tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11573630566010076612024-03-13T04:02:27.517-07:00The Cooking SpoonThe Cooking Spoon has topics about food, recipes, cooking and easy how to's.Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-30274739662824012222007-11-14T14:29:00.000-08:002007-11-14T14:34:21.905-08:00Pumpkin Cheesecake PieA delicious Pumpkin Pie rendition! This will be wonderful for dessert after Thanksgiving dinner.<br /><br /><br />2 tablespoons butter, melted<br /><br />1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened<br /><br />1 cup pumpkin filling<br /><br />1/2 cup granulated sugar<br /><br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br /><br />1/4 teaspoon nutmeg<br /><br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />2 large eggs<br /><br />Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, spices and vanilla extract in<br /><br />small mixer bowl until blended. Add eggs; beat well. Pour into ready made pie pan. Bake 30<br /><br />to 35 minutes or until. Remove from oven and allow to cool.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-39943562982827034282007-11-08T09:47:00.000-08:002007-11-08T09:50:40.983-08:00Call For Favorite Crockpot RecipesAlong with the Friday favorite recipe of the week we will also be posting some of our favorite crockpot recipes.<br /><br />Do you have a favorite you would like to share?<br /><br />Send it to our <a href="mailto:cookingspoon@gmail.com">email address</a> and it can be shared with the world!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-79890427204744495422007-11-08T07:53:00.000-08:002007-11-08T08:30:51.221-08:00Apple and Maple CupcakesI was recently browsing for a new dessert recipe and came upon this refreshing recipe at <a href="http://www.cupcakefrenzy.blogspot.com/">Cupcake Frenzy</a>. Just a few things need to be picked up from the <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2701521-10369566">grocery store </a>and I will be trying out this new fall recipe. Add a cup of <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2701521-10478549">coffee</a> and it's a perfect snack.<br /><br />Dagmar on her <a href="http://www.acatinthekitchen.com/">blog</a> added mini <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Torturros</span> which makes the cupcakes even more fabulous. Take a look at her rendition of this recipe <a href="http://www.acatinthekitchen.com/?p=276">here</a>.<br /><br />The frosting is extremely sweet so you might want to try the cupcakes with and without the frosting.<br /><br /><strong>Apple and Maple Cupcakes</strong><br /><br />Cupcake Ingredients:<br /><br />4 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened<br /><br />1 cup self raising flour<br /><br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br /><br />1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar<br /><br />1/4 cup maple-flavoured syrup<br /><br />2 eggs<br /><br />2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans<br /><br />1/2 cup coarsely grated apple<br /><br /><br />Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Beat butter, flour, cinnamon, sugar, syrup and eggs with electric mixer on low speed until ingredients are combined. Increase speed to medium, beat until mixture changes to a paler color. Stir in pecans and apple. Fill cupcake cases 2/3 full with batter. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden. Cool on wire racks, then spread with maple frosting. Makes approximately 30 mini cupcakes.<br /><br /><strong>Maple Frosting</strong><br /><br />6 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened<br /><br />1 cup icing sugar<br /><br />2-3 teaspoons maple-flavored syrup<br /><br />Beat butter, sifted icing sugar and maple syrup until light and fluffy.<br /><br /><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.starbucksstore.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2701521-10393881" target="_blank"><br /><img height="60" alt="StarbucksStore.com" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2701521-10393881" width="120" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-51191200870379616632007-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:002007-11-06T13:39:48.947-08:00Turkey and Apple SaladMany salads can be the main course, if desired. Having turkey, instead of chicken can give you some variety with your meals. It’s a perfect choice for something different on your dining table. Its versatility allows a choice for lunch, dinner, or a tasty side dish. Leftover Turkey from Thanksgiving would be an excellent choice also.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />3 cups chopped turkey breast<br />6 cups chopped lettuce<br />5 medium size apples<br />3/4 cup raisins<br />1 1/2 cup grapes<br />1 cup orange juice<br />1/2 cup toasted coconut<br />1 tablespoons vanilla flavoring<br />1 1/2 to 2 cups mayonnaise (low fat mayonnaise optional)<br />Salt<br />Pepper<br />In a large frying pan cook turkey after spraying pan with non-stick oil. Let pan heat up. Add orange juice and vanilla flavoring to pan and cover. Cook on medium heat allowing juice and flavoring to seep into turkey until liquid is gone. Turn off heat and allow turkey to cool.<br />Peel and chop up apples to desired size, after rinsing them. For better taste, cut apples into small cubes.<br /><br />Rinse and drain grapes and cut each grape in half. (Cutting the grapes isn't a neccesity, but adds to that "perfect bite" of salad. You can also cut in thirds if you prefer.<br />In medium sized salad bowl, add turkey, apples, grapes, lettuce, and raisins. You can toast the coconut easily by spreading it out thinly on a cookie sheet and putting in oven at 350 degrees for about one minute. Watch closely since every oven is different. You will be able to tell by looking at it, if that is sufficient time, by how brown the coconut is. If not brown enough, stick in oven again, but watch it carefully for burning. Once cooled, add coconut to your salad mixture.<br /><br />Add 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise and mix well. If you like a more slippery salad add additional mayonnaise until satisfied with result.<br />Put covered salad into refrigerator and let cool completely. It will take approximately 3 hours for it to be completely chilled and ready to eat. Salt and pepper to taste. This recipe serves 6-8 people.