Tossed Salad with Pine Nut Dressing

• 2 C baby spinach
• 1/4 C seasoned salad croutons
• 1/4 C shredded red cabbage
• 3 Tbsp shredded carrot
• 3 Tbsp shredded zucchini
• dash pepper

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp pine nuts
• 3 Tbsp water
• 4 1/2 tsp cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 C packed fresh parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and halved*
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 C olive oil

1. In a small salad bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Place the pine nuts in a blender; cover and process until finely ground. Add the water, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, basil and salt; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream.
2. Transfer dressing to a small pitcher or bowl. Serve with salad. Refrigerate remaining dressing for up to 3 days.


Robyn's notes: He really liked this. Raved over it. It was very quick to make.  Gets 3 stars instead of 4 because I can't eat salad.
*garlic: I used the chopped garlic in a jar, because I was in a hurry. Worked fine.

*** 3 Stars: Good. At least one of us liked this enough for me to make it again, but not often

Cacciatore Chicken Breasts

• 1/2 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
• 1/2 medium green pepper, sliced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 3/4 C canned stewed tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/8 tsp pepper

1. In a large skillet, saute onion and green pepper in oil until crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm. Cook chicken over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.
2. Add the tomatoes, broth, garlic salt, rosemary and pepper to the skillet; cook and stir until heated through. Add onion mixture. Serve over chicken.


Robyn's notes: I served this over rice, and it was really quite pretty and filling. He and I both liked it. It went quickly (about 30 minutes) but once started there was no walking away from it.

*** 3 Stars: Good. At least one of us liked this enough for me to make it again, but not often

Dilled Potato-Leek Soup

• 1 C sliced leeks (white portion only)
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp butter
• 2 C chicken broth
• 1 1/2 C cubed peeled Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/2 C buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tsp snipped fresh dill or 1/2 tsp dill weed

1. In a large saucepan, saute leeks and celery in butter until tender. Stir in the broth, potatoes, carrot, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Cool slightly.
2. Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth. Return to the pan. Whisk a small amount of soup into buttermilk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Add dill; heat through (do not boil).

Yield: 3 3/4 C

Robyn's notes: This was very easy and quick to make. He really liked it. I had potato soup for myself. Substituted vanilla soymilk for the buttermilk.

Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup

• 1/4 C diced carrot
• 2 Tbsp diced celery
• 2 Tbsp chopped onion
• 1 tsp butter
• 2-1/2 C chicken broth
• 2/3 C diced cooked chicken
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• dash pepper
• 1/2 C uncooked medium egg noodles
• 1 tsp minced fresh parsley

1. In a large saucepan, saute the carrot, celery and onion in butter until tender. Stir in the broth, chicken and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add noodles; cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with parsley.


Robyn's notes: I used rigatoni because it's what I had in the house, and it absorbed more of the broth than I expected, but it was still good. Research shows that chicken noodle soup actually is good for colds and the flu, and since he's had a really bad flu since Xmas, I was hoping to boost his immune system a bit.

Indian Spiced Whole Wheat Couscous with Chickpeas

• 1/2 C whole wheat couscous
• 1-1/2 C vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp dried onions
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• dash salt
• dash pepper
• 1 (7oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1. Bring vegetable broth, olive oil and spices to a boil.
2. Add couscous and chickpeas, cover and remove from heat.
3. Let stand for 7-8 minutes.

Robyn's notes: easy, fast, and he liked it a lot. Lots of flavor. If garam masala is available, use it in place of the allspice.

Chili Macaroni

• 1/3 C uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/3 lb lean ground beef
• 1/4 C chopped onion
• 1 C canned diced tomatoes
• 3/4 C tomato juice
• 3/4 C canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 2 Tbsp sweet pickle relish

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, drain.
2. Add the tomatoes, tomato juice, beans, garlic, chili powder, salt, oregano, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
3. Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Stir in pickle relish; heat through.


Robyn's notes: I used whole wheat penne pasta instead of elbow mac. He liked this, and it was easy to make.

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 C marinara sauce
• 2 oz mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Trim both ends from eggplant and slice crosswise into 8 circles of equal thickness. Brush a baking sheet with half the oil, arrange the slices on it in a single later and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the slices are browned on top and tender in the center.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Brush an 8"x8" baking pan with the remaining oil and arrange 4 eggplant slices in a single layer in the bottom of the pan. Spoon half the marinara sauce evenly over the eggplant and top with half the mozzarella. Add a second layer of eggplant slices directly over the first to form sandwiches. Top with the remaining sauce and cheese.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbling.


