Filed under: Healthy Living
Where did the month of May go? It seems as if just last week I was planning Easter dinner! With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, I put together a couple menu ideas to help plan your upcoming grill-outs and get-togethers. Since May is National Burger Month, these menus feature this classic grill out food along with delicious quick and easy sides and dessert. For your non-beef eating family or guests, burgers are also tasty made with ground turkey or salmon. Mix it up by serving your burgers on pretzel rolls, toasted focaccia or for the carb conscious, wrap in lettuce leaves. A key tip for a successful burger? When forming the patty, do not over handle — this will result in a tough, dense burger. Instead, gently form into desired size and make a slight indentation in the middle. While on the grill, do not press down on the burger – this releases the moisture which will result in a dry burger.
Hamburger Helper
Let TSG be your hamburger helper — send boring burgers on their way with these delicious recipes!
I received a request for the shrimp enchilada recipe that I mentioned in last week’s blog.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 13×9 inch glass pan
In a large skillet, sauté 1 small chopped onion and 1 Tbsp Outrageously Garlic in 2 Tbsp olive oil until tender.
Add 1lb uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1 (4 oz) can green chilies, ¼ tsp chili powder,¼ tsp ground cumin, ¼ salt. Cook until shrimp turns pink. Stir in 8oz cubed cream cheese until melted. Take off heat.
Put 1/3 cup shrimp mixture down center of 8 (6” flour) tortillas ~ roll up and place seam side down in dish. Top with 1 ½ cup salsa, sprinkle with 8oz shredded Monterey jack (or Mexican blend) cheese – bake in preheated oven for ~20 min. ~ top with cilantro and olives if desired. I served this dish with chips and salsa – a huge hit!
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May 19, 2011
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Basil
One food item that I make sure to purchase when it goes on sale is bagged frozen shrimp. Found in the freezer aisle next to the fish sticks and other frozen seafood, you have a choice of precooked or raw. I prefer to buy the raw, peeled and deveined tail-on shrimp. If the sale is buy one get one free, I put one of each in my cart. Already cooked frozen shrimp is great to have on hand for impromptu shrimp cocktail when guests stop by (keep a jar of cocktail sauce in your pantry), or for my version of speedy shrimp tacos (recipe below). Since most shrimp sold at the seafood counter has been previously frozen and then thawed, the shrimp from the freezer aisle is a fresher (and less expensive) option since it is flash frozen at the source. Another bonus ~ cooked shrimp lasts up to 2 months in your freezer and raw up to 6 months. Perfect quick cooking protein for last minute meals.
Frozen Shrimp Recipes
For my Mom’s birthday on May 10th (coincidentally also National Shrimp Day), I had planned a meal that included shrimp enchiladas. The temperature had climbed to a sticky 87 degrees and the thought of eating a hot dish lost its appeal. With a few modifications and some items I had on hand, I made speedy shrimp tacos.
- Defrost ¾ pound frozen cooked shrimp under cold running water – remove tails and place on paper towels to remove excess moisture – set aside – warm four 6” flour or corn tortillas according to package directions then wrap to keep warm - heat 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 1 Tbsp TSG Outrageously Garlic in a sauté pan over medium-low to medium heat until seasoning has softened and flavor has infused into the oil ~5 min – add shrimp to sauté pan and quickly toss in garlic mixture ~45 seconds – spoon shrimp mixture down center of warmed tortilla – garnish with shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomato and cilantro – serve with chips and salsa
toss the shrimp in the olive oil and garlic seasoning just until coated
How good does this look? Easy and delicious!
- Shrimp and pasta are a perfect combination of protein and carbs. Try TSG Lemon Garlic Shrimp and serve over spaghetti or any pasta you have on hand. Feel free to customize this recipe to your family’s tastes. Substitute whole grain pasta for traditional and/or basil for the parsley.
What is your favorite way to use frozen shrimp?
