The Grateful Girl Cooks!

25
Jun
2021

Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous

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Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous is a delicious, easy to make side dish, seasoned with Italian seasoning, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese!

If you’re looking for a simple side dish with lots of flavor, may I suggest trying this Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous? Creamy and full of flavor, this simple pasta side dish pairs well with many different varieties of beef, chicken, pork and fish! This recipe (as written) makes four servings of about 1/2 cup per serving, but can be easily doubled or tripled.

I created this recipe a couple of years ago by trial and error, and finally decided to get the recipe onto my blog. It really is a simple, easy to prepare recipe, but it sure is one we enjoy quite often. Sometimes the simplest recipes can become ones we return to, time and time again. This is one of those recipes, and I hope you will give it a try, and come to love it, too!

Pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) is a tiny “pearl-sized” hard pasta that softens when boiled in water. For this recipe, after the pearl couscous cook, it is seasoned with butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian-inspired spices like garlic, rosemary and Italian seasoning mix. The Parmesan cheese and butter melts into the hot couscous, and then the seasonings put it over the top as far as taste goes! Here’s how easy it is to make:

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Cook the Pearl Couscous

Pearl Couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) can be found in almost all grocery stores. It actually is a type of “pasta” that resembles a pearl in shape and size. It is very EASY to prepare.

Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil (on medium-high heat) in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir in the couscous, and then put a cover on the pan. Reduce the heat to LOW, and cook the couscous, stirring occasionally for between 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat.

Prepare The Italian-Inspired Spice Mixture

While the couscous is cooking, combine the spices in a small bowl. The spices you will use are salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and dried rosemary. Once combined, set the seasoning mixture aside to add to the couscous when done cooking.

Finishing The Pearl Couscous For Serving

As soon as the pearl couscous has finished cooking, immediately remove it from the heat, and add butter and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir them into the HOT couscous, until the cheese and butter melt.

Add the spice mix to the creamy Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous, and stir well, to fully combine all the ingredients.

Time To Serve The Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous

Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl. Serve the Italian Parmesan pearl couscous while it is hot! The pearl couscous will be tender, creamy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor! If you want, you can garnish the top with more shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired, but that is optional.

This recipe makes four ½ cup servings. If you have any leftover Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous, simply cover the bowl and refrigerate the couscous for up to 2-3 days. This dish can be easily microwaved to reheat, stirring occasionally during reheating to break up and re-fluff the couscous.

I hope you have the opportunity to make this yummy side dish. We love to serve it alongside pork chops, chicken, beef, and some fish dishes. It’s really yummy. Thanks for stopping by today, and please come back soon. Have a GREAT day.

Looking For More Recipes Using Pearl Couscous?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have several delicious recipes using pearl couscous I know you will enjoy, including:

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4.34 from 3 votes

Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous is a delicious, easy to make side dish, seasoned with Italian seasoning, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese!

Category: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous

Servings: 4 (1/2 cup per serving)

Calories Per Serving: 214 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

1½ cups water
1 cup pearl couscous (uncooked)
1 Tablespoon butter
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon dried, crushed rosemary (optional, but good)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Bring water to a boil (on medium-high heat) in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir in couscous, and then cover the pan. Reduce heat to LOW; cook couscous, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes, or until liquid has been fully absorbed. Remove pan from the heat.
While couscous is cooking, combine spices (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and rosemary) in a small bowl. (You want this ready to add to the hot couscous).
As soon as couscous is done, immediately remove pan from the heat. Add butter and Parmesan cheese; stir until butter and cheese melt. Add spice mix; stir well, to fully combine. Transfer hot couscous to serving bowl. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired..
Leftover couscous can be stored, covered/refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. It can be reheated in microwave, stirring occasionally during reheating to break up and re-fluff the couscous.

Nutrition Facts

Italian Parmesan Pearl Couscous

Amount Per Serving (1 (1/2 cup))

Calories 214 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 13mg4%

Sodium 420mg18%

Potassium 86mg2%

Carbohydrates 34g11%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 146IU3%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 88mg9%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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22
Jun
2021

Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken

categories: Chicken, Italian, Main Dishes

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If you’re looking for a delicious, filling dish, try this Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken! It’s an “all in one bowl” meal you’ll enjoy!

My husband and I really love risotto. It’s hot, filling, delicious, creamy, and to us, a wonderful “comfort food” meal. The best part is that it is an all-in-one dish, with veggies, chicken and rice, so it’s practically perfect… in every way! If you’re a vegetarian and want to make this meal, simply substitute vegetable broth (for chicken broth) and leave out the chicken to enjoy this yummy dish.

I found the original recipe in one of my old cookbooks published in 2004, called “The Best Of Cooking Light”. After making a couple of tweaks (adding and changing ingredients a bit) to the original recipe, I made this delicious dinner and we’ve loved it ever since that first meal. Tender pieces of butternut squash, chicken, and onions, cooked with arborio rice, broth, butter and Parmesan cheese make this a risotto you’re gonna love! It is soooo good. Here’s how to make it:

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

How To Make Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken

In a large saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water, 1/4 cup of dry white wine, and 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) of low sodium chicken broth to a simmer (do not boil). Keep this liquid broth simmering on low heat while you prepare the risotto.

Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add chopped onion, and cook them for 7-8 minutes, stirring often. When done, the onions should be golden brown and tender. Add additional 1/2 cup of water, butternut squash, salt, pepper and garlic powder to the pan, and stir to combine. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the squash has become tender and the liquid has almost evaporated.

Making The Risotto

Add the arborio rice and pre-cooked chicken cubes to the pan, stirring to combine these ingredients. Ladle ½ cup of the warm simmering broth into the pan, and stir.

Cook this mixture on medium-low heat, stirring often, until almost all of the broth has been absorbed into the rice.

Continue to add warm broth to the pan, ½ cup at a time, cooking and stirring constantly until almost all the liquid is absorbed, before adding the next ½ cup of broth. Repeat this step (½ cup at a time), stirring constantly, until all the broth has been absorbed into the rice.

This should take about 30 minutes total to use up all the broth. Don’t rush this step, as the “low and slow” cooking of the liquid and rice is what will help make the finished risotto creamy and tender.

Last Step Before The Butternut Squash Risotto Is Ready To Eat!

