Asian Sliders with Pineapple Salsa

Having friends over for the big game, Super Bowl XLVI? Try putting a twist on your typical game day sliders with my Asian Sliders with Pineapple Salsa.  They are a hearty pick-up that are the perfect size to eat while cheering your team on to victory. Men and women alike will  call this a winning dish, and best of all they can be made ahead of time so you are not busy in the kitchen missing out on the game!

Asian Sliders with Pineapple Salsa Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFICâ Too Hot in the Kitchen

Outrageously out of this world. Burgers bursting with Asian flavors topped with pineapple salsa served in miniature buns make the ultimate pick-up. Can make burgers earlier in the day, refrigerate, and cook when ready to serve. Great served at room temperature.

Makes 24 sliders

1 3/4 pounds ground sirloin

1/3 cup panko bread crumbs

1/3 cup chopped green onions

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 egg whites

6 tablespoons hoisin sauce, divided

24 miniature rolls (Hawaiian bread)

Pineapple Salsa (recipe below)

1. Preheat oven 450°F. Line baking sheet with foil.

2. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except rolls using 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce. Form into miniature patties (heaping tablespoons depending on size of bun) and place on prepared pan.

3. Brush tops of burgers with remaining 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce. Bake 10-12 minutes or until done. Slit rolls and place burger with about a tablespoon Pineapple Salsa (see recipe).

Pineapple Salsa

Perfect blend of flavors to complement burgers, fish or chicken. Make ahead and refrigerate. This salsa made a huge splash at my party!

Makes 1 1/2 cups

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1/3 cup chopped green onions

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce or chopped jarred jalapeno

1. In bowl, mix together all ingredients. Refrigerate.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 160 Calories from fat 23% Fat 4g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 46mg Sodium 184mg Carbohydrate 20g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 8g Protein 11g Dietary Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 lean meat

A Super Bowl Pick Up!

If you’re in true entertaining mode serve in easy, yet impressive bread bowl. To create cut a thin slice off the top of a round bread and scoop out the soft inside, leaving a shell. Fill with spinach dip. Wrap tightly in foil and bake until hot, about 20-25 minutes. No clean up!!

Spinach Artichoke Dip from Holly Clegg’s Trim & Terrific Gulf Coast Favorites

Makes 20 (1/4-cup) servings

1 onion, chopped
1/3 cup  all-purpose flour
2 cups skim milk
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 (10-ounce) boxes frozen  chopped spinach, thawed and drained
4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
1/3 cup grated  Parmesan cheese
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
Dash cayenne
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a nonstick pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, heating until bubbly and thickened.

2. Add garlic, spinach, Brie, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. Stir in artichokes, cayenne and season to taste.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 54 Calories from fat 34% Fat 2g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 7mg Sodium 125mg Carbohydrate 5g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 2g Protein 4g Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 lean meat

For more Louisiana southern recipes visit my website www.hollyclegg.com.

Spinach Artichoke Dip-Quick Football Favorite Recipe

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Eight Layered Greek Dip from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Too Hot in the Kitchen

Makes 10 servings

1 (10-ounce) container roasted red pepper hummus
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, reconstituted
1/2 cup chopped peeled cucumber
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped  pecans, toasted

1. Spread hummus on 9-inch serving plate.

2. Sprinkle evenly with remaining ingredients, refrigerate until serving time.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 90 Calories from fat 58% Fat 6g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 1mg Sodium 245mg Carbohydrate 7g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 2g Protein 2g Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 fat

For more healthy diabetic-friendly recipes visit my website www.hollyclegg.com 

Super Bowl Appetizer: Eight Layered Greek Dip

Everyone has heard of the superstition that you must eat cabbage and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. I do not necessarily believe in superstitions but I do believe in tradition – and every year I love to cook this hearty delicious Black-Eyed Pea Dip, from my newest cookbook, Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age. Meaty and easy to whip up, you simply brown ground sirloin, as it is a lean beef, sauté onion, open and dump cans. You do not get much simpler than that! Remember to drain your black-eyed peas to decrease your sodium. I love to use pita chips to dip. Enjoy and have a Happy New Year’s!

Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Open cans for a simple short-cut to this meaty black bean dip; hearty, healthy, and delicious. Ideal for New Year’s Day but enjoyable year round.

Makes 24 (1/4-cup) servings

1/2 pound ground sirloin

1 onion, chopped

1 green or red bell pepper, cored, chopped

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon chopped jarred jalapenos

2 (15-ounce) cans black- eyed peas, rinsed and drained

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies

1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese

1. In nonstick pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook meat, onion, and bell pepper, until meat is done.

