Fast and Easy Dinner Recipes

The Best Pecan Pie Recipe - No Corn Syrup Here!

2011-11-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

Pecan Pie - Okay, this is not a "dinner" recipe - but it goes great with it! And this is the Best - there is no corn syrup used like in most other Pecan Pie recipes! This recipe is used in restaurants and satisfies every sweet tooth craving, every day!

Fresh and sweet Pecan Pie! mmm!

Mastering a recipe takes consideration and planning ahead - take advantage of all the accumulated knowledge on this page and feel free to share your own!

Keep reading and find out some great tips on how to skim the fat (Only if desired!) from this Pecan Pie Recipe. If interested, you can also discover great nutrition hidden within the pecan and some helpful recipe and baking tips that even YOU may not know about! ;)

And if something was missed? Do you have your own tips about baking the best pecan pie to add? Let me know by using the comment form at the bottom of the Recipe! I would love to know and you will be credited.

We even link to a super yummy, top rated pie crust recipe! This isn't a recipe, this is a recipe and a half!

This delicious Pecan Pie will serve eight people and is 9" (nine inches).

Time:
Preperation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 55 Minutes - that's under an hour!

Nutrition Amount Per Non Lower Fat Serving:

Calories: 313
Total Fat: 22.6g
Cholesterol: 84mg

Recipe Tips:

Before you get started, you may want to consider the following:

You will need a 9 Inch Pie Crust to complete your Pecan Pie - Pecans, like most nut pies are single-crust pies where the filling is baked in the shell.
*Click here to get the best 9 Inch pie crust recipe for your Pecan Pie! (coming soon)
Prevent Your Butter from Clumping - You can warm the eggs to room temperature by leaving them out of the fridge for at least 30 Minutes before starting to prepare this recipe - This little action should keep your butter from clumping when you add it to the eggs!
This Pecan Pie Recipe requires Flour - Why not choose whole grain to get the most goodness? Even little actions can go a long way!
You don't have to put the full amount of sugar called for - in the recipe, you can sweeten to taste and/or substitute a cooking sweetener - this will lower the calories of the recipe.- you can suit to taste your pecan pie and really make it your own by adding all brown sugar instead of white sugar or by adding cinnamon, other nuts and even juicy fruits. Try experimenting and see what your friends and family say!
Remember to always wash your produce! - Even if you are not concerned about pesticides, your nuts or other produce could have come in to contact with contaminants during transportation. This is one step you should not skip!

How to pick the Best Pecan Tips:

Start with the size - a larger, meaty pecan will end up with a better taste than a smaller, more "dry" variety, even after being all cut up!

And then Color - You will want to look for a nut that has a light golden coloring. It should be bright - If it is too dark, it could indicate it's quickly on it's way to becoming rancid!

Feel - The Pecan should feel solid, have some tiny weight for its tiny size! If it's too light, it's too dry, and there goes your flavor. Pffft!

and Flavor, of course - The pecan for your pie should be sweet and yummy!

How to Bake the Best Pie Baking Tips:

Remember to always preheat your oven first - This ensures your pecan pie begins baking as soon as it goes in the oven.
Consider Using a Baking Sheet - Sure, you can place your pie pan directly on the oven rack, but just in case there's any spillage or drippings, do you really want to battle that when it's avoidable by using a baking sheet that is a lot easier to clean? ;)
Bake on the lower third of the oven - This helps set the dough and ensure even browning.
If the Edges of your Crust starts to Burn - before the rest of your Pecan Pie is finished cooking, simply cover the burnt pieces with tinfoil - this can prevent further browning on those spots before the rest of your Pecan Pie is baked!
Remember to Let Your Pecan Pie Cool! - You must always let your pies cool for at least 20 minutes so that the cooked ingredients within the pie have time to set. Just as important - Even if you are serving your pecan pie warm, if you cut into it too soon, it just might crumble or even fall apart!
Storing your leftover Pecan Pie (if there's some left!) - You should use wax paper and loosely cover the top of the pie, and then wrap with tinfoil. Most pies last for a couple of days at room temperature, but please use your own judgment. If you made it right - it shouldn't even last that long because it will get eaten all up! ;)

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Ingredients:

1 cup of light brown sugar
1/4 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup of butter
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour (consider wholegrain - read Recipe Tips above!)
1 tablespoon of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of chopped Pecans (read Recipe Tips above on how to pick the best ones!)
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust pie - click here for the best one!