Once the broth has been absorbed into the risotto (and the rice is creamy and tender to the bite), remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in butter and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Continue stirring until the butter and cheese has melted and been incorporated into the butternut squash risotto.

Time To Serve The Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken

Now it’s time to serve the butternut squash risotto with chicken while it is HOT! Serve it immediately for best results. For six total servings, each portion should be approx. ¾ cup.

If desired, top each portion with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese (this is optional, but nice!).

The creamy butternut squash risotto is delicious, and will be a wonderful meal for you and those you love. It’s a yummy chicken, veggie and rice dish I’m certain you will enjoy serving to those you love.

If you have any leftover risotto, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. All you will need to do is microwave it, to reheat.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. I truly hope you will have the opportunity to try this delicious Butternut Squash Risotto, and trust you will love it just as much as we do.

If you enjoy butternut squash, you might also want to check out my recipes for Butternut Squash Coconut Curry, or Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon!

Please come back again soon for more family-friendly recipes. Have a great day, and may God bless you with hope, the love of family and friends, and great joy.

Looking For Other RISOTTO Recipes?

You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have a couple other delicious risotto recipes I’m confident you will also enjoy:

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Recipe adapted from: The cookbook “The Best Of Cooking Light”, page 143, published by Oxmoor House, Inc., 2004.

0 from 0 votes

Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

50 mins

Total Time

1 hr 5 mins

If you're looking for a delicious, filling dish, try this Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken! It's an "all in one bowl" meal you'll enjoy!

Category: Entree

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: butternut squash risotto

Servings: 6 (approx. ¾ cup per serving)

Calories Per Serving: 388 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 cups water (divided use)
29 ounces low sodium chicken broth (two 14.5 oz. cans)
¼ cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup onion, finely chopped
3 cups cubed, peeled butternut squash (cut in 3/4" cubes)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1½ cups arborio rice (or other short grain rice) (uncooked)
1½ cups pre-cooked chicken breast ,(cut in 1" cubes)
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Garnish (optional): additional Parmesan cheese and/or chopped parsley

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In large saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water, chicken broth and wine to a simmer (do not boil). Keep broth warming on low heat while you prepare risotto in a separate pan.
Heat oil on medium heat in a Dutch oven (or large saucepan). Once hot (but not smoking), add onion; cook 7-8 minutes, stirring often. When done, onions should be golden brown and tender. Add remaining ½ cup water, butternut squash, salt, pepper and garlic powder; stir to combine. Cook 10 minutes, or until squash is tender and liquid has almost evaporated.
Add arborio rice and cooked chicken cubes to pan, stirring to combine. Ladle ½ cup of warm broth into pan, and stir. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until almost all of broth has been absorbed. Continue to add broth, ½ cup at a time, cooking and stirring often until almost all broth is absorbed, before adding the next ½ cup of broth. Repeat (½ cup at a time), stirring constantly, until all broth has been added and absorbed. This takes about 30 minutes. Don't rush this step- "low and slow" cooking will make risotto creamy and tender.
Once all broth has been added (and absorbed), and rice is creamy/tender to the bite, remove pan from heat. Immediately stir in butter and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until they've melted into the risotto.
Serve immediately, garnishing each portion (if desired) with additional Parmesan cheese and/or chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken

Amount Per Serving (1 (approx. 3/4 cup))

Calories 388 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 46mg15%

Sodium 415mg18%

Potassium 584mg17%

Carbohydrates 51g17%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 18g36%

Vitamin A 7700IU154%

Vitamin C 16mg19%

Calcium 144mg14%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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18
Jun
2021

Baked Brown Bread

categories: Breads

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You’re gonna love this easy recipe for a delicious large loaf of Baked Brown Bread! Molasses and cocoa powder add to the color and flavor!

If you’ve been looking for a GREAT TASTING loaf of brown bread to make that is EASY, requires NO YEAST, and tastes fabulous, may I recommend this recipe for baked brown bread?

I got the recipe originally from an older cookbook I have in my collection. It has truly become one of my most favorite breads!

The recipe could not be easier! Combine dry ingredients, combine wet ingredients, and then pour them into a standard-sized loaf pan (9×5) and bake. BOOM! A yummy warm loaf of baked brown bread, ready to slather with soft butter OR eat it just as it is! YUM! Here’s how to make this simple bread loaf:

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

Prepare The Batter For Baked Brown Bread

The first thing you will do is preheat your oven to 350°F. It only takes a few minutes to prepare the bread batter, so you will want your oven hot and ready to roll once the batter is done, okay? OK.

Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl. In a SEPARATE bowl, lightly beat an egg, then add milk and molasses, and whisk to combine these wet ingredients.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add a Tablespoon of melted vegetable shortening, then stir the ingredients well to fully combine. This is the batter for the baked brown bread. See how easy that was to make?

Time To Make Some Baked Brown Bread!

Generously spray or grease the bottom and sides of a 9×5 loaf pan. Pour all of the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven, and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the top of the loaf comes out clean.

HALFWAY through the baking time, quickly sprinkle the top of the loaf with old fashioned rolled oats, if desired. This is an optional step, but I think it looks great on the loaf once done.

The Baked Brown Bread Is Ready To Enjoy!

When the bread is done baking (and a toothpick comes out clean), remove the pan from the oven. Let the baked brown bread cool (still in the pan) for about 15 minutes.

Run a butter knife carefully around the edges of the bread, then carefully turn the pan over, and the bread should release from the pan.

Let the bread cool a bit longer on a wire rack before slicing. We like to eat this delicious bread while still warm (but not HOT). Spread some softened butter on a slice, and dig in!

It tastes wonderful, and has great flavor, and a deep brown color. We enjoy eating slices of this bread as is, or toasted or broiled, and slathered with butter.

I really hope you will give this yummy bread a try, and trust you will enjoy it as much as we do! Thank you for stopping by, and I sincerely hope you will come back for another visit again soon. Have a great day.

Looking For More BREAD Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have lots of delicious bread recipes (yeast and no yeast), including:

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Original recipe source: The cookbook “Church Suppers”, page 92, published in 2005 by Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers, New York

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes

Baked Brown Bread

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

55 mins

Total Time

1 hr 5 mins

You're gonna love this easy recipe for a delicious large loaf of Baked Brown Bread! Molasses and cocoa powder add to the color and flavor!

