Quinoa Stuffed Peppers with Enchilada Verde Sauce

FB Source: Ethel Kerckaert

Ingredients:

Stuffed Peppers:

1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
4 T olive oil
2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can sweet corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
4 red, orange or yellow peppers
1 cup Spicy V-8 juice

Sauce:
1 can enchilada verde sauce
3 T sour cream
2-3 T cilantro

Directions:
Stuffed Peppers:

1. Place quinoa and water (or broth) in sauce pan and heat on medium high. Bring to a boil and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
2. While quinoa cooks, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Heat a large skillet on medium high heat, drizzle olive oil in skillet and add sweet potatoes. Stir to coat all pieces and saute for 10 minutes until sweet potato starts to soften. Add chopped onion and garlic to pan and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking until onions start to turn translucent. Add beans, corn and tomatoes and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Add a small amount of vegetable broth to pan if anything is sticking. Add cooked quinoa to pan with vegetables and stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Pour Spicy V-8 in the bottom of a 9 X 13 glass baking dish.
4. Cut peppers in half and remove stems and seeds. Rinse well and pat dry. Divide stuffing between all 8 peppers and stuff pepper cavity. This makes quite a bit, so you may have some stuffing left over.
5. Place peppers in baking dish on top of V-8 juice and cover with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Sauce:

1. Place all sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until well mixed.
2. Plate peppers topped with some of the V-8 sauce in the bottom of baking dish and then drizzle with verde sauce.

Based on 8 servings:

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/2 pepper, stuffed

Amount Per Serving

Calories  559 Calories from Fat  120

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  13.3g 20%

Saturated Fat  2.8g 14%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  2mg 1%

Sodium  555mg 23%

Total Carbohydrates  114.9g 38%

Dietary Fiber  34.3g 137%

Sugars  6.0g

Protein  20.1g

Vitamin A 20% • Vitamin C 352% Calcium 50% • Iron 177%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

• Very low in cholesterol
• Very high in dietary fiber
• Very high in iron
• Very high in manganese
• High in magnesium
• High in potassium
• Very high in vitamin B6
• Very high in vitamin C

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic Aioli

Source: Stacie Allred

Adapted from: Lifestyle 365

Ingredients:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
Brussels Sprouts
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper

Lemon and Garlic Aioli:
3/4 C Mayonnaise
2-4 tsp Lemon Juice
1/2 - 3/4 tsp Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp Dried Parsley

Directions:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Quarter Brussels Sprouts lengthwise. See photo for closeup.
3. Toss Brussels Sprouts in bowl with 2-3 Tbsp of olive oil, enough to coat each little sprout.
4. Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Lay out in a single layer on a large, rimmed cookie sheet. (I like my half-sheet cookie sheets that I got at Costco years ago. You just need something that has a little 1" edge around it.)
6. Bake for 20 minutes, and then gently turn them over.
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, and then turn them over, again.
8. Repeat that last step until they have reached your desired level of doneness.

Lemon and Garlic Aioli:

• In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Adjust the ingredients to your preference. We like a little more acidity to our aioli, so we increased the amount of lemon juice we added.
• Best if made just after you pop the Brussels Sprouts in the oven.

Produce: Refrigerate or Room Temp?

FB Source: Julie Morgan

Bobby's Goulash

FB Source: Julie Morgan

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Paula Deen

Ingredients:
Goulash:

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 pound lean ground turkey
2 large yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cups water
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Directions:
Goulash:

1. In a Dutch oven, saute the ground beef  and ground turkey over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Break up the meat while sauteing. Spoon off any grease. 
2. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and saute until they are tender, about 5 minutes. 
3. Add 3 cups water, along with the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, House Seasoning, and seasoned salt. Stir well. 
4. Place a lid on the pot and allow this to cook for 15 to 20 minutes. 
5. Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, return the lid to the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes. 
6. Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and allow the mixture to sit about 30 minutes more before serving.

House Seasoning:
Mix the ingredients together and store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months. Use as a seasoning on meat and when cooking vegetables.Serve with garlic bread and a salad.

Per serving: Calories: 478; Total Fat 8 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 57 grams; Total carbohydrates: 46 grams; Sugar: 14 grams Fiber 5 grams; Cholesterol: 110 milligrams; Sodium: 3758 milligrams

Guacamole Dip

FB Source: Carl Barbaro

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 green onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
½ small tomato, chopped
Pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Peel avocados. 
2. Place them in a bowl and mash with a fork. 
3. Add lime juice, green onion, garlic, tomato, and salt stirring well.

(from Dr. Susan's Kitchen)
Serve with low-fat corn chips, sliced vegetables, and entrees such as burritos. Delicious!

