Cumin Turkey with Squash

squash

squashWhat You Need:

1 1/2 C of quinoa grain
2 C of chicken broth
1 1/2 lb. turkey tenderloin
1 t ground cumin
1/4 t of salt
2 scallions, sliced
2 mild green chilies, stemmed, seeded and chopped
1 squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 C of fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced
1 C of salsa

How to Make It:

Place the oven temperature at 450 degrees allowing the oven to preheat.
Generously spray a cast iron Dutch oven with a non stick cooking spray.
Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
Add the quinoa and spread the mixture out evenly over the bottom of the pan.
Place the turkey into the pan and sprinkle with the salt and cumin.
Spread the scallions and green chilies over the turkey.
Add the squash and spinach leaves.
Top the spinach with the sliced bell peppers.
Spread the salsa evenly over the top of the spinach.
Cover tightly and bake 30 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through.

Makes 4 servings

Quinoa is a light grain with a light nutty flavor. It can be found in most supermarkets in the pasta/rice sections. If you prefer a little more bite to your dish use jalapeno peppers instead of the green chilies.

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

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 402; Fat 11g; Carbohydrates 56g; Cholesterol 86 mg; Sodium 268 mg; Protein 14g; Fiber 7g

Zucchini and Cheese Tortilla Rolls

zucchini

zucchiniWhat You Need:

4 scallions, chopped
1 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1 inch slices
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch strips
1 (8 oz.) pkg. mozzarella cheese, finely shredded and divided
1 (26 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
3 green chilies, stemmed, seeded and chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
4 fresh oregano sprigs
4 whole wheat tortillas

How to Make It:

Spray a cast iron Dutch oven well with a non stick olive oil cooking spray.
Preset the oven temperature to 450 degrees.
Place the scallions in an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
Spread the zucchini slices over the scallions.
Sprinkle the zucchini evenly with the cilantro.
Lay the bell peppers over the zucchini.
Add half of the package of cheese.
Spread the pinto beans in an even layer over the cheese.
Add the green chilies and tomatoes.
Add the remaining cheese.
Place the oregano sprigs into the crevices of the other ingredients.
Lightly spray both sides of the tortillas with the olive oil cooking spray.
Cut the tortillas in half, roll each half closed and place in a single layer on top.
Cover the pan and bake for 35 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender.

Makes 4 servings

To reduce the amount of saturated fats in this dish use a soy cheese substitute. Try other types of cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Bake Time: approximately 35 minutes
Total Time: approximately 50 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 500; Fat 39g; Carbohydrates 66g; Cholesterol 50 mg; Sodium 153 mg; Protein 30g; Fiber 16g

Chilies Devilled Eggs

devilledeggs

devilledeggsWhat You Need:

12 hard boiled eggs
1/2 C of mayonnaise
1/2 C of green chilies, chopped very fine
2 t of chipotle pepper in abode sauce
1/2 t of garlic salt
6 teaspoons of salsa

How to Make It:

The eggs are cut in half and remove the yolks to a mixing bowl.
Place the egg whites on a serving platter.
With a fork or potato masher, mash the yolks well.
Mix in the mayonnaise, green chilies, chipotle pepper and salt and blend well.
Fill each egg white with about a tsp of the yolk mixture.
On top of each filled egg place 1/2 tsp of the salsa.
Refrigerate covered at least 60 minutes before serving.

Makes 12 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: approximately 15 minutes

Any Christmas buffet is incomplete without deviled eggs. These will spice up your Christmas meal. You may leave out the green chilies if you are serving children.

Zesty Christmas Side Dish

christmasdinnersetting

christmasdinnersettingWhat You Need:

3/4 lb. of bacon
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 (15 1/2 oz.) cans of hominy, drained
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can of diced tomatoes with juice
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

How to Make It:

In a skillet over medium heat cook the bacon 10 minutes or until crisp.
Drain the bacon well on paper towels then crumble.
Add the onion and green pepper to the skillet with the bacon drippings.
Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes or until tender then drain well.
Put the hominy, both cans of tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce into the bottom of the crock pot
Add the cooked bacon, onions and green pepper and stir to combine.
Cook covered on low for 6 hours or until heated through.

Makes 12 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 5 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: approximately 6 hours 20 minutes

This dish goes great with pork, chicken or turkey. It will add a touch of zest and color to your Christmas buffet.