with Butternut Squash

    This Instant Pot meal is fancy enough for a holiday meal, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Tender pork loin is spiced with warm cinnamon and cloves, and paired with seasonal butternut squash and cranberries. All of it comes together in the Instant Pot for hands-off cooking with minimal clean up.


    20 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    6servings


    4 oz pork with 1 cup squash and 1 tbsp sauce

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Press the Saute, then press the Adjust button to “More” or “High”. When the display says “Hot” add the pecans and cook for 4 minutes, or until beginning to lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Set aside on separate plate.
    2. Combine the cinnamon, cloves, 1/2 tsp. salt, and the black pepper in a small bowl and coat both sides of the pork with the mixture.
    3. Add the oil to the pot, tilt pot to coat bottom lightly. Place pork in the pot and cook 2 minutes on each side.
    4. Pour the water around pork and top pork with orange slices. Seal the lid, close the valve, press the Cancel button, and set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 20 minutes. Use a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
    5. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the pork. (Internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F.) Place on cutting board and let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Cover to keep warm, if desired.
    6. Meanwhile, add the squash and onions to the liquid in the pot. Seal the lid, close the valve, press the Cancel button, and set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 3 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon and sprinkle evenly with the pecans. Cover to keep warm.
    7. Add the cranberries to the liquid in the pot. Press the Cancel button, and set to Saute. Bring to a boil and boil 6-7 minutes or until thickened and reduced to 1/2 cup. Spoon over pork slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      4 oz pork with 1 cup squash and 1 tbsp sauce


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      380

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      19g

      24%

      • Saturated Fat
        4.1g

        21%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      80mg

      27%

    • Sodium
      440mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      25g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        7g

    • Protein
      30g

    • Potassium
      970mg

      21%

    Ingredients

    chopped pecans
    1/2 cup

    boneless pork loin roast (trimmed of fat)
    2 lbs

    ground cinnamon
    1 tsp

    ground cloves
    1/4 tsp

    salt (divided use)
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    canola oil
    1 tbsp

    orange (cut into thin slices)
    1

    water
    1/2 cup

    butternut squash (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
    2 lbs

    chopped onion
    1 cup

    dried cranberries
    1/3 cup

  • Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Andouille Rice

    Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Andouille Rice

    How to Make Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Andouille Rice


    30 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    12servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Press the Saute button, then press the Adjust button to “More” or “High”. When the display says “Hot”, add the oil, tilt the pot to coat bottom lightly. Add the sausage to the pot and cook for 6-7 minutes or until beginning to richly brown on edges, stirring occasionally. (Note: brown bits will build up on the bottom of pot at this point.) Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the remaining ingredients, except the salt. Press ingredients down with back of spoon to make sure the rice is covered with water.
    2. Seal the lid, close the valve, press the Cancel button, and reset to Manual/Pressure Cook for 20 minutes.
    3. Use a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Stir in the salt. Turn off the pressure cooker and let stand 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly and absorb flavors.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      270

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      50mg

      17%

    • Sodium
      390mg

      17%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      33g

      12%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      16g

    • Potassium
      510mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    canola oil
    1 tbsp

    Cajun-style andouille sausage, fully cooked (sliced into coins)
    12 oz

    garlic (minced)
    6 clove

    green bell pepper (seeded and coarsely chopped)
    3

    red bell pepper (seeded and coarsely chopped)
    1

    onion(s) (chopped)
    1 cup

    boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    1 lbs

    brown rice
    1 3/4 cup

    quinoa
    3/4 cup

    quartered artichoke hearts (drained)
    1 (14-oz) can

    dried thyme
    1 tbsp

    bay leaves
    3

    smoked paprika
    1 1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    water
    3 cup

    salt
    1/2 tsp

  • Quinoa Seafood Paella

    Quinoa Seafood Paella

    How to Make Quinoa Seafood Paella

    Author and celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffman says, “My apologies to Spain, but I love this version of paella more than the original; the quinoa seems to soak up the flavor more than the rice or arroz bomba that is used in the classic Spanish dish. I find paella to be such an easy and beautiful dish to present when serving multiple people. One key ingredient is saffron. I use Persian (Iranian) saffron, which I buy online, because I prefer it to the commercial versions you find at the supermarket. It has so much flavor, so a little goes a long way. I store it powdered in my fridge and use it in stews, soups, rice, veggies, etc.”

    To get this recipe in Spanish click here.


