Scary Spiders

October 26, 2011

A recipe from the October 2009 issue of All You (original online). This no-cook party snack will “transform packaged snack cakes into creepy crawlers.”

IngredientsScary Spiders

  • Chocolate-covered cream-filled snack cakes (such as Ring Dings)
  • Mini chocolate cream-filled snack cakes (such as 100-calorie packs of Hostess chocolate cupcakes)
  • Black licorice laces
  • M&M’s
  • Chocolate and vanilla icing

Directions

  1. Use a toothpick to poke eight holes in cake, insert licorice laces into holes and trim ends to desired length.
  2. Attach M&M’s as eyes using dots of icing.
  3. Pipe dots of chocolate icing for pupils and create fangs by piping small bits of vanilla icing.

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Blueberry Crumb Cake

October 25, 2011

A recipe from the April 2010 issue of All You (original online). The article explains, “This lightened-up version of a classic crumb cake can save you almost 200 calories per serving (compared to Starbucks classic coffee cake).”

Ingredients

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cake:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons nonfat sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg white
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries

Directions

  1. Make topping: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Use fingertips to blend until mixture resembles large peas. Refrigerate.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  3. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.
  4. Cut a 9-inch circle of parchment; place in pan. Mist with cooking spray.
  5. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat sour cream, butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  7. Add eggs and egg white.
  8. Beat until frothy, about 3 minutes.
  9. Blend in vanilla and yogurt until smooth.
  10. Stir in flour mixture until just combined.
  11. Fold in berries.
  12. Spread batter evenly in pan.
  13. Sprinkle with topping.
  14. Bake cake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes.
  15. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before turning out of pan.
  16. Peel off parchment and turn cake right-side up on rack to cool. Cut into 12 wedges and serve.

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Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

October 24, 2011

A recipe from the May 2010 issue of All You (original not available online). The article highlights the recipe as a “dinner under $10” and credits the recipe to Margaret Mahoney of Fairdale, Kentucky.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp canola oil
  • 1 lb top round steak, cut into strips
  • Pepper
  • 2 green bell peppers, seeded, chopped
  • 12 scallions, white and light green parts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • Cooked rice, optional

Directions

  1. Warm ½ Tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Season steak with pepper.
  3. Add half of steak to skillet and stir-fry for 4 minutes, until just brown.
  4. Remove to a plate; tent with foil.
  5. Repeat with another ½ Tbsp oil and remaining steak.
  6. Return reserved cooked steak to skillet.
  7. Add peppers, scallions, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and remaining 1 Tbsp oil to skillet.
  8. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, until steak is cooked through and vegetables are lightly browned but still crisp.
  9. Serve over rice, if desired.

Filed under Chinese, Main Dish Tagged with , ,

Microwave Baked Apple

October 23, 2011

A recipe from the September 2010 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains, “This delicious baked apple recipe only takes 10 minutes to make, eating healthy couldn’t be easier.”

Ingredients

  • 1 Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala apple
  • 1 teaspoon raisins
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

  1. Core apple; remove peel from top 1/2 inch.
  2. In a bowl, mix raisins, sugar and butter.
  3. Pack mixture into core of apple.
  4. Place apple right side up in a microwave-safe bowl.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup water.
  6. Sprinkle cinnamon over top of apple.
  7. Cover bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small space for steam to escape, and cook in microwave on full power for 5 minutes, or until apple is fragrant and soft, checking every 2 minutes (microwave cooking times vary).
  8. Remove apple from bowl, place on a clean small plate and pour 1 tsp. of cooking liquid over apple. Serve warm.

Filed under Desserts Tagged with ,

S’mores Cookies Bars

October 22, 2011

A recipe from the May 2011 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains, “Graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow topping, and milk chocolate chips baked into a bar is a fun twist on this iconic graham cracker dessert.”

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups marshmallow topping (such as Marshmallow Fluff)
  • 2 cups milk-chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  2. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides.
  3. Mist foil with cooking spray.
  4. In a bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt; mix well.
  5. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until light, about 2 minutes.
  6. Beat in eggs until well combined.
  7. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
  8. Divide dough in half.
  9. Press half of dough into pan until dough is uniform and flat.
  10. Spread with marshmallow topping and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
  11. Scatter remaining dough over in clumps. Don’t worry about covering the top; marshmallow and chocolate chips should peek through.
  12. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.
  13. Place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Remove from pan, peel off foil and cut into bars. To make it easier to cut the bars, cover and refrigerate them for at least an hour or up to overnight. Use the foil overhang to remove them from the pan. Peel off foil, place on a cutting board and slice.

