Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Market Salad

 
 
 
Market Salad
serves 8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1/2 c. distilled white vinegar
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt

2 c. broccoli florets
2 c. cauliflower florets
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin short strips
1 16 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 c. shredded fat free mozzarella cheese

In large bowl, whisk together first five ingredients. Add the vegetables, tossing thoroughly to blend. Add cheese, tossing lightly.

Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.


WW points: 6 per serving

recipe courtesy HJ Heinz and Sargento Inc.

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