1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups water
2 cups milk
6 eggs, lightly beaten
6 bread slices, crust removed and cubed
4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
Prepare an ice bath first by filling a large bowl with ice and a little water.
In a large pot, bring the 4 cups water to boil, add the asparagus and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and place asparagus in ice bath for just a few moments; drain and pat dry.
Combine the asparagus, milk, eggs, cheese, salt and bread cubes in a large bowl, and mix, then put in a 2 quart baking dish that is greased.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours.
30 minutes before baking, remove from the refrigerator. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a knife can be inserted in the center of the casserole and pulled out clean.
Before serving let the casserole stand for 10 minutes.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Healthy Breakfast Recipe Ideas
Breakfast Casseroles With A Nod To Nutrition
Many savory breakfast casseroles contain meat, cheese, and, of course, eggs. These are all very yummy, but if you are reducing or eliminating these foods from your diet, these dishes may not appeal to you. However, the wonderful thing about breakfast casseroles is that you can substitute pretty much anything you want with something else.
This is one dish that prides itself on variety and versatility. Get out that baking pan and let your imagination run wild. You don't need bacon, ham, beef, sausage, Cheddar cheese, or even eggs in your breakfast casserole. You can choose ingredients with your particular dietary needs in mind and create a recipe that's still hearty and delicious. Here are a few ideas for ways you can make any breakfast casserole work for your personal dietary needs:
Leave Out the Meat
Or, rather than leave meat out entirely, you could reduce the amount of meat you use, or choose substitutes and varieties that suit your diet. If you still want the taste of meat and sausage without the fat, substitute turkey sausage and bacon for a leaner choice. You'll also find plenty of veggie and soy based products on the market these days. Fish and seafood are excellent alternatives. Portobello mushrooms offer a texture similar to meat, and a lot of flavor, too. Add herbs and spices to replicate the flavors you find in sausage and no one will complain.
Replace Egg Yolks with Egg Whites
We know that egg yolks are high in cholesterol, but did you know that yolks are also high in fat? You can tweak your breakfast casserole recipe to substitute a couple egg whites for whole eggs. You can even use all egg whites if you wish, or just throw in one yolk to get the color and the nutrients that the yolk has to offer. Keep in mind that the egg whites actually have more protein than the yolk has. Choosing to use more white than yolk will be a balancing act, so just decide according to your family's health needs.
Hello Veggies
Vegetables are a tasty, nutritious addition to breakfast casseroles. They give bulk, substance, and lots of color without adding a bunch of calories or fat. Some people enjoy biting into nice chunks of vegetables in their breakfast casserole. But, if you’re trying to sneak vegetables past your picky eaters, throw the veggies in the food processor before you add them to your casserole and no one will be the wiser.
Good Bye White Bread
Many recipes call for bread as the base to a breakfast casserole. Skip the white bread and substitute whole wheat or multi-grain bread instead. Take it a step further and replace the bread with brown rice or quinoa. Quinoa is an ancient seed that has gained popularity today because it is a gluten-free complete protein with lots of vitamins and minerals, as well as being a great source of dietary fiber. Just about any breakfast casserole that calls for bread can be made with any of these healthier options.
Choose Cheese Carefully
Goat cheese, feta cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta cheese are some of the best choices when it comes to choosing a cheese that is lower in calories or fat content. Parmesan cheese is usually higher in fat content, but you have to consider it adds a lot of flavor in a tiny amount, and the calcium content is desirable, too. Mozzarella cheese made from skim milk is lower in calories, but most of those calories come from saturated fat. Of course, Cheddar cheese is delicious, but its buttery rich flavor comes with a high fat and calorie price tag. But, again, a little sharp Cheddar goes a long way flavor-wise. You have trade-offs to consider whenever adding cheese to your breakfast casserole. The added nutrients of the cheese may be a good exchange for the fat and calories. Review your family's dietary needs and then do the research and decide.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but not just any breakfast will do. You don't have to turn to the old standbys for breakfast, either. Try your hand at these healthier ideas for breakfast casseroles. Throw one together tonight, stick it in the refrigerator, and tomorrow morning you and your family will be enjoying a filling, delicious, and healthy breakfast to start the day.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Amish Sausage Breakfast Casserole
1 onion, chopped
1 package sausage
4 cups hash brown potatoes
6 eggs
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/4 cups Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, cook the onion and sausage until browned. Drain the grease and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Add the sausage and onion mixture.
