Chocolate Pecan Pie with Honey Crunch Topping

The holidays in my house aren’t complete without a Pecan Pie on the menu.  I have tried many recipes over the years but my favorite pie is the Chocolate Pecan Pie with the Honey Crunch Topping fro my Gulf Coast Favorites Cookbook.  I made the pie the other day to shoot a photo, and honestly, I couldn’t quit eating it.  We unanimously agreed that it was the best pie we had put in our mouth.  You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or the dark chocolate which is what I did to give it that rich deep chocolate contrast to the sweet pecan filling. I believe in convenience so I just used a refrigerated crust to keep pie making simple.  Now, I think the secret is the Honey Crunch Topping-I will give you a quick tip:  If you don’t like to bake pies, pick up a pie and add the Honey Crunch Topping and I promise your pie will have that extra pizzazz.

Whenever I want my favorite southern or Louisiana recipes, I turn to my Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook-with this book you can enjoy healthier Louisiana favorites that is so much better for you.  You don’t have to change what you make, just change how you prepare it–even with Pecan Pie!

Here’s the recipe for Chocolate Pecan Pie with Honey Crunch Topping

Chocolate Pecan Pie with Honey Crunch Topping-My Favorite

 

Sweet Potato Chili over Couscous

It’s a pink out! Thanks to the amazing continuous efforts of many breast cancer charities, doctors, treatment centers, patients, survivors, friends and family, the word it out, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! Pink ribbons and pink products are everywhere. Many companies, such as Lacoste, Stella & Dot, Tory Burch and Nike among many others, have created products with a pink theme in honor of the cause, with a portion of the proceeds going to cancer research.

Another way to lend a hand to someone close to you going through treatment is of course food. I know I’m bias, but food is the best way to warm the heart and help soothe symptoms, aside from medicine of course. Why not help take the pressure off of mealtime and help ease their symptoms by whipping up a nutritious, easy, flavorful meal for your loved one or friend going through treatment.

Ever since my father’s diagnosis in the late 90′s, I’ve realized the power food has on patients as they go through treatment and work to remain healthy in the years following. In 2006, I wrote Eating Well Through Cancer: Easy Recipes & Recommendations During & After Treatment with a local oncologist to help those going through cancer and caretakers cope with the effects of treatment through food. Currently, I’m a monthly contributor to Thrive (Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s monthly publication), Breast Cancer Wellness and the HuffingtonPost.com health channel. My Eating Well Through Cancer recipes have been featured on LiveStrong.com and AOL Healthy Living.com.

Sweet Potato Chili with Couscous

 However, to keep within the pink theme, I want to offer you a delicious recipe from my trim&TERRIFIC Too Hot in the Kitchen cookbook. I recommend selecting fom the “Fill Up with Fiber” section of my book as it will definitely fill everyone up while supplying a great deal of nutritional value. My Sweet Potato Chili Over Couscous is delicious, nutritious, freezes well and feeds a crowd (see below for recipe).  Look for Louisiana Yams for the sweetest of sweet potatoes and I speak from experiencefrom cooking with them.   Remember, sweet potatoes have been touted as one of the most nutritious vegetables which is great as they are my favorite….so is this vegetarian style recipe.

Sweet Potato Chili over Couscous

This vegetarian entrée tops my list! The spicy chipotle chili powder, smoky tomatoes, and naturally sweet yams over unassuming couscous are fantastic.

Makes 6 (1-cup) servings with 1/2 cup couscous

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1-1/2 pounds Louisiana yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks (4 cups)
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 3 cups cooked couscous

1. In large nonstick pot, heat oil and sauté onion, bell pepper and garlic over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in chili and chipotle powder for 30 seconds. Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beans and broth.

2. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and cook about 20-30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Serve over couscous.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 312 Calories from fat 10% Fat 3g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 626mg Carbohydrate 61g Dietary Fiber 11g Sugars 12g Protein 11g Dietary Exchanges: 3 1/2 starch, 2 vegetable

Spicy Advice: Chipotle chili powder has a smoky spicy flavor found in spice section. Fire-roasted tomatoes, also in groceries, have a smoky fiery flavor. Chili powder and diced tomatoes may be substituted to save a trip to the store.

Soothing Symptoms Through Food: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Looking for easy and affordable tailgating recipes? Actually, this is one of my go-to recipes (and you know how I love avocado and opening jars)  Check out my latest and greatest with Associated Food Stores…remember to shop local!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Super Salsa
Open up a few jars of pre-made salsa and add avocado for a fun, effortless dish. Kids love creating and eating this dish! Did you know that 1/2 cup salsa=1 serving of vegetables?

