Dinner for the Original Copy Officer Captains VanAnderland Aikman's and OCS of 270,036 VA's
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- May 11, 2021
- 6 min read
Wednesday - We made it, now its time to start a buzz that the atmosphere is the only way to go with covid-19 Simple meal that has two entrées with some great side dishes. It is always a honor to make a meal for you, I appreciate you, and you are Important!
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Ingredients
1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound)
8 ounces uncooked multigrain angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 green onions, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
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Directions
Peel and devein shrimp, removing tails. Cut each shrimp lengthwise in half. Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, green onions and garlic; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink, 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.
Add broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper, salt and red pepper flakes to same pan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Return shrimp to pan; heat through. Remove from heat.
Drain pasta; divide among 4 bowls. Top with shrimp mixture; sprinkle with parsley. If desired, serve with cheese.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving (calculated without cheese): 378 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
I experimented with herbs and seasonings quite a bit before creating the final version of this entree. The tartness of the lime juice really complements the rosemary. Everyone loves it.—Nicole Harris, Mt. Union, Pennsylvania
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
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Directions
Flatten chicken to 1/2-in. thickness. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil over medium-high heat. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook, uncovered, until chicken is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 each: 244 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
2 cups shredded fontina cheese
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, bring 1 in. of water to a boil; add asparagus. Cook, covered, until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry sheet into a 16x12-in. rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined large baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle 1-1/2 cups cheese over pastry to within 1/2-in. of edges. Place asparagus over top; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Mix remaining ingredients; drizzle over top. Bake until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 142 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer pot pie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! — Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Ingredients
1/3 cup olive oil, divided
1 pound sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
1 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms
2 large onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, plus more for topping
1 bottle (12 ounces) porter or stout beer
1-1/2 cups mushroom broth or vegetable broth, divided
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 to 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add shiitake mushrooms and cook in batches until dark golden brown, 8-10 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon. Repeat with 1 Tbsp. oil and the portobello mushrooms.
In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 8-10 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and 1 teaspoon rosemary; cook 30 seconds longer. Stir in beer, 1 cup broth, bay leaves, vinegar, soy sauce and sauteed mushrooms.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and remaining broth until smooth; stir into mushroom mixture. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaves; transfer mushroom mixture to 8 greased 8-oz. ramekins. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.
Layer sweet potatoes in a circular pattern on top of each ramekin; brush with remaining oil and sprinkle with pepper, salt and additional rosemary. Bake, covered, until potatoes are tender, 20-25 minutes. Remove cover and bake until potatoes are lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Test Kitchen tipsInstead of beer, you could use dry red wine, marsala or additional more mushroom broth. We're not sticklers for specific types of mushrooms. Go ahead and experiment with whatever mushrooms you have; just be sure to saute them until they turn a rich golden brown. This really adds a lot of flavor.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania
Ingredients
1 whole garlic bulb
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1-3/4 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2-1/2 cups chicken stock
3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1 package (9 ounces) fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped
1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 teaspoon salt-free garlic pepper seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
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Directions
Preheat oven to 425°. Remove papery outer skin from garlic bulb but do not peel or separate the cloves. Cut off top of garlic bulb, exposing individual cloves. Drizzle cut cloves with 1 teaspoon oil. Wrap in foil. Bake 30-35 minutes or until cloves are soft. Unwrap. When cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic from skins.
In a Dutch oven, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add pasta; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add spinach, Asiago cheese, milk, seasoning blend, salt and roasted garlic; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition Facts 2/3 cup: 271 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Pop this special dish in the oven and mouths will water in anticipation— the cinnamony aroma is tantalizing! The fruit comes out tender and slightly tart, while the pecan halves add a delightful crunch. —Bonnie Baumgardner, Sylva, North Carolina
Ingredients
1 medium apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks
1 can (29 ounces) peach halves, drained
1 can (29 ounces) pear halves, drained
1 jar (6 to 8 ounces) maraschino cherries
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Directions
Preheat oven to 325°. Toss apple slices with lemon juice. Arrange in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Combine pineapple, peaches and pears; spoon over apples. Top with cherries and pecans; set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and reserved pineapple juice. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Pour over fruit. Bake, uncovered, until apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 220 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
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