Stacie says: "Save the avocado pit, and keep it in the bowl of guacamole. It helps to keep the dip from oxidating (going brown) as quickly."

The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ever

FB Source: Carl Barbaro

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Delicious as it Looks

Ingredients:
2 lbs. stew meat, cubed
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups (32 oz.) beef broth
1 1/2 lb. red potatoes, cubed (unpeeled)
1/2 lb. carrots, coarsely chopped
6 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried, crushed rosemary
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp flour

Directions:

1. Place beef, 2 tablespoons of flour and salt and pepper in large resealable bag. Shake to coat beef. 
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add beef and stir to brown evenly. 
3. Transfer beef to slow cooker and return skillet to heat. Deglaze pan by adding a little broth and scraping up the browned bits. Pour this into the slow cooker as well.
4. To the slow cooker, also add the beef broth, the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, rosemary and thyme. Stir well. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 10 to 12 hours.
5. 30 minutes before serving, combine the 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons flour in a small bowl and gradually add to the stew while stirring. Cook for 30 minutes on high. Serve.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

FB Source: Julie Morgan

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork or mild Italian sausage
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 TBSP Italian seasoning
3 eggs
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 lb mozzarella, cut into cubes
Olive Oil
Marinara (jar or homemade)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl mix beef through pepper ingredients.
2. Form into 2" balls. 
3. Press a cheese cube in the middle and seal the meat around it.
4. Heat 1/2" oil in a large skillet. Brown meatballs and then set aside on plate.
5. Pour marinara sauce into pan; bring to a simmer. 
6. Add meatballs and simmer until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
7. Serve over spaghetti or on top of a hoagie!!

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

FB Source: Susan Parker

Ingredients:
1/2 - 3/4 lb cooked fettuccine
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb peeled, deveined raw large shrimp
1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp *Essence seasoning (recipe below - I think you can buy this, too.)
1 1/2 smoked turkey sausages, sliced and quartered (I use Butterball)
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

*Essence Creole Seasoning
2 1/2 Tbsp paprika
2 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp black pepper
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp dried thyme

Directions:

1. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat in a large saute pan. Season the shrimp with 2 teaspoons of the Essence. Place the shrimp in the pan and saute until almost done. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. 
2. Place the remaining Tbsp of olive oil in the saute pan and onions and bell peppers. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sausage and cook another minute.
3. Add the garlic to the pan and saute for 30 seconds. 
4. Add the chicken stock to the pan and scrape with a spoon to remove any browned bits that have formed in the bottom of the pan, about 30 seconds. 
5. Add the thyme, 1 Tbsp of Essence and 1/2 tsp salt and cook for 2 minutes. 
6. Add the heavy cream to the pan and cook an additional 2 minutes. 
7. Return the shrimp to the pan and pasta to the pan. Continue to cook the sauce and pasta, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the basil and Parmesan.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse

Fall-Off-the-Bone Chicken Soup

FB Source: Carl Barbaro

Original Source: Eat Drink Paleo

Ingredients:
1 whole free range chicken
2 celery sticks, washed
2 carrots, washed and peeled
2 spring onion bulbs (go for the green onions with more developed white bulbs) or 1 brown onion, cut into quarters
3-4 bay leaves
A few coriander (cilantro) stems and some leaves
2 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
2 litres cold water
2 medium white potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes*
2 tsp Celtic salt or sea salt

1-2 large pots

Directions:

1. Firstly cut your chicken into 4 pieces. Use kitchen scissors to cut through one side of the spine and along the breast bone on the other side. Cut off the thighs from each half and you will have quarters. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with two litres of cold water. Place on the stove and turn the heat to high.
2. While the water is coming to boil you can prepare the rest of ingredients. What I do next is add bay leaves, garlic and peppercorns to the chicken stock. I then cut one of the celery sticks and one of the carrots into 3-4 pieces and add to the stock along with the white onion. I tear coriander leaves off the stems and save those for later; I add the stems as well as a few fresh leaves to the stock. The rest of the vegetables will be added in the second part of cooking. That’s it! Bring it to boil, then bring the heat down to low simmer and cover with a lead. Every now and then you can skim off the foam but we are going to strain the liquid so don’t worry too much about it. Cook for 1 hour 30 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t boil or cook on high heat, low and steady is a secret to super soft chicken.
3. While the stock is cooking you can prepare the rest of the vegetables. Peel and cube the potato, slice the second halves of celery and carrot, and wash the coriander leaves.
4. By this stage the smell of chicken soup would have filled your house and you’re now ready for phase number two. Remove chicken pieces on to a bowl or a chopping board and let them cool down so we can work with the meat. Strain the rest of the liquid into another pot. You can use some of the cooked veggies but I like to discard those and use freshly chopped ones for some crunch.
5. Add salt, potato, celery and carrot to the strained stock. Bring to boil, then turn down to low simmering and cook for 10-15 minutes or until potato is soft to bite. While cooking, remove chicken skin and separate the meat. Tear the meat into thin strips and return to the soup at the end. Turn the heat off, throw in a handful of coriander leaves and some diced green onion and cover with a lid to set for a few minutes before serving.

