May
2014

Fully Stuffed Calzones

categories: Italian, Main Dishes, Sandwiches
3.5K Shares
Pin3.5K
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

Fully stuffed calzones are yummy baked “Italian hand pies”, filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, etc.
Fully stuffed calzones are yummy baked "Italian hand pies", filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, etc.
Ever eaten Fully Stuffed Calzones? Maybe you’re saying, “Ever EATEN  fully stuffed calzones? I don’t even know WHAT a calzone is!” Well, here is the answer some of you have been waiting for.

Webster’s Dictionary offers this definition of a calzone: “a food originally from Italy that consists of baked or fried dough folded over and filled with tomato sauce, cheese, etc.”. Ugh…that’s okay, IF you know what etc. means. MY rookie definition is: a calzone is a baked pizza dough “handpie”, filled with all of our favorite pizza toppings!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How I Came Up With This Recipe For Fully Stuffed Calzones

A year or two ago I made some homemade pizza dough (thinking I would throw together a pizza for dinner). Once the dough was prepared, I decided to switch it up and try my hand at creating FULLY STUFFED calzones, without using a recipe. Note: if you use purchased pizza dough, you will save some time!

I gathered up the toppings our family loves on a great tasting pizza, cooked it, and then made 6 pizza dough balls. Each of the dough balls was rolled into a circle, and I put the filling and sauce inside, and sealed them all up. The dough was then brushed with egg, and I added a couple garnishes. My final act was to put them in the oven and cross my fingers while they baked.

Beginning to cook some of the calzone filling ingredients in skillet.

Boy, was I surprised at how great looking these fully stuffed calzones turned out! And guess what?  Once we tasted them, we were amazed at how delicious they were. Who knew? So that’s my story of creating these…and now YOU know.

You can either crimp the edges of the pastry dough with a fork, or you can roll the edges, like shown in this photo below.

Fully stuffed calzone, hot from the oven!

Even though there are quite a few ingredients, the directions for these fully stuffed calzones are pretty simple…I hope you’ll give them a try!

If you enjoy these Italian handpies, you will probably also be interested in making grilled pizzas on your BBQ or making a simple pepperoni pizza from scratch! Have a great day, and don’t forget to check out ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page.

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!
There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Have a GREAT day!

Author's signature

Dough Recipe Source: The Oster Deluxe Bread And Dough Maker Owner’s Handbook (c. 1994 Sunbeam-Oster Household Products) Calzone Filling Source: My brain.

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Fully Stuffed Calzones
Prep Time
1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
1 hr 55 mins
 
Fully stuffed calzones are yummy baked "Italian hand pies", filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, etc.
Category: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: fully stuffed calzones
Servings: 6 calzones
Calories Per Serving: 680 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
For the dough: (or use your favorite pizza dough recipe)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons regular active dry yeast (or quick acting active dry yeast)
For The Filling:(or use your favorite pizza ingredients)
  • 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese , grated
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 Italian sausage links (casings removed)
  • 1 cup mushrooms , sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown onion , chopped
  • 1/2 cup green pepper , chopped
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1 egg , slightly beaten (to brush on tops of calzones, prior to baking)
  • Oregano (dried) and Parmesan Cheese (to sprinkle on tops of calzones, prior to baking)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
Using bread machine:
  1. Put all the dough ingredients into the bread pan in the order listed. Select DOUGH cycle.
  2. When dough is done, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  3. Divide dough into 6 equal dough balls. Roll each dough ball into a 7 inch circle on a lightly floured work surface.
If making by hand:
  1. Mix the yeast and water in a large bowl or base of a stand mixer. Stir well, then let it sit for 5 minutes to "proof".
  2. Add oil, sugar and salt. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the flour and mix well with your (clean) hands or use the dough hook on your stand mixer.
  4. Knead dough (either by hand on a lightly floured surface or stand mixer) for 5-8 minutes, until the dough ball is smooth and elastic (you don't want it to be sticky).
  5. When dough ball is ready, place it in a lightly oiled large bowl. Flip it over to the other side, making sure the dough is coated with oil. Place a slightly damp dish towel over the top of the bowl.
  6. Put the covered bowl in a warm place and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about an hour. Follow instructions above (under bread machine instructions) for forming the dough into individual circles
Make filling for the calzones while dough is rising:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
  2. When skillet is hot, add the Italian sausage (casings removed), mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Saute, crumbling the sausage into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Right before sausage mixture is fully cooked, add the minced garlic. When done, remove from heat to cool.
To fill the calzones:
  1. Spread one heaping Tablespoon of the spaghetti sauce on each dough circle to within 1 inch of edge. (Don't go all the way to the edge because the sauce will leak out while cooking)
  2. Place the sausage/mushroom/onion/pepper filling on top of the sauce but only on HALF of each circle, to within 1 inch of the edge. (Remember the filling is for 6 calzones - disperse evenly!)

  3. Add the pepperoni slices. (again...disperse evenly to within 1 inch of edge). Add the mozzarella cheese (same instructions as above). Add Parmesan cheese (same instructions as above)

To seal the calzones and prepare for baking:

  1. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half circle. Makes sure edges touch.  Pinch edges securely with your fingers (to seal), then use the tines of a fork to crimp the dough all the way around the edge to securely seal. You want the edges sealed well to prevent leakage.

  2. Gently lift and place the calzones on a large cookie sheet (or sheets). Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg. Sprinkle tops of calzones with crushed dried oregano and parmesan cheese.

