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6/30/09

How to Use a My K-Cup Keurig Single Cup System with Your Own Beans


When it comes to coffee I never thought I'd like it. I grew up in a household of coffee drinkers and hated the smell and the taste. I had no interest in it and this continued well after I was married and living in Southern California. My parents came to visit from the Midwest and brought a Mr. Coffee maker with them so they could enjoy coffee in our home. When they returned home they left it at our house and a year later when they visited again we pulled the coffee machine out only to find last years filter and grounds were still in it! It was obvious we were not coffee drinkers.

About 10 years later I found myself living in central Minnesota in what was to be one of the winters with the most snow fall on record in years. Our driveway was lined with 10 foot snow drifts and I was a full time Mom, home with three small children. I would sit at the kitchen table in the early mornings and watch the snow fall silently to the ground and decided to brew a pot of coffee to enjoy the aroma on a cold, silent morning.

By the end of that winter I was cupping a mug of fresh coffee in my hands to savor the aroma as I watched the snow fall but still hated the taste.

The next winter however made me a coffee drinker and within 4 years I was a 'morning coffee' drinker and soon after was grinding my beans, developing a picky palate and turning up my nose at 'hotel coffee' that was by then quite undrinkable, as was most pre-ground grocery store beans.

Because I should be getting dressed for work right now, I'll skip ahead to the point of todays article; My new Keurig B60 Special Edition coffee maker that I am absolutely IN LOVE with (you can click that link to find out more about it and even order one for yourself if you'd like) and the Reusable Coffee Filter that we purchased to make our coffee drinking more affordable by using our own 'k-cup' to brew with our own beans (purchased from the local coffee shop here in town). However we still invest in the little bought k-cups as well as they have awesome fun varieties and are rather affordable on Amazon when you can buy 24-Count Boxes (Pack of 2) for the same cost as 1 box in a retail store.

For those of you who are not coffee lovers you can also make Hot Cocoa and tea in your Keurig coffee brewer!

Now - the point of todays article is HOW TO USE A "MY K-CUP" to make coffee using my own ground coffee beans and not have to buy the store packs.


Here is a My K-cup directly from the package. First, wash it with warm soapy water and rinse well.


Remove the black cup holder from your Keurig machine. Grasp the edges of the cup with one hand while you gently push your finger through the hole in the bottom of the machine to pop it out with a click.



Put your freshly ground beans into the small metal filter cup.


Place the metal mesh cup into the plastic holder and gently put the cap on - don't twist too tight.

Place the "My K-cup" into the holder. Press the handle back down as usual and wait for the 'Ready to Brew" sign and choose your cup size as usual.


With a hum and a few seconeds you have your freshly brewed coffee - affordable when you use your own coffee grounds (you can even use Folger's or Maxwell House pre-ground if it's what you prefer!).

So simple... and so good.Print Friendly and PDF

6/28/09

Flour Tortilla Dumplings


Even with the internet at my fingertips I still love to relax with one of my 'hard copy' cookbooks. This mornings recipe is actually from one of my latest purchases. While on vacation to Myrtle Beach in March I bought a small regional book, bound with plastic and printed locally. One of the recipes is what I would deem a 'comfort food' and so quick and easy for a 1 person meal.

Tortilla Dumplings

8 flour tortillas - cut into 1 inch strips
1 c water
1 T olive oil
salt and pepper
1 c shredded monterey jack cheese

Saute tortilla strips in the oil in a hot pan over medium heat until lightly browned. Add the water and the cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper and serve.Print Friendly and PDF

6/27/09

Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Spritzers

Earlier today I grabbed a couple cookbooks from my shelves, headed out the back patio door and relaxed on the hammock in the back yard. One of those cookbooks was an all time favorite of mine, one that never let's me down; Southern Living.

This summer drink is from Southern Living last year, in July of 2008. It's reminiscent of a fruity sangria but made with cranberry juice and mineral water, even kids can enjoy. If you choose, make it with champagne and call it an 'adult' refresher.

Cranberry Spritzers

(12-ounce) cans frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted
4 lemon slices
4 orange slices
4 lime slices
2 (23-ounce) bottles orange-flavored sparkling mineral water, chilled*
Garnish: lemon slices

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large pitcher; cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. Remove fruit with a slotted spoon, and discard. Stir mineral water into cranberry juice. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. 2 (750-milliliter) bottles chilled champagne may be substituted for sparkling mineral water.Print Friendly and PDF

6/26/09

Product Review: Coldstone Creamery Signature Cakes

Here is their stock photo.

