Tasty Tuesday: Italian beef and Lentil Stew

Thank you Weight Watchers USA for today’s recipe……

Last week, I took the plunge!  I signed back up for WW Online.  I know going to meetings can be overwhelming for me and it is hard to focus BUT I wanted to get off the few pounds which crept back on over the last year or so.  I am determined to get back to my goal weight.  It will help with the walking issues I am having with MS and I will feel better about ME!  So, watch for some YUMMy recipes to come your way….

The weather is getting colder and I am a soup/stew nut!  I could eat it for lunch and dinner   every day…. Slow-simmer soup is a cold-weather comfort food and makes the house smell so GOOD! This one takes just 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest.  The result is a flavorful soup with tender pieces of beef. For the lentils, opt for green or brown lentils. They hold their shape better and add more texture than red lentils, which dissolve as they cook (ideal for a smoother soup). Dry lentils don’t need to soak like dried beans do before adding them to the soup.   It is a good idea to rinse them and remove any debris. You can substitute 2 cups of fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths, for the zucchini, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for the basil.

Total Time:  7 hr 20 min     Prep:  20 min     Cook: 7 hr     Serves:  6

Ingredients

• 1 small, chopped uncooked onion(s)
• 1 medium clove(s), minced garlic clove(s)
• 1 large, diced uncooked zucchini
• uncooked lean beef round: 16 oz, cut into 1-inch chunks, or 1 pound
• ½ tsp, crushed dried oregano
• 14½ oz, undrained canned diced tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp canned tomato paste
• ¾ cup(s) dry lentils
• 4 cup(s) canned beef broth
• 1 tsp table salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup(s), fresh, slivered basil

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients except basil in 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; stir well. Cook on Low until beef is very tender, 6−7 hours.
2. Stir in basil and cook 5 minutes longer.
3. Serving size: 1½ cups

Headed to a tailgate party.  What better way to warm up then with a cup of soup!  Thirty One’s Market Thermal is the perfect way to keep things HOT….The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal that’s large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes. A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock^® thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Baked Potato Soup

Do you have left over baked potatoes?  Do you have potatoes that have been in the cabinet/bin a little too long?  Check out this YUMMY chunky cream soup from Patti Watson of Pampered Chef.   

INGREDIENTS

• 4 medium baked potatoes
• 2 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions with tops, thinly sliced
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1   garlic clove, pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup)

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove skins from baked potatoes. In Classic Batter Bowl, coarsely mash potatoes with Nylon Masher.
2. In (4-qt.) Casserole, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel to drain; crumble and set aside. Discard all but 1/2 teaspoon drippings in pan.
3. Meanwhile, chop celery with Food Chopper. Thinly slice green onions with Utility Knife. Add chicken broth, milk, mashed potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, salt and black pepper to drippings in pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.
4. Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon. Ladle soup into 4 bowls using Nylon Ladle. Shred 2 tablespoons cheese over each serving using Rotary Grater.

Makes:  4  servings of 1 3/4 cups

Nutrients per serving:  Calories 340, Fat 15 g, Sodium 970 mg, Dietary Fiber 2 g

Cook’s Tips:

Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor to many recipes. Our Garlic Press is a real time-saving tool because you never need to peel the garlic cloves before pressing.

Make-Ahead: Make this recipe with planned-over baked potatoes. Just bake extra potatoes for a weekend meal and you’ll be ready to make this soup on a weeknight. If you don’t have leftover baked potatoes, scrub and prick potatoes with the Hold ‘N Slice® then bake in 400°F oven 1 hour or microwave on HIGH 11-13 minutes until fork-tender. Cool slightly before using.

Want more recipes to help you change up boring dinners?  Check out Patti’s website where there is over 250 recipes to spice up your dinner menu.  If your wish list is bigger than your wallet, host a party to earn freeand discounted products.  Just like to shop, check out the monthly customer specials. 

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: 30 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup

This YUMMy recipe is from MoscatoMom. This delicious and filling Chicken Tortilla Soup is ready in just 30 minutes but tastes like it has been cooking all day! Perfect for cold nights this winter!

Prep Time:  5 mins     Cook Time:  20 mins
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 cup carrot matchsticks
1 small bell pepper diced
1 cup mild salsa
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon – Roasted Chicken Flavor
4 cups water
5 corn tortillas cut in to strips
1 package liquid fajita seasoning
1 rotisserie chicken

Instructions

1. In a large pot begin by sauteeing carrots and bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
2. Add in salsa, Better Than Bouillon and water and bring to a boil.
3. Add in liquid fajita seasoning and allow to boil for 10 minutes.
4. While that boils, cut tortillas into strips and shred chicken.
5. Add tortillas to soup and stir until tortillas begin to dissolve.
6. Add in shredded chicken and let cook for 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot topped with your favorites – sour cream, avocado, and cheese!

This is a great tailgating meal…Okay so it may not be in a crock pot BUT it doesn’t mean you can’t put it in one.  The best way to transport your crock pot or food to a tailgating party is in a Thirty One Market Thermal!  The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes (and a crock pot). A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Saturday Spotlight – Taylor Sam’s

It has been awhile since I focused on the AMAZING Taylor Sam’s located at 1563 Route 88 in Brick, NJ.

They just recently won – BEST BREAKFAST on 94.3 The Point radio station.  

Here is a little bit about them:

Taylor Sam’s is operated by Executive Chef Scott Spivak. Chef Scott along with his wife Dawn, formerly owned Sixth Avenue Bistro was started in 2006 and soon become the local hotspot for guests who enjoyed their unique flair on comfort food in Toms River. Voted one of the best fine dining rests in Ocean County in 2007 by the Asbury Park Press…..Sixth Avenue had quickly made their mark in Toms River, now with the focus soley on catering, sixth avenue can offer that same experience at your next event.

Now Scott and Dawn have started a new venture in Brick….there goal was to offer a great breakfast and lunch dining experience for the local residents in Brick as well as visitors enjoying the Jersey Shore. They wanted the menu at Taylor Sam’s to be eclectic and homestyle by using quality ingredients as well as offering personal service. They want you to feel at home while not breaking the bank!

Open EVERYDAY from 8AM – 3:30PM. Delivery service available, phone: 732-458-7267.

What started for hubby and I as a “let’s just try it”, has become like a second home.  The staff: Nick, Dan, Rose, Fernando, Kara, Taylor and the rest of the crew are AMAZING!

I think I speak for all of the regular customers when I say that you couldn’t find a better place to eat. The food is FRESH. The staff is friendly. Special requests are no problem – believe me I know since I am always changing things up.

Pancakes and French Toast are AWESOME!

Their variety of salad combinations always leaves me guessing with combinations that I would have NEVER thought to put together.

I have probably tried everything on the menu that is NOT meat since I am a vegetarian but I haven’t heard anyone complain about anything there.

If you haven’t tried it, you need to. Having an event, meeting or party – have them do the catering.

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say AFTER you have tried them out.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!