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Other Suggested Cooking Equipment:

9 inch pie pan
Large Bowl
Egg Beater
Baking Sheet (optional - to catch possible drippings underneath)

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Baking Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheating is important so your Pecan Pie will start cooking immediately once it goes in the oven.

*Note - some people cook at 300 degrees which prevents an overly brown top crust on the pie - this is up to you an your oven!
In your large bowl, start by beating the eggs until foamy. Now, you're ready to stir in your melted butter.

*Read Recipe Tips Above for a tip on how to prevent your butter from clumping when adding it to your eggs!
Then, stir in your brown and white sugar (or whatever sweetener) and the flour. Remember to mix well!
Lastly, add your milk, vanilla extract and pecans (or whatever other nuts you want to add!).

Now pour your mixture into an unbaked 9 inch pie shell. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees - most people then choose to then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until done.

*Remember, some people choose to bake at a slightly lower temperature to help prevent an overly brown top crust on your pecan pie, although of course this will take a bit longer to bake.

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Health and Nutrition Information about this Recipe:

Pecans - Get this - Pecans have the most antioxidant out of all nuts! Studies have shown the following - Antioxidants help protect your cells against damage and it can even help fight diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer.

Pecans are also full of heart healthy fats - so it doesn't take much to make you feel full which is a good thing! Studies have also shown that consuming nuts in a daily diet is good for your waistline.

And lastly, a mere handful of power packed pecans can yield vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and fiber. Read more about the positive effects of these on the human body in the list posted below.

Whole Grain Flour - products are made by grinding whole grains in order to make whole-grain flour. Whole grains are a natural source of protein as well as a source of carbohydrates and are made into many different kinds of foods.

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Okay, so we use 2 eggs in the recipe, but every little bit goes a long way! :P Read below!

Eggs are "nutrient dense" foods - more bang for your buck! - Eggs contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients but are still low in saturated fat and calories

Some Nutrients & Benefits found in Eggs:

Calcium - Keeps bones and teeth strong
Iron - Carries oxygen to the cells, helps prevent anemia - the iron in egg is easily absorbed by the body
Vitamin A - Helps maintain healthy skin and eye tissue; assists in night vision
Vitamin D - Strengthens bones and teeth; may help protect against certain cancers and auto-immune diseases
Vitamin E - An antioxidant that plays a role in maintaining good health and preventing disease
Vitamin B12 - Helps protect against heart disease
Folate - Helps produce and maintain new cells; helps prevent a type of anemia, helps protect against serious birth defects if taken prior to pregnancy and during the first 3 months of pregnancy
Protein - Essential for building and repairing muscles, organs, skin, hair and other body tissues; needed to produce hormones, enzymes and antibodies; the protein in eggs is easily absorbed by the body
Selenium - Works with vitamin E to act as an antioxidant to help prevent the breakdown of body tissues
Lutein & Zeaxanthin - Maintains good vision; may help reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration
Choline - Plays a strong role in brain development and function

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What drinks go well with the Best Pecan Pie Recipe?

Port or Coffee! - Let us know if you have a different favorite by using the comment form below! :)

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Your homemade Pecan Pie can be served right from the pie tray, as is custom amongst pies.

Et voila! There you have your easy and simple Perfect Pecan Pie with Low Fat Options, all cooked and ready to eat!