It's tall, it's dark and it's delicious. Maybe, perhaps, that is why it's called "Tall, Dark and Delicious" on the menu. Yes, the name of this signature cake describes it very well and it's what I bought my husband for Father's Day this year.

I admit that I'm considered abnormal by my teenager's, as I've never actually eaten at Coldstone Creamery. Oh, I've gone there. I've stood in line. I've bought ice cream for the kids. But I am not a huge fan of ice cream, sweets or chocolate so I have no problem standing in line, passing the ice cream by and not buying any. It just doesn't bother me. But a coupon in the Sunday paper before Father's Day caught the eye of my oldest daughter and before I knew it I was agreeing it was a beautiful and delicious looking cake and with $3 off, I decided the $25 would be part of his Father's Day Gift.

I must say that even for someone who does not crave or go crazy for chocolate, cake nor ice cream, it was not only good but really, really good. The price is a bit steep and the cook in me couldn't help but think (over and over again) I could have made this.... truly, could have made this myself for less! But what is life if you don't splurge every now and then? And just because you can make it, do you have to? Really?Italic I bought the large round size which ended up serving about 12 pieces by the time it was gone. Could have served more had we sliced them all thin, but some of us wanted small pieces, others like my husband and 16 year old son wanted a quarter of the cake!

I'm impressed with Coldstones's delicious ice cream and loved the moist cake and flavor. I look forward to trying more of their cakes for our family holidays. My next purchase however may be their new ice cream cup cakes! I've also got plans to recreate them in my own kitchen. I'll keep you up to date on that one!Print Friendly and PDF

6/24/09

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Mix to Keep on Hand! One of the Most Affordable Meals


(Looking back at this post in 2021 - remember this post is from 2009 with 2009 prices!)

Spaghetti dinners are one of the most affordable meals you can serve both on a random Tuesday evening or as a guest meal.  It's a meal that can be plain or fancy depending on the additions and presentation.  Add a side of salad, a fancy dessert and you look like you slaved away.

A pound of dry pasta can be bought for about $.88 average and if you buy a can or bottle of spaghetti sauce for $.99 (Hunt's brand in a can is usually about this price) you can add a loaf of French bread for $.99 and have a meal for 6 for under $3.00.

Because my kids have been brought up eating a wide variety of foods, we rarely have spaghetti but when I do make it I like to jazz it up a bit.  That's what todays article is about;  jazzing up store bought sauce.

First I'd like to give a quick and simple homemade spaghetti sauce that is so delicious you may not want to buy store bought.  It's a dry mix you can keep in your cupboard and mix with a can of tomato sauce to make the amount you need.  Double or triple the recipe if you like.

Simple Spaghetti Sauce Mix

1/4 c cornstarch
1/4 c sugar (I suggest using less if you don't eat much sugar, as we don't)
1/4 c dried parsley flakes
1/4 c dried minced onion
1 t garlic powder
1/4 t red pepper flakes
2 T Italian seasoning

Mix 1 heaping tablespoon of spices into 8 oz. of tomato sauce.  Heat and simmer on low for 20 minutes.  Serve.

My regular readers are going to know that I'm going to implore you to 'play' with this recipe to make it your own.  My family doesn't eat much sugar so I use less than called for because I think it's just a bit sweet.  We also love garlic so I use fresh minced garlic as well as adding a little fresh minced basil from the garden.  Green or red peppers?  Mushrooms?  Browned sausage or ground beef?  Go for it!  Also, I like to add it to petite diced tomatoes instead of plain sauce.

If you are more comfortable purchasing a can or bottle of store bought sauce I still implore you to jazz it up a bit to give it a homemade flavor instead of the 'straight from the bottle' taste.   One of the easiest ways to make it 'homemade' is to add diced fresh tomatoes, a little fresh garlic, mushrooms, browned Italian sausage, basil or diced zucchini.  Even the addition of a couple teaspoons of dry Italian seasoning will give it a flavor of being homemade.

With the economy tight and grocery prices high pasta remains one of the most affordable meals you can make!