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-55599976677383267662007-11-05T07:17:00.001-08:002007-11-06T06:17:11.613-08:00Low Fat Blueberry MuffinsBlueberry muffins are the perfect snack and breakfast food for the entire family. Is it possible to make a delicious but low fat version? Absolutely! Out of all the low fat muffin recipes available, this is the one you will make over and over again.<br /><br />1 cup whole wheat flour<br />1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats<br />2 tsp. baking powder<br />2 lg. egg whites<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 cup buttermilk<br />3/4 cup orange concentrate<br />1 1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />1/4 tsp. nutmeg<br />1/4 tsp. cinnamon<br />1 pinch salt<br />1 1/2 cup unsweetened blueberries<br /><br />For a healthy gift for someone visit <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2701521-10509864" target="_blank">Gift Boxes at The Fruit Company</a><br /><img height="1" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2701521-10509864" width="1" border="0" /><br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine egg whites, buttermilk, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the liquid mixture to dry ingredients; blend until mixture is moistened. Spray non-stick cooking spray onto muffin pan. Spoon out mixture into muffin pans until cup in pan is 3/4 full. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. This recipe serves 12 muffins.<br /><br />Try some Chocolate Covered Blueberries <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2701521-10509982" target="_blank">Click Here!</a><br /><br /><br /><img height="1" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2701521-10509982" width="1" border="0" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-15241059211075860152007-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:002007-11-06T06:21:19.560-08:00Cranberry Apple Muffins<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_rWwF6WLFSVQ/Ryuu028BvTI/AAAAAAAAAA4/d7GxE97-rI8/s1600-h/cranmuffing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128384823815159090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_rWwF6WLFSVQ/Ryuu028BvTI/AAAAAAAAAA4/d7GxE97-rI8/s320/cranmuffing.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><p>After trying these muffins you won’t believe they are low in fat. </p><br /><p>This is a sweet treat on a crisp morning. </p><p><br /></p><br /><p>Here is what you will need:</p><br /><p>1 cup whole wheat flour </p><br /><p>2 tsp. baking powder </p><br /><p>2 lg. eggs</p><br /><p>1/2 tsp. baking soda </p><br /><p>1/2 cup buttermilk </p><br /><p>3/4 cup orange concentrate </p><br /><p>1 1/2 tsp. vanilla </p><br /><p>1/4 tsp. nutmeg </p><br /><p>1/2 tsp. cinnamon </p><br /><p>1 pinch salt </p><br /><p>1 cup apples, peeled and chopped finely</p><br /><p>1/2 cup cranberries, rinsed</p><br /><p><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine eggs, buttermilk, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the liquid mixture and fruit to dry ingredients; blend until mixture is moistened. Spray non-stick-cooking spray onto muffin pan. Spoon out mixture into muffin pans until cup in pan is 3/4 full. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cooling. This recipe serves 12 muffins. </p><p></p><p>For a healthy gift idea pick out some <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2701521-10509864" target="_blank">Gift Boxes at The Fruit Company</a><img height="1" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2701521-10509864" width="1" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee<br />click here</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-41969835516364575552007-10-31T08:22:00.000-07:002007-10-31T22:59:20.113-07:00Apple Pecan Stuffed Pork Chops with Cranberry Vinaigrette SaladHere's what you will need for this recipe:<br /><br />2 Boneless Pork Chops, 1 1/2 thick<br />3 medium sized apples, rinsed, peeled and diced<br />1 1/2 cups herb flavored croutons<br />1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped<br />2 tbsp. oil<br />2 tbsp. butter<br />1 tsp. seasoned salt<br />Salt<br />Pepper<br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add oil to skilled. Brown pork chops in skillet on medium heat.. Place pork chops in baking pan. Apply seasoned salt. Bake covered in oven for approximately 35-40 minutes.<br /><br />When pork chops have 15 minutes left for cooking, start stuffing. In small saucepan, boil 1 cup water and butter. Add croutons, apples and cinnamon. Stir until very moist. Add more water little by little if necessary. Cover and keep on low heat until pork chops have completed cooking.<br /><br />When fully cooked, remove pork chops from oven and put on serving plates. Divide a good portion of apple stuffing mixture on top of each pork chop. Sprinkle pecans on top of stuffing.<br />The pecans can be added to the stuffing mixture when cooking if preferred. Serves 2.<br /><br /><strong>Cranberry Vinaigrette Dressing</strong><br /><br />1/3 cup fresh cranberries<br />3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar<br />1/3 cup olive oil<br />1 1/2 tbsp. water<br />1 tsp. Honey Dijon mustard<br />1/2 tsp. minced garlic<br />1/4 tsp. oregano<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/2 tsp. black pepper<br />3 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens, rinsed.<br /><br />Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until mixed completely. In medium sized salad bowl, toss greens and dressing together. Divide onto plates with apple pork chops and stuffing. Your entree is now complete.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=1000&si=">Try 4 Seasons - Case of Wine</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-49241895712361168422007-10-30T18:58:00.000-07:002007-11-06T06:39:12.471-08:00Low Fat HamburgerHamburgers originated in the 1800's. The exact person who invented them is not known but one thing we do know, we love hamburgers. It's hard to imagine not being able to have them. The secret is keeping them low fat. Making low fat hamburgers at home will keep us proactive in our health choices. Here are two variations that are both tasty and low in fat.<br /><br /><strong>Low Fat Hamburgers</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>One pound lean ground chuck. The leaner the <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2701521-10484518">meat</a>,the less fat content You can also mix a half pound ground chuck with a half pound of ground turkey for less fat intake.<br />One egg white<br />1/2 cup croutons.