Rosemary Beef with Carrots and Parsnips

roast

What You Need:

4 tbsp brown mustard
1 (4 lb.) beef roast
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp canola oil
8 oz. parsnips cut into small chunks
1 1/2 lb. carrots cut into small chunks
2 C beef broth
2 tbsp flour

How to Make It:

Place a meat rack into a shallow baking pan and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Brush the mustard over the entire roast and place the roast on the meat rack.
In a bowl toss together the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper and sprinkle 3/4 of the mixture over the roast.
Roast for 25 minutes on the top oven rack.
Line a baking sheet with foil.
Place the oil and remaining herb mixture into a bowl and stir to blend well.
Add the parsnips and carrots and toss to goat them well.
After 25 minutes reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Put the vegetables in the oven on the bottom rack.
Roast both the meat and vegetables for 1 hour or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees.
Place the roast on a platter and tent with foil to keep warm and leave the vegetables in the oven.
Let the roast stand covered for 20 minutes.
Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium high heat and add the broth.
Scrape the bottom of the pan to break loose any brown bits then whisk in the flour.
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to medium, stirring constantly.
Continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes or until the gravy is as thick as you like.
Remove the vegetables and place in a serving bowl.
Slice the roast and serve topped with the gravy.

Makes 6 servings

The parsnips take place of those starchy potatoes and they taste just as good. Vegetables are a good source of nutrition and often times we leave these important foods out of our diets. With this dish you can have your cake and eat it too.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: approximately 2 hours 05 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate amounts per serving)
Calories 498; Fat 23g; Saturated Fat 9g; Carbohydrates 16g; Protein 50g; Fiber 4g;
Cholesterol 138mg; Sodium 647mg

There’s More Than One Way to Grill

charcolgrill

When it comes to summer and backyard parties grilling definitely takes center stage. There is nothing like spending that beautiful summer day outside with friends and family enjoying a nice juicy burger or steak. That is why the grill is a very popular method of food preparation. It gives you the opportunity to get out of the house as well as bringing a fun positive outlook to cooking. Pull up a chair, get your friends together and let’s talk about grilling!

If you like being outdoors then cooking on the grill will be an enjoyment. Have you ever heard anyone say that grilling food takes away the flavor and juices? That statement couldn’t be more wrong! Grilling is how many professional cooks prepare their meals. It helps to release the natural juices the food holds making what you eat a mouth watering delight. There are many ways to grill those mouthwatering foods.

The Charcoal Grill

This is the most common type of grill. It’s the sliced bread of the grilling world. The old school, always affective method of grilling’ those jaw dropping dishes. It’s quick and is always sure to bring fun and laughter to any backyard event. A few negatives about charcoal are the actual coals take a little while to get to the right temperature. This type of grill can sometimes get messy. If you’re not a fan of the charcoal taste then a gas grill may be more up your alley.

The Gas Grill

This is another effective method of food preparation. The best part about gas grilling is its simplicity. Instead of fiddling around with charcoal just turn a knob, preheat and throw on the food. There are no more cleaning ashes up or buying heavy giant bags of charcoal. Replacing the need for coal with propane is also a little bit cheaper. How can it be cheaper you might ask? It’s because charcoal will run out before a propane tank will. With gas you get to keep your money and keep those friends coming back for more tasty treats.

If you like that charcoal taste then the gas grill may not be your preferred grilling partner. For a gas grill lover just turn that knob and be on your way to a for sure talked about meal.


The Fire Pit Grill

What an exciting way to grill up those hot dogs! Grab the family head out to the back yard and enjoy that time with each other because when you use a fire pit everyone is actively involved. It a great bonding experience and can produce some delicious meals including those awesome S’mores everyone loves.

The Smoker

Ah smoked meat is the icing on the cake for some people. With a smoker, like the name says, it lets the smoke cook the meat. It’s not so much the fire that makes the food melt in your mouth, but it’s that brilliant design that enables the grill to hold in smoke well enough to cook foods thoroughly.

