Dinner

RV Meat Loaf Pressure Cooker Style

On the road we need healthy, fast and delicious. Our pressure cooker is one of our most used and important tools in our cozy travel trailer kitchen. At home  in Bend we also make this dish and it cooks in 12 to 15 minutes, depending on your altitude. We still work, so coming home and being able to cook meatloaf and  potatoes in 12 minutes is such a help, add a veggie or salad and you have a quick complete meal..

Meatloaf in a pressure cooker? I was as surprised as you probably are, but it turns out to be a quick-and-easy success. “Amazing,” said my husband Jeff, “It doesn’t look or taste steamed.” But steamed it is, in the cooker’s vegetable basket. You can also use a standard collapsible steaming basket instead. It’s essential to cook the meatloaf in a container that has a perforated bottom.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon  olive oil
  • 1 large zucchini, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed to a paste with coarse salt
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
  •  1 pound  ground lean chicken or turkey
  • 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated  Parmesan
  • Combine Separately
  • 1 cup ketchup, divided
  • 1/4 cup  balsamic vinegar (use 1/2 Cup in the meatloaf mixture and the remaining amount to top the meatloaf) It’s yummy

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the onion and cook until golden brown, add the carrots, zucchini, peppers, celery, garlic paste, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper, to taste, and cook until almost soft, 5 minutes or so. Set aside to cool.

Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. Add the meat, bread crumbs, cheese, 1/2 cup of the ketchup/ balsamic mixture and the cooled vegetables,  mix until just combined.

NOTE: At this point you can bake the meatloaf the traditional way in the oven, directions below, or follow me to the quick RV pressure cooker way, either choice this is a delicious and super healthy meatloaf

Traditional Method:.  

Mold the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Brush the remaining ketsup /balsamic mixture over the entire loaf. Bake the meatloaf for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pressure Cooker Method:

Coat the bottom and sides of the steaming basket lightly with the cooking spray.  Transfer the meatloaf to the steaming basket and press into a disc of uniform thickness. (If your steaming basket has a central lifting pole, either remove it or shape the loaf around it.) Spread the remaining catsup/balsamic mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Pour 2 cups water into your 6-quart pressure cooker, set the prepared steamer basket on top of the water. Place pressure cooker on your stove’s burner , bring the pot to high pressure (15 psi). Once this pressure has been reached, reduce the heat as much as possible while maintaining this pressure. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Set the pot off the heat and let the pressure fall to normal naturally, about 12 minutes. Unlock and open the pot. Carefully lift the steamer basket out and voila, you have a healthy, moist and delicious dinner.

 

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Meatloaf ready to place on top of potatoes

I also place another steamer basket under the meatloaf basket and layer peeled potatoes, the potatoes cook perfectly  all cooked at the same time.

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Potatoes prepared to mash

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Steamer Basket

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So please give it a try and if you RV like we do, saving time in the kitchen is essential, as we would rather hike and bike, than spend many hours cooking. The pressure cooker allows us to be able to cook, fast and healthy and that’s what’s so  important to JUST AROUND THE BEND ♥

RV Style Che Guevara

I dont know about you, but when we pull away from the house and finally get on the road, I like to have as many meals made ahead as possible.  Meals that freeze well and reheat wonderfully. In addition they must be healthy. This RV friendly recipe ticks all of the boxes, plus it makes a great breakfast, lunch or dinner. Che Guevara also makes a quick burrito, taco or a even healthier rice bowl. Often times when we want to go hiking and not spend a lot of time on a  big breakfast, I reheat the Che Guevara in tin foil, place in the oven to reheat and serve a perfectly cooked egg on top- Yum, it’s truly super food. With these simple ingredients you are on your way to hike, bike, fish, or relax around the campfire.  ♥

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Roasting Pan I Use

4 Cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks

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Love this roasted corn

1 large onion, diced  (approx. 2 cups)

1 plantain, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks (optional)

1 1/2 Cups of brown rice (I use leftover brown rice or Seeds of Change Quinoa & Brown Rice already cooked) Best buy is at Costco 

1/2 cups cilantro chopped and divided

1 15 ounce can of organic black beans ( drained and rinsed)

1 1/2 Cups of corn I prefer Trader Joe’s frozen Blackened corn

1 to 1 1/2 Cups of cooked broccoli, cut into tiny pieces eliminating the stems (drained and dried well)