<br />1/4 cup Worcestershire or A-1 sauce<br />Seasoning Salt<br />1/2 cup onion (optional)<br /><br />In large bowl put ground chuck or half ground chuck and half ground turkey. Add crushed croutons, sauce preference, egg white and 2-3 shakes of Seasoning Salt. The onion will help add juiciness to your burger. If you don't care for onions, you can add chopped mushrooms or green pepper for additional flavor. Mix ingredients well and put into patties. Lean beef can be dry. One pound of meat will make about 4-5 patties depending on the size you like. Grilling will drain more fat from the burgers and give them that delectable smoky flavor, but you can also bake these. When baking put metal screen in pan first, then burgers on top. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. It is important to have an internal temperature of 160 degrees for burgers. After approximately 30 minutes, check your burgers. If not done, manage time accordingly. You now have juicy, and delicious low fat burgers. Serve with your favorite side dish and beverage and enjoy!<br /><br />The lowest fat burger is one without the meat. Many vegetarian burgers are made like the one below.<br /><br /><strong>Vegetarian Burger</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />3 leafs Romaine lettuce<br />1/2-cup alfalfa sprouts<br />One slice tomato<br />One slice Low Fat American Cheese (Optional)<br />4 -5 slices cucumber<br />2 slices whole wheat bread or a whole wheat bun<br />One tablespoon low fat mayonnaise<br />Salt and Pepper<br /><br />On your bread or bun, put romaine lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato and then cucumber slices. On top of bun put your mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee<br />click here</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HamburgerH istory.htm<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-73114699075408795762007-10-29T02:09:00.000-07:002007-10-29T02:13:20.212-07:00Mushroom and Onion ChickenHere's a delicious and simple recipe for a Monday meal.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 boneless chicken breasts, thawed<br />Garlic powder 8 fresh mushrooms, rinsed and sliced<br />1/2 medium white onion, sliced<br />2 tbsp. butter or margarine<br />2 slices Swiss cheese<br /><br />In medium sized frying pan, add 1 tbsp. butter. Put heat on medium to low and swirl pan to spread butter while heating. Add chicken breasts. Put two dashes of garlic powder on each and cover pan. In separate pan, on low to medium heat, add rest of butter. Swirl butter again in this pan and then add mushrooms and onion. Allow vegetables to saute until tender. Turn off heat. Turn chicken breasts over in other pan (about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown color) and cover once again. When almost fully cooked, add Swiss cheese on top and cover for approximately 60 seconds to allow cheese to melt. Remove from pan and put on plates. Divide vegetables over chicken. Serves 2.<br /><br />Rice pilaf, baked sweet potato, or baked potato would compliment this recipe. A side salad or applesauce would join this meal nicely also.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee<br />click here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-36774846104723348742007-10-27T00:33:00.000-07:002007-10-27T00:40:23.132-07:00Greek Salad PerfectionThis salad is perfect all year round.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ingredients</span>:<br /><br />One sliced medium yellow or medium Bermuda onion. The Bermuda is not as strong tasting and adds more color but most of us have some kind of onion on hand and any will work.<br /><br />One medium sized cucumber. It's better to just scrub the outside and not peel it. Slice it and quarter it.<br /><br />One small can sliced black olives, drained or one small can whole black olives, drained. This is a matter of preference but the sliced olives make for a better tasting salad forkful and since the Greek Olives are whole it adds a different shape for aesthetic appeal.<br /><br />One head of lettuce, chopped. Romaine is more nutritious but either kind will do.<br /><br />Make sure to soak your lettuce in ice cold water in the sink, add 2 ice trays of ice from your freezer. Let it soak for at least a half-hour, then allow to drain. It's okay if you don't want to do this but this little secret is why salad's in restaurants taste so much better then the one's we make at home!<br /><br />One large tomato or 3 to 4 Roma tomatoes sliced and quartered. Roma are better here but again, either will do. Some recipes suggest clearing out the seeds of the tomatoes but it's not necessary for this one.<br /><br />3-4 oz. Feta Cheese crumbled.<br /><br />1/4 to 1/2 cup Greek Salad Dressing to taste. Italian dressing can also be substituted here.<br /><br />8 Greek Olives. Normally these have to be bought in a container but some deli's offer them and you can pick up however many olives you need. This recipe calls for about 8.<br /><br />After your lettuce is well drained, put it in large salad bowl, add black olives, Greek olives, onion, tomato, cucumber and Feta cheese. Save a small handful of Feta Cheese to add to the top when you are finished. Toss the salad well. Now add your Greek or Italian Dressing. Start off with 1/4 cup and add more if you think it's needed. When you are happy with the amount of dressing, top it off with the rest of the Feta cheese. Put your salad in the fridge after covering with plastic or aluminum wrap and let it sit for at least 3 hours.<br /><br /><br />For something different you can also use a variety of pastas instead of the lettuce. One 12-ounce package of spiral, vermicelli, or tortellini pasta make tasty substitutes. Make sure your pasta is cooled off before adding other ingredients.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-22151050793164529132007-10-24T23:45:00.000-07:002007-10-25T00:00:49.727-07:00Call For Your Favorite Soup RecipeWhat is your favorite soup? With the cold weather upon us what is the first soup you make? Chili? Autumn vegetable? Chicken and Slipjacks? Send your favorite recipe for soup to The Cooking Spoon's <a href="mailto:www.cookingspoon@gmail.com">email address </a>and each Friday I will pick one and post it with your name and reason why you choose your soup of choice.<br /><br />For me, Autumn soup is my favorite. You can find the recipe <a href="http://cookingspoon.blogspot.com/2007/10/autumn-vegetable-soup.html">here</a>.<br /><br />When I was young my dad would make this soup for me for me birthday. It brings fond memories of my childhood.