Easy Reacipes. Zucchini and Spinach Gratin Recipe

Easy Reacipes. Zucchini and Spinach Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients

• 2 lbs zucchini

• Kosher salt

• 1 lb frozen spinach*

• 3 slices of thick cut bacon (about 3 ounces), cut crosswise 1/4-inch pieces

• 1 large onion

• 1 handful of parsley (about 1/2 cup of leaves, lightly packed)

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled, coarsely chopped

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 3 eggs

• Olive oil

Or 6 packed cups of fresh chopped spinach leaves, blanched and drained








Method

• Grate the zucchini. Toss the grated zucchini with about a teaspoon of Kosher salt. Place the grated zucchini in a large sieve (or colander) placed over a bowl to catch the water as the salt helps the zucchini release its moisture. Let sit for 30 minutes or so, then squeeze out the remaining excess moisture with paper towels or a clean tea towel.

• Thaw the spinach, let drain while the zucchini is draining. Then squeeze out the excess moisture with paper towels or a tea towel.

• Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add the bacon and gently cook until lightly browned and most of the fat rendered out, about 10 minutes.

• While the bacon is cooking, peel and finely chop the onion. Add the onions to the bacon and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the onions have softened.

• While the bacon and onions are cooking, prepare the parsley and garlic. Place the parsley and garlic with a small pinch of salt into a food processor and pulse just a couple of times.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• Place the zucchini into a large bowl. With a wooden spoon, mix in the cooked onions and bacon. Mix in the spinach, parsley, and garlic. Mix in half of the Parmesan. Taste, and add black pepper and more salt to taste. Mix in the eggs.

• Coat the bottom and sides of a 2 quart casserole or gratin dish with a tablespoon of olive oil. Put the zucchini spinach mixture into the dish and pack it down. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle with a little olive oil.

• Bake in a 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes, until the top is nicely browned. Serve immediately. Reheats well.

Easy Recipes. Ham and Cheese Potato Casserole

Easy Recipes. Ham and Cheese Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of cream of celery soup, undiluted

• 16 oz. sour cream

• 1/2 c. water

• 1/2 tsp. pepper

• 2 pkgs. (about 28 oz. each) frozen potatoes (we use Southern Style Hashbrowns)

• 16 oz. velveeta process cheese, cubed

• 2 1/2 c. cooked ham, cubed
  
  
  
  

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, water and pepper. Then stir in the potatoes, cheese and ham.

Divide between 2 greased 11 x 7 in. casserole dishes. Cover and freeze. When you are ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Date Pinwheel Cookies,summer cooking recipes

Date Pinwheel Cookies,summer cooking recipes

To enjoy these spirals of buttery cookie and sweet date filling any time, keep a roll of the dough in the freezer.

Prep Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Servings: Makes about 84 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 8-ounce package (1-1/3 cups) pitted whole dates
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1

Snip pitted whole dates. Place dates in a saucepan. Stir in water and 1/3 cup sugar. Bring to boiling, then reduce heat. Cook and stir about 2 minutes or until thickened. Then stir in lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Set the filling aside to cool.

2

Beat butter or margarine and shortening with an electric mixer about 30 seconds or until softened. Add about half of the flour. Then add the 1/2 cup sugar, the brown sugar, egg, milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in the remaining flour. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

3

To shape, divide the dough in half. Place each half of the dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Using a rolling pin, roll each half into a 12x10-inch rectangle. Remove top sheets of waxed paper.

4

Spread date mixture over each half of the dough. From a long side, roll up each half into a spiral, removing bottom sheet of paper as you roll. Moisten and pinch edges to seal each roll. Wrap each in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 4 to 48 hours.

5

Grease a cookie sheet; set aside. Cut the dough into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place slices 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Remove cookies from cookie sheet and cool on a wire rack. Makes about 84 cookies.

Make-Ahead Tip

Wrap shaped dough and place in airtight container or plastic freezer bag and freeze up to 1 month. Bake as above.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 56, Total Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Sodium 22 mg, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 1 g.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Wild Rice Stuffing,Easy Summer cooking recipes

Wild Rice Stuffing,Easy Summer cooking recipes.

