Welcome

This is my first blog which was inspired by joining The Produce Box, a local community supported agriculture group. With a weekly delivery of fresh produce, I have been challenged to create healthy nightly meals using ingredients I may not have purchased on my own.

Below is a compilation of weekly meals using the produce delivered by The Produce Box as well as some other recipes which have inspired me.
Showing posts with label Red Potato. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Red Potato. Show all posts

Monday, April 14, 2014

April 14-18

My box Friday contained:
  • Strawberries
  • Spinach
  • Red Potatoes
  • Peppers
  • Leeks
As I put away my box of goodies, I had already come up with my lunch for the day.  I sauteed some diced leeks along with 2 small diced red peppers.  I added the kale from last week's box and white wine.  I then added drained and rinsed white beans.  After heating for about 10 minutes I added diced up lefgt over steak and just before serving added diced tomato from last weeks box.  This was an awesome lunch and used upsome of last weeks produce as well as begun using this week's delivery!

Monday, April 14-  With soccer practice and meetings this evening, I am keeping it simple and having fajitas using some of the peppers from my box.

Tuesday, April 15-  Another quick meal is needed tonight.  Most likely I will make some sort of pasta meal.

Wednesday, April 16-  With the fresh spinach from my box I will try out a tweaked recipe I discovered on allrecipes.com.  I will serve this with carrots I froze from earlier boxes and couscous.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts WW 9pts
  • 1/2 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
  • 4 slices swiss cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/2 inch thickness (soaked in buttermilk)
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a frying pan.  Add pressed garlic and saute.  Add spinach and saute until wilted.
  3. Mix soup and sour cream.
  4. Remove spinach from heat and stir in 1/2 the cream mixture until combined.
  5. Lay the chicken breasts out on a clean surface, lay a slice of swiss cheese onto breast and spoon some of the spinach mixture onto each one. Roll up chicken to enclose the spinach and secure with toothpicks.  Arrange in a shallow baking dish. 
  6. Pour remaining cream mixture over chicken.
  7. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes in the preheated oven. 

Thursday, April 17-  With the reurn of better weather I hope to grill steaks, camper potatoes served with green beans I forze from previous boxes.
 
Camper Red Potatoes
  • sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- Make foil packets and grill until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat
Friday, April 18-  Since we plan to brunch Easter Sunday and will likley have less of an appetite for a big dinner, we are doing our Easter ham tonight.  Ham served with orange carrots and sweet potato casserole will be dinner tonight.  The carrots are boiled when near done I drain the water add butter and OJ and simmer.  Sometimes I add some brown sugar as well.

Sweet Potato Casserole 7 WW Points  
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and halved
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg white
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in small bowl, stirring to form streusel. Set aside
3. Place potatoes in pot covered with water. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 30 min or until tender. Drain. Mash in large bowl.
4. Stir in 1 cup of streusel topping, sugar, vanilla, egg white and milk.
5. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining streusel.
6. Bake for 45 min.
Serving: 3/4 cup
Calories: 376  Fat: 8.8g  Saturated fat: 1.4g  Monounsaturated fat: 4.1g  Polyunsaturated fat: 2.6g  Protein: 5.4g  Carbohydrate: 70.1g  Fiber: 3.8g  Cholesterol: 1mg  Iron: 1.9mg  Sodium: 115mg  Calcium: 97mg

Thursday, August 16, 2012

August 15- August 21

I opted for the fruit Box this week.  I will be receiving 2 watermelons, 2 cantaloupes, peaches and grapes.  For my meals this week, I will drop by DJ's Berry Patch for any needed fresh produce.

Wednesday, August 15-  I didn't make this last week and it will be perfect for tonight's dinner.  Grilled Sausage Sandwiches served with onions and peppers along with Camper Potatoes, from an earlier Box. 
Camper Red Potatoes
  • sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- Make foil packets and grill until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat

Thursday, August 16-  Girls Night Out for me tonight.  My husband will be making a family recipe for easy homemade Mac N Cheese.
Friday, August 17-  Tonight is my daughter's golf lesson, which also occurs during dinnertime.  I think it will be take out for us. 
 
