Thursday, January 31, 2013

INFO ABOUT SOME GRAINS

              There are many different grains we can use today that years ago were not
      even mentioned as being a part of ones diet. I do not mention all today.

CRACKED WHEAT
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is rich in fiber,
minerals and vitamins

CRACKED WHEAT
 [Bulgar] has a sweet, nutty
flavor. Takes minimal time
to cook, because it has been
pre-cooked.Used in salads,
pilafs, and side dishes.


                                                                                                                                               
QUINOA WHEAT
                                                       
AMARANTH WHEAT
Very high in proteins
and vitamins. Often processed
in today's cereals, also is
cooked in making Grits.
[KEEN_WAH] is high in healthy fats.
It has over 80 nutrients. Often
added to salads along with other
seeds, also used in Tabuli.
BARLEY
Versatile grain used in soups 
                                                                                                                                                                       
That is all for today friend, this is Jenny

Have a ''SUPER" weekend!
                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .                                                         


     

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

CRUNCHY TASTE, ENERGY PACKED...

                           I have made and bought GRANOLA before, but this one recipe
                  is very different. It is better tasting, !
                           You can eat it as a snack for a boost of energy, eat it for breakfast
                 over yogurt, or layer it in a glass with your favorite fruits for an easy dessert
                 Children love it as much as adults, it is a great way to start any day!.
             

                                                 CAPTAIN  CRUNCH   GRANOLA

                  Preheat oven to 300*
                  In a large bowl combine;  1 large beaten egg white [adds the crunch]
                  3 cups old-fashioned oats [not quick oats]
                  1 + 1/2  cups chopped nuts [ such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts]
                  1 + 1/2  cups coconut shavings [ available at natural food stores
                                                                   and some supermarkets]
                  1/2  cup maple syrup [ or honey or agave syrup ]
                  1/4  cup olive oil
                  1/4 cup sesame seeds
                  2 Tablespoons light brown sugar [ packed ]
                  1 + 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
                  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
                 
                   Toss together to combine. Spread out on a rimmed cookie sheet.
                   Bake 40 - 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes till golden brown.
                   Let cool on baking sheet [ it will crisp as it cools ]

                   Mix into granola, as it cools, 1 cup of dried cranberries.
                   Make this your own by adding 1 cup of chocolate chips, or raisins
                   at this time also, even more, or a variation of , nuts, and seeds .

                  This GRANOLA will keep for 2 weeks in an air-tight container
                  at room temperature.
 
                  GRANOLA  can be put in baggies for an easy-grab snack.

      That is all for today,  friend. This is Jenny


Sunday, January 27, 2013

THE OTHER WHITE MEAT....PORK!

              This is a simplified  version of a traditional dish from the Marche region
         of Italy.

                                                 PORK   WITH   LEMON  &  GARLIC

    1 lb. pork fillet  [tenderloin]
    1 3/4 ounces almonds, toasted and chopped [place almonds on a cookie sheet.
                                     Lightly toast almonds under medium hot broiler 2-3 minutes.]
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    3 1/2 ounces raw prosciutto , finely chopped
    2 cloves garlic,  chopped
    1 tablespoon oregano, fresh is best, chopped
    finely grated peel of 2 lemons
    4 shallots, finely chopped
    3/4 cup of chicken stock
    1 tablespoon sugar

                       Using a sharp knife, cut the pork tenderloin into 4 equal pieces.
                       Place between sheets of waxed paper, saran works, and pound each
                       piece with a meat mallet or the end of a rolling pin to flatten.
                       Cut a horizontal slit in each piece of pork to make a pocket
                       Mix toasted almonds, 1 teaspoon oil, prosciutto, oregano, and 1/2  the
                       grated lemon peel. Spoon into pockets of pork.
                       Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet.  Add shallots and cook 2 minutes.
                       Add pork bundles to skillet and cook 2 minutes on each side, or until
                       browned all over.
                       Add chicken stock to pan, bring to boil, cover and lower heat to simmer
                       45 minutes,, or until the pork is tender. Remove meat from pan, set aside
                       on a platter and cover with foil to keep warm.
                       Add remaining lemon peel and sugar to the pan. Boil 3-4 minutes until
                       reduced and syrupy. Pour over pork tenderloin and serve immediately.
                     