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May 12, 2011
The eggs are dyed, the ham is purchased, and Easter Dinner will be served without a hitch (we hope!). Flash forward to Monday morning…Tired and bleary eyed from staying up late to wash all those dishes, you open the fridge and are greeted with Easter dinner leftovers. Instead of serving the same meal for the next three days, here are some easy menu ideas to take advantage of your delicious leftovers.
Green Eggs and Ham
Dr. Seuss would love this combination of a tasty ham sandwich served with a side of “green” egg salad!
For the Ham Sandwich – layer slices of ham on whatever rolls, bread, or bagels you have on hand. Top with lettuce, tomato, and plenty of TSG Hoppin’ Jalapeño or Racy Wasabi Raspberry Mustard™. Serve with a side of Avocado Egg Salad. If your not an avocado fan, try this delicious TSG egg salad recipe.
Easter Leftovers Ham Casserole
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, try this all in one dish that is sure to please. Customize to suit your family’s taste by adding any veggies you have on hand. Serve with a simple tossed green salad dressed with TSG Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette and fresh fruit for dessert.
Make Pizza and Burritos Heavenly with Ham!
Ham and Broccoli Pizza is a great way to get your family to eat their veggies! This easy recipe comes together quickly by using a prebaked pizza crust. Or, for a breakfast twist, try an egg and ham burrito. Fill a flour tortilla with scrambled eggs, diced ham, shredded cheese and TSG Black Bean and Corn Salsa. Add hot sauce for a spicy start to your day!
Leave a comment and let us know what is your favorite way to use leftovers.
Ordering Two Sisters Gourmet is just a click away! Head on over to your Consultant’s website to place an online order. Don’t have a Consultant? No problem! Click here and find one near you!
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April 21, 2011
Have you checked out our TSG recipe box lately? We’ve just added six new quick and easy recipes for you to try. From Simple Stovetop Quesadillas to Grilled Beef Skewers, these delicious dishes are sure to please your hungry family or guests! Try one of the new menu ideas below or mix and match to create your own. Don’t forget to take advantage of the special offer that has been created for our TSG Quick Dishing readers! Enjoy $10 off an online order of $50+ when it includes one or more Two Sisters Gourmet by PartyLite item(s). Sorry, offer not available for online orders attached to Parties. Discount can be applied to merchandise total only and may not be applied to tax, shipping and handling. Offer expires on April 17th so make sure to place your online order today! Be sure to use coupon code TSGAPR11 at checkout. Head on over to your Consultant’s website to place an online order. Don’t have a Consultant! No problem! Click here and find one near you!
Dinner Ideas
Easy Appetizers to Get the Party Started!
Our Mango Peach Salsa is tasty right out of the jar….try these appetizer recipes for your next get-together. Easy and delicious.
Dining In instead of Out!
Entertaining at home is made even easier (and more affordable than eating out) with TSG.
- Tortellini Salad – This tortellini salad is a great base recipe. Feel free to add other veggies to suit your tastes. I added red onions and bell peppers to kick it up a notch!
- Grilled Beef Skewers – Weather not cooperating? These skewers can be broiled or put on the grill.
Recipes for the Family
Gather up the family for hot dogs, coleslaw and brownies made special with TSG. Meal time doesn’t get any easier or tastier than this!
Post a comment and let us know what is your favorite TSG recipe!
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April 14, 2011
When family and friends gather at your table this Easter, WOW them with an elegant meal and table décor made easy with Two Sisters Gourmet and PartyLite. A special offer has been created for our TSG Quick Dishing readers! April 7-17 only! Enjoy $10 off an online order of $50+ when it includes one or more Two Sisters Gourmet by PartyLite item(s). Sorry, offer not available for online orders attached to Parties. Discount can be applied to merchandise total only and may not be applied to tax, shipping and handling. Be sure to use coupon code TSGAPR11 at checkout. Hop on over to your Consultant’s website and place your online order today! Don’t have a Consultant! No problem! Click here and find one near you!