Saturday, August 18-   Due to a conflict I tabled this meal from last week for tonight.  This recipe comes from skinnytaste.com  I will serve it over rice.
Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk, Tomatoes and Cilantro
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1/4 • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 6 pts
Calories: 272.5 • Fat: 9.7 • Carbs: 13.7 • Fiber: 2.7 • Sugar: 4.2 • Protein: 30.7
  • 1 1/4 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (weight after peeled)
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 1/2 cup cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 14 oz can light coconut milk (50% less fat)*
  • 1/2 lime, squeezed
In a medium pot, heat oil on low. Add red peppers and sauté until soft (about 4 minutes). Add scallion whites, 1/4 cup cilantro, red pepper flakes and garlic. Cook 1 minute.

Add tomatoes, coconut milk and salt to taste, cover and simmer on low about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together and to thicken the sauce.

Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes. Add lime juice.

To serve, divide equally among 4 bowls and top with scallions and cilantro.

Sunday, August 19-  Golf Tournament today.  Not sure who will be around for dinner tonight.  So it might be simple like breakfast for dinner, or maybe we'll all go out for a quick bit.  I will have to see what happens.

Monday, August 20-  I have been craving pot pie.  Since it should be a little cooler, I think I will make Chicken Pot Pie tonight.
Chicken Pot Pie 6 WW Pts
  • 2 deep dish pie shells 
  • 1 can of cream of chicken soup (per a friend's suggestion I am using cream of chicken with herbs)
  • 1or 2 cans of veg-all vegetables (or combination of fresh & frozen veggie mix- I used carrots, celery, onion, peas & corn)
  • 2-3 cups cooked chicken 
  • 1/2-3/4 cup milk 
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  1. Boil chicken in chicken broth.  After it is cool cut in to small pieces 
  2. Reserve broth and boil fresh or frozen vegetables for 5 minutes and drain.
  3. Pre heat oven 375 degrees 
  4. Mix chicken, vegetables, soup and milk in a medium bowl 
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste and thyme
  6. Pour mixture in pie crust cover with 2nd pie crust 
  7. Cook pie for about 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.  Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Tuesday, August 21-I am in the mood for fish.  The Fish Taco recipe was taken from allrecipes.com with a few modifications as follows.

Fish Tacos  WW Pts: 9

Marinade
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
  • 1 pound cod, cut into chunks
Dressing
  • 1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream
  • 1/2 cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I might reduce to 1 tbspn)
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped Cilantro
  • packaged cole slaw mix
  • 1 (10 ounce) package tortillas
  • 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

Directions

  1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl until blended. Place the fish in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours.
  2. To make the dressing, combine the sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning. Add salt, and pepper in desired amounts. Cover, and refrigerate until needed.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake fish in preheated oven until it easily flakes with a fork, 9 to 11 minutes. (Fish can also be grilled)
  4. Assemble tacos by placing fish pieces in the center of tortillas with desired amounts of tomatoes, cilantro, and slaw; drizzle with dressing.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 416 * Total Fat: 19.2g * Cholesterol: 43mg * Sodium: 709mg * Total Carbs: 38.5g * Dietary Fiber: 6g * Protein: 22.6g

Friday, August 10, 2012

August 8- August 14

This week's Box consisted of:
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • 6 ears of Corn
  • Cantaloupe
  • Watermelon
  • Pint of Cherry Tomatoes
  • 2 English Cucumbers
I also got an add on of garlic and peaches.

The watermelon and cantaloupe will sides and snacks.  The corn that I didn't use Wednesday night will be blanched and frozen.

Over the weekend I hope to make Peach Cobbler.
Delicious Peach Cobbler
4 cups of peeled, sliced peaches
2 cups sugar divided
1/2 cup water
8 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups self rising flour (if you don't have any you can easily make some- I did using a google search: 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour mixed with 3/4 teaspoon each baking powder and salt)
1 1/2 cups milk
ground cinnamon, optional

-Preheat oven to 350
-Combine peaches, 1 cup of sugar & water in saucepan and mix well. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
-Put butter in a 3-qt. baking dish and place in oven to melt.
-Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if desired.
-Bake for approx. 1 hour
Can be served with whipped topping and/or ice cream. Refrigerate left overs.

Wednesday, August 8-  I went simply with hotdogs, sliced cantaloupe and fresh corn on the cob, from my Box.

Thursday, August 9-  Again this evening's meal was simple.  I prepared frozen meatballs over pasta and cut up cherry tomatoes.

Friday, August 10-  If the weather cooperates, my daughter has golf lessons during mealtime.  Therefore, tonight will most likely be take out.

Saturday, August 11- I came across tonight's recipe on skinnytaste.com website.  I have some left over sweet peppers from last week's Box so I thought this would be a great way to use them up.

