For those who would like something to do this week in St. Paul - Stay at the St. Paul Marriot for the week.
Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip
Add a Review Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 15 min. Makes 6 kabobs (1-1/4 cups dip)
These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They're also a quick and easy treat for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
Ingredients
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
12 fresh strawberries, trimmed
12 green grapes
12 fresh pineapple cubes (1 inch)
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Directions
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, sour cream and extract until smooth. Refrigerate until serving. On 6 wooden skewers, alternately thread strawberries, grapes and pineapple. Serve with dip.
Nutrition Facts 1 kabob with 3 tablespoons dip: 184 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 1 dozen
Heat-and-serve convenience foods are forbidden in the House of Loreto Kitchen, and residents appreciate the "real" food we serve. Everyone reaches for seconds of these tasty morsels. —Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Ingredients
12 large fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 sliced bread, toasted and cut into small cubes
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Dash paprika
Grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
Remove stems from mushrooms; set caps aside. Finely chop stems; measure 1/2 cup (discard any remaining stems or save for another use). In a skillet, saute chopped mushrooms, onion and green pepper in butter until vegetables are tender and mushroom liquid has evaporated.
Add toast cubes, onion salt, garlic salt, pepper, thyme and paprika; mix well. Stuff into mushroom caps. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 10 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts 1 each: 36 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Nothing beats the classic flavor combination of tomatoes and basil. But what makes this tomato soup recipe extra special is the addition of pasta. The delicate orzo adds a satisfying bite to each creamy spoonful
2 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 15 min. Cook: 25 min. Makes 16 servings (4-1/2 quarts)
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1 carton (32 ounces) chicken broth
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
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Directions
In a Dutch oven, saute onion in butter for 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until onion is tender. Stir in the tomatoes, broth, basil, sugar and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to package directions; drain. Add orzo and cream to soup; heat through (do not boil). Sprinkle servings with cheese.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 208 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
When my family comes for a visit, they always ask me to make this unique dish for dinner. Homemade cheesy gnocchi is topped with a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola.— Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
Ingredients
3 large potatoes
3 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
6 large eggs
4-1/2 cups cake flour
4 quarts water
sauce:
2-2/3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1-1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
2/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1-1/2 pounds fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
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Directions
Scrub and pierce potatoes. Bake at 400° for 50-55 minutes or until tender. Peel potatoes; press through a potato ricer or strainer into a large bowl. Cool slightly.
Add ricotta and Romano cheeses, oil and salt to potato pulp; beat on low speed until smooth. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Add flour; mix well. On a lightly floured surface, knead 10-12 times, forming a soft dough.
Divide dough into 16 portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 1/2-in.-thick rope; cut into 3/4-in. pieces. Press and roll each piece with a lightly floured fork.
In a Dutch oven, bring water to a boil. Cook gnocchi in batches until they float, 30-60 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
In a large saucepan, combine the squash, basil, water, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook until squash is tender, 4-6 minutes.
Stir in cream and Gorgonzola. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Add spinach; cook until spinach is wilted. Serve with gnocchi.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups gnocchi with 3/4 cup spinach mixture: 833 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1420mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein.
When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Homemade Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
19 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 3-1/4 hours Makes 2 quarts
When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Ingredients
4 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
12 cups chopped peeled fresh tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 bay leaves
4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
Hot cooked pasta
Minced fresh basil, optional
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Directions
In a Dutch oven, saute onions in oil until tender. Add the tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, salt, oregano, pepper and basil. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add tomato paste and brown sugar; simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Discard bay leaves. Serve with pasta and, if desired, basil.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSBrowned ground beef or Italian sausage can be added to the cooked sauce if desired.
The sauce also freezes well.
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup: 133 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Want to learn how to cook eggplant? Here’s where to start. These authentic eggplant roll-ups may take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Total Time Prep: 1 hour Bake: 30 min.
Makes 5 servings
Ingredients
1 large eggplant
1 tablespoon salt
sauce:
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
filling:
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/8 teaspoon pepper
coating:
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Dash each salt and pepper
Oil for frying
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Directions
Peel and slice eggplant lengthwise into fifteen 1/8-in.-thick slices. Place in a colander over a plate; sprinkle with salt and toss. Let stand 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, for sauce, in a large saucepan, saute onion in oil. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in remaining sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes. Rinse and drain eggplant.
In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients; set aside.
Place eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Dip eggplant in eggs, then bread crumb mixture.
In an electric skillet or deep skillet, heat 1/2 in. of oil to 375°. Fry eggplant in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
Preheat oven to 375°. Spoon 1 cup sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread 2 rounded tablespoons filling over each eggplant slice. Carefully roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over roll-ups. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake until bubbly, 30-35 minutes.
EGGPLANT ROLLATINI TIPS What is the difference between eggplant Parmesan and eggplant rollatini? Eggplant rollatini is a dish consisting of thin slices of eggplant that are fried and rolled up with a ricotta filling, and then topped with sauce. Eggplant Parmesan is similar, but it isn’t rolled up and does not have a filling.Where does eggplant rollatini come from? Eggplant rollatini is served all over Italy but is said to have originated in Puglia, which is the southern Italian region that forms the country's "boot." If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy our other Italian vegetarian recipes.Can you freeze eggplant rollatini? Yes! After saucing the eggplant rollatini and topping it with cheese, cover the dish with foil and tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. Remove it from the freezer the night before you bake it and let it thaw in the refrigerator. To reheat, bake it at 350° for 45 minutes or until it's bubbly and hot. Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant Nutrition Facts 3 roll-ups: 726 calories, 48g fat (15g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 3182mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois
Traditional Lasagna
260 reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 30 min. + simmering Bake: 70 min. + standing Makes 12 servings
My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3/4 pound bulk pork sausage
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 cups 4% small-curd cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
6 slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces)
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
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Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble beef and sausage until no longer pink; drain. Add next 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add parsley; stir in cottage cheese, ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 1 cup meat sauce in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles, provolone cheese, 2 cups cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, 3 noodles, 2 cups meat sauce, remaining cottage cheese mixture and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce and mozzarella (dish will be full).
