Thin Mints

I made these tonight and they turned out great! I love the real chocolate wafers compared with many of the ritz cracker versions out there.  Super delicious!

Prep: 25 minutes

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Thin Mint Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
• 1/2 cup of cocoa powder 
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup of flour 
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
•  coconut oil

 

Directions

1. With a hand mixer, cream the butter. Add the sugar, and continue to cream. Add the cocoa powder, salt and vanilla and mix until well combined.  Chill 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Roll dough and cut into circles about 1/8" thick and place on cookie sheet.  Or, if you are lazy like me, roll the dough into small balls (a little larger than a marble) and smoosh them flat on a cookie sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and carefully move cookies to cooling racks
5. Place the chocolate chips, mint extract and coconut oil in a heavy bottomed pan or double boiler and carefully melt together until liquid and well blended.
6. Put parchment on the now-cooled cookie sheets.
7. Carefully drop each cookie into the melted chocolate and spoon chocolate over the top of each cookie. Use a fork to fish it out and gently shake the fork to remove excess chocolate. Place on parchment paper. Repeat until all of the cookies are covered.  Chill cookies in refrigerator another 30 minutes or until set.

Pork Chops With Tangy Sauce And Potatoes

Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

6 bone-in pork loin chops (7 ounces each)
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper, cut into rings
6-8 large potatoes, peeled and sliced


In a large skillet, brown chops in oil in batches. Transfer to a large baking dish

In the same pan, saute celery and chopped onion in butter until tender. Stir in the ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until slightly reduced.

Pour sauce over chops. Top with sliced onion and pepper rings. Cover and bake at 350°for 20-25 minutes

While chops bake, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until desired consistency is reached.

Tips and Tricks
I have always used boneless pork chops for this recipe and left out the celery. You can use red wine vinegar if you don't have cider vinegar.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Use food chopper to chop onion and celery. Measure and dump ingredients. Older kids can peel potatoes.

Nutrition Facts
1 serving equals 284 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 91 mg cholesterol, 469 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 31 g protein
Diabetic Exchanges
4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat

Authentic Sour Beef And Dumplings

Prep: 10 minutes plus marinating
Cook: 6 hours
Yield: 12 servings

1-1/2 cups water, divided
1-1/4 cups cider vinegar, divided
2 large onions, sliced, divided
1 medium lemon, sliced
15 whole cloves, divided
6 bay leaves, divided
6 whole peppercorns
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 beef sirloin tip roast (3 pounds), cut in half
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 gingersnap cookies, crumbled
DUMPLINGS:
3 pounds russet potatoes
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash pepper


In a large plastic bag or bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, half of the onions, lemon, 10 cloves, four bay leaves, peppercorns, sugar and salt; mix well. Add roast. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.

Drain and discard marinade. Place roast in a slow cooker; add pepper and remaining ingredients except gingersnaps. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.

Remove roast and keep warm. Discard bay leaves. Stir in gingersnaps. Cover and cook on high for 10-15 minutes or until gravy is thickened.

Two to three hours before roast is finished, boil potatoes whole until tender. Drain well. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Peel and grate potatoes. In a bowl, combine the eggs, 3/4 cup flour, bread crumbs, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Add potatoes; mix with hands until well blended. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls; roll in remaining flour.

In a large kettle, bring salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings, a few at a time, to boiling water. Simmer, uncovered, until the dumplings rise to the top; cook 2 minutes longer. Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon to a serving bowl. Serve with roast and gravy.

Tips and Tricks
If your roast is large, make sure to cut it in half for even cooking. I skipped the bay leaves for the second half of the recipe. You could also use various types of vinegar if you don't have cider vinegar. I strained the onions and other ingredients out of the gravy, but you could leave them in if you prefer. Be sure to not overboil your potatoes. Russets work best, other varieties of potatoes don't have the starch content needed for dumplings, and overcooked potatoes will not form balls. The refrigeration step is crucial, I also refrigerated my grated potatoes for about 30 minutes to make sure they were dry enough. Mix only until combined, overkneading will negatively affect the quality of the dumplings. If the pot is not large enough, you may need to cook them in two batches.
Make It Healthier
Trim fat from roast. Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Push buttons on slow cooker. Crush gingersnaps.

Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

1 1/2 pounds lean beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
salt and pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 parsnips, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 can (10oz) whole plum tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10 oz) canned whole potatoes
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup light beer
1 cup chicken broth

In a resealable bag or bowl, mix together the flour, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Add beef chunks and toss to coat.

In a large Dutch oven, saute the garlic and onions in olive oil until tender. Add the vegetables except for the potatoes and cook about 5 minutes longer. Add the seasoned meat to the pot and stir to mix. Cook until meat is browned. When the mixture gets very sticky, add the beer and chicken broth.

Bring to a boil and stir to combine, add canned potatoes, then simmer until vegetables are tender.

Tips and Tricks
Fresh potatoes will become too mushy, so be sure to use canned potatoes. Leeks can be sandy, so be sure to rinse and drain them well after slicing. I bought precleaned parsnips that just had to be peeled. When stirring the vegetables, use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to break apart the tomatoes. I also used marjoram and thyme in place of the basil and oregano.
Make It Healthier
Choose lean meat. Omit salt. Use low-sodium chicken broth.
How Kids Can Help
Peel vegetables. Shake bag to coat meat. Older kids can open cans.
Recipe Source
Adapted from the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno

Nutrition Facts
one serving equals 315 calories, 20g protein, 35g carbs, 6 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 10g fat, 314mg sodium

Stuffed Shells With Artichokes

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

24 jumbo pasta shells (6 oz)
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts (packed in water), drained and coarsely chopped
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 C 1% cottage cheese
2 med carrots, shredded
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare pasta per package directions (reduce cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes).

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes (with juice) and artichokes. Cover and simmer 4 minutes.

Combine remaining ingredients except mozzarella in large bowl. Fill shells with mixture and place in a baking dish. Pour sauce over top. Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered 10 minutes or until bubbly.

Tips and Tricks
I used more shells and filled each with slightly less filling. I also omitted the mushrooms from the sauce.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Mix filling. Older kids can fill shells.
Recipe Source
adapted from Prevention magazine.

Nutrition Facts
one serving equals:
CALORIES
175.3 CAL
FAT
2.7 G
SATURATED FAT
1.1 G
CHOLESTEROL
5.5 MG
SODIUM
385.2 MG
CARBOHYDRATES
24.7 G
TOTAL SUGARS
4.7 G
DIETARY FIBER
2.8 G
PROTEIN
13.6 G

Smothered Round Steak With Egg Noodles

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7-8 hours
Yield: 4 servings

1 pound round steak, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/3 cup flour
salt and pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp molasses
5 Tbsp soy sauce
1 package egg noodles, cooked

In a plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add the meat and shake to coat. Transfer to a slow cooker.

Add the mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, onion, molasses and soy sauce.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Tips and Tricks
I used an 8-ounce package of fresh sliced mushrooms in place of the canned and 3 sliced green onions in place of the regular onion. I also used honey instead of molasses.
Make It Healthier
Use no salt added canned tomatoes. Use low-sodium soy sauce.
How Kids Can Help
Shake bag to coat meat. Pour ingredients into slowcooker.

Mac And Cheese With Tomatoes And Celery

Another recipe from Giant Food consumer advisor Andrea Astrachan.

Prep/Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
8 oz reduced-fat colby or cheddar cheese shredded
1 tbsp butter
1 1/4 cups low-fat milk
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 small onion
1 tbsp flour
pepper

Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. Put in a bowl with tomato and celery. In a medium saucepan, saute diced onion in butter until translucent. Stir in flour and black pepper. Add milk. Cook until slightly thickened and bubbly. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add macaroni mixture to cheese sauce and coat evenly. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Cool for about ten minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks
Use whatever pasta you have on hand. Try different types of cheeses for different flavors. I omitted the celery.
Make It Healthier
Use trans-fat free spread or unsalted butter.
How Kids Can Help
Kids can shred the cheese or add ingredients to the pan.

Nutrition Facts
One serving equals 182 calories, 6 g total fat, 4 g sat fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 285 mg sodium, 19g carbs, 14g protein

Bacon Cheddar Quiche

This quiche could be served for brunch or lunch, along with mixed fresh fruit or a tossed salad. Use prepared pie pastry or a frozen thawed pie shell if you need to cut time.