<br /><br />Share your memories and your favorite soup.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=919&si="><br />You are eligible to receive a Free* $500 Olive Garden Gift Card!</a><br /><br /><br /><script language="'javascript'" src="'http://www.affscript.com/affInterface/afftv.aspx?code=" subid="subid948..13327'" affid="CD4142&video="></script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-90592867782322369212007-10-22T20:22:00.000-07:002007-10-22T20:23:10.861-07:00Fast and Simple Stuffed Pork ChopsIf you are on the go, this is a fast recipe for supper that tastes so good it seems like it should have taken hours. Both filling and taste bud appealing, this recipe will be a pleasure after a hard day at the office.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 Tablespoons salted butter (unsalted butter optional)<br />4 Butterfly thick cut pork chops<br />2 cups sage croutons<br />1 1/4 cup chicken broth<br />Thyme<br />Seasoned salt<br />One small onion, peeled, rinsed and finely chopped<br />1/2 cup celery, rinsed and finely chopped<br />1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, rinsed and finely chopped<br />Salt<br />Pepper<br /><br />In small cup, put 1/2-teaspoon thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt. Mix together well. Sprinkle over each side of pork chops. In large frying pan, add butter, and seasoned pork chops. Cook up to 6 minutes on each side on low to medium heat. Keep pan covered as much as possible. When well done, remove from pan, place on cookie tray and put in oven. Turn oven to 200 degrees to keep pork chops warm while making stuffing. In juices and drippings left in pan, add chopped onion, celery and mushrooms. Saute on low to medium heat until vegetables are done. Add chicken broth and sage croutons. Stir ingredients together until stuffing texture takes hold. Heat on low heat until stuffing is nice and hot. Take out pork chops from oven and spoon a balanced amount of stuffing onto each pork chop. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4 people. Add a vegetable or side salad and your meal is complete.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-41033526745680837952007-10-19T21:39:00.000-07:002007-10-19T21:53:28.328-07:00Apple Pecan Stuffed Pork Chops with Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad2 Boneless Pork Chops, 1 1/2 thick<br />3 medium sized apples, rinsed, peeled and diced<br />1 1/2 cups herb flavored croutons<br />1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped<br />2 tbsp. oil<br />2 tbsp. butter<br />1 tsp. seasoned salt<br />Salt<br />Pepper<br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add oil to skilled. Brown pork chops in skillet on medium heat.. Place pork chops in baking pan. Apply seasoned salt. Bake covered in oven for approximately 35-40 minutes. Make sure to cover the pork chops to keep them moist.<br /><br />When pork chops have 15 minutes left for cooking, start stuffing. In small saucepan, boil 1 cup water and butter. Add croutons, apples and cinnamon. Stir until very moist. Add more water little by little if necessary. Cover and keep on low heat until pork chops have completed cooking.<br /><br />When fully cooked, remove pork chops from oven and put on serving plates. Divide a good portion of apple stuffing mixture on top of each pork chop. Sprinkle pecans on top of stuffing. The pecans can be added to the stuffing mixture when cooking if preferred. Serves 2.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Cranberry Vinaigrette Dressing</strong><br /><br />1/3 cup fresh cranberries<br />3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar<br />1/3 cup olive oil<br />1 1/2 tbsp. water<br />1 tsp. Honey Dijon mustard<br />1/2 tsp. minced garlic<br />1/4 tsp. oregano<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/2 tsp. black pepper<br />3 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens, rinsed.<br /><br />Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until mixed completely. In medium sized salad bowl, toss greens and dressing together. Divide onto plates with apple pork chops and stuffing. Your entree is now complete.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=952&si="><br /><img alt="Click Here" src="http://www.affiliateer.com/imager.asp?i=2933" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-10894643217189694132007-10-18T08:49:00.000-07:002007-10-18T19:06:19.834-07:00Moist Ground Turkey Sandwich with MushroomsTurkey and Mushrooms<br />By Micah Reeves<br />Ingredients<br />1/2 pound ground turkey<br />One egg white<br />8 fresh mushrooms, rinsed and sliced<br />1 pieces of dried out bread. Whole wheat is a good choice. Just leave the bread out for a day and it will be nicely dried the next day.<br />Worcestershire Sauce<br />Seasoning Salt<br />One slice Swiss Cheese<br />1/2 cup onion (optional)<br />Hamburger buns (optional)<br />Fresh asparagus or broccoli (optional)<br />Salad fixings (optional)<br /><br />In medium size bowl put all of your ground turkey. Add crumbled up bread, Worcestershire, egg white and 2-3 shakes of Seasoning Salt. Mix ingredients well and put into patties. 1/2 pound of ground turkey will make 2 nice sized patties If it is not too cold to grill, grilling will give them that delectable smoky flavor but they taste great pan fried as well. If grilling, get your grill ready. Cook burgers until done. In small frying pan, spray with non-stick cooking oil, and saute mushrooms. When burgers are done take off grill, or out of pan, and place on plate. Add Swiss Cheese to the top of each and spatula on mushrooms. Serve them on a bun or with other accompaniments. Steamed asparagus or broccoli goes well, along with a fresh side salad. Serves 2.<br /><br /><script language="'javascript'" src="'http://www.affscript.com/affInterface/afftv.aspx?code=" affid="CD4142&video=" subid="subid948..13327'"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-53234581569388624912007-10-16T21:12:00.000-07:002007-10-16T21:33:39.788-07:00Chicken Martin with vegetablesThis is one of my favorite family recipes that my dad invented, and I’m so glad he did.