YumSugar

Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken and Pasta in Peanut Sauce

partysugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:45:25 -0800

FabSugar just got back from an amazing trip to Thailand, but now she's feeling a little blue about returning to her daily routine. To ease the culture shock, I suggested she make this simple, Thai-inspired dish for dinner. Seared chicken is tossed with pasta, broccolini, red peppers, and a store-bought peanut sauce. To make it more fit-friendly, use whole-wheat pasta. If you dislike broccolini or red pepper, feel free to swap in carrots, mini corn, bok choy, or peas. To make this scrumptious pasta, read more.

Chicken and Pasta in Peanut Sauce
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

8 oz. thin spaghetti
1 bunch broccolini, cut in 2-inch lengths
1 medium red sweet pepper, cut in bite-size strips
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Salt and ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup bottled peanut sauce
Crushed red pepper (optional, for serving)

Directions

In Dutch oven cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccolini and sweet pepper during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain. Return to Dutch oven and set aside.
Meanwhile, halve chicken breasts horizontally. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In extra large skillet cook chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes each side, or until no longer pink (170 degrees F).
Transfer to a cutting board. Slice chicken; add to pasta and vegetables.
Heat through. Add peanut sauce. Pass crushed red pepper.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

Monday's Leftovers: Peanut Tofu Wrap

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:45:21 -0700

If you need a healthy, on-the-go lunch for the start of the week, use leftover grilled tofu to make a portable peanut wrap. The recipe only makes one serving, so if you are planning on making it for the whole family, you will need to adjust your measurements accordingly. To get this delicious recipe, which takes only 10 minutes to make, read more.

Peanut Tofu Wrap
From Eating Well magazine

Ingredients

1 tablespoon store-bought Thai peanut sauce
1 8-inch whole-wheat flour tortilla
2 ounces seasoned baked tofu, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
8 thinly sliced snow peas

Directions

Spread peanut sauce on the tortilla.
Place tofu, peppers, and snow peas in the center; fold the sides over the filling and roll up.

Serves 1.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 310 calories; 12 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrate; 19 g protein; 5 g fiber; 693 mg sodium; 154 potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (90 percent daily value), Vitamin A (50 percent dv), Iron (20 percent dv).

Print recipe with images | without images

Fast & Easy Dinner: Tofu Sandwich With Peanut-Ginger Sauce

partysugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:50:55 -0700

Tonight, be inspired by Tom Colicchio's philosophy to "craft a sandwich into a meal and a meal into a sandwich" and make this complex vegetarian dish. It combines char-broiled vegetables with crisp, golden brown tofu.

A peanut butter sesame oil sauce ensures that the sandwich is moist and delicious. Even if you don't put it together for dinner, it's an awesome portable lunch, so get the recipe and read more.

Tofu Sandwich With Peanut-Ginger Sauce
From Whole Living

Ingredients

1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 red bell pepper, cut into 4 long panels
2 teaspoons olive oil
6 ounces Thai-flavored baked tofu, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 tablespoons natural unsweetened peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 (4 ounces) 8-inch whole-wheat baguette, or wholegrain baguette , halved horizontally
Radish sprouts for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat broiler with rack 4 inches from heat source. Place onion slices and pepper, skin side up, on a broiler pan. Broil, turning onion over halfway through cooking time, until peppers are blistered and onion is lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel skin off pepper. Cut pepper into thick strips.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute tofu until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes on each side.
In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, and ginger. Toss reserved vegetables with remaining 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil.
Spread peanut-butter mixture on bottom side of bread. Top with tofu and vegetables. Place other piece of bread on top. Cut in half to make two sandwiches. Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. Serve with radish sprouts on the side, if desired.

Serves 2.

Print recipe with images | without images

Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Pumpkin Stew

partysugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:50:42 -0700

Celebrate the flavors of Fall by making this quick-cooking stew. Seared chicken is simmered with broth, chunks of pumpkin, red peppers, and green beans. The thick sauce is seasoned with paprika and creamy peanut butter, resulting in a stew that is satisfyingly scrumptious.

Don't hesitate to modify the recipe: white beans can replace the green beans, onions would be as delicious as red peppers, and butternut squash works if you can't find a sugar pumpkin. To serve this piping hot stew to your family tonight, get the recipe and read more.