2. Stir in flour, and add remaining ingredients, stirring until cheese is melted and dip heated thoroughly. Serve hot.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 66 Calories from fat 26% Fat 2g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 10mg Sodium 222mg Carbohydrate 7g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 1g Protein 5g Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 lean meat

Black-Eyed Pea Dip for New Year’s Day

When making a delicious meal – especially when entertaining – I think the sides are just as important. Asparagus is plentiful and in season and the tasty Asparagus Wraps, from Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle At Any Age, are the perfect way to showcase their snappy flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the phyllo dough – they look impressive but you will be amazed at how super easy they are! You can even save on time by making ahead, and keep fresh in the fridge covered with a damp paper towel.

Asparagus Wraps  from Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle At Any Age.

This unbeatable combination of mellow asparagus with crispy coating, salty prosciutto and a touch of cheese make this a lip-smacking veggie. Can prepare ahead of time, refrigerate and bake before serving- quick with amazing finish.

Makes 10-12 servings

24 asparagus spears (about 1 pound), trimmed discarding ends

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 ounces prosciutto, cut into strips

8 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed

1. Preheat oven 425°F. Coat foil lined baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook asparagus in large skillet with little water until tender, about 3-5 minutes depending on size of asparagus (or can cook in microwave).

3. Take two sheets phyllo dough and coat each sheet with nonstick cooking spray and layer. Cut into 6 sections (one across and two down).

4. Sprinkle each section with about 1/2 teaspoon Parmesan. Wrap prosciutto strip around asparagus. Lay asparagus on corner of phyllo section and roll up, diagonally, exposing asparagus tip. Transfer to prepared pan. Repeat with remaining asparagus. Coat asparagus with nonstick cooking spray.

5. Bake 8-10 minutes or until phyllo is golden and crispy. Serve warm or room temperature. For thin asparagus, use two instead of one for each wrap.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 25 Calories from fat 45% Fat 1g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 2mg Carbohydrate 3g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 1g Protein 1g Dietary Exchanges: 1 vegetable

Spicy Advice: Serve as special side or makes perfect party pick-up.

Asparagus Wraps

Help beat the summer heat with a refreshing and healthy twist on a classic dip, guacamole. The perfect blend of avocado, feta, and a splash of seasoned rice vinegar to create an unbeatable, tasty, nutrient-rich dip. Guacamole Goes Mediterranean is a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can whip up in minutes.

Also, avocados are not only tasty, this super food contains over 13 essential vitamins and nutrients that are important to the body. From a condiment on sandwiches to a topping on soups, avocados bring color, taste and nutrition to any meal.

I am a proponent of supporting our local community and by using Shurfine/Shurfresh private label products, you shop local! Associated Food Stores’ Shurfine/Shurfresh ingredients are high quality and affordable.

Guacamole Goes Mediterranean from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Too Hot in the Kitchen.

Makes 5 (¼ cup) servings

1 cup chopped avocado, (1-2 avocados)
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. NAKANO seasoned rice vinegar (basil and oregano flavored)
¼ cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

1. In bowl, gently stir together avocado, onion, and garlic. Mix in parsley and oregano.
2. Gently stir in olive oil, vinegar and feta. Refrigerate or serve.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 123 Calories from fat 72% Fat 11g Saturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 3mg Sodium 105mg Carbohydrate 7g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 1g Protein 3g Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 2 fat

Guacamole Goes Mediterranean: Associated Food Stores Weekly Recipe

Speedy Spinach Dip

If you’re having company or just need a quick dip–this fantastic Spinach Dip is made with only five pantry-friendly ingredients.  Full of fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants, keep green foods such as spinach and broccoli on hand as they are easy to pump up the nutrition in meals. Spinach is a great addition to enchiladas, lasagna, or even for a salad; while broccoli can be thrown in stir-fry’s and casseroles.  Speedy Spinach Dip is delicious, super easy and fast to throw together and only five ingredients.  And, who doesn’t like Spinach Dip?

Speedy Spinach Dip from Holly Clegg’s Gulf Coast Favorites Cookbook
Dip lovers of all ages will want to dig into this five ingredient trouble-free spinach dip. With reduced-fat cream cheese and Swiss cheese, you won’t have to feel guilty about going back for more.

Makes 16 (1/4-cup) servings

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen, chopped spinach
1 cup salsa
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated skim milk
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, Swiss or Alpine Lace cheese

1. Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain well.
2.  In medium nonstick pot, combine spinach and remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring until cheese is melted

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 62, Calories from fat (%) 43, Fat (g) 3, Saturated Fat (g) 2, Cholesterol (mg) 9, Sodium (mg) 135, Carbohydrate (g) 4, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Sugars (g) 2, Protein (g) 5, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat

Five Ingredient Speedy Spinach Dip

Fig, Caramelized Onion, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pizza

You’ve heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach but have you ever wondered just what are the foods to put your sweetheart in the mood? One of the most fun chapters, Food for the Mood, in my new cookbook, Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle At Any Age, will tell you just that! Did you know that oysters are high in zinc content, a mineral that aids in the production of testosterone, leading to the rumor that Casanova consumed over 50 oysters in a day to boost his libido? And if you want to spice things up in your kitchen, don’t forget to add the heat since “hot food” generates a physiological response as when you get excited!

