Baked Ziti with Summer Squash

July 17, 2016 Leave a Comment

baked zizi with summer squashBAKED ZITI WITH SUMMER SQUASH

Weight Watchers : Cook it Fast

2 cups (about 6 oz.) whole wheat ziti of penne

2 tsp. olive oil

1 yellow summer squash, thinly sliced

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups fat-free ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

Cook ziti according to package directions, omitting salt if desired; drain.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray 8-inch square baking dis with non-stick spray.

Heat oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add squash, zucchini and garlic; cook, stirring until softened, about 6 minutes.  Stir in cooked ziti and marinara sauce.

Combine all together; transfer mixture to prepared baking dish; top with some extra mozzarella cheese.  Bake until heated through and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Cook’s Note:  To add even more flavor to this dish, stir a handful of chopped fresh basil into pasta before baking.

(Recipe: Baked Ziti with Summer Squash was in Weight Watchers – Cook it Fast; August, 2014)

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Apple Zucchini Crisp

August 6, 2015 Leave a Comment
Apple Zucchini Crisp

Apple Zucchini Crisp

This recipe, Apple Zucchini Crisp, your favorite apples and garden fresh zucchini become a low-carb dessert that will have your family clamoring for seconds.

 

Apple Zucchini Crisp Recipe

 

Apple Zucchini Crisp

1 cup apples, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups zucchini, peeled, halved and thinly sliced

¼ cup Splenda brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon, divided

A pinch of nutmeg

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/3 cup almond meal

1/3 cup sliced almond

1/3 cup chopped pecans

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ cup butter, melted

 

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Toss the apples, zucchini, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and the lemon juice together.  Pour into an 8×8 inch baking dish.

Mix the brown sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, almond meal, almonds and pecans together.

Stir in the vanilla in with the melted butter and pour over the nut mixture.  Mix well.

Crumble the nut mixture evenly over apples and zucchini.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Top with whipped cream, if desired.

 

(Recipe for Apple Zucchini Crisp, Diabetic Connect, 2015)

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Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

August 1, 2015 Leave a Comment
Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini

This recipe, Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini, combines a starch, vegetables and the shrimp, all you need is a fruit or vegetable salad to round out the menu.

 

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta Recipe

 

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, divided

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

2 tsp. plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

Pinch of cayenne, to taste

1 lb. peeled and deveined raw shrimp (31-40 per lb.)

2 cups orecchiette or small pasta, preferably whole wheat

2 medium zucchini or summer squash, or 1 of each

 

Combine ¼ cup basil, tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons oil, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne in a medium bowl.  Stir in shrimp; let stand for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot pf boiling water until just tender, 8 to 11 minutes or according to package directions.  Drain.

Quarter squash lengthwise and cut into ¼ inch thick slices.  Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until hot but not smoking.  Add the shrimp mixture along with the squash.  Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are PINK and just barely cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.  Stir in the pasta and heat, stirring, until piping hot, 1 to 2 minutes.  Stir in the remaining ¼ cup basil and season with pepper.

 

(Recipe for Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta, Diabetic Connect, 2015)

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Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet

December 10, 2014 Leave a Comment

 

Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet

Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour.  Slow down the pace with this super quick mouthwatering meal.  The only thing you’ll have left over is time to share with your family at the table.

        Brigitte Schaller                                                                               Flemington, Missouri

Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet Recipe

 

Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet

1 ½ cups uncooked penne pasta

1 lb. ground pork

½ cup chopped onion

1 can (14.5 oz.) Stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 medium zucchini, cut into ¼ inch slices

 

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook pork and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.  Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Drain pasta; add to skillet.  Stir in zucchini.  Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until zucchini is crisp-tender.            5 servings

 

(Recipe for Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet was in www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

November 15, 2014 Leave a Comment

 

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

This recipe, Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta is from Diabetic Connect.  This quick-cooking, healthy dinner is a simple combination of zucchini, shrimp and pasta flecked with plenty of fresh basil.  If you have leftover cooked pasta from another meal, use it and skin Step 2.  Since the recipe combines a starch, vegetable and the shrimp, all you need is a fruit or vegetable salad to round out the menu.

