Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto

This brown rice mushroom risotto is made with brown rice instead of the traditional arborio rice, which ups the nutritional value. Using the oven makes it super easy!ll

Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto

Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto

Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 8 oz carrots, julienned (2 cups)
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (2 cups)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375℉.
  • Place broth in a saucepan and place it on the stove to heat.
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a separate oven-proof pan.  Add onions, garlic and salt.  Saute until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add wine and rice to the onions and heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a simmer. 
  • Add heated broth to the rice mixture.  Cover the pan with a tightly fitting lid and place in the preheated oven for one hour or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  • While the rice is cooking, place the remaining olive oil in a saute pan and add carrots.  Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add mushrooms to the carrots and saute for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove rice from the oven and stir in butter and parmesan cheese until it takes on a creamy texture.  Stir in carrot mushroom mixture and serve.
  • Hack: Dehydrated vegetables can be used in this recipe!
  • Hack: One cup of chopped frozen onions can be substituted for fresh onion in this recipe.
  • Hack:  Check the produce department of your local grocery store for single and/or pre-cut carrots and mushrooms to avoid having to buy more than needed. 
Keyword brown rice, healthy, low calorie, mushroom, rice, rice side, risotto, vegetarian

Did you know?   Brown rice is a super nutritious whole grain packed with various nutrients.

Suggestion:  Pairing brown rice with beans provides a powerhouse of nutritional benefits so serve this with one of my bean recipes such as red bean casserole!

Simple French Fry Dipping Sauce

Ready to branch out from plain ketchup with your French fries? This creamy, lightly spicy French fry dipping sauce recipe is the best!

French Fry Dipping Sauce

French Fry Dipping Sauce

Course Condiment
Servings 2 tbsp
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
  • Serve as a dipping sauce for french fries, appetizers or as a sandwich spread.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
  • Hack:  Make this sauce your own by adding more hot sauce, substituting barbecue sauce for the ketchup, using a different mustard (brown or dijon, for example), or adding horseradish or Worcestershire sauce! 
Keyword burger sauce, chicken tenders, condiments, creamy salad dressing, dipping sauce, French dressing, french fries, golf sauce, ketchup, keto, low carb, Marie Rose, mayochup, mayonnaise, onion rings, pink sauce, red white, sandwich spread, sauce cocktail, vegetarian, yum yum sauce

What was the very first condiment?  Check out the history of condiments here!

Suggestion:  Not only does this taste great with oven-roasted french fries, you could also serve it with pan-fried chicken tenders or homemade pigs in a blanket!

Super Easy Peanut Butter Bread

This super simple and easy peanut butter bread is a fresh take on a depression-era staple. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time or anytime!

Easy Peanut Butter Bread

Easy Peanut Butter Bread

Course Bread, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 475 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ½ cup milk, room temperature
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Coat a standard loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.  
  • Add peanut butter to the flour mixture.  Use your hands to blend the components together to form a crumble texture.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg and sugar on high until pale.  
  • Turn the mixer to medium speed and add applesauce and milk to the egg mixture. Stir in baking soda.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.  The batter may be lumpy.
  • Pour mixture into loaf pan and bake until the internal temperature reaches 200℉ or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean, 60-70 minutes.)
  • Let the cake rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes and then turn it out of the pan.
  • Allow to cool completely before slicing.
  • Hack: Do not use natural or organic peanut butter in the recipe. The emulsifiers contained in shelf-stable peanut butter are necessary for the success of this bread!
Keyword baking soda, breakfast, brunch, buffet, classic, easy, oven baked, peanut butter, quick bread, snack, traditional, vegetarian

Did you know? While many worry about the fat and calorie content of peanut butter, studies show that its nutritional profile can be a valuable part of a healthy eating plan!

Suggestion:  These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are another classic recipe made from the classic staple!

Seafood Casserole Au Gratin

This warm and creamy seafood casserole au gratin is a perfect all-in-one solution for a busy weeknight or buffet table!  Comfort food at its finest!

Seafood Casserole Au Gratin

Seafood Casserole Au Gratin

Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 6
Calories 602 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (one block)
  • cups heavy cream
  • 12 oz cooked crabmeat, canned or thawed
  • 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¾ cups cooked rice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp hot sauce
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½  cup butter-flavored crackers, crushed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, saute the onion, celery, green pepper and mushrooms in 2 tbsp butter until soft.  
  • Stir cubed cream cheese and remaining butter into the vegetables until melted and well incorporated.  Mix in heavy cream.
  • Add crabmeat, shrimp, rice, garlic powder, hot sauce, cayenne, and salt to the skillet and combine with vegetables.
  • In a small bowl, combine cheddar cheese and cracker crumbs. 
  • Sprinkle cracker crumb mixture over the top of the seafood mixture.
  • Transfer skillet to oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
  • Serve hot.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite vegetables in this casserole or whatever you have on hand.
  • Hack:  Frozen or dehydrated vegetables can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack: Canned or jarred mushrooms can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite seafood in this recipe or whatever you have on hand.
  • Hack:  One 12 oz can of evaporated milk can be substituted for the cream.
  • Hack:  Shrimp can be purchased individually from the seafood counter at most grocery stores.  They can be purchased frozen in larger portions if you wish to keep some on hand.  Thaw needed amounts before cooking.  
  • Hack: Seafood can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.  It can be thawed more quickly by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging them in a bath of cold water for about an hour.
Keyword baked, casserole, crab, creamy, hearty, seafood, shellfish, shrimp, stir fry, vegetarian

Did you know?  Shrimp is a healthy addition to your diet.  It provides a high amount of nutrients that aren’t abundant in other foods!