Chicken Pumpkin Stew
From Woman's Day

Ingredients

1 Tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, visible fat trimmed, cut in 1-in. pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red pepper, cut in 1-in. pieces
1 tsp minced garlic
1 can each (14 1/2 oz each) chicken broth and diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups 1-in. cubes peeled sugar pumpkin or butternut squash (1 lb)
8 oz fresh green beans, cut in half
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter

Directions

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken; sauté 4 minutes or until browned. Remove to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, pepper and garlic; sauté 4 minutes until softened.
Add 1 1/2 cups broth, the tomatoes, paprika and salt. Bring to a boil; add chicken, pumpkin and beans. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 12 minutes or until chicken and pumpkin are tender.
Meanwhile stir remaining broth, the cornstarch and peanut butter in a bowl until smooth. Add to pot; stir until blended. Cook 2 minutes or until thickened.

Serves 6.

Print recipe with images | without images

Come Party With Me: Annabelle's Birthday - Desserts

partysugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:45:03 -0700

To celebrate her fourth birthday, FabSugar and her Frenchie, Annabelle, are going to make dog-friendly cupcakes. Annabelle loves to cook, so they'll be using Francesca and Sharkey's (Martha Stewart's Frenchies) recipe. The cupcakes are a mixture of ground, dried dog food, carrots, and peas. For the people in attendance, Fab's mom is taking a tip from Giada de Laurentiis and will be putting together a gelato bar!

She'll make a simple chocolate sauce and freshly whipped cream. Then she'll set out an assortment of toppings like chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, and rainbow sprinkles. The guests can make a sundae to their liking. Sound fun? Get the recipe.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Pot Sticker Salad With Snap Peas

partysugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:50:48 -0700

Looking for an original new salad recipe? Head east and make this pot sticker salad with snap peas, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions. It's both a mixture of flavors and textures: Soy sauce adds a salty tang and peanuts provide a welcoming crunch.

Select pot stickers that coincide with your culinary needs - if you're a vegetarian, use veggie pot stickers. For a more substantial meal, pork or chicken pot stickers are ideal. To check out the interesting recipe please read more.

Pot Sticker Salad With Snap Peas
From Real Simple

Ingredients

1 1-pound bag frozen pot stickers
3/4 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed (about 4 cups)
2 medium carrots, sliced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 pound bean sprouts (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
2 scallions, sliced

Directions

Fill a large saucepan with 1 inch of water and fit with a steamer basket (or fill a large skillet with 1/2 inch of water). Bring the water to a boil. Place the pot stickers in the basket (or skillet), cover, and steam for 4 minutes.
Add the snap peas and carrots, cover, and steam until the pot stickers are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and sesame oil.
Divide the bean sprouts among bowls and top with the pot stickers and vegetables. Sprinkle with the peanuts and scallions. Serve with the sauce.

Print recipe with images | without images

Fast & Easy Dinner: Spicy Tofu With Red Bell Peppers

partysugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:45:09 -0800

Calling all vegetarians who love spicy food: this recipe is for you. It combines Asian flavors like fresh ginger and soy sauce with crunchy vegetables and sautéed tofu. Red pepper flakes provide heat while lime juice adds tartness.

For a heartier meal, serve over white rice. If you are allergic to peanuts, simply omit them from the dish. Check out the recipe when you read more.

Spicy Tofu With Red Bell Peppers
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil
2 large red bell peppers, seeded, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 14-to 16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained well, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 green onions, thinly sliced on diagonal
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 6-ounce bag baby spinach leaves
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup lightly salted roasted peanuts

Directions

Heat oil in wok over high heat. Add bell peppers, ginger, and garlic; sauté until peppers just begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
Add tofu and green onions; toss 2 minutes.
Add next 3 ingredients. Toss to blend, about 1 minute.
Add spinach in 3 additions, tossing until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute for each addition. Mix in basil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle peanuts over.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

You've Seen the Pics, Now See the Menu

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:16:31 -0800

The Oscars are just around the corner - fill in your ballot for a chance to win fab prizes! - and last week I tempted you guys with photos from the Governors Ball preview However, I didn't give a full rundown on what was going to be served. If you were wondering what was pictured in the sea of tastiness, get prepared. I've got the full list - it's huge, over 350 people are on the culinary staff! - and let me tell you, it reads as tasty as the photos. To check out the complete menu, read more.

Antipasti Platter
Smoked Salmon Oscars With Caviar and Crème Fraîche
Roasted Root Vegetable Salad With Citrus Chili Dressing
Thai Spiced Shrimp With Holy Basil and Candied Garlic
Bruschetta of Figs, Goat Cheese, and Organic Prosciutto
Smoked Eggplant With Toasted Flatbread
Asparagus and Chickpea Salad With Mustard Vinaigrette

Butlered Course
Gold Foil Wrapped Baked Yukon Gold With Tsar Nicoulai Caviar and Crème Fraîche

Entrée
Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef With Chinese Broccoli Shiitake Stir-Fry With Red Wine Sauce
Black Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

Vegetable Entrée
Roasted Winter Vegetables Wrapped in Leeks
Black Olive Couscous and Tomato and Radish Compote

Dessert
Sherry Yard’s Oscar Tribute - We'll have more on the dessert station next week!