Chicken and White Bean Stuffed Peppers
Servings: 5 • Serving Size: 2 halves Old Points: 6 pts Points+: 8 pts
Calories: 303.7 Fat: 5.9 g Protein: 29.9 g Carb: 34.9 g Fiber: 6.5 g
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 half red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup parsley (or cilantro)
  • 5 bell peppers (red or green)
  • 14 oz shredded cooked chicken breast
  • cumin
  • adobo (or salt)
  • 15.5 oz can white beans
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
In a medium pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, parsley and red pepper. Saute until soft, about a minute. Add chicken and season with cumin and adobo. Add beans and 1 to 1-1/2 cups of water and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until it thickens and the liquid reduces. Adjust spices to taste.

Preheat oven to 350°. Cut peppers in half removing seeds and stem. Place peppers in an oven-proof dish. Fill each pepper with 1/3 cup of chicken and bean mixture. Pour about 1/3 cup water or chicken broth on the bottom of the dish. Cover tight with foil. Bake 30 minutes at 350°. Remove foil, top with cheese and bake uncovered another 5 minutes. 

Sunday, August 12-  I am leaning towards grilled pork chops with green beans (blanched & frozen from a previous Box) and my Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole 7 WW Points  
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and halved
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg white
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in small bowl, stirring to form streusel. Set aside
3. Place potatoes in pot covered with water. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 30 min or until tender. Drain. Mash in large bowl.
4. Stir in 1 cup of streusel topping, sugar, vanilla, egg white and milk.
5. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining streusel.
6. Bake for 45 min.
Serving: 3/4 cup
Calories: 376  Fat: 8.8g  Saturated fat: 1.4g  Monounsaturated fat: 4.1g  Polyunsaturated fat: 2.6g  Protein: 5.4g  Carbohydrate: 70.1g  Fiber: 3.8g  Cholesterol: 1mg  Iron: 1.9mg  Sodium: 115mg  Calcium: 97mg

Monday, August 13-  Grilled Sausage Sandwiches served with onions and peppers along with Camper Potatoes, from an earlier Box. 
Camper Red Potatoes
  • sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- Make foil packets and grill until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat
Tuesday, August 14-   This recipe again comes from skinnytaste.com  I will serve it over rice.
Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk, Tomatoes and Cilantro
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1/4 • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 6 pts
Calories: 272.5 • Fat: 9.7 • Carbs: 13.7 • Fiber: 2.7 • Sugar: 4.2 • Protein: 30.7
  • 1 1/4 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (weight after peeled)
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 1/2 cup cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 14 oz can light coconut milk (50% less fat)*
  • 1/2 lime, squeezed
In a medium pot, heat oil on low. Add red peppers and sauté until soft (about 4 minutes). Add scallion whites, 1/4 cup cilantro, red pepper flakes and garlic. Cook 1 minute.

Add tomatoes, coconut milk and salt to taste, cover and simmer on low about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together and to thicken the sauce.

Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes. Add lime juice.

To serve, divide equally among 4 bowls and top with scallions and cilantro.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

June 26- July 2

I am volunteering at VBS this week and couldn't deliver for The Produce Box, which means I didn't get a box this week.  But I decided to try out DJ's Berry Patches CSA Boxes.  I ordered a half share of their produce box and picked it up Tuesday.

The Box consisted of:
  • 1 Tomato
  • 4 ears of Sweet Corn
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • 2 Cucumbers
  • 10 Pickling Cucumbers
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 lb. Red Potatoes
  • 1 white Eggplant 
  • 2 Bell Peppers 
  • 4 Jalapeno Peppers
  • 2 Banana Peppers
  • Okra
  • 1/2 lb. Green Beans
I also purchased a quart of Peaches, a quart of Plums and a Cantaloupe.  I think I will make some Zucchini Bread with the zucchinis from my Box.  If I don't get to serving the fresh green beans then I will blanche and freeze them for later use.  My husband will pickle the pickling cucumbers this week.

 Zucchini Bread

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Sift together flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, baking powder.
  3. Beat eggs. Add and mix well sugar, vanilla, and oil. Add zucchini to egg mixture. Add dry ingredients, mixing well. Stir in nuts if desired. Pour into 2 ungreased loaf pans.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

Tuesday, June 26-  I plan to grill some sausage and serve it with some cooked peppers and onions from my Box.  I'll also cook of an ear of corn to serve along with it.  While I was at DJ's Berry Patch I also picked up some fresh fruit which will accompany our dinner tonight as well.