1 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)

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This is a great option

1/2 Cup of your favorite barbeque sauce

1 teaspoon vindaloo (savory spice) or chili powder

salt and pepper (to taste)

Beware this makes a large batch, approximately 6 cups

What’s nice about this recipe is it can all be made in one pan.
Preheat the oven to 400°
Peel the chunked sweet potatoes, adding them into a large roasting pan. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with Vindaloo or chili powder.  Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Spread potatoes  out evenly into one layer – this is important, as you want them to roast, not steam as they will if you have them all on top of each other. Roast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Roast an additional 5 minutes, adding the plantains and onion, continuing roasting until all potatoes and vegetables are  golden and crisp, an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Test to make sure the sweet potatoes have softened yet crispy on the outside.  When the roasting is complete, remove from the oven and add all of the remaining ingredients. Stirring gently to mix. Serve with Liz’s Greek Yogurt Topping and sprinkle with the remaining chopped cilantro.

Liz’s Greek Yogurt Topping
1 cup nonfat greek  yogurt , 1 Tablespoon diced fresh cilantro and 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice, mix all together and use as a topping.

Che Guevara makes a great burrito , taco or bowl, the possibilities are endless. Also liz-logo-1wonderful with corn or flour tortillas, chips and a nice cold beer..

 

 

 
Next week I am featuring Joshua’s Celery Soup
Disclaimer: The first time I experienced Che Guevara was at a wonderful restaurant in Portland, Oregon named Laughing Planet. Then lucky Bend, Oregon they opened up a Laughing Planet. I was in heaven. My neighbor Jen and I decided we could go home and duplicate this recipe and we believe the above recipe is pretty darn close.  Try  the recipe out and see what you think, its worth it. If you are ever lucky enough to find a laughing plant near you, all of their creations are wonderful .

Curry Chicken Veggie Soup

Bringing you your daily dose of travel and adventure and sometimes some good stuff to eat!!!

Week # 3

A soup that sports all the colors of a brilliant autumn day, yet full of health and antioxidants. Another figure friendly recipe, that just gets better with time.
Servings: 8 Very generous helpingsp1000908

Ingredients
2 teaspoon organic olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 Tbs curry powder

1 Tablespoon Red Curry paste  ( I prefer  Thai Kitchen)
2 medium sweet potatoes (6  to 8 ounces each), peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
3 medium carrots, sliced or diced
1 small cauliflower, cut or broken into florets or 1 bag of frozen cauliflower
6 cups of  chicken or vegetable broth
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes

2 Cups cubed roasted chicken or turkey (leftover works great)
2 Cups of diced fresh baby spinach leaves

Liz’s Greek Yogurt Topping
1 cup nonfat greek  yogurt , 1 Tablespoon diced fresh cilantro and 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice, mix all together and use as a topping for this soup, tacos, burritos, chili, the possibilities are endless.
Directions
Place a large saucepan or soup pot over medium-high heat and wait 2 minutes. Add the oil and wait about 30 seconds, then add the onion, curry powder. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and beginning to soften.
Stir in the sweet potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower, making sure they get completely coated with the curried onions, and sauté for another 3 minutes or so.
Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes and red curry paste,  bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook gently for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. Can add the chicken, if using, at this time. Add the spinach, give it a stir. The spinach will wilt within seconds.
Serve hot and garnish with Liz’s Greek Yogurt Topping

NOTE: I have made this soup many ways, a great backdrop for boneless, skinless chicken breast, leftover roasted chicken or turkey, baked tofu, seared lean steak and  shrimp, also works well on its own keeping it vegetarian.

Until next week Cheers from Just Around The Bend ♥liz-logo-1

Next week we are out and about featuring Palate Coffee so please follow us to the next adventure!!!

Turkey, Barley and Mushroom Soup

Bringing you your daily dose of travel and adventure and sometimes some good stuff to eat!!!

This is week # 2.