Robyn's notes: easy, but it was hard to tell if the eggplant was roasted properly. He liked it. Low fat. GF - I'm finding conflicting information about the availability of gluten-free marinara sauces, so I'm marking this as gluten-free but that's the ingredient to check.

Turkey Couscous Salad

• 2/3 C water
• 1/2 C uncooked couscous
• 2-1/2 oz sliced deli turkey, cut into 1/2 inch strips
• 1/2 C grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 C pitted ripe olives, halved
• 1/3 C fat-free plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 2-1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 oz reduced-fat cheddar cheese, cut into cubes

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in couscous. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Fluff with a fork; cool.
2. Add the turkey, tomatoes and olives. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, parsley and vinegar. Pour over couscous mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.


Robyn's notes: I served his on a bed of spinach. He really liked it.

Southwest Turkey Casserole

• 2/3 C condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1/4 C sour cream
• 1/4 C chopped onion
• 1/4 C canned chopped green chilies
• 3 corn tortillas (6 inches) cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 C cubed cooked turkey
• 1/4 C shredded cheddar cheese

1. In a small saucepan, combine the first six ingredients. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
2. Pour half of the turkey mixture into a 3-cup baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with remaining turkey mixture and cheese.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.


Robyn's notes: I used flour tortillas, because I can't have the corn. This was not exciting, mostly just tasted like the chilies.
* 1 Star: Not Too Good. Neither of us liked this enough for me to bother making it again without complete overhaul

Lentil and Barley Vegetable Stew

• 1/2 C uncooked lentils, sorted, rinsed
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled, cubed
• 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 rib celery, thinly sliced
• 1/4 C uncooked quick-cooking barley
• 1 (14.5oz) can vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
• dash pepper
• 1/2 C frozen peas

1. In large saucepan, combine all ingredients except peas; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 18 to 22 minutes or until lentils, barley and vegetables are tender.
2. Add peas; cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until peas are tender.


Robyn's notes: I couldn't find quick-cooking barley, so I used regular barley and just started cooking it 45 minutes before I started the rest of the meal. As always, I used refrigerated, not canned, broth.

Roasted Potatoes and Artichokes

• 8 small red potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 C halved water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp salt
• dash coarsely ground pepper

1. Place potatoes and artichokes in a shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper; stir to coat. Bake, uncovered, at 425°F for 35-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring every 15 minutes.

Robyn's notes: this was ok, but the potatoes were a little too crunchy for my taste. I probably needed to bake them longer.

** 2 Stars: Acceptable. At least one of us liked this enough for me to make it again, if I make changes

Oregano Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 3/4 tsp crushed garlic
• 3/4 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

1. Rub chicken with garlic; sprinkle with lemon-pepper and oregano. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in the oil for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer to a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear.

Robyn's notes: good, easy, not exciting. Served with Roasted Potatoes and Artichokes.

Quinoa

Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard. It has a light, fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous.

The protein content of quinoa is very high, and it is a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. This means it takes less quinoa protein to meet one's needs than wheat protein. Quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. It is a good source of dietary fiber, riboflavin, and phosphorus, is gluten free and considered easy to digest. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous, it may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Quinoa Corn and Bean Salad

Quinoa and Corn

• 1/2 C uncooked quinoa
• 1 C water
• 1/2 C frozen corn

Dressing

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp grated lime peel
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced

Salad

• 1 (7oz) can black beans, drained, rinsed
• 1/2 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 lettuce leaves

1. In fine strainer, rinse quinoa with cold water, rubbing grains together with fingers; drain well. In saucepan, combine quinoa and 1 C water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until tender, adding corn during last 2 minutes of cooking time. Place in strainer; rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well. Place in large serving bowl.
2. Meanwhile, in small nonmetal bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; blend well. Refrigerate.
3. Add beans, celery, tomato, cilantro and dressing to quinoa and corn; mix well. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
4. To serve, line individual plates or bowls with lettuce. Spoon salad onto lettuce. If desired, garnish with additional cilantro.

Robyn's notes: I left out step 4 entirely, as he doesn't eat lettuce. I also left out the lime peel because it's such a waste to buy a whole lime just for such a small amount of peel, since I always have lime juice on hand. He loved this, said it was one of the best salads he'd ever had. GF - doublecheck your black beans.

**** 4 Stars: Very Good. Enjoyed by us both, I will make this frequently

Meaty Rigatoni Pizza Bake

• 1 C uncooked rigatoni or large tube pasta
• 1/2 lb lean ground turkey, ground beef, or bulk Italian sausage
• 1-1/2 C spaghetti sauce
• 1 can (4oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 1/2 C shredded Italian cheese blend
• 8 slices pepperoni

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, crumble meat into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and mushrooms. Drain pasta; add to meat mixture.
2. Transfer to a 1-qt baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with cheese and pepperoni. Cover and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Robyn's notes: recipe originally called for bulk Italian sausage instead of ground turkey.  I used turkey the first time, and beef the second time I made it, and with the turkey when stirring in the mushrooms, I also stirred in cubed eggplant. This was really easy and he liked it.  The second time making it (photo above) I dished into two small baking dishes instead of one larger one.

*** 3 Stars: Good. At least one of us liked this enough for me to make it again, but not often

Lentils

Lentils are legumes, seeds of a plant, and they grow in pods that contain either one or two lentil seeds. They generally have a mild, earthy, somewhat nutty flavour. They cook relatively quickly, but before cooking, always rinse them and pick out stones and other debris. Unlike dried beans and peas, there's no need to soak them. Lentils cook more slowly if they're combined with salt or acidic ingredients, so add these last. Bigger or older lentils take longer to cook. Store dried lentils for up to a year in a cool, dry place.

Lentils are the vegetable with the highest level of protein, other than soybeans, and they were apparently selected by Health Magazine as one of the 5 healthiest foods. They are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, and the high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal. They are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Studies show that eating high fiber foods such as lentils, helps prevent heart disease.

The legume also has significant amounts of folate, magnesium, and iron.

GF - Depending on the brand you purchase, the lentils may have been processed on the same equipment as wheat products. Lentils themselves are, of course, gluten-free, but check your packaging.

Lentil Soup for the Soul

• 1/3 C chopped peeled parsnip
• 1/3 C diced peeled potato
• 1/4 C chopped green onions
• 1/4 C chopped leek (white portion only)
• 1/4 C chopped carrot
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 can (14.5oz) vegetable broth
• 1 C canned no-salt-added whole tomatoes, cut up
• 1/3 C dried lentils, rinsed
• 1/4 C dry red wine or additional vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/3 C minced fresh cilantro

1. In a large saucepan, saute the parsnip, potato, onions, leek, carrot and celery in oil for 3 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, lentils, wine or additional broth, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
2. Just before serving, discard bay leaf; stir in cilantro.

Yield: 4 Cups

Robyn notes: the recipe looks more time-intensive than it is, because the ingredient list is long, but once you chop everything up it goes really quickly. He prefers that I not peel any vegetables, so I just wash them really well and chop them up. I couldn't find actual bay leaves at the grocery the other day, so I sprinkled a small amount of dried chopped bay leaves, since I wasn't sure how strongly it would change the flavour. I rarely use canned broth, I tend to use enough of both vegetable broth and chicken broth that I have the cardboard refrigerated containers on hand, and I just measure out the right amount. In this case, to get 14.5oz, it's a little more than 1 and 3/4 C. I also didn't bother to cut up the whole tomatoes, once the soup had been brought to a boil, I just pressed the spoon hard to the center of each tomato and they broke apart in the pot. I know there's a lot of notes for this one, but it was a simple recipe and went over very well. He really liked it, actually scarfed down two full servings real quick.

Mexican Veggies

• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1/2 C fresh or frozen corn
• 1/2 C salsa

1. Place 1 inch of water in a small saucepan; add zucchini and corn. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until zucchini is almost tender. Drain. Stir in salsa; heat through.


Robyn's notes: fast, easy. I purposely undercooked it for his preference

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

• 2/3 C condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 2/3 C sour cream
• 2 C shredded cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 C shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 4 flour tortillas (6 inches)

1. In a small bowl, combine soup and sour cream. Spread half over the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
2. Place 1/2 C chicken and 1 Tbsp cheese down the center of each tortilla; roll up and place in the baking dish. Top with remaining soup mixture; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until heated through.

Robyn's notes: served with Mexican Veggies. This went very quickly, and we liked it but if I make it again I'll add some type of flavoring to the chicken.

** 2 Stars: Acceptable. At least one of us liked this enough for me to make it again, if I make changes

Thai Tofu Sandwiches

• half package extra firm tofu
• 2 heaping Tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
• dash garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 2 Tbsp chopped red bell pepper
• 2 Tbsp sliced green onions
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• whole wheat pita
• spinach leaves
• sliced tomato

1. Drain tofu if necessary; gently press between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In medium bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and hot pepper sauce; mix well. Add tofu, bell pepper, onions and cilantro; stir with fork until well mixed and tofu is crumbly.
3. Stuff split pita pockets with spinach leaves, sliced tomato, and tofu mixture.

Robyn's notes: I used the remaining half of the package of tofu from last week. This went quickly and was quite easy, as well as being different from the tofu sandwich filling I served last week.