Chicken Pepper Bake

Chicken Pepper Bake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken breast
2 red or green bell peppers
3 cups small potatoes
2 Tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon dry Italian herbs
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cut the chicken, peppers and potatoes into bite size chunks.
2. Place the meat and vegetables into a large bowl. Sprinkle with oil, Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Place the chicken and vegetables on a metal baking pan. Roast in a 425 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are soft and chicken is no longer pink. Toss a couple times while roasting.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Turkey Stroganoff

Turkey Stroganoff

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cooked turkey, 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups water
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
2 cups dry macaroni
2 teaspoons dill weed
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup corn flakes
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
1⁄2 cup nonfat sour cream

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) and saute onions until transparent.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly, about 30 seconds.
3. Add turkey, water, milk, soup, and peas; bring to a boil.
4. Add macaroni, dill, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Cover pan, reduce heat to low (225 degrees in an electric skillet) and cook 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. While mixture is cooking, crush corn flakes in small bowl, mix in garlic powder and set aside.
7. Just before serving, stir in sour cream and top with corn flake mixture.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Mo (moo) Indonesian Stir-Fry

Mo (moo) Indonesian Stir-Fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen-style noodles
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in thin strips
1⁄4 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1⁄2 cup water
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
2 carrots, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1⁄2 large head cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1⁄4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Bring 4 cups water to boil in a 2 to 3 quart saucepan. Add noodles, cover, and remove from heat (do not add flavor packets). Wait one minute, drain noodles and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add chicken and cook until no longer pink when cut, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add red pepper, ginger, and carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add cabbage and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until cabbage is crisp-tender.
5. Stir in green onions, cooked noodles and peanut sauce. Toss and serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try this stir fry with sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter

Asian Rice

Asian Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 package (16 ounces) frozen Asian style vegetables or 1 pound fresh vegetables
3 cups cooked rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 Tablespoon soy sauce or hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add eggs and scramble. Remove cooked eggs and set aside.
2. Add small amount of water to pan and cook vegetables until tender crisp.
3. Add cooked rice, garlic powder and ground ginger and stir to heat through, breaking up lumps by pressing against pan.
4. Add cooked chicken and cook until heated.
5. Add green onions and cooked egg, and heat through.
6. Serve with soy sauce or hot sauce.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use leftover ham or pork in place of chicken.
• Use brown rice to include whole grains

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut bite-sized
1 onion, chopped
1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder or 6 cloves garlic
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth (see Notes)
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped mild green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) nonfat sour cream
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan; sauté the chicken, onion and garlic powder until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. 
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, for 30 minutes. 
4. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and milk.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use turkey instead of chicken. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Tasty Hamburger Skillet

Tasty Hamburger Skillet

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1⁄3 cup chopped onion (1⁄3 medium onion)
1⁄3 cup green pepper, chopped
2 cups water
1 cup long grain white rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained (or about 1 1/2 cups frozen)
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper in large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until hamburger is no longer pink. Drain excess fat from pan.
2. Add water, rice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomatoes with juice, corn, and beans.
3. Cook, covered, for about 20 minutes or until rice is soft.
4. Remove from stove top, sprinkle with grated cheese, and serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Tip: Garnish this dish with a tablespoon of low-fat sour cream.
• Flavor boosters: green chilis, jalepeños, more garlic, and other seasonings.
• Make extra! Leftovers make a great filling for tacos, burritos, filling for stuffed bell peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Use whole grains! Use brown rice instead of white rice and increase cooking time to 45 minutes or until rice is cooked.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

NOODLES
1 1⁄4 cups flour
2 eggs
3 Tablespoons water

SOUP
3 cups water
4 1⁄2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
2 cups mixed vegetables, fresh, canned, or frozen
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. For noodles: Put flour in a medium bowl, make a well in center, and add eggs. Mix well. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough is stiff but easy to roll.
2. Place dough onto a floured surface. Roll dough to ½ inch thickness using a rolling pin or a sturdy, straight sided drinking glass or jar.
3. Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch strips, about 3-5 inches long. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. For soup: In a large pot, add water and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
5. Add noodles a few at a time to water and chicken broth mixture. Bring the soup back to a boil.
6. Add chicken, vegetables, and pepper. Boil for 12-15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Serve warm.
7. Refrigerate or freeze within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try whole wheat flour to include whole grains.
• Freeze extra for another meal.