So how is everyone doing ? Hope you have been trying these heart healthy  RV friendly soups. This healthy soup recipe is chock-full of sturdy root vegetables and whole-grain barley. You can use any combination of dried and fresh mushrooms here. The soup will thicken as it sits on the stove—thin it as needed with more broth or water. Just as tasty omitting the protein. ♥

INGREDIENTS:

1 ounce dried shiitake or porcini mushrooms, soaked in  2 cups boiling water                 NOTE: soak for 30 minutes or can cover and leave overnight overnight for additional flavor

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion   chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 medium carrots chopped

8 ounces fresh shiitake or baby bella mushrooms, stems removed, caps coarsely chopped

8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced

1 Teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 Tablespoon fresh diced thyme

1 Teaspoon lemon pepper

Salt and  Coarsely ground pepper to taste

2 Cups of leftover roasted turkey or chicken (1 inch pieces)

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup pearl barleyp1000890
Preparation

Soak dried mushrooms in boiling water for 20 minutes or overnight for addition flavor. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve the liquid. Squeeze the mushrooms to remove excess liquid, then dice. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion cook until slightly caramelized, stirring, until very soft, about 4 minutes. Add carrots, all of the fresh mushrooms, salt, and garlic; cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.  Add broth, barley, thyme, the reserved soaking liquid and chopped soaked mushrooms. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover and simmer until the barley is tender, about 50 minutes.  Add roasted turkey or chicken to heat through .About 4 minutes.

Nutrition information
Serving size: 1¼ cups each
Per serving: 241 calories 9 g fat(2 g sat); 4 g fiber; 24 g carbohydrates; 18 g protein; 44 mcg folate; 38 mg cholesterol; 4 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 3147 IU vitamin A; 6 mg vitamin C; 47 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 401 mg sodium; 611 mg potassium
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (63% daily value)
Carbohydrate Servings: 1½
Exchanges: ½ starch, 2½ vegetable, 1½ lean meat, ½ fat

I adapted this recipe from: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2016. I changed some of the ingredients to lessen the fat and use a leaner type of protein.

Until next week Cheers from Just Around The Bend ♥

Next Week:  Curry Chicken Veggie Soup, very addicting and figure friendly

 

Diet and Resolutions Week # 1 Chicken Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Here we are again looking at another glorious new year and knowing I have to do something serious to get the holiday weight off!!! Oh I am a life time member of weight watchers who like Oprah falls off of the wagon at any holiday, birthday or just a family event. It doesn’t take much for me to gain 5 pounds between Friday night and Sunday morning.  Pizza, a glass or two of wine and ok creme brulee (my Fav) and I am off to a great start. So here’s the deal, no resolutions this year, just good old common sense. Exercise and heart healthy cooking. So between now and when we can get back out on the road with our RV, I will be sharing Healthy RV cooking recipes that all you RVers out there can easily use on the road and still stay fit. So here we go, since it is winter and here in Bend it’s snowing let’s start week # 1 out with soup. ♥

Chicken Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cubed sweet potato ( ½-inch)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
    NOTE: Peppers  can be orange, yellow or green
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (I used 1 Tablespoon)
  • 3 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 15-ounce can low-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, homemade chicken stock or (vegetable stock)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 cups cubed cooked chicken ( ½-inch; about 10 ounces) omit for vegetarians
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Preparation

  • 25 minutes

  • Ready In 40 minutes

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, sweet potato and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute.
  2. Add beans and broth (or stock) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in corn; cook 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper. Garnish:  With  a dollop of Liz’s greek yogurt topping, a slice of avocado and a light salad. Yum.
  4. Liz’s Greek Yogurt Topping

    EXTRA GOOD AND HEALTHY: Mix 1 cup of greek 0 percent fat free yogurt with 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 to 2 Tablespoons finely chopped cilantro , stir well. This is a flavorful topping for soups without the guilt. YUM

Nutrition information
  • Serving size: about 1½ cups
  • Per serving: 324 calories 10 g fat(2 g sat); 8 g fiber; 35 g carbohydrates; 26 g protein; 29 mcg folate; 48 mg cholesterol; 5 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 8680 IU vitamin A; 24 mg vitamin C; 86 mg calcium; 3 mg iron; 570 mg sodium; 793 mg potassium
  • Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (174% daily value), Vitamin C (40% dv)
  • Carbohydrate Servings: 2½
  • Exchanges: 1½ starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat, 1 fat
I adapted this recipe from: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2016

Tons of spice, corn and bell pepper give this healthy one-pot chicken chili recipe Southwestern flair. This recipe also works well using your crock pot!!