  3. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from oven to a wire rack, and let cool for a couple minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

**Use whatever pizza ingredients you like for filling!

Nutrition Facts
Fully Stuffed Calzones
Amount Per Serving (1 calzone)
Calories 680 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 15g94%
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 1613mg70%
Potassium 525mg15%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 470IU9%
Vitamin C 14.6mg18%
Calcium 273mg27%
Iron 4.2mg23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Fully stuffed calzones are yummy baked "Italian hand pies", filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, etc.

 

 

 

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save


May
2014

Greek Salad

categories: Salads
26 Shares
Pin26
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

 You will love the flavors in this traditional Greek salad, with romaine, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onions and tomatoes, in a homemade salad dressing!You will love the flavors in this traditional Greek salad, with romaine, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onions and tomatoes, in a homemade salad dressing!

Many years ago I worked at a private school where the employees were given the option of purchasing a specialty salad each week, created by my friend Dana, who was in charge of the lunch program. That was the first time I ever tried a traditional Greek Salad…and I loved it. Fast forward a few years. I really wanted to make a Greek Salad for our dinner, and decided to try a recipe from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. I love her recipes (and have many of her cookbooks), so I knew I could count on THIS salad to be really tasty!

The simple homemade dressing that tops the healthy and crunchy Greek salad veggies, tastes amazing.  The addition of very traditional Greek items like kalamata olives and feta cheese makes this salad so good! Now I’m hungry!!!

This is a fairly easy to make Greek salad. TRANSLATION: If you can chop veggies, you can make this! The recipe makes enough for 4 side salads or 2 entree sized salads. I think you will love it! Hope you will give it a try and get your Geek Greek on!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Make This Delicious Greek Salad

First – chop up a head of rinsed and drained Romaine lettuce and toss it into a large salad bowl. Chop, Chop!

Romaine lettuce is chopped for the Greek salad.

Cut or slice (see ingredient list for details) the ripe tomato, peeled cucumber, onions, and kalamata olives.

Cucumbers are peeled to use in the Greek salad.Peeled cucumbers are cut into wedges, then chunks, for the Greek salad.

Place all the prepped veggies into the salad bowl. You’re almost done now! See how easy THAT was? I told you…you’re welcome!

Romaine lettuce, red onion slices and tomatoes go into the Greek salad.

Finish Building The Greek Salad

Now stand back and look at how pretty that salad looks…so far! When you’re done admiring your handiwork, add half of the feta cheese and the kalamata olives to the top of the salad. NOW it’s looking like a TRUE Greek salad!

Feta cheese and kalamata olives are added to the Greek salad. Homemade salad dressing on side.

Make Salad Dressing And Finish The Greek Salad

Now you need to mix up the salad dressing (so easy!). Once you’ve got the dressing mixed up, pour it over the salad. Give that Greek salad a good toss, until dressing is mixed in and the lettuce and veggies are coated.

Right before you serve the Greek salad,  give it one final garnish. If serving this salad on individual plates, garnish each plate. If serving salad in one large bowl, garnish the top. Top the Greek salad with the additional feta cheese crumbles. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice all over the top. Serve and enjoy!

Traditional Greek salad is served on plate!

Sure hope you enjoy this delicious Greek salad. This recipe is a real KEEPER, and I’m confident you will enjoy it, too!.

Greek salad, with red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and kalamata olives.

Have a wonderful day! Hope it’s filled with love, laughter and a great sense of purpose!

Looking For More SALAD Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have some wonderful salad recipes, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe! 

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signatureRecipe Source: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/04/greek-salad/

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Greek Salad
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
You will love the flavors in this traditional Greek salad, with romaine, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onions and tomatoes, in a homemade salad dressing!
Category: Salad
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: Greek salad
Servings: 4 side salads
Calories Per Serving: 242 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 1 head of (chilled) Romaine Lettuce (chopped)
  • 2 whole Ripe Tomatoes (cut each one into 6 slices, then cut each slice in half)
  • 1/2 large Cucumber (peeled, cut in fourths lengthwise, then cut into bite-sized chunks)
  • 1/4 of a whole Red Onion ,(sliced thinly)
  • 15 whole Kalamata Olives (cut in half lengthwise)
  • 3 oz. Crumbled Feta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 6 whole Kalamata Olives , chopped fine (these are extra, for salad dressing)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 whole Lemon (for squeezing juice over salad)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Place the chopped lettuce, tomato chunks, cucumber chunks, sliced onions, halved olives, HALF of the feta, and the chopped parsley into a large bowl. Set aside.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, pepper and the chopped olives until the ingredients are fully combined. Pour the salad dressing over the salad, and toss with tongs till lettuce is well coated with dressing.

  3. Transfer "dressed" salad to a large salad bowl or to individual serving plates. Right before you serve the salad, sprinkle the top of the salad (or each individual salad) with the other half of the feta cheese, then squeeze lemon juice over the top. Serve chilled, and ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts
Greek Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 side salad w/ dressing 1/4 of total))
Calories 242 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 18mg6%
Sodium 718mg31%
Potassium 343mg10%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 1880IU38%
Vitamin C 26.7mg32%
Calcium 138mg14%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!You will love the flavors in this traditional Greek salad, with romaine, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onions and tomatoes, in a homemade salad dressing!

 

Save

Save

Save

Save


May
2014

Orzo With Parmesan

categories: Italian, Side Dishes
1.7K Shares
Pin1.7K
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

Orzo with Parmesan cheese is a simple, inexpensive and delicious side dish you will really enjoy! It is a perfect accompaniment for beef, pork, poultry or fish!Orzo with Parmesan cheese is a simple, inexpensive and delicious side dish you will really enjoy! It is a perfect accompaniment for beef, pork, poultry or fish!