Category: Bread/Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked brown bread

Servings: 10

Calories Per Serving: 246 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
½ cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder (for baking)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1½ cups milk
½ cup molasses
1 Tablespoon vegetable shortening , melted
1 Tablespoon old fashioned oats (optional) , to sprinkle on top of loaf

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease or spray a 9x5 loaf pan on bottom and sides.
Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until combined.
In SEPARATE bowl, lightly beat egg, then add milk and molasses. Whisk until fully blended. Add to flour mixture. Add the melted vegetable shortening; stir ingredients in, until batter is fully combined.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Place pan on middle rack of oven. Bake for a total of 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the top of the loaf comes out clean. HALFWAY through the baking time, sprinkle top of loaf with oats, if desired.
When done, remove pan from oven. Let bread cool (still in pan) for 15 minutes. Run a butter knife carefully around edges of bread, then carefully turn pan over to release bread from pan. Let bread cool a bit longer on wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Baked Brown Bread

Amount Per Serving (1 slice (1/10th of total))

Calories 246 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 256mg11%

Potassium 409mg12%

Carbohydrates 50g17%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 25g28%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 96IU2%

Calcium 104mg10%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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15
Jun
2021

Grandma’s Fluffy White Frosting

categories: Cakes, Tip Of The Day

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Make my Grandma’s fluffy white frosting to decorate your favorite cakes or cupcakes! It’s a simple recipe I’ve used for over 45 years.

Today I want to share my Grandma’s recipe for fluffy white frosting, which can be used to decorate cakes and cupcakes. This recipe was given to my Mom (her daughter-in-law) MANY years ago, who then handed down the recipe to me over 45 years ago. I feel a wonderful connection to my Grandma Grace whenever I have made this frosting over the years.

Grandma’s Fluffy White Frosting is simple to make, but it DOES take a while to beat with an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to make it fluffy and fully dissolve the sugar. That being said, the end result is a light, fluffy frosting you will enjoy using. Here’s how to make it:

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

How To Make Grandma’s Fluffy White Frosting

Place the milk, cornstarch and a dash of salt in a medium saucepan. Use a spoon or wire whisk to combine these ingredients, and then cook on LOW heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens. Once the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat and set it aside to FULLY cool.

In a separate large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), use an electric mixer to cream together the vegetable shortening, butter, granulated sugar and a portion of the powdered sugar. Mix these ingredients REALLY WELL for 15 minutes, until creamy. I use my stand mixer for this, because I can turn it on, walk away, and let it mix the frosting on its own.

NOTE: It is important to take the time to mix these ingredients really well, so the granulated sugar is dissolved and no longer “grainy”.

Time To Finish Making Grandma’s Fluffy White Frosting

Add vanilla extract to Grandma’s Fluffy White Frosting, and then add the cooled and thickened milk mixture. Make sure the thickened milk mixture has fully cooled before adding, so it doesn’t melt the frosting! Beat these ingredients well, until fully incorporated.

Add the remaining portion of powdered sugar to the frosting, and mix well until fully combined. Now this yummy frosting is done, and it should be fluffy and light in texture, and ready to use.

Decorating With Grandma’s Fluffy White Frosting

There will be enough frosting made to easily decorate a two layer round cake fully with frosting, or cover 2 dozen cupcakes. I ALWAYS use this frosting on my Grandma’s Red Velvet Cake. When I was growing up, this was my favorite birthday cake that my Mom made. This light, fluffy frosting was the perfect topping! YUM!

I hope you have the opportunity to try this recipe- it’s never failed me yet after all these years. If you’re looking for other cake or cupcake frosting recipes, you will love my recipe for Mom’s Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. Thanks for stopping by this website today. I hope you have a wonderful day, and trust you will come back soon.

Looking For More DESSERT Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have LOTS of yummy dessert recipes that might interest you, including:

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Original recipe source: My grandma Grace B.

5 from 1 vote

Grandma's Fluffy White Frosting

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

0 mins

Total Time

20 mins

Make my Grandma's fluffy white frosting to decorate your favorite cakes or cupcakes! It's a simple recipe I've used for over 45 years.

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Grandma's Fluffy White Frosting

Servings: 1 (total amount)

Calories Per Serving: 3170 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1½ Tablespoons cornstarch
1 dash salt
½ cup vegetable shortening
½ cup butter (or margarine) , softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1⅔ cup powdered sugar , divided use
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place milk, cornstarch and a dash of salt in a medium saucepan. Stir or whisk to combine ingredients. Cook on LOW heat, stirring often, until mixture thickens. Once mixture thickens, remove it from the heat; set it aside to cool.
In a separate large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), mix together vegetable shortening, butter, granulated sugar and a portion (2/3 cup) of the powdered sugar. Beat these ingredients REALLY WELL for about 15 minutes, until creamy. NOTE: It is important to take the time to mix really well, so the granulated sugar is dissolved and is no longer "grainy".
Add vanilla extract, and the completely cooled, thickened milk mixture. Beat ingredients well, until fully incorporated into the frosting.
Add remaining cup of powdered sugar to the frosting. Mix well until fully combined. Now the frosting is done. It should be fluffy and light in texture, and ready to use. Will make enough frosting to fully cover a 2 layer round cake or 2 dozen cupcakes.

Recipe Notes

NOTE: The total amount of frosting is enough to cover two round cake layers, OR a 13x9 cake, OR 2 dozen cupcakes. * Caloric calculation is for total amount of frosting, using butter.

Nutrition Facts

Grandma's Fluffy White Frosting

Amount Per Serving (1 (TOTAL AMT.))

Calories 3170 Calories from Fat 1773

% Daily Value*

Fat 197g303%

Saturated Fat 85g531%

Trans Fat 17g

Cholesterol 256mg85%

Sodium 964mg42%

Potassium 394mg11%

Carbohydrates 356g119%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 342g380%

Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 3299IU66%

Calcium 327mg33%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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11
Jun
2021

Mini Lasagna Bowls

categories: Italian, Main Dishes, Pasta

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Mini Lasagna Bowls (for 2) are a delicious Italian meal (they’re easy to make). They’re the perfect size, when you don’t want to make an entire lasagna!

Today I want to share a fun recipe for making individual-sized mini lasagna bowls. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted lasagna to eat, but I didn’t want to make an entire recipe, because it would be way too much for just my husband and I.