This whole grain side dish recipe has only 1 gram of fat per serving yet is hearty and satisfying, especially when served with lean meats, chicken or fish.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hr

Servings: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup wild rice
• 1-3/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup brown rice
• 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground sage or nutmeg
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
• 1/3 cup sliced green onion (3)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or pine nuts, toasted (see tip, page 000) (optional)

Directions

1

Rinse uncooked wild rice in a strainer under cold water about 1 minute; drain. In a medium saucepan combine wild rice, the 1 3/4 cups water, uncooked brown rice, bouillon granules, and sage. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

2

Add mushrooms, celery, and green onion. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat about 25 minutes more or until vegetables are just tender, stirring frequently. If desired, stir in almonds. Serve immediately, or cool and use to stuff a 3-1/2- to 4-pound broiler-fryer chicken (see stuffing tips). Makes 6 servings.

3

Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above through step 2. Transfer stuffing to a 1-quart casserole. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Stir in 1/4 cup water. Bake, covered, in a 375 degree F oven about 30 minutes or until heated through.

4

Low-Fat Easy

Nutrition Facts

Calories 66, Total Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Monounsaturated Fat 0 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 155 mg, Carbohydrate 13 g, Total Sugar 1 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 3%, Calcium 1%, Iron 3%. Exchanges: Vegetable 1, Starch .5.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Easy Chicken Rollatini, summer cooking recipe

Easy Chicken Rollatini, summer cooking recipe.

An attractive smoked turkey, provolone cheese, and basil leaf filling makes this elegant chicken recipe a must for entertaining family and friends.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 39 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 thin-sliced chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
• 8 slices deli smoked turkey (about 1/4 pound)
• 4 slices provolone cheese, folded in half
• 8 large fresh basil leaves
• 4 toothpicks
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Noodles and a vegetable (optional)

Directions

1

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread chicken cutlets on a cutting board; if you can't find thin-sliced chicken, simply slice 4 thick cutlets in half to form 8 thin cutlets. Save 4 for another use.

2

Place 2 slices smoked turkey on each piece of chicken. Top each with one slice folded provolone cheese and 2 of the basil leaves. Roll up chicken to enclose filling, folding any overlapping edges of turkey over cheese (see tip, at right). Secure closed with toothpicks. Season with salt and pepper.

3

Heat oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken rolls and brown on all sides, turning, about 4 minutes. Transfer chicken rolls to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

4

To serve: Remove toothpicks and cut chicken rolls crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Serve with cooked noodles and a green vegetable, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 275, Total Fat 14 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 92 mg, Sodium 752 mg, Carbohydrate 2 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 35 g.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Sexy calendar winemakers wines in lingerie shows

Sexy calendar winemakers wines in lingerie shows.

The models posed in the vineyards and next to the fermentation tanks.

A group of sexy lingerie for winemakers settled on the traditional calendar Kalender Jungwinzerinnen that aims to show the route Austrian wine appealing to the beauty of young specialists in wine .

Ellen Ledermüller-Reiner, editor of the so called "Calendar of young winemakers," said that since 2004, when he did this initiative, the sale of wine has increased considerably.

In the pictures you see the winemakers posing in lingerie and high heels next to the fermentation tanks and vineyards. "They are experts who oversee the preparation, storage, analysis, storage, bottling and marketing of wine. We must call attention but without being rude, "says Ledermüller-Reiner.

The calendar goes on sale in September and will cost 25 euros.

Eat healthy foods and low in fat is more expensive

Eat healthy foods and low in fat is more expensive.

According to a U.S. study, a diet as recommended by the Government of that country increased by 10% the budget

Washington (Reuters). Eat healthy foods , as indicated by the new guidelines of nutrition , you can add 10 percent to the food budget of Americans.

Researchers at the University of Washington looked at the economic impact of following the new guidelines food in the United States, which recommend eating more potassium , fiber, vitamin D and calcium , and avoiding saturated fats and excess sugar .

The dietary advice try to combat rising rates of obesity registered in the U.S., but the results of the study highlights some obstacles to adopt the new recommendations.

STUDY
In an article published in Health Affairs , researchers reported that eating more potassium, the most expensive of the four nutrients recommended, you can add a $ 380 annual cost to the average person on food.

Americans spend about $ 4,000 on food, according to the Department of Agriculture. At the same time, consume more calories from saturated fat and sugar reduces the overall costs for food, the study said.

