Brussels Sprouts and Noodle Stir-Fry with Cilantro and Almonds

This was amazing!  We all loved it.  Luke is not typically a fan of Brussels sprouts, but was agreeable to try it since I prepared them a new way.  His response, "Now this is the way to eat some Brussels sprouts". 

Ingredients:
3 oz dried whole wheat thin spaghetti
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
12 oz fresh Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced or shredded (whoops, didn't do this)
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger  - we omitted
1/4 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
1/3 cup fresh cilantro
3 tbsp slivered almonds, toasted - bake for 5-10 minutes in shallow baking dish at 350 degrees

Break pasta into 1 inch pieces and cook according to package directions.  Heat a large skillet over high and add onion, oil, and garlic.  stir and cook for 1 minute.  Add Brussels sprouts, ginger, and crushed red pepper; cook and stir for another minute.  Add broth and soy sauce and cook for another couple of minutes.  Remove skillet from heat and add drained pasta, carrot, cilantro.  Sprinkle with almonds.

Jill

Rigatoni wiht Broccoli, Beans, and Basil

This one was just ok to us.  Kids ate it, but was kind of blah.  I might make again, but will definitely spice it up.  Once again a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens Fast and Healthy edition. 

8 oz dried rigatoni
2 cups broccoli florets
1 19 oz can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
2 tsp minced garlic
4 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil
1/2 tsp salt
2 slices of bread, cut into pieces
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
finely shredded lemon peel


Cook pasta according to package directions.  Add the broccoli to the last 5 minutes or cooking.  Drain, reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water.  Keep pasta and broccoli warm in pot.  In large bowl combine beans, garlic and 3 tbsp of oil.  Mash 1/2 the bean mixture.  Stir in basil, salt and reserved water.  Combine bean mixture with pasta in pot.  In skillet heat 1 tbsp oil over medium and add bread cubes.  Can add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper.  Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until crisp.  Top pasta with croutons and serve.

omit croutons for Daniel Fast friendly and use whole wheat pasta. 

Jill

Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts

YUM!  I loved this one and so did the whole family.  Once again a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens special edition Fast and Healthy.  Will definitely be making this one again and again. 

Ingredients:
2 tsp peanut oil (I didn't have so just used olive oil)
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts (cut into pieces)
1/4 cup honey-roasted peanuts
2 tsp minced fresh ginger - i omitted because i don't really like ginger and i didn't have
4 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup sliced green onions (2)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 cup fresh cilantro
4 cups finely shredded Chinese (napa) cabbage or can use 2 cups hot brown rice (i used cabbage and kids gobbled it up)
fresh cilantro
lime wedges

In a large skillet heat oil.  Add chicken and cook for 2 minutes.  Add peanuts, ginger, and garlic; cook and stir about 3 minutes.  Add green onions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil and cook for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.  Spoon mixture over cabbage.  Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. 

Jill

Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya

This was my first recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens, Fast and Healthy special edition.  I thought it was ok.  It could have used much more kick in my opinion, but it was perfect for the kids.

Ingredients:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts - cut into pieces
2 cups sliced celery
2 cups chopped onions
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
1/2  of 6 oz can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant brown rice
1/4 cup chopped green , red, or yellow pepper
8 oz fresh, frozen cooked shrimp
2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley

Combine chicken, celery, onions, tomoatoes, broth, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, salt, and garlic.  Cook on low-heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-2 3/4 hours.  Stir in rice and peppers and cook on high heat for another 30 minutes.  Stir in shrimp and parsley mixture.

homemade cajun seasoning - 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.

Jill