Ham and Vegetable Chowder

Ham and Vegetable Chowder

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1⁄2 head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 large potato, peeled and diced
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
2 cans (15 ounces each) cream-style corn
1 cup chopped lean ham (8% fat)
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in 4 quart (or larger) saucepan. Saute onion, cabbage, and potato over medium heat, stirring often, until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth, corn, ham, and pepper.
3. Cover and simmer until potato is tender, about 10 minutes
4. Serve hot, sprinkled with cheese.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Leave skin on potato for added fiber.
• For a vegetarian soup, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and beans for the ham.

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 14 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat or less)
1 large carrot, diced, about 1 cup
1 small onion, diced, about 1 cup
2 stalk celery, diced, about 1 cup
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup uncooked barley
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In large sauce pot, cook ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
2. Add carrots, onion, celery, and garlic; stir often and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add 8 cups of water, bouillon, tomatoes with juice, barley, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover and reduce heat to a low boil. Cook for about 30 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with tomatoes.
• Add 1 cup chopped kale or other greens with tomatoes.

Italian Veggie Soup

Italian Veggie Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground meat (15% fat) (turkey, chicken or beef)
1 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced or diced carrots
1 1⁄2 cups sliced or chopped cabbage
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato pieces with liquid
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ouncse) cut green beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup whole kernel corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
2 cups water
3 teaspoons or 3 cubes low sodium beef, chicken or vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaf
1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaf
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup small macaroni (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any fat. Add to soup pan.
2. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until limp but not brown. Add to soup pan.
3. Add all the remaining Ingredients to soup pan.
4. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Cheesy Beef Pasta

Cheesy Beef Pasta

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small zucchini, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) tomato based pasta sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces rotini pasta (about 4 cups)
2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, garlic and zucchini over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until meat is browned and broken into pieces. Drain any fat.
2. Add the pasta sauce, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Bring to a simmer and cook on medium low (275 degrees in an electric skillet) for 15 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package Directions.
4. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce in the skillet. Stir in the cheese and cover until the cheese is melted.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute broccoli for zucchini. Cook fresh broccoli with the pasta in step 3 or add frozen broccoli in step 2.

Cheesy Polenta Pie

Cheesy Polenta Pie

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

FILLING
1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1⁄2 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 1⁄2 cups corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1⁄2 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

TOPPING
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 1⁄2 cups water
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown meat and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, corn, 1 tablespoon chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Reduce heat to low (250 degrees in an electric skillet), cover, and heat thoroughly.
4. As chili heats, mix cornmeal, salt, sugar, and 1 teaspoon chili powder with water in a small saucepan.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add cheddar and mix well.
6. Spread cornmeal mixture over chili mixture.
7. Cover and cook over low heat, with lid slightly ajar, until topping is set, about 10 minutes.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix for the last 6 Ingredients in the filling.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (16 ounces) navy beans
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fat-free chicken broth (see Notes)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1⁄2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup shredded cheese
10 thin corn tortillas

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and cumin, and sauté until onion is softened but not browned.
2. Drain and rinse beans. Add drained beans, tomatoes with liquid, and chicken broth. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chilies, oregano, and chicken. Simmer 15 minutes.
4. When ready to serve, stir in cilantro and 1 cup cheese until melted. Serve tortilla strips on the side as soup toppings.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• To make tortilla strips, stack tortillas and cut in half. Cut each half-stack into thin strips. Spread strips on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, tossing frequently, for 15 minutes or until crispy and starting to lightly brown.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
1 pound lean ground turkey (15% fat)
2⁄3 cup chopped onion (2/3 medium onion)
1⁄2 cup green pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 small pepper)
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can solid-pack pumpkin (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can chicken broth, low sodium (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups) (see Notes)
1⁄2 cup water
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 package taco seasoning mix (1.25 ounces)

Directions

1. Pour oil into a 4 quart (or larger) saucepan.
2. Add ground turkey, onion, green pepper and garlic.
3. Cook and stir, breaking meat apart until meat is brown and vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, broth, water, brown sugar and taco seasoning.
5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use leftover turkey cut in bite sized piece instead of ground turkey. Saute the vegetables then add the turkey with the other Ingredients. 

