Oriental Citrus Chicken

Oriental Citrus Chicken

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 chicken breasts, boned, skinned, and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 slices fresh ginger root, peeled and minced, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (8 ounce) pineapple chunks, drained (save juice)
1 1⁄2 cups orange juice
1 cup chicken broth or water (see Notes)
2 Tablespoons vinegar
4 cups sliced vegetables, (such as celery, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms)
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 medium tomato, cut in wedges

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add chicken, ginger and garlic, and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Add pineapple juice, 1 cup of orange juice, chicken broth and vinegar. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add sliced vegetables. Cover and cook 3 minutes.
5. Mix remaining 1/2 cup orange juice, soy sauce, sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Add to skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
6. Add tomato wedges and pineapple chunks.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Serve with brown rice for a more complete meal

Zucchini Tomato Bake

Zucchini Tomato Bake

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

4 cups zucchini, sliced (about 2 pounds)
3 Tablespoons chopped onion
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 cups canned tomatoes with juice or 2 cups fresh sliced tomatoes
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 cup (1 ounce) grated cheese (try cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)

Directions

1. Wash zucchini and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
2. In large skillet, cook onion in oil on medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until tender.
3. Add zucchini to onions and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add tomato and seasoning; cook 5 more minutes.
5. Put mixture into an 8” x 8” square baking dish and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 12 slices or muffins
Serving Size 1 slice or 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 cup sliced carrots (about 1 can (14.5 ounces) or 2 to 3 fresh carrots)
2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups baking mix (biscuit or pancake mix)
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking pans. If making a loaf, lightly spray or oil and flour a 9x5 bread pan. If making muffins, lightly oil or spray a muffin tin.
2. Cook carrots until they are very soft.
3. Fresh - Steam or boil.
4. Frozen - Follow package Directions or microwave, steam or boil.
5. Canned - Rinse and drain.
6. Mash carrots well with a fork or potato masher, or use a blender or food processer to puree until smooth.
7. In large bowl, mix carrots with brown sugar, egg, and milk until well blended. Add remaining Ingredients and mix well.
8. Pour batter into prepared bread pans or fill 12 muffin cups about 2/3 full.
9. Bake bread for 50 minutes or muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, until a fork or knife inserted in center comes out clean.
10. Let cool slightly then remove from pans. Cool completely then store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

Roasted Parsnips and Carrots

Roasted Parsnips and Carrots

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3⁄4 pound parsnips, peeled
3⁄4 pound carrots, peeled
1 Tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut the peeled parsnips and carrots into uniform pieces such as 3 inch x ½ inch sticks or 1 inch thick slices.
3. Place cut parsnips and carrots into a large bowl.  Add the vegetable oil and stir to coat the carrots and parsnips.
4. In a small bowl stir together the salt, garlic powder and black pepper.  Add to the carrots and parsnips and stir until the vegetables are well coated with seasonings.
5. Place vegetables in a single layer on large baking sheet being careful not to overcrowd the pan.  Lining the baking sheet with foil or baking parchment will help with clean-up.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring the vegetables half way through the time.  The carrots and parsnips should be caramelized to a medium brown and blistered.  
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Onions

Roasted Onions

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 2 onions
Serving Size 1/2 onion

Ingredients

2 medium onions
1 1⁄2 teaspoons oil
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Peel off papery layers and trim out root end. Cut onion in quarters.
3. Toss with oil, salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To make clean-up easy, cover the baking sheet with foil.
• Drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar before serving for a different flavor

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 shells
Serving Size 2 shells

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells (1/2 of 12 ounce package)
1 1⁄4 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
3⁄4 cup pumpkin puree
1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1⁄4 teaspoon ground sage
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup pasta sauce

Directions

1. Cook pasta shells according to package Directions. Drain, separate onto baking sheet and let cool.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, pumpkin, Parmesan, and spices. Reserve 1 Tablespoon Parmesan for topping.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Choose a baking dish that holds all the shells in a single layer.
4. Spread pasta sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each shell with about 3 Tablespoons of pumpkin mixture, and place shells close together on sauce in baking dish.
5. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 15 minutes more.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze unused pumpkin puree and add to soup, chili or pancake recipes

Maple Glazed Turnips

Maple Glazed Turnips

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 cups turnips, peeled and diced
2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed

Directions

1. Melt margarine and add syrup, cinnamon and lemon juice.
2. Mix turnips and sweet potatoes in a medium casserole dish. Add syrup mixture and stir to coat evenly.
3. Cover and bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until browned (20 to 30 minutes). Serve hot.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 tacos
Serving Size 1 taco

Ingredients

FISH
2 pounds cod fillets
3 Tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
3 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon oil
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

SLAW
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1⁄2 cup green onions, chopped
3⁄4 cup nonfat sour cream
3⁄4 cup salsa
8 corn tortillas (6-inch)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place fish in baking dish.
3. Mix lime juice, tomato, onion, cilantro, oil, peppers, and salt and spoon on top of fillets.
4. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep fish moist.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes.
6. Mix cabbage and onion; mix sour cream and salsa and add to cabbage mixture.
7. Divide cooked fish among tortillas. Add 1/4 cup of slaw to each. Fold over and enjoy!
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze extra lime juice to use later

Fabulous Fig Bars

Fabulous Fig Bars

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)
Serving Size 1 bar (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Ingredients

16 ounces stemmed, chopped dried figs
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup orange juice (juice from 1/2 orange)
2 Tablespoons hot water
1⁄2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1⁄4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine figs, walnuts, sugar, orange juice and hot water in a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Mix together margarine and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and mix until smooth.
4. Mix flour and baking soda. Stir into egg mixture. Blend in oats to make soft dough.
5. Reserve 1 cup of dough for topping. With floured fingertips, press the remaining dough into a thin layer on the bottom of baking pan.
6. Spread fig mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble reserved dough over top, allowing fig mixture to show.
7. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in baking pan. Cut into 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Prep time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 8 slices
Serving Size 1 slice