Place all this into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Before serving, let stand for 10 minutes.
1 package sausage
4 cups hash brown potatoes
6 eggs
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/4 cups Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, cook the onion and sausage until browned. Drain the grease and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Add the sausage and onion mixture.
Place all this into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Before serving, let stand for 10 minutes.
Tasty Almond Egg Strata Breakfast Casserole
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cups (about 10 slices) day-old bread, crusts removed and cubed
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 2/3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Grease a 2 quart baking dish. Using a fourth of the bread, layer the baking dish and top with cheese. Repeat this process three times.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and almond extract in a bowl and pour over the top of the bread and cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Take the covered baking dish out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking. Drizzle with butter and then sprinkle the almonds over the butter.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is firm and golden brown.
4 cups (about 10 slices) day-old bread, crusts removed and cubed
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 2/3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Grease a 2 quart baking dish. Using a fourth of the bread, layer the baking dish and top with cheese. Repeat this process three times.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and almond extract in a bowl and pour over the top of the bread and cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Take the covered baking dish out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking. Drizzle with butter and then sprinkle the almonds over the butter.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is firm and golden brown.
Wonderful Cooking Tips To Simplify Your Life
You need skills to develop, though! No matter what your reason is for deciding to cook, it sure is nice to be in the know. Here are some tips that will help you cook like a professional.
When you are making pasta you need to be sure to add a liberal amount of salt to the water. This allows the salt to be absorbed by the pasta. When you salt your pasta after cooking, the flavor is not as full.
When you finish a turkey meal, always make sure you save what remains. Instead, cut them up and put them in an airtight package and place it in your freezer. This will keep the turkey fresh enough to make salads and sandwiches for a couple of weeks.
Good cutting utensils are imperative to own for maximizing functionality in the kitchen. Sharp knives will save you time, and are actually safer to use than dull ones. Many cuts and accidents are caused by dull utensils.
Garlic is a popular ingredient that has one notable downside; its trademark scent transfers easily to your skin. However, rub your hands inside a stainless steel basin when you have finished working with any strong-odor ingredient. This will cleanse your hands and prevent the smells from transferring to the food you handle next.
Fruit works fabulously on a grill. Thread sliced melon, nectarines and peaches onto skewers. Grill on a clean grill until grill marks appear. Top some delicious ice cream with your grilled fruit, or try them on a slice of pound cake, which can also be lightly grilled.
When simmering or boiling vegetables, try adding chicken broth. Simmering vegetables in the broth will keep them from adhering to the bottom of the pan and also infuse them with rich flavor. Chicken broth is readily available at any grocery store, and is very inexpensive.
Certain fruits, including apples, pears, avocados and bananas, quickly turn brown as their cut sides oxidize. Dipping the fruit in a mixture of salt water and lemon will help to stop the fruit from browning. Cut fruits can also be dipped in pineapple juice for a similar effect. A quick dip is all that is required, so don't worry about leaving it to soak.
Now that you have read up on the subject, it's time to practice! Use the tips mentioned in the article to help make you the best cook you can be. It doesn't matter why you decided to cook; you will enjoy serving anything you make with your own hands. It will take practice and determination to improve your cooking. But try to keep in mind that a tasty meal is well worth the time and effort!
When you are making pasta you need to be sure to add a liberal amount of salt to the water. This allows the salt to be absorbed by the pasta. When you salt your pasta after cooking, the flavor is not as full.
When you finish a turkey meal, always make sure you save what remains. Instead, cut them up and put them in an airtight package and place it in your freezer. This will keep the turkey fresh enough to make salads and sandwiches for a couple of weeks.
Good cutting utensils are imperative to own for maximizing functionality in the kitchen. Sharp knives will save you time, and are actually safer to use than dull ones. Many cuts and accidents are caused by dull utensils.
Garlic is a popular ingredient that has one notable downside; its trademark scent transfers easily to your skin. However, rub your hands inside a stainless steel basin when you have finished working with any strong-odor ingredient. This will cleanse your hands and prevent the smells from transferring to the food you handle next.
Fruit works fabulously on a grill. Thread sliced melon, nectarines and peaches onto skewers. Grill on a clean grill until grill marks appear. Top some delicious ice cream with your grilled fruit, or try them on a slice of pound cake, which can also be lightly grilled.