NOTE: Substituting the vegetable stock and omitting the chicken does  not affect the quality and yumminess of this soup, I just add additional vegetables. p1000864I love this roasted corn from Trader Joes , healthy with extra flavor.

Please check back next Friday for  Week # 2 featuring: Mushroom Soup

Cheers from Just Around The Bend ♥

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Broccoli Quiche Casserole

It seems like Christmas time brings out all of the family tradition recipes.  I cannot tell you how many times my children have either asked for the recipe or requested it to be made at our family dinners. So here is another great family recipe from my home to yours.

PREPARE BROCCOLI

3       Cups broccoli florets (blanched)  Make sure after your broccoli is cooled you remove all          moisture. Place in a 9 X 12 casserole dish.

Large mixing bowl add in order:

4      eggs beaten for 1 minute

Then add:

1      Can cream of mushroom soup

3/4   Cup vegenaise  (or best foods  mayo)

2      Tablespoon finely diced onion

1       Cup sliced mushrooms

1/2   Cup grated sharp cheddar cheese  (divided)  1/4 Cup for egg mixture and 1/4 Cup to top            quiche

When all mixed together pour over broccoli, making sure all of the broccoli gets covered.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Checking that the middle have gotten fully cooked. We live at 3800 feet elevation so it takes a little longer.

I decided today to bake the quiche mixture in  my cupcake pan, they were cooked in 30 minutes exactly, with a little extra mixture left over. Hence the little red casserole dish. So either way 9 x 12 casserole dish or these little quiche cups it all turned out fabulous.

NOTE: It’s endless what ingredients you can add to this recipe, from asparagus, bacon, prosciutto, spinach, kale and many  different kinds of cheeses. When I make this for Jeff and I, I get very creative, but for the kids I tend to keep it very simple.

Until the next recipe from    JUST AROUND THE BEND ♥

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

We fell in love with this ultra-filling,  vegetarian recipe that stuffs spinach, quinoa, and pecans into acorn squash. The original  recipe is from Simple Cooking with American Heart Associations program.   With family members that are gluten free, I changed a few ingredients to fit our family’s eating lifestyle.

Ingredients

1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup quinoa, couscous, bulgur, barley or faro   (What ever grain you prefer) I have tried it with all of the grains I mentioned above all worked excellent, some just nuttier than others
4 small acorn squash, 1 to 1 1/4 pounds each
1 tsp canola or olive oil
1 cup chopped celery (about 4 stalks) include the celery leaves if possible
1 onion, finely diced
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. sage
2  cups fresh chopped  spinach or kale
1/4 cup unsalted, chopped pecans, walnuts or what ever nut you prefer
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/4 cup reduced-fat blue cheese crumbles ( I used honey goat cheese from Trader Joe’s)
Directions Total Time: 1 hr 30 min
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 70 min
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat water to a boiling temperature using either a teapot or the microwave. In a bowl or heat-proof container, combine boiling water and quinoa, couscous or any whole grain you prefer. Prepare your grains according to cooking directions. For Couscous Cover and let sit 10 minutes.
Prepare each acorn squash: Cut off around 1-inch of the top of each acorn squash; use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. Use a knife to slice a sliver off the bottom of each squash so they stay upright as they cook. Place each acorn squash bottom onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Reserve.
Meanwhile, warm 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion, salt, pepper, and sage, stirring occasionally and sautéing until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach or kale, stirring and cooking until spinach or kale is cooked and heated, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in reserved quinoa or couscous etc, remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil, preferred nuts, maple syrup and cheese..
Pack about 1 cup of stuffing into the cavity of each acorn squash. Top each squash with its lid. Bake in the oven until squash is tender, about 60 to 75 minutes. Remove acorn squash lid and enjoy.
Additional Tips     We enjoyed this dish as a side and split 1 acorn squash, these are very filling. As a vegetarian meal one acorn squash would really fill you up. Also if you are not a vegetarian you could add lean sausage crumbles, my husbands idea of course.

Serving size 1 acorn squash

Serves 4
1 hr 30 min
381 Calories
285 mg Sodium
$3.64 Per Serving

Hope To See You Just Around The Bend ♥

American Heart Association

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