Several months ago I found this simple and tasty recipe on Pinterest. I was searching for a new “side dish” to serve with some grilled chicken, and discovered this one for Orzo With Parmesan. It’s a KEEPER, and I now rotate it into our meals fairly regularly!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

What Is ORZO?

Orzo is Italian for the cereal grain “barley”. It is a short-cut pasta which is shaped like a large grain of rice (Wikipedia). To be honest, I had never made anything with orzo (except maybe Rice-A-Roni?) in it the entire time I’ve been married (almost 37 years), so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, or even IF we would like it.

Well… we LOVED it! The melted Parmesan cheese and green onions send this dish over the top. The recipe is simple… and delicious!

Long grain orzo is used for this side dish.

How To Make Orzo with Parmesan

The recipe is a very simple, inexpensive, and filling side dish to prepare. Just bring the chicken broth to boil on your stove top, add the pasta; reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 9-10 minutes.

You will need to stir the orzo occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of your pan. When the  orzo is fully cooked and tender , stir in the green onions, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder until fully incorporated into pasta.

Parmesan cheese is added to cooked orzo pasta.
Season Then Serve Orzo With Parmesan

Add salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to combine, and then place the hot orzo into a serving dish.

Orzo with Parmesan is served hot, with a green onion garnish.

Sprinkle a few extra green onions on top, and serve while HOT! I really hope you enjoy this dish. We sure do!

Orzo With Parmesan is served hot, in a blue serving bowl.

Hope you enjoy this simple, but delicious side dish of orzo with Parmesan! Have a great day. If you enjoy this side dish, you will enjoy my recipes for Broccoli Au Gratin Rice Pilaf, Easy Homemade Rice Pilaf. .

Looking for More Recipes Using ORZO?

You can find ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have other delicious recipes using orzo, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!
There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks


Have a GREAT day!

Author's signature

Recipe adapted from: http://www.melskitchencafe.com/simple-orzo-pilaf/

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Orzo With Parmesan
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Orzo with Parmesan cheese is a simple, inexpensive and delicious side dish you will really enjoy! It is a perfect accompaniment for beef, pork, poultry or fish!
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: orzo with parmesan
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 201 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup long grain orzo pasta
  • 2 green onions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper , to taste
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken both to a boil.

  2. Stir in the orzo and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the orzo uncovered for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the broth has been absorbed and pasta is tender, remove the pan from the heat.

  3. Stir in the green onions (save a few for garnish), Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until cheese has fully melted into the orzo. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

  4. Place orzo into serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve orzo immediately while HOT! (pasta will cool quickly)

Nutrition Facts
Orzo With Parmesan
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 201 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 634mg28%
Potassium 209mg6%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 170IU3%
Vitamin C 9.3mg11%
Calcium 158mg16%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Orzo with Parmesan cheese is a simple, inexpensive and delicious side dish you will really enjoy! It is a perfect accompaniment for beef, pork, poultry or fish!

 

Save

Save


May
2014

Melon Con Prosciutto

categories: Appetizers, Italian, Side Dishes
203 Shares
Pin203
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

Melon con Prosciutto- a refreshing, easy appetizer or side dish, with fresh ripe cantaloupe and prosciutto slices- delicious on a warm Spring or Summer night!Melon con Prosciutto- a refreshing, easy appetizer or side dish, with fresh ripe cantaloupe and prosciutto slices- delicious on a warm Spring or Summer night!

It’s supposed to be 90 degrees here in Portland this week- whew! Time for a great chilled cantaloupe and prosciutto appetizer, right?  You will LOVE this classic “recipe” for Melon Con Prosciutto!

This unbelievable weather has put me in the mood for summer BBQ’s and light meals. I was reminded of a themed dinner we celebrated with good friends a couple of years ago. My dear friend, Shari made us this great dish for the appetizer that evening! It’s beautiful AND delicious, so it’s is a perfect appetizer for any gathering, especially on a warm evening!

The chilled and sweet, ripe cantaloupe slices, when combined with the slightly salty prosciutto are ridiculously tasty! What is prosciutto, you ask? It is a classic Italian dry-cured ham, usually served very thinly sliced (I mean paper thin!). I’m sharing some of the pictures I took of my friend preparing this dish that evening. I asked for and received her permission to share her recipe version and my pictures with you.

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Make Melon con Proscuitto

First you will need to slice a chilled and very ripe cantaloupe in half, and remove the seeds with a spoon. Slice each half into 4 even-sized pieces.  Make 4-5 slices across each piece of cantaloupe (about 3/4 of the way down), but do not cut through the rind.

Cantaloupe cut into slices, with prosciutto slices in background

Cut the thin prosciutto slices in half and gently wedge them into the slices in each piece of cantaloupe.

Thin proscuitto slices are placed into sliced cantaloupe wedgesServing Melon con Proscuitto

Once slices are completely filled, place the cantaloupe slices onto a serving platter. Drizzle the melon con proscuitto slices lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with green onion slices to make it look pretty! That’s it!  Serve, and enjoy this classic, simple and yummy appetizer or side dish!

Melon con Proscuitto, served on a platter, is a great appetizer.

Hope you enjoy this fantastic, refreshing melon con prosciutto! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you will come back again soon for more delicious recipes.

Looking for More APPETIZER Recipes?