                                                           Recipe by:   Nancy Baggett

 

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta Recipe

 

Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta

½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, divided

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

2 tsp. plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin oil, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper, or more to taste

Pinch of cayeene pepper, to taste

1 lb. peeled and deveined raw shrimp (31-40 per 1 lb.)

2 cups orecchiette or other small pasta, preferably whole-wheat

2 medium zucchini or summer squash or 1 of each

 

.Combine ¼ cup basil, tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons oil, garlic, salt, pepper and cayeene in a medium bowl.  Stir in shrimp; let stand for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook past in a large pan of boiling water until just tender, 8 to 11 minutes or according to package directions.  Drain.

Quarter squash lengthwise and cut into ¼ inch thick slices.  Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.  Add the shrimp mixture along with the squash.  Cook, stirring, UNTIL THE SHRIMP ARE PINK AND JUST BARELY COOKED THROUGH, 3 to 4 minutes.  Stir in the pasta and heat, stirring, until piping hot, 1 to 2 minutes.  Stir in the remaining ¼ cup basil and season with pepper.        4 servings

 

(Recipe for Basil, Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta came from Diabetic Connect, 2014)

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Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole

November 5, 2014 Leave a Comment

 

Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole

Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole

This recipe, Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole is from Diabetic Connect.  Here we make a low-fat shrimp and vegetable chili (which is quite tasty on its own) and top it with a layer of golden cornbread for a delicious casserole that can be made ahead.  The dish serve 12, so it’s just right for serving to a crowd gathered to watch a Sunday game on TV.

Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

 

Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole

2 tsp. canola oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium zucchini, diced (5 cups)

1 ½ Tbsp. chili powder

1 ½ tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

2 cans (14 oz.) no-salt-added diced tomatoes

1 ½ lbs. raw shrimp, (41-50 per lb.), peeled and deveined

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cornbread Topping:      1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

¾ cup nonfat milk

¼ cup canola oil

1 large egg

1 Tbsp. honey

 

To prepare filling:  Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.  Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.  Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.  Stir in zucchini; cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes.  Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon salt; cook for 20 seconds.  Pour in tomatoes and their juice; bring to a simmer.  Remove from the heat.  Stir in shrimp and cilantro.  Pour into a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare cornbread topping:  Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl.  Whish milk, ¼ cup oil, egg and honey in a medium bowl until smooth.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.  Drop by heaping tablespoons over the shrimp mixture.

Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the top is browned and the filling is bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.           12 servings

Bake, let cool for 1 hour, cover with parchment the foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.  Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350 F. oven for 1 hour.

 

(Recipe for Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole came from Diabetic Connect, 2014)

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Zucchini Enchiladas

July 23, 2014 Leave a Comment
Zucchini Enchiladas

Zucchini Enchiladas

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

I love this enchilada recipe because it helps me serve a healthy but tasty meal to my family.  Also, zucchini is so plentiful in the garden and this dish makes a great way to use it up.   * This recipe is Diabetic Friendly! *

            Angela Leinenbach                                                                         Mechanicsville, Virginia

 

Zucchini Enchiladas Recipe

Zucchini Enchiladas

1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 large sweet onion, chopped

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (12 oz. each) tomato sauce

2 cans (14 ½ oz. each) no-salt added diced tomatoes, undrained

2 Tbsp. chili powder

2 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. dried marjoram

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 bay leaf

3 lbs. zucchini, shredded (about 8 cups)

24 corn tortillas (6 inch), warmed

4 cups (16 oz.) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

2 cans (2 ¼ oz. each) sliced ripe olives, drained

½ cup minced fresh cilantro

Reduced-fat sour cream, optional

 

In a large saucepan, sauté peppers and onion in oil until tender.  Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.  Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes, chili powder, sugar, marjoram, basil, cumin, salt, cayenne and bay leaf.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until slightly thickened.  Discard bay leaf.