Serves 24 (2 Tablespoons)

2 cups salsa
1 (11-ounce) can Mexican-style corn, drained
1 avocado, diced
2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1. Combine all ingredients in medium bowl.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 30, Protein (g) 1, Total Carbohydrate (g) 5, Fat (g) 1, Calories from Fat (%) 11, Saturated Fat (g) 0, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Sugars (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 0, Sodium (mg) 149
Terrific Tidbit: Use your favorite salsa or whatever you have in the pantry.  For a treat, pick up fresh salsa in the refrigerated section of supermarket for a flavor bonus. Have fun by using red pepper squares or cucumber rounds as chips to dip.

Super Simple Salsa Video-Tailgating Tip with Associated Food Stores

This kid friendly, hearty treat is healthy, yet packs flavor. Using affordable, staple Shurfine/Shurfresh ingredients you have in your pantry, quickly create a delicious afternoon snack or breakfast pick-up perfect for the entire family.

Featured in Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking.

MEATY BISCUIT CUPS

20 servings/serving size: 1 biscuit cup

1 pound ground sirloin
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup Shurfine barbecue sauce
1/2 cup frozen Shurfine corn, thawed
1 (10-ounce) can flaky refrigerator biscuits
1/2 cup shredded, reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven 400°F. Coat muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In nonstick skillet, cook meat and onion over medium heat 5 minutes or until meat is done.  Drain excess fat.  Add barbecue sauce and corn, mixing well.
3. Cut each biscuit in half and press each half into prepared muffin tins. Press sides of each biscuit gently up into cup shape.
4. Divide meat mixture into biscuit cups.  Bake 10 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven one minute or until cheese melts.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 97, Calories from fat 33%, Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 219 mg, Carbohydrate 9 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugars 3 g, Protein 7 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 lean meat

Meaty Biscuit Cups: Summer Snack, Associated Food Stores Weekly Recipe

One of the ultimate classic comfort foods is Mac and Cheese. Whip up this family favorite in minutes using quality, affordable Shurfine/Shurfresh ingredients, while shopping local and supporting your community.

Featured in Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Gulf Coast Favorites.

One Step Macaroni & Cheese
Use no boil pasta for this all-in-one recipe for a quick and simple favorite.  I like a little sugar, but may be omitted.

Makes 10–12 servings

5 cups Shurfresh skim milk
1 Shurfresh egg
3 tablespoons Shurfine sugar
1 tablespoon Shurfresh butter, melted
1 (16-oz.) package Shurfine small sea shell pasta or macaroni
Shurfine Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven 350°F. Coat 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and sugar.  Combine remaining ingredients in prepared dish. Pour milk mixture over and stir well.
3. Bake, covered, 60-65 minutes or until all liquid is almost absorbed. Uncover, and continue baking 10 minutes more.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 255, Calories from fat 19%, Fat 5 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 178 mg, Carbohydrate 37 g, Dietary Fiber 1 g, Sugars 10 g, Protein 14 g, Diabetic Exchanges 2 starch, 1/2 fat-free milk, 1 lean meat

Mac and Cheese: Associated Food Stores Weekly Recipe

I am excited to be the spokesperson  for the Shurfine/Shurfresh brand in the Associated Food Stores.  I have tested recipes using their products with wonderful results.  I felt this was a great partnership for me as I can guide people to buy afforadable groceries and shop local!  Affordability continues to be a buzz word these days, and if I can help everyone cook healthier and more affordable with local shopping–why not!  Look for my weekly featured recipes in the Associated Food Stores ads and I will also feature each weekly recipe on my blog.  So, everyone start cooking and start shopping local!

Shop local! With Holly and Shurfine/Shurfresh!!!

Fig, Caramalized Onion, Proscuitto and Goat Cheese Pizza

Everyone seems to be asking me about figs-either someone is picking them or getting them fresh from a friend-so must be fig time.  Figs are high in fiber and potassium.  I love this pizza featuring figs as you savor sweet and salty in every bite with this wonderful ingredient combination. 