The Electric Grill

Are you looking for a way to have that outdoor cooking experience without any of the hassles of charcoal, gas or wood? Are you looking for a way to do that and keep your money in your pocket? Well then an electric grill is going to be your right hand man. You can cook outside, enjoy the weather and save money all at the same time. There is nothing needed but an outlet and a hungry crowd.

What Can Be Cooked

There are so many different foods that can be cooked on the grill, from that thick pork chop to those healthy vegetables. The food options are unlimited and here are just a few ideas:

Meat options include steak, beef, pork, veal and fish. Vegetables taste great from the grill. Squash, zucchini, potatoes, broccoli and carrots can all be grilled with ease. Even cucumbers and apples make a tasty addition to meals cooked on the grill. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many options for things you can cook on the grill. Pretty much everything you cook inside can be grilled.

The Benefits of Grilling

Is grilling for everyone? Now there is always going to be pros and cons with any situation. There are few things to remember when it comes to grilling. First grilling can get messy. It can also take longer to cook foods than it would in a conventional oven. If you don’t like being outside then grilling might not be your thing. If cooking for a large group of people grilling would be ideal but if it’s just a quick dinner for the family then you might want to think twice before lugging out that heavy grill.

One benefit of grilling is the changing of flavor. Grilling can completely change the flavor depending on which type of grill is used. Charcoal gives you that charred taste while a fire pit grill allows a little well done taste. Smokers are great for that smoky enhancement of foods and propane gives a grilled yet juicy flavor. There are so many options and ways to improve your meal on the grill.

Grilling brings people together and creates backyard memories as well as some great tasting foods. So as you can see there are downsides but all in all grilling is a bonding, fun relaxing way to prepare that family meal. Gather up family and friends and head outside to enjoy the day and the grub.

Scrumptious Roasted Garden Vegetables

roAtedvegs

What You Need:

6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 turnip, peeled and cubed
1 large onions, thinly wedged
5 carrots, julienne

How to Make It:

Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil.
Set the oven temperature to 425 degrees and preheat.
Place the potatoes in an even layer into the prepared pan.
Scatter the turnips over the potatoes.
Layer the onion wedges over the turnips.
Spread the carrots out over the very top.
Spray the vegetables with a non stick cooking spray.
Roast for 30 minutes or until all the vegetables are fork tender.

Makes 6 servings

Roasted vegetables give your meals an extra kick. Top these veggies with a few pats of butter and sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them if you like. Any favorite garden vegetable can be used in this recipe like zucchini or squash.

Roast Turkey and Seasoned Vegetables

roastturkey

What You Need:

1 lb. new potatoes, quartered
1 lb. carrots cut into pieces
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 C of water
1 (3 lb.) turkey roast with netting

How to Cook It:

Coat the inside of the crock pot with a non stick cooking spray.
Mix together the potatoes, carrots and onions in the crock pot.
Sprinkle the vegetables with all the seasonings.
Pour the water over the top of the seasoned vegetables.
Lay the netted turkey onto the vegetables.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 9 hours.
Allow the turkey it to stand 15 minutes before removing the netting and slicing.

Makes 6 servings

This turkey may be cooked on high for 5 hours. Make use of the leftovers from this delightful dish. Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reuse in a turkey pot pie or a hearty turkey soup or stew.

Preparation Time: approximately 30 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 9 hours
Total Time: approximately 9 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 270; Fat 4g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrates 29g; Fiber 3g; Protein 29g;  Cholesterol 81 mg; Sodium 1,601 mg

Choosing the Recipe Wisely

recipebox

Choosing the right recipe for those scrumptious meals can make all the difference. Many of us know that our children won’t eat certain foods. Yet we also are aware that some of these foods hold nutrition that our children need. Those favorite recipes can make all the difference in finding ways to get those finicky eaters to enjoy nutritious and health foods.