I fiddled around in our kitchen until I came up with this “recipe”, which I’ve used several times since! Made in oven-safe ceramic ramekins, the finished mini lasagna bowls are individually sized for a filling meal. This recipe, as written will make enough for TWO mini lasagna bowls, but can easily be doubled or tripled. Here’s how to make them:

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

Prepare The Pasta Noodles And Cheese Filling

The first things you will need to do is cook the lasagna noodles and mix together the ricotta cheese filling. Cook six lasagna pasta noodles in boiling salted water according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the box. Once done cooking, drain the lasagna noodles and place them on paper towels in a single layer to finish draining.

To make the cheese filling, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano In a medium-sized bowl. Stir until these ingredients are fully blended.

Ready To Make Mini Lasagna Bowls

Now you’re ready to build your mini lasagna bowls, one layer at a time! Make sure to use 8 ounce, oven-safe ramekins for this recipe. The key here is to get the right portion size. EACH RAMEKIN will require 3 pasta noodles, 4 generous Tablespoonfuls of pasta sauce, 2 generous dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture, and 3 generous sprinkles of shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Plan accordingly… and divide these ingredients well, so you have enough for all the layers.

Spoon a generous Tablespoon of pasta sauce into each ramekin (to cover the bottom). Lay a cooked lasagna noodle on top of the sauce. Top each lasagna noodle with a Tablespoon of pasta sauce. Place a generous Tablespoon of the seasoned riccotta cheese on top of the sauce, and GENTLY spread it out, as much as possible. Sprinkle with some of the shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Building A Second Layer

Place another lasagna noodle (crosswise to the first noodle) on top of the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add spoonful of sauce, another dollop of ricotta, and then top again with shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

The final step is to place the last lasagna noodle in each ramekin (crosswise to the last one). Add a spoonful of sauce, and then top with the remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Trim off any extra pasta around the top of the ramekin.

Why trim the pasta? You don’t have too, BUT… If large pieces of the pasta are left sticking up too far exposed, they can get overly browned and crispy while baking. You can use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut off the pasta so it is fairly even with the top rim of the ramekin.

Bake Then Serve The Mini Lasagna Bowls

Bake the mini lasagna bowls in a preheated 350°F. oven for approximately 25 minutes. When done and heated through, the cheese on top should be melted and the sauce will likely be bubbling around the edges. TIP: Place a sheet of aluminum foil or baking sheet under the lasagna bowls in order to catch any sauce that might drip over the top while cooking.

Let the mini lasagna bowls cool for a minute or two before serving, because they will be quite hot. Grab a fork, and dig in… they are really good!

I hope you will consider making these mini lasagna bowls. We really enjoy them, and trust you will, too. Thanks for stopping by, and I sincerely hope you will come back again soon. Have a GREAT day!

Looking For More Recipes Using Lasagna Noodles?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have several recipes that use lasagna noodles you might enjoy, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
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0 from 0 votes

Mini Lasagna Bowls

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Mini Lasagna Bowls (for 2) are a delicious Italian meal (they're easy to make). Perfect size, when you don't want to make an entire lasagna!

Category: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: mini lasagna bowls

Servings: 2

Calories Per Serving: 614 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

For Ricotta Filling:

½ cup ricotta cheese , drained
2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese , grated
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon EACH salt and pepper
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano

For Rest of Recipe:

6 lasagna noodles cooked, drained
8 Tablespoons spaghetti sauce (generous Tablespoons)
⅖ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cook lasagna noodles in salted, boiling water according to instructions on package. Once done, drain in a single layer on paper towels.
Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano In a medium-sized bowl. Stir until fully blended.
For each oven-safe ramekin: 1st layer- Spoon a generous Tablespoon of pasta sauce into each dish (cover the bottom). Lay lasagna noodle on top of sauce. Top with a generous Tablespoon of sauce. Place a generous Tablespoon of ricotta mixture on top of sauce. GENTLY spread it out, as much as possible. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
2nd Layer- Repeat same as first layer-Place another lasagna noodle (crosswise to the first noodle) on top of the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add spoonful of sauce, another dollop of ricotta, and then top again with 1/3 of shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Final Layer- Place last lasagna noodle in each ramekin (crosswise to the last one). Add a generous spoonful of sauce, and then top with remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Trim off any extra pasta around the top of the ramekin.
Bake in preheated 350°F. oven for approx. 25 minutes. When done, cheese on top should be melted and sauce will be bubbly around edges. TIP: Place a baking sheet or aluminum foil under lasagna bowls in order to catch any sauce that might bubble over the top while cooking. When done, let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Mini Lasagna Bowls

Amount Per Serving (1 lasagna bowl)

Calories 614 Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Cholesterol 72mg24%

Sodium 1055mg46%

Potassium 506mg14%

Carbohydrates 70g23%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 34g68%

Vitamin A 911IU18%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 557mg56%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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07
Jun
2021

Rainbow Rice

categories: Side Dishes

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Rainbow rice is a delicious way to “jazz up” plain white rice with the colors and flavors of carrots, bell peppers, onions and spices.

I don’t know about you, but we eat a lot of rice in our home. Usually it is steamed white rice, only seasoned with butter, salt and pepper.

HOWEVER… that is only because it is so easy to make in our rice cooker, and is a simple side dish to serve with chicken, pork, or fish. Occasionally we have wild rice, rice pilaf, rice salads, and other delicious rice side dishes.

The recipe I am sharing today is for Rainbow rice, which gets its name from the colorful addition of red and green peppers, carrots, and onions.

This original single serving recipe came from an old “Taste of Home” magazine I got way back in 2005, and so I adapted it to serve 4 people. The recipe is not only delicious… it is super easy to make and we really enjoy it! Here’s how to make this delicious side dish:

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

Pre-Cook The Rice

The recipe calls for 2 cups of pre-cooked long grain white rice, which will need to be hot when you add the additional ingredients, so plan accordingly. You can make the rice in a rice maker or on the stovetop.

Use whichever method you prefer, but only cook the rice in water. DO NOT add additional butter or seasonings when you cook it. Those will be added later!

Once the rice is done cooking, place it into a medium sized serving bowl, and fluff it with a fork.