The next time you're wondering, "What to make for dinner?" remember this website and make something just as yummy as this!! Bookmark us!If you have any recipe suggestions, please let us know and we will add it in and credit your idea!

Enjoy,

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole - with Low Fat Option

2011-11-20T19:12:00.001-08:00

Savoury, delicious, just the right hint of sweetness - you'll find all of this in a simple and easy recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole! Make sure you read the Recipe Tips for suggestions on how to lighten up the recipe for a low fat option - only if desired! :)

This meal will serve 8 people.

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Time:

Preparation: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes
Total Time: 85 Minutes (1 Hour and 25 Minutes)

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Nutrition Amount Per Non Lower Fat Serving:

Calories: 381
Total Fat: 19.2g
Cholesterol: 88mg

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Recipe Tips:

Before you get started, you may want to consider the following:

You don't have to put the full amount of sugar called for in the recipe, you can sweeten to taste and/or substitute a cooking sweetener - this will lower the calories of the recipe.

You may substitute the cream for skim milk - this will lower the calories of the recipe.

You technically don't have to use butter or cream at all - Baked sweet potatoes are so rich in texture and flavor that you hardly need to add butter. - people who have tried this recipe have reported it turns out fine and tastes about the same without adding in the butter or cream for a favorite meal a whole lot less fat and calories!

You may substitute 2 large cans of yams for sweet potatoes! (or use sweet potatoes in a can!) - This will result in less work and time instead of preparing the sweet potatoes.

How to minimize "stringy" pototoes - Use a mixer to combine the potatoes and the other ingredients. Don't clean the beaters though! That's where the majority of the "stringiness" will be caught up!

You can make it your own - by adding nuts and other desired seasonings and tidbits, mixing white sugar with brown sugar, you can truly make this a dinner table favorite! Suit to taste!
Remember to wash your raw sweet potatoes! - Although they grew underground, you don't want to risk contaminates it may have come in to contact with during travel! Always wash your produce well!!!

Remember to read the "Healthy Nutrition Information" for this Recipe below! - Lots of clever information, impress your dinner guests while you feed them!

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Recipe Warning:

If you want, refrigerate any uncooked sweet potato mixture, however do not eat it after 24 hours.

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Ingredients

5 sweet potatoes (the gold!! Make sure they're good ones - check out Recipe Tips!)

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup of butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/2 cup of white sugar

2 tablespoons of heavy cream

1/4 cup of softened butter

3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup of chopped pecans

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Other Suggested Equipment:

Baking Dish - 9x13 inches

Large Bowl

Medium Bowl

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Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. Pierce the washed, unpeeled sweet potatoes with a fork so the steam can escape. Place the sweet potatoes in the oven on the oven rack and bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven or until they begin to soften. You may test this by inserting a fork and judging the texture. Allow to cool slightly and then peel and mash them.

3. Mix your mashed sweet potatoes in a large bowl along with salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and heavy cream. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

4. Now combine 1/4 cup butter, flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a medium bowl. Mix with a pastry blender or your fingers to the consistency of course meal. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.

5. Now all you have to do is let it bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven - just until the topping is nice and crispy and lightly browned. Mmmmmm!!!

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Health and Nutrition Information about this Recipe:

Orange fleshed potatoes [sweet potatoes] are one of the top natural sources of Beta-Carotene - which is a very potent antioxidant that is good for the heart and circulatory systems in humans. Once Beta-Carotene is in the body, it's then transformed into Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an essential part for the maintenance of our healthy skin, good vision and a strong immune system!

Make sure you have some fat with that Sweet Potato! - It is considered important to have at least some fat in your sweet potato-containing meals if you want to benefit from the full beta-carotene opportunity. Research has shown recently that at a minimum of 3-5 grams of fat per meal, we significantly increase our uptake of beta-carotene from sweet potatoes. This minimum grams of fat should be easy to achieve in this delicious recipe!!! Who thought fat was so good?

