To the ones I love I am making a menu and then I'll hit the database for Hawaii lets make some noise
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Aug 2, 2021
- 10 min read
We turned one of our favorite smoothies into a smoothie bowl and topped it with even more fresh fruit and a few toasted almonds for a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice cubes
Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, chia seeds, fresh pumpkin seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut and sliced almonds
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Directions
Place the milk, berries and sugar in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Divide mixture between 2 serving bowls. Add optional toppings as desired.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Ingredients
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped dried apples
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add next 10 ingredients. Stir until coated in oil; add chopped apple.
Transfer mixture to a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. pan. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 12-15 minutes (do not burn).
Cool 10 minutes. Break into pieces; store in a sealed container up to a week.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 204 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
When my mother-in-law (Gran to our kids) had us over for brunch, I especially enjoyed her yogurt parfaits. They were refreshing, light and wholesome. I made a few changes to her recipe and came up with this sweet, crunchy and nutty variation. Yum! —Angela Keller, Newburgh, Indiana
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup Wheaties
1 cup whole almonds
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
4-1/2 teaspoons toasted wheat germ
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons honey
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup halved green grapes
2 to 3 medium firm bananas, sliced
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
4 cups vanilla yogurt
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients. Combine the butter, syrup and honey; drizzle over oat mixture and stir until well coated. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack; crumble granola into pieces.
Combine the fruits in a large bowl. For each parfait, layer 2 tablespoons yogurt, 2 tablespoons granola and 3 rounded tablespoons fruit in a parfait glass or dessert bowl. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with remaining granola. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 parfait: 327 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
The best part about these creative and convenient bread bowls is that you can fill them with whatever you want. This is one of our favorite breakfasts. —Patrick Lavin, Jr., Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped pancetta
4 crusty hard rolls (4 inches wide)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms
4 large eggs
1/4 cup shredded Gruyere or fontina cheese
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a small skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
Meanwhile, cut a thin slice off top of each roll. Hollow out bottom of roll, leaving a 1/2-in.-thick shell (save removed bread for another use); place shells on an ungreased baking sheet.
Add mushrooms and pancetta to bread shells. Carefully break an egg into each; sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 18-22 minutes or until egg whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.
Nutrition Facts 1 breakfast bowl: 256 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 206 mg cholesterol, 658 mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
Mean Green Smoothie Bowls
Ingredients
2 medium green apples, chopped
2 celery ribs (with leaves), chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
8 sprigs fresh parsley, stems removed, chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 cup unfiltered or filtered apple juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons raw honey
Optional toppings: Sliced or chopped cucumber, sliced or chopped apples, minced fresh parsley and additional celery leaves
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Directions
Place all ingredients except toppings in a blender; cover and process until blended. Pour into chilled bowls; top as desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 smoothie bowl: 79 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
Juicy berries, crisp sugar snap peas and crunchy pecans complement the lime-marinated chicken in this pretty salad. The homemade sweet-sour dressing is simply delicious. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Ingredients
3 tablespoons thawed limeade concentrate
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
DRESSING:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
SALAD:
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine limeade concentrate and pepper; add the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Drain and discard marinade. In a large skillet, saute chicken in oil until no longer pink.
Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, mustard and salt. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds.
In a large serving bowl, toss spinach with strawberries, peas, onion, chicken and 1/2 cup dressing. Sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate leftover dressing.
Nutrition Facts 1 each: 479 calories, 35g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Ingredients
5 medium ripe avocados, peeled and halved
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained
4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
2 tablespoons minced chives
1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Lemon wedges
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Directions
Preheat broiler. Place 2 avocado halves in a large bowl; mash lightly with a fork. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice; mix until well blended. Stir in crab, 3 tablespoons cilantro, chives, serrano pepper, capers and pepper. Spoon into remaining avocado halves.
Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Broil 4-5 in. from heat until cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro; serve with lemon wedges.
Editor's Note
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.
Nutrition Facts 1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
This tangy shrimp is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup tequila
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
2 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Additional grated lime zest
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Directions
In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tequila, lime zest and lime juice. Cook over medium heat until liquid is almost evaporated, 2-3 minutes.
Add olive oil and remaining butter; stir in shrimp and zucchini. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until shrimp begin to turn pink and zucchini is crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and additional lime zest.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 246 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup blueberry preserves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
SALADS:
1 package (10 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
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Directions
Toss chicken with oil, garlic, salt and pepper; refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients; refrigerate, covered, until serving.
Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165°, 5-7 minutes per side. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.
Place greens on a serving plate; top with chicken, blueberries and mandarin oranges. Whisk vinaigrette again; drizzle over salad. Top with cheese.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 455 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants for years. I found this cheesy chicken parmesan recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making this at home. After 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy making his favorite recipes. -Lola Butler, Sun City, California
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
Optional: Fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese
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Directions
In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip chicken in egg, then coat with crumb mixture.
In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165°, about 5 minutes on each side. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes longer. Serve with tomato sauce. If desired, sprinkle with basil and additional Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts 1 chicken breast half: 444 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
More cheese, please! You’ll get your fill from saucy jumbo pasta shells loaded with four kinds—ricotta, Asiago, mozzarella and cottage cheese. Do the prep work, and then freeze according to the recipe directions to have a ready-to-bake meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ingredients
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives
1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional minced fresh basil, optional
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Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach, basil and pepper. Stir in olives, mushroom mixture and 3/4 cup each cheese blend and mozzarella cheese.
Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Spoon remaining sauce over top.
Bake, covered, until heated through, 40-45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional basil.
Nutrition Facts 3 stuffed shells: 313 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
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.
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; set aside. 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.
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