Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

Don’t let that spiny skin intimidate you! Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread is a quick and easy treat to serve on crackers, bagels or in a sandwich.

Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

Course Snack
Servings 2 tbsp
Calories 62 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened (8 oz block)
  • 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, NOT drained
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and combine using the paddle attachment.
  • Cover mixture tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve with bagels, crackers, shortbread or sliced fruit.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Keyword buffet, buffet food, canned pineapple, cream cheese, cream cheese spread, pineapple, pineapple spread

Pineapple is sweet enough to rival most candies — and it packs way more health benefits.

Suggestion: Slather some of this spread on a toasted oatmeal honey roll for a quick and delicious light meal!

Fresh Cucumber Sandwich Spread

Take lunch to a whole new level with this fresh cucumber sandwich spread. It’s delicious served on simple white bread for a sandwich or with crackers as a dip.

Cucumber Sandwich Spread

Cucumber Sandwich Spread

Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened (8 oz block)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Peel the cucumber and slice lengthwise.  Remove the seeds. Shred the cucumber using the largest holes of a grater or mince it with a knife.
  • Use a piece of cheesecloth or linen towel to squeeze excess liquid from the cucumber and place shreds in the bowl of a stand mixer.
  • Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder and pepper to the bowl and combine using the paddle attachment.
  • Cover mixture tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve on simple white bread for a sandwich or with crackers as a dip.
Keyword brunch, cucumber, cucumber sandwich, cucumber sandwich spread, lunch, sandwiches, vegetarian

Did you know?  Cucumbers are a great source of vitamin K and are high in water content to promote hydration and make you feel full longer!  Check out the facts here!

Chicken Guacamole Wrap

This chicken guacamole wrap sandwich is a cool and refreshing treat that’s low in calories. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken and guacamole!

Chicken Guacamole Wrap
Chicken Guacamole Wrap

Chicken Guacamole Wrap

 

1-2 boneless skinless chicken breast (¾ lb total)

4 cups water (or enough to cover)

1 sprig fresh rosemary (½ tsp dried)

½ tsp salt

½ black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)

2 slices fresh onion

1 tbsp lemon juice

Easy Guacamole Dip

1 large fresh tomato, sliced

1 cup baby spinach

4 large whole wheat wraps

 

Place chicken breast(s) in a saucepan and cover with water.  Add rosemary, salt, pepper, bay leaf, garlic, onion and lemon juice.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and put it on the stovetop over medium heat.  Bring to a simmer and lower heat to medium-low.  Simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160℉, about 6-10 minutes, depending on the size of the breast(s).

Remove chicken from water and allow it to cool.*  Cut it into thin slices.

Lay out a wrap on a flat surface.  Line ¼ of chicken slices across the wrap, slightly off circle to allow room for rolling.  Top with ¼ cup guacamole, several tomato slices and ¼ cup baby spinach leaves.

Roll the wrap to form the sandwich (see hack below) and serve immediately.  Store any leftovers in the fridge and assemble wraps as needed.

*At this point, the chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months.

4 servings, 380 calories per serving

Hack:  Wondering how to roll a wrap sandwich so it doesn’t fall apart?  Check out these easy instructions!

Hack:  You can use leftover chicken in this recipe!

Hack:  Although I have listed particular spices in this recipe, you may adjust this according to your individual taste.

Hack:  Ever wonder how to tell if an avocado is ripe?  How long it will be good after you buy it?  Check out these tips to find out!

Hack: Check out the salad bar for small amounts of this ingredient list

Hack: Place waxed paper or parchment paper between wraps, seal in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

 

Authentic Fresh Maine Lobster Roll

Summer’s here so it’s time to treat ourselves to a delicious fresh Maine lobster roll! Cook a few extra while preparing your lobster dinner to make these!

Fresh Maine Lobster Roll

Fresh Maine Lobster Roll

Course lunch, Main Course, Sandwiches
Servings 1
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • lb live soft shell Maine lobster (½ cup cooked lobster meat) 
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 ciabatta roll

Instructions
 

  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a full boil on the stovetop.
  • Add lobster headfirst into pot and boil, uncovered, for 10 minutes.  Carefully remove the lobster from the pot and allow it to cool.
  • Remove lobster meat from the shell
  • Chop meat into small pieces and place in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, salt and pepper.  Add to lobster meat and stir to combine.
  • Slice the ciabatta roll and add lettuce.  Top lettuce with lobster meat and serve immediately.
  • Hack:  Lobster can be cooked in advance and refrigerated in its shell for up to 2 days or tightly wrapped and frozen for 3 months.
  • Hack:  Shelled lobster meat can be refrigerated for up to 4 days (remember to subtract any days it was refrigerated in its shell!) or tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.
Keyword fresh lobster, lobster, lobster roll, lunch, Maine lobster, sandwich

Need help shelling your lobster?  Click here.  I only remove meat from the claws and tail, stopping at step 8.

Suggestion:  Serve your lobster roll with this colorful and creamy broccoli coleslaw!

Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Fig Chutney

Who loves grilled cheese? Try jazzing up your next lunch by making this easy grilled cheese sandwich with fig chutney! It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Fig Chutney

Course brunch, lunch, Sandwiches
Servings 1
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Spread one piece of bread with ½ tbsp butter. Place butter side down in a cold skillet.
  • Top bread with one slice of cheese. Spread chutney over cheese. Top with the remaining piece of cheese.
  • Spread butter on the remaining slice of bread and place on top of the sandwich, butter side up.
  • Turn heat to medium. Grill until the underside is golden brown. Flip sandwich and grill reverse side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Hack: Butter will soften to room temperature in 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chunk of butter.
  • Hack: Butter can also be placed in the microwave at 30% power at 5-second intervals until softened. 
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite cheese or whatever you have on hand!
  • Hack:  Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Reheat in a skillet, oven or toaster oven.
Keyword afternoon tea, chutney, dried figs, easy, fast and easy, grilled cheese, jam, light meal, quick and easy, sandwich, toasted cheese, vegetarian

Did you know?  Figs, whether fresh or dried, are a nutritional powerhouse!

Suggestion: The chutney in this recipe is also delicious in fig-stuffed chicken breast!

Croque Monsieur / Croque Madame

I fell in love with Croque Monsieur / Croque Madame while in Paris, just as pictured…with a cup of Cafe au Lait.  Fortunately,  I can make it right at home!

Croque Monsieur / Croque Madame

Croque Monsieur / Croque Madame

Course Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine French
Servings 2
Calories 661 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ¾ cup milk
  • tsp salt
  • Dash of black pepper
  • ¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • tsp nutmeg
  • 4 slices sturdy white bread
  • 4 thin slices cooked ham
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400℉.
  • To make Bechamel sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add the flour, stir until the mixture bubbles. Whisk milk, salt and pepper into the flour mixture and simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp Gruyere cheese, 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Stir until cheeses melt.
  • To assemble sandwiches, spread ½ of the Bechamel sauce on two slices of bread. Top each slice with 2 slices of ham and sprinkle half of the remaining Gruyere over ham. Spread Dijon mustard on the remaining two slices of bread and place, mustard side down, on top of ham and cheese.
  • Put sandwiches on a baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Cover with remaining Bechamel sauce and Gruyere cheese.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and the sandwich is heated through. Place under broiler for a few moments, if desired, to brown top of the sandwich.
  • For a Croque Madame: Top with a fried or poached egg.
  • Hack: Bechamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to avoid forming a skin.
Keyword Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur, French cuisine, French food, lunch, sandwich, toasted

Did you know? Croque Monsieur is the French equivalent of our grilled cheese.  And just like grilled cheese, the Croque Madame is one of many variations!

If you love Bechamel sauce, give this healthy vegetable lasagna!

Healthy Hummus Veggie Wrap

This hummus veggie wrap is fast, fresh and delicious! For those looking for a healthy vegetarian meal, this is sure to hit the spot. Eat it as a meal or snack!

Hummus Veggie Wrap

Hummus Veggie Wrap

Course Sandwiches
Servings 2
Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large whole wheat sandwich wrap
  • 3 tbsp hummus
  • 3 tbsp tabouli
  • 3 tbsp feta cheese
  • Baby spinach
  • Red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Spread Hummus on a sandwich wrap, going all the way to the edges.
  • Sprinkle tabouli and feta cheese over hummus.
  • Top with a handful of spinach and a few red onion slices. Roll and cut in half.
  • Hack:  Shop the salad bar if you just need a small amount of an item that you don’t think you’ll use again before it “goes over”.
  • Hack: Place waxed paper or parchment paper between unused wraps, seal in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Keyword feta cheese, healthy, hummus, low calorie, lunch, meatless, sandwich, tabouli, vegetarian, whole wheat wrap, wrap, wrap sandwich

 

Wondering how to roll a wrap sandwich so it doesn’t fall apart?  Check out these easy instructions!

Suggestion:  Try making this wrap using roasted red beet hummus!

Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers

Lemon herb chicken burgers are a delicious blend of lemon and herbs topped with thousand island dressing. It’s a meal you can really wrap your hands around!

Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers

Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 395 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp minced garlic
  • tbsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing
  • 4 slices swiss cheese
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 4 leaves romaine lettuce
  • 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns

Instructions
 

  • Mix the first 7 ingredients (chicken through salt/pepper) in a bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Shape into 4 patties. Cook in pan preheated pan 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.  Top each patty with 1 slice of swiss cheese, 1 tablespoon Thousand Island, tomato and lettuce. Serve on a whole-wheat bun.
  • Hack:  Place burgers on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen.  Put individually into sealable sandwich bags and then into a sealable freezer bag or freezer container.  The rolls can also be frozen in the same manner.
  • Hack:  To extend the shelf life of romaine, separate leave and wash.  Dry in a salad spinner or with paper towels.  Place lettuce leaves in a sealable plastic bag or container with paper towels between each layer to absorb moisture.  Replace paper towels if they become soggy.
Keyword barbecue, burger, chicken burger, cookout, picnic food, sandwich
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