Roasted Lemon Laced Brussels Sprouts

brusselsprouts

What You Need:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 (10 oz.) pkgs. Brussels sprouts, halved
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

How to Make It:

Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray the foil generously with cooking spray.
Set the oven temperature to 500 degrees and let the oven preheat.
Whisk the oil, garlic, salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl.
Add the Brussels sprouts and toss gently to coat.
Evenly spread the coated Brussels sprouts onto the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the Brussels sprouts for 15 minutes or until crisp tender, turning them occasionally.
Place the roasted vegetables into a serving bowl and toss with the lemon juice and lemon zest.

Makes 6 servings

Adding more vegetables to our diets can be a hard thing to swallow. It is vital to our health that we consume at least 3 servings of vegetables a day. It’s easy to do when remembering that the simpler the cooking the better the flavor. Roasting vegetables at high temperatures and shortened cooking time causes some of the natural sugars to caramelize giving roasted vegetables a little sweeter taste and makes them a little easier to swallow.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 58; Fat 2g; Saturated Fat 0g; Carbohydrates 9g; Protein 3g; Fiber 6g;
Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 169mg

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

Turkey Tenders with Eggplant and Zucchini

grilledturkey

What You Need:

2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tbsp garlic chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
2 tsp lemon zest, grated
1/4 C lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 (1 lb.) turkey breast tenders
1 (1 lb.) eggplant
1 (1 lb.) zucchini
3 plum tomatoes

How to Make It:

Whisk together in a bowl the oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Remove 1/2 C of the marinade and refrigerate until ready to use.
Place the turkey into the bowl and toss to coat.
Cover the bowl and chill for 45 minutes.
Spray a baking sheet well with a non stick cooking spray.
Cut the eggplant and zucchini into 1/2 thick slices.
Cut the tomatoes in half then place all the vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet.
Preheat the grill.
Transfer the turkey from the marinade to the hot grill.
Cook for 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Place the cooked turkey onto a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Grill the eggplant and zucchini slices for 4 minutes per side or until tender.
Grill the tomato halves for 2 minutes per side or until charred.
When the vegetables have cooled just enough to handle cut them into bite size pieces.
Add the pieces to the reserved marinade and toss to coat.

Makes 6 servings

Turkey is easy to cook and takes well to many different flavorings like this marinade. Grilling your turkey makes it even more of a snap. Adding the grilled vegetables means less time in the kitchen. Turkey is also quite healthy for us. Both the white and dark meat contains many nutrients although dark meat does contain more fat. Use leftovers in a salad or as a lunchtime sandwich.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Marinade Time: approximately 45 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 26 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 26 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate amounts per serving)
Calories 243; Fat 6g; Saturated Fat 1g; Carbohydrates 10g; Protein 39g; Fiber 2g; Cholesterol 94mg; Sodium 159mg

Lemon Oil Broccolini

broccoli

What You Need:

1 lb. broccolini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

How to Make It:

Place a saucepan of water over high heat and bring to a boil.
Place the broccolini into a steamer basket and place the basket over the boiling water.
Steam for 5 minutes or until the broccolini is fork tender.
Drain well and place into a serving bowl.
Place the lemon juice, oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper into a small bowl.
Whisk until well blended.
Pour the lemon oil over the broccolini and toss to coat.

Makes 4 servings

Broccolini is a little more tender and has a little sweeter taste than our well known broccoli. If you can’t find broccolini regular broccoli will work just fine. Adding the lemon oil gives this broccoli dish a little bit of a bite and makes it a perfect side dish with any meal.

Raisin Enriched Lemon Pudding

What You Need:

10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and divided
1 C of sugar, divided
1/2 C of heavy cream
1 large egg, beaten well
1 1/2 C of flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 C of milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon zest, grated
1 C of cold water
2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 C of raisins

How to Make It:

Set the oven temperature at 350 degrees and allow the oven to preheat.
Butter the bottom only of a 9 inch square baking pan.
Beat 8 tbsp of the butter on low until light and fluffy.
Add 1/2 C of sugar and the cream and beat for 2 minutes.
Beat in the egg until blended in well.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together in a separate bowl.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
Pour in the milk and beat until blended together well.
Mix in the vanilla.
Transfer the pudding to the baking dish and bake 30 minutes or until firm.
Put the remaining sugar into a saucepan.
Add the cornstarch and lemon zest and stir to combine.
Stir in the water, place the pan over medium high heat and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat to medium low and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and butter until the butter has completely melted.
Fold in the nutmeg and raisins.
Pour the sauce over the top of the pudding just before serving.

