Juice Simmered Pears

pears

What You Need:

6 C of water
1 C of sugar
6 firm pears, peeled, cored and cut in half
1 lemon rind strip
3 tbsp pear juice

How to Make It:

Place a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the water and sugar to the pan and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
Place the pears into the water and return to a simmer.
Cook the pears for 25 minutes at a simmer or until the pears are tender.
Place the pears into a serving bowl, cover and chill until ready to serve.
Over high heat bring the pear cooking liquid to a boil.
Cook the juice for 20 minutes or until the juice is reduced to 1 C and resembles syrup.
Strain the juice through a sieve, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Pour the chilled juice over the pears just before serving.

Makes 6 servings

This is a simple but elegant way to serve a fruit side dish. Everyone will love it and it gives you at least 1 serving of fruit in your daily diet. If you are serving to adults you may use pear flavored liqueur or brandy instead of the pear juice. Try making this recipe using other fruits such as apples, peaches or even plums.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 45 minutes
Cooling Time: approximately 30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 237; Fat 0g; Saturated Fat 0g; Carbohydrates 68g; Protein 0g; Fiber 2g;
Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 2mg

Summer Bean and Tuna Salad

What You Need:

Water
1/4 tsp salt
8oz. fresh green beans, stems trimmed
1/3C olive oil and vinegar dressing
1 tsp Dijon style mustard
1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3 C of lettuce
2 (6 oz.) cans of solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
3 eggs, hard boiled, peeled and cut into wedges
1/2 C red radishes, sliced
1/3C of pitted Kalamata olives
Pepper

How to Make It:

Pour enough water into a skillet to fill it half full then sprinkle in the salt.
Place the skillet over medium high heat, bring the water to a boil then add the green beans.
Simmer the beans for 4 minutes or until crisp tender then drain and rinse under cold water for 1 minute.
In a bowl whisk together the dressing and mustard.
Place the green beans and 1 tbsp of the dressing in a bowl and toss to coat.
Place the cannellini beans and 1 tbsp of the dressing in a bowl and toss to coat.
Spread the lettuce over a large platter.
Mound the green beans in one corner of the platter.
Mound the cannillini beans in another corner.
Mound the tuna onto the platter.
Place the egg wedges, radishes and olives onto the platter.
Pour the remaining dressing over the entire salad and season with the pepper.

Makes 4 servings

This summer platter is great for a late lunch on a hot day. Just place mounds of the ingredients onto the platter and add a loaf of crusty bread and enjoy. Substitute chicken, turkey or even pork for the tuna if you wish.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 4 minutes
Total Time: approximately 24 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 403; Fat 22g; Saturated Fat 3g; Carbohydrates 19g; Protein 29g; Fiber 6g;
Cholesterol 191mg; Sodium 835mg

Lemon Butter Braised Scallops

scallops

What You Need:

1 1/2 lb. fresh sea scallops
3 tsp butter, divided
1 C of chicken broth
1 tsp lemon zest grated
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

Rinse the scallops and blot dry with paper towel.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
Add the scallops and cook 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Place the scallops in a serving bowl and keep warm.
In a separate bowl combine the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice and cornstarch.
Season the broth mixture with the salt and pepper then pour the mixture into the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly and allow it to boil 1 minute or until thick.
Take the skillet off of the heat and stir in the remaining butter and the parsley.
Pour the sauce over the scallops and toss gently to coat.

Makes 4 servings

It is important to purchase firm moist scallops that have a creamy white color. This will ensure you have purchased fresh scallops. Scallops that are not fresh will have a sulfur odor and have a pearly look. Do not purchase scallops that have a liquid oozing into the package. When you purchase scallops use them right away or freeze them for up to 2 months. Remember scallops do cook rather quickly so cook your side dishes first and then your scallops.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 6 minutes
Total Time: approximately 16 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 192; Fat 5g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrates 6g; Protein 29g; Fiber 0g;
Cholesterol 64mg; Sodium 765mg

Cantaloupe and Pork Salad

melonpork

What You Need:

