Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

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Recipe of the Week: Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Servings: 12 sandwiches

Calories per serving: 364 kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 Light Multigrain English Muffins (try Thomas 100-Calorie)
  • 12 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 oz per slice)

MEAT (quantities listed make 4 servings of each, feel free to swap)

  • 4 slices Applegate Hickory Smoked Uncured Thick Cut Bacon 
  • 4 slices Hormel Black Label Canadian bacon
  • 1 lb Jennie-O Turkey Breakfast

*Cook breakfast meat according to package directions

EGGS

  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups egg whites
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 medium shallot, diced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

EGGS

  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 13×18″ baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil or rendered bacon fat in a pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add shallot and bell pepper and sauté until softened and fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Add baby spinach and toss with shallot and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, continuously moving around the pan, until spinach is softened and bright green. Dump spinach mixture onto a paper-towel lined plate and set aside.
  3. Add whole eggs into a bowl with milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until yolks are broken down and combined into the whites. Then add remaining egg whites and cooled spinach mixture and whisk until combined. Pour into greased baking sheet.
  4. Bake at 325 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until the tops of the eggs are no longer jiggly. Set aside to cool.

ASSEMBLE

*Note: ensure all components are completely cooled before assembling the sandwiches!

  1. Slice the cooled eggs into 12 pieces and break bacon slices in half so they fit onto the sandwiches.
  2. Place the English muffin bottoms on the counter (or onto a large baking sheet for easy cleanup). Add the cooled egg whites, then the cheese slices, then the meats. Add the muffin tops and tightly wrap the sandwiches in wax paper or foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.

RECIPE NOTES

  • Wrapping: I tried wrapping and freezing these sandwiches in plastic wrap, wax paper, and aluminum foil. The ones wrapped in wax paper fared the best in the freezer in the short term, and foil did better over time.
  • Storing: I also tried sticking some wrapped sandwiches in sealed plastic containers or reusable plastic bags. If using foil or using wax paper for short term (<1 week) freezing, the extra container or bag is totally unnecessary. 
  • Reheating: I tested a variety of reheating methods – air fryer, oven, microwave, microwave + toaster. My favorite was letting the sandwich thaw in the fridge overnight, then topless into the air fryer at 200 degrees for 10 minutes. Then replace the top, flip it, and go at 300 degrees for 5 minutes.

This recipe originally comes from Peanut Butter & Fitness and can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole

INGREDIENTS

Roasted veggies

  • 1/2 medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
  • 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1” squares
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into wedges about 1/2” wide
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Remaining ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups (18 ounces) red salsa, either homemade or jarred
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 9 to 10 corn tortillas, halved
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
  • 2 big handfuls (about 2 ounces) baby spinach leaves
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To roast the veggies (this can be done up to 2 days in advance): Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the middle and upper third of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
  2. On one pan, combine the cauliflower and sweet potato. On the other pan, combine the bell peppers and onion. Drizzle half of the olive oil over one pan, and the other half over the other pan. Same with the cumin.
  3. Sprinkle both pans lightly with salt and pepper, then toss each one until the vegetables are lightly coated in oil and spices, adding another light drizzle of olive oil if necessary. Arrange the vegetables in an even layer across each pan. Bake until the vegetables are tender and caramelized on the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes, tossing the veggies and swapping the pans halfway.
  4. When you’re ready to assemble, reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9? square baker. Stir the cilantro into the salsa.
  5. To assemble, spread 1/2 cup salsa evenly over the bottom of the baking pan. Add a single layer of halved tortilla pieces, arranging them so they completely cover the salsa.
  6. Top with 1/2 of the beans, 1/3 of the vegetables, 1/2 of the of spinach, and 1/3 of the cheese.
  7. Make a second layer of tortillas (press down on the mixture a little to make room for the next layers). Top with 1/2 of the remaining salsa, all of the remaining beans, 1/2 of the remaining vegetables, all of the remaining spinach, and 1/2 of the remaining cheese.
  8. Make a third layer of tortillas. Top with the remaining salsa, vegetables, and cheese.
  9. Cover the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 10 more minutes, or until heated through.
  10. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes, to give it time to set and reach a palatable temperature. Before serving, sprinkle the top lightly with additional chopped cilantro.

Original recipe from Cookie & Kate can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Rice and Bean Salad Bowl

Prep: 35 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 4

Rice and Bean Salad Bowl

Ingredients:

Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 clove garlic

Salad

  • 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus wedges for serving
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 cups cooked short-grain brown rice
  • 1/4 head red cabbage, cut into thin slices
  • 2 avocados, cut into wedges
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper (from a 12-ounce jar), coarsely chopped
  • 1 small cucumber, cut into rounds
  • 2 cups upland cress or watercress, tough stems removed

Directions

Step 1- Tahini Sauce:

Combine tahini, lemon juice, and 2 to 3 tablespoons water (enough to create consistency of honey) until smooth; season with salt. Finely grate garlic; stir into sauce. Adjust seasoning as desired. Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Step 2- Salad:

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, both beans, parsley, onion, celery, lemon juice, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bean salad can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Step 3- Serving

For each serving, place 3/4 cup cooked rice and 3/4 cup bean salad in a bowl; add some cabbage, avocados, roasted pepper, cucumber, and cress. Squeeze a lemon wedge over top and drizzle with tahini sauce.

