Friday, May 23, 2014

Frittata

A frittata is an Italian style egg dish, similar to an omelet.  There are three differences that come to mind:

1) An omelet is  cooked completely on the stove top, while a frittata is started on the stove top and finished under the broiler.

2) A frittata can be eaten warm or cold, while omelets are always eaten while warm. Frittatas make great picnic fare!

3) Presentation:  an omelet has an egg  outside folded over the desired fillings. A frittata has other ingredients mixed into the eggs and is served in wedges, similar to pizza.

Below is a basic frittata recipe. You can use almost any vegetables that you like in a frittata, should you decide to try making one!
Spinach & Tomato Frittata


Basic Frittata Recipe
serves 4

1 small  red onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 pound fresh spinach, rinsed and cleaned
4 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
8 eggs, beaten
1 T. grated parmesan cheese
2-3 ounces ham, cut into cubes or julienne
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil, a drizzle

Heat a large ovenproof skillet (nonstick is preferred) on the stove while you prep the vegetables.  Preheat the broiler.  Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet, then the red onion.  Add the mushrooms and cook until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook another minute or two.  Finally, add the spinach. Cover the pan until the spinach is wilted.  Remove all the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Return the empty skillet to the burner and allow it to heat up again.

Break open the eggs and beat them in a small bowl.  Add the parmesan cheese, ham, and some salt and pepper and mix together.  Add another small drizzle of oil to the pan and add the egg mixture. As it begins to cook, press the cooked vegetables into the top of the egg mixture. 

Continue to cook on the stove top until the sides of the frittata are set.  Remove from burner and place under broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until eggs are browned and fluffy.  

Transfer cooked frittata to a platter. It can be served cut into wedges, either warm or cooled.

WW points: 4 per serving


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Bring on Summer...bring out the salad!

The hot days of summer are soon to come.  For a lot of us that means eating lighter, yet satisfying foods.  Here is an idea for a summer salad that you might like to make over and over again!




Satisfying Summer Salad
serves 2

10-12 oz baby spinach, cleaned
1  6 oz. chicken breast, grilled and sliced
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 seedless navel orange, peeled and cut into segments
1/2 red onion, sliced
12 toasted walnuts halves chopped


Make a bed of spinach on serving platter.  Artfully arrange bacon, orange slices,onion,walnuts and chicken slices over top.  

Serve with dressing of choice. Some ideas are champagne vinaigrette
or  citrus vinaigrette.

WW points: 7 per serving, excluding dressing

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Cranberry Hootycreeks

It's time to post another "splurge" recipe...and these cookies are just soooo good!
They are really a variation of oatmeal raisin cookies..so I guess you you want to eat more oats this is one way of doing it!

Craisins
Image source: Mt. Craisin




Cranberry Hootycreeks
yield: 18-24 cookies


1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1⁄8 cup sifted flour, all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup rolled oats, uncooked
1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
1⁄3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup dried cranberries
1⁄2 cup white chocolate baking chips
1⁄2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped



Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.
Sift flour before measuring. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.


In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla 
until fluffy. Mix with brown sugar. Add dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Add oats. Fold in cranberries, white chocolate chips, and nuts.


Drop rounded tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until 
edges start to brown.

Cool on wire rack. 



Option:  These cookies can make a great gift in a jar...for details, click the photo caption above.