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6/23/09

Cranberry Blush Drinks

Continuing with the 'Summer Drink' theme as I try to branch out and collect more drink recipes for entertaining, I came across a Cranberry Blush drink recipe that makes enough for a party. About 6 quarts worth. Always a fan of anything cranberry, this one caught my attention and I can just taste the icy cold on a hot summer evening. Too bad we don't have a pool to relax by and sip!

Cranberry Blush

3 c ice cold water
2 (48-oz.) bottles cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
2 (6-oz.) cans thawed lemonade concentrate, undiluted
2 bottles brut champagne, chilled

Combine and serve!Print Friendly and PDF

On The Go Desserts: Oreo Fluff

This wife-mother is.... tired. That's what kind of a week it's been. Oh heck... that's what kind of a month it's been!

Always on the go, I've become 'that woman' you see at Target at 8:00 pm still in work clothes and high heels buying cat food, or 'that woman' at the grocery store at 7:45 pm with a cart full of groceries, trying to the bi-weekly shopping trip on a Wednesday night.

However, even the busiest Mom has time to whip up some Oreo Fluff. Not at all healthy, but oh-so-good when you serve it partially frozen on a hot day, it's perfect for the heat wave the Midwest is currently experiencing. Enjoy!





Oreo Fluff Dessert

1 lb. package Oreo's
1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 - 12 oz. container of Cool Whip (I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip as I don't like the chemical taste of Cool Whip, use what you like best!)


With an electric mixer blend the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the hand crushed oreos and Cool Whip. Stir with a wooden spoon to mix.

Chill or partially freeze. *It will thicken as it sets and chills. Chill for at least 2-3 hours for best results.Print Friendly and PDF

6/21/09

Vinegar and Cucumbers

An ode to Grandma... summertime and cucumbers; the stuff memories are made of. As a child I remember my Grandma H making cucumbers two ways. One was the creamy cucumbers that I've posted previously with sour cream and mayo and the second was a style that I admit, I didn't care for. As a small child I would rather have my cucumbers sliced, plain with a bit of salt sprinkled on them. But, as an adult? I totally love the vinegar cucumber side dishes.

3-4 large cucumbers
1 t salt
1/4 c white vinegar
1/4 c cider vinegar
1/2 c sugar


Peel the cucumbers and slice thin into a bowl. Place the cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with the salt and set over a bowl. Refrigerate for an hour or two. Drain and squeeze gently to remove liquid.

In a ceramic bowl, combine the white vinegar, cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add the cucumbers and stir to thoroughly combine. Serve cold - great with burgers, bbq or grilled chicken.Print Friendly and PDF

6/20/09

An Environmental Debate: When offered a Choice Between Plastic or Paper, Which Should You Choose?

Neither.

According to my copy of the Handy Science Answer Book compiled by the Science and Technology Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - third edition - the answer is; neither.

Both are environmentally harmful and the question of which is the more damaging has no clear cut answer. On one hand, plastic bags degrade slowly in landfills and can harm wildlife if swallowed. Producing the them pollutes the environment. On the other hand, producing the brown paper bags used in most supermarket uses trees and pollutes the air and water. Overall, white or clear polyethylene bags requires less energy for manufacture and cause less damage to the environment than do paper bags not made from recycled paper. Save and reuse any paper or plastic bags you get (which I do both) and when possible or plausible, bring your own reusable bags or containers to the store.Print Friendly and PDF

6/15/09

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

When we moved to Nashville, Tennessee in the early 90's I was introduced to something I had never had before, but was well known to everyone and their mother in the South; Sausage Balls. At the time I worked as the Administrator of a Church and the pastor suggested a fruit and cheese platter and sausage balls for refreshments during a morning meeting. When I asked him what sausage balls were he replied, "Oh you know, the sausage and biscuit mix and cheddar cheese balls....". Hmmm. No, I didn't know. But I was about to find out.

After living in the South for five years I made a fair share of sausage balls but I never really grew to love them (nor even like them if I'm going to be honest). They were 'fine' but nothing special. However, I love cream cheese and when I saw this version I knew I would like it better than the *only* cheddar cheese version and I tucked it away into my files. I recently came across this one after years of having it tucked away. I think it's about time to pull it out and give it a go!