Cooking The Veggies

While the rice is being prepared, cook the veggies to get them tender, before adding them to the rice. Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in a large skillet on medium-low heat.

Add finely chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and finely chopped carrots to the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes, or until the veggies become tender.

Pour the cooked veggies (and any remaining butter in the skillet) onto the rice. Stir well, to fully incorporate the veggies (and butter) into the rice.

Season and Serve The Rainbow Rice

Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the rainbow rice, and stir well, to combine. Take a taste, and add more seasonings to suit your taste. Now the rainbow rice is ready to serve! See how easy this dish is to make?

The rice has great flavor from the melted butter, seasonings, and the tender (and did I mention colorful?) veggies.

Make sure to serve this dish HOT, and enjoy it served alongside a favorite meat dish. It’s really quite delicious!

I hope you try this simple recipe for Rainbow Rice, and trust you will enjoy it as much as we do. Leftovers will keep up to 2-3 days in the fridge, if stored in an airtight container, and can be easily microwaved to reheat.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you will come back for more yummy recipes soon. Have a great day!

Looking For More RICE Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have some yummy recipes featuring rice you’ll enjoy, including:

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Recipe adapted from: “Taste of Home” magazine, August/September 2005 edition, page 57, published by Reiman Publications, Inc.:

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

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Rainbow Rice

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Rainbow rice is a delicious way to "jazz up" plain white rice with the colors and flavors of carrots, bell peppers, onions and spices.

Category: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: rainbow rice

Servings: 4 (1/2 cup per serving)

Calories Per Serving: 174 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked long grain rice
½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
¼ cup finely chopped carrot , peeled
2 Tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon salt
⅙ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Recipe calls for 2 cups of pre-cooked long grain white rice, which needs to be hot when you add cooked veggies, so plan accordingly. Cook the rice in water. DO NOT add additional butter or seasonings. Once done, put rice in serving bowl; fluff with a fork. Set aside (keep hot).
Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in skillet on medium-low heat. Add onion, red and green bell peppers, and carrots to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, or until veggies become tender.
Pour cooked veggies (and any remaining butter in skillet) onto the rice. Stir well, to combine. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir again, to combine. Taste- add additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve rainbow rice hot, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Rainbow Rice

Amount Per Serving (1 (approx. 1/2 cup))

Calories 174 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 349mg15%

Potassium 158mg5%

Carbohydrates 27g9%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 2164IU43%

Vitamin C 41mg50%

Calcium 21mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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02
Jun
2021

Triple Berry French Toast Cups

categories: Breakfast

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Triple Berry French Toast Cups (for 2) are filled with yummy raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cream cheese and maple syrup, then baked.

Today I want to share this delicious recipe for Triple Berry French Toast Cups. They are easy to prepare, and taste wonderful! I found the original recipe years ago in one of my old “Taste of Home” magazines (from 2006) and slightly adapted it for our taste preferences. You will need to have a couple of 8 ounce, oven-safe ramekins to make these single serving breakfast treats, but they are readily available in lots of retail stores or online.

This simple recipe makes two servings, and I am confident you will enjoy it! You will need to plan a little bit ahead, because an important step is to refrigerate the French toast cups for at least an hour BEFORE baking, to give the egg filling time to soak into the bread cubes. Other than that, they are truly simple to make, and taste great, especially if you serve them topped with sifted powdered sugar and berry-flavored pancake syrup. Here’s how to make triple berry French toast cups:

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

Prepare The Triple Berry French Toast Cups

Lightly grease (or spray) two 8 ounce ramekins on the bottom and sides. Evenly divide HALF of the stale, day old bread cubes (can use French bread or sourdough) between the two dishes (reserve the other half of the bread cubes for later). The reason you use day old or stale bread cubes is because they are firmer than fresh bread cubes, and will hold up better after liquid is added. This helps the bread NOT to turn mushy.

Add the raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, evenly diving the fruit between both ramekins. I used a total of 1/2 cup berries (divided) from a bag of triple berry blend, but this dish will still turn out perfectly if you don’t have access to all three fruits. NOTE: We love the flavor combination of using all three berries, but if you only have raspberries? Use 1/2 cup total. Only have blueberries? Only use 1/2 cup total. You get the picture. However you want to make these (whatever combination), just use a total amount of 1/2 cup of berries.

Top the berries with softened cream cheese cubes, and then divide the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese. Set aside while you make the easy egg filling.

Soak With Egg Mixture And Refrigerate

Now it’s time to make the egg “filling. Place eggs, milk and maple syrup in a medium bowl, and whisk with a fork or wire whisk until combined. Pour the egg mixture into the ramekins, being sure to evenly divide the liquid between both dishes. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the bread cubes down as much as possible into the egg mixture. You need to do this, so the bread cubes can absorb the egg filling as much as possible before baking.

Now comes the hard part… waiting! Cover with plastic wrap, and put the ramekins into a refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or more). The bread cubes need time to absorb as much of that egg mixture as possible. Sometimes I make these at night before going to bed, then they’re ready to go first thing in the morning. Occasionally I unwrap them, and push the bread cubes down again into the liquid. They won’t ever be fully covered… just get them into the liquid as much as possible for best results!

TIP: Remove the triple berry French toast cups from the refrigerator 25-30 minutes before baking (to take the chill off). Preheat your oven to 350°F during this time.

Bake The Triple Berry French Toast Cups

Bake the triple berry French toast cups in a preheated 350°F. oven, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. When done, they should be golden brown on top, and the egg filling will be “set” in the middle. Let them cool on a wire rack for 3-4 minutes.

After they have cooled for 3-4 minutes, and you’re ready to serve, carefully run a butter knife around the edges of the ramekin to loosen the edges. Using a large spoon, carefully remove the French toast cups in one piece out of the dish, and transfer to individual serving plates.

Time To Eat!

The French toast cups are not overly sweet, as is, so our absolute FAVORITE way to serve them is to sift a little bit of powdered sugar on top, and then drizzle it all with some berry-flavored pancake syrup! YUMMO! I like to use my homemade blackberry pancake syrup. It compliments this dish well, with even more berry flavor and sweetness.

My husband and I love this breakfast (even though it’s an “occasional” treat!), and hope you (and those you love) will enjoy it, as well. It’s REALLY delicious, and looks good on the plate, too!