Pablo Monsivais, an assistant professor at the University of Washington and one of the authors of the research, said the Government should consider the economic impact of feeding guidelines.

"We know that dietary guidelines are not generating a huge difference in what we eat and our health in general," said the researcher. "And I think that remains is to note that they must be economically appropriate," he said.

"They emphasize certain foods without having in mind what are more affordable," Monsivais said. More than one third of children and two thirds of U.S. adults are obese or overweight.

Expensive diet
In the study, the authors collected questionnaires on food habits typical of 1,123 people in King County, Washington, and calculated how much it cost each diet based on retail food prices in three local supermarkets.

However, the team did not take into account the costs of buying local fast food , which may increase the cost of food per person.

The research also found that it is more expensive to consume more dietary fiber and vitamin D and that people with higher average incomes were more likely to eat healthier foods.

Monsivais said that when advised to consume more fruits and vegetables , the Government should also mention what are the cheapest options. For example, bananas and potatoes are the cheapest sources of potassium.

"Putting the economic dimension in the dietary guidelines would be useful for those most marginalized, but also for all those seeking (...) save money in today's economy," he added.

Do you know what are the benefits of drinking wine?

Do you know what are the benefits of drinking wine?

Organs like your brain, heart and lungs can take advantage of this drink made ​​by fermenting grapes

You probably know that a glass of wine a day is good for your health . But you know exactly why and how it is benefiting your body?

Then, eight reasons for drinking wine, always in moderation, appears to be a positive habit.

MEMORY IMPROVEMENT
"Studies have shown that people who drink moderate amounts of wine daily (ie one to two glasses of approximately 113 ml) are less likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's," says The Daily Meal ' .

This is because the alcohol promotes the production of cholesterol good, which helps reduce inflammation and blockage of the arteries.

PROTECTS THE HEART
This is one of the most popular benefits: preventing heart attack or heart disease. This protection is thanks to resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in grape skins and has been linked to prevention of damage to blood vessels, reducing inflammation of the heart and the blocking of molecules that can be converted in fat .

WEIGHT CONTROL
"According to one study, women who drink one or two glasses of wine a day have 30% less likely to be overweight than those who do not. The explanation? It basically has to do with the amount of energy used to create the enzymes necessary to digest the drink. Another theory is that alcohol raises your body temperature, which makes you burn calories, "says the article.

ANTI DIABETES
The polyphenols present in red wine may regulate levels of blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance in people with diabetes .

However, the article notes that these benefits are based on the assumption that all people lead healthy life on average.

HEALTHY LUNGS
This is one of the pros of drinking white wine. A study in 2002 by the University of Buffalo (USA) found that the antioxidants in this type of wine can help stop the free radicals, which damage lung tissue.

FIGHT CANCER
Cancer of the ovaries, prostate or colon. Here are some types of this disease whose prevention has been linked to the consumption of wine. "A study dating from 2005, for example, found that drinking red wine in moderation reduces the risk of developing colon cancer by 45%," says the article.

Strengthens bones
Wine may also reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, according to results of a recent study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

This research concluded that red wine can help improve bone density in older men. "Once again, it is believed that the polyphenols in the skins of grapes are responsible," concludes the article.

Mikel,the kid who can't eat because he could die

Mikel,the kid who can't eat because he could die.

Only six, but a strange disease had robbed him of one of the greatest pleasures of being human.

Mikel is a child of six years who can not eat any food as a result of a rare condition. In fact, if the child were to ingest a simple piece of bread, could die.

"If we eat a piece of bread, may have diarrhea or vomiting begin, but it is true that if he continued to eat and we eat amounts as he burst inside," said Anne, the mother of Mikel.

Vomiting, stomach pains, rashes in the mouth and anus or bloody diarrhea are some of the reactions that causes any type of food. Therefore, little can only fed on a compound of amino acids that provides the necessary nutrients, calcium, iron and phosphorus to live.

Since he was born, Mikel body has rejected any type of food because their white blood cells do not function properly and see the food as if it were an enemy agent. "White blood cells in the moment you enter anything by mouth as detect a virus, food, bacteria ... His white blood cell do not detect anything. "

Mikel's mother said that while the youngest is now "very good", evil is not lacking and for the family is "difficult" because it involves "suffering" .