Mexican Chicken Salad Wraps-Pinwheels

FB Source: Mary Asbury

ORIGINAL Source: Divas Can Cook

Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1-2 Tablespoons Spicy Ranch Dressing
10 oz can Rotel Mexican Lime & Cilantro dice tomatoes, drained
¼ -1/2 cup red onions, diced
2 chicken breast, seasoned, cooked & shredded
1 cup Colby jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ tablespoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
6 large flour tortillas

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to bowl, mixing after each ingredients.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
3. Spread onto flour tortilla, leaving about an inch all the way around.
4. Roll tightly.
5. Wrap in seran wrap and refrigerate rolls for an hour.
6. Slice about 1-1½ inch thick.

Serve.

Notes
~TIPS~ Add more Mexican flavaaaah! Toss in some roasted corn, taco seasonsing and black beans! Use different color tortillas for a colorful platter!

####################################################
This recipe came from Divas Can Cook which is
Old School Cooking For The Modern Woman.
Make sure you go check out the website for more great recipes.
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Read Morehttp://divascancook.com/2012/02/easy-mexican-chicken-salad-wraps.html

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

FB Source: Carl Barbaro

ORIGINAL Source: Food.com

Ingredients:

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 tablespoon pure olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups white wine, I use chardonnay
1/2 fresh lemon, Juice only
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup softened butter
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat cast iron skillet and add olive oil.
2. Add shrimp and cook until tender and no longer translucent, reduce heat. Remove Shrimp and set aside.
3. Add garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Do not allow garlic to brown - it will make it bitter.
4. Add white wine, and lemon juice.
5. Cook until wine is reduced by half. After it is reduced, add Italian seasoning.
6. Reduce heat to low, and add butter. If pan is too hot, the butter will separate.
7. Add shrimp back into sauce, add parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan Cheese.

Cauliflower Breadsticks

FB Source: Wrap Me Skinny

Ingredients:
1 large head of cauliflower 
2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 oz low fat mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
salt
pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Chop the cauliflower into chunks and place into microwave for about 5 minutes or until soft
3. Place the cauliflower into a food processor and blend until it's a mashed potato texture
4. In a medium bowl, stir together cauliflower, eggs,cheese, and seasonings
5. Lightly spray a baking pan with spray oil and coat with the mixture (about 1/2 inch thick)
6. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the top starts to brown
7. Add additional cheese to the top and enjoy!

Australian Crash Hot Potatoes

FB Source: SplenDishes by Shonali

Ingredients:

Baby or Red Potatoes

Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Fresh Herbs

Garlic

Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Boil some baby potatoes (I used red) until fork tender. 
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 
3. Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet, set potatoes on sheet and using a potato masher, gently smash each potato down, rotating masher both ways (so it looks like a thick cookie). 
4. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt/pepper and sprinkle cut fresh herbs and garlic over each. THEN top with some lovely grated Parmesan cheese. 
5. Bake for 20 minutes.

These were the most delicious potatoes I've ever had, I swear! In Australia their called Crash Hot Potatoes, I don't know why (any Australians have some insight?), whatever the name, they were SO awesome! And super simple. OMG...crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, salty, garlicky, herby and cheesy goodness. I need to make more now!!

Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops

FB Source: Jana Guest

Ingredients:
6-9 pork chops (not too thick, you can use boneless pork loin)
2 eggs
4 Tbsp water
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Canola or vegetable oil for frying chops

Glaze:
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
2 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 cups honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp  ginger
dash of cayenne pepper (to your taste)
1/2 cup soy sauce

Directions:

1. Whisk the eggs and water together in a shallow dish.
2. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in another shallow dish.
3. Dip the chops in the flour, then over into the egg. Then back over into the flour mixture once again. This is what puts the extra crispy coating on the chops. Be sure to get plenty of flour on in this last coating, then shake them a little and place in a pan with about a half inch of oil. Be sure the oil is hot, but not too hot or the chops will cook too fast. You need to get it good and hot and then turn to about medium.
4. Cook for about 6 minutes on each side. Try not to turn more than twice or your breading will come off.
5. Remove from the pan to a 9"x13" baking dish.
6. To make the glaze, saute the garlic a little in the butter. Add the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, cayenne, and ginger. Bring to a boil then reduce to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Watch this carefully because it will foam and might boil over.
7. Pour 1/2 of the glaze over the pork chops. Flip them over and pour the other 1/2 over the other side. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes. This sets the glaze and finishes them to be sure they are cooked through.

