Green Beans are a favorite at our house. This elegant version elevates basic green beans to a whole new level. This dish is great for entertaining because it looks and tastes like you spent a lot more time on it than you actually did. Roasting the green beans assures they will be crisp tender and full of robust flavor. As an added bonus, the extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese greatly enhances the natural appeal of this classic side. Green Beans are actually the seed pod of the common bean plant — though I’m not really sure that fact makes them taste better! Names vary according to their characteristics of growth -- string beans, snap beans, pole beans, bush beans or French beans. Green beans are low in calories and carbs but high in nutritional value. They ... [Read More]
Beans
Chicken Tikka-Masala Tacos
Tortillas filled with chicken in a tikka-masala sauce. I was confused. Is it from India? Mexico? Chapitas from India are similar to a Mexican tortilla, but are made from whole wheat flour with water, oil and salt. The Mexican tortilla is made from refined flours (or corn) with milk, oil and salt. Tortillas are more readily available in US groceries. So Chicken Tikka-Masala Tacos are an American adaptation of an Indian dish?? Sort of -- but there is that matter of the filling. In India, Chicken Tikka is usually a kebab, small pieces of chicken skewered and then roasted. In the UK, cooks skip the skewering part and cooks smaller bits of chicken in a savory sauce and call it tikka. A British adaptation of India cuisine. Only the masala part was left alone. And, what is masala? ... [Read More]
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
The first time I made Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip, I wasn’t so sure anyone would like it. They didn’t just LIKE it, they thought it was fantastic! Black beans, corn and spicy (sort of!) enchilada sauce and all. The creamy melty cheese didn’t hurt either! It is just as good the second day, too, though I had to hide a sample so I could check that out. :-) Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before running it through the microwave to reheat. Rotisserie chicken works well for this, as does leftover chicken or turkey. Dice the meat on the small side for easier eating and so it won’t break the chips. I used mild enchilada sauce, but if your family likes the spicier versions go right ahead. I did add the cumin for a bit more kick so you might want to adjust that or even use a ... [Read More]
Meals that mend: eating to heal
Had a burp in the bubble of serenity (such as it is!) here at Chez Charlene. Wheels had surgery yesterday (at home now and doing fine – thank you!) but has to be off his feet for several days followed by reduced activity for a couple of weeks. Good health is controlled by diet and exercise, so it takes a little planning to keep that balance during a down time. Even the healthiest of us can’t avoid strains, sprains, or some periods of forced inactivity for other reasons. It is possible to adjust your way of eating to maintain health during those times – and even to aid quick recovery! Off to the grocery to do some thinking and planning on the move. Problem: Control the number of carbs and calories per meal to avoid weight gain and unstable blood sugar and still provide enough food and ... [Read More]
Sesame Green Beans
A Chinese place nearby has Sesame Green Beans as a staple on the buffet table and I make a beeline for them every time we eat there. Along with the Crab Rangoons! I raved over them one time to my sister Vee in one of our weekly phone calls. Oh, I make Sesame Green Beans every once in a while, she says, they are really good. Shocked silence on my end. How did she know about Sesame Beans? And why was she keeping them secret? Then she spilled the beans and gave me her recipe. (sorry – that just slipped out!) Of course, I didn’t get to it right away. After all, the Chinese place is down the street. Then we were invited to a get-together – a wonderful evening Thanksgiving feast on the patio in August. The hostess said it was easier to put a turkey in the oven than to cook ... [Read More]