    20 min prep time


    33 min cook time


    8servings


    1 cup

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or paella pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
    2. Add the tomato paste and saffron to the skillet, stirring until well mixed. Add the quinoa, broth, tomatoes, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes.
    3. Tuck the shrimp and calamari into the quinoa mixture. Cover and cook until the shrimp and calamari are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; sprinkle with parsley and garnish with lemon wedges.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      195mg

      65%

    • Sodium
      260mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      21g

    • Potassium
      590mg

      13%

    Ingredients

    extra virgin olive oil
    1 tbsp

    onion(s) (finely chopped)
    1

    red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
    1

    green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
    1

    garlic (minced)
    4 clove

    tomato paste
    1 tbsp

    Spanish saffron threads
    1 tsp

    uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
    1 cup

    low sodium chicken broth
    2 cup

    canned diced tomatoes
    1 (10-oz)

    coarse salt
    1/4 tsp

    wild, never frozen, large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 30 shrimp)
    1 lbs

    calamari rings
    1 lbs

    flat leaf parsley (chopped)
    3 tbsp

    lemon (cut into 8 wedges)
    1

  • Thanksgiving Winter Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

    Thanksgiving Winter Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

    How to Make Thanksgiving Winter Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

    Brighten up your holiday feast with this colorful salad! Blue cheese, pomegranates, and hazelnuts add interesting flavor and crunch to this seasonal salad, making it deliciously easy to add more vegetables to your holiday plate.

    This recipe is part of our Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal Plan and has been modified to make 10 servings. The original recipe makes 6 servings and can be found here.


    10 min prep time


    10servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, chives, and oil until well combine. Or, add ingredients to a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until combined.
    2. In a large serving bowl, combine the salad greens, blue cheese, pomegranate seeds, and hazelnuts. Toss with the dressing just before serving, or serve with dressing on the side.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      120

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      11g

      14%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      150mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    champagne vinegar
    3 tbsp

    lemon juice
    2 tbsp

    honey
    1 1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    fresh minced chives
    3 tsp

    walnut or olive oil
    1/3 cup

    salad greens
    10 cup

    crumbled blue cheese
    3 tbsp plus 1 tsp

    pomegranate seeds
    1/3 cup

    chopped hazelnuts
    2 tbsp

  • Thanksgiving Green Beans with Cranberries and Hazelnuts

    Thanksgiving Green Beans with Cranberries and Hazelnuts

    How to Make Thanksgiving Green Beans with Cranberries and Hazelnuts

    Brighten up a side of green beans with tart cranberries, fresh lemon zest, and crunchy hazelnuts! This simple side dish feels gourmet but is super easy to prepare. It also makes a nice, light addition to your Thanksgiving table instead of the traditional, heavy green bean casserole. If you can’t find hazelnuts, sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans work just as well.

    This recipe is part of our Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal Plan and has been modified to make 10 servings. The original recipe makes 16 servings and can be found here.


    10 min prep time


    3 min cook time


    10servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, combine the oil, nuts, cranberries, salt and pepper. Top the green beans with the cranberry-nut mixture. Garnish with the lemon zest.
    2. Fill a large pot 2/3 full of water and bring to boiling. Add the green beans, turn off the heat, and let the green beans stand in the water for 3 minutes. Drain the beans and add them to a serving bowl or platter.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      35

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      35mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      85mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    fresh green beans (trimmed)
    1 1/4 lbs

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    chopped hazelnuts
    2 1/2 tbsp

    dried cranberries
    2 tbsp

    salt
    1/8 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    zest of 1 lemon
    1

  • Instant Pot Almond-Toffee Topped Pears

    Instant Pot Almond-Toffee Topped Pears

    How to Make Instant Pot Almond-Toffee Topped Pears

    Toast, poach, and simmer—everything you need to do to make this tasty dessert you can do in the Instant Pot! Sugar-free candies are used to create a rich toffee sauce to top these cinnamon poached pears. It may look fancy, but this dessert comes together in under 20 minutes.

    Find this recipe and more in The Instant Pot Diabetes Cookbook

    Find more diabetes-friendly Instant Pot recipes here.

     


    15 min prep time


    11 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 pear

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Press the Sauté button on the multicooker. When the pot is hot, add the almonds and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool, then coarsely chop.
    2. In a small bowl, add the chopped almonds, crushed candies, and salt. Set aside.
    3. Place the water, juice, and cinnamon stick in the multicooker pot. Place the steamer basket in the pot and arrange the pears on top of it.
    4. Seal the lid, close the valve, and press the Cancel button. Select Manual and cook for 2 minutes. (If you prefer a very tender pear, cook an additional minute.) Use a quick pressure release.
    5. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Remove the steamer basket and pears. Place the pears, cut side up, in four dessert bowls. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
    6. Press the Cancel button, then press the Sauté button. Bring the liquid in the pot to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced to ¼ cup. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and almond-candy mixture. Cook for 30 seconds, or until the toffee has melted, stirring constantly.
    7. Working quickly, spoon about 4 tsp of the toffee sauce into the center of each pear half.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 pear


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.9g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      80mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        11g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      170mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    slivered almonds
    1/4 cup

    sugar-free caramel-flavored hard candies (such as Werther’s) (crushed)
    8

    salt
    1 pinch

    water
    3/4 cup

    apple juice
    1/4 cup

    cinnamon stick
    1

    firm pears (peeled, halved lengthwise, and cored)
    2

    light butter with canola oil
    1 tsp

    vanilla extract
    1/2 tsp

  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos

    How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos

    The air fryer makes it easy to make crispy homemade sweet potato chips that are low in fat. Topping these veggie-rich nachos with frozen chopped vegetables makes it quick and easy to prepare this dish that can serve as an appetizer for a crowd, or a vegetarian entree.