There are other ways of to get your family the nutritional balance of certain foods and that can be done with some clever hiding techniques. Depending on what you are trying to hide, there are certain techniques to disguise almost any food. Here are some possibilities:

Most ground meats are begging for some veggies. Mix some shredded carrots or beets into a hamburger or meatball for some added nutrition. It can also male that meat extra moist. It is amazing what a little well-ground vegetable can do to even the driest hamburger.

Almost everyone loves pasta. Why not grate some carrots or finely dice a couple of mushrooms or green peppers into the sauce? The red color will hide any evidence of vegetables and the tomato taste will mask anything that is small enough.

Chili and soups are another great way to hide vegetables. Take a chicken noodle soup and experiment with adding different vegetables to see which one your child likes the best. Chili is a giant mix and match of ingredients, so adding another one to the mix is no big deal.

Pizza is a win-win situation for kids and parents. Kids love to eat it and parents love to hide vegetables within its gooey goodness. Take a little of the tomato sauce described above as well as some finely chopped veggies under a layer of melted cheese and you have a slice of pie that is as nutritionally dense as a full salad, not to mention a winner for everyone.

When all else fails, you will be surprised how far raw veggies with a little dip will get you. There are numerous children, and adults too, who strongly dislike cooked vegetables, but when offered a veggie tray, will devour it in a second. A simple rule is, offer the veggies as-is first to see the initial reaction, then try incorporating them into different foods.

To get some grains into your family, try making grilled cheese with whole grain bread. Another possibility is making toast with wheat bread. The color will be masked when the bread is toasted or grilled and who doesn’t love bread smothered with butter and jelly or with a piece of melted cheese slapped in between.

There is no child that will refuse to eat his or her own baked goods. By letting your little one participates when it comes to baking and throwing in a few whole grains, some unbleached flour and some dried fruit. The kids will have a blast making and then devouring their creation.

Remember to keep the recipes simple. Try different ingredients to see which ones will pass the test. You might those picky eaters eating foods you never would have imagined. The whole idea is to use those valued recipes with a few new ideas. You’ll never until you try and there is no better time to start than now.

Beef Stew in Savory Broth

beefstew

What You Need:

2 Tbsp canola oil
3 lbs. beef stew meat
4 carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
2 onions cut into wedges
2 C of beef broth
3 Tbsp quick cooking tapioca
2 tsp bottled minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp pepper

How to Make It:

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the meat and cook until browned on all sides.
Drain the meat and place into the slow cooker.
Place the carrots, celery and onion over the meat.
Add the broth, tapioca and garlic stirring to combine.
Stir in the seasonings until blended in well.
Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Makes 4 servings

Not only is beef stew a comfort food but is great for the budget. Freeze this stew or any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat the stew for another meal or turn it into a pot pie or stroganoff. To make it into a great stroganoff just add an 8 oz. container of sour cream, 1 tbsp of flour and 2 C of sliced mushrooms. Serve it over noodles for a budget friendly delicious meal.

Preparation Time: approximately 25 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 5 hours on high
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 549; Fat 13g; Saturated Fat 4g; Carbohydrates 50g; Fiber 5g; Protein 49g;
Cholesterol 125 mg; Sodium 1,309 mg

Herb Chuck Roasts with Vegetables

roastveggies

What You Need:

4 carrots cut into pieces
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
1 onion, sliced
2/3 C of beef broth
2 Tbsp quick cooking tapioca
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp bottled minced garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 (1 1/2 lb.) boneless beef chuck roasts

How to Cook It:

Place the carrots, potatoes and onions into the crock pot.
Add the broth, tapioca, tomato paste and garlic and stir to blend well.
In a small bowl combine the oregano, basil, fennel, pepper, salt and thyme.
With your fingers rub the seasoning mixture into both sides of the roasts.
Place the prepared roasts over the vegetables.
Cover the crock pot and cook low for 11 hours or on high 6 hours or until tender.