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients: </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />1 whole chicken fryer cut up (approximately 4 pounds) (<em>6 boneless chicken can also be used)</em><br />2 cans cream of mushroom soup<br />1 cup flour<br />1 tbsp. poultry seasoning<br />1 tbsp. garlic salt<br />1 tbsp. seasoned salt<br />1 tsp. black pepper<br />1 medium onion, peeled and diced<br />1 medium green pepper, de-cored, de-seeded, and diced<br />2 stalks celery, rinsed and diced<br />3 tbsp. olive oil<br /><br />Put flour and seasonings in large Ziploc bag. Shake to distribute seasonings evenly within flour. Dampen chicken so it is moist but not dripping wet. Place each piece in Ziploc bag and shake to completely coat chicken. Put olive oil in skillet. Turn on medium to high heat and brown chicken. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add green pepper, onion and celery in leftover oil drippings and cook until browned. Place chicken back into pan. Add 2 cans cream of mushroom soup. Add one emptied mushroom soup can of water. Cover. Cook for approximately 45 minutes. Serves 6 hungry people.<br />Sides that complement this entree are rice; egg noodles or mashed potatoes. The gravy is ladled over these liberally.<br /><br />Nice vegetable sides can include steamed green beans (or garlic green beans) or carrots.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Source:<br />My dad (Gary Martin)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-16922847437706835222007-10-15T20:57:00.000-07:002007-11-06T06:22:32.306-08:00Easy Apple Storage with FreezingDo you have a bushel of apples and not enough time to cook them? Here is the simplest, least time consuming way to <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=807">save</a> those apples!<br /><br />Items needed:<br />Apples<br />Zip-Loc freezer bags<br />Wash and rinse apples you wish to store. Put apples in freezer bags. Zip up bags and place in freezer. When ready to use, make to sure to rinse apples again and <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=930">utilize </a>right away.<br /><br />Do you have a special way you store apples? Post it here and share it with us.<br /><br />For a healthy gift this holiday season, send <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2701521-10509864" target="_blank">Gift Boxes at The Fruit Company</a><img height="1" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2701521-10509864" width="1" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=953&si="><br /><img alt="Click Here" src="http://www.affiliateer.com/imager.asp?i=2940" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script language="'javascript'" src="'http://www.affscript.com/affInterface/afftv.aspx?code=" subid="subid971..13327'" affid="CD4142&video="></script><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee </a><br /><br /><script language="'javascript'" src="'http://www.affscript.com/affInterface/afftv.aspx?code=" subid="subid948..13327'" affid="CD4142&video="></script><br /><br /><br /><script language="javascript" src="http://www.affscript.com/affInterface/afftv.aspx?code=2007_10_17_9_13_13_Peeler_AdPool_81829&affID=CD4142&video=netflix&subID=subid948..13327"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-33983353455297546022007-10-12T23:49:00.000-07:002007-11-06T06:33:32.486-08:00Autumn Vegetable Soup<a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2701521-10310304" target="_blank"><br /><br /><p align="center"><img height="60" alt="Click to see our great selection of gifts!" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2701521-10310304" width="468" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><strong>Autumn Soup</strong><br /><br />Autumn is the perfect time for making this flavorsome soup. It is easy to make and good for you. This was one of the soups my dad would make when I was growing up and is still one of my favorite soups. The tantalizing aroma will warm up the house and bring a smile to the taste buds. Hearty and colorful, and titled accordingly, this is the “must make” soup recipe for Fall.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />3 medium carrots, rinsed and chopped<br />1 medium onion, rinsed, peeled and chopped<br />5-6 medium Russet potatoes<br />3 celery stalks, rinsed, chopped<br />1 large can tomato juice<br />1 large can diced tomatoes<br />1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef<br />3 Bay leaves<br />1 tsp. Seasoned Salt<br />Salt<br />Pepper<br /><br />In medium sized soup pan, add beef, chopped onions, chopped celery, potatoes and carrots. Add Seasoned Salt. Cook at low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until hamburger is fully cooked. Add can of diced tomatoes, including juice from the can. Add 2/3 can of tomato juice. Depending on consistency preference, the rest of juice can be added later. Add Bay leaves and stir until mixed well. Cover and allow simmering for up to 2 hours so the enticing flavor spreads throughout soup. This can serve up to 6. Add salt and pepper to taste for each bowl. Add some fresh baked bread or breadsticks or variety of crackers.<br /><br />Do you have a favorite vegetable soup recipe? Post it here and share it with us.<br /><br />For a healthy holiday gift idea go to <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2701521-10507885" target="_blank">Holiday Gifts From The Fruit Company</a><img height="1" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-2701521-10507885" width="1" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee<br />click here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-14058229019924003202007-10-11T21:53:00.000-07:002007-10-15T23:58:05.576-07:00Low Fat Blueberry MuffinsBlueberry muffins are the perfect snack and breakfast food for the entire family. Is it possible to make a delicious but low fat version? Absolutely! Out of all the low fat muffin recipes available, this is the one you will make over and over again.<br />1 cup whole wheat flour<br />1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats<br />2 tsp. baking powder<br />2 lg. egg whites<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 cup buttermilk<br />3/4 cup orange concentrate<br />1 1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />1/4 tsp. nutmeg<br />1/4 tsp. cinnamon<br />1 pinch salt<br />1 1/2 cup unsweetened blueberries<br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine egg whites, buttermilk, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the liquid mixture to dry ingredients; blend until mixture is moistened. Spray non-stick cooking spray onto muffin pan. Spoon out mixture into muffin pans until cup in pan is 3/4 full. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. This recipe serves 12 muffins.<br /><br />Do you have a favorite muffin recipe? Post it here and share it with us.