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

2 lbs. hot breakfast sausage, cooked crumbled and drained
2- 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
2 1/4 cups baking mix
2 cups shredded cheese
1 small can french fried onions, crumbled


Beat cheeses together. Stir in sausage, onions and baking mix. Roll into 1" balls and bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.Print Friendly and PDF

6/13/09

Peach Coolers

As the summer sun sets in my neighborhood I had a moment where I looked out the patio door and reveled in what an idealistic moment it was. My neighbors to the right were grilling out and playing a bean bag toss game with friends. My neighbors to the left rented a large bouncy house and were having a very large get together for a child's birthday. The bright yellow and blue bouncy house was framed by a crystal blue sky and out of no where came a gorgeous multi-colored hot air balloon silently floating into the sunset. Idealistic... but then there was me.

I decided to go outside and weed the garden. Dirty, with mud caked feet I entered the house craving some leftover strawberry margarita's from the freezer, left over from the family bbq we hosted two weeks ago. In honor of that icy cold frozen margarita, I give you this peach cooler.

Peach Cooler


1 (12-ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup vodka, divided
3/4 cup water, divided
4 cups peeled and cubed fresh, ripe peaches (about 6 large), divided
Crushed ice

Process half quantities of first 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Fill blender with ice to 5-cup level, and process until smooth. Pour into a pitcher. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients. Garnish, if desired.Print Friendly and PDF

Remember when I made Cream Horns? Or My Many Different Pizzas?

This morning as I sit and sip my morning coffee and listen to the birds outside the open patio door I was looking through some of my old food photo files, glancing at the stats to see what dishes were most searched for and well, just looking over some of the past recipes in 'housewifebarbie.com'.

I decided perhaps it was a great time to 'remind' my readers and those stopping in for the first time to please feel free to click on the labels to the right in the side column to do some searching of their own. You never know what you'll find. My Perfect Molasses Cookie is one I wouldn't want new readers to miss and when I made a new recipe (to me) for Cream Horns I ended up with a filling recipe that we've since used in everything from cupcakes to frosting on cakes. It became a family favorite!

If I was to choose one article that I felt was the most helpful to my readers it would have to be the almond bark post. So many people have no idea what almond bark is, what it's used for and where to find it! I've helped people all over the United States find almond bark for their holiday baking - even going so far as to do searches myself and sending them addresses and directions by email. Once they see the product on the shelf and realize what they were looking for they find it was there the whole time and they just never noticed it!

My posts on how to clean pampered chef stoneware have also proved helpful to many. (Speaking of which, mine need to be cleaned again! Good thing it's Saturday and I'm home this weekend!).

If you are new to these parts or just need a refresher please feel free to browse. Walk down memory lane with me. You never know what you'll find to make today!Print Friendly and PDF

Beer Margarita's



I've been posting many different versions of margarita's and my cucumber margarita recipe brought an old friend out from readership and into emailing me (Hi Jen!) about the terrific margarita's she had at a neighbors.

Beer margarita's have gotten really 'big' since last summer. Gaining in popularity I've heard about them and seen the recipe numerous times. This morning I did a quick internet search and sure enough, 'Rachel' recently published it which might be why everyone is talking about them. I absolutely plan to try this one this summer as my husband likes Corona's and I think that would be the perfect beer for this drink. Even though I don't care for beer I believe even I am going to like this one!

From my reader and friend Jen, to you I offer a delicious Beer Margarita!

I saw your recipe tonight for Margarita's and HAVE to share this one that my neighbor made the other night. It's simple & SO yummy!  

1 can of frozen Limeaide  
Fill the empty can of Limeaide with Tequila  
Add 1 beer Stir & enjoy. 

They are simple and unbelievably delicious :). Thought you might want to share with your readers. JenPrint Friendly and PDF

6/12/09

Still a Big Fan of Arnold Sandwich Thins

Last year I told my readers about Arnold Bakery's Sandwich Thins. I was asked to try them by a marketing company on the East Coast where they are sold under a different company name, but here in the Midwest their products are sold as Brownberry or Arnold Bakery. Well, we loved them at the time but little did they know that my family would soon be one of their biggest fans.

I don't always keep them on hand as a package of 8 sometimes goes as high as $4.00 but when they are on sale (as they were this week, 2 for $6) I get both the original and the whole wheat. Immediately my husband, my 18 year old daughter and my 16 year old son are thanking me and raving about them and within 1 day 5 of them are gone.