The Menu
On Easter, I want to spend time with my guests…not stuck in the kitchen! I put together a delicious TSG Easter menu that will allow me to do just that — most items can be prepped or made ahead of time. Perfect!
TSG Sweet and Spicy Jelly makes a tasty glaze for ham - baste ham during last 10 minutes of cooking time
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Preparing roasted potatoes with green beens and TSG Garlic Parm Vinaigrette - can be made the day ahead!
- Two Sisters Gourmet Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting
The Decor
Leave a comment and let us know what TSG dishes you will be making this Easter!
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April 7, 2011
Whether you call it a tater, spud or tuber, the potato is the second most consumed food in the United States. According to potatofacts.net, the average American consumes just under 140 pounds of potatoes every year. This translates to almost 17 pounds of potato chips, over 50 pounds of fresh potatoes, two pounds of canned potatoes, 13 pounds of dehydrated potatoes, and about 55 pounds of frozen potatoes every single year. No wonder the tater has its own day of celebration! “National Tater day was actually named to honor the Kentuckian farmers who would celebrate the end of winter by trading Sweet Potato snippets to plant,” states holidays.theonlinerecipebox.com.
To celebrate National Tater Day, try one of the delicious quick and easy TSG potato recipes below.
Potato Fun Facts
- The Potato was the first vegetable grown in outer space
- New York consumes more potatoes than any other state, followed by Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas
- The world’s largest potato weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
- During the 18th century, potatoes were served as a dessert, hot and salted, in a napkin.
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March 31, 2011
Ahhh spring is in the air……..The season has just arrived and I am already planning meals that incorporate the fresh produce spring has to offer. Moving away from winter comfort foods, my taste buds are more than ready to be tempted with new flavors.
Try brightening up dishes with lemon, enhance recipes with herbs, and highlight veggies to put a spring in your step. Salads will be a fixture on my table this season. They are a great way to incorporate veggies into your diet as a side or main dish. Adding different textures and flavors will keep salad from being run of the mill. Toasted nuts, sunflower or pomegranate seeds add an unexpected crunch and a pop of flavor. What I also love about salads is that they can be made savory, sweet, or a mix of both!
Best of Spring Two Sisters Gourmet Salad Recipes
Try all of these delicious TSG quick and easy recipes that feature spring produce. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is your favorite spring salad recipe?
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March 24, 2011
With March being National Sauce Month, I thought it would be a perfect time to highlight Two Sisters Gourmet delicious line of sauces. From BBQ to Simmerin’ Sauce, TSG sauces are perfect pantry staples to have on hand. What I love about bottled sauce is with a turn of the lid, and a few items from the fridge or freezer, I can create a tasty and satisfying meal. Perfect for bringing gourmet to everyday!
Think Outside the Bottle
It’s easy to get creative with TSG sauces. They are versatile, full of flavor, and no MSG.
Sisters Southern Sweet Barbecue Sauce
We all know that BBQ sauce is great brushed on grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders. Did you know it also makes a great sauce for pizza? Try TSG Southern Barbecue Pizza. Perfect for when the crowd is at your house for March Madness playoffs!
Serious Steak and Grilling Sauce
Who says steak sauce is just for steak? A perfect side dish, Sassy Baked Beans is a 5 ingredient recipe using items that you may already have on hand. This dish comes together in a matter of minutes and is full of protein.
Vermont Maple Dijon Grilling Sauce
Meatballs….we all have our favorite tried and true recipe. Want a meatball to remember? Try meatballs with Vermont Maple Dijon sauce — perfect party food.
Island Ponzu Sauce
Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry is a delicious all in one meal. For an even healthier version, serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Slow Cooker Sauces
TSG’s Simmerin’ Sauce line up is an international flavor journey – no passport needed! In additional to making supper a snap when used in a slow cooker, these simmerin’ sauce recipes can also be made on the stove top. Perfect for when time is of the essence.
Tuscan Country Simmerin’ Sauce
A trip to Italy not in the budget? Tuscan Country Simmerin’ Sauce brings the fresh flavors of the Tuscan countryside to your table. Try the Simply Delicious Chicken Cacciatore – perfect comfort food after a long day.
