Friday's Menu - Back to Basics I'll ease myself into 3 menu meals. May this bless your body n mind.
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Nov 17, 2021
- 13 min read
Chicken and Asparagus Crepes
Total Time Prep: 1 hour + chilling Bake: 20 min. Makes 12 servings
The crepes used in this recipe come from my mom's special recipe, and can be made ahead of time, refrigerated to assemble the next day. Cooked rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver when making this savory brunch specialty. —Mary Sloan, Brighton, Michigan
Ingredients
6 large egg whites
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 turkey bacon strips, chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
Preheat broiler. In a small bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients.
In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper and bacon; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; top with spinach.
Pour in egg mixture. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath; cook until eggs are nearly thickened. Remove from heat; sprinkle with basil, then cheese.
Broil 3-4 in. from heat 2-3 minutes or until eggs are completely set. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.
TEST KITCHEN TIPWant to make this recipe super healthy? Substitute 6 egg whites for the 3 whole eggs listed in the ingredients. You'll be using a total of 12 egg whites to complete the recipe. Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
Chocolate Crepes with Raspberry Sauce
Total Time Prep: 25 min. + chilling Cook: 20 min. Makes 8 servings
Everyone at the table will feel special eating this scrumptious treat. Seemingly rich and decadent, these crepes are just 2 grams of fat per serving! —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
4-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup water
4-1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed, divided
Optional: Whipped cream and confectioners' sugar
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Directions
In a small bowl, whisk milk, evaporated milk, egg whites and egg. In another bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, cocoa and salt; add to milk mixture and mix well. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour.
In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and remaining 1/3 cup sugar; set aside. Place water and 3-1/2 cups raspberries in a blender; cover and process until pureed, 1-2 minutes.
Strain puree into cornstarch mixture and discard seeds. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; refrigerate until chilled.
Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir batter. Fill a 1/4-cup measure three-fourths full with batter; pour into center of pan. Quickly lift and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. Cook until top appears dry; turn crepe over and cook until bottom is cooked, 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing pan as needed. When cool, stack crepes between pieces of waxed paper or paper towels.
Spread each crepe with 2 tablespoons sauce. Fold each crepe into quarters. Garnish with remaining 1 cup berries and, if desired, whipped cream and confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 203 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
With just the right amount of sweetness, these yogurt and honey fruit cups are a light and refreshing breakfast that will satisfy your morning hunger. Opt for nonfat yogurt to cut down on saturated fat and use your favorite fruit.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 6 servings
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ingredients
4-1/2 cups cut-up fresh fruit (pears, apples, bananas, grapes, etc.)
3/4 cup mandarin orange, vanilla or lemon yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
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Directions
Divide fruit among 6 individual serving bowls. Combine the yogurt, honey, orange zest and extract; spoon over the fruit.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of breakfast already made. Toss your low-cholesterol ingredients like oatmeal, almond milk and dried cherries into the slow cooker the night before and ease into your day with this creamy bowl. Top with sliced almonds for a serving of healthy fats.
Ingredients
Total Time Prep: 10 min. Cook: 7 hours
Makes 6 servings
4 cups vanilla almond milk
1 cup steel-cut oats
1 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional almond milk, optional
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Directions
In a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray, combine all ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until oats are tender, 7-8 hours.
Stir before serving. If desired, serve with additional milk.
HEALTH TIP:Nutritionally, steel cut oats are about the same as rolled oats, so take your pick. Skip instant oatmeal mixes, which have a lot of added sugar. Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
As an Italian American, I love, love, love garlic, tomatoes and basil, all of which are musts for good bruschetta. This recipe was created in celebration of the first tomatoes to come out of our home garden this year. —Gina Rine, Canfield, Ohio
Bruschetta Chicken Wraps
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
Dash garlic powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 4 slices
4 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
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Directions
In a small bowl, mix tomatoes, spinach, onion, Parmesan cheese, basil, oil, vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon pepper and dash of garlic powder.