Figs are considered a symbol of fertility and revered as an aphrodisiac as in this delicious Fig, Caramelized Onion, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Pizza. Figs are also chocked full of nutrients and fiber, so why wouldn’t you tempt your loved one with this dish?!

Fig, Caramelized Onion, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Pizza from Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle At Any Age,

Turn pizza into an alluring palate pleasing masterpiece.

Makes 8 servings

1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided

1 small onion, thinly sliced

Pinch of sugar 1 (12-ounce) thin pizza crust

2 tablespoons orange marmalade

4 ounces figs, sliced in thirds

2 ounces prosciutto, cut into pieces

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, optional

1. In small nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil and sauté onion, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes until start to turn golden. Add sugar and continue cooking until caramel color. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat oven 450°F. On pizza crust, spread remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and cover with orange marmalade. Arrange cooled onions, figs, prosciutto, goat cheese and mozzarella on crust.

3. Sprinkle with rosemary, if desired. Bake 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust crisp.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 281 Calories from fat 34% Fat 10g Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 16mg Sodium 279mg Carbohydrate 38g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 12g Protein 6g Dietary Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 lean meat, 1 1/2 fat

Spicy Advice: Figs are high in fiber and potassium. Can’t find figs, just substitute dates.

Foods For the Mood – Are You Hot in Your Kitchen? Fun Facts!

Meaty Italian Dip

With the Super Bowl playoffs and the big game itself around the corner, my husband is already talking about having folks over to watch the game. And to me that only means one thing –party food! The savory Meaty Italian Dip is one of our absolute game-day favorites. Lean sirloin and turkey sausage, combine with the healthy and antioxidant-rich roasted red pepper, artichokes, mushrooms, olives and basil that will have you digging in and coming back for more and more. Disguised as man food since we really know the secret to a man’s heart is through his stomach, this hearty dip is sure to please you and your guy’s guy. From the Effortless Entertaining Chapter, in my newest cookbook Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age, it makes cooking for company simple while also satisfying your man.  Forget the junk food and enjoy my “trim & terrific recipes so everyone will be a winner!”

Meaty Italian Dip from   Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age

A creamy hearty meaty dip with robust Italian ingredients- had tons of recipe requests and everyone ate more and more and more.

Makes 32 (1/4-cup) servings

1 pound ground sirloin

6 ounces ground breakfast turkey sausage

1/2 pound sliced mushrooms

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup minced roasted red peppers (found in jar)

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1 (14-ounce) can artichokes, drained and finely chopped

1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted chopped tomatoes

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup nonfat sour cream

1. In large nonstick pot, cook meat, sausage, mushrooms and onion until meat and sausage are done, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

2. Add remaining ingredients, except sour cream and cook until cheese is melted and dip is well heated. Stir in sour cream, heat and serve.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 67 Calories from fat 45% Fat 3g Saturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 19mg Sodium 174mg Carbohydrate 3g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 1g Protein 6g Dietary Exchanges: 1 lean meat

Spicy Advice: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes have a roasted smoky flavor for a more intense tasting tomato.

Favorite Party Dip – Meaty Italian Dip

Hamburger Dip

Hamburger Dip – only 4 ingredients and will be a crowd favorite!

This really is the best football crowd-pleasing recipe. My husband invited friends over for the Saints game on Sunday, and even though I was short on time I was able to throw together the super easy Hamburger Dip from my mom’s cookbook, trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites. It is always a hit, especially with a football crowd!

Hamburger Dip from trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites

Just four simple ingredients create this hearty and satisfying meaty dip in mere minutes, ideal for football season and last-minute company. Serve with chips.

Makes 20 (1/4-cup) servings

1 pound ground sirloin

1/2 pound sliced mushrooms

1 (16-ounce) jar salsa

1 (8-ounce) package shredded, reduced-fat, Monterey Jack or Mexican-blend cheese

1.  In nonstick pot, cook meat, mushrooms over medium heat 5–7 minutes, until meat is well browned. Drain any excess fat.

2.  Add salsa, cheese, stirring over medium heat until cheese is melted.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 82, Calories from fat (%) 48, Fat (g) 4, Saturated Fat (g) 2, Cholesterol (mg) 19, Sodium (mg) 175, Carbohydrate (g) 2, Dietary, Fiber (g) 0, Sugars (g) 1, Protein (g) 8, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat

Best Football Party Dip-Hamburger Dip