Asian Barbeque Simmerin’ Sauce
Take a culinary trip to the Far East with Asian Barbeque Simmerin’ Sauce. Hints of soy, sesame, garlic, chili, and ginger combine for true Asian flavor. Try Hot & Sour Chicken Soup, perfect for when you feel a cold coming on!
Mild Madras Curry Simmerin’ Sauce
Your last stop on our International flavor tour is to India with Mild Madras Curry Simmerin’ Sauce. Tempt your family with Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Also a perfect recipe for when you’re expecting dinner guests.
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March 17, 2011
We have all tried them….and whether you prefer your tortilla chips fried or baked, salted or unsalted, they have made their way into our pantries as a snack staple. According to several online sites, Rebecca Webb Carranza is credited with founding the tortilla chip. Back in the late 1940’s, Rebecca and her husband owned a tortilla factory in California. Tortillas that were rejected due to their misshape, were fried and sold for 10 cents a bag. With today being National Tortilla Chip Day, I wanted share my favorite ways for super easy snacking with TSG.
Just like peanut butter and jelly, tortilla chips and salsa were made for each other. Open a jar of TSG Black Bean and Corn Salsa or Mango Peach Salsa and get the party started! Another natural partner for tortilla chips is guacamole. As I wrote about in a previous blog, homemade quac is a quick and easy recipe that will satisfy your next snack attack. Want to impress at your next potluck or get together? Try these delicious TSG dip recipes — TSG Fiesta Dip or TSG Layered Black Bean and Corn Dip. You will have them saying Olé!
Did you know that any of our TSG seasoning blends can be made into a delicious quick and easy dip for chips? Just mix 2 Tbsp of any TSG seasoning blend with ½ cup mayo and ½ sour cream — let flavors develop in the fridge for at least two hours. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers…A perfect make ahead dip recipe.
What’s your favorite way to snack with TSG?
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February 24, 2011
One of my first food memories is of spaghetti and meatballs. Growing up in a large family, going out to eat was a real treat. A couple times a month, all eight of us would pile into Dad’s car and head off to the local Italian restaurant. I can still picture the red and white checkered tablecloth and the excitement I felt when the waitress put down that large bowl of spaghetti and meatballs covered in tomato sauce. I remember feeling like a grown up when my parents would let me sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on my pasta.
A Sunday tradition for my brother-in-law Bobby is to make meatballs and gravy (red sauce) for my sister Cindy and their 5 sons. The gravy is started at 7am and then slow cooked until 1pm. While the gravy simmers, Bobby makes the meatballs. He blends a mixture of ground chuck/pork and then adds Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bobby’s secret for keeping meatballs moist? One egg per pound of meat. After baking in the oven, the meatballs finish cooking in the homemade red sauce. Served on whatever pasta happens to be in the pantry that week, this satisfying meal is perfect fuel for the week ahead. Now that their sons are older, friends and girlfriends have become part of this tradition.
*Want to make your own meatball memories? Try Two Sisters Gourmet Chicken and Turkey Sausage Meatballs – a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. To restock your TSG pantry click here to find a consultant near you.
What’s your favorite food memory?
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February 17, 2011
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Where did the month of May go? It seems as if just last week I was planning Easter dinner! With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, I put together a couple menu ideas to help plan your upcoming grill-outs and get-togethers. Since May is National Burger Month, these menus feature this classic grill out food along with delicious quick and easy sides and dessert. For your non-beef eating family or guests, burgers are also tasty made with ground turkey or salmon. Mix it up by serving your burgers on pretzel rolls, toasted focaccia or for the carb conscious, wrap in lettuce leaves. A key tip for a successful burger? When forming the patty, do not over handle — this will result in a tough, dense burger. Instead, gently form into desired size and make a slight indentation in the middle. While on the grill, do not press down on the burger – this releases the moisture which will result in a dry burger.