Lightly oil grill rack. Sprinkle chicken with salt and remaining pepper; place on grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°.
Top each chicken breast with 1 cheese slice; cover and grill 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Grill tortillas over medium heat 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
Place chicken on center of each tortilla; top with about 1/4 cup tomato mixture. Fold bottom of tortilla over filling; fold both sides to close.
Nutrition Facts 1 wrap: 330 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 25 min. Makes 4 servings
Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Ingredients
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (about 10 ounces)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh basil, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly coat a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with cooking spray.
In a shallow bowl, whisk egg. In a separate shallow bowl, stir together the next 5 ingredients. Dip chicken breast in egg; allow excess to drip off. Then dip in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere. Repeat with remaining chicken. Place chicken breasts in center third of baking pan. Spritz with cooking spray.
Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Spread broccoli in a single layer along both sides of sheet pan (if broccoli is frozen, break pieces apart). Return to oven; bake 10 minutes longer. Remove from oven.
Preheat broiler. Spread marinara sauce over chicken; top with shredded cheese. Broil chicken and broccoli 3-4 in. from heat until cheese is golden brown and vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with basil.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSTry serving this on a bed of riced cauliflower. A number of brands are available in the vegetable section of the freezer case. Like most Italian-inspired dishes, this would pair wonderfully with a thick slice of garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 504 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1151mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 52g protein.
Eggplant Parmesan
Total Time Prep: 10 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling Makes 2 servings
We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side dish or main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional basil, optional
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Directions
Combine oil and garlic; brush over both sides of eggplant slices. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes; turn. Bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
Place half the eggplant in a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with half the basil and Parmesan cheese. Arrange tomato slices over top; sprinkle with remaining basil and Parmesan. Layer with half the mozzarella cheese and the remaining eggplant; top with remaining mozzarella. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-7 minutes longer. Garnish with additional basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 275 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can’t go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Total Time Prep: 1 hour Bake: 50 min. + standing Makes 12 servings
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles
1-1/4 pounds bulk Italian sausage
3/4 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (one 28 ounces, one 15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2/3 cup water
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, divided
2 teaspoons dried basil
3/4 teaspoon fennel seed
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook sausage, beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Drain.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 3 tablespoons parsley, basil, fennel, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix egg, ricotta cheese and remaining parsley and salt.
Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 2 cups meat sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles and a third of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and cheeses (dish will be full).
Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
LASAGNA TIPS What side dishes go with lasagna? A simple side salad is a classic side for lasagna, as well as garlic bread.Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese? It's a personal preference! Some prefer the richness and creaminess of ricotta cheese, while others like the lower-in-fat cottage cheese option that is chunkier due to the curds. Try our traditional lasagna for the perfect combo of both. Be sure to check out our secret tricks to making the best lasagna ever.Why is my lasagna watery? To avoid watery lasagna, make sure your lasagna noodles are drained properly before layering. Once they are cooked and drained, do not rinse with water but immediately place in a single layer on a lightly oiled tray. Not rinsing in water will allow the sauce to cling to the starches on the noodle. If using cottage cheese, drain it for an hour or so before using. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes uncovered to allow excess water to evaporate. Also, uncover the lasagna during the last 25 minutes of baking to release any extra moisture in the pan. Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
Fruit Kabobs with Margarita Dip
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 6 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
Your adult guests will love the flavor of this cool and creamy margarita fruit dip recipe. Serve the kabobs either as a snack or dessert. —Michelle Zapf, Kingsland, Georgia
Ingredients
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon thawed orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon tequila
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
12 fresh strawberries
6 pineapple chunks
1 medium mango, peeled and cubed
6 seedless red grapes
2 slices pound cake, cubed
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Beat in whipping cream until fluffy. Meanwhile, thread fruits and cake on metal or wooden skewers. Serve with dip.
