Food for the in law visit

Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
Recipe adapted by Our Best Bites from Allrecipes
1/2+ tsp. kosher salt
1/2+ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of olive or cooking oil
3 lb. beef roast, trimmed of excess fat
4-5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 16-oz. jar sliced pepperoncinis, undrained
Crusty sandwich rolls (for sandwiches)
Sliced provolone cheese (for sandwiches)
Heat oil in a pot or high-sided skillet over high heat. While the oil is heating, combine the salt and pepper and rub it into the meat. Add more if necessary. When the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides so the outsides of it is browned and a little crispy. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker and add the minced garlic and the entire jar of pepperoncinis. If possible, cook on high until the liquid comes to a boil and then turn it to low and cook until the roast shreds easily with a fork, for a total cooking time of about 6-8 hours. If not possible, cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is fork tender.
For sandwiches, slice the rolls and spread lightly with mayonnaise and then top with the shredded beef. Add a slice of provolone cheese and then place under the broiler for 1-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Makes 12 large sandwiches.


Make your own pizza

Asian Lettuce Wraps
Recipe by Our Best Bites
2 tsp canola oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 lb ground chicken*
3 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped (about 8 small mushrooms)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 C bagged coleslaw mix or thinly shredded cabbage
1 8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained, rinsed, and finely minced
1/2 C thinly sliced green onions
4 Tbs soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3-4 Tbs juice)
1/2-1 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce (1 tsp of Sriracha is fairly spicy in my opinion, so if you want less or no kick, just give it a little, or you can leave it out completely)
1/3 C roughly chopped cilantro
1-2 heads iceberg lettuce

PW's pork roast


Southwest Pasta Salad
Recipe by Our Best Bites
1/2 lb bowtie pasta
1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 roma tomatoes, diced or about 3/4 C or halved cherry tomatoes
1 large red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 C sliced green onions
1/2 C frozen fresh corn
zest from 2 limes
optional: 8 oz diced cooked chicken (this is fantastic)
1/2 C Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese (or you could sub grated jack, cheddar or pepperjack)
Dressing:
6 Tbs fresh lime juice (about 3 juicy limes)
1/4 C white wine or rice vinegar
4-5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt
2 tsp sugar (add a touch more if your limes are extra sour/bitter)
3/4 C canola oil
1/2 C roughly chopped cilantro


Mint Brownies
Recipe by Our Best Bites
Brownies:
4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (4oz)
1 C butter (2 sticks)
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Frosting:
2 C powdered sugar
4 T butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1-2 Tbs milk
green food coloring

Chocolate Glaze:
6 oz (about 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips ,you could also use dark
6 Tbs real butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch pan with foil making sure the foil extends over the edges by at least one inch. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside.

Mushroom Soup

Low Fat Creamy Mushroom Soup
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 5 • Serving Size: 1 1/4 cup  Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts
Calories: 49 • Fat: 1.8 g  Carb: 6.6 g  Fiber: 1.1 g  Protein: 3.2 g
• 3 tbsp flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 5 oz shitake mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz baby bella, sliced
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 tbsp light butter (optional)

Place cold water and flour in a blender and blend until smooth, pour into a medium pot and set heat to medium. Add celery, mushrooms, chicken bullion and butter and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove celery and a cup of soup in the blender, then return back to the pot.

Salad Dressing

Low Fat Red Wine Tomato Vinaigrette
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 8 • Size: 2 tbsp • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts
Calories: 50.8 • Fat: 5.1 • Carbs: 1.3 • Fiber: 0.2 • Sugar: 0.2 • Protein: 0.2
• 1 medium red ripe tomato
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp minced shallot

Chop tomato in food processor. Add crushed garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, water, dijon mustard, oregano, salt and pepper. Pulse a few times until smooth.


Add chopped shallot and mix well. Set aside a few hours to allow the flavors to blend well..

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 11 • Serving Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 0 pt • Points+: 1 pt
Calories: 32.7 • Fat: 0.2 g • Protein: 0.6 g • Carb: 7.9 g • Fiber: 1.7 g • Sugar: 5.3
• 1 lb strawberries, washed and dried
• 1 lb rhubarb, leaves removed and stalks washed
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp water

Hull strawberries and cut into quarters. Cut rhubarb in 2 inch slices.


Combine compote ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil and gently simmer over medium-low heat until reduced and thickened and the fruit has softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.


Makes about 2 3/4 cups

Flank Steak

Grilled Flank Steak With Tomatoes, Red Onion and Balsamic
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6-8* • Serving Size: 3 oz steak, 1/2 cup salad • Old Points: 4 pt • Points+: 4 pt
Calories: 167.5 • Fat: 8.3 g • Protein: 18 g • Carb: 4.7 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: .5 g
Sodium without adding salt: 70.6 mg

• 2 lb flank steak, fat trimmed
• kosher salt and fresh pepper
• garlic powder
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
• 3-4 tomatoes, chopped (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs such as oregano, basil or parsley

Pierce steak all over with a fork. Season generously with salt, pepper and garlic powder and set aside about 10 minutes at room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine onions, olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper. Let onions sit a few minutes with the salt and balsamic to mellow a bit. Combine with tomatoes and fresh herbs and adjust seasoning if needed.


Heat grill or broiler on high heat. Cook steak about 7 minutes on each side for medium rare or longer to taste. Remove from grill and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes before slicing.


Slice steak think on the diagonal; top with tomatoes and serve.

From Gina’s Skinny

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

4 ripe bananas, mashed

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tsp butter, softened

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 egg


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Pour batter evenly into two bread pans that have been prepared lightly with cooking spray.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly, then gently remove from pans and cool fully on a wire rack.


From 80/20

Neat idea for a planter

Don't forget about the neat idea for a planter using old silver bowls and stuff.

Would be a good teacher gift.