You can find ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have a nice variety of appetizers you can check out, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signature

Recipe Source: My friend, Shari Altree

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Melon Con Prosciutto
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

Melon con Prosciutto- a refreshing, easy appetizer or side dish, with fresh ripe cantaloupe and prosciutto slices- delicious on a warm Spring or Summer night!

Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: melon con proscuitto
Servings: 8 servings
Calories Per Serving: 106 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • One ripe cantaloupe , chilled
  • 16 thinly sliced pieces of prosciutto (check your grocer's deli)
  • Olive oil (for garnish)
  • 2 Green onion stems , thinly sliced (use green part only, for garnish)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Slice cantaloupe in half. Remove seeds and discard, then cut each half into 4 equal-sized wedges.
  2. Make 4-5 equally spaced cuts across each wedge (only about 3/4 of the way down- do not cut all the way through the rind).
  3. Slice each piece of prosciutto in half. Gently place a folded piece of prosciutto into each cut on the cantaloupe. Place stuffed cantaloupe slices onto serving platter.
  4. Drizzle surface of cantaloupe lightly with olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle the sliced green onions (green part only) on surface of the cantaloupe.
  6. Serve and ENJOY!
Nutrition Facts
Melon Con Prosciutto
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 106 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 10mg3%
Sodium 117mg5%
Potassium 224mg6%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 2365IU47%
Vitamin C 25.9mg31%
Calcium 8mg1%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Melon con Prosciutto- a refreshing, easy appetizer or side dish, with fresh ripe cantaloupe and prosciutto slices- delicious on a warm Spring or Summer night!

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save


May
2014

Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits

categories: Breads, Copycat Recipes, Side Dishes
556 Shares
Pin556
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

It’s EASY to make this yummy copycat version of the popular cheesy, buttery Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits at home in under 30 minutes.It's EASY to make this yummy copycat version of the popular cheesy, buttery Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits at home in under 30 minutes.
I love the warm cheddar biscuits that are served to you before a meal at a famous national restaurant .  I seriously think I could eat quite a few of these copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits, if push came to shove.

Truth: It would NOT take a lot of “shoving” to get me to eat lots of them! They give new meaning to the words “comfort food”… ha ha!

Did you know these cheddar biscuits are TOTALLY EASY to make at home?  Yes… from start to finger-licking finish, these warm and buttery biscuit bites of cheddar and garlic goodness can be on your table in about 30 minutes or less.

The cheddar biscuits are as simple to make as mixing up the dough, dropping them onto a baking sheet and baking them! Simple to make, and amazingly GOOD (bet you can’t eat just one)!

This recipe makes 10 of these delicious biscuits, so there will be plenty to go around. Here’s how to make them.

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

How To Make Cheddar Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir the biscuit mix, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.

Biscuit mix and spices are combined in a mixing bowl.

Add grated cheese and milk to bowl; stir together until a soft dough forms.

Grated cheese and milk are added to the dry ingredients in the bowl.

TIP: For a well rounded biscuit, spoon the dough into a measuring cup, THEN transfer it to the baking sheet (see below). Measure about 1/4 cup of batter into measuring cup.

Batter is scooped into a 1/4 cup measuring cup.

Spoon the dough out onto a greased baking sheet  (or a baking sheet covered with parchment paper). 

Smooth the tops of the dough down a bit with the back of a spoon. This will help prevent hard points from forming on the top of the biscuits.

Dough for the Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits is placed on baking sheet.

Bake The Cheddar Biscuits

Bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes. The tops of the biscuits should be golden brown when done. While the biscuits are cooking in the oven, melt the butter in a small pan; stir in the garlic powder.

Once you remove the biscuits from the oven, brush the garlic butter on top of the biscuits using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the crushed parsley flakes on top to garnish. Serve biscuits hot…and ENJOY!

Garlic butter and parsley are added to Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits after baking.

Hope you like them! They are a great addition to most meals, and guess what?  They’re WONDERFUL!  Have a fantastic day, friends.

Looking For More BREAD Recipes?

You can find all my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have quite a few bread recipes you’ll enjoy, including:

Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signatureRecipe Adapted From: Ron Douglas, in the cookbook “America’s Most Wanted Recipes” (published 2009), page 186.

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
It's EASY to make this yummy copycat version of the popular cheesy, buttery Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits at home in under 30 minutes.
Category: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheddar biscuits
Servings: 10 biscuits
Calories Per Serving: 174 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • ¼ cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2/3 cup milk
For topping:
  • 4 Tablespoons (1/2 cube) butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Parsley flakes , for garnishing
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir the biscuit mix, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, grated cheese and milk together until a soft dough forms.
  3. Spoon the dough into 1/4 cup measuring cup, then onto a greased baking sheet (or parchment paper covered baking sheet). Smooth the tops of the dough down a bit with the back of a spoon. This will help prevent hard points from forming on top of the biscuits.
  4. Bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes. The tops of the biscuits should be golden brown.
  5. While the biscuits are cooking in the oven, melt the butter in a small pan; stir in the garlic powder. Once you remove the biscuits from the oven, brush the butter on top, using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the crushed parsley flakes on top to garnish. Serve biscuits hot...and ENJOY!
Nutrition Facts
Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
Amount Per Serving (1 biscuit)
Calories 174 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 19mg6%
Sodium 388mg17%
Potassium 73mg2%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 250IU5%
Calcium 105mg11%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!It's EASY to make this yummy copycat version of the popular cheesy, buttery Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits at home in under 30 minutes.