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1⁄2 cup Master Mix or baking mix*
1 can (15 ounce) pumpkin
1 can (12 ounce) non-fat evaporated milk
3 1⁄2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil or spray a 9-10” pie plate.
2. Combine all Ingredients in a medium bowl or a blender.
3. Beat 2 minutes with mixer until smooth or blend one minute on high.
4. Pour into pie plate.
5. Bake 55-65 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly and refrigerate. Serve cold.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• If you don’t have baking mix on hand, substitute 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons oil.
• No pumpkin pie spice? Use 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
• Serve with whipped topping or low fat vanilla yogurt

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/8 of Recipe

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup plain bread crumbs
1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1⁄4 teaspoon ground thyme
1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄8 teaspoon paprika
3⁄4 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 pounds fish fillets (try any white fish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Lightly spray or a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, thyme, onion powder and paprika.
3. Place crumbs on a flat plate or sheet of wax paper.
4. Dip the fish fillets in milk then press into the crumb mixture to coat all sides. Discard leftover bread crumbs and milk.
5. Place fish on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily in the thickest part, about 15 minutes depending on thickness of fish.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use leftover cooked fish to make fish tacos or add to salads

Blueberry Bling

Blueberry Bling

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup 

Ingredients

3 cups frozen or fresh blueberries
2 teaspoons margarine or butter, softened
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1⁄2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Place frozen blueberries in a 9-inch pie plate. If using fresh blueberries, wash and drain before placing in a 9-inch pie plate.
3. In a small bowl, use a fork to mix margarine, flour, sugar, oats and cinnamon.
4. Sprinkle oat mixture over the blueberries.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes. Enjoy while warm!
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Baked Bean Medley

Baked Bean Medley

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

6 slices bacon
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) pork and beans
3⁄4 cup ketchup
1⁄4 cup molasses
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut bacon into bite sized pieces and place in skillet. Cook over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until evenly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Drain skillet, reserving 1 teaspoon of drippings. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is tender. Remove from skillet and add to bacon. Discard remaining drippings.
4. Mix beans with bacon, onion, and garlic. Stir in remaining Ingredients.
5. Transfer to a 9x12 baking dish or 3 quart casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any mix of beans you have.
• Cook your own dry beans.  One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
• No bacon? Use 1 teaspoon cooking oil to saute vegetables

Zucchini Stir-Fry

Zucchini Stir-Fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 cups chopped green or red bell peppers
1 cup chopped onion (1 medium onion)
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped zucchini, peppers and onions to the skillet.
2. Cook over medium high heat until the veggies are lightly brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Stir a few times while cooking.
3. Season vegetables with soy sauce and garlic powder. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon oil
3 cups green cabbage, shredded (1/2 head)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic finely chopped
1⁄2 cup water
1 Tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

1. Cut chicken breasts into strips.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Add chicken strips and stir fry, turning constantly until done.
4. Add cabbage and sauté 2 minutes until cabbage is crisp-tender.
5. Mix cornstarch and seasonings; add water and soy sauce, and mix until smooth.
6. Stir sauce into chicken/cabbage mixture.
7. Cook until sauce has thickened and chicken is coated, about 1 minute.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add bell peppers or carrots to stir fry for color.
• Try stir fry with broccoli

Rice Salad

Rice Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled
1⁄4 cup chopped celery
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
1⁄4 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons chopped almonds
1⁄2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

1. Combine rice, celery, apple, raisins, and almonds in a medium bowl and mix well.
2. Combine yogurt, orange juice, and sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the rice mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add any of your favorite fruits for variety.
• Make this a whole grain recipe by using brown rice instead of white rice

Pinto Bean Dip

Pinto Bean Dip

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 28 tablespoons
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (4 ounces) mild jalapeño peppers
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon barbecue sauce or ketchup
1 Tablespoon water
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄8 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. For a smooth dip, place Ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. For a chunky dip, mash beans well with a fork or potato masher, stir in remaining Ingredients.
3. Add additional water as needed for desired consistency.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Farmers Market Salsa

Farmers Market Salsa

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 64 tablespoons
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
1⁄2 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup diced green pepper
2 Tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 cup picante sauce

Directions

1. Combine all Ingredients in a large bowl. Chill until serving time.
2. Drain before serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Serve with fresh vegetables or Food Hero Baked Tortilla Chips.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans

Fruit Shake 1 (with yogurt)

Fruit Shake 1 (with yogurt)

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 5 tazas
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 cups fruit, sliced (see Notes)
2 cups cold water

Directions

1. Place yogurt, fruit and water in a blender. To prevent spills, do not fill past the top line of the blender.
2. Blend and serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any flavor of yogurt.
• Use fresh, canned or frozen fruit.
• If shake is too thick, add more water.

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 bunnies
Serving Size 1 bunny

Ingredients

2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach
4 pear halves, fresh or canned
1⁄2 cup cottage cheese
8 pieces sliced almonds
12 raisins

Directions

1. Place about 1/2 cup shredded lettuce on each plate.
2. Place one pear half on the lettuce, cut side faced down.
3. On the narrower end of each pear, make a rabbit face: Poke two pieces of sliced almonds into the pear to make ears. Arrange two raisins for eyes and one for the nose.
4. Place 2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese at the opposite end of each pear half to make a tail.

Notes

• Optional: Add a miniature carrot or two for the bunnies to snack on.
• Look in the bulk food section of the store to buy only the amount you need of raisins or sliced almonds.