I hope you enjoy this delicious breakfast recipe… we sure do! Thank you for stopping by, and I truly hope you will come back soon for another visit (and some delicious recipes). Take care, and have a GREAT day!

Looking For More Delicious BREAKFAST Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have lots of delicious ideas for breakfast to choose from, including:

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Recipe adapted from: “Taste of Home” magazine, Feb./March 2006 edition, page 57, published by Reiman Publications, Inc.

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes

Triple Berry French Toast Cups

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Refrigeration Time (inactive prep)

1 hr

Total Time

1 hr 40 mins

Triple Berry French Toast Cups (for 2) are filled with yummy raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cream cheese and maple syrup, then baked.

Category: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: triple berry french toast cups

Servings: 2

Calories Per Serving: 408 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 slices day old French bread (or sourdough) , cut into 1" cubes
½ cup raspberry/blackberry/blueberry blend fresh or frozen (unthawed)
2 ounces cream cheese , softened (cut in 1" cubes)
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup

Optional Toppings: Sifted powdered sugar and berry flavored pancake syrup

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Lightly grease (or spray) two 8 ounce ramekins on the bottom and sides.
Evenly divide HALF of the bread cubes between 2 ramekins (save other half for later). Add raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, evenly diving between both ramekins. Top berries with cream cheese cubes; add remaining bread cubes on top. Set aside.
Whisk eggs, milk and maple syrup in a medium bowl until combined. Pour into ramekins, evenly dividing liquid between both. Use back of a spoon to gently press bread cubes down as much as possible into egg mixture. This helps bread cubes absorb liquid before baking.
Cover with plastic wrap; put ramekins in refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or more). Unwrap occasionally; push bread cubes down again into liquid. They won't ever be fully covered... just get them into the liquid as much as possible for best results! TIP: Remove from refrigerator 25-30 minutes before baking (to take chill off). Preheat oven to 350°F during this time.
Bake at 350°F., uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. When done, they should be golden brown, and egg filling will be "set" in the middle. Let cool on a wire rack 3-4 minutes. Carefully run a butter knife around inside edge of ramekins to loosen edges. Using a large spoon, carefully remove French toast cups in one piece from dish; transfer to serving plates.
To serve (optional, but recommended), sift powdered sugar on top, and drizzle with berry-flavored pancake syrup!

Recipe Notes

NOTE: Caloric calculation was made using 1% milk, and does not include optional berry pancake syrup or powdered sugar toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Triple Berry French Toast Cups

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 408 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 204mg68%

Sodium 561mg24%

Potassium 400mg11%

Carbohydrates 59g20%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 20g22%

Protein 18g36%

Vitamin A 552IU11%

Vitamin C 8mg10%

Calcium 201mg20%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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28
May
2021

Asian BBQ Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)

categories: Air Fryer Recipes, Appetizers, Chicken, Main Dishes

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Asian BBQ Chicken Wings are marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, & curry powder, then cooked until crispy in an air fryer!

If you enjoy flavor-filled chicken wings, this is a GREAT recipe! Cooked in an air fryer (using HOT air), these wings will be wonderfully yummy and crispy! The wings are first marinated in a delicious made-from-scratch (easy) Asian BBQ sauce, then cooked. The marinade is cooked until it forms a thick sauce, which is then poured over the cooked wings for serving. Oh my goodness.. they are sooo good!

NO AIR FRYER? If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake these chicken wings! Follow instructions for this recipe until the cooking time. For baking instructions, see my note in the printable recipe card (located at the bottom of the page) for details.

These Asian BBQ chicken wings have now become one of my favorite ways to enjoy this “snack”, “appetizer” or “meal”. The flavor is amazing, and my husband and I love them! I found the original recipe in an old cookbook of mine called “The Best Of Cooking Light”. The original recipe was for baked chicken thighs, but I adapted the recipe for wings and the use of an air fryer. Here’s how to make them:

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

Make The Asian-Inspired Sauce To Marinate The Wings

Making the Asian BBQ sauce for the wings is super easy! Place brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, curry powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir these ingredients well, until they have been fully combined.

This is the marinating sauce for the chicken wings. See how easy that was? Place the chicken wings in a large re-sealable plastic bag OR in a shallow large container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the sauce over the wings, and toss to coat them well. Seal or cover the bag/container, and marinate wings in the fridge for 4-6 hours (or overnight). Turn the wings occasionally to ensure they stay coated with marinade.

After Marinating Is Done, Cook the Asian BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken wings have been marinated, remove the wings from the bag or container and SAVE THE MARINADE. Pour the marinade into a saucepan, where it will be cooked to safely “kill off” any harmful bacteria (from contact with raw chicken) and to thicken it into a sauce to cover the chicken wings once they are cooked.

Bring the sauce to a full boil, and then cook on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring often. As the liquid reduces slightly, the sauce will thicken. Set aside until chicken wings have been cooked. You can quickly reheat it before adding to the chicken, if desired.

Cooking The Asian BBQ Chicken Wings In An Air Fryer

After the chicken wings have marinated 4-6 hours, they are ready to cook. Place the wings into the basket of your air fryer, trying not to overcrowd them, if possible (for best browning). You may need to cook these in two batches, if necessary.

Cook the Asian BBQ chicken wings at 380°F. for 12 minutes, then flip them to the other side and cook 12 more minutes. Increase the temperature of the air fryer to 400°F.and cook 3-4 more minutes.

Once the chicken wings are fully cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour the Asian BBQ sauce over them, and toss to fully coat with the sauce.

Time To Eat!

Once the wings are coated with the sauce, it’s time to serve them. If desired, sprinkle the wings with sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds before serving (optional). I usually just sprinkle them with sesame seeds.

Be sure to serve them with several napkins, because these bad boys are sticky and messy good! There is so much flavor, we eat them without any sauce for dipping… you really don’t need any! YUM!

I hope you enjoy these Asian BBQ Chicken Wings. We sure do. Thanks for stopping by today, and trust you will come back again soon for more delicious recipes. Take care, and have a GREAT day!

Looking For More Air Fryer Recipes?

You can find all of my blog’s recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have quite a few air fryer recipes you might enjoy, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
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Recipe Adapted From: The cookbook “The Best Of Cooking Light”, page 219, published by Oxmoor House, Inc. in 2004

0 from 0 votes

Asian BBQ Chicken Wings

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

27 mins

Inactive Marinating Time

4 hrs

Total Time

4 hrs 32 mins

Asian BBQ Chicken Wings are marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, curry powder, then cooked until crispy in an air fryer!

