Chocolate Quesadillas

June 9th, 2007

Here is a quick and easy dessert from Taste of Home’s magazine “Cooking for 2.” This is the perfect dish to share between two people.

2 (6-inch) flour tortillas
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp chocolate chips
cooking spray

Drizzle honey over one tortilla then sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with chocolate chips (don’t get too close to the edges). Top with remaining tortilla.  

Coat a medium frying pan or skillet with cooking spray. Cook quesadilla over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Flip carefully, if the filling spills out, quesadilla will be sticky.  

Cut into four wedges and serve immediately.  

Homemade Chai Mix

June 6th, 2007

1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Combine all ingredients in a small dish with cover. Store overnight in refrigerator before using.

To make a cup of chai: brew a cup of strong, black tea such as Assam or Darjeeling. Stir in 1 to 2 tsp of mix per 8 oz of tea. Add milk if desired.

To make chocolate chai, stir in 1 to 2 tbsp chocolate syrup.

Store chai mix in refrigerator. Unsweetened condensed milk can be used and sugar can be added to control sweetness.

This is a recipe I found online and have really enjoyed. Typically, I make tea using 1 1/2 cups of water and 2 teabags (not quite double strength) with 1 or 2 heaping spoonfuls of chai mix. I add a spoonful of chocolate syrup for just the right taste. A great way to start the day! 

Here is a quick and easy side dish from Simple & Delicious Magazine.

1 bag frozen vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli), thawed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
aluminum foil

Preheat oven to 350F

Combine vegetables with oil, garlic and italian seasoning in a large bowl and mix well.

Using two sheets of aluminum foil (approx 12×14 in each), fold vegetables into a pouch. Add lemon wedges if desired.

Bake on a cookie sheet for 15 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Pizza Rice Bake

June 3rd, 2007

I’m back in the kitchen, shaking and baking! Here is another Jenn Original Recipe, enjoy!

3 cups cooked rice, white or brown
1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
sliced pepperoni
1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained well

Preheat oven to 350F

Combine cooked rice with pizza sauce and spread in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Create a layer with pepperoni slices, allowing for some overlap. Place mushrooms in an even layer over pepperoni. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes or until toppings are done. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges or slices.

Additional toppings can be added or substituted, depending on what you like on your pizza!

Here is an update on an old recipe, made a little healthier with some slight adjustments. The adjustments did not effect the overall taste of the dish, but definitely reduced the fat and sodium content.

1 lb 94% fat free ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 (15 oz) can low-sodium whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup salsa
1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
taco shells or flour tortillas, warmed
toppings, such as lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream
hot cooked spanish rice, such as Vigo’s Saffron Yellow Rice (made with “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Light” instead of regular butter)

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well. Remove beef, wipe skillet with a paper towel.

Saute onion in hot oil in the same skillet. Add beef, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally and coating beef with spice mixture. Stir in corn, tomato sauce, water, and salsa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced.

Top evenly with cheese and cilantro. Cover, turn off heat, and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Build tacos by layering meat mixture, desired toppings, and rice.

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