Quickie of the Day: French Onion Dip Recipe
Well, I trust you made the most of your Valentine’s Day & jam-packed it full of enough romance to last you til next year! Today, I’m feeling chippy, I know it’s not the healthiest snack for you, but chips & dip are amazing on a snowy day.
This very quick & very easy French Onion Dip recipe is a must-have for those unexpected house calls by passing-through-town guests. Easy to whip up & easy to clean up, having a handy dandy list of fast fix-ups really helps keep the stress levels down. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups nonfat sour cream
- 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
- 1/8 cup chopped green onion
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 teaspoon dried minced onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- And some of your favorite chips, of course
What’s Next:
In a medium bowl, stir together nonfat sour cream, fat-free mayonnaise, green onion, dry onion soup mix, dry minced onion, salt and pepper. Chill until serving.
Quickie of the Day: Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe
You know I’m a sucker for a good winter soup recipe & today, Valentine’s Day, is certainly no exception. This amazing Mexican Chicken Soup recipe combines several flavors for one terrific dish. Serve with Mexican cornbread & you’ve got yourself a quick meal! Enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 32-oz. container organic chicken broth
- 1/2 small roast chicken (leftovers are fine), meat shredded off the bone
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- Several stems cilantro, chopped fine (stems and leaves), plus more leaves for garnish
- 1 corn tortilla, cut in half, then in 1/4” strips
- 1/2 ripe avocado, cubed
- Small piece jack cheese, shredded
What’s Next:
In at least a 3-qt pot, boil 6 cups of water. Add sweet potato pieces and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes, until a knife pierced into center barely holds onto potato before dropping it. Drain and set aside.
In a large stock pot over medium flame, heat 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. oil, then add onion and sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, salt and pepper, and sauté another minute.
Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, tomatoes, lime juice, cooked potatoes, and cilantro. Turn off heat and cover.
In a small skillet over medium flame, heat remaining 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. oil. Add tortilla strips and allow to brown, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.
To serve, ladle soup into bowls, top with chopped cilantro, cubed avocado, shredded cheese and a handful of tortilla strips.
Quickie of the Day: Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Now, I’m a real sucker for traditional tiramisu, but if you go that way you’re stuck in the kitchen for hours! And it’s almost Valentine’s Day, so you gotta get your stuff in order.
That’s why we’re going to tackle this Strawberry Tiramisu recipe together. It’s quick, it’s delicious, it’s a serving just for two. Just take a stab at this wonderful recipe, you’ll thank me later for it. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
- 18 ladyfingers
- 1/3 cup chilled espresso
- 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
What’s Next:
Cut off the tops of the strawberries and slice the berries. Reserve 2 large whole berries for garnish.
In a blender, place 2 cups of strawberries and 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar; blend to puree and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup cream, 1/4 cup sugar, and liqueur; beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until thickened.
Place 6 ladyfingers on a serving plate and brush each with approximately 1 teaspoon cold espresso coffee. Spread or pipe out 1/2 of the cheese mixture over the ladyfingers, and layer with half of the sliced strawberries.
Repeat with the next 6 ladyfingers, espresso, remaining cheese mixture, and sliced strawberries; top with remaining 6 ladyfingers.
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar; beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until justwhipped, approximately 1 minute. Spread cream evenly over top layer of ladyfingers.
Dust cocoa over whipped cream, and garnish with 2 reserved strawberries. Pour strawberry puree onto two serving plates. Cut tiramisu in half, and place onto puree.
Quickie of the Day: Chocolate Ganache for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just two days away! What are you & your sweetheart planning? Why not make it a romantic night at home? This Chocolate Ganache recipe is sure to knock anyone’s socks (or other articles of clothing) right off.
With this ganache recipe, you can simply add it to a cake, use it as a dip or go for the gold & make some truffles. Whatever you decide, enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dark rum
What’s Next:
Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Stir in the rum if desired.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over a cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward. For a fluffy frosting or chocolate filling, allow it to cool until thick, then whip with a whisk until light and fluffy.
Quickie of the Day: Grilled Asparagus Soup Recipe
I’m feeling a touch under the weather today, living off of Sudafed, so I thought we would soothe my cold with something hot & quick. This Grilled Asparagus Soup Recipe is a perfect addition to any meal. With a deep flavor (and color) this soup has just enough tarragon to make me love it forever. Please enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds asparagus spears, tough ends removed
- 6 to 8 green onions, root ends trimmed
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups tightly packed baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
- Kosher salt
What’s Next:
Place the asparagus and green onions in a large bowl and coat with the olive oil. Grill the asparagus and green onions over Direct Medium heat until they are marked by the grill but not dark, 4 to 6 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Transfer them to a cutting board and cut them into 2-inch lengths and place them in a medium saucepan.
Add the chicken broth, spinach, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a food processor and puree them. Return the pureed vegetables to the saucepan and mix well. Whisk in the cream and tarragon. Simmer the soup for 3 to 5 minutes, but do not let it boil. Season with salt to taste. Serve warm.
Celebrate Boy Scouts Day with This 30 Minute Stew Recipe
Well, today is National Boy Scout Day so I thought we would celebrate with a quick meal idea recipe. What do ya say? This recipe for 30 Minute Stew is a boy scout favorite, all you need is one pot with a lid & you’re reading to get cracking. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb hamburger meat
- 2 med potatoes, unpeeled and cut into small pieces
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant beef bouillon
- 2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 16oz can diced tomatoes and juice
- 1 8oz can cut green beans and juice
What’s Next:
Brown hamburger in pot and drain.