~Works great with chicken too!!!

Zucchini Lasagna - Gluten Free

FB Source: High Protein Foods

Ingredients:
1 lb 93% lean beef
3 cloves garlic
1/2 onion
1 tsp olive oil
salt and pepper
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8" thick
15 oz part-skim ricotta
16 oz part-skin mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
1 large egg

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pan, brown meat and season with salt. When cooked drain in colander to remove any fat.
2. Add olive oil to the pan and saute garlic and onions about 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan, add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 30-40 minutes, covered. Do not add extra water, the sauce should be thick.
3. Preheat oven to 350°.
4. In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg. Stir well.
5. In a 9x12 casserole spread some sauce on the bottom and layer the zucchini to cover. Then place some of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with the mozzarella cheese and repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. Top with sauce and mozzarella and cover with foil.
6. Bake 45 minutes covered at 375°, then uncovered 15 minutes. Let stand about 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Grilled Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

FB Source: Sherry Kirkpatrick Patterson

Ingredients:

Salad:

1 pint grape tomatoes
1 ripe avocado
2 ears of fresh sweet corn
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Honey Lime Dressing:
Juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp honey
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
Dash of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Salad:

1. Remove husks from corn and grill over medium heat for 10 minutes. The corn should have some brown spots and be tender and not mushy.
2. Cut the corn off the cob then scrape the cob with the back of your knife to get the juices. Set aside and let cool.
3. Slice the tomatoes in half.
4. Dice the avocado and chop the cilantro.

Honey Lime Dressing:

1. Add all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
2. Combine the sliced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and grilled corn and honey lime dressing and mix gently so everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the avocados.
3. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to let flavors mingle.

Enjoy.

7-Day Diet Weight Loss Soup (Wonder Soup)

Source: Sandra Caraway

Ingredients:
½ head of cabbage, chopped
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup white or yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
and cayenne pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, onions, bell peppers, and carrots.Saute until slightly tender.
2. Stir in garlic.
3. Pour in chicken broth.
4. Stir in tomatoes and cabbage.
5. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
6. Cook until cabbage is tender.
7. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt (if using)
8. Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed.

Lasagna Soup

Source: Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas

Ingredients:
For the soup:
2 tsp. olive oil
1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage
3 c. chopped onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 T. tomato paste
1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
6 c. chicken stock
8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta
1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the cheesy yum:
8 oz. ricotta
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper

Additional cheesy yum:
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.
2. Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy and absorb all the soup broth. You may even want to consider cooking the noodles separately, and then adding some to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them. This would be an especially smart move if you are anticipating any leftovers. Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.

Hasselback Garlic Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Source: Kris Maks

Ingredients:

Potatoes:
16 oz potatoes
3 to 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 Tbsp butter, melted
2 Tbsp olive oil
salt and fresh black pepper
Fresh chives (diced)
Bacon (cut into large chunks)
1 cup Shredded Cheese of your choice

Herbed Sour Cream:
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Potatoes:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Using a wooden spoon as a cradle, place each potato in the spoon and make several parallel slits into each potato top making sure not to slice completely through. 
3. Place 3 garlic slices between slits at the crown of each potato. Toss in a medium bowl with butter and olive oil. 
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with tin foil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
5. When the potatoes begin to “fan out” it’s time to make the magic happen.Carefully slip a hunk of bacon into each slit of the potato like so and continue to cook
6. Once the potatoes and bacon are fully cooked (use a knife poke test), coat the potatoes with heaping helping of shredded cheese. .
7. Bake until tops are crispy and potatoes are cooked through, about 1 hour. Transfer to a platter and top with Herbed Sour Cream and chives.

Herbed Sour Cream:
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Season, to taste, and refrigerate until use.

Original Source: Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas

For many people, Hasselback style potatoes are nothing new.
Make some slices in a potato, bake, and it magically fans out into an impressive looking potato with LOTS of character indeed, making for a brilliant addition to any meal!

Broccoli Patties

Source: Ty Jackson

Ingredients:
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic - minced
1/2 onion - chopped
1 (12 ounce) bag frozen broccoli - defrosted
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs - beaten
salt/pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
2. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat, add in the garlic and onions. Season with salt/pepper to taste. Sauté until onions are garlic are tender, set aside to cool.
3. Add the broccoli to a kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the broccoli and squeeze out the extra moisture. Pour the drained broccoli into a large bowl.
4. To the same bowl, add the panko, the cheeses, eggs, sauteed onion and garlic, and salt/pepper to taste.
5. Mix together and form into patties, place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for another 15 minutes or until browned and crispy.