    12 min prep time


    22 min cook time


    4servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the sweet potato slices evenly in the air fryer basket. Spray with nonstick cooking spray for 1 second. Spoon the frozen vegetables evenly over the potatoes. Place the jalapeño over the vegetables, skin side up. Spray with nonstick cooking spray for 1 second.
    2. Set the temperature to 375° F and air fry for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked. They should be tender but crisp, not soft. Remove the jalapeño pepper and place it in a bowl; cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let stand for 5 minutes.
    3. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the vegetables. Air fry for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
    4. Using the tip of a sharp knife, remove the browned or charred skin from the jalapeño pepper. Finely chop the pepper.
    5. Using a spatula, lift the potatoes and vegetables out of the air fryer basket and arrange in an even layer on a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped jalapeño over the vegetables. Top with the salsa, radishes, tomatoes, and lettuce. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      180mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      450mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    medium sweet potato (sliced into 1/8-inch thick chips)
    1

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    frozen pepper-and-onion blend (partially thawed and drained)
    1 1/2 cup

    jalapeño pepper (split lengthwise and seeded)
    1

    reduced-fat shredded cheddar or Mexican-style cheese
    1/4 cup

    salsa
    1/4 cup

    julienned or thinly sliced radishes
    2/3 cup

    cherry tomatoes (cut into fourths)
    4

    shredded romaine lettuce
    1/2 cup

    light sour cream
    2 tbsp

    minced fresh cilantro
    1 tbsp

  • Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    Classic coconut shrimp gets a healthy makeover in the air fryer! Enjoy these crispy shrimp as a low-carb appetizer or entree. Tip: Do not crowd the shrimp in the air fryer. If they do not all fit comfortably in one layer in the air fryer basket, cook the shrimp in batches.

    Click here for more air fryer recipes!


    12 min prep time


    8 min cook time


    4servings


    4 oz (about 6 shrimp)

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Place the egg whites and water in a shallow bowl, whisking to combine.
    2. Combine the panko bread crumbs, coconut, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and salt in another shallow bowl.
    3. Dip the shrimp in the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl, and then coat in the panko mixture. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack. Repeat with all shrimp.
    4. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray for 2 seconds. Set the temperature to 400º F and air fry for 4 minutes. Turn the shrimp over. Air fry for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown. Serve warm.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      4 oz (about 6 shrimp)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        3g

        15%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      190mg

      63%

    • Sodium
      230mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      28g

    • Potassium
      350mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
    1 lb (20-30 shrimp

    egg whites (beaten)
    2

    water
    1 tbsp

    whole-wheat panko bread crumbs
    1/2 cup

    unsweetened coconut flakes
    1/4 cup

    ground cumin
    1/2 tsp

    turmeric
    1/2 tsp

    ground coriander
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/8 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

  • Sicilian Olive Salad

    Sicilian Olive Salad

    How to Make Sicilian Olive Salad

    This cracked olive medley is a family favorite that is popular both in Calabria and Sicily. Sicilian Castelvetrano olives are becoming readily available in major supermarkets now, and if you have access to those, they are a great choice for this salad. Many Italian-American delis sell “Sicilian Colossal” olives, which also work well. You can toss a few tablespoons of this mixture into hot pasta in the winter, or chilled rice or quinoa in warner weather. It’s also a great way to dress up ordinary vegetables, seafood, and meat.
     

    This recipe comes from The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. 

     


    5 min prep time


    16servings


    2 tbsp

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place olives on a cutting board. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and smash them lightly with a meat hammer or the back of a skillet. (The objective is to slightly crush the olives.)
    2. Place olives in a bowl and stir together with remaining ingredients.
    3. Marinate salad for an hour at room temperature, or cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 day and up to 3 days. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.
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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      90mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    large green olives (rinsed well, drained, and rubbed dry)
    1/2 lbs

    celery (diced)
    5 stalks

    carrots (peeled and diced)
    2

    small red onion (diced)
    1

    garlic
    3 clove

    dried oregano
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/8 tsp

    extra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 cup

  • Cucumber Guacamole

    Cucumber Guacamole

    How to Make Cucumber Guacamole

    Who doesn’t love a great guac? While avocados are so good for us and we can enjoy them on a daily basis, minding the serving size is key. Whenever I make guacamole, I try to complement the avocado with a vegetable to bulk it up and reduce the amount of avocado in the recipe. Cucumber is great because it is refreshing and does not alter the flavor. Zucchini would be great too. Serve with sliced radishes or jicama instead of tortilla chips for a low carb snack or appetizer.


    10 min prep time


    6servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Coarsely mash the avocado in a medium bowl. Add the tomato, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, jalapeño, and salt until well mixed. Serve with sliced radishes for dipping, if desired.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      45

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      100mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      210mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    Hass avocado (pitted and cubed)
    1

    tomato (diced)
    1

    English (seedless) cucumber (finely chopped)
    1/2 (about 4 oz)

    chopped fresh cilantro
    2 tbsp

    lime juice
    1 tbsp

    white wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    jalapeño pepper (minced)
    1/2

    salt
    1/4 tsp