Wednesday, June 27- I intend to make one of my favorites, homemade Eggplant Parmigiana.  I will defrost some homemade sauce which I made with the previous season's stock up tomato box.  Perhaps, a basil oil and vinegar tossed cucumbers and tomatoes from my box along with a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine will round out tonight's meal.

 Basil Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
Combine ingredients and whisk well.  Serve over greens or other fresh produce.

Thursday, June 28-  Although it's just the girls tonight I still intend to create a homemade meal (this was usually an excuse for take out or breakfast for dinner).   I'll cook up some of the corn from my box and serve it along side grilled chicken breasts.  I will take any leftover vinaigrette from last night and marinate the chicken breasts in it!

Friday, June 29-  Since I have to drop my order daughter off with my husband for a Durham Bulls game, I think the little one and I will use this as an excuse to go out for dinner.

Saturday, June 30-  With all the peppers in my produce box, it is just screaming for steak fajitas!!!

Sunday, July 1-  I came across a recipe in my Southern Living magazine which used Okra (a veggie I am NOT fond of) in an unconventional way.  Tomato and Okra Cornmeal Patties!  I found a similar recipe on allrecipes.com and merged the best of the two into the one found below.  I am thinking some grilled sausages would make an excellent accompaniment to this meal. I'll also create grill packets for some of the squash and zucchini.  I will add a few dabs of butter, minced garlic and salt and pepper. .

Tomato and Okra Cornmeal Patties
  • 1 cups plain yellow cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2-1 pound fresh okra, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup water 
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 pound tomatoes, diced
  • Fresh basil leaves, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
  1. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the garlic, okra, jalapeno, onion, salt, pepper, water and egg. Combine the flour, baking powder and cornmeal; and stir that into the okra mixture.
  3. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the okra batter into the hot oil, and fry on each side until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. 
  4. Combine diced tomato and basil sprinkle with olive oil mix well.  Serve tomato mixture over okra patties. 
Monday, July 2- I'll make up Camper Potatoes with the red potatoes from my Box.  I will make Peachy Pork Chops and perhaps serve some green beans along with it.

Simple Peach Sauce

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1-2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup sliced peeled fresh peaches
  1. In a saucepan, bring water, sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon to a boil; boil for 1 minute. Add peaches. Bring to a boil; boil another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Serve warm over pork chops. 
  
Camper Red Potatoes

  • sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- Make foil packets and grill until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat

Monday, June 25, 2012

Time to Get Back to Homecooking June 20-25

After being on vacation for 2 weeks.  It's about time to get back to cooking and creating meals at home.  This week's Box is filled with scrumptious fruits which will make delicious smoothies my girls adores.  In addition to the summer fruits, there are a number of veggies that make great grilling accompaniments as well as delicious grilled themselves!

My Box consists of:
  • Raspberries
  • Peaches
  • Blueberries
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Assorted Squashes
  • Sweet Corn
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Sweet Onion
In addition, I got the following add ons to my Box:
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Red Potatoes
Wednesday, June 20-  Grilled Sausage sandwiches served with peppers and onions (from my Box) will be our main entree.  Along with Camper Potatoes, made with my red potatoes.  Of course the girls will drink fruit smoothies with their dinner! 
Camper Red Potatoes

  • sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- Make foil packets and grill until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat

Thursday, June 21-  Tortellini in vodka sauce with fresh cut cherry tomatoes (from my Box) and a loaf of bread will round out tonight's meal .

Friday, June 22-  Plans changed and a last minute dinner was thrown together of pancakes!

Saturday, June 23-  The girls went to the pool for some Daddy time and ordered dinner there.  I get a night off.   I intend to bake a Blueberry Pie this week.  I will use the same recipe as last year with the alterations, using 1 cup of sugar and 5 TBSP of cornstarch. This is very good warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Blueberry Pie
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 5 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over blueberries.
  3. Line pie dish with one pie crust. Pour berry mixture into the crust, and dot with butter. Cut remaining pastry into 1/2 - 3/4 inch wide strips, and make lattice top. Crimp and flute edges.
  4. Bake pie on lower shelf of oven for about 50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

Sunday, June 24-  We will treat ourselves to dinner out.