                     
                     This is really delicious! Add a green vegetable , such as snap peas, and
                     dinner rolls, or potato if you prefer, and you will have made a meal !

                                       This dish  is 428 calories [ minus the potato or roll]
                                       Let me know how you liked it, or not, by leaving
                                       a comment at the bottom of this page. Thanks.

                That is all for today friend, this is Jenny



Saturday, January 19, 2013

MMMM.......CASHEW CHICKEN !

               My family loves Chinese food. My husband really loved it, but because of
          the sodium in Chinese food, we stayed away, [well, we did splurge once in a while].
          When we both were diagnosed with HBP, I tried to find recipes that contained low
          sodium. This was back in the latter '70s, when grocers shelves were not stocked
          with choices one has today. Here is a recipe I made often and we both liked .

                                                         CASHEW  CHICKEN

                   1/2 cup dry white wine
                   1/4 cup LOW SODIUM soy sauce
                   1 Tablespoon peeled, grated ginger root
                   1 clove garlic crushed
                   1 + 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
                           Combine these  4 ingredients in a heavy-duty zip-lock
                           bag; dd chicken. Seal bag, and shake until chicken is coated.
                           Marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning bag occasionally.
                     1/2 pound of fresh green beans [ I sometimes used fresh snap peas, instead]
                           Wash green beans, remove any strings, trim ends.
                           Cut diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces
                      1 Tablespoon dark sesame oil, divided
                           Coat a Wok or large skillet with cooking spray; drizzle
                           2 teaspoon oil around top of Wok or skillet, coating sides
                     1/2 cup  diagonally-sliced celery
                     1/2 cup diagonally-sliced carrot
                     1/2 cup sliced green onions
                             Heat Wok at medium high heat until oil is hot,
                             Add green beans, celery, carrots,and onions; stir-fry 5 minutes
                             or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove veggies from Wok
                             and set aside.
                     1 [10 + 1/2 ounce] can low sodium chicken broth
                     3 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
                     1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
                     1 Tablespoon brown sugar
                                Remove chicken from marinade, discard marinade
                                Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to Wok. Add chicken; stir-fry
                                3 or 4 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned.
                                Combine broth with the 3 ingredients, stirring well.
                                Add broth mixture to chicken in Wok, stir-fry 1 -2 minutes
                                until mixture is thickened and bubbly.   Add all the vegetables
                                and 1/3 cup chopped UNSALTED  cashews; stir-fry 1 minute
                               until heated thoroughly. Serve over rice, Yields 6 servings.

                      Calories-462 [ 17% from fat],  Sodium-369  mg.

                      This ordered at a Chinese restaurant--Calories-410 [not incl. rice]
                                                                                1300 -2000 mg Sodium
                       The choice as to which Rice to eat is yours;
                        White rice has 215 Cal, no fiber and no nutrients for 1 cup;
                        Brown rice has 216 Calories, 4 grams fiber, 84 grams potassium,
                        and  5 grams protein for 1 cup.

               When preparing this recipe, chop veg,  and gather all other ingredients
               before you even get started. Good luck and enjoy!
 

        That is all for today friend, this is Jenny
       
                               
 
                         
 .


         


Friday, January 18, 2013

MARINARA SAUCE....LOW SODIUM

                                                    LOW SODIUM MARINARA SAUCE

            Olive oil spray

     1 cup minced white or yellow onion
     2 tablespoons minced garlic
     1  [28-ounce] can crushed tomatoes--brands are packed at different times
                                                               of the year, so they can vary in taste
                                                              check the sugar content
      1/4  cup water
      2 tablespoons no-salt-added  tomato paste
      2 teaspoons honey
      1  tablespoon dried oregano
      2 teaspoons dried basil
      1//2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
                                 
            Spray a medium sized non-stick saucepan with olive oil spray, place
            over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until just tender [ should
            not be browning], 4 to 6 minutes. Reduce heat to low and with a wooden
           spoon stir in remaining ingredients until well combined. Cover and cook,
           stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour.Season with little salt if needed

             63 calories.....156 mg..sodium  Really good!   copied from; The Biggest
                                                                                            Loser Cookbook


    That is for now, this is Jenny





     

SUPER BOWL SNACK IDEAS !!

