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Showing posts with label peanut butter recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peanut butter recipes. Show all posts

23 March 2010

Kid Chefs Offer Tasty Recipes 4 Sandwiches Adults Will Like

From Denny: This is a fun video of kid chefs in competition for the best peanut butter recipe. Let me tell you this video clip is worth watching as they are quite creative and these recipes adults will enjoy too. They use peanut butter much like Mexican recipes use cheese, as a binder in a quesadilla, pita bread, lettuce wrap or grilled sandwich. Several of these recipes are tasty ideas to use for leftover chicken breast and bits of fresh fruit. Take a look:


5 creative peanut butter sandwiches competition


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Peanutty Cristo breakfast sandwich

From: Maria Marsian Boucher, E. Longmeadow, Mass.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon reduced fat cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons preserves
• 1/2 small to medium Macintosh apple, core removed and sliced into 6 slices
• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1/4 cup egg substitute
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Sprinkle of confectioners

DIRECTIONS

Take 1 tablespoon peanut butter and spread on one slice of whole wheat bread. Then spread 2 teaspoons of preserves on top of the peanut butter. Take the other slice of whole wheat bread and spread the second tablespoon of peanut butter on it. Spread 1 tablespoon reduced fat cream cheese on top of the peanut butter. Place the 6 apple slices in a single layer on top of the cream cheese. Place the first slice of bread on top of the slice with the apples.

Mix the skim milk, egg substitute, vanilla and sugar in a shallow bowl. On medium heat melt butter in a small fry pan until the pan has a coating of butter. Remove the extra butter and put aside and use if needed. Take the sandwich and carefully coat both sides of the sandwich with the egg substitute mixture by placing in a shallow bowl for a few seconds on each side. Place in the fry pan and cook until one side is lightly browned, then carefully flip the sandwich. Then cook until lightly browned. Remove from heat and cool for a few minutes before slicing into four quarters.

Place the sandwich on a plate with extra apple slices, maple syrup in a small cup for dipping, and a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar.





PB & Fruity says 'Let us Rap'

From: Rachel Granillo, Clovis, Calif.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons chopped Fuji apple
• 2 tablespoons chopped black or red grapes
• 1 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Iceberg lettuce

DIRECTIONS

Chop chicken meat and fruit, mix in bowl. Mix in peanut butter, mayonnaise and honey. Spoon into open lettuce leaf, roll and serve.





More Rockin' Moroccan Peanutty Pitas

From: West Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup prepared hummus
• 1/2 cup Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 large pita pockets

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, combine paprika, hummus, peanut butter and lemon juice. Transfer half of peanut butter mixture to medium bowl and combine with green onion, chicken, tomato and cilantro. Fill pitas with chicken mixture.

Cut into 8 triangles and serve with remaining peanut hummus. Garnish sandwiches and hummus with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, if desired.





Peanut butter and banana quesadilla with fresh fruit salsa and vanilla yogurt

From: Lauren Wright, Waukesha, Wis.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large flour burrito size tortilla
• 1 banana
• 1 kiwi
• 1 golden delicious apple
• 5 large strawberries
• 18 raspberries
• 1 teaspoon strawberry preserves
• 6 oz. low fat vanilla yogurt

DIRECTIONS

Note:
Fruit salsa and yogurt should be prepared just before preparing quesadilla.

Directions for quesadilla: Take 1 large flour tortilla and add 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter to the center of the tortilla and then spread the peanut butter out evenly, leaving about 1 inch of tortilla around the entire outside of the tortilla. Next take the banana and slice thin slices (making circular pieces). Place bananas evenly on top of peanut butter. Place last flour tortilla on top then place quesadilla in pre-heated quesadilla maker for 5-7 minutes or in 10-inch non-stick frying pan for 5-7 minutes, turning once. Cut into 6 triangular pieces and serve with vanilla yogurt and fruit salsa.

Directions for fruit salsa: Take the skin off 1 kiwi and then finely chop kiwi, then put into a small mixing bowl. Take half of the apple, less seeds and core, finely chop and add to small mixing bowl. Cut stem tops off strawberries, then finely chop raspberries and add to small mixing bowl. Then stir in 1 teaspoon strawberry preserves then place part of the fruit salsa into a small serving dish.

Directions for vanilla yogurt: Open the 6 oz. container of low fat vanilla yogurt and pour into a small serving dish.





Chickenchita

From: Stephanie Hosko, Plymouth, Mich.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 small can crushed pineapple in juice
• 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1 chicken breast
• 1/2 cup red pepper strips
• 2 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine)
• 2 rosemary sprigs
• Parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Mix together peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of the pineapple juice and 2 teaspoons soy sauce. Set aside. Rub the chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and season with the rosemary, salt and pepper. Heat another tablespoon of the olive oil in a large frying pan, and grill the chicken until cooked through, then set aside.