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And voila! There you have your easy and simple Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Low Fat Options, all cooked and ready to eat! The next time you're wondering, "What to make for dinner?" remember this website and make something just as yummy as this!! Bookmark us!

If you have any recipe suggestions, please let us know and we will add it in and credit your idea!

Thanks,
Cassy Lee

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Stuffing Recipe - Simple, Fast and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Idea!

2011-11-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

How can it be so yummy yet so simple? Tastes like homemade!!! This simple Stuffing recipe will be talked about for the rest of the year, try it and let your stomach be the judge!

This meal will serve 6-8 people, depending on how it's served.

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Time:

Preparation: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 - 60 Minutes

Total time: 55 - 70 Minutes (1 Hour and 10 Minutes)

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Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 192
Total Fat: 3.6g
Cholesterol: 80mg

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Recipe Tips:

Before you get started, you may want to consider the following:

In place of the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, if you're looking to slim down the recipe just use water!

Be careful when selecting your bread - You will want to look for a bread that has an open crumb and without a spongy texture. Some people prefer an artisan style bread as it's considered more study.

Chance to up the health factor - Choose whole grain or other similar options that are packed full of nutrients!

Prepare your bread the day before - It's easier and less messy to break apart the more moist, fresh bread and then store the cubes for a day or so. You will also end up with a lot less mess as opposed to crushing hard bread apart! :)

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Ingredients

6 ounces dry bread stuffing mix
10 slices day-old bread, torn into small pieces
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or water - read "Recipe Tips" above!

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Other Suggested Cooking Equipment:

A 2 Quart Casserole Dish

A Large Bowl

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Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter or spray one 2 quart casserole dish.
Prepare your stuffing according to directions on box and then put the stuffing in a large bowl.
Then add in the dried bread, eggs and water. Make sure you mix it well and place in your casserole dish.
Lastly, make sure you cover it and bake for 45 to 60 minutes.

And there you have it! I bet by now, you're probably smelling your quick and easy Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe in the oven and saying, "Wow, that smells homemade!"

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Health and Nutrition Information About This Recipe:

Using three eggs in the recipe is going to give it a lot of goodness! Read below!

Eggs are "nutrient dense" foods - more bang for your buck!
- Eggs contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients but are still low in saturated fat and calories.

Nutrients & Benefits found in Eggs:

Calcium - Keeps bones and teeth strong

Iron - Carries oxygen to the cells, helps prevent anemia - the iron in egg is easily absorbed by the body

Vitamin A - Helps maintain healthy skin and eye tissue; assists in night vision

Vitamin D - Strengthens bones and teeth; may help protect against certain cancers and auto-immune diseases

Vitamin E - An antioxidant that plays a role in maintaining good health and preventing disease

Vitamin B12 - Helps protect against heart disease

Folate - Helps produce and maintain new cells; helps prevent a type of anemia, helps protect against serious birth defects if taken prior to pregnancy and during the first 3 months of pregnancy

Protein - Essential for building and repairing muscles, organs, skin, hair and other body tissues; needed to produce hormones, enzymes and antibodies; the protein in eggs is easily absorbed by the body

Selenium - Works with vitamin E to act as an antioxidant to help prevent the breakdown of body tissues

Lutein & Zeaxanthin - Maintains good vision; may help reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration

Choline - Plays a strong role in brain development and function

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And voila! There you have your easy and simple Stuffing Recipe, all cooked and ready to eat! The next time you're wondering, "What to make for dinner?" remember this website and make something just as yummy as this!! Bookmark us!

If you have any recipe suggestions, please let us know and we will add it in and credit your idea!

Thanks,
Cassy Lee

Green Bean Casserole Dinner Recipe - Fast and Easy, Quick and Simple Dinner Recipe

2011-11-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

A festive twist on an old healthy favorite! This is truly a quick and easy way to make dinner for up to 8 people that's fast and nutritious! You won't go wrong when you treat the family (and friends) to this Festive Inspired Green Bean Casserole Dinner Recipe!