Monday, June 25- Well this wasn't the best week of making dinners from scratch but at least I am planning and trying.  Tonight I am doing chicken fajitas with corn on the cob (using the remaining ears from my box).
The fruit is almost gone except for the blueberries which will become pie tomorrow!  I am not delivering this week for The Produce Box, which means no box for me :(  BUT I decided to "try out" DJ's Berry Patch CSA Boxes.  Tomorrow I will pick up their half share box and prepare my menu for the week accordingly!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Febraury 23- Febraury 28

The Bowties with White Beans and Spinach worked well and will be made again in the future.  I didn't make the pork or sweet potato recipes last week.  So they will get bumped to another night.  

Thursday, February 23-  With this exceptional Spring weather, I am in the mood to grill hamburgers!  I haven't decided on a side yet.  I want to keep it low calories so I discovered this yummy side on Skinnytaste.com 

BLT Macaroni Salad
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 7 Serving Size: 1 cup Points: 3 pt
  • 8 oz uncooked elbows, low carb or whole grain (brown rice pasta for gf)
  • 4 slices 25% reduced fat center cut bacon
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, beefsteak or vine ripe, diced small (1 can of diced tomatoes drained can be substituted)
  • 4 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise (I didn't have reduced fat mayo- so I used 2 tbsp Reduced Fat Sour Cream & 2 tbsp Mayo)
  • 1-2 teaspoons of Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic or Onion Onion
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach
In a large skillet cook bacon on medium-low heat until crispy on both sides.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Chop tomatoes and combine it along with any accumulated juice with mayonnaise, spices and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Combine pasta with tomatoes and spinach mixing well. Toss in bacon right before serving.

Friday, February 24-  Tonight is special GNO with my daughters.  Chili's here we come!

Saturday, February 25-  I think I will make the Pork Chops with Carrots and Oranges this evening.
Pork Chops with Carrots and Oranges 
WW Pts: 2 for carrots; 2oz Pork 3pts.
  • 2 teaspoon(s) honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 1/2 pound(s) medium carrots, cut into 2-in. pieces (halved lengthwise if large)
  • 1  navel orange, cut into wedges
  • 1 teaspoon dill (optional)
  • 4  1-in.-thick pork chops, trimmed (about 1¼ lb total)
  1. Heat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, cumin, 1 Tbsp oil, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
  2. Toss the carrots with the honey mixture.  Season pork chops with salt and pepper (and dill is using).  
  3. Arrange pork and carrots in deep dish covered baker. Nestle the oranges among the carrots, cover and roast until the carrots are tender and pork is cooked through, 30 to 45 minutes.
Sunday, February 26-  I have wanting some fish.  So I will search for some ideas and purchase some fresh fish over the weekend for tonight's meal.  If I don't come across another recipe I will most likely make this simple dish I found on Skinnytaste.com and serve it with the red potato salad I also found on Skinny Taste.
Baked Garlic Lemon Tilapia
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6 servings Total Time: 15 minutes Points: 5 pts

  • 6 (6 oz each) tilapia filets
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tsp fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper
  • cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400°.

Melt butter on a low flame in a small sauce pan. Add garlic and saute on low for about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and shut off flame.

Spray the bottom of a baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Place the fish on top and season with salt and pepper. Pour the lemon butter mixture on the fish and top with fresh parsley. Bake at 400° until cooked, about 15 minutes.

Baby Red Potato Salad
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6 Size: 3/4 cups Points: 2 pts
  • 4 cups baby red potatoes, cut in small pieces
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 3 scallions, diced
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
  • salt and fresh pepper
Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, approx 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.

While the potatoes are boiling, combine red onion, green pepper, mustard, olive oil, vinegar and mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and let the flavors marinade while the potatoes cook. Once the potatoes are done and cool, mix into the bowl and add scallions and additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Monday, February 27-   I am contemplating making the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos tonight, the recipe I never made it to last week.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos  
WW Pts: 7 for 2 burritos using Fiber Ole tortillas & 2% Mexican Cheese 28g
  • 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. pieces
  • 1 medium red onion, half chopped and half thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 15 1/2 ounce(s) can black beans, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon(s) chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1 small bunch spinach, thick stems discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
  • 6- ounce(s) Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potato, chopped onion and 1/2 tsp salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
  2. Add the beans and chipotles and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add the spinach and cook, tossing, until it begins to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Divide the cheese and potato-bean mixture among the tortillas (about 1 cup each) and roll up to form burritos. Wipe out the skillet and heat over medium heat. Cook the burritos (seam-side down first) until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Tuesday, February 28- I recently received my latest edition of Southern Living magazine.  I think I will look for inspiration there for this evening's meal.