Sushi Station
Maki Rolls - Spicy Tuna, Sweet Shrimp, Crab, Vegetable
Nigiri - Tuna, Sweet Shrimp, Yellowtail, Salmon, Snapper
Sashimi - Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Snapper
Cucumber Salad, Edamame, Wasabi, Soy, and Pickled Ginger

Noodle Station
Pad Thai Noodles With Tofu, Egg, Bean Sprouts, Thai Basil, Mint, and Peanuts
Short Lo Mein Noodles With Pork, Scallions, Sweet Peppers, and Plum Ginger Sauce

Ceviche Station
Shrimp With Mango, Basil, Golden Tomatoes, and Habanero
Sea Bass With Avocado, Tomatillo, Cilantro and Jalapeño
Scallop With Tomato, Orange, and Chili

Shellfish Station
Shrimp, Oysters, and Crab
Cocktail Sauce, Mustard Sauce, and Mignonette

Tray Passed
Spicy Tuna in Sesame Miso Cone; Mini Kobe Cheeseburgers With Remoulade; Tomato Goat Cheese Tart; Miso-Glazed Black Cod on Rice Cracker; Cucumbers and Smoked Salmon, Steak Tartare Crostini, Spicy Chicken Mango Rice Paper Rolls, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Assorted Pizzas

If the menu has you captivated, check out the pics!

What Would You Make???

partysugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:28:33 -0700

Ok here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry for food. You have to make something delicious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/child/friend but the ingredients you have from the grocery store are limited.

You have several uncooked chicken breasts, a batch of fresh arugula, and a log of herbed goat cheese. Using only the products you currently have in your cupboard and refrigerator, what would you make???

To see the list of ingredients you do have on hand, and to see what I would cook up, read more

I would start by chopping one onion and several cloves of garlic. I would add these to a pan and saute until tender.
Next I would add a can of diced tomatoes and the chicken. I would simmer until the chicken is cooked through and meanwhile, boil and cook the pasta.
I would dress the arugula with salt and pepper, lemon juice and olive oil.
Once the pasta is cooked I would add it to the sauce and toss to combine.
To plate I would pile the chicken and pasta sauce in the middle of a shallow bowl. I would top with a helping of the arugula salad and crumble the fresh herbed goat cheese all over the dish.

Now you know what I would make, how about you, what would you make??

In the fridge you have:
milk
butter
eggs
parmesan cheese
ketchup
mayonnaise
mustard
soy sauce
lemons

In the cupboard you have:
garlic
onions
potatoes
extra-virgin olive oil
vegetable oil
cooking spray
vinegar
hot pepper sauce
Worcestershire sauce
dried pasta
canned tomatoes
canned tuna
flour
granulated sugar
brown sugar
baking powder
baking soda
pure vanilla extract
peanut butter
chocolate chips
nuts

In the spice rack you have:
salt
black pepper
cayenne pepper
crushed red pepper
chili powder
paprika
ground cumin
bay leaves
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg

Source, Source, Source

Today's Special: Thai Chicken-Broccoli Wraps

partysugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:52:25 -0700

I love recipes that require a distinctive homemade sauce. Homemade dressings and sauces can add pizzazz to store bought ingredients and make a simple meal seem slow cooked and difficult. Taking the time to make a quick sauce adds tremendous flavor for a markedly home cooked feel. The homemade peanut sauce slathered over the chicken in this wrap consists of friendly, basic pantry components so no need to worry about buying a bunch of expensive vinegars and over priced oils. Pair your sauce with stir fried chicken and vegetables and you'll have a delicious ethnically inspired dinner in no time flat. To glance through the recipe, read more

Thai Chicken-Broccoli Wraps
From MSN

6 8- to 10-inch plain, red, and/or green flour tortillas
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast strips for stir-frying
1 tablespoon cooking oil
4 cups packaged shredded broccoli (broccoli slaw mix)
1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Make peanut sauce: In a small saucepan combine all ingredients. Heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Makes about 2/3 cup.
Wrap tortillas in paper towels. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds to soften. (Or, wrap tortillas in foil. Heat in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 minutes.)
In a small bowl combine garlic salt and pepper. Add chicken; toss to coat evenly. In a large skillet cook and stir seasoned chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
Add broccoli, onion, and ginger to skillet. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
To assemble: spread each tortilla with about 1 tablespoon Peanut Sauce. Top with chicken strips and vegetable mixture. Roll up each tortilla, securing with a toothpick. Serve immediately with remaining sauce.

Serves 6.

Print recipe with images | without images