1 (1 lb.) pork tenderloin
1 tbsp + 1 tsp dry Caribbean jerk seasoning, divided
1 tsp lime zest, grated
1/4 C lime juice
1 tbsp honey
8 C of mixed salad greens
1/2 cantaloupe, cut into wedges

How to Make It:

Heat the oven to 425 degrees.
Rub 1 tbsp of jerk seasoning over the loin and place the loin on a rack in a shallow baking pan.
Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.
Transfer the loin to the cutting board and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Let the loin stand at least 10 minutes, uncover and slice.
Whisk together the lime zest, juice and honey.
Place the greens on to a platter, add the cantaloupe wedges and carefully pour the sauce over the top.

Makes 4 servings

Jerk seasoning comes in many forms such as powder, dry paste or even as a marinade. Try making your own by mixing together allspice, hot chilies, salt and thyme then add your own special touch. These touches can be garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or even brown sugar. Pork and cantaloupe compliment each other well making this both a healthy and tasty salad main course meal.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 50 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 265; Fat 6g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrates 27g; Protein 26g; Fiber 2g Cholesterol 67mg; Sodium 104mg

Slow Cooked Ham & Cheese Bake

brkfstbake

What You Need:

6 eggs, well beaten
1 C of cheddar cheese shredded
1/2 C of cooked ham, diced
1/2 C of milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

How to Make It:

Place the eggs into the bottom of the slow cooker
Sprinkle the cheese over the eggs.
Spread the ham over the cheese.
Pour in the milk and add the salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or until the eggs are cooked through.

Makes 6 servings

This tasty breakfast casserole is so easy to throw together. Add your favorite extras like chopped onions or bell peppers. Use whatever type of shredded cheese you have on hand and if you have leftover cooked sausage or bacon throw it in instead of the ham.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 3 hours
Total Time: approximately 3 hours 15 minutes

Broiled Eggs and Salmon Muffins

salmonsandwich

What You Need:

1 tsp white vinegar
8 large eggs
4 English muffins, split and toasted
2 C of cooked smoked salmon, broken into pieces
8 slices of smoked cheese

How to Make It:

Cover a baking sheet with foil and preheat the broiler.
Place 3 inches of water into a saucepan placed over medium high heat.
Bring the water to a gentle boil then add the vinegar.
Break the eggs into the boiling water.
Cook the eggs for 5 minutes or until they are as done as you like.
Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and drain well.
Separate the muffins and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
Lay an egg onto each muffin and top the egg with pieces of salmon.
Lay a slice of cheese over the top of each muffin.
Broil the muffins for 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Makes 4 servings

These protein packed muffins make breakfast, lunch or supper a treat. The smoked cheese takes the place of a hollandaise sauce and gives these little gems a more flavorful taste as well as cutting down your preparation time. For a softer egg allow them to simmer in the water just until the whites are cooked through.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 7 minutes
Total Time: approximately 17 minutes

Cheese Stuffed Pork Loin Roast

porkloin

What You Need:

1 tbsp of flour
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 C of Swiss cheese, shredded
1 (2 lb.) boneless pork loin
6 oz. deli ham, sliced thin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil

How to Make It:

Allow the oven to preheat to 325 degrees.
Toss the flour and lemon pepper together in a small bowl.
Stir in the butter and cream until the mixture is smooth.
Add the cheese and stir to blend together well.
Slice the pork loin lengthwise to within a half inch of the bottom.
Lay out the cut pork loin and cover with plastic wrap.
Using a meat hammer flatten the meat to 3/4 inch thickness them remove the plastic wrap.
Place the ham slices over both sides of the open roast.
Spoon the cheese mixture down the center of the meat.
From the longest end roll the pork loin into a jelly roll around the filing.
Tie the rolled loin with kitchen string to hold shut.
In a small mixing bowl stir together the paprika, marjoram, oregano and basil.
Rub the mixture over the outside of the pork loin covering it well.
Place a roasting rack into a shallow roasting pan.
Place the loin on the rack and roast 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Allow the roast to stand at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Makes 8 servings

Roasting pork can cause the meat to become very dry. Stuffing the meat with a filling helps to keep the meat moist from the inside out. Add a cream sauce to serve over this roast by sautéing chopped onion in butter until tender. Add 1 tbsp of cornstarch and stir until smooth. Stir in 1 C of heavy cream and 1/4 C of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil the sauce stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until thick. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 tsp of sour cream.