Suggestion:  Serve this dish with some freshly made authentic naan bread!

Fresh Caramel Apple Turnovers

These caramel apple turnovers are a delicious hand pie made with fresh apples and a flaky crust. Serve them warm or cold with ice or whipped cream!

Caramel Apple Turnovers

Caramel Apple Turnovers

Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 379 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup butter, frozen (2 sticks or 8 oz)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 8 tbsp cold water
  • Additional flour for dusting

Filling

  • 2 pounds apples
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¾ upc deluce de leche
  • 1 egg white beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • Dusting sugar

Instructions
 

  • Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl.  Set aside.
  • Remove frozen sticks of butter and grate them using the largest holes of a box cheese grater.  Return the butter to the freezer until ready to use.
  • Use a whisk to mix the sour cream and cold water,  Store the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Add butter to the flour mixture and toss until well incorporated.  Pour in the sour cream mixture and stir to combine.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a rough triangle.  Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter.  Press it out into a rough triangle again and repeat the folding process.  It’s important to work quickly so that the butter doesn’t get soft.  You should be able to see chunks of butter in the dough.
  • Divide the dough into two portions.  Wrap the portions tightly and put them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • While the dough is chilling, peel, core and thinly slice apples.  
  • In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch.  Add to apple slices and toss to coat.
  • Preheat oven to 400℉.
  • Remove one portion of the dough and roll it into a 10” x 15” rectangle.  Cut it into 6 equal squares.
  • Place ¼ cup of apple filling into the center of each square and top with 1 tbsp deluce de leche. Fold the dough over the top of the apples to create a triangle.  Moisten dough slightly and press to seal.
  • Place turnovers on a cookie sheet.  Brush each one with egg wash and dust with a small amount of sugar.
  • Repeat with the second portion of dough.
  • Bake turnovers for 20-30 minutes until they are golden brown.
  • Transfer turnovers to a wire rack and allow to cool.
  • Hack:  Store turnovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Hack:  To freeze cooked or uncooked turnovers, lay in a single layer on a cookie and allow to freeze.  Wrap each tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.  Add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time for frozen turnovers.
Keyword afternoon tea, apple turnover, apples, breakfast, brunch, caramel, cooking video, dessert, Dulce de Leche, flaky, fruit, instructional video, kid friendly, kids recipe, Kindergarten Cook, Lily Rose, Lily Rose Kindergarten Cook, pastry, turnover, vegetarian

While it’s impossible to say exactly where or when the turnover was invented, rumor has it that the first apple turnover was made in 1630 in St. Calais, France!

Suggestion:  Leftover apples?  Make some homemade applesauce!

Easy Greek Yogurt Granola Cup

This Greek yogurt granola cup is made from homemade granola and Greek yogurt with a hint of honey, cinnamon and vanilla. It’s healthy, low sugar and delicious!

Greek Yogurt Granola Cup

Greek Yogurt Granola Cup

Course Breakfast, lunch, Snack
Servings 1
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • tsp vanilla
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • ¼ cup fruit nut granola

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix yogurt, honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir in granola just before serving.
  • Hack: Stir in some chopped fruit or berries for an exciting twist!
Keyword breakfast, fast and easy, granola, greek yogurt, healthy, low calorie, lunch, make ahead, oatmeal, oats, parfait, quick and easy, snack, vegetarian

Did you know?   Oats are a great way to start your day.  They’re packed with nutrition that combats heart disease and diabetes while helping control your weight and digestive health.  Check out the facts here!

Suggestion: This strawberry banana yogurt smoothie is another super quick and easy way to serve up a healthy breakfast!

Slow cooker Spicy Red Beans and Rice

Spicy red beans and rice puts a delicious spin on a classic meal eaten the world over. Using a rice cooker and a slow cooker makes preparing them a snap!

Slow cooker Spicy Red Beans and Rice

Slow cooker Spicy Red Beans and Rice

Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 344 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried red beans
  • 2 cups water
  • cups vegetable broth
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried cumin
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp Creole seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice, hot

Instructions
 

  • Cover beans with 2 cups of water and allow to soak for 6 - 12 hours.  Drain and rinse.
  • (NOTE:  The above step can be done ahead.  Drain beans and store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)
  • Put beans and broth into a saucepan on the stovetop and bring to a boil over high heat.  Boil for 10 minutes. 
  • Transfer beans and broth to a slow cooker.
  • Add peppers, tomato and spices to the crockpot.
  • Turn heat to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender.
  • Remove bay leaf and discard it.
  • Serve with brown rice.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in serving-sized portions for up to 3 months.  Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keyword beans and rice, brown rice, cajun, convenient, crockpot, dried beans, easy, low calorie, low fat, make ahead, red beans, slow cooker, spicy, vegan, vegetarian

Did you know?  Red beans are a member of the legume family.  Legumes come in many options, are inexpensive and they’re packed with nutrition!!

Suggestion:  Use this vegan spicy brown rice to pair with the red beans!

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!

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