                I love football. I find it exciting  to be with others  enjoying  their company
      and  watching...THE BIG GAME !
                Here are a few examples  of some favorite snack  recipes I like.

                                            FIESTA  TURKEY  MINI - TOSTADAS


                                Place 40 Tostitos Scoops on a serving platter.
                               1 pound extra-lean ground turkey
                               Salt and ground black pepper to taste
                               1/4 to 1 cup mild, medium, or hot salsa

                               Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium high heat.
                               When hot, coat with olive oil cooking spray, and add turkey.
                               Season with salt and pepper.
                               Cook meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, into bite-sized
                               chunks, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.
                               Stir in salsa .Mix well.  Remove from heat.
                               Put 1 heaping  teaspoon into each scoop and serve.

                               If preferred , any Tortilla chip or Pita chip can be substituted
                               for the Tostitos Scoops. This serves 4......under 210 calories.
                                               from The Biggest Loser Cookbook


                                                           TEXAS  CAVIAR

                              1  15 -ounce can 50% less sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
                              1  15- ounce can 50% less sodium whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
                              1/4  cup Fresh salsa [ refrigerated, not jarred]
                              2  Tablespoons chopped fresh or dried cilantro
                              1 + 1/2  teaspoons red wine vinegar
                              1  teaspoon cumin
                               Salt and pepper to taste
                               Hot sauce to your taste

                            In a large glass bowl combine first 5 ingredients. Season with salt
                            and pepper. Add hot sauce according to your taste.
                            Refrigerate at least 2 hours,[ even better if over night] before serving.

                            Serve with baked Pita chips, or other baked chips
                          . Serves 6 [1/2 cup] ...102 calories
                            Recipe can easily be doubled...also from the Biggest Loser Cookbook

       
                 That is all for today friend, this is Jenny

                   

                               

                             

Thursday, January 17, 2013

BAKED ZITI...HEALTHIER... AND STILL TASTEY

              There are plenty of options one can use to change any recipe and
   make it healthier for themselves or their family.
               Whether it is for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks the choices are
    ours to make. Sometimes though, we  [I, included]  are so set in our ways, that changing
   our eating "habits" is a lot more difficult then we would like to admit.
                Here is a recipe from the BIGGEST  LOSER COOKBOOK that I want to
  share with you. I am sure when you do try this recipe, you will want to make it again.

                                                              BAKED  ZITI

               1 [ 14 +1/2 ounce]box of fiber-enriched ziti or penne -[whole wheat
                                 such as Golden Harvest or Ronzoni Smart Taste]
               1 [15 ounce] container fat-free ricotta cheese
               2 large egg whites
               8 ounces [4 cups] finely shredded mozzarella cheese
               1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
               2 Tablespoons grated reduced -fat Parmesan cheese
               3 +1/2 cups low-fat, low sodium marinara sauce
               Salt and pepper to your taste
              Red pepper flakes to your  taste

              Preheat oven to 450*. Lightly spray 13 x 9 glass or ceramic baking dish
                             with Olive oil spray
              Cook ziti according to package directions until AL Dante. Drain.
              In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, egg whites, and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella
              until well combined. Add the garlic powder, and the seasonings.
              Stir in the pasta, until well mixed with ingredients.
              Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the.bottom of prepared baking dish,
              Add half of the pasta mixture in an even layer over the sauce.
              Top the pasta with another 1  cup of sauce.
              Layer the remaining pasta over the sauce.
              Spoon the rest of the sauce , 1 + 1/2 cups, evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle
              the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan covering the top.

              Cover the dish with aluminum foil, sprayed with non stick spray, and bake 20
              minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

              Let stand 5 minutes. This has 8 servings. Add a side salad, and you have a healthy
              meal of under 400 calories total!

            That is all for today friends, this is Jenny
.

   . 