Next, add the red pepper strips and sauté until soft. Spread the peanut butter mixture onto the tortilla, leaving about a half inch border. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Layer the diced chicken, red pepper strips, 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and the 2 lettuce leaves on top of the tortilla.

Roll the tortilla up envelope-style, and tuck in the sides. Heat the last tablespoon of olive oil on a grill pan, over medium heat. Slowly grill the tortilla, turning once, until crisp. Garnish with a dollop of peanut butter, and a sprig of parsley or a few chives.





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19 March 2010

Moistest Low Cal Chocolate Cake, Pesto Veggie Lasagna, Quick Salad

From Denny: If you have been following this blog, by now you know I enjoy those fast and funny food videos along with some great recipes. The latest cookbook promotion is from a hit reality series star, Bethanny Frankel. Her new book is "The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life."

She's a big hit in "Real Housewives of New York." She's also a total foodie, loves chocolate, came up with some clever recipes and she's pregnant. The woman has this food craving thing down pat and came up with some smart and healthy tweaks so she can enjoy her favorite foods like lasagna and chocolate cake. Bethanny is a big fan of cutting the calories but not the taste. That's why she refuses to use no-fat products. Apparently, she and I agree on one thing about no-fat foods: "They taste like glue and you end up over-eating on something else to compensate." Your body needs some fat in the diet to be healthy.

CBS The Early Show runs this regular segment of "Chef on a Shoestring" where the challenge is to construct a three course meal for four people and keep it under $40. These challenges really sharpen your skills to think differently and try new things. Take a look:


Recipes Featured:

Arugula Salad with Simple Dressing
Pesto Vegetarian Lasagna
How-Is-This-So-Moist Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Glaze





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In case anyone is unfamiliar with some of the ingredients and would like to learn more, here are some facts on what to look for when you are purchasing. Excerpted from Food Lover's Companion:


Arugula: Also known as Italian cress, rocket, rugula and rucola, arugula is a bitterish, aromatic salad green with a peppery mustard flavor. Though it has long been extremely popular with Italians, American palates often find its flavor too assertive. Arugula (which resembles radish leaves) can be found in specialty produce markets and in most supermarkets. It's sold in small bunches with roots attached. The leaves should be bright green and fresh looking. Arugula is very perishable and should be tightly wrapped in a plastic bag and refrigerated for no more than 2 days. Its leaves hold a tremendous amount of grit and must be thoroughly washed just before serving. Arugula makes a lively addition to salads, soups and sautéed vegetable dishes. It's a rich source of iron as well as vitamins A & C.


Pesto: Italian for "pounded," pesto is an uncooked sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan or pecorino cheese and olive oil. The ingredients can either be crushed with mortar and pestle or finely chopped with a food processor. This classic, fresh-tasting sauce originated in Genoa, Italy, and although used on a variety of dishes, it is a favorite with pasta. Now there are "pestos" made from a myriad of other ingredients from cilantro to mint.


Lasagna: A wide, flat noodle, sometimes with ruffled edges. Lasagna is a dish made by layering boiled lasagna noodles with various cheeses (usually including mozzarella) with the cook's choice of sauce, the most common being tomato, meat of béchamel. This dish is then baked until bubbly and golden brown.


Oat Flour: Made from grouts that have been ground into powder. It contains no gluten, however, so - for baked goods that need to rise, like yeast breads - must be combined with a flour that does.





RECIPES


Arugula Salad with Simple Dressing

Bethenny: I think this easy, colorful salad is the world's perfect dish. Because the arugula is so flavorful, it only needs a simple dressing. I love arugula, but use any leafy green you love. Always lightly salt your salad greens.

Serves: 2 as an entrée, 4 as a side salad

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups arugula (I like baby arugula for this salad)
1 ear raw corn kernels (yes, raw-you will become addicted to the sweet flavor)
1 avocado, halved, pitted, scored into cubes, and removed with a spoon
2/3 cup pear tomatoes cut in half (or use cherry or grape tomatoes)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil cut in thin strips, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Arrange the arugula on a platter. Sprinkle the corn on top, then arrange the avocado pieces and tomatoes over the corn. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle the Simple Dressing (see following recipe) over the salad. Garnish with basil.






Simple Dressing

Bethenny: This recipe looks too simple, but trust this dressing. Some of the best things are amazingly simple. The first time I dressed a salad with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, it was a revelation.

INGREDIENTS:

Juice from 1 small lemon
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl and taste. If the dressing is too puckery for you, add a drizzle of honey.