The photo above looks so simple, yet tastes so... good! A grilled chicken breast on Arnold Sandwich Thins and you have the base for an amazing lunch or dinner sandwich. I love it absolutely plain, just as pictured but sometimes I'm in the mood for it to be filled with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise. My husband likes mustard and my kids like Ranch style dressing on theirs. So simple and so good! If you haven't checked out the Sandwich Thins at your store you're missing something!Print Friendly and PDF

6/10/09

Pink Lemonade Cocktails

The lazy days of summer are upon us. Or, if you are like us, the days are not so lazy after all but filled with busy schedules that keep you running from sun up to sun down. The difference in our area of the world is that the sun is out and the weather is above 20 degree's while we do so. Seven months of the year we are doing the same schedule under mushroom soup skies and negative temperatures!

I've been trying to offer some delicious drinks to my readers as I try to build up a few drink idea's in my files for entertaining.   This one involves pink lemonade which is always a winner!











Pink Lemonade Cocktails


1 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
3 (12-oz.) bottles beer (not dark), chilled
3/4 cup vodka, chilled
crushed ice
fresh cranberries for garnish

Mix - garnish with a few washed, fresh cranberries (or perhaps a slice of lemon if you can't find cranberries in your area) and serve.Print Friendly and PDF

6/9/09

Tiny Lemon Tarts

Although I was a full time housewife for years, when we moved to our current city and state I had the opportunity to return to the workforce part time during the hours my children were in school so of course I jumped at the chance. As my kids all entered junior high and high school I added a few hours and now I am working full time at a non-profit organization. Since it's non-profit we obviously have a very strict budget so donations are always appreciated and when we can do or get something for low cost or free it's a blessing.

When it comes to small luncheons we hold for our clients, one of the directors commented that she would love some old time style cookies - back when a cookie was a small cookie and not the 'monster' cookies the bakeries and stores seem to make now. I volunteered to make some and donate my time and ingredients to do so. My initial plan was to do three or four varieties; a soft chocolate chip cookie, a small Russian tea cake and tiny lemon tarts. Well, because of time constraints with trying to be a full time wife, mom and employee as well as handling my oldest daughters graduation from high school, her open house reception and parent's weekend and orientation at the college, time was short and I only got two of the three made.

Here is the missing recipe I'm still planning to make for our next luncheon on June 26th.... if the stars and moon align and I get the time. One of my biggest time savers? I bought 3 jars of Harry & David Zesty Lemon Curd and Lime Curd on my last trip to their store. All I need to do is make the pastry and fill with the curd!

Tiny Lemon Tarts

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups flour, sifted
6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Store bought lemon curd

Whipped cream or melted white chocolate to garnish


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter with flour and confectioners' sugar. Mix until well blended. Add the vanilla extract and again blend thoroughly. Divide dough evenly between 36 miniature muffin tins. With a wooden tart/shell pastry tool or with your fingers, smooth and press the dough into place on the bottom and sides of tiny sized muffin tins to form shells. Place in freezer for 15 minutes.

Remove from freezer and put 1 tablespoon of cleaned pinto beans in each tin. (This will keep dough from shrinking.) Place muffin tins in oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully remove beans from crusts.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Fill each shell with lemon curd. Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes or until just warmed. Remove from oven and place in a draft-free area. Cool completely.

Carefully remove shells from tin, loosening edges with thin knife. Place shells on cooling racks. When completely cool top with a swirl or dollop of stabelized whipped cream or drizzle white chocolate across the tops if you desire.



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6/5/09

How's The Food at College?

... I'm about to find out!

Just a heads up to my readers that my husband, my oldest daughter (18) and I are off on a little 'college road trip' as we travel to visit the campus of the school she'll be attending this Fall when she starts her studies towards her degree in Criminal Justice.

I'll have my laptop with me but I can't promise in this whirlwind of scheduled activities that I'll get much time to write articles. I'll try my best to keep in touch. Until then, have a great weekend and go ahead... play with your food. Try something new this weekend!Print Friendly and PDF

Iced Latte Punch

While looking for punch recipes for my daughter's graduation open house last weekend I came across a lot of old recipes that I had forgotten about in my collection of old church cookbooks, some great new recipes online and more than a few in between. Even though I didn't use any of them in the end I gathered a few to put into my collection of recipes for future use.

