Authentic Spanish Rice

1 T. bacon drippings 3/4 c. long grain white rice 1/2 c. chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced 3 sm. canned tomatoes, diced (or perhaps a small can of diced tomatoes? Or some fresh tomatoes?) 2 T. tomato juice 2 c. hot water 1/2 tsp salt In skillet, heat bacon fat on med. high.  Add [...]

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Gorgonzola Cheese Grits

Do you know how hard it is to find real grits in Maine? Not as hard as I thought, after someone informed me that grits are actually the same thing as polenta.  Who woulda thunk it. 2 cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 3/4 c. uncooked quick cooking grits (ick) 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 1/3 [...]

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Homemade Steak Sauce

In a small bowl mix 1/2 c. vodka 2 tsp. crushed whole allspice 2 tsp. crushed cinnamon stick 10 crushed whole cloves Cover with plastic wrap; let sit at room temp. for 8 hours Strain vodka mixture; set aside In bowl mix: 1/2 c. red wine vinegar 1/2 c. soy sauce 2 tsp. hot sauce [...]

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Spiced Zucchini and Carrot Quinoa

4 cups water 2 cups quinoa, rinsed well, drained 2 tablespoons dried currants 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into small cubes 2 medium zucchini, trimmed, cut into small cubes 1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Combine first 4 ingredients [...]

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Greek Spaghetti Squash Salad

1 (3-pound) spaghetti squash 5 cups chopped plum tomato 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese 1 cup chopped seeded cucumber 1 cup green bell pepper strips 1/4 cup vertically sliced red onion 1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives 3 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried [...]

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Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms and Mascarpone

1 1/2 cups boiling water 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (about 1/2 ounce) 1 (14-ounce) can less-sodium beef broth Cooking spray 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice or other short-grain rice 3/4 cup chopped shallots 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1/4 cup (1 ounce) mascarpone [...]

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Spicy Collard Greens

1 smoked turkey wing, skinned 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 1 dried Anaheim chile, stemmed and chopped (about 3 tablespoons) 1 cup chopped onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1 (16-ounce) package collard greens, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons lemon juice   Preparation Remove meat [...]

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Two-Potato Latkes

2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup grated fresh onion 1 pound shredded peeled baking potato 1/2 pound shredded peeled sweet potato 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 1/4 ounces) 1/3 cup finely chopped green onions 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced 1 large egg, lightly beaten Cooking spray [...]

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Honey Glazed Carrots

1 1/2 quarts water 5 cups thinly sliced carrots 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add carrots; cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Place carrots and remaining [...]

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Smoky Bacon and Vinegar Green Beans

4 slices (6 ounces) hickory-smoked bacon, diced (uncooked) 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 1 cup water 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/4 cup cider vinegar Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bacon; sauté [...]

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