MARGARITA FRUIT DIP TIPS What's the best tequila for margarita fruit dip? You want a neutral tequila flavor for this recipe, so reach for a silver or Blanco tequila. For guidance, check out our list of favorite tequila brands.Can I make this margarita fruit dip healthier? To make this dip a little more health-friendly, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and replace the heavy cream with low-fat whipped topping. You can also substitute the dairy products for dairy-free versions. Still hungry? Reach for these other fruit dip recipes.What else can I serve margarita dip with? Try serving this dip with a side of pretzels, tortilla chips, watermelon chunks or sliced apples! And, if you’re in the mood for an actual drink, consider our best margarita recipes. Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant
Nutrition Facts 1 kabob with 1/4 cup dip: 273 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Strawberry Panzanella Salad
Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 10 min. Makes 8 servings
Always a crowd-pleaser, this strawberry panzanella salad never disappoints. This version is sweet and offers the opportunity to use seasonal fruits in a creative way. For a fun twist, use margarita glasses when serving and rim the glasses with sugar and a strawberry garnish. —Careema Bell, Trenton, New Jersey
Ingredients
1 loaf day-old sourdough or Italian bread (1 pound), cubed
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
Mint sprigs
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Mix berries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and vinegar; set aside.
Mix brown sugar and salt. Toss bread cubes in melted butter, then brown sugar mixture. On a baking sheet, bake cubes until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Cool. Meanwhile, strain strawberries, reserving juice.
Layer yogurt, bread, and strawberries in 8 small bowls. Top with reserved berry juice to taste and mint sprigs. Serve immediately, or refrigerate up to 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 385 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this a party go-to with any fruits that are in season. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ingredients Total Time Takes: 25 minutes Makes 14 servings
10 fresh strawberries, halved
8 fresh or dried figs, halved
2 small navel oranges, thinly sliced
12 ounces seedless red grapes (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 medium mango, halved and scored
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1/2 cup dried banana chips
2 large kiwifruit, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
12 ounces seedless watermelon (about 6 slices)
1/2 cup unblanched almonds
8 ounces Brie cheese
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup honey
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Directions
On a large platter or cutting board, arrange fruit, almonds and cheeses. Place honey in a small jar; tuck jar among fruit.
FRUIT AND CHEESE BOARD TIPS How do I store leftovers from this fruit charcuterie board? Fresh fruit and cheese can be thrown into airtight containers or zip-top bags and stored in the refrigerator. Do keep in mind that your charcuterie board fixin's will hold better if they've been sitting out for less than an hour. If it's been longer than that, you may want to pitch them. Word of advice: You can always put out less food on your board initially, then add to it if you're worried about food waste. What drinks can I pair with a fruit charcuterie board? Because this is a fruit charcuterie board that plays on a lot of sweet flavors, we recommend pairing it with rosé, or sparkling or white wine. For more inspiration, check out these appetizer and wine pairings. (Just make sure you're not making any of these wine-pairing mistakes.) What other types of fruit and cheese can I add to this charcuterie board? Have fun playing around with your favorite types of cheese and fruit. For cheese, try goat or gouda. As for fruit, try apricots or pears. —Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 304 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
The classic chicken piccata entree is my favorite dish, but I wanted another way to have all the same flavors. These chicken piccata meatballs are the perfect solution, whether served alone or with a sauce like marinara or buffalo! Serve over buttered noodles if you'd like, or stick toothpicks in them for appetizers. —Dawn Collins, Rowley, Massachusetts
Ingredients
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
1 jar (3-1/2 ounces) capers, drained
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
Shredded Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. With wet hands, shape into 1-in. balls.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
Add broth and wine to pan; increase heat to medium-high. Cook 1 minute, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Add capers and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Add meatballs. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until meatballs are cooked through, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSServe these chicken piccata meatballs alongside these other fabulous appetizer recipes. We recommend pairing them with a marinated olive and cheese ring or a pepperoni pizza loaf. Have leftovers to spare? Use them up in one of these marvelous meatball recipes (that aren't just spaghetti). Our Test Kitchen pros recommend making these meatballs in our 12.5-inch non-stick skillet. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Nutrition Facts 1 meatball: 63 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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