Makes 4 servings

This pudding is an old New England favorite. The lemon sauce gives the pudding a light and nicely sweet taste. The raisins are optional and cinnamon can be used in place of the nutmeg if you prefer.

Let a Warm Beverage Brighten Your Winter

cupoftea

cupofteaWhat can be more warming than curling up with a cup of mulled cider or hot chocolate on a cold winter day? A warm beverage can take the blustery blues out of winter and give us a warm cozy feeling from our heads to our toes. The possibilities for something warm to curl up with are endless and here are just a few ideas.

Kids and adults savor the taste of hot chocolate. Warm milk, chocolate and marshmallows have a way of soothing us. Today packaged hot chocolate mix is in abundance. There are numerous types and various flavors. Yet there’s nothing quite like homemade hot chocolate to warm and sooth a cold and tired body.

Apple cider is a great way to warm up on a blustery day. Mulled cider gets its comforting effect from spices infused in the flavor during heating. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are the spices most often used. Mace, ginger, allspice, orange slices and lemon zest can also bring out the flavor of a mulled cider. Ground spices may be used, but the taste will differ slightly. It’s best to use whole spices to achieve a full flavor.

Steep cider over low heat to achieve the best results when making mulled cider. Simmering the cider for a couple of hours will bring out the best flavor. Do not boil the cider or the taste may become bitter. To keep your cider warm, place it in the crock pot after simmering.

We are fast finding in today’s world that tea is one drink that offers a healthy alternative to caffeinated beverages. There is an abundance of flavored teas, comforting teas and healthy teas available today. Herbal teas have also become a big hit.

Most herbal teas contain no caffeine. Mint teas have large amounts of vitamin C. This may also be a problem for those whose bodies are sensitive to this vitamin. Mint teas, for those who can enjoy them come in many flavors. Peppermint tea is quite soothing but can be hard on the bladder and digestive system if consumed on a regular basis. Spearmint tea is soothing and is easy on the digestive system.

To achieve the perfect mint tea that your body can tolerate try making your own. Add mint leaves to tea while steeping. It may take a few tries to find the right adjustment of mint, but it is well worth it when you do.

Chamomile tea is another comforting herbal tea. Be careful if you are allergic to ragweed as chamomile is related to the ragweed family. Chamomile is great for naturally relieving muscle spasms that can be brought on by the cold weather.

Flavored hot water might sound a little strange but with some imagination flavored hot waters can be quite delicious. Add flavored extracts with a tiny bit of brown sugar or honey. Stir in orange, lemon or lime zest to add flavor. Spices can be added to give hot water a delicious taste.

Enjoying a cup of warmth can be one way to fend off that winter chill. Head off to the grocery store and see what might be available or better yet experiment on your own. Cuddle up and enjoy.

Cabbage with Minted Pork

porkcabbage

porkcabbageWhat You Need:

2 C of jasmine rice
2 C of vegetable broth
1 T of grated lime zest
1 T of grated lemon zest
1/2 C lime juice
2 T of lemon juice
2 T of soy sauce
2 T of rice vinegar
3 t of light brown sugar
2 t of jalapeno pepper, minced
4 scallions, chopped
1 bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
1 C of fresh mint, chopped
1 1/2 lb. ground pork
1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
1 C of snow peas

How to Make It:

Spray the bottom and sides of a cast iron Dutch oven well with cooking spray.
Preset the oven temperature to 450 degrees.
Place the rice into the pan.
Pour the broth over the rice and smooth the rice into an even layer.
Place both types of zest into a mixing bowl.
Add both the lime and lemon juice, the soy sauce, vinegar and the brown sugar to the bowl.
Stir until all the ingredients are mixed together well.
Stir in the jalapeno peppers, scallions, bell peppers and the mint.
Break up the ground pork into the bowl and stir until completely blended in.
Drop the mixture by spoonfuls into the pot.
Stuff the cabbage into the pan and spread the snow peas over the cabbage.
Cover and bake 45 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.

Makes 4 servings

This dish is a little spicy with the infusion of the jalapeno peppers. If you like a little less spice, use a milder pepper such as Serrano or Anaheim instead.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 45 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 05 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 652; Fat 21g; Carbohydrates 81g; Cholesterol 99 mg; Sodium 123 mg; Protein 35g; Fiber 4g