Spicy Rice Casserole

Spicy Rice Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bell or jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 Tablespoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup (3 ounces) shredded low fat cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
2. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
3. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
• Try ground turkey in place of beef.

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound ground beef
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1⁄2 cups spaghetti or pasta sauce (26 to 28 ounce container)
1 cup water
8 ounces wide noodles
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed (10 ounce)
1 package lowfat cottage cheese (12 ounces or 2 cups)
1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

Directions

1. Stir ground beef, onion, and garlic together in a large skillet over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until meat is browned.
2. Add spaghetti sauce and water to skillet and bring to a boil.
3. Add uncooked noodles, stir, cover with lid, reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Squeeze the thawed spinach to remove the juice then stir into the noodle mixture. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Spoon cottage cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cover and heat another 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and noodles are tender.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add fresh or canned (drained) sliced mushrooms.
• Use whole wheat pasta instead to increase fiber and make this a whole grain meal.
• Try pasta in a different shape.

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli
1 1⁄2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, toast sesame seeds in a 1 quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook until light brown.
3. Mix together sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in small bowl. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add garlic and broccoli, and cook on medium until soft.
5. Add chicken and cook until heated through.
6. Add drained pasta and soy sauce mixture and mix well. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute diced tofu or a can of drained garbanzo beans for chicken.
• No broccoli? Use peas, green beans, or mixed veggies.
• Flavor boosters: red chili flakes, sliced green onions, and/or a teaspoon of sesame oil.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 can (8 ounce) unsweetened pineapple chunks
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 cup 99% fat-free chicken broth (see Notes)
1⁄4 cup rice wine vinegar
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup celery, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, cut in eighths
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced diagonally 1/4" thick
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1⁄4 cup cold water

Directions

1. Drain pineapple and reserve juice.
2. Cut chicken into 1" cubes and place in a large skillet.
3. Add reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Cover and simmer over low heat (250 degrees for an electric skillet) for 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink when cut.
4. Add vegetables and pineapple; cook an additional 5 minutes.
5. Combine cornstarch with water and stir until smooth. Slowly pour into hot mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute more.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve over hot, cooked rice or pasta.
• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.

Wontons

Wontons

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 36 wontons
Serving Size 6 wontons

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup finely chopped green onion
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger, or 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 1⁄2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1⁄2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 cup cooked ground chicken
1 1⁄2 cups shredded cabbage
3⁄4 cup shredded carrot (about 1 to 2 medium carrots)
36 wonton wrappers
Water or egg white (for the edges of the wontons)

Directions

1. Combine spices, cornstarch, and oil in a large bowl.
2. Add cooked meat and vegetables. Mix well.
3. Place 1 tablespoon of mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
4. Brush wrapper edges with water or egg white.
5. Fold wrapper diagonally so corners line up, and press edges together to seal.
6. Bring the side two corners together over the pouch of filling and pinch to close.
7. Spray a steamer basket with nonstick spray. Add wontons so they do not touch. Cover and steam over simmering water for 6-7 minutes.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze prior to steaming for later use.
• Use crumbled tofu in place of meat for vegetarian wontons.

Brazilian Black Beans and Sausage

Brazilian Black Beans and Sausage

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
8 ounces low-fat polish kielbasa sausage, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups water

1. Directions
2. Heat oil over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet); sauté sausage and onion until onion is clear.
3. Add remaining Ingredients.
4. Bring to boil over high heat, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add mushrooms or green bell peppers for variety.
• If you like spicy food, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.