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

LOWER CALORIE.....SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH HAM

               I love ham. There are so many dishes one can make using leftover HAM.
     One I really like and is so easy to make, SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH HAM
                A reader requested a dish she could make that would be lower in calories.
     and also budget friendly.Here is one that meets both of these.
                By reducing the butter to half of what is called for, and using 1 % or
      non-fat milk,  the flavor  is not sacrificed at all, saving  over 100 calories.
.
                                SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH HAM

               In a large saucepan, melt 2 Tablespoons butter.  Stir in 2 Tablespoons floor,
         
             1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme,

              and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Gradually add 2+ 1/2 cups milk;

              bring to boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

             Combine 6 cups thinly sliced potatoes, 1+ 1/2 cups chopped, cooked ham,

              and 1 small  onion, chopped fine  [ or grated]; place half  of the potatoes

             ham, and onion  in greased 2+ 1/2   quart baking dish.

           . Top with half the sauce and repeat layers.

            Cover and bake at 375* for 60-70 minutes. Bake uncovered 15 minutes longer

            or until potatoes are tender.

             This recipe serves 4, but can easily be doubled. Add a green vegetable,

             and you have a meal. Good luck. Leave me a comment on this page to let me know

             your results.

                      That is all for today friend,  this is Jenny

Monday, January 14, 2013

SHEPERDS PIE....OR IS IT.....CHINESE PIE.??!!

      I remember having  SHEPHERDS PIE  many times when I was a youngster at my parents
  home.It was inexpensive to make, and provided generous servings.
  The familiar recipe for  SHEPHERDS PIE  made its "rounds" at my families table too.
 We were 9 in my family, and my husband was the only "bread" winner in our house,
  I always thought it a little strange there seemed to be so many versions
 of  SHEPHERDS PIE!  Some are made with beef cubes or lamb, green peas, carrots
 even string beans.A couple versions had a gravy-like broth.
       I finally remembered my mother always called it "TARTE CHINOIS", which translated
 is CHINESE PIE. Now, I do not know how that name got changed to SHEPHERDS PIE !
 Here is my version,[ tweaked  my mothers recipe a little] .

                             
                                          SHEPHERDS PIE OR TARTE CHINOIS

                       1 lb ground beef
                       1 medium size onion, chopped
                       1/4  teaspoon garlic
                       1 1/2  teaspoon each, salt and pepper
                                          Scramble beef and onion and garlic in a medium high skillet
                                          until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper.
                                          In a 9 x 13 pan layer your meat mixture. Set aside
                         4 cups mashed potatoes, fresh or leftover
                         2 cans of cream-style corn
                         1 can  of corn, or 1 cup frozen, [thawed]
                         Shredded cheese, I have used med cheddar, also sharp cheddar, optional
                         Butter
                                            On top of ground beef layer, pour the cream style corn
                                            Over this layer sprinkle, evenly, the whole kernel corn.
                                            The next layer, spread potatoes to cover the corn
                                            completely.[ If using leftover, have them at room temperature
                                            and stir them for easier spreading] Dot sparingly with butter.
                                            Sprinkle lightly with cheese if desired.

                             Bake at 350* for 40 minutes or  until corners are bubbly with the corn.
                             This can serve 8-10 depending on serving size.

                            I will eat SHEPERD'S PIE, however, I do admit that I made it so often
                            for my family that it is a dish I do not crave!! A number of my children
                            and grandchildren love it.

                             If you have never made SHEPERDS PIE or CHINESE PIE...
                             the next time you are wondering "what can I make for dinner",
                             give it a try. Leave me any comments, I appreciate them.

                 That is all for today, friend.,  Jenny

                                         




  

Saturday, January 12, 2013

PEA SOUP -----SOUP AUX POIS

          There are numerous recipes out there, on the Internet, even on the package of peas!
   I have made  Pea Soup many times. It is not a soup that is liked by everyone. We, all of us,
   do not have the same likes.
           My husband loved Pea Soup. He had to have diced potatoes or rice in it. I did
     sometimes put  potatoes in it, but most times cooked rice and served it on the side
     so it could be added  in the amount wanted.
            The best Pea Soup by far, is one we ordered in a restaurant.....yeah, a restaurant !!
   On one of our yearly trips to Quebec, Canada, we happened upon a restaurant [ more
    like a DINER].The  menu was  very  limited, some things were not to our liking.
   We both decide on "Soup Aux Pois. Perfect choice. We both loved it. Here it is!

