Archive for Tag: yogurt

Rachel’s “Relax” Vanilla Chai Yogurt

Relax with Rachel

CK brought this Rachel’s Yogurt home for me. Do you think he’s trying to tell me something? “Relax” you say? What’s that?! If it really did chill me out I’d buy a case. Maybe two. Sadly, this definitely didn’t do anything of the sort as it unfortunately had a very unpleasant almost chalky taste to it. I couldn’t even finish it.

In addition to the Vanilla Chai, CK also bought a selection of other flavors and I haven’t heard any complaints. I had a bite of the Pomegranate Blueberry and it was excellent. I guess the moral of the story is that you can’t eat your feelings away. My Wheat Thins addiction might have something to say about that but we’ll tackle those issues another day. In the meantime I’ll be sticking with my Maple flavored Wallaby.

[PS: We originally discovered the existence of this yogurt via Rachel's Bite].

Share:
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • TwitThis
  • Kirtsy

Putting the Mmm…in Mushroom

Mmm…Mushroomy

I don’t know about the rest of you, but after spending the last few weeks literally gorging myself on wine, cheese, chocolate, more wine, dip, crackers, wine again, and then some beer I’m starting to feel like I need to promptly go to a spa, a yoga retreat, the gym, and possibly rehab.

So to lighten up my fatty food intake just a smidgen I decided to make a creamy meatless alternative to the traditional stroganoff by substituting substantial portobello and baby bella mushrooms for beef. I also reduced the fat of the dish by using a combination of low-fat sour cream and Fage Non-Fat Yogurt. While this isn’t a perfect “lighten up” meal, it sure beats the heck out of brittle, turnovers, and fettuccine.

Line Up!
Line Up!
Boil, Drain, and Set Aside
Boil, Drain, and Set Aside
Choppity Chop
Choppity Chop
Cook the Onions and Garlic
Cook the Onions and Garlic
Add the Mushrooms
Add the Mushrooms
Pour in the Stock; Reduce
Pour in the Stock; Reduce
Stir
Stir
Add the Sour Cream, Yogurt, and Parsley
Add the Sour Cream, Yogurt, and Parsley
Toss With Pasta
Toss With Pasta
Mmm...Mushroomy
Mmm…Mushroomy

Mushroom Stroganoff (Inspired by a recipe from AllRecipes.com)
Serves 4

3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 pound mushrooms, sliced (Note: I used Portobello and Baby Bella)
1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock (Note: You may also use vegetable or beef stock)
3/4 cup low-fat sour cream
3/4 cup non-fat yogurt (Note: You can use a combination of low or non-fat Greek yogurt (such as Fage) and light sour cream, or use one exclusively)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and a lttle extra for garnish
8 ounces Farfalle Pasta (Note: Feel free to use whatever pasta you prefer, or even brown or white rice)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles, and cook according to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook, stirring until softened.

Add the sliced mushrooms, cooking until they are softened and lightly browned.

Next add the stock, soy and Worcestershire sauces. Bring the sauce to a boil, and cook until the mixture has reduced by 1/3.

In a small bowl combine the sour cream and flour and parsley. Add this mixture to the pan and stir. Continue cooking over low heat, just until the sauce thickens. Pour the pasta into the sauce and cook until the dish is evenly heated through. Serve, seasoning with salt and pepper and garnish with additional parsley and a dollop of sour cream.

Share:
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • TwitThis
  • Kirtsy

Confessions of a Naan Addict

Last weekend, Chris and I had lunch with our friend Anna at a restaurant called Bukhara in Jamaica Plain. It was insanely delicious and not only did I eat my own food, but I also liberally sampled everyone elses’ selections as well. You’ve been warned, don’t let me loose on a plate of fresh naan.

This little excursion also managed to set off my obsessive compulsive need to educate myself in the area of Indian cuisine (yet again). Coincidentally, the September issue of Cooks Illustrated featured a recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala. Apparently, while being the single most popular “Indian” dish in the world, it’s origins aren’t authentic. In fact, according to the magazine, this scrumptious chicken and creamy tomato based sauce was actually invented in a London curry house. My bubble was promptly burst. But the recipe appeared straight forward and the always thorough Cooks Illustrated article made the several steps involved in the preparation seem manageable, so I gathered the ingredients, some naan from Whole Foods (I just couldn’t help myself), and got to work.

The end result yielded unbelievably tender chicken in a thick and rich sauce with just enough spice and heat to make you reach for that nearby glass of water. To view the full recipe you’ll need to have an online membership to Cooks Illustrated, or pick up the September issue at your local newsstand. This dish would be perfect for a dinner party as it makes a huge amount of food, to which I can fully attest, as I ate leftovers for days.

Rub in the Spice
Rub in the Spice
Mix the Yogurt Topping
Mix the Yogurt Topping
Whip Up the Sauce and Simmer
Whip Up the Sauce and Simmer
Coat the Chicken and Broil
Coat the Chicken and Broil
Combine
Combine
Indulge
Indulge
Share:
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • TwitThis
  • Kirtsy

flickr