Squash Boats

I came across this side dish when a friend of mine posted a picture on facebook of this amazing dinner she made.  She used Zucchini to make the boats and I have tried both Zucchini and Yellow Squash but favor the Yellow Squash more.  Try both and see what you like!



3 Squash (yellow or zucchini)

1 Roma Tomato, Chopped

½ Teaspoon Garlic, Minced

1 Teaspoon Olive Oil

¼ Cup Breadcrumbs

Salt to taste

Black Pepper to taste

½ -1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded

Cut the squash length wise and scoop out the center making a “boat” trimming off the bottom if you need to stabilized it on the sheet pan.  In another bowl, mix together the tomato, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil to make a wet sand type mixture.  Pack the mixture into the boats and bake in a 375 degree oven for about 35-40 minutes until the squash is tender and cooked through.  At this point, top the boats with cheese and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. 

This makes a delicious side dish to any meal! Whatever you eat it with, take the Thyme to Savor…

Indian Style Lettuce Wraps

This is my take on a favorite at PF Changs, the lettuce wraps.  In an effort to eat healthy, I have created this dish as a staple to our low calorie diet.  Here is how I make this.

Ingredients:

1/2 Lbs. Ground Turkey Meat (or any other ground meat you like)

2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

3 Teaspoon Garlic, Minced

1 Small Jalapeno, Minced (more for more  heat)

1 Teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Minced

3 Tablespoon Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

2 Teaspoon Ground Tumeric

4 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

2 Teaspoon Garam Masala

1/2 Teaspoon Tandoori Masala (optional)

1 Teaspoon Salt (more or less depending on your family's taste)

2 Cups Spinach, chopped

½ Cup Fresh Green Beans, chopped small

½ white onion

½ red bell pepper

Lettuce (any type you like, we usually use butter lettuce or whole romaine leaves)

Directions

Heat the oil in a large frying pan.  Once hot, add the green beans, bell peppers, and onion and allow them to cook for a minute or two.  Then add the turkey and allow it to cook for another minute or two.  Add all the spices, garlic, ginger, and jalapeno, mixing well.  Allow the meat to fully cook.  Once fully cooked, add the spinach until the spinach has wilted down. Check the seasonings and adjust to your taste.  Serve the meat in a plate with your favorite lettuce and enjoy. 

Whether you are dieting or not, this is a must try and remember to take the Thyme to Savor...

Macaroni & Cheese Cupcakes

This is a great little dish to have for your next party.  Small enough to be just the right amount of pasta and cheese but full of flavor.  This is always a hit with the kids... I love macaroni and cheese, but when it's homemade, it is even better. Here is the recipe.  The original recipe calls for cheddar cheese but I used a blend of Italian cheese from Trader Joe's and it was to die for! So don't be afraid to mix and match cheese to see what you like!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus a little more for garnish (or any blend you like)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400.  Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners.

1. Cook the macaroni until done.  Drain and immediately return to pot.

2. Add cheese and stir briefly until almost melting.

3. Beat eggs into milk, and then pour mixture into macaroni.  Mix well.

4. Ladle macaroni mixture into muffins tins, and bake for 20 minutes.  Cool slightly before serving

Serve this at your next party... or make it for a small dinner for kids! What ever event you make it at, it will surely be a hit and remember to take the Thyme to Savor...