Category: Appetizer, Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Asian BBQ chicken wings

Servings: 3 (6 wings per serving)

Calories Per Serving: 541 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
3 large garlic cloves , minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon curry powder
2½ pounds chicken wings (approx. 18-20 wings)
sesame seeds and/or sliced green onions for garnish , optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, curry powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir well, until fully combined.
Place chicken wings in large re-sealable plastic bag OR in a shallow container with tight-fitting lid. Pour sauce over wings; toss to coat; seal bag or container. Marinate wings in fridge 4-6 hours (or overnight). Turn wings occasionally so they stay coated with marinade.
Remove marinated wings from container and SAVE THE MARINADE. Pour the marinade into a saucepan. Bring sauce to a full boil; cook on medium heat for a full 2 minutes, stirring often. It is essential you fully cook the sauce to "kill off" any bacteria from it's exposure to raw chicken. As liquid reduces slightly, sauce will thicken. Set aside sauce until wings have cooked. You can quickly reheat sauce before adding to the chicken, if desired.
After wings have marinated, they're ready to cook. Place wings into basket of air fryer, trying not to overcrowd them, if possible (for best browning), in batches, if necessary. Cook at 380°F. for 12 minutes, flip them to other side and cook 12 more minutes. Increase temperature of air fryer to 400°F. and cook 3-4 more minutes.
Transfer wings to large bowl. Immediately pour sauce over them; toss to coat with sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds, if desired; serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

NOTE: If baking, cook at 400 degrees F for 35-40 minutes. When done, place them under the broiler (about 8" below heating element) to further brown them, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Asian BBQ Chicken Wings

Amount Per Serving (1 (6 wings))

Calories 541 Calories from Fat 297

% Daily Value*

Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 9g56%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 157mg52%

Sodium 869mg38%

Potassium 408mg12%

Carbohydrates 21g7%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 18g20%

Protein 39g78%

Vitamin A 403IU8%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 51mg5%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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25
May
2021

Cauliflower Au Gratin

categories: Side Dishes, Vegetable Dishes

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Cauliflower Au Gratin is a yummy side dish you’ll love! Featuring fresh cauliflower florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce, it’s delicious!

One of the “hobbies” I truly enjoy is looking through old cookbooks or cooking magazines for inspiration. I LOVE the thrill of the hunt for great recipes!

The recipe I’m sharing today for cauliflower au gratin came from a cookbook I’ve had for years and years. This cookbook highlights traditional foods popular in different regions of the United States.

Cauliflower Au Gratin (which means “cauliflower and cheese”) is one of the recipes from this cookbook. It’s a wonderful tasting recipe for tender cauliflower baked in a super creamy (and simple to prepare) cheddar cheese sauce.

The entire recipe itself is really quite easy to make. I slightly changed the original recipe from the cookbook just a smidge, and truly think you’re gonna love it! Here’s how to make hot, creamy, cheesy and delicious cauliflower au gratin:

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

Prepare The Cauliflower Florets

The first thing you will need to do is prepare the cauliflower florets. You can remove the florets from the cauliflower any way you prefer. This is how I like to get them.

Remove a large head of cauliflower from the bag, and remove the leaves and stems from the bottom. Once the leaves and stalk stems have been pulled or cut off, take a knife and carefully cut the core out from the middle underside of the cauliflower.

Once the core has been removed, remove the florets by cutting them out with a knife. Try to cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. You may have to slice them in half or thirds to do so, because some of those florets can be ginormous!

Cook The Cauliflower Florets Until Tender But Firm

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil on medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets to the pan, making sure they are covered with water.

Cook the cauliflower for 7-8 minutes, or until just barely tender, but firm. Drain well, and set the cauliflower aside.

Make The Cheese Sauce

I like to make the cheese sauce while the cauliflower is cooking, to save time. Making the thick and creamy cheese sauce is very easy. Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan.

Whisk in the flour until fully combined. Cook the flour mixture on low heat, continuing to whisk, until it begins bubbling. This mixture will act as the thickening for the creamy cheese sauce, so make sure all lumps of flour are gone.

Slowly pour the milk into the thickened flour mixture, stirring or whisking the milk in as you pour. Once all the milk has been added and whisked in, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly as it cooks.

Continue cooking and stirring until this sauce has thickened (just a couple minutes at most). Remove the pan from the heat once the sauce has thickened. Immediately stir in grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Continue to stir (off the heat) until all the cheese has melted and been blended in. Once fully combined, grab a spoon and give the sauce a quick taste. Season with salt and pepper, a little at a time, until it suits your personal taste preference.

Almost Ready To Bake!

Grease or spray a 2 quart baking dish. Place the cauliflower florets evenly in the dish. Pour the thickened cheese sauce over the cauliflower, covering all the florets with sauce. Lightly sprinkle the sauce with dried bread crumbs. Now the cauliflower au gratin is ready to bake!

Bake cauliflower au gratin at 350°F. on the middle oven rack for about 23-25 minutes, until the top is very lightly browned. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges of the dish once done. Remove the cauliflower au gratin from the oven and serve immediately.

Time To Enjoy Delicious Cauliflower Au Gratin

Be sure to serve this dish immediately while everything is nice and hot. I hope you find that the tender, baked cauliflower florets and creamy cheese sauce make a great tasting combination!

This recipe will make about 6 servings. Any leftovers (cooled to room temp.) can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, if covered well. You can easily reheat them in a microwave, if desired

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I appreciate your time, and sincerely hope you will have the opportunity to make this delicious cauliflower side dish for those you love. Have a great day, and please come back soon for another visit.

Looking For More VEGETABLE Recipes?

You can find all of my veggie recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have many recipes using a variety of vegetables I think you’ll enjoy, including:

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Recipe adapted from: The cookbook “Best of America – Traditional Regional Recipes”, page 238, published 1994 by Anness Publishing, Ltd.

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

40 mins

Cauliflower Au Gratin is a yummy side dish you'll love! Featuring fresh cauliflower florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce, it's delicious!