Yield: 8 Servings

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces
• 2 to 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
• .
• Filling
• 8 strips lean bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Prepare crust for quiche. In a mixing bowl, mix together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form; add water, a little at a time, until dough holds together and forms a ball. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll out dough into a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate or quiche pan. Trim edges, leaving a little overhang, about 1/4-inch all around the edge. Prick dough with a fork. Line with foil and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake quiche crust for 10 minutes at 375°.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, and pepper. Pour into the baked crust. Crumble bacon over the top with the shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake at 375° for about 30 minutes, or until quiche filling is set and top is lightly browned.

Suggested Sides: Serve the quiche with fresh tomato wedges or a tossed salad.

Tex-Mex Frittata

Prep/Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

SALSA

1 green onion, thinly sliced

1 cup cooked black beans

1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

1 tbsp chopped pickled jalapenos

2 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

FRITTATA

2 whole eggs

4 egg whites

pinches of dried oregano, sea salt and ground black pepper

1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp finely chopped red onion

1 cup cooked corn

12 grape tomatoes, cut in half

To make salsa, combine green onions with beans, cilantro and jalapenos. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil, then toss to mix. Let stand while preparing frittata.

In a bowl, whisk whole eggs with egg whites and seasonings. Coat or spray an oven-proof non-stick medium-sized skillet with olive oil and set over medium heat. Add red onion to skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add corn and tomatoes, then eggs. Stir to evenly distribute ingredients. Cook just until bottom starts to become firm, 1 to 2 minutes, then bake in preheated 300 degree oven until center is set, 10 to 12 minutes

Tips and Tricks

I skipped the precooking of the onions and just mixed everything in one bowl and poured it into the skillet. I also used a larger pan, yielding a thinner frittata and adjusted cooking times accordingly. For the salsa, I used dried cilantro and left out the jalapenos.

Make It Healthier

Omit salt.

How Kids Can Help

Measure and dump spices. Pour eggs into pan.

Nutrition Facts

1.6 of frittata and 1/4 cup of salsa equals 115 calories, 3.5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 14 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein, 86mg sodium, 62 mg cholesterol

Spicy Jack Mac & Cheese With Broccoli

Prep: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

2 cups dry elbow macaroni
2 cups chopped frozen or fresh broccoli
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Add broccoli to water for last 3 minutes of boiling. Drain.

Combine pasta, broccoli, cheddar & jack cheeses, milk, 1/4 cup parmesan, and pepper in a large bowl. Pour into casserole dish. Combine remaining parmesan and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more or until lightly browned.

How Kids Can Help:
Kids can help shred cheese. Measure and dump ingredients.

Pasta With Ricotta And Peas

Prep/Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

12 ounces whole wheat pasta

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta

3 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 cup fresh peas

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup halved yellow grape tomatoes

1 lemon, zested

Boil a pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving one cup of cooking liquid. In a bowl, toss hot pasta and ricotta cheese until combined.

Warm olive oil in a large skillet and add garlic, peas, salt and pepper. Saute for about 4 minutes, then add cooking liquid and cook until peas are bright green and tender, about 4 more minutes.

Add the ricotta pasta to the pan, toss over low heat to combine. Add tomatoes and mix. Sprinkle with lemon zest.

Tips and Tricks

My super picky son ate this healthier version of mac and cheese with no complaints. I used frozen peas and skipped the cooking in the pan step. Instead, I steamed them in the microwave. I also used dried lemon peel in place of the freshly zested lemon. Use regular orange grape tomatoes if you can't find yellow ones.

Make It Healthier

Omit salt.

How Kids Can Help

Pour pasta into water. Measure spices.

Nutrition Facts

one serving equals 323 calories, 11 g protein, 10 g fat, 48 g carbohydrate, 68 mg calcium, 5 g fiber

3 Meal Series Part 2: Shepherds Pie

Prep: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

3 cups beef broth
3 tbs flour
2 1/2 cups shredded pot roast
10 oz frozen carrots & peas, thawed
1/2 tsp oregano
5 medium potatoes, peeled, & boiled until soft
1/8 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 1 1/2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Mash potatoes with milk until smooth & creamy, set aside. Whisk beef broth and flour together in a medium saucepan. Heat until simmering, simmer for 1 additional minute or until thickened.

