Turnip the heat in the kitchen

I am still totally obsessed with my Farm Box organic vegetable delivery. Tonight I cooked with a vegetable that reminds me of Fraggle Rock: TURNIPS! I was nervous, but the dish came out smooth and creamy, everything I could have hoped for. I served this as a side to chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheddar, but any chicken dish would do!

Turnip-Potato Gratin
Servings: 2
PointsPlus Value: 4 per serving
155 calories per serving

Ingredients
4 oz turnips
1/2 cup skim milk
3 Tbsp FRESHLY grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp Panko bread crumbs
6 oz uncooked potatoes, peeled

Instructions

-Slice turnips and potatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices.
-Cover with water in a small pot and boil for 5-8 minutes until just soft.
-Drain and layer in a small casserole dish that has been sprayed in PAM, alternating layers of potato and turnip and sprinkling with salt and pepper.
-In a small saucepan, combine milk, flour, and thyme.
-Warm milk over medium heat and add cheese.
-Let simmer while stirring continuously with a whisk for 4 minutes.
-Pour over potato-turnip mixture (liquid should almost cover the dish, but the top layer will be dry).
-Sprinkle top with breadcrumbs, spray quickly with PAM, and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Healthy meals to nourish your mind.

Farm Box Special--Cabbage and Beef Stew

I am not a huge group coupon user, but when a recent deal came up to have organic fruits and vegetables delivered to my door for half price, I could not resist! One of the beautiful pieces of produce I got was a HUGE head of cabbage. I racked my brain for uses and I remembered my mother's Beef and Cabbage Stew that she used to make all of the time when we were kids. I have not had it in ages, and I figured, why not. It came out quite delicious and I know it will be perfect for those cool GA winter nights.

Cabbage and Beef Stew
PointsPlus Value: 2
85 calories per serving
Servings: 12 (1 cup per serving)

Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium uncooked potato, peeled, quartered and sliced
1/2 pound 90% lean ground beef
15 oz can stewed tomatoes, chopped
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
3 Tbsp uncooked brown rice
1 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups canned beef broth
2 cups water
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp dried parsley

Instructions
-Brown meat with onion. Drain excess fat by pouring mixture into a fine strainer and letting fat drip off.
-Add rice and stewed tomatoes. Mix well and let simmer 2 minutes.
-Add remaining ingredients, let simmer 1+ hours.

Healthy meals to nourish your mind.

Lettuce eat healthy Asian food

Chinese food is one of the things that I truly miss about New Jersey. I took for granted how easy it was to call up Bill and Harry's and have a delicious dinner ready for pick-up in 15 minutes. Asian cuisine in general is one that I struggle with as a cook--I never feel like I get the seasoning right, and often times it is so high in fat and calories that I don't even bother.

I decided to make these Asian Chicken Wraps in an attempt to supplement some left over Lo Mein that we had in the freezer. Much to my delight they came out absolutely delicious, and they will certainly be making an appearance again soon in our weekly rotation.

Asian Chicken Wraps
PointsPlus Value: 5 per serving
Calories: 285 per serving
Servings: 2 (4 wraps per person)

Ingredients
-10 oz uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
-2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce (I use Soy Vey Teriyaki sauce, which has a really nice blend of spices)
-1/2 small onion, chopped
-1 clove garlic, minced
-1/2 cup carrots, shredded
-1/2 cup bean sprouts
-8 large Boston lettuce or Bib lettuce leaves

Directions
-Dice raw chicken and put into a shallow bowl. Top with Teriyaki sauce and mix until chicken is well coated. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
-Saute onion until soft.
-Add garlic and diced chicken mixture to pan. Saute until cooked through.
-Remove from heat and add shredded carrots and bean sprouts.
-Allow to cool slightly and then scoop into lettuce leaves.
-Serve with soy sauce, if desired.

Healthy meals to nourish your mind.