Category: Side Dish, Vegetable Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cauliflower au gratin

Servings: 6

Calories Per Serving: 208 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2½ pound cauliflower head , cut into bite-sized florets
3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tablespoon dried bread crumbs

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease (or spray) a 2 quart baking dish. Set aside.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil on medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets to pan, making sure they're covered with water. Cook 7-8 minutes, or until just barely tender, but firm. Drain well; place cauliflower evenly in prepared baking dish; set aside.
Make cheese sauce while cauliflower is cooking, to save time. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Whisk in flour until combined. Cook flour mixture on low heat, continuing to whisk to remove lumps, until it begins bubbling. Slowly pour milk into thickened flour mixture, stirring or whisking sauce as you pour. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until sauce thickens (1-2 minutes). Remove pan from heat. Immediately stir in cheese. Continue to stir (off heat) until cheese has melted. Give sauce a quick taste, then season with salt and pepper (a little at a time), until it suits your personal preference. Pour cheese sauce over the cauliflower, covering all florets with sauce. Lightly sprinkle sauce with dried bread crumbs.
Bake at 350°F. (on middle rack) for approx. 23-25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. Sauce should be bubbling around edges of dish once done. Remove cauliflower au gratin from oven; serve immediately. Enjoy! Store leftovers, covered in fridge for up to 3-4 days (microwave to reheat).

Nutrition Facts

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Amount Per Serving (1 (1/6 of total))

Calories 208 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 34mg11%

Sodium 241mg10%

Potassium 706mg20%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 471IU9%

Vitamin C 91mg110%

Calcium 247mg25%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!

21
May
2021

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bites

categories: Breakfast

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It’s easy to make a dozen moist Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bites (no added sugar) in under 30 minutes for a yummy breakfast or snack!

If you’re looking for a tasty, easy to prepare breakfast treat that contains no extra added sugar, may I suggest these apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites? I found the recipe on Pinterest a while ago, and am just now getting around to sharing the recipe here on my blog.

These yummy, muffin-sized breakfast bites are sweetened naturally with two medium-ripe bananas and an apple! Another plus is… not only do they taste great, they are low calorie (under 90 calories each). That’s a WIN-WIN!

This recipe makes one dozen apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites, and they are ridiculously EASY to prepare (into the oven in about 10 minutes). Basically, if you can stir ingredients, you can make these yummy baked oatmeal bites. Here’s how easy they are to make:

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

Make The Batter For Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bites

In a medium-sized bowl, mash two medium-ripe bananas with the backside of a fork. For this recipe it’s important the bananas are not overly ripe or too mushy (completely brown on the outside) OR not ripe enough (too firm- green on the peels). You want them soft and ripe enough they are easy to mash (a few brown spots on the peels). The bananas are the ingredient that will add most of the sweetness to the oatmeal bites, so you want them “just right”.

Add one egg to the banana mixture, and continue to stir until the mashed bananas and egg are combined.

Now you will add the old-fashioned oats, cinnamon, baking powder, milk and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture in the bowl. Stir these ingredients well, until the “batter” is mixed together. Add the diced apple pieces, and stir until they have been fully incorporated into the batter.

NOTE: You can use unpeeled OR peeled apples in this recipe. Either way is perfectly fine! I tend to not peel them, because I like the pop of color in the apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites! I also recommend using a firm sweet apple, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, etc. to help add sweetness to the baked oatmeal bites, since there is no added sugar in the recipe.

Cooking Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bites

Line 12 standard-sized muffin cups with paper liners OR lightly spray each cup with non-stick baking spray. Because the batter is quite chunky, I recommend using the paper liners, but ultimately that’s your choice. Evenly divide the apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites batter into the cups. Each cup will end up being about 2/3 full.

Bake in a preheated 375°F. oven (on the middle rack) for 15-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the top center comes out clean. Remove the muffin pan from the oven, and let them cool for a few minutes, before removing each one out of the pan. As you can see in the 2 photos below, there is not much visible difference in the color before baking (top photo) and after baking (bottom photo).

Transfer the apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, you may see them pull away from the paper liners a bit. That’s perfectly fine!

Ready To Enjoy Some Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bites?

Once they have cooled to room temperature, these little bites of oatmeal apple goodness are ready to eat! They are moist, flavorful, and filled with soft, tender pieces of apple! I truly feel these breakfast treats taste their best at room temperature (and not served hot). Again… that is your choice, whether to serve them at room temperature or slightly warm.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter. They do not have to be refrigerated, and will stay moist for 3-4 days. You can also wrap them really well and store them in your freezer for 2-3 months, if desired.

I really enjoy these simple breakfast bites and hope you will, too! Sometimes the simplest breakfasts can be filling and tasty, and this is one of them. I usually eat two of them for each meal, because of their low calorie count, Thank you so much for stopping by this blog. I hope you have a wonderful day… and come back soon! God Bless You!

Looking For More Recipes Using Old-Fashioned OATS?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have lots of breakfast recipes, with quite a few featuring OATS, including:

Interested In More Recipes?

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

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

The original recipe source: Lidia Simic, at: https://yummiestfood.com/apple-cinnamon-baked-oatmeal/

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Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Bites

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

25 mins

It's easy to make a dozen moist Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bites (no added sugar) in under 30 minutes for a yummy breakfast or snack!

Category: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites

Servings: 12

Calories Per Serving: 87 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 bananas , medium-ripe
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
1 medium apple , diced (peeled or unpeeled)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Insert paper liners into 12 standard-sized muffin cups OR lightly spray cups with non-stick baking spray.
In medium-sized bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Add egg; continue stirring until bananas and egg are combined. Add oats, cinnamon, baking powder, milk and a pinch of salt to banana mixture. Stir well, until mixed. Add diced apple; stir until fully incorporated into batter.
Evenly divide batter into prepared muffin cups (about 2/3 full). Bake at 375°F. on middle rack for 15-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the top center comes out clean. Remove pan from oven; let cool a few minutes, before removing them from the pan. Transfer apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bites to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
You can store these in an airtight container for 3-4 days on the counter (no refrigeration needed). They can be stored in freezer for 2-3 months IF well-wrapped in airtight container.

Recipe Notes

Caloric calculation was made using 1% milk.

Nutrition Facts

Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 87 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 15mg1%

Potassium 190mg5%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 63IU1%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 40mg4%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!