Add all other ingredients and stir.
Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally & serve!
Quickie of the Day: A New Take On Potato Salad Recipe
I love reading other cities’ newspapers, whether it be Paris or Kansas City. And that’s just what I was doing earlier this morning to find us a little quickie for dinner tonight. I was scanning the Kansas City Star when I noticed an excellent potato salad recipe. I love potatoes & I love a good, quick meal idea, so the two have met in this wonderful New Take on Potato Salad recipe.
Andy Hickerson from Mission Hills, Kansas doesn’t have a lot of time to cook while running her real estate business, so she likes to rely on quick recipes to get her through dinner. Please enjoy her potato salad recipe!
Ingredients:
- 9 medium russet potatoes
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 ounces real bacon bits
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sprigs of basil or thyme (for garnish)
What’s Next:
Boil potatoes in pot of water just until tender, about 15 minutes. When cool to touch, peel and slice. Cool to room temperature.
Add mayonnaise and sour cream and toss. Add bacon bits, salt and pepper. Toss until potatoes are coated, adding a little more mayonnaise and sour cream if necessary to coat.
Refrigerate mixture at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with basil or thyme before serving. Let sit 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Quick Recipe of the Day: Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Good morning, readers! Do I have a goodie for you this fine morn! So, we’re still working on collecting some quick meal idea recipes this month & with February being the host of my favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day, I thought we’d tackle a sweet treat.
These delicious & easy to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a wonderful gift for that special person in your life. Enjoy, I know they will!
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (you know I go for the dark!)
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves
What’s Next:
Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool. That’s all!
Quick Meal Idea of the Day: Spinach Orzo Recipe
A happy good Monday morning to you all! Well, the Super Bowl is over & now my husband is going to have to find another sport to occupy his mind, March Madness isn’t too far off I suppose.
As I mentioned earlier, I am dedicating the month of February for quick meal ideas, to give us all a little more balance. Today we have this fabulous Spinach Orzo recipe, which from start to finish takes just about 30 minutes. Hope you enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons margarine
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, coarsely shredded (1/2 cup)
- 4 cups fat-free chicken broth
- 2 cups uncooked orzo or rosamarina pasta (12 ounces)
- 3 cups thinly sliced fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
What’s Next:
Melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic and carrot in margarine about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrot is tender.
Stir in broth, pasta and spinach. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed. Stir in remaining ingredients before serving.
Quick Meal Ideas for Those Who Need Balance
Well, it’s officially February & you know what that means. Balance & juggling, balance & juggling. As we talked about in an earlier post, we need to find ways to make our lives easier, to add balance. So that’s why I’ve dedicated the month of February for not only getting to know you readers better, but as the month of fast cuisine.
I did some research last night & came up with a fabulous list of meals on the go from About.com. Here’s just a sampling of what we can do when we get home from work & need to whip something up for yourself or your family. Look over this fast meal idea list & let me know if it was helpful to you.
Quick Meal Ideas List:
Tomato Tortellini
Cook frozen tortellini according to package directions, drain and stir into heated spaghetti sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Cacciatore Chicken Sandwiches
Cook frozen chicken patties and toast onion buns. Place patties on buns, and top with heated marinara sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Bake frozen fully cooked meatballs according to package directions. Stir into heated spaghetti sauce and serve over cooked and drained pasta. Top with cheese.
Italian Shrimp And Broccoli
Heat diced garlic and herb tomatoes with frozen broccoli. Stir in cooked shrimp and serve over rice or cooked noodles.
Creamy Chicken And Asparagus
Cook fresh asparagus and add to bottled Alfredo sauce and frozen cooked, diced chicken. Heat over low heat until hot and serve over cooked fettuccine.
Swedish Meatballs
Heat frozen cooked meatballs with a jar of brown gravy in heavy saucepan. Stir in some sour cream and a bit of nutmeg. Serve on refrigerated mashed potatoes, heated according to package instructions.
Steak Supper
Broil your favorite type of steak (I like ribeye). Add 2 tsp. soy sauce to frozen mushrooms in butter sauce and heat according to package directions. Top steaks with sauce and serve over mashed potatoes made from flakes, according to the package.
Cheesy Tortellini
Cook refrigerated tortellini and frozen broccoli in the same pot until pasta is tender and broccoli is heated through. Add refrigerated four cheese alfredo sauce and heat.
Meatball Sandwiches
Heat frozen cooked meatballs with a jar of spaghetti sauce. Spoon onto toasted hoagie buns and top with mozzarella cheese slices. Broil about 1 minute to melt cheese.
Olive Pizza
Top a Boboli pizza crust with chopped olives, salsa, and shredded cojack cheese. Bake as directed on crust package.
Smoked Salmon Pizza
Top a boboli pizza crust with softened cream cheese, then spoon refrigerated pesto on top. Top with soft cold-smoked salmon strips and Havarti cheese. Bake as directed on crust package.
Tuna Alfredo
Cook bow tie pasta with frozen mixed vegetables and drain well. Mix with canned, drained tuna and refrigerated alfredo sauce and heat.
Salsa Wraps
Brown chicken breast pieces in olive oil in skillet, and stir in some salsa. Layer on heated tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream. Fold tortilla and serve.
Shrimp and Couscous
Heat together cooked shrimp and Italian diced tomatoes. Serve over couscous, cooked according to package directions.
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