Pesto Vegetarian Lasagna

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces whole-wheat lasagna noodles
1/3 cup packaged pesto
15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
¼ cup toasted pine nuts (toast gently in a dry skillet until golden)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions (or use no-boil noodles). Set aside.

2. In a bowl combine the ricotta, basil, and pine nuts. Set aside.

3. Spray an 11 1/2 X 3 7-inch baking pan with cooking spray (or any other pan that fits the lasagna noodles you have- this was the size that my recipe tester used). Spread one-third of the pesto in the bottom of the pan. Cover with half the noodles.

Spread half the herb-ricotta mixture over the noodles. Repeat with another one-third of the pesto, the remaining noodles, the remaining herb-ricotta mixture, then cover the whole thing with the remaining pesto. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.

4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. Let sit for about 15 minutes before cutting and serving.






How-Is-This-So-Moist Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Glaze

Bethenny: When I first made this recipe, my fiancé and I stared at each other for days afterward, marveling at how moist and delicious this cake was. We couldn't believe it. I even accused him of dumping a stick of butter into the batter when I was in the bathroom. I kept looking at the recipe trying to figure out what made it so moist. It really is the dessert mystery of all time, as far as I'm concerned.

This recipe is wheat-free, vegan, and easy. I make this cake in a loaf pan so that each slice has just a little bit of the delicious peanut butter glaze, but you could also make it in a round or square cake pan or a release pan, or you could make cupcakes. Just be sure to use plenty of cooking spray and parchment paper. Make this recipe for any special occasion or just because you want chocolate cake.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cups oat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raw sugar
1 cup warm water
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the darker and higher quality, the better)
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined.

2. Pour the batter into a loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, rotating the pan about halfway through the baking time. When a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, it's done. However, I like my cake a little bit underdone and gooey. If some moist crumbs cling to your toothpick, you can consider that done.

3. Let the cake cool completely, and then top with Peanut Butter Glaze (recipe follows). Slice and serve.







Peanut Butter Glaze

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup raw sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
2 tablespoons soy milk
2 tablespoons creamy 100% peanut butter (the natural kind, no added sugar)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix with a hand blender until the sugar crystals are dissolved. If they aren't dissolving, you can gently heat the mixture until they do (heat on low on the stove or on 50 percent power in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds). Spread the glaze on the cake.







So, how did Bethenny fare as a Chef on a Shoestring competition? Here's the pricing:


Arugula Salad

arugula $2.98
corn kernels $.66
avocado $1.00
tomatoes $1.99
basil $1.50
lemon $.40
total $8.53

Lasagna

lasagna noodles $2.69
ricotta $3.49
pine nuts $3.18
pesto $3.99
mozzarella $2.49
total $15.84

Chocolate Cake

oat flour $2.96
cocoa powder $4.69
apple cider vinegar $.89
soy milk $1.49
peanut butter $3.29
total $13.32

Meal Total: $37.69


*** THANKS for visiting, come back often, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

08 January 2010

Kid Pleasing Easy Brownie Peanut Butter Cupcakes



Photo by THE REYNOLDS KITCHENS

From Denny: OK, what's not to love about this cupcake? It's "genetic code" is chocolate, peanut butter, cream cheese, a fudge brownie mix and peanut butter candies for decorating.

This cupcake guards a secret: you can freeze them! Yay! Another score on the board for an easy recipe. Remember, if they do last long enough to get frozen, be sure to bring them out in enough time to come to room temperature before serving.

If you really feel industrious, make a double batch. Thrill the teacher and the friends in your kid's classroom by supplying them with a batch of these delightful cupcakes! Gifts of food has a way of making new friends. :)


Brownie Peanut Butter Cupcakes

From: The Reynolds Kitchens

Makes: 18 small cupcakes

18 Reynolds Foil Bake Cups or paper cupcake liners for a muffin pan
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup light cream cheese
2 tbls. sugar
1 egg
1 (19-oz. or close) pkg. fudge brownie mix
1/2 cup candy-coated peanut butter candies

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place foil bake cups in muffin pans or on a cookie sheet; set aside.

2. Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, sugar and egg in bowl with electric mixer. Set aside.

3. Prepare brownie mix following package directions. Set aside.

4. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of peanut butter mixture in center of each bake cup. With spoon or small ice cream scoop, fill bake cupshalf full with brownie batter. Sprinkle each brownie cupcake with peanut butter candies.

5. Bake 25 minutes or until baked through. Do not overbake. Cool.

*** THANKS for visiting and come back often for more fun recipes! And a big shout out to the folks in India who read this blog!
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