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Easy Mexican Black Bean Casserole

October 21, 2011

A recipe from the November 2010 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains, “This is a tasty vegetarian meal, but you can please meat eaters by cooking a few slices of bacon until crisp and crumbling them into the slow cooker with the beans before warming.”

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dried black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 16-oz. jar salsa, plus extra for serving, optional
  • Salt
  • 6 ounces shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • Tortilla chips for serving, optional

Directions

  1. Stir together beans, 4 cups water and salsa, if using, in slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on high until liquid is absorbed and beans are soft, 4 to 6 hours.
  3. Season with salt.
  4. Sprinkle cheese over beans, cover and continue to cook until cheese is melted, 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Spoon into bowls, top with additional salsa and serve with tortilla chips, if desired.

Variations from the Original (listed as “Kitchen Tips”)

  • Change the flavor. Tomato salsa works well with black beans, but you can also try a different type. Chipotle salsa lends a smoky taste. Or try a pineapple or mango salsa for a touch of sweetness.
  • Turn up up the head. Add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a kick, or use a spicy salsa. Sprinkle pepper Jack cheese on top.
  • Use more veggies. Sauté a chopped onion and a diced, seeded jalapeño until tender and stir them into the beans before sprinkling the cheese on top.
  • Make it meaty. This is a warming vegetarian meal, but you can please meat eaters by cooking a few slices of bacon until crisp and crumbling them into the slow cooker with the beans before cooking.
  • Wrap it up. Instead of chips, serve the beans with tortillas, more salsa, rice, lettuce, cheese, and guacamole, and let everyone make their own burritos.

Time Required: 7 hours

Servings: 6

Filed under Casseroles, Mexican Tagged with , ,

Tomato Soup with White Beans and Pasta

October 20, 2011

A recipe from the January 2011 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains, “The pasta and white bean in this rustic tomato soup make it a satisfying meal at a low-cost. Save even more money by doubling the recipe–you’ll have enough to enjoy for lunch later in the week.”

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes
  • 28 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup tubetini, little bow ties, elbow macaroni or other small pasta
  • 1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Warm oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add oregano, stir once, then add tomatoes with juice and chicken broth.
  4. Bring to a boil.
  5. Add pasta, stir, and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
  6. Stir in beans, lower heat and simmer until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, stir in parsley and serve, drizzling each portion with additional olive oil if desired.
  8. Makes 4 servings.

Filed under Main Dish, Soups & Stews Tagged with ,

Peanut Butter Oat Bites

October 19, 2011

A recipe from the April 2011 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains, “These delicious treats are best served with a tall glass of milk.” That’s true of most cookies though.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts

Directions

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Remove pan from heat and stir in peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, honey and vanilla.
  3. Stir in Rice Krispies and oats and allow mixture to cool.
  4. Stir in raisins and chocolate chips.
  5. Form mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in chopped peanuts, pressing to coat.
  6. Makes 24 cookies.
  7. Store in refrigerator.

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Chilled Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies

October 18, 2011

A recipe from the July 2011 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains, “Simple to make and costing less than 10 ¢ per serving, dessert does not get any cheaper than this! For variety, you can use a different type of cereal, or swap chopped nuts for the coconut.”

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 3 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

Directions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Place a small skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add coconut and toast, stirring constantly, until light golden, 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a bowl; let cool.
  5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, corn syrup and peanut butter.
  6. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring, then remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and cocoa.
  7. Continue stirring until chocolate chips have melted, then stir in cereal and toasted coconut until well coated.
  8. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Makes 40 cookies.

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Chicken and Chorizo Paella

October 17, 2011

A recipe from the June 2011 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains that “This spicy one-skillet dish has minimal clean-up, so it’s ideal for an easy weeknight meal.”

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • Salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces cooked chorizo sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

  1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and dredge in flour.
  2. Warm 1 Tbsp. oil in a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Heat remaining oil in skillet and add onion and garlic.
  5. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add chorizo and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in rice, broth, tomatoes and 1/2 tsp. salt.
  8. Bring to a boil, add chicken, cover, reduce heat to low and cook until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat, stir in peas, cover and let stand until peas are heated through, about 5 minutes.

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