When simmering or boiling vegetables, try adding chicken broth. Simmering vegetables in the broth will keep them from adhering to the bottom of the pan and also infuse them with rich flavor. Chicken broth is readily available at any grocery store, and is very inexpensive.
Certain fruits, including apples, pears, avocados and bananas, quickly turn brown as their cut sides oxidize. Dipping the fruit in a mixture of salt water and lemon will help to stop the fruit from browning. Cut fruits can also be dipped in pineapple juice for a similar effect. A quick dip is all that is required, so don't worry about leaving it to soak.
Now that you have read up on the subject, it's time to practice! Use the tips mentioned in the article to help make you the best cook you can be. It doesn't matter why you decided to cook; you will enjoy serving anything you make with your own hands. It will take practice and determination to improve your cooking. But try to keep in mind that a tasty meal is well worth the time and effort!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Useful Cooking Tips And Techniques For Home Cooks
Everyone can learn to cook. Cooking is as simple as purchasing the ingredients you will need, and following a recipe step by step. Do you have the basic equipment for cooking? If so, then you are ready to begin! If you're aiming to improve your culinary skills, read the advice provided below to help you easily create yummy dishes you and your entire family will enjoy.
One effective way to create new flavors in your food is by simply changing the spices and marinades you use. Tastes can be drastically altered by simply adding some new spices or using other sauces for marinating. You might not think about it, but an easy and interesting way to find unusual spices and sauces would be to shop at any foreign food stores available in your town.
When you're cooking with nonstick cookware, you should always make use of silicone or nylon spoons, spatulas, and rubber. Harder utensils, like wooden and metal ones, can gouge or scratch the coating, causing the pan to not be as effective and its coating to flake off in your meals. This certainly doesn't sound appetizing, and it can also be dangerous.
Proper care for a wood cutting board. Heat, dryness, and excess moisture can cause a wooden cutting board to warp and split. It is never smart to immerse your board in water. Instead, sponge clean it with soapy, warm water. When a cutting board shows signs of wear and tear, there are special oils that can rejuvenate them. It should be completely dry before its next use.
Get all your preparations done and ready before you begin cooking a meal. This allows you to economize on the amount of gas or electricity used when cooking, and keeps you from becoming distracted and accidentally getting injured by something like hot oil splashing out of a pan.
There are two good ways to heat tortillas. One way is to heat them up in a preheated, 350 degree oven. Place the tortillas right on the oven rack, and bake until crispy. Or you can place a tortilla directly over the flame when you are cooking with a gas stove top. These methods make delicious and fresh tortillas.
You can make cooking a pastime, a skill or a profession. With food, the possibilities are limitless. Learn something new by studying the habits and recipes of the people who know cooking best and are willing to share that knowledge. Use these tips and see how successful you can be in the kitchen.
One effective way to create new flavors in your food is by simply changing the spices and marinades you use. Tastes can be drastically altered by simply adding some new spices or using other sauces for marinating. You might not think about it, but an easy and interesting way to find unusual spices and sauces would be to shop at any foreign food stores available in your town.
When you're cooking with nonstick cookware, you should always make use of silicone or nylon spoons, spatulas, and rubber. Harder utensils, like wooden and metal ones, can gouge or scratch the coating, causing the pan to not be as effective and its coating to flake off in your meals. This certainly doesn't sound appetizing, and it can also be dangerous.
Proper care for a wood cutting board. Heat, dryness, and excess moisture can cause a wooden cutting board to warp and split. It is never smart to immerse your board in water. Instead, sponge clean it with soapy, warm water. When a cutting board shows signs of wear and tear, there are special oils that can rejuvenate them. It should be completely dry before its next use.
Get all your preparations done and ready before you begin cooking a meal. This allows you to economize on the amount of gas or electricity used when cooking, and keeps you from becoming distracted and accidentally getting injured by something like hot oil splashing out of a pan.
There are two good ways to heat tortillas. One way is to heat them up in a preheated, 350 degree oven. Place the tortillas right on the oven rack, and bake until crispy. Or you can place a tortilla directly over the flame when you are cooking with a gas stove top. These methods make delicious and fresh tortillas.
