Quick and Easy Party Dishes

My daughter’s playgroup meets this week for our Halloween bash (eight moms and 12 kids under the age of four—so it’s not a huge gathering). Since we are celebrating a holiday we decided to forgo our usual small-snack-only rule, instead each mom is required to bring one main or side dish. Since I am not hosting the party (whew) it means I need to find a versatile dish that will travel well. The following are some of my tried and true party/potluck dishes. I will be making and taking one of them along on Tuesday (I haven’t decided which one … Continue reading

Quick and Easy Rice Side Dishes

I am always looking for a quick and easy side dish because I get so tired of doing the same old “green beans” or “mashed potatoes” thing. Here are a few rice dishes you might want to try: Herbed Rice Pilaf For this recipe, you will need long grain rice, celery, onion, butter, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried oregano, and dried thyme. To prep for this recipe, you will need to chop enough celery to make one cup and enough onion to make 1/2 cup. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a skillet over medium heat, saute … Continue reading

Low-Fat Mediterranean Couscous With Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers

If you’ve been checking out my Diary of an Overweight Mom lately, you might know that I’m trying to eat healthier. I’ve been coming up with recipes to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice fullness or great flavor to shed some pounds or to maintain a healthy weight. This recipe is good for your heart, your stomach, and your taste buds. It can be a complete meal by itself or may be served as a side dish. For me, this is the perfect lunch. And because you can prepare it and keep it in the fridge all week, it … Continue reading

Algerian Couscous

Algerian Couscous 1 can cooked chickpeas, drain 1 pound package couscous 2 large onions, chopped 1 carrot, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 eggplant, sliced, salted and rinsed 1 pound of lamb cut in 2-inch cubes 1 Chicken, cut up in 8 parts 3 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons pimento, diced 4 tomatoes, seeded and chopped 2 teaspoons paprika Salt 7 ounces fresh string beans or peas 9-ounces can artichoke bottoms, drained Cayenne pepper 4 ounces butter Place couscous in shallow pan with 4 cups water. Swirl and pour off water immediately in a sieve. Rub couscous well between hands … Continue reading

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham 3 pounds peeled potatoes, thinly sliced, about 6 to 8 cups sliced potatoes 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/2 cup celery, chopped 6 green onions, with about 3 inches of green top, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, chopped 1 1/2 cups ham, diced and cooked 3 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided In a saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat. Add celery, green onions, carrots, and ham. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently. Add flour, stirring until well blended. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, … Continue reading

Fried Potatoes

Fried Potatoes 4 medium potatoes 3 tablespoons butter or mixture, melted 1 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika Peel potatoes then cut crosswise into 3/8-inch slices. Brush with melted butter and oil. Bake at 425, basting frequently with butter or butter mixture until tender and golden brown on both sides. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika; serve immediately.

Risotto Porcini Bake

Risotto Porcini Bake 2 ounces dried porcini 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 bunches scallions, chopped 3 carrots, peeled and minced 2 cups Italian Arborio rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 4 to 5 cups beef stock 1 pound fresh cultivated mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup of heavy or whipping cream 2 eggs Pinch ground nutmeg Place the porcini in a small bowl. Add hot water to cover, and let stand 30 minutes. Melt 4 tablespoons … Continue reading

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes 4 large baking potatoes, about 2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup heated milk 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature 4 ounces American cheese, shredded 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon paprika Pinch ground red pepper Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well. Put potatoes back in saucepan; stir over low heat until dry, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and mash. Add about 1/2 cup milk and the 2 tablespoons butter. Add grated cheese and seasonings. Beat with a … Continue reading

Country Style French Fries

Country Style French Fries 6 medium potatoes, cooked, cold 3 tablespoons shortening Salt and pepper to taste Slice potatoes thin. Heat shortening in a large skillet; add potatoes. Cook until potatoes are golden brown on one side and then turn and brown the other side. Sprinkle fried potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.

Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes Au Gratin 3 cups potatoes, cooked and diced 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 3 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Salt and pepper 1 cup of soft breadcrumbs Place potatoes in a shallow, broiler proof baking dish. Divide butter, putting three tablespoons in a saucepan and 3 tablespoons in a separate bowl. To the saucepan, add flour, stirring to blend well. Gradually stir in milk. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sauce is thick and smooth. Add cheese and continue stirring until cheese is melted. Pour sauce over potatoes in baking dish, mixing gently. … Continue reading