 

 

Save

Save


May
2014

Salisbury Steak

categories: Beef, Main Dishes
237 Shares
Pin234
Share
Tweet
Yum3
Email

Salisbury Steak is old-fashioned comfort food at it’s best! Beef patties simmered in and smothered with a simple, delicious onion and mushroom gravy.Salisbury Steak is old-fashioned comfort food at it's best! Beef patties simmered in and smothered with a simple, delicious onion and mushroom gravy.

I found this particular recipe for the first time a couple of months ago online and decided to try making this version, to check it out.  My husband and I loved it! Trust me, THIS is comfort food at it’s very best, my friends!

Since then, I’ve made it many, many times. It’s just plain and simply “GOOD” Salisbury steak. Easy… and quick to prepare with ground beef, and the onion and mushroom gravy that tops it all off is wonderful!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

The Origins Of Salisbury Steak 

DID YOU KNOW?  Wikipedia states that Salisbury Steak was invented by American physician Dr. J.H. Salisbury (1823-1905). The name “Salisbury steak” has been in use in the United States since 1897.

It’s become a very popular “comfort food” style dish in the U.S., where it is traditionally served with gravy and mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Easy And Budget Friendly

The cost of the ingredients is fairly low, so you can feed friends or family for a fraction of what eating out would cost! I really hope you will give this recipe a try, and trust you will enjoy it like we do.

The original recipe for this version of Salisbury steak is from Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. I have all of her cookbooks, so I knew I could count on this old-fashioned classic being a GREAT recipe!

This really is such an easy recipe to prepare, and it only takes about 30 minutes, from start to finish. I like “those” kind of meals, because the prep work doesn’t take too much time out of an already busy day.

How To Make Salisbury Steak

Ground beef and ingredients are mixed together, and then it’s shaped into oblong patties. Place olive oil and butter into a large skillet, and turn the heat to Medium-High.

When the oil and the skillet are hot, add the meat patties to the hot skillet, in a single layer.

Salisbury steak patties are pan-seared in skillet.
Cook the first side for 3-4 minutes, then carefully turn patties over and continue cooking the other side. Cook until the Salisbury steak patties are no longer pink in the middle (2-3 minutes, usually).

Remove the patties from the skillet, and place them on paper towels to absorb grease. Set the patties aside.

Pour off any of the excess grease from the skillet, but do NOT wipe it clean.

Salisbury steak patties are cooked in skillet, until browned on both sides.

Preparing The Salisbury Steak Sauce

Reduce the heat to Medium, and add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for several minutes until they begin to turn golden brown and have softened slightly.
 
Sliced onions for salisbury steak gravy are cooked in skillet.

Add beef stock, mushrooms, corn starch/beef broth paste, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to the skillet.

Stir well to combine these ingredients, and cook until the sauce comes to a slight boil and thickens (about 1-2 minutes).

Gently add the beef patties back into the skillet. Spoon the gravy, onions and mushrooms over the top of the meat and let them simmer on Medium heat until heated through (2-3 minutes).

Salisbury Steak is in skillet, topped with mushroom/onion gravy to cook.

Time To EAT!

Once the Salisbury steak has finished cooking, transfer a beef patty to each serving plate. Top each piece with the onion/mushroom sauce.

We love to have this dish with good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes on the side. It’s easy to use some of the onion/mushroom sauce as gravy for the potatoes. YUM!

Salisbury Steak is served on plate with mashed potatoes and salad on the side.

See how easy it is to make homemade Salisbury steak?  I really hope you will enjoy this classic comfort food meal! We LOVE it, and have enjoyed it many, many times in our home! Have a wonderful day, friends. Make it a GOOD one!

Looking For More BEEF Recipes?

You can find all of my beef recipes in the Recipe Index at the top of the page. A few of our family favorites you might enjoy are:

Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signatureRecipe Source: http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/salisbury-steak-4/

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Salisbury Steak
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Salisbury Steak is old-fashioned comfort food at it's best! Beef patties simmered in and smothered with a simple, delicious onion and mushroom gravy.
Category: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salisbury steak
Servings: 5 (or 6, if made smaller)
Calories Per Serving: 305 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
For the meat mixture:
  • 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 cube beef bouillon , crumbled (or use a powdered beef base)
  • 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon ketchup
  • Salt and pepper
For the "gravy":
  • 1 whole brown onion , halved, then thinly sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 small can sliced mushrooms (*optional)
  • 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce (additional)
  • 1 Tablespoon ketchup (additional)
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch , mixed with a little bit of the beef broth (to blend into a thin paste)
  • Salt and pepper , to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil , for frying
  • 1 Tablespoon butter , for frying
US Customary - Metric
Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the meat mixture. Mix until well combined. Using hands, form meat into 5-6 oval patties. Try to make them all about the same size.

  2. Place olive oil and butter into a large skillet. Heat on medium high. When oil and pan are hot, add meat patties to the skillet.
  3. Cook first side for 3-4 minutes, then carefully turn patties over and continue cooking the other side until no longer pink in the middle (another couple of minutes, usually).
  4. Remove patties from the pan and place on paper towels to absorb grease. Now pour off excess grease from pan, but do not wipe pan clean.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions to the skillet. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, for several minutes until they begin to turn golden brown and have softened slightly.
  6. Add the beef stock, mushrooms, corn starch/beef broth paste, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to skillet. Stir well to combine. Cook until sauce comes to a slight boil and thickens (1-2 minutes). Gently add the beef patties back into the skillet. Spoon the gravy, onions and mushrooms over the top of the meat and let patties simmer on medium heat until heated through (just 2-3 minutes). To serve, spoon some of the onions and sauce over the top of the patties (and even the mashed potatoes if they are a side dish!) when you put them on the serving plate, and ENJOY!
Recipe Notes

*Recipe serves 5-6, depending on the size of the patties you make. Caloric calculation based on 5 total servings.

