Daily Dish for the Original Copy Officer Captain Family

An Italian Feast from Taste of Home Recipes your favorites all in one meal. Dessert is last but, is first on the menu but sometimes they say if you eat it first it can help break down your food better. For what it is worth, have a great meal today and be blessed with the soul food.

Toffee Bar Brownie Torte

Ingredients

• 2 cups butter, cubed

• 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

• 3 cups sugar

• 8 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• FILLING AND FROSTING:

• 1/4 cup instant espresso powder

• 4 teaspoons boiling water

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided

• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

• 2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1 package (8 ounces) toffee bits

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• Grease three 9-in. round baking pans and line with parchment; set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring often. Remove from the heat; cool.

• In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla and chocolate mixture until smooth. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Pour into prepared pans.

• Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 24-28 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

• In a small bowl, dissolve espresso powder in boiling water. In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons espresso liquid; beat until stiff peaks form. Reserve 1 cup for filling; refrigerate remaining mixture for frosting.

• In another large bowl, combine cheese, salt, and remaining confectioners' sugar, vanilla and espresso liquid; beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Fold in reserved whipped cream mixture.

• Place 1 brownie layer on a serving plate; spread with half the filling. Repeat layers. Top with third brownie layer; frost top and sides of torte with chilled whipped cream mixture. Sprinkle toffee bits over top and sides of torte. Store in the refrigerator.

To Make Ahead: Brownie layers can be made a day in advance. Store each layer in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 1101 calories, 85g fat (48g saturated fat), 303mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (64g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Marinara sauce, optional

Directions

• Place butter in a shallow bowl. Combine the bread crumbs, cheese and salt in another shallow bowl. Dip chicken in butter, then roll in crumbs.

• Place in a single layer on two 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until no longer pink, turning once. Serve with marinara sauce if desired. Freeze option: Cool chicken nuggets. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Place on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 375° oven 7-12 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts 6 nuggets (calculated without marinara): 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.

Mushroom Lasagna

Ingredients

• 9 uncooked lasagna noodles

• 1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

• 2 cups chopped baby portobello mushrooms

• 1 large sweet onion, chopped

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

• 2 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 2/3 cup white wine or chicken broth

• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup whole milk

Directions

• Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook and stir the mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add the parsley, prosciutto, garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 2 minutes longer. Add wine; cook and stir until liquid is evaporated. Add tomatoes and heat through.

• Spread 1 cup sauce in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with three noodles, 1-1/3 cups sauce, and a scant 1/4 cup each of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers twice. In a small bowl, combine the cream, milk and remaining cheeses; spoon over the top.

• Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 230 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.

Gnocchi Alfredo

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potato gnocchi

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

• 1-1/2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Dash ground nutmeg

• 1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms

• Minced fresh parsley, optional

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Directions

• Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and nutmeg until blended. Keep warm.

• In a large heavy skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Heat 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring constantly. Immediately add mushrooms and gnocchi; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and gnocchi are lightly browned. Serve with sauce. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

Editor's Note Look for potato gnocchi in the pasta or frozen foods section.

Nutrition Facts 1 cup gnocchi mixture with 1/3 cup sauce: 529 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 996mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.

Chive Garlic Bread

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons minced chives

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch slices

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the butter, cheese, chives and garlic; spread on one side of each slice of bread. Wrap in a large piece of heavy-duty foil; seal tightly. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein

Toasted Ravioli

Ingredients

• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 package (9 ounces) frozen beef ravioli, thawed

• Oil for deep-fat frying

• Fresh minced basil and additional shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

• 1 cup marinara sauce

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Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and basil. Place flour and eggs in separate shallow bowls. Dip ravioli in flour to coat both sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg, then in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere.

2. In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1/2 in. of oil to 375°. Fry ravioli, a few at a time, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. If desired, immediately sprinkle with basil and cheese. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

Caprese Salad Kabobs

Ingredients

• 24 grape tomatoes

• 12 cherry-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls

• 24 fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

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• On each of 12 appetizer skewers, alternately thread 2 tomatoes, 1 cheese ball and 2 basil leaves. Whisk olive oil and vinegar; drizzle over kabobs.

Nutrition Facts 1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.

Buttery Almond Green Beans

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 cups water

• 1 envelope onion soup mix

• 2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

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• In a large saucepan, combine the beans, water and soup mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are crisp-tender, 15-20 minutes.

• In a small bowl, combine the almonds, cheese and paprika. Drain beans; drizzle with butter and sprinkle with almond mixture. Toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 179 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Ingredients

• 4 cups miniature pretzels

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 3/4 cup boiling water

• 1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled, divided

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided

• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

• 2/3 cup whipped cream cheese

• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

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• Place pretzels in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Add butter and sugar; pulse until combined. Reserve 1/3 cup pretzel mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, in a bowl, add boiling water to gelatin; stir 2 minutes to completely dissolve. Stir in lemon juice. Refrigerate 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Chop half the strawberries; slice remaining berries and reserve for topping. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Beat marshmallow creme, cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk into cooled gelatin mixture until blended. Gently fold in chopped strawberries and whipped cream. Pour into crust.

• Refrigerate, covered, until firm, 4-6 hours. Beat remaining 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form; spread over pie. Top with reserved strawberries and pretzel mixture.

Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 350 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Mock Champagne Punch

Ingredients

• 1 quart white grape juice, chilled

• 1 quart ginger ale, chilled

• Strawberries or raspberries

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• Combine grape juice and ginger ale; pour into a punch bowl or glasses. Garnish with berries.

Nutrition Facts 1/2 cup: 58 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.