This recipe will feed up to 8 people for dinner.

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Time:

Preperation: 5 Minutes!

Cook Time: 30 Minutes!

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Nutrition Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 130
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 330mg
Carbohydrate: 13g
Dietary Fibre: 3g
Protein: 4g
DV Calcium: 6%
DV Vitamin A: 8%

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Ingredients:

5 cups (1.2 L) hot tender-cooked cut green beans (1″/2.5 cm pieces)
1 can (284 mL) Condensed (Low Fat Optional) Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/4 cup (60 mL) softened cream cheese
1 tbsp (15 mL) of soy sauce
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) of Ground Black Pepper
3/4 cup (175 mL) of dry hickory-smoked potato sticks
1/2 cup (125 mL) of sliced almonds

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Directions:

1. Place green beans into shallow 1½ qt (1.5 L) baking dish. In small bowl, combine well: soup, cream cheese, soy sauce and black pepper. Stir gently into beans.
2. Sprinkle with mixture of potato sticks and almonds.
3. Bake at 350°F (160°C) for 30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes.

And that's that!!

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Recipe Tips:

You may want to consider the following before you get started:

When fresh green beans are not in season - frozen beans are a convenient substitute – just cook according to package directions, omitting salt.

Always remember to wash your produce! - Even if a product is organic, it may have been exposed to contaminants during the shipping process which can sometimes be lengthy.

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Some impressive healthy facts to put that bang in your bean:

Low Calories, No Saturated Fat, Good Source of Minerals, Vitamins and Plant Derived Miscronutrients
- Fresh green beans are very low in calories (31 kcal per 100 g of raw beans) and contain no saturated fat; but are very good source of vitamins, minerals, and plant derived micronutrients.

High in Dietary Fibre which Protects Colon and Binds to Cancer Causing Chemicals
- They are very rich source of dietary fiber (9% per100g RDA) which acts as bulk laxative that helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Dietary fiber has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon.

Excellent Levels of Vitamin A - Anti-Aging and Disease Bean?!!!
- Green beans contain excellent levels of vitamin A, and many health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and ß-carotene in good amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.

Good Amounts of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin C
- They also contain good amounts of vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), and vitamin-C. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals.

Good for preventing diseases in the elderly
- Zea-xanthin, an important dietary carotenoid in the beans, selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it thought to provide antioxidant and protective UV light filtering functions. It is, therefore, green beans offer some protection in preventing age related macular disease (ARMD) in the elderly.

Helps control heart rate and blood pressure, things we use every day!
- Beans contain healthy amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium, which are very essential for body metabolism. Manganese is a co-factor for the anti oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
What a super bean!

Do you have a recipe tip for other readers? Comment here to let us know, it would be much appreciated :)

Like what you read? Are you going to eat tomorrow? Well then! Seems like the only solution would be to subscribe to this recipe website!!!

Autumn Chicken and Butternut Squash Dinner - Thanksgiving-esque!

2011-11-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

Chicken and squash - what a perfectly delicious marriage! Let's start with the specs:

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 4

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Protein: 30.0 grams
Fat: 7.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 21.0 grams
Calories: 272

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Ingredients:

1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lb / 750 kg)
1 large Ontario Onion, thinly sliced
1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 lb (750 g) Ontario Butternut Squash, pared and cut into approx. 3/4-inch (2 cm) pieces
1 cup (250 mL) water
1/2 cup (125 mL) teriyaki marinade and sauce
2 tsp (10 mL) minced fresh gingerroot
3 tbsp (45 mL) water
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour

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Some easy and quick helpful tips for preparing dinner:

Some people put their squash in the microwave to soften it up so that it is easier to pare. The time you should put your squash in the microwave will vary by its size. Best to check on it and put in for short intervals.

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Preