Healthy Vegan Spicy Brown Rice

This spicy brown rice is sure to give your meal a kick-start!  It pairs nicely with beans, beef or any other hearty meal!

Spicy Brown Rice

Spicy Brown Rice

Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 162 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cups brown rice
  • cups vegetable stock
  • ¾ tsp  turmeric
  • ¾ tsp paprika
  • tsp cumin
  • ¾ tsp crushed red pepper
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a rice cooker and cook on the “brown rice” setting.  
  • If you prefer to cook this on the stovetop, combine all ingredients in a saucepan.  Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for about 45 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.  
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 12 months.
Keyword brown rice, healthy, high fiber, rice cooker, rice dish, side dish, spicy, vegan, vegetarian

Did you know?  While brown and white rice contains about the same number of carbs, brown rice offsets that number with a good dose of fiber and many other nutritional benefits!

Suggestion:  Serve this rice with Red Bean Casserole!

Banana Strawberry Oatmeal Bread

This banana strawberry oatmeal bread is for those who enjoy a “less sweet” quick bread option.  It tastes great with peanut butter or jam!

Banana Strawberry Oatmeal Bread

Banana Strawberry Oatmeal Bread

Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 224 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1⅓ cup  whole wheat flour
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup quick oats
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 4 eggs
  • cup maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups cubed strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉.  Coat two 9”x5” bread pans with cooking spray.
  • Mix together flours, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl.  Set aside.
  • Put bananas, eggs, maple syrup, butter and extracts into a blender and process until smooth. 
  • Pour banana mixture into the flour mixture and blend with a spoon just until all the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Add strawberries to the bread mixture and gently fold until they are incorporated into the batter.
  • Divide batter equally into the bread pans.  Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center clean or the internal temperature is 205℉. 
  • Allow to rest in the pans for 5 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.  Allow to cool completely before slicing.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze tightly wrapped loaves or slices for up to 3 months.
  • Hack:  Try experimenting by using different kinds of fruit and/or berries in this recipe.  Let me know it turns out in the comments section!
  • Hack:  Take advantage of the wide variety of fruits and berries that can be found in the frozen foods section of the grocery store.  If the pieces are too large for your purpose, simply let a few thaw so you can mash them or puree the desired amount in a blender.
Keyword afternoon tea, baked, banana, berries, bread, cake, dessert, easy, fruit, leftover, loaf, oatmeal, over-ripe, ripe, snack, strawberry, vegetarian

Did you know?  A family of four wastes about $1,600 per year on produce that “goes over” before it gets eaten.  While my favorite way to use (almost) too ripe fruit is to bake something delicious, this article offers other solutions to avoid waste!

I have lots of recipes for using up fruit and berries, including fruit leatherbanana pudding, and pork chops with apples and onions, to just name a few!

Oven Roasted Orange Glazed Carrots

Orange glazed carrots are a wonderful recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It’s fast and easy to prepare, low calorie, healthy and delicious!

Orange Glazed Carrots

Orange Glazed Carrots

Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 166 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb carrots
  • 1 tbls olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ground ginger

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉.  Line a 10”x13” baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Scrub carrots and peel, if desired.  Cut into ¼“ rounds.  Lay over the top of the parchment paper, and drizzle with olive oi., Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Toss to coat and spread evenly.
  • Using a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, orange juice, honey and ginger. Heat in the microwave until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Pour glaze mixture over carrots and cover the pan with aluminum foil.  Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove foil and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes or until carrots are browned and cooked to the desired softness.  Recover the pan if the carrots begin to get too brown.  
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Hack: Frozen carrots can be used in this recipe.
Keyword carrots, easy, fast and easy, healthy, low calorie, low carb, orange juice, oven roasted, quick and easy, side dish, vegetable, vegetarian

Did you know? Carrots are rich in nutrients that promote your health!

Suggestion:  Serve these with teriyaki marinated pork chops for a super fast and easy meal!

Chinese Deep Fried Pork Belly

Deep fried pork belly is a popular appetizer in China.  Its salty, meaty, hearty and rich flavors pairs nicely with a spicy sesame dipping powder!

Deep Fried Pork Belly

Deep Fried Pork Belly

Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 8
Calories 369 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pork Belly

  • 1 lb pork belly
  • 2” knob ginger, minced (1 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp cooking wine
  • Pinch of white pepper

Batter

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup water

For Frying

  • 4 cups vegetable oil

Dipping Powder

  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp chili powder

Instructions
 

  • Remove the skin from the pork belly.  Slice the pork belly into thin strips, 2” to 3” long.  
  • Put the pork belly and ginger into a bowl.  Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, egg white, cooking wine and pepper.  Massage the mixture for several minutes to thoroughly mix the ingredients. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, baking soda, eggs and salt.  Stir water while mixing, a little at a time, until the mixture reaches a batter-like consistency.
  • Add the pork belly to the batter and stir to combine.
  • Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil to a temperature of 350℉.  Careful lower coated pork belly strips and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the batter is a pale yellow.  Remove strips from the oil to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Turn the heat up and heat oil to 380℉.  Return the pork belly strips and fry until they turn a golden brown, 1-2  minutes.  Remove from pan to paper towel-lined pan.
  • In a skillet or wok, toast sesame seeds. Use a mortar, blender or grinder to turn them into powder.  Mix in chili powder and salt.
  • Dip the fried pork belly into the sesame/chili mixture before eating!
Keyword asian cooking video, Asian cuisine, Asian food, Chinese cooking video, Chinese cuisine, Chinese food, deep fried, homemade Asian cuisine, Homemade Asian food, homemade Chinese cuisine, Homemade Chinese food, pork belly, pork belly recipe, Traditional Asian Food, Traditional Chinese Food

Here in the US, we eat pork belly mostly as bacon and salt pork.  In many other countries, it’s eaten as a popular main dish or appetizer.

Suggestion: Twice-cooked pork belly is another Chinese dish brought to us by Yohungs Country Kitchen!

Air Fryer Ravioli

Air fryer ravioli is a delicious treat that’s sure to please. Switch things up by using different flavors of ravioli and a variety of dipping sauces!

Air Fryer Ravioli

Air Fryer Ravioli

5 from 1 vote
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 4
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 package refrigerated ravioli, any flavor (9 oz)
  • Oil cooking spray
  • 1 cup marinara

Instructions
 

  • Whisk egg and water until well incorporated.  In a separate bowl, blend the bread crumbs and cheese.
  • Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture, followed by the bread crumb mixture.  Lay in a single layer on a plate and lightly coat both sides of each ravioli with cooking spray.
  • Lay ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure the edges don’t overlap.  
  • Air fry at 350℉ for 6 minutes.  Flip them over and continue to air fry for 3-4 minutes or until they are puffed up and light brown.
  • Serve with marinara sauce.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  If desired, freeze leftover ravioli (either before or after air frying) and marinara in serving-sized portions for up to 3 months.  Gently rewarm in the air fryer.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, buffet, fried ravioli, party food, ravioli, snack

Did you know?  Ravioli has been around since the 1400s and is a vastly different dish depending on what country you’re in.  Click here for some fun facts about this delicious food!

Suggestion:  Serve the ravioli with this super easy homemade marinara sauce!

Fruit Leather Snacks

These fruit leather snacks are a fun and easy way to get your kids to enjoy the wholesome nutrition of real fruit without a ton of added sugar!

Fruit Leather Snacks

Fruit Leather Snacks

(Courtesy Pampered Chef)
Course Snack

Instructions
 

5 Steps to Basic Fruit Leather

  • Add the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Divide the mixture into each well of the Deluxe Air Fryer Fruit Leather Trays. Spread the mixture out evenly, making sure the edges of the tray are clean.
  • Cook on DEHYDRATE according to the time listed below, rotating the trays halfway through.
  • Check for your desired doneness at the minimum time listed. The fruit leather is done when they’re no longer tacky. (Each tray might dry at a different rate.)
  • Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Favorite Flavor Combinations

    Strawberry

    • 2 pkgs (16 oz./454 g each) frozen whole strawberries, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) orange juice
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–15 hrs.

    Mango Pineapple

    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked mango, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked pineapple, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lime juice
    • 1½ tbsp (22 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–14 hrs.

    Cherry

    • 3 pkgs (10 oz./300 g each) frozen, pitted sweet cherries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 14–15 hrs.

    Peach Raspberry

    • 2 pkg (10 oz./300 g each) frozen peach slices, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (8 oz./250 g) frozen raspberries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 8–10 hrs.

    How to Choose Fruit For Your Homemade Fruit Leathers

    • You can use any fruit for your flavor combos. You can even add pureed cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes for more nutrients. Our Test Kitchen suggests considering these three things when deciding what fruit makes good fruit leather.

    1. Is it a Watery Fruit?

    • Cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries take longer to dehydrate because they have more water content. You can use applesauce, bananas, ground chia, or flax seeds to thicken up your fruit purees.

    2. Is it a Pulpy Fruit?

    • Oranges, grapefruit, mangos, and passion fruit taste great but will give the leather a bumpier texture.

    3. Does the Fruit Turn Brown?

    • Fruits that oxidize quickly (turn brown) like apples, bananas, and pears turn out best when you add acidic fruit juice. Try adding lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice.
    • If you want to try using fresh fruit, you can get started with the Strawberry Fruit Leather recipe above and use 20 oz. (575 g) fresh whole strawberries with the stems removed. (That’s about 2 ¾ cups.) Then follow the recipe and dehydrate time as shown. 
    • Or try the Mango Pineapple recipe from above and use 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked mango (about 2 cups) and 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked pineapple (about 2 cups). You might be able to use a little less honey (about 1–1½ tbsp).
    • With fresh fruit that’s in season, you can enjoy excellent fruit leather but be prepared for a little bit more testing. Your fruit leathers might turn out different from batch to batch depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Fresh fruits and over-ripe fruits typically have more water and take longer to dehydrate.

    How to Store Fruit Leather

    • Once your fruit treats come out of the air fryer, let them cool completely. For easy eating, cut strips of parchment paper and place the fruit leathers on top. Then roll them from there. This way the fruit leather doesn’t stick to itself when it’s rolled up (and they look super cute!) 

    Why is My Fruit Leather Cracking?

    • As you roll up your fruit leathers they might break or crack. No worries. That batch just got a little too dry. They’re still perfectly good to eat. For the next batch, try reducing your dehydrate time.
    Keyword buffet, childrens recipes, dehydrated, easy, football snacks, fruit leather, fruit rolls, healthy, kid friendly, lunchbox, Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer, Pampered Chef Fruit Leather Trays, party food, picnic food, roll ups, snacks

     

    Get your fruit leather trays here!

    Read my review of the Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer!

    Toasted Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    Today, Lily-Rose and Grandma make a toasted grilled cheese sandwich with chicken and pickles! It’s a classic treat that’s kid-tested and approved!

    Toasted Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    Toasted Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    Course Sandwiches
    Servings 2
    Calories 528 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 slices bread
    • 2 tbsp butter, room temperature
    • 4 slices American cheese
    • 4 slices chicken breast
    • 6 pickle slices

    Instructions
     

    • Spread one side of each piece of bread with a thin layer of butter.
    • Place two slices of bread, butter side down, in a skillet or griddle.
    • Cover each piece of bread with one slice of cheese and two slices of chicken.
    • Lay 3 pickle slices on each sandwich and cover with another piece of cheese.
    • Top the sandwiches with the last two pieces of bread, butter side up.
    • Place the skillet on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium.  Fry until the bottom of the sandwich is browned and flip.  Cook the other side until it’s brown and remove from heat.
    • Serve immediately.
    • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite cheese and/or sliced meat 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 American cheese, brunch, childrens recipes, cooking video, grilled cheese, kid friendly, kids recipe, Lily Rose Kindergarten Cook, lunch, sandwich, toasted cheese

    Ever wonder how (or why) grilled cheese became the All-American sandwich? Click here to find out!

    Suggestion:  Pair this with pasta salad or homemade tomato soup for a delicious lunch!

    Tie Dye Birthday Cake

    Who says you have to choose between fun and flavor? This tie dye birthday cake is made with butter and egg yolks, making it super moist and rich!

    Tie Dye Birthday Cake

    Tie Dye Birthday Cake

    Course Dessert
    Servings 6
    Calories 360 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup + 2 tbsp flour*
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 4 tbsp sour cream, room temperature
    • 2 tbsp heavy cream, room temperature
    • ½ cup butter, room temperature (1 stick)
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 4 egg yolks, room temperature
    • 2 tsp vanilla
    • Food colorings of your choice

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉.  Grease and flour 1 8” round pan.
    • Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside.
    • Combine sour cream and cream together and set aside.
    • Put butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the beater paddle.  Beat together on high speed for 3 full minutes, scraping down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
    • Turn the mixer down to medium-high speed. Add egg yolks and vanilla and beat until well blended.
    • Add about ⅓ of the dry ingredients and ½ of the sour cream mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Add ⅓ more of the dry ingredients and the rest of the sour cream mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. 
    • Divide the cake batter evenly among 4 or 5 small bowls (depending on how many colors you’re using). Stir food coloring into each bowl--1 drop at a time--until the desired intensity of each color is reached. Keep in mind that the cake will bake to a lighter shade than the batter.
    • Drop tablespoonfuls of batter randomly into the prepared cake pan.
    • To make the tie-dye effect, carefully drag a skewer completely through the batter from the center out to create a pattern with the colors. Don't overmix the colors.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly tapped. The internal temperature should read 210°F.
    • Cool 15 minutes before turning out onto cooling racks.
    • Cool cake completely.  Frost and/or decorate according to your preferences.   
    • *Or use one cup of cake flour
    • Hack:  Cake will remain fresh for about 3 days left at room temperature, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen in serving-sized containers for up to 3 months.  
    Keyword baked dessert, birthday cake, cake, dessert, tie dye, yellow cake

    I don’t know who came up with the fantastic idea of tie-dying food but the practice of dying clothes has been around for centuries.  Dying (and tie-dying) became popular in the early 20th century as a way of extending the usefulness of faded fabrics.  Tie-dying arose as a fashion statement in the 60s hippie movement and has remained popular ever since!

    Suggestion:  Use the leftover egg whites to make macarons!

    Chinese Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs

    Chinese Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs

    Yuhong is here, once again, to put her spin on juicy, falling-off-the-bone Chinese sweet and sour spare ribs.  You can finish them in the oven or on the grill!

    Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs

    (Courtesy: Yuhong Sun)
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 4
    Calories 753 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • lb pork loin back rib
    • 2 tbsp cooking wine

    Glase

    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp crushed chili pepper (or to taste)
    • 2 tbsp sweet bean sauce
    • 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
    • 1 tbsp sugar
    • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
    • 1” knob fresh ginger, crushed

    Instructions
     

    • Cut ribs into 3 sections.
    • Place ribs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add wine.
    • Bring the water to a boil, drain and rinse ribs.
    • Put the ribs into an instant pot, cover with water and cook for 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can simmer them in a large pan on the stovetop for 1 hour.
    • Mix ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
    • Preheat oven to 350℉ (380℉ for crispier ribs)
    • Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and lay ribs in the pan in a single layer.  Brush both sides with the cooking sauce. 
    • Bake for 10 minutes, turning once.
    Keyword asian cooking video, Asian cuisine, Asian food, barbecue, Chinese cooking video, Chinese cuisine, Chinese food, cooking tutorial, cooking video, homemade Asian cuisine, Homemade Asian food, homemade Chinese cuisine, Homemade Chinese food, Instant Pot, instructional video, pork, spare ribs, Traditional Asian Food, Traditional Chinese Food

    While ribs are notorious for being high in fat and calories, it’s not all bad news.  They also contain a healthy dose of necessary nutrients so count them in for the occasional treat!

    Suggestion: Serve these at your next picnic or barbecue with this creamy potato salad!

    Teriyaki Marinated Pork Chops

    These teriyaki marinated pork chops are super easy and cook in less than 10 minutes! They can marinate for up to 5 days, which makes dinner prep even easier!

    Teriyaki Marinanded Pork Chops

    Teriyaki Marinated Pork Chops

    Course Main Course
    Servings 2
    Calories 270 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 4-oz thin cut pork chops
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

    Marinade:

    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 tsp brown sugar
    • 1 tsp honey
    • ¼ tsp ground ginger
    • ¼ tsp sesame oil
    • Pinch of garlic powder

    Instructions
     

    • Lay pork chops in a single layer in a small pan or sealable plastic bag.
    • Mix marinade, heating in the microwave or on the stove, if necessary, to melt and blend ingredients.  
    • Cool marinade, if necessary, and pour marinade over pork chops.
    • Refrigerate and marinate pork chops for 6 hours or up to 5 days, turning occasionally.
    • Heat oil over medium heat.  Brown pork chops for 3 minutes, turn and brown for 3 more or until chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F
    Keyword easy, fast and easy, main course, marinade, pan seared, pork chop, teriyaki

    Did you know?  Pork is high in many important vitamins and minerals.  Check it out here!

    Suggestion:  Serve with sweet potato apple butter casserole!

    error

    Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

    Follow by Email
    YouTube
    YouTube
    Pinterest
    Pinterest
    fb-share-icon
    LinkedIn
    LinkedIn
    Share
    Instagram