Monthly Archives: May 2009

Asian, Pasta, Seafood, Shrimp

Shrimp and Sesame Pasta

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1 pound penne rigati pasta
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup hot water
1 pound cooked medium shrimp
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Toasted sesame seeds

Cook pasta according to package directions. During last minute of cooking time add asparagus. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until pasta and asparagus are cool. Transfer to a large serving bowl and set aside. If preparing a day ahead, bring to room temperature before serving.
Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Add hot water and stir until sauce is smooth, breaking up any small clumps.
Add shrimp, red pepper, green onions, and 1/4 cup of the cilantro to the pasta. Add sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and sesame seeds.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Cheese, Ground Beef, Vegetables

Shepherds Pie

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1 pound ground Beef Top Round, cooked
1 12 oz. can green peas
1 12 ounce corn, creamed
1 12 ounce can green beans, drained
6 potatoes, peeled and cubed, or leftover mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups water
dash salt and pepper
1 dash garlic powder
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded – or slices of American cheese

Cook amd mash potatoes. Brown beef, drain all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add seasonings and water, simmer until gravy thickens. Layer meat, hamburger gravy,vegetables, potatoes and cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove from oven when cheese is melted.
8 Servings

Black Beans, Casseroles, Chicken, Ethnic - Regional, Mexican, Poultry, Tortillas

Sharon’s Mexican Chicken Casserole

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This is nothing short of awesome! And oh, so easy!

3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
1 12 oz. can chicken broth
1 10 3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 12 oz. can canned corn, (Mexicorn), drained
1 12 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 8 oz. bottle green taco sauce or Tomatillo Salsa
1/4 cup salsa
9 corn tortillas
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded – may use the Mexican flavored cheese

In a large bowl, whisk together the soup and half of the broth. Stir in the green taco sauce, salsa, corn, black beans and one cup of the cheese.
Place one layer of corn tortillas over bottom of a 13×9″ baking dish. Top with half of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers ending with a layer of corn tortillas. Top with remaining cheese and pour remaining chicken broth over the casserole.
Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.

8 Servings

Asian, Pasta, Shrimp

Sesame Shrimp and Pasta Salad

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1 pound penne rigati pasta
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup hot water
1 pound cooked medium shrimp
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Toasted sesame seeds

Cook pasta according to package directions. During last minute of cooking time add asparagus. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until pasta and asparagus are cool. Transfer to a large serving bowl and set aside. If preparing a day ahead, bring to room temperature before serving.
Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Add hot water and stir until sauce is smooth, breaking up any small clumps.
Add shrimp, red pepper, green onions, and 1/4 cup of the cilantro to the pasta. Add sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and sesame seeds. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Asian, Chicken Breasts, Pasta

Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake

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Asian vegetables, fresh ginger, and soy sauce recall the taste of lo mein. Break the spaghetti before cooking to make it easier to prepare and serve.

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 cup red bell pepper strips
8 ounces shiitake mushroom caps, sliced
2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cream sherry
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
3/4 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, divided

Cooking spray

1 cup panko (coarse, dry) breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400°.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add red bell pepper strips and mushrooms; sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken, ginger, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in soy sauce; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine broth and cornstarch, stirring well with a whisk. Add broth mixture to pan, and cook 2 minutes or until mixture is slightly thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in sherry, vinegar, and crushed red pepper. Add pasta, bok choy, green onions, and 2 teaspoons sesame seeds to pan, tossing well to combine. Spoon pasta mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray.
Combine breadcrumbs, butter, and remaining sesame seeds; sprinkle evenly over pasta mixture. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until breadcrumbs begin to brown.

Yield: 4 servings