Nutrition Facts
Salisbury Steak
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 305 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 1021mg44%
Potassium 624mg18%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 32g64%
Vitamin A 100IU2%
Vitamin C 1.7mg2%
Calcium 45mg5%
Iron 4.2mg23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Salisbury Steak is old-fashioned comfort food at it's best! Beef patties simmered in and smothered with a simple, delicious onion and mushroom gravy.

Save

Save


May
2014

Chocolate And Strawberry Napoleons

categories: Chocolate, Desserts, Doughnuts/Pastries
9 Shares
Pin9
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

Chocolate Strawberry Napoleons are delicious layered desserts, with strawberries, creamy chocolate filling, puff pastry, and a chocolate drizzle. Chocolate Strawberry Napoleons are delicious layered desserts, with strawberries, creamy chocolate filling, puff pastry, and a chocolate drizzle.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I were having our sons and their girlfriends over for dinner. I was a bit stumped by what to serve for dessert, because I didn’t want to prepare the same old desserts I usually make. I ended up making Chocolate and Strawberry Napoleons!

This dessert was created, because I knew I wanted to try something different. My DEEP CONTEMPLATION of WHAT that could be lasted about 4 minutes. I decided to make something using puff pastry, and we ended up with… Chocolate and Strawberry Napoleons!

Several changes were made to a recipe I found on the box, tried to make it look “fancy pants”…and voila! A beautiful, classy looking dessert was made, that we all enjoyed! The recipe actually looks harder to make than it really is, and with only 7 or 8 ingredients, it’s not too expensive, either!   Here’s how to make this delicious dessert!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Prepare Strawberries

In a small bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and ingredients are fully combined.

Set the strawberries aside, and let them sit for about 30 minutes, then drain off the juice. This process is called “macerating” the berries, and helps to sweeten them.

Fresh strawberries are mascerated in sugar and water for chocolate strawberry napoleons.

Make The Chocolate Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla on high speed until soft peaks form. This “chocolate mousse” type mixture will become the filling for the chocolate strawberry napoleons! Cover and place in refrigerator, until ready to use.

Prepare The  Puff Pastry For Chocolate Strawberry Napoleons

Take the thawed pastry sheet and gently unfold it onto a lightly floured work surface. Cut the pastry (along the fold marks) into 3 strips. Now cut each of the strips into 4 rectangles.

NOTE: You will notice (in the photo below) that I FORGOT to cut the three strips of puff pastry into 4 rectangles each until AFTER I baked them.  TRUST ME – they are much easier to cut BEFORE you bake them and they get all nice and crispy!

Bake The Puff Pastry

Put the 12 pastry rectangles onto 2 baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the pastries turn golden brown. Remove pastries from oven and place on wire racks. Let these cool for about 10 minutes.

Once cooled, take a sharp knife and carefully split each pastry into 2 layers (horizontally, of course!). You should now have 24 pastry rectangles (you will use 3 for each serving). **See NOTE above, regarding photo below.

Baked puff pastry, ready to slice and fill for chocolate strawberry napoleons dessert.

Serving Chocolate Strawberry Napoleons

Place a bottom pastry layer onto each individual serving plate (8 total). Divide HALF of the chocolate filling between all 8 portions. Spoon chocolate filling, to cover (and kind of spill over sides).

Divide and spoon HALF of the strawberries over the chocolate filling on each portion. Top each dessert with another pastry layer. Repeat process with an additional layer of chocolate and strawberries for each dessert. Top each dessert off with another pastry rectangle (use an original “top” piece).

Dust the pastry and plate with sifted powdered sugar. Decoratively drizzle each portion with chocolate syrup (or melted and slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips) and serve!

To serve, chocolate strawberry napoleons are dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate.

Fresh strawberries, plus creamy chocolate filling, in between layers of flaky puff pastry, and drizzled with chocolate is so good. Yummm…what’s NOT to like?

Chocolate strawberry napoleons on plates, ready to serve to guests!

We REALLY enjoyed these chocolate strawberry napoleons for dessert! They are at their very best when served on the same day you made them!

Close up photo of a chocolate strawberry napoleon on a serving plate.

Sure hope you will give it a try. This easy to make dessert will be a treat for your guest’s eyes AND taste buds! Have a GREAT day!

Looking For More DESSERT Recipes?

You can find ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. A few of our favorite dessert recipes include:

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!
There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Chocolate and Strawberry Napoleons

Recipe Adapted From: The back of the box of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets (☺)

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Chocolate And Strawberry Napoleons
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 
A delicious chocolate, strawberry, and cream-filled pastry sure to impress your guests!
Category: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate strawberry napoleons
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 296 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry (1/2 of a 17.3 oz. box) , thawed
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (very cold)
  • 3 Tablespoons confectioner's (powdered) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups fresh , sliced strawberries (do not use frozen for this recipe)
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • *Optional: Confectioner's Sugar and Chocolate Syrup (or melted and slightly cooled chocolate chips) for garnish (you know...to make it purdy!!!)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. Prepare strawberries: In a small bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and the water. Stir until combined. Set aside and let them sit quietly for approx. 30 minutes, then drain off the juice. This process is called "mascerating" the berries. Set asdide , until ready to use.