Original recipe from Martha Stewart can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Turkey Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 5-6

Turkey Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 Cubanelle peppers
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 jalapeno pepper chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup water or chicken stock
  • 1 cup shredded Manchego cheese

For Serving: Fresh chopped herbs, spicy chili flakes, pesto or zhug (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Heat a large pan to medium heat and add the olive oil.
  3. Add the jalapeno and onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add the ground turkey and cook it through, stiring as you go, about 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in the seasonings and water or chicken stock. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the moisture to evaporate. Remove from heat.
  6. Slice the Cubanelle peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out the innards. Set them onto a large baking sheet.
  7. Scoop the seasoned ground turkey into the pepper halves then top them with Manchego cheese.
  8. Bake them for 20 minutes for slightly crunchier peppers, or 30 minutes for softer.
  9. Remove and sprinkle with spicy chili flakes, fresh chopped herbs, and pesto, zhug or chermoula, if desired.

Nutrition:

Calories: 280, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 17g

Original recipe from Chili Pepper Madness can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES
YIELD: 6

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
  • 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces baby bella mushrooms, diced
  • 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced into small chunks
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups full fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch

Directions:

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil or ghee to the pot and then add the diced chicken. Cook for four to six minutes until the chicken is cooked through and is no longer pink. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add the diced onion, diced celery, carrots, garlic, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for two to three minutes until the onions begin to become translucent.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the pot and stir until well combined.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir until combined and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
  5. Stir in the arrowroot starch. The soup should thicken as the arrowroot starch is stirred in.
  6. Add the chicken back to the soup and stir in the frozen peas. Cook the soup for 5-10 more minutes until the chicken and peas are heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition:

Calories Per Serving: 460
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 33g

Original recipe from All the Healthy Things can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Healthy Pumpkin Bread

PREP: 15 mins
COOK: 55 mins
TOTAL: 1 hr 10 mins
SERVINGS: 10 slices (1 8×4-inch loaf)

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (or melted and cooled coconut oil)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 large egg (at room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325*F. Lightly coat an 8×4 inch loaf pan with baking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the oil and honey together until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt and the egg. Whisk again. Make sure the ingredients are smooth and well blended. Whisk in the pumpkin purée and vanilla.
  3. Sprinkle the baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt over the top, then stir to combine. Sprinkle in the flour, then gently mix, just until the flour disappears.
  4. Spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove pan and lightly tent with foil to keep the top from becoming too dark. Return the bread to the oven to continue baking for another 25 to 35 minutes (55 to 65 minutes total), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 5 minutes. Gently transfer to a wire rack. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Nutrition:

SERVING: 1 slice (of 10)

CALORIES: 161kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 30g, PROTEIN: 4g, FAT: 4g

Original recipe from Well Plated can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Tofu Stir Fry

Let’s load up our weeknight dinner with fresh, colorful vegetables and plant-based protein. Get creative by adding the vegetables you like, make it spicy by adding sriracha, or add whole grains for a complete meal.

PREP TIME: 15 mins, COOK TIME: 15 mins, TOTAL TIME: 30 mins

Tofu Stir Fry

Ingredients:

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbsp honey (or brown sugar for vegan)

Stir Fry:

  • 16 ounces super firm tofu (drained, pressed)
  • 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1 Tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced 1/2 inch)
  • 1 small bunch of broccolini (chopped 1-inch)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, vegetable broth and honey. Set aside.
  2. Once the tofu has drained, slice in half then into 1/2 inch cubes and place into a large bowl and season with 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch on top and gently toss with your hands to ensure all tofu pieces are covered.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, add 1 tablespoon oil and heat to medium-high.
  5. Add the tofu and let it get crispy without touching it or flipping for 3-4 minutes, then repeat on all sides.
  6. Remove tofu and set aside.
  7. To the skillet at medium heat, add sesame oil, red peppers, broccolini and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  8. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 30 to 60 seconds.
  9. Add the tofu and sauce, toss and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened and the tofu is heated through.
  10. Top with sesame seeds.
  11. Serve the stir fry by itself or with rice or soba noodles, or if you want to keep it low-carb, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Nutrition:

Serving: 1 cup, Calories: 294 calories, Carbohydrates: 21.5g, Protein: 18.5g, Fat: 16g

Original recipe from Skinny Taste can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Ultimate Fall Salad

Get creative with your ingredients, using seasonal fall produce to make a satisfying, healthy meal. Plan ahead and prep for lunch the next day.

Active Time: 30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 small butternut squash (optional buy pre-cubed)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 bunch chopped kale (about 6 cups)
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked farro
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 cups chopped apples (about 2-3 apples)
  • 4 ounces shredded Pecorino-Romano cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon chopped shallot

Directions:

  1. Peel, scoop out seeds, and cube butternut squash. Toss in 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground pepper. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes at 400°F, or until squash is tender and golden brown.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Combine kale, farro, apples, squash, walnuts, cheese, and cranberries in a bowl.
  4. For the dressing, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, orange juice, mustard, shallot, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a bowl until fully combined.
  5. Dress salad immediately, or keep dressing on the side and dress your salad as you go.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 394
Fat: 24g
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 44g

Original recipe from Cooking Light can be found here!