You can make cooking a pastime, a skill or a profession. With food, the possibilities are limitless. Learn something new by studying the habits and recipes of the people who know cooking best and are willing to share that knowledge. Use these tips and see how successful you can be in the kitchen.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Cooking Tips For Creating Quick And Tasty Meals
Once you gain a basic understanding of cooking, it can be a very pleasurable hobby. The information provided here can help you become more adept at cooking and feel more proficient in the kitchen. After you have those things, you can begin to enjoy yourself.
When serving salad to guests, you should never put salad dressing directly on it. You should have it to the side so that each person can use as much or as little as they want. Let people add what they want to their salad. Offer several different types of dressing.
If you are just starting out with cooking, consider doing your research at your local library. There are plenty of cookbooks with simple recipes available. Try making three or four of the recipes that appeal to you the most, and give yourself plenty of time to perfect your newly acquired skill.
Prior to cooking ground meat, you should take the time to blot it. The excess water on ground meat can present a problem while cooking, so do not skip this essential step. Any moisture that remains there will be released during cooking. This moisture will just sizzle off. This causes your meat to steam instead of sear.
Seasoned salt is used on virtually any kind of food, not just meat! Sprinkle the seasoning on top of roasted pumpkin seeds and make a tasty snack, or sprinkle it on scrambled eggs. Seasoned salt is a wonderful secret weapon to your spice rack.
Allow the oil to heat up in the pan before adding your food. Doing so will maximize the flavors of the food you are cooking by keeping them inside the food.
Store unripened fruits in a plastic container that has holes in it. As a fruit ripens, it produces ethylene gas. The holes in the bag allow the gas to escape, which will make the fruit last longer and taste better.
Consider drying your very own tomatoes. Try slicing a Roma in half lengthwise, or cut larger tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Place the resulting tomato pieces on a rack, then salt their exposed flesh lightly. Heat your oven to 190 degrees and place the tomatoes inside for as long as ten hours. After the tomatoes have cooled, place them in plastic bags, and store them in the freezer. You can also store them in jars packed with herbs and olive oil. Tomatoes stored in this fashion will last for two weeks in the refrigerator.
As you've seen here, learning to cook is an accessible skill for everyone, with the ability to constantly improve. With time and motivation, you will progress quickly. With the tips you just learned, it should be easy to improve your cooking skills and know your kitchen backwards and forwards. So make your cooking experience fun, begin with a positive attitude.
When serving salad to guests, you should never put salad dressing directly on it. You should have it to the side so that each person can use as much or as little as they want. Let people add what they want to their salad. Offer several different types of dressing.
If you are just starting out with cooking, consider doing your research at your local library. There are plenty of cookbooks with simple recipes available. Try making three or four of the recipes that appeal to you the most, and give yourself plenty of time to perfect your newly acquired skill.
Prior to cooking ground meat, you should take the time to blot it. The excess water on ground meat can present a problem while cooking, so do not skip this essential step. Any moisture that remains there will be released during cooking. This moisture will just sizzle off. This causes your meat to steam instead of sear.
Seasoned salt is used on virtually any kind of food, not just meat! Sprinkle the seasoning on top of roasted pumpkin seeds and make a tasty snack, or sprinkle it on scrambled eggs. Seasoned salt is a wonderful secret weapon to your spice rack.
Allow the oil to heat up in the pan before adding your food. Doing so will maximize the flavors of the food you are cooking by keeping them inside the food.
Store unripened fruits in a plastic container that has holes in it. As a fruit ripens, it produces ethylene gas. The holes in the bag allow the gas to escape, which will make the fruit last longer and taste better.
Consider drying your very own tomatoes. Try slicing a Roma in half lengthwise, or cut larger tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Place the resulting tomato pieces on a rack, then salt their exposed flesh lightly. Heat your oven to 190 degrees and place the tomatoes inside for as long as ten hours. After the tomatoes have cooled, place them in plastic bags, and store them in the freezer. You can also store them in jars packed with herbs and olive oil. Tomatoes stored in this fashion will last for two weeks in the refrigerator.
As you've seen here, learning to cook is an accessible skill for everyone, with the ability to constantly improve. With time and motivation, you will progress quickly. With the tips you just learned, it should be easy to improve your cooking skills and know your kitchen backwards and forwards. So make your cooking experience fun, begin with a positive attitude.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)