Cover; bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, about 20 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSUsing lean ground beef in the meat loaf instead of beef that’s 80% lean saves 45 calories per 4-ounce serving of beef. Lean ground beef is also 29% lower in saturated fat. Before adding any vegetable to your lasagna, it’s best to cook it first. Be sure to strain out any excess liquid from the cooking process. Not doing so might make your dish watery. Check out 100 of our favorite Italian recipes. Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 503 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1208mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein. TASTE OF HOME
In October, my husband helps harvest cranberries at a friend's bogs, so I have access to the very freshest ingredients. Their bold autumn flavor pairs up perfectly with sweet potatoes to make a seasonal side dish my family looks forward to. —Jill Doyle, Kingston, Massachusetts
Total Time Prep: 50 min. Bake: 40 min. Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup orange juice
topping:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter
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Directions
Place sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender, 20-30 minutes. Drain. When cool enough to handle, peel potatoes and cut into 1/4-in. slices.
Place half in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with half of the cranberries, brown sugar and butter. Repeat layers. Pour orange juice over top. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, brown sugar and cinnamon; cut in butter. Sprinkle over sweet potato mixture. Bake, uncovered, until topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes longer.
HEALTH TIP:One serving of this classic side dish provides all the vitamin A your body needs for the day. Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 386 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 7g fiber), 4g protein.
Holiday Brussels Sprouts
4 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 6 servings
Make Brussels sprouts special with peas, celery and, of course, bacon. The recipe doubles easily if needed. —Jodie Beckman, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) frozen Brussels sprouts
2 tablespoons butter
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
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Directions
Cook Brussels sprouts and peas according to package directions; drain.
In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add celery; cook and stir until crisp-tender. Add Brussels sprouts, peas, bacon and chives; toss to combine.
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
Caesar Salad
8 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 6 servings
This crunchy, refreshing Caesar salad has a zippy, zesty dressing that provides a burst of flavor with each bite. It's a great salad to perk up any spring or summer meal. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Ingredients
1 large bunch romaine, torn
3/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 fresh lemon
1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Caesar-flavored or garlic croutons
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Directions
Place lettuce in a large salad bowl. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Pour over lettuce and toss to coat.
Squeeze lemon juice over lettuce. Sprinkle with pepper, cheese and croutons.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 265 calories, 28g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Aunt Marion’s Fruit Salad Dessert
25 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling Makes 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
Aunt Marion, my namesake, is like a grandma to me. She gave me this luscious salad recipe, which goes to all our family reunions, hunt club suppers and snowmobile club picnics...and I go home with no leftovers! —Marion LaTourette, Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Ingredients
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) sliced peaches, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
3 bananas, sliced
2 unpeeled red apples, cut into bite-sized pieces
fruit sauce:
1 cup cold whole milk
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits. Whisk sauce ingredients until smooth. Gently fold into fruits. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 218 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Grandmother’s Orange Salad
10 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling Makes 10 servings
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Ingredients
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple
Water
1 package (6 ounces) orange gelatin
1 pint orange sherbet, softened
2 bananas, sliced
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Directions
Drain oranges and pineapple, reserving juices. Set oranges and pineapple aside. Add water to juices to measure 2 cups. Place in a saucepan and bring to a boil; pour over gelatin in a large bowl. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in sherbet until smooth.
Chill until partially set (watch carefully). Fold in oranges, pineapple and bananas. Pour into an oiled 6-cup mold. Chill until firm.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 161 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. TASTE OF HOME
Zucchini Apple Salad
5 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 15 min. Makes 6 servings
Pull out a beautiful glass bowl for presenting this salad of red applies and fresh, green zucchini. Everyone will enjoy its cool crunch, and you’ll like how quickly it comes together. —Lois Frazee, Gardnerville, Nevada
Ingredients
2 medium red apples, chopped
2 small zucchini, chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2/3 cup Italian salad dressing
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the apples, zucchini and walnuts. Add salad dressing; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts 2/3 cup: 114 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
23 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling Makes 2 servings
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Ingredients
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon water
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
Optional: Whipped cream and raspberries
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Directions
In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips with water; stir until smooth. Stir a small amount of hot chocolate mixture into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Quickly transfer to a small bowl. Stir occasionally until completely cooled.
In a small bowl, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold into cooled chocolate mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and raspberries.
SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TIPS
Is it safe to eat raw eggs in chocolate mousse?
No, we don’t recommend that you eat raw eggs. This chocolate mousse recipe cooks the egg yolk in the first step. When the mixture thickens, it means the egg is fully cooked.Why is my chocolate mousse not fluffy?
If your mousse is not fluffy, it may be because your cream was not adequately whipped when you folded it into the chocolate mixture. Or if the mixture is too warm, it will deflate your whipped cream. To revive your chocolate mousse, try whisking it in a bowl with a large whip. Make big, exaggerated circles with the whip to work some air into the chocolate mousse. If that isn't enough to make your chocolate mousse fluffy, you can fold more whipped cream or whipped topping into it. For more tips, check out how to make mousse.What do you serve chocolate mousse in?
I like to serve my chocolate mousse in clear glass dishes—bowls, sundae dishes, parfait cups or even wine glasses. Serving your mousse recipe in glass lets everyone admire the mousse’s rich color and attractive texture. These indulgent mousse dessert recipes will also look appealing in a glass dish.
Research contributed by Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Book Editor
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 367 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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