  3. Prepare Chocolate Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla on high speed until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate, until ready to use.

  4. Take the thawed pastry sheet and gently unfold it onto a lightly floured work surface. Cut the pastry (along the fold marks) into 3 strips. Now cut each of the strips into 4 rectangles. Put the 12 pastry rectangles onto 2 baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the pastries turn golden brown. Remove pastries from oven and place on wire racks. Let these cool for about 10 minutes.

  5. Once cooled, take a sharp knife and carefully split each pastry into 2 layers (horizontally, of course!). You should now have 24 pastry rectangles (you will use 3 for each serving).

To Make The Napoleons:

  1. Place a bottom pastry layer onto each individual serving plate (8 total). Divide HALF of the chocolate filling between all 8 portions. Spoon chocolate filling, to cover (and kind of spill over sides).

  2. Divide and spoon HALF of the strawberries over the chocolate filling on each portion. Top each dessert with another pastry layer. Repeat process with an additional layer of chocolate and strawberries for each dessert. Top each dessert off with another pastry rectangle (use an original "top" piece).

To Garnish and Serve:
  1. Dust pastry and plate with sifted powdered sugar. Decoratively drizzle with chocolate syrup (or melted and slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips-that's what I did) and serve! ENJOY!
Recipe Notes

Caloric calculation does not include optional chocolate and powdered sugar used to garnish finished dish.

Nutrition Facts
Chocolate And Strawberry Napoleons
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 296 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 88mg4%
Potassium 137mg4%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 435IU9%
Vitamin C 21.4mg26%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 1.3mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Chocolate Strawberry Napoleons are delicious layered desserts, with strawberries, creamy chocolate filling, puff pastry, and a chocolate drizzle.

 

Save


May
2014

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

categories: Asian, Chicken, Main Dishes
6 Shares
Pin6
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken is easy to make, and low in calories, with snow peas, fresh ginger, red bell peppers, green onions, and dry roasted peanuts.Healthy Kung Pao Chicken is easy to make, and low in calories, with snow peas, fresh ginger, red bell peppers, green onions, and dry roasted peanuts.

I love Chinese Food, especially Kung Pao Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork. I do NOT love all the calories those traditional Chinese dishes add to my body, as I eat bite after bite, however!  What’s a girl to do??? How about a recipe for Healthy Kung Pao Chicken?

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Where Did Kung Pao Chicken Originate?

Wikipedia describes Kung Pao Chicken as “a classic dish in Szechuan cuisine”. The recipe for Kung Pao Chicken is thought to have originated in the Sichuan province of South-Western China.

This classic dish is commonly believed to have been named to honor Ding Baozhen, a governor of Sichuan Province during the Quing Dynasty. “Kung Pao” literally means “palace guardian”, which has absolutely nothing to do with chicken, but… whatever! All I know is it tastes GREAT!

Where I Found The Recipe For Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

I was determined to search for a slightly healthier version of Kung Pao Chicken…and I found one, in an old back issue of Cooking Light Magazine.  A few very minor changes were made to the recipe, then I prepared this “lighter” version for our dinner tonight. It was delicious!!!!

This healthy kung pao chicken version is not as spicy as some other traditional recipes, including my own recipe (here). If you like your kung pao chicken spicy, simply add additional red pepper flakes to the dish.

Why We Enjoy This Recipe

This healthy kung pao chicken is absolutely full of flavor, a cinch to prepare, and easy on the old wallet! You’ll think you are enjoying some good take out, because the sauce is wonderful, but you won’t be piling on those extra calories. Win-Win!!! I would encourage you to give it a try, and hope you enjoy it! We sure did. Here’s a few pics taken while cooking the dish:

Making Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken breast chunks, green onions and garlic are cooked together in a large skillet until fully cooked through.

Chicken, garlic and green onions are cooked through in a large skillet.

Add Veggies, Sauce and Dry Roasted Peanuts To The Skillet

Once the chicken is cooked through, add snow peas, red bell peppers, dry roasted peanuts and a simple Asian sauce to the chicken. Stir well, to fully combine the ingredients.

At this point, everything is cooking away, and the healthy kung pao chicken is sure smelling good! Let the chicken, veggies and sauce cook for a few more minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and will coat everything in it’s deliciousness!

Veggies, sauce, and dry roasted nuts are added to healthy kung pao chicken in skillet.

Time To Serve The Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken can be served on a bed of rice (if desired), with additional fresh veggies on the side. Now it’s time to dig in!

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken can be served on a bed of steamed rice.

Hope you enjoy this recipe for healthy kung pao chicken. See the printable recipe below, for all the details! Have a great day, and come back soon!

Looking For More Chinese Food Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. A few favorite Chinese food recipes include:

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signatureRecipe Adapted From “Cooking Light Magazine”, December 2010 issue and posted at: http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/healthy-kung-pao-chicken/