This one is perfect for entertaining girlfriends during the hot summer months. The warm weather is upon us.  If an iced latte is what you crave try this punch at your next gathering.

1/4 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups half-and-half
1 quart vanilla ice cream
2 cups ginger ale
Vanilla ice cream, optional


Stir together the instant coffee, syrup, sugar and boiling water in a large pitcher; cool. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Stir together coffee mixture, half-and-half, and 1 quart ice cream in a punch bowl. Stir in ginger ale; ladle into glasses. Top with a small scoop of ice cream, if desired.Print Friendly and PDF

In Honor of Two Birthdays This Week... Cakes for Both!

This week is a special one for family birthdays and my long time readers might remember what I was doing a year ago... preparing the cakes for a double birthday party! My FIL celebrates his 81st birthday and my Grandmother is celebrating her 82nd this week.

Today's website article is in honor of them and their special days. This year everyone's schedules didn't allow for a large gathering but I hope my readers celebrating their own family and friends birthdays might consider having some fun with fondant and trying their hand at decorating. These cakes were my second attempts to ever work with it. I found it much like persnickety play-dough but fun to create with. My Grandmother's Cake was white with a simple filling between the layers and gold and pearl glitter embellished fondant ribbons.

My Father-in-law's Cake was a feast for chocolate fiends as a triple layer chocolate with a fudge filling and glitter fondant stars cascading down to the serving platter from above.

What are you waiting for? Order those beautiful invitations, bake those cakes and celebrate!Print Friendly and PDF

6/2/09

Watermelon Margarita

I promised margarita's and I have another margarita for you! This one is also a very popular recipe that most people already know and love but just in case you need reminding, or you have leftover watermelon on hand and need a new idea, here it is. Break out the tequila and invite the neighbors over to grill out!

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 1/2 cups seeded, cubed watermelon
3/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Ice, crushed

Make a simple sugar syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat; cool. Process watermelon in a blender until smooth. Combine all ingredients, and shake well.Print Friendly and PDF

Thai Chicken Salad

Over the last few years my readers might have noticed that I often recommend rice vinegar in my recipes. I always have NAKANO Rice Vinegar on hand to use in my homemade salad dressings and pasta salads. While I always have the natural version (green cap) on hand I often buy both the natural and the seasoned, which has the red cap. The NAKANO All Natural Seasoned Rice Vinegar has just the right amount of seasonings in it to splash onto green salads, grilled chicken, pasta, baked potatoes, or hot vegetables for a touch of flavor without the fat and oil of a traditional salad dressing, sour cream or butter. It's naturally brewed and has a light taste; subtle, not overwhelming. Made from real rice it's all natural, fat free, low calorie and is gluten free.

Thai Chicken Salad in Egg Roll Wrapper Bowls

Bowls:
8 (6 x 6–inch) egg roll wrappers
Cooking spray

Dressing:
1⁄4 cup NAKANO® Original Seasoned Rice Vinegar (with the red cap)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter
1 teaspoon honey

Salad:
1 cup frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
3 cups chopped red leaf lettuce
1 cup cooked long grain brown rice
1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
1⁄2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1⁄4 inch–wide strips
1⁄4 cup diagonally sliced green onions
1⁄4 cup chopped unsalted peanuts

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare bowls, lightly coat one side of each wrapper with cooking spray. Fit 4 wrappers, coated sides up, into the 4 corner cups of a nonstick muffin pan; press wrapper up sides of cups. Repeat procedure with remaining 4 wrappers. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove wrappers from pans; cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare dressing, combine vinegar and next 6 ingredients (through garlic) in small
bowl; stir with a whisk. Add peanut butter and honey to vinegar mixture; stirring with a whisk.

To prepare salad, cook edamame in boiling water 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Combine edamame and next 6 ingredients (through onions) in a large bowl; toss well. Drizzle dressing over chicken mixture, tossing gently to coat.

Spoon about 1 cup salad into each egg roll wrapper bowl; top each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons peanuts. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 filled salad bowl).

NAKANO is a proud sponsor of the 2008 Cooking Light Ultimate Reader Recipe contest. Enjoy this winning reader recipe from the contest. As seen in the January/February 2009 issue of Cooking Light Magazine.
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