                                                              SOUP AUX POIS
                                                                 [ PEA SOUP]

                      1 lb. WHOLE dried yellow peas
                      8 cups water
                      1/2  lb. salt pork [ or a ham bone]
                      1 large onion, chopped
                      1/2  cup celery, finely chopped
                      1/4 cup shredded or grated carrots
                      1  teaspoon savory
                      1  teaspoon salt

                      Wash and sort peas, place in a large pot, cover with the water and let soak
                      overnight.
                      Add salt pork, or ham  bone,celery, carrots, savory and salt.
                      Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until peas are very tender, about 2 hours.
                       Add more water if needed.
                       Remove ham bone, or salt pork; chop meat and return to soup
                       Season with salt and add pepper to taste.

                       If you have a food processor the carrots and celery are chopped to the
                       right consistency, otherwise these should be chopped into real fine bits.
                      When one eats this soup, carrots and celery are just about  invisible.
                       The Savory seasoning is essential to get the right flavor.

                       I always use a ham bone. Years ago salt pork was meaty, now, [ at least
                       in this area] it is mostly fat! If you live in an area where the salt pork is
                       meaty, you can chop that meat and add it to the soup
                       I have always used whole peas, yellow or green..

                       This is a traditional  French recipe. A dish that was eaten most every week.
                       Give this recipe a try..

            That is all for today, friend...this is Jenny


Friday, January 11, 2013

CHOWDAH OR CHOWDER IT IS THE SAME!!

        Chowder is a thick hearty soup/stew usually prepared with seafood.
  Basic chowder ingredients may include  gentle spices like thyme, salt pork or
  bacon, onion, and milk or tomatoes. In addition to traditional seafood chowders,
  the most famous of which is clam, there are vegetable, meat, and combinations
  of vegetable and meat chowders. Today's recipe is one I  made often, though I
  am not fond of chowders.

                                                        CORN CHOWDER

               8 slices  diced  bacon
               1 small onion sliced
               2   17 ounce cans cream-style corn
               2 cups cubed cooked potatoes
               1 cup of half-half or light cream
               1 teaspoon salt
               1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
               1  1/2 cups cubed American cheese [optional]

               Saute bacon in large pan until crisp..Reserve  only  1/4 bacon drippings in pan
               Add onion and  cook   drippings until limp or translucent.
             . Add corn, potatoes, milk,  2 1/2 cups  hot water and the seasonings.
               .Simmer til .hot. Place cheese in soup just before serving., if desired.
  

ALL - AMERICAN CHILI !!

                          Whether it is tailgating, a  college football game,  local sports, or celebrating
        the Super Bowl, a warm, spicy, bowl of chili is the right ticket for your game -day.
       No gridiron spread would be complete without it!
                                                 
                                                         ALL- AMERICAN CHILI

     6 ounces hot turkey Italian sausage                 1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium
     2 cups chopped onion                                        high heat. Remove casings from sausage.
     1 cup chopped green bell pepper                      Add sausage and onion with next 4 ingred-
     8 cloves minced garlic                                        ients to pan, cook 8 minutes or until
     1 pound ground beef sirloin                                onion is tender and meats are browned
     1 jalapeno pepper, chopped                               Stir, scrambling meat.
     3 Tablespoons tomato paste                            2. Add tomato paste and next 7 ingredients,
     2 Tablespoons chili powder                                 and cook 1 minute, stir constantly
     2 Tablespoons brown sugar                                 Stir in wine, tomatoes, and kidney beans.
     1 Tablespoon ground cumin                                 Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and
     1 teaspoon dried oregano                                    simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
     1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper                    3. Uncover and cook 30 more minutes,
      1/4 teaspoon salt                                                   stir occasionally. Discard bay leaves.
     2 bay leaves                                                           Ladle chili  into individual bowls.
     1 1/4 cups Merlot or other fruity wine                     This  makes 8-  1 12 servings.
      2 [28 ounce] cans diced tomatoes, undrained
     2 [ 15 ounce ] cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained.

            This is an easy recipe. Get all your ingredients together before beginning
             You will get compliments, I am sure, I do every time I make this.
             I  hope you will try it, let me know your results.

       That is all for today friend, this is Jenny


Thursday, January 10, 2013

MMM.....SOUP!!