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Healthy Kung Pao Chicken
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Here's a healthy version of a favorite Chinese entree: Kung Pao Chicken, with a touch of "spicy" and a lot of "healthy"!
Category: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: healthy kung pao chicken
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 195 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 Tablespoons green onion , sliced (white and green parts)
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 3 boneless chicken breasts , cut into 1" pieces
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 Tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 -3/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes (If you like it with more "heat", use 3/4 tsp.)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger , minced (or finely grated with micro-plane)
  • 3/4 cup snow peas
  • 3/4 cup red bell pepper , sliced in thin strips
  • 2 Tablespoon dry roasted peanuts
  • Optional: Toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onion , for garnish)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil on medium heat.
  2. When oil is hot, add the onion and cook for about a minute, then add the garlic and chicken.
  3. Saute until the chicken is cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar, cornstarch and ginger. Whisk this until the sugar has dissolved, then add this sauce to the chicken.
  5. Bring the sauce to a boil, then add the red bell pepper and snow peas.
  6. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes (the sauce will thicken as it cooks). When chicken is heated through and sauce has thickened, remove it from heat.
  7. Serve this dish on top of white or brown rice.
  8. Garnish (if desired) with additional green onion slices and toasted sesame seeds. ENJOY!!
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Kung Pao Chicken
Amount Per Serving (1 (1/4 of total))
Calories 195 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 36mg12%
Sodium 504mg22%
Potassium 384mg11%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 1190IU24%
Vitamin C 49.2mg60%
Calcium 22mg2%
Iron 1.2mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Healthy Kung Pao Chicken is easy to make, and low in calories, with snow peas, fresh ginger, red bell peppers, green onions, and dry roasted peanuts.

 

Save

Save


May
2014

Swiss Chard With Onions And Garlic

categories: From Our Veggie Garden, Side Dishes, Vegetable Dishes
40 Shares
Pin40
Share
Tweet
Yum
Email

You’ll enjoy this flavor filled, easy to prepare veggie side dish that features pan-seared, garden fresh Swiss Chard with onions and garlic.You'll enjoy this flavor filled, easy to prepare veggie side dish that features pan-seared, garden fresh Swiss Chard with onions and garlic.
Swiss Chard with Onions and Garlic is a quick, easy and HEALTHY side dish I made last night with our grilled chicken dinner.  I stir-fried rainbow colored chard with onions and garlic, and boy, was it good!

I had never eaten Swiss Chard until a year ago, when I decided to add it to my raised bed garden and give it a shot. That was a great idea (if I say so myself)!  I planted seeds for Rainbow Chard last Spring (Rainbow Chard just means there are different color stems on the plants).

We are STILL enjoying some of the Swiss chard I planted last year from seed…isn’t that crazy?! I planted chard seeds from a .99 cent packet …My chard plants survived the winter rain and snow and we had some for dinner last night in MAY! Talk about a good investment…yeehaw!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Is Swiss Chard Good for You?

Yes! My husband and I loved this side dish! Chard is crazy good for you, too. It is low-fat, full of fiber, iron and potassium, to name just a few reasons why you should give this veggie a try. Simple, “good for you”, and full of flavor!

We grow a rainbow variety of Swiss chard in our little back yard garden. Here’s where the unsuspecting chard in the skillet was yesterday morning (my garden – the tall plants in this photo).

Swiss chard, growing in our little raised bed garden.
Here’s where some of that chard was yesterday afternoon (my kitchen) and what it looked like after washing the leaves and stems. It had NO idea I was going to COOK it the following day!

The Swiss chard leaves are rinsed and drained well, before cooking.

Preparing Swiss Chard With Onions And Garlic

There are not too many ingredients for this quick stir fry, and that’s a good thing. Simple is good!

Minced garlic, and Swiss chard with onions are used to make this dish.

The minced garlic is added as the chard is cooking down a bit in the skillet.

The chard is cooked in skillet until it wilts down to half the size.

See how much the Swiss chard cooks down by the time it’s done? You THINK it will be a lot of Swiss chard with onions, but it ends up being about half the starting amount in the pan, once cooked. Be sure to serve the Swiss chard immediately while still hot. You can season it with salt and pepper, if desired to suit your own personal taste.

The Swiss Chard With Onions And Garlic is finished cooking, and is ready to serve.

Hope you will consider trying this recipe for Swiss chard with onions and garlic. It really IS a very delicious way to “eat your veggies”. If you enjoyed this dish, be sure to check out my recipe for Swiss Chard with Bacon and Mushrooms. Have a great day!

Looking For More Veggie Dishes?

You can find all of my vegetable dishes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have many delicious veggie dishes, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!
There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

  Author's signature

Recipe Source (My head…this is how I cook kale, also…ridiculously easy!)

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
PRINT
Swiss Chard With Onions And Garlic
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
You'll enjoy this flavor filled, easy to prepare veggie side dish that features pan-seared, garden fresh Swiss Chard with onions and garlic.
Category: Side Dishes, Vegetable Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: swiss chard with onions
Servings: 3
Calories Per Serving: 107 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 1 large bunch of Swiss Chard (it LOOKS like a lot, but it will really cook down- trust me!)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic , minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon bacon "drippings" (this is completely optional, but does lend a nice flavor)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions

  1. Wash the chard very well. Shake chard to dry it slightly, but leave a bit of the water on the leaves. Chop the stem and leaves into 2 inch pieces.

  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and saute for a couple minutes. Add the chard stalks; cook for a couple of minutes, then add the leaves and the garlic. If the leaves don't all fit in the pan, don't panic...just let them cook for a minute (as they cook it will "shrink" substantially), then add the rest. Continue to saute the chard until the leaves begin to wilt (a couple minutes. You will be surprised how much the chard reduces in size.

  3. Serve the sauteed chard warm. Enjoy this healthy side dish!!!
Nutrition Facts
Swiss Chard With Onions And Garlic
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 107 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 104mg5%
Potassium 207mg6%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 2935IU59%
Vitamin C 16.3mg20%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!You'll enjoy this flavor filled, easy to prepare veggie side dish that features pan-seared, garden fresh Swiss Chard with onions and garlic.

 

 

Save

Save