Reserve 1 cup gravy in fridge for tomorrow.

Stir in pot roast, vegetables, and oregano. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Spoon potatoes over top of meat mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Herbed Tomato Soup

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste
3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk

In a large saucepan, combine the first six ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste until blended. In a small bowl, combine milk powder and flour; stir in milk until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Cook and stir until thickened and heated through.

Tips and Tricks

I used no-salt-added canned tomatoes and 1% milk. make sure you mix the flour, dry milk powder and milk thoroughly so the soup isn't lumpy. Heat on low, so the milk doesn't scorch.

Make It Healthier

Omit salt.

How Kids Can Help

Older kids can open the can. Younger kids can measure ingredients and pour them into the saucepan.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup equals 201 calories, 3 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 14 mg cholesterol, 621 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 14 g protein

Diabetic Exchanges

2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat-free milk

Beef And Taters TV Dinner

Another yummy recipe from Rachael Ray.

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

2 large baking potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds total)—peeled, quartered lengthwise and sliced 1/2 inch thick
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper
1 pound ground beef sirloin
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, thinly sliced
1 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons steak sauce, such as A.1.
One 10-ounce box frozen petite peas

In a small saucepan, combine the potatoes and enough salted cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, return to the pot and mash with 6 tablespoons cream, 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the ground sirloin with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Shape into 4 oval patties about 1/2 inch thick. Coat with the flour.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sirloin patties and cook until browned, about 2 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Add the onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the beef broth, steak sauce and remaining 6 tablespoons cream and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the peas according to package directions.6. Return the meat patties to the skillet and let simmer in the sauce for about 4 minutes. Arrange the patties on plates and spoon the sauce on top. Serve the mashed potatoes and peas alongside.

Tips and Tricks

I omitted the cream from the mashed potatoes and used less than called for in the sauce. Serve whatever type of veggies your family likes in place of peas, and use the microwave to speed prep.

Make It Healthier

Omit salt. Use reduced sodium or sodium free broth. Use reduced fat sour cream in place of the heavy cream.

How Kids Can Help

Measure ingredients. Push buttons on microwave.

Suggested Sides

green salad

Chicken & Corn Chili (with vegetarian alternative)

This recipe is courtesy of Rapunzel from Rapunzel's Castle.

Makes: 6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: Slow-cook for 4 hours on HIGH, 6 hours on LOW

Ingredients

* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
* 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and chopped
* 1-3/4 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with jalapenos, drained
* 1-1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
* 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 tablespoons stone-ground cornmeal
* Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine onion, chicken, low-sodium broth, green pepper, jalapeno, 1-1/2 teaspoons of the cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.

2. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool slightly. Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker with remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of the cumin and cayenne, and the tomatoes, corn and beans. Gently mash some of the beans against the side of the bowl to thicken the chili. Stir in the cornmeal and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit a few minutes to soften the cornmeal. Serve sprinkled with a little of the Monterey Jack cheese.

Tips & Tricks:
I substituted vegetable broth for the chicken, Morningstar Farms Chick'n Strips for the real thing so that the vegetarians will enjoy it as well as the carnivores.

Pumpkin Penne Pasta

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Salt
1 pound whole wheat penne rigate
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, grated
2 cups chicken broth
One 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 pinches ground cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
Pepper
7 leaves fresh sage, thinly sliced
Grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.

While the pasta is working, in a medium skillet, cook the shallots and garlic in oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, pumpkin and cream. Add the hot sauce, cinnamon and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sage.

Toss the pasta with the sauce and top with the cheese.

Tips and Tricks

This makes a LOT of pasta, so split the recipe if you're cooking for a smaller crowd. I omitted the sage and used regular Parmesan cheese. I thought the sauce was bland at first, but when topped with cheese, it becomes something special! Next time I will add more cinnamon. I used Ronzini whole grain pasta as well, so this is a high fiber meal.

Make It Healthier

Omit salt. Serve with whole wheat or whole grain pasta.

How Kids Can Help

Measure ingredients. Stir sauce. Older kids can grate cheese.

Make And Freeze: Three Cheese Potatoes

These easy and yummy potatoes are great alongside beef dishes, and leftovers go great with eggs for breakfast!

