Fun Friday: Food Fun

Want something yummy and easy for dinner? Most of the time you have these ingredients on hand in your kitchen. I thought this would not only be easy for you but also for me! 

Simple to whip up with ingredients you have on hand, this side is a sure kid-pleaser that adults will enjoy as well.  I employ one of my favorite kitchen tricks with this recipe:  Any time I use frozen broccoli or spinach that needs to be thawed and drained well, I put it inside a tea towel and literally wring it out.  You will be surprised by how much water is released, and getting rid of it will prevent your finished product from becoming soggy.

Vary the cheese if you like or bake in a casserole dish or jumbo muffins tins.

Ingredients:

1 cup quick-cooking rice (like Minute Rice)

1 cup chicken stock

1 10-oz. box frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed and excess water squeezed out

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 cup Homemade Ranch Dressing, or store bought

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Prepare rice as directed on package, substituting stock for water.  Place cooked rice in a large bowl and let cool slightly.  Add the remaining ingredients, using only 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, and stir until combined. Transfer mixture to eight well-greased muffin cups–I like to use an ice cream scoop–and top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.  Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until tops are lightly browned and edges are starting to get crispy.

Content Credit: http://www.daydreamkitchen.com/2012/08/baked-cheddar-broccoli-rice-cups/

Photo Credit: http://www.daydreamkitchen.com/2012/08/baked-cheddar-broccoli-rice-cups/

and for dessert here is another simple recipe

Triple Chocolate Chunk Muffin Knock-Offs of Whole Food’s 6 Dollar per 4 Chocolate Chunk VitaTop Muffins

Ingredients:
1 3/4 c oats

•  3 egg whites

•  3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain low fat yogurt)

• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or 1-1/2 Tbsp. vinegar)

• 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1 cup hot water

• 1 cup sugar substitute (like Splenda granular) OR 1/4 cup + 2 tbs stevia

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or use white chocolate or peanut butter chips!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with foil cupcake liners, or spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a blender, (or food processor), mix all of the ingredients together, except for the chocolate chips. Blend until oats are ground and mixture is smooth.
Place mixture in a bowl and gently stir in 1/2 of the chocolate chips (set the rest aside). Scoop mixture into prepared muffin pans.
Place muffins tins in the oven for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes, remove muffins from the oven (but don’t shut oven off), and distribute the other half of the chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
Place  the muffins back into the oven and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. *Note, you could skip this step by putting all of the chips in the batter, and baking the muffins for 12-15 min straight, but this method gives the muffins the traditional 

-Denea Duran