Rachel Ray Apple Cheddar Burgers

Poultry seasonings, granny smith apple, cranberry sauce, mustard and hamburgers? Really strange combination, huh? Indeed. And equally delicious. (Don't worry HC police, I made it a few weeks ago.) :)

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground turkey breast
4 scallions, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (a generous handful)
1 tablespoon grill seasoning
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 apple, such as granny smith, cut into 12 slices
8 slices extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
4 sandwich-size english muffins, split and toasted
8 leaves red- or green-leaf lettuce

(I used turkey vs beef and didn't use the scallions and they were still great.)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the turkey, scallions, parsley, grill seasoning and poultry seasoning. Form into 4 patties, pressing your thumb into the center of each to prevent it from bulging.

2. In a large skillet, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 6 minutes on each side for medium. Top each with 3 apple slices and 2 cheese slices, tent the pan with foil and cook until the cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and mustard; slather on the muffin tops. Pile 2 lettuce leaves on each muffin bottom, top with the patties and set the muffin tops into place.

Southwestern Veggie Wraps

1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced (or you could substitute with garlic powder)
1 TB olive oil
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 c. fresh/frozen corn, thawed
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 coarsely chopped zucchini
2/3 c. + 2 TB water, divided
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. cornstarch
flour tortillas
salsa
sour cream

In a large non-stick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. (If using garlic powder wait to add with other spices).

Stir in beans, corn, red pepper, zucchini, 2/3 c. water, chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until most of the liquid is evaporated.

Combine cornstarch and 2 TB water until smooth, stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened.

Spoon about 2/3 c. down the center of each tortilla. Top with salsa and sour cream. Roll up. 6 servings.

Peach Cobbler

Here is a recipe for a delicious peach cobbler. Still pretty basic, but it makes a difference and we love it.

6 peaches - sliced (or whatever fruit you want)
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter
1/2 can Fresca

Place the sliced peaches in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with cinnamin and sugar (your preference). Pour cake mix over the top. Slice butter and lay it on the top of the cake mix. Pour between 1/4 to 1/2 can of Fresca. Bake in the oven for 30 mins at 350 degrees. Serve with vanilla ice cream. I promise you won't have any leftovers.

I know most people probally aready make this, but the fresca just adds the moisture and flavor!

Pineapple Cake....

I made this cake today for a baby shower. It was delicious and is so easy to make!! Enjoy!

Yellow cake mix
Small package vanilla instant pudding
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
16 oz crushed pineapple
8 oz cool whip

In 9x13 inch pan bake cake mix according to package directions. Let cool completely.

Mix pudding per package directions. Mix cream cheese into pudding until smooth.

Layer pudding mixture on top of cooled cake. Next layer the pineapple and then top with the cool whip.

Refrigerate over night or for several hours.

Butternut Squash

I have 2 ways of cooking this. It is one of our favorite vegetables.

Oven:
Cut squash in half length wise and scoop out seeds (like a pumpkin).
Place halves , cut side up, in baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dot with margarine or butter. (Especially get it into the depression where the seeds were. Pour water into dish until 1/4 in. deep. Cover and bake 400 deg oven 30-40 min. 350 deg oven 40 min. or 325 deg oven for 45 min.

Microwave:
Pierce squash several times with knife and microwave for 4-6 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut in half and remove seeds. Arrange halves cut side down on plate. Cover and microwave 5-8 minutes or until squash is tender.

After the squash is cooked scoop out insides from rind. Insides should be fork tender and mashable. Add salt pepper, and lots of butter. Mash. I sometimes use brown sugar instead of salt and pepper.

If squash is not tender enough stick back into microwave until tender.

Garlic Carrots (Reply to Veggie Request)

I don't have a picture because I haven't made it super recently, but wanted to post this for you (and anyone else interested). These are super easy and taste very yummy! A great way to jazz up basic cooked carrots. I got it years ago from a Quick Cooking magazine and have made them several times.

1 lb. baby carrots
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 TBSP olive or vegi oil (I use olive)
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried thyme
dash pepper

In a skillet, saute carrots and garlic in oil for 5 minutes. Add water, salt, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 8-12 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Enjoy!

Veggie Requests

By now many of you know of my aversion to vegetables. Since Rich is starting this Healthy Competition with Katie again I thought I'd ask for your favorite veggie recipes so that I can help him out.