Prep To Freeze: 15 minutes
Prep/Total Time To Cook: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

5 large potatoes, peeled
1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2-1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2-1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
pepper
1/2 cup milk (Please Note! The milk is only needed when you are ready to cook the dish!)

Using a box grater, grate the potatoes. Place on paper towels and pat until dry. Mix with shredded cheeses and season with pepper to taste.

Place into a gallon size freezer bag and seal, squeezing extra air out. Label bag, then place inside a second gallon size freezer bag and seal. Freeze flat for easier storage.

To Cook: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add 1/2 cup milk to bag and mix contents. Pour contents into a greased baking pan and bake uncovered at 400 for 20 minutes. Stir potatoes, then bake an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips and Tricks
Buy preshredded cheese if time is a factor. Block cheese that you shred yourself is cheaper.
Make It Healthier
Use skim or lowfat milk. Use reduced-fat cheddar and part-skim mozzarella.
How Kids Can Help
Older kids can grate the potatoes. Younger kids can stir in the cheeses.

Creamy Chicken Soup With Wild Rice

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

2/3 cup uncooked wild rice
2/3 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chopped carrot
2 tablespoons butter
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup fat-free half-and-half

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, cook onion and carrot in butter for 2 minutes. Stir in the broth, potatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add broccoli; cook 3-7 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.

Drain rice if necessary; fluff with a fork. Stir chicken and rice into potato mixture; heat through. In a small bowl, combine flour and half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Tips and Tricks
I didn't have wild rice, so I used a boxed long grain and wild rice mix and added it to the soup. I also used frozen broccoli.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Use food chopper to chop veggies.

Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups equals 251 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 48 mg cholesterol, 707 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 22 g protein
Diabetic Exchanges
2 starch, 2 very lean meat, 1/2 fat

Meatless Chili

This hearty chili only uses one pot! Easy clean up!

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium zucchini, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
3 tablespoons cornmeal
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cans (one 28 ounces, one 14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
GARNISH:
8 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
8 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
8 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro

In a Dutch oven, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in zucchini and carrots. Add the cornmeal, chili powder, paprika, sugar, cumin and cayenne; cook and stir for 1 minute.

Stir in tomatoes and beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Garnish each serving with sour cream, green onions and cilantro.

Tips and Tricks
If you don't have fresh garlic, use 3 teaspoons of garlic powder. I coarsely chopped the zucchini and carrots and they cooked through easily, although chopping them finely will hide them better from vegetable haters.
Make It Healthier
Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes. Omit sour cream.
How Kids Can Help
Older kids can open the cans. Younger kids can rinse the beans and measure the spices.

Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups equals 254 calories, 3 g fat (trace saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 466 mg sodium, 47 g carbohydrate, 12 g fiber, 13 g protein

Skillet Cabbage Rolls

Here is another delicious & hearty meal idea from Jen38 at Mythbuster Beauty. She created this recipe by combining a recipe from an Armenian friend with one in Good Housekeeping magazine. It was a huge hit with her family.

1 head of cabbage

½ pound ground pork

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion chopped

2 green bell peppers (1 chopped and one left whole)

2 apples

3 tbs. fresh chopped cilantro

1 tbs. Fresh Parsley or Basil

1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato sauce

1 8.8 ounce package of precooked Rice Pilaf (if you use uncooked rice, just add more water to the pot)

Reserve 1 cup of the cabbage water

In a large pot, place cabbage in boiling water to soften leaves.

In a medium size bowl combine and mix:

Rice

Beef

Pork

½ grated apple

½ chopped onion

½ chopped bell pepper

Chopped cilantro

Chopped basil or parsley

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon sugar

½ chopped onion

1 cup of diced tomatoes with juice

In a large skillet or dutch oven:

Pour remaining can of tomatoes on the bottom of pan.

Add the remaining chopped onion, cilantro, apples, and peppers.

Remove at least 8 leaves from cabbage, fill with meat mixture and wrap into bundles.

Place cabbage rolls in the dutch oven.

Pour 1 cup of cabbage water on the rolls, and top cabbage rolls with a can of tomato sauce, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover & simmer on medium low heat for 1 hour.

Tips & Tricks:

Hollow out an apple & a green pepper to simmer with cabbage rolls as well, for an authentic Armenian treat.