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee<br />click here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-62324367742783209912007-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:002007-11-06T06:34:40.307-08:00Healthy and Fun Appetizers For Kids<p align="center"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2701521-10310304" target="_blank"><img height="60" alt="Click to see our great selection of gifts!" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2701521-10310304" width="468" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br />Kabobs are a healthy choice for the kids and entire family. Whether they are served as an appetizer, or a main course. Not only are they healthy but they are fun to make. If the kids are starting to get bored this summer here's a recipe for Meatball Kabobs that they can make, and the whole family can take pleasure in.<br /><br />A simple list of what you will need:<br /><br />_. One bag of pre-cooked meatballs.<br />_. A green pepper sliced in chunks.<br />_. One onion sliced in chunks.<br />_. One sliced carrot.<br />_. One can chunked Pineapple or one fresh pineapple. If you buy the canned version make sure it's well drained before putting on skewer.<br />_. 8 whole mushrooms.<br />_. Charcoal and charcoal lighter for the grill<br />_. 8 8-inch skewers. Any size skewer will work but 6 inch is the perfect size for a meal and will also allow heat more easily in between the items on your skewer without worrying about packing the skewer too tight.<br /><br />Add some of your items if you would like. The ideas are endless for kabob making. Some other items you might enjoy are watermelon, celery, tomatoes, cantaloupe, or honeydew.<br />Light the grill with the charcoal and lighter fluid. Let it burn for about 5 minutes.<br />While the coals are burning have each child make their kabob. They can put the variety of items on their skewer or just pick their favorites. A good pattern is meatball, carrot, onion, pineapple, and then start again with meatball until the skewer is almost full. Don't pack the veggies too tight, which will allow the heat to be balanced. Use a whole mushroom for the tip of the skewer to keep all the other items on the skewer while cooking. Add a couple dashes of Teriyaki sauce or another favorite sauce. This particular kabob does not need any spice seasoning since a sauce is being used.<br /><br />This kabob can be made in the cold season without the use of the grill also. Simply steam the vegetables or lightly fry them with a low fat cooking spray.<br /><br />Put the kabobs on the grill and turn them every 3 minutes depending on the heat of your grill and how the kabobs look to you. After 2 turns each for each kabob they should be done. If not, leave them on a couple minutes and put them on a platter.<br /><br />With the leftovers, add some lettuce and you have another healthy side dish or appetizer for the next day. Salads are always a good choice for the health conscious family.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a coffee<br />click here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-39537868293265517222007-10-08T19:58:00.000-07:002007-10-08T20:15:39.037-07:00Blog Action DayThe Cooking Spoon will be participating in <a href="http://blogactionday.org/faqs">Blog Action Day </a>on October 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, 2007. Blog Action Day is about making a difference with the environment. Let's do something about global warming together! If you are a blogger and would like to join just click on the banner below.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogactionday.org/"><img alt="Bloggers Unite - Blog Action Day" src="http://blogactionday.org/images/action_234x60.jpg" /> </a><br /><br />All revenue from this blog for October 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> will be going to the charity <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/">Greenpeace</a>. You can donate to Greenpeace by clicking <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/supportus">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogactionday.org/"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-34155583197552350222007-10-08T19:53:00.000-07:002007-10-08T19:55:26.769-07:00Cooking Spoon Now Has RSSHey all,<br />This blog now has RSS so you can subscribe at the bottom of the page.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-28594549191443041102007-10-08T07:29:00.000-07:002007-10-08T17:44:21.476-07:00Avacado and Bean Salsa Dip<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Avocados</span> have potassium, vitamin E, C, and B6. Although it is known to have a high <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=488">fat</a> content, it actually helps to lower cholesterol in our bodies. That advantage, and the vitamin content, shows we should keep this green fruit in our diets. Fat is needed in our bodies, and moderation, as with most healthy diets, is the key. Many of us stay away from this high fat fruit, but the positive far outweighs the negative benefits of its use.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Avocados</span> have medicinal qualities as well. They are used in alternative <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=487">medicine</a> to treat arthritis, high cholesterol, and gum disease. Its pulp can be used to treat <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=487">skin</a> rashes and sunburns.<br /><br />One avocado gives us up to fifteen percent of the vitamin E our body requires daily. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that provides the needed nutrients for the prevention of the breaking down of our body tissues and helps with the metabolism of the cells in our <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=943">body</a>. It protects our cells from damage. It is also used to protect our skin against damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. If our body is deficient in vitamin A, we can have digestive problems ,caused by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">malabsorption</span> (defective or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, as defined by answers.com) and gall bladder or liver problems.<br /><br />Making a avocado dip is an excellent way to add this green fruit to any diet. This Low Fat Mexican Bean Dip will astound you with it’s flavor. This bean dip uses <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">refried</span> beans, which have zero fat content, and fresh avocados.