           A few days ago, I went to a restaurant and, among other items, ordered
    Broccoli Cheese soup. Thinking of Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup, that I had in this
    same restaurant, and loved. Disappointment is not the right word to describe how I felt
    when the waitress brought my soup! It should have been called " pureed cheese soup"!
    with some hidden broccoli !. I could not eat it. I love cheese,but when the cheddar cheese
    is thick and  is all you taste is the cheese, not quite my idea of a soup that usually
    is creamy with cheese and broccoli!! I know we do not all have the same taste, but,
    come on, who needs the extra calories  not to mention the plaque in our arteries!!
            Here is one soup I have made that my family really likes.

                                                  BROCCOLI AND CHEESE SOUP
                     1 cup finely chopped onion
                     2 cloves minced garlic
                     3 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth
                     1 [16-ounce] package broccoli florets
                     1/2 cup all purpose flour
                     2 1/2  cups 2% reduced fat milk [ I have often used skim milk]
                     1/4 teaspoon black pepper
                     8 ounces processed cheese, such as American Cheese cut into cubes,
                               Velveeta Cheese can be used.[ I have used shredded Cheddar
                               on occasion, but it does take longer to melt]
                     Heat the oil in a large nonstick saucepan over medium high heat. Coat
                     the pan with cooking spray. Add the onion and garlic, saute 3-4   minutes
                     or until the onion is tender.
                     Pour in the broth and add the broccoli . Bring to a boil. Reduce heat,
                     and cook for 10 minutes.
                     Lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup, level with a knife. Combine
                     milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until well blended; add to broccoli mixture.
                    Cook 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened , STIRRING CONSTANTLY.
                    Stir in pepper.
                    Remove from heat; add cheese, stir until cheese is melted.
       
                    When I make this I always chop the broccoli florets ahead of time, but, if you have
                    a food processor or blender , [or even the new hand-held type blenders], the soup
                    can be pureed before serving
                    Perfect companion for a ham or turkey sandwich, or
                    A baked potato on the side with broiled tomatoes,  topped with seasonings of
                   your choice, and " Wa lah" a round out meal .

                   .
                   I hope you will give this recipe a try.  It is a favorite in my house.
                  Let me know your results,  leave me any comments.

 
                 That is all for today, friend. This is Jenny
                 





                                     
                     

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

JAMAICAN CHICKEN STEW....MMMM!!!

         My apology for not publishing anything since  all about "NUTS".
       Hoping all my readers have the best of everything in 2013!

          It is winter and to most that means  CHILIS, SOUPS, and STEWS!!  Something to
          warm our bodies, whether you work, have skis, a snowmobile, or are doing any
           outside activity.
          This STEW  will make you feel like you are on the island of Jamaica [in spirit]
          and you'll be  saying "YAH MON !" before your second bite.
          Add JALAPENO-style CORN BREAD for a weeknight supper[dinner].YUM!

                                                       JAMAICAN  STEW
                    1 cup uncooked long grain rice--prepared according to package directions.
                                                                      omitting salt and fat. Keep warm.
                    2 teaspoon olive oil--heat oil in skillet over medium high heat.
                    1 cup chopped onion
                    1 garlic clove, minced--add onion and garlic to oil and saute till tender.
                    1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
                    1 teaspoon curry powder
                    1 teaspoon dried thyme
                    1/2 teaspoon ground  allspice
                    1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper----combine chicken and next 5 ingredients.
                                                                             Add this mixture  to skillet and saute
                                                                              for 4 minutes.
                     1/2 cup dry red wine
                     2 Tablespoons capers
                     1 [15 ounce] can of black beans, rinsed and drained,
                     1 [14 . 5  ounce] can diced tomatoes, undrained----stir in wine, beans, capers,
                                                                                 tomatoes. Cover, reduce heat and simmer
                                                                                 10 minutes or until chicken is tender.
                      Spoon rice into individual bowls. Ladle the stew over rice.
                      Garnish with sprigs of cilantro if desired
                      1 1/2 cups  stew and 3/4 cup rice. This makes 4 servings

               This is delicious. Not an ordinary chicken stew, one you will want to make again!!
             
               Leave me your comments, I'll be anxious to read them. Thank you.

              That is all for today, friend,  this is Jenny..