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

FROM:  TOO HOT IN THE KITCHEN: SECRETS TO SIZZLE AT ANY AGE from Food For The Mood Chapter

Figs, high in fiber and potassium, combined with sweet caramelized onion, salty prosciutto and creamy goat cheese turn pizza into a 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

Figs and Pizza: Fig, Caramelized Onion, Proscuitto & Goat Cheese Pizza

Lake Austin Spa is the perfect desitination for someone that wants to be comfortable, spa, enjoy food, and take exercise classes.  Even though it is June and hot in Texas, it didn’t stop us from going on paddle boats to my daughters laying out in the sun.  I arrived without make-up and the only time I got dressed was when I gave my presentation , “Secrets To Sizzle At Any Age” (about cooking, aging and my new book) and after, I immediately changed back to my exercise clothes uniform.  For me, the food is creative, delicious, and satisying–some of the best and since it is included, I would order extra of dishes I wanted to try.  I was there during Culinary Week which is why I gave my presentation.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and 3:00pm and yogurt all day, I promise you won’t go hungry.  And, the treatments are probably some of the best I have ever had.  The Hot Stone Massage, my facial and my Head To Toe (scalp and feet massage) were all heavenly.  And all the activities were  fun to try–did nautical noodles (pool exercise) to kettle ball.–more classes than you could imagine.  I love Lake Austin Spa, most, because it is comfortable, no rules, accommodating and everyone has a smile.  So, pack up for a fun getaway with your daughter, mother or friend and the only bad part is you have to leave back to reality.

And, my friend in the photo, is Winnelle Elder who has been on the brochure of Lake Austin Spa.  She was with her two lovely daughters!

Lake Austin Spa-relaxing, comfortable and foodie friendly

I am always thrilled when my diabetic cookbook is selected by the ADA.  Tis’ the season for grilling but there are many more grilling options than traditional burgers, steak, chicken and tenderloins.  Wait until you check out these new innovative recipes featured in the ADA Chef’s Grilling  Throwdown.  I selected a Tuna Burgers, as I love tuna and love burgers–so that cinches the deal!  And, even though the Mandarin Sauce is optional, I think this topping perfectly complements the tuna.

Make the burgers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook. Or, in the mood for sliders, make mini Tuna Burgers and put on miniature buns for a Tuna Slider.  With an Asian flair, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

You can find all the recipes from the chefs on their site but I wanted to give you my version of Tuna Burgers, which of course, is diabetic friendly and featured in my diabetic cookbook with the ADA.  Support the ADA and purchase my Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking discounted at the ADA Store.

Tuna Burgers from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Diabetic Cooking

Tuna Burgers   
If you prefer hamburgers to any food, try this great tuna alternative with an Asian flair. It’s as simple to make as any hamburger, but so much better for you!

4 servings/serving size: 1 burger

1 1/4 pounds fresh tuna
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lite soy sauce
3 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 recipe Mandarin Sauce (optional; see recipe below)

1. Remove any skin from tuna, coarsely chop in blender or food processor (or with knife) until it is consistency and texture of ground meat.
2. Transfer tuna to bowl, combine with garlic, mustard, soy sauce, green onion, ginger, salt and pepper (if using). Shape tuna into 4 patties, refrigerate 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Heat sesame oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook tuna burgers 2–4 minutes on each side or until done. Serve topped with Mandarin Sauce (if using).

Mandarin Sauce

1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey
1 (8-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained, chopped
1/3 cup mandarin juice, reserved from can

1. In small saucepan, bring all ingredients to boil. Reduce heat, simmer 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Calories  179
Calories from Fat  25
Total Fat  3 g
Saturated Fat  0 g
Cholesterol  64 mg
Sodium 166 mg
Total Carbohydrate  3 g
Dietary Fiber  1 g
Sugars   1 g
Protein 34 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 very lean meat

American Diabetes Association Grilling Throwdown

I always love being a part of the Go Red Luncheon so I was excited when they asked me to be the keynote speaker in Lafayette.  I went early to give a short talk and demo for their “Circle of Red” patrons.  Of course, I made my one and only, Eight Layered Greek Dip from Too Hot in the Kitchen, a guaranteed hit (which it was).  More fun as the luncheon menu for 3oo people was all from my cookbook too.  We had the light but satisfying Mediterranean Chicken Salad, colorful and delicious, with the perfect summer dessert, Margarita Cake (don’t worry it was non-alcoholic) for dessert–all from Too Hot in the Kitchen.  Thanks for a great time and after selling out of cookbooks, I know there will be lots of trim & terrific Lafayette cooks!

Go Red Luncheon in Lafayette-with AHA