<br />1 Large Can <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Refried</span> Beans<br />1 Package Taco Seasoning<br />1 Small Can Chopped Chilies<br />2 Ripe Avocados<br />2 1/2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice<br />1 Large Jar Salsa (Medium or Mild version)<br />1 1/2 Cups Low Fat Sour Cream<br />3 1/2 Cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce<br />2 Cups Shredded Low Fat Cheddar Cheese<br />1 Can Black Olives, sliced and drained<br />Tortilla Chips<br /><br />First soak your lettuce for 30 minutes in ice water. This secret is why lettuce and salads taste so much better at restaurant’s than at home. While the lettuce is soaking, mix beans chilies and taco seasoning. Spread out evenly in a 9 x 13-inch dish. Cut up the avocado and mix lemon juice. Layer this over bean mixture. Spread sour cream on top. Then add lettuce, cheese, salsa and sliced olives. Serve with your favorite beverage and tortilla chips.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=941&si">Earn a college Degree Online.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-24706179128749367072007-10-05T19:54:00.000-07:002007-10-05T20:03:40.849-07:00Simple Cinnamon Indian BreadThis was one of my <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=603">favorite</a> snacks that my father would make when I was a child. The flavor of cinnamon at it‘s best is in this recipe.<br /><br /><strong>Simple Cinnamon Indian Bread</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />You will find this to be a perfect snack on a cold day.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 loaves frozen bread dough<br />1 1/2 cups sugar<br />2 tsp. cinnamon (or more depending on taste preference)<br />1 cup butter<br /><br />Allow frozen bread dough to rise. Usually this can be done overnight or taken out early morning and allowed to rise during the day for a dessert later on in the day. You can time this according to when you would like to serve this appetizing snack or dessert. In a Parmesan cheese glass container, or any other shaker available, add sugar and cinnamon and blend well. If a container is not available, a coffee cup or small bowl will work well also. A large skillet is best utilized for this recipe, but any large pan will suffice. Turn stove to medium heat. Add a good dollop of butter from cup with a spatula and swirl around pan to cover entire bottom surface. Take a tennis ball sized portion of dough and flatten with your hands. 4-5 portions are suitable from each bread dough. 3 portions should fit into pan, but if not, cook as many as possible. Fry each side for about 3 minutes or until bread is golden brown. Remove from skillet. Put on platter. Use sugar/cinnamon mixture and sprinkle liberally onto each. Repeat procedure until all of the Indian bread is fried. Serves 8-10 hungry people.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=935&si">Enfamil LIPIL® Formulas. For your baby's feeding issues try our specialty formulas. Free sample</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-19495229085005970182007-10-04T16:56:00.000-07:002007-10-05T11:17:41.227-07:00Tips on Eating Healthy plus recipesMaintaining proper nutrition in our daily lives can be difficult to manage with <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=851">work</a>, family, and any kind of social life. Eating healthy and enjoying what we eat, is not only ascertainable, but also simpler than expected. A proactive approach towards our <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=934">health</a> will help us alleviate concerns about our future, and keep us feeling good about the present.<br /><br />The key for eating healthy is moderation. Overindulgence is what hurts our bodies. Too much sugar or carbohydrates can lead to Diabetes. Too much salt is linked to heart problems. Too much fat causes obesity, heart problems and numerous other illnesses. A good way to prevent overwhelming yourself is to make little changes in your daily routine when eating.<br /><br />Here are some suggestions:<br /><br />· Remove the salt shaker from the table at eating times. This will prevent the habit of adding more salt to our food when it is not needed.<br />· Drink water with meals. 40 ounces of water is what our bodies need each day. Add more when <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=905">exercising</a> to stay properly hydrated.<br />· Eat more fruits and vegetables. At snack time, choose an apple or banana, instead of junk food.<br />· Purchase fresh or frozen vegetables. Canned versions of these usually high in salt and sugar content.<br />· Read the ingredients of each item you buy from the grocery store. This will build your awareness of carbohydrate, fat, and salt content and help you choose healthy options when shopping.<br />· When eating <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=916">dessert</a>, keep the portion within reason. It helps to schedule that special dessert for a designated day too. Designated day’s works well with high fat food too. For example: Lasagna on Wednesday for supper.<br /><br />A variety of healthy recipes will make a difference for you when cooking. Here are some great tasting, nutritional <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=509">recipes</a> that can add some zest to your dinner times.<br /><br /><strong>Fiesta Chicken</strong><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />Non-stick cooking oil spray<br />2 boneless chicken breasts<br />1/4 cup scallions rinsed and diced<br />4 tbsp. fresh salsa, or salsa of choice<br />4 tbsp. low fat shredded cheddar cheese<br />2 tsp. low fat margarine (optional for potatoes)<br />2 medium baked potatoes (sweet potatoes optional)<br />1/4 cup lemon juice<br />1 tsp. garlic powder<br />1 bunch fresh broccoli or 2 cups frozen<br />Salt (optional)<br />Pepper (optional)<br /><br />Directions:<br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stab potatoes with a fork, about 5 times each to prevent exploding in oven. Put potatoes in oven for approximately 40 minutes.<br /><br />When potatoes have cooked for about 20 minutes, put chicken breasts in non-stick cooking oil sprayed pan. Turn heat on medium. Season with garlic powder and cover.<br /><br />In separate medium sized saucepan, cook broccoli. If fresh, steaming is the best option but if frozen simply add to pan. Add lemon juice, cover and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally.<br /><br />Check on chicken breasts and turn over when needed. When chicken appears done, turn off heat. Add salsa, scallions and low fat cheddar cheese on top of each chicken breast and cover until cheese has melted. You may need to put on low heat to complete the melting of the cheese. Put each chicken breast on a serving plate. Pull out potatoes, turn off oven, and slice each potato in half. Now put a potato and serving of broccoli on each plate. Add margarine to potato if you prefer. Salt and pepper to taste if needed.<br /><br /><strong>Chicken Apple Cranberry Salad</strong><br /><br />Getting enough fruits and vegetables in our diet can be frustrating. A good way to remedy that is by having a variety of salad options at your disposal. Salads are an optimal choice. They provide an excellent way to stay healthy and trim while enjoying your meals. Since there are so many different varieties of salads you can keep your meals exciting and tasty without much effort. They can also make an excellent snack from leftovers.<br /><br />Many salads can be the main course, if desired. Chicken and apple salad is one of these salads. It's a perfect choice for something different on your dining table. Its versatility allows it to be a choice for lunch, dinner, or a tasty side dish.<br /><br />6 boneless chicken breasts<br />5 medium size apples<br />1/2 cup cranberries<br />3/4 cup raisins<br />1 1/2 cup grapes<br />1 cup orange juice<br />1/2 cup toasted coconut<br />2 tablespoons vanilla flavoring<br />1 1/2 to 2 cups mayonnaise. You can substitute Low-fat mayonnaise for fewer calories.<br /><br />In a large frying pan cook chicken breasts after spraying pan with non-stick oil. Let pan heat up. Add orange juice and vanilla flavoring to pan and cover. Cook on medium heat allowing juice and flavoring to seep into chicken until liquid is gone. Turn off heat and allow chicken to cool.<br />Peel and chop up apples to desired size, after rinsing them. For better taste, cut apples into small cubes.<br />Rinse and drain grapes and cranberries and cut each grape in half. You can also cut in thirds if you prefer.<br />Cut up your chicken breasts. A good way to do this is too cut diagonally all the across each chicken breast and then horizontally.<br />In medium sized salad bowl, add chicken, apples, grapes, and raisins. You can toast the coconut easily by spreading it out thinly on a cookie sheet and putting in oven at 350 degrees for about one minute. Watch closely since every oven is different. You will be able to tell by looking at it, if that is sufficient time by how brown the coconut is. If not brown enough, stick in oven again, but watch it carefully so it doesn't burn. Once cooled, add coconut to your salad mixture.<br />Add 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise and mix well. If you like a more slippery salad add additional mayonnaise until satisfied with result.<br />Put covered salad into refrigerator and let cool completely. It will take approximately 3 hours for it to be completely chilled and ready to eat. Serves 6-8.<br /><br /><strong>Easy Beef Stir Fry</strong><br /><br />Non-stick cooking oil spray<br />6 oz. lean beef, sliced<br />1 green pepper, rinsed and sliced<br />1 medium onion, rinsed and sliced<br />1 bag California mix frozen vegetables (2 cups needed)<br />1 cup brown or white rice<br />Soy Sauce (LaChoy has a "Lite" version that has less sodium)<br />Garlic Powder<br />Pepper<br /><br />To cook your stir-fry the frozen vegetables should be sautéed first. Spray the bottom of your pan lightly with oil or put a tablespoon of other oil. It's important to not use butter for your stir-fry because butter will burn and ruin the taste completely. Put your frozen veggies in a medium frying pan, on low to medium heat and cover. Make sure to stir once or twice while they are cooking. Now add your other vegetables and cover pan. Allow about 5 minutes for cooking.<br /><br />While vegetables are cooking, in small frying pan, cook beef. Add a dash of garlic powder and 5 good dashes of soy sauce, and cook until done. Add beef to vegetables and mix together well.<br /><br />When time is available while cooking your stir-fry, start water for your rice in medium sized cooking pan. Put a good spray of the non-stick cooking oil in water. When water is boiling, add rice, cover and turn heat off. After 5 minutes or per rice directions, put rice on serving plate and cover with your beef stir-fry.<br /><br />Now you have time to read a <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=936">book</a> or watch a video with your family.<br /><br /><script language="'javascript'" src="'http://www.affscript.com/affInterface/afftv.aspx?code=" subid="subid936..13327'" affid="CD4142&video="></script><br />Sources:<br />http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/12813.php<div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1157363056601007661.post-86683156815482994082007-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:002007-10-03T20:51:46.090-07:00Sweet Potato Nut BakeThis makes an excellent fall side <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=925">dish</a> or dessert.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />4 medium sweet potatoes, rinsed<br />8 oz. soft cream cheese<br />8 oz. pecans<br />2 tbsp. butter<br />1 tbsp. vanilla flavoring<br />1 cup brown sugar packed<br />1 cup mini marshmallows<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Poke holes 4 times, into each sweet potato with fork. Wrap sweet potatoes with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. In small mixing bowl blend cream cheese, butter, vanilla, pecans, and brown sugar together well. Set aside. After 35 minutes remove sweet potatoes from oven. Carefully, using a potholder cut each sweet potato in half and push together ends to expose flesh of potato. Sprinkle marshmallows into each. <a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=930">Add</a> cream cheese mixture into each potato when ready to serve. Make sure to serve while still warm. Serves 4.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=bplyer@" target="paypal" currency_code="&amount=&return=&item_name=Buy+Me+a">If you like my work and would like to buy me a cup of tea<br />click here</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.affiliateer.com/member.asp?afid=13327&offerid=912&si="><br />Vote for your favorite American Idol winner.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Your favorite recipes and cooking ideas.</div>Micah Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06373593997035032616noreply@blogger.com0