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Place 1/3 cup zucchini down the center of each tortilla; top with 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 tablespoon olives.  Roll up and place seam side down in two 13×9 inch baking dishes coated with cooking spray.  Pour sauce over the top; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until heated through.  Sprinkle with cilantro.  Serve with sour cream if desired.            12 servings

 

(Recipe for Zucchini Enchiladas was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Penne Beef Bake

March 22, 2014 Leave a Comment
Penne Beef Bake

Penne Beef Bake

 

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

 

I had ground beef and veggies on hand so I came up with this pizza-flavored casserole.  I never expected my family to love it so much.  It’s a good way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids.  This recipe is Diabetic Friendly!

         Jennifer Wise                                                                    Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

 

Penne Beef Bake Recipe

Penne Beef Bake

I package (12 oz.) whole wheat penne pasta

1 lb. lean ground beef (90% lean)

2 medium zucchini, finely chopped

1 large green pepper, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 jar (24 oz.) meatless spaghetti sauce

1 ½ cups reduced-fat Alfredo sauce

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

¼ tsp. garlic powder

Cook penne according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the beef, zucchini, pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.  Stir in the spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese and garlic powder.  Drain penne; stir into meat mixture.

Transfer to a 13 x 9 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Cover and bake at 375 F. for 20 minutes.  Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.  Bake, uncovered, 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.         8 serving

 

(Recipe for Penne Beef Bake was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)

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Tortellini Soup with Sausage

October 22, 2013 3 Comments

 

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Crisp, cool weather calls for warm, hearty soup like this dish.

                                  Barbara Onofrey is from Pennsylvania

                                                                

Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

 

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

1 lb. mild Italian sausage (or 1 lb. ground pork mixed with 1 Tbsp. ITALIAN SAUSAGE SEASONING)

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

5 cups beef broth (or 5 cups water mixed with 2-3 tsp. BEEF SOUP BASE)

1/2 cup water

½ cup dry red wine (or ¼ cup balsamic vinegar + ¼ cup water)

1 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes

1 cup thinly sliced carrots (2 medium carrots)

½ tsp. CALIFORNIA BASIL

½ tsp. TURKISH OREGANO

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1 package (16 oz.) tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 ½ cups sliced zucchini (1 medium)

¼-1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 (* Penzeys spices)

 

In a stock pot, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes, breaking it up and turning it over a few times during cooking.  Drain well, leaving ½ tsp. of drippings in the pot.  Set the sausage aside.

Reduce heat to medium, add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until tender, 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly.  Add the broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, HERBS, tomato sauce and sausage.  Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.  Skim off any fat.  Add tortellini and bell pepper, cover and simmer 15 minutes.  Add zucchini and simmer another 20-30 minutes.  Serve with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.           12 servings

 

(Recipe for Tortellini Soup with Sausage was in the Penzeys Spice Catalog.)

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Veggie Quiche Bundles

October 3, 2013 Leave a Comment
Veggie Quiche Bundles

Veggie Quiche Bundles

 

These special appetizers are as eye-catching as they are tasty.  With a rich cheese-and-veggie-filling, the crispy phyllo bundles could even be served as part of a brunch buffet.

 

Veggie Quiche Bundles Recipe

Veggie Quiche Bundles

1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms

½ cup diced zucchini

¼ cup chopped red onion

1 Tbsp. plus 1/3 cup butter, divided

1 plum tomato, seeded and diced

3 eggs

½ cup milk

1 Tbsp. prepared pesto

¼ tsp. coarsely ground pepper

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

12 sheets phyllo dough (14×9 inches)

In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms, zucchini and onion in 1 tablespoon butter until mushrooms are tender; stir in tomato.  In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, pesto and pepper.  In another bowl, combine feta and mozzarella cheeses.

Melt remaining butter.  Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface; brush with butter.  Repeat with three more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer.  Cut phyllo in half widthwise, then cut in half lengthwise.  (Keep remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out).

Repeat with remaining phyllo dough and butter.  Carefully place each stack in a greased muffin cup.  Fill each with 4 teaspoons vegetable mixture, 1 tablespoon cheese mixture and 4 teaspoons egg mixture.  Pinch corners of phyllo together and twist to seal.

Bake at 325 F. for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve warm.  Refrigerate leftovers.     1 dozen

(Recipe for Veggie Quiche Bundles came from tasteofhome.com)

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