Juicy Cinnamon Pears

pears

What You Need:

1 C pineapple juice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
4 pears, cored from the bottom up with stems left intact

How to Make It:

Pour the pineapple juice into the pressure cooker.
Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the pears.
Place the pears in to the cooker being sure they don’t touch the sides of the cooker.
Bring the pressure up to high on medium heat.
Cook the pears for 8 minutes then release the pressure under cold water.
Spoon the juice into the bottom of 4 small bowls.
Lay 1 pear into each bowl.

Makes 4 servings

Not only do these pears make a tasty side dish but they can very easily be turned into a delicious dessert. Melt 4 tbsp of semisweet chocolate until smooth. Drizzle 1 tbsp of the chocolate over each pear before serving. If this delicious treat is for adults only dry red wine may be substituted for the juice.

Maple Topped Cinnamon Rolls

cinnamonrolls

What You Need:

1/3 C + 1 tsp sugar, divided
1 pkg. dry yeast
3/4 C warm water, 100 to 110 degrees
5 tbsp butter, melted and divided
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
3 1/2 C of flour
2/3 C of brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp orange peel, grated
1/4 C pecans, chopped
1 C powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp fat free milk

How to Make It:

Stir 1 tsp of the sugar and the yeast into the warm water until dissolved.
Allow to stand undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Whisk together the remaining sugar, 3 tbsp of butter, the salt and the egg together.
Add the yeast mixture and beat with an electric mixer on medium until well blended.
Add the flour slowly, beating as you add on low until the mixture forms a soft dough.
Lightly flour a flat surface and turn the dough out onto the flour.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes, adding 1 tbsp of flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Spray a non metal bowl with cooking spray and add the dough ball, turning to coat.
Cover and allow to rest 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down using your knuckles.
Roll the dough into a rectangle and brush the top side with the remaining butter.
Toss together in a mixing bowl the brown sugar, cinnamon and orange peel.
Scatter the mixture over the dough to within 1/2 inch of all the edges.
Roll the dough, beginning with a long side into a tight jelly roll.
Slice the rolls into 18 pieces and place cut side up into a baking pan.
Cover and allow rising for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Set the oven temperature to 375 allowing it to preheat.
Bake the rolls 20 minutes or until the tops are a golden brown.
Place the powdered sugar, syrup and milk into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Top the warm rolls with the glaze and serve.

Makes 18 rolls

Try these rolls for breakfast or a brunch and see how fast they go. A regular glaze of powdered sugar and milk may used if you wish. Waiting on the dough to rise before you baking them is the only hard part when it comes to making these tasty breakfast treats.

Apple Stuffed Breakfast Casserole

What You Need:

8 slices white bread, crust removed and cubed
1/2 lb. cream cheese, cubed
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped
6 large eggs
1 C of whole milk
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make It:

Preset the oven temperature to 375 and lightly grease an 8X8 deep dish casserole.
Scatter half of the bread cubes over the bottom of the casserole dish.
Place the cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread.
Spread the apples evenly over the cheese.
Add the remaining bread cubes spreading them out to the edges of the dish.
Whisk the egg, milk and cinnamon together in a bowl.
Pour the mixture over the top of the entire casserole.
Bake the casserole for 35 minutes, uncovered, or until the eggs are set.

Makes 6 servings

The deep casserole dish will ensure that all the egg mixture is soaked into the bread cubes. You can also allow the casserole to stand for about 5 minutes to ensure the bread is well soaked if you wish. This yummy breakfast casserole can be left in the oven after baking on warm until everyone is up and ready to enjoy it. This casserole isn’t extremely sweet so adding a little syrup or confectioners’ sugar won’t leave you feeling overly indulged at the end of the meal.