Makes 6 servings

There is a lot of meat in this economical dish. That’s what makes it so budget friendly. The extra meat can be used for many other dishes. Place the leftover meat and a little of the cooking juice into air tight containers. Seal and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator then use in casseroles, for shredded beef sandwiches, Manhattans or any of your favorite beef main course meals.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 6 hours
Total Time: approximately 6 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 430; Fat 8g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrates 48g; Fiber 6g; Protein 37g;
Cholesterol 89 mg; Sodium 346 mg

Swiss Mac and Veggies

macaroni

umacaroniWhat You Need:

1 (10 oz.) pkg. macaroni shells
2 C frozen cauliflower, broccoli and carrots
1 C of milk
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cubed
1/4 t of pepper
3/4 C Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 C Parmesan cheese, grated

How to Make It:

Cook the macaroni as directed on the page.
During the last 5 minutes the macaroni is cooking add the frozen vegetables.
Drain the macaroni and vegetables well.
Mix together the milk and cream cheese in a sauce pan.
Sprinkle in the pepper and stir to combine.
Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring almost constantly until the cheese melts.
Add the macaroni and vegetables to the sauce and stir to coat.
Stir in the Swiss and Parmesan cheese until well blended and creamy.

Makes 4 servings

This is a new twist on an old favorite. Kids love macaroni and cheese and this may be just the dish you need to get them to eat their vegetables. You can use cheddar cheese in place of the Swiss if you prefer.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 10 minutes (not including the pasta)
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes (not including the pasta)

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 598; Fat 25g; Saturated Fat 14g; Carbohydrates 66g; Fiber 3g; Protein 28g; Cholesterol 86 mg; Sodium 596 mg

Alfredo Red Pepper Rotini

pepperscuttingvoard

pepperscuttingvoardWhat You Need:

8 oz. of rotini pasta
2 small red sweet peppers cut into pieces
1 C yellow summer squash, sliced
2 C of fresh asparagus, cut into pieces
1 (10 oz.) container of prepared Alfredo sauce
1/4 t dried thyme
1/4 t crush red pepper
1/8 t pepper

How to Make It:

Cook the pasta as directed on the package.
3 minutes before the pasta is done stir in the red pepper, the squash and asparagus.
Cook for 3 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender then drain well.
Place the Alfredo sauce into a saucepan.
Stir in the thyme and crushed red pepper.
Place the pan over medium heat and heat the sauce for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
Add the vegetable mixture and stir until blended in well.
Season the rotini with the pepper before serving.

Makes 4 servings

Mix up your vegetables in this delicious side dish. Use broccoli and cauliflower or carrots and peas instead of the squash and asparagus. You may also substitute yellow sweet peppers for the red if you wish. This will only give it a different color as both peppers have the same flavoring.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 8 minutes (not including the pasta)
Total Time: approximately 28 minutes + pasta cooking time

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 421; Fat 12f; Saturated Fat 6g; Carbohydrates 66g; Fiber 2g;
Protein 15g; Cholesterol 31 mg; Sodium 622 mg

Cheesy Pear Sandwich

pears

pearsWhat You Need:

4 English muffins spit
2 T of Dijon mustard
4 Canadian bacon slices
1 pear, peeled and sliced thin
4 slices of cheddar cheese

How to Make It:

Spread the mustard over the cut side of each muffin.
Lay a bacon slice onto 1 side of each muffin.
Place a couple of pear slices and a slice of cheese over the bacon.
Top with the other half of the muffin.
Heat a pan over medium heat.
Add the sandwich and toast for 5 minutes.
Flip and continue cooking for 5 additional minutes or until nicely browned and the cheese has started to melt.

Makes 4 sandwiches

This is a great sandwich to serve to children. Try apple rings instead of pears. The kids will love them either way. Add celery and carrot sticks and a side of tater tots for the perfect kid friendly meal.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 10 minutes
Total Time: approximately 20 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 303; Fat 11g; Saturated Fat 6f; Carbohydrates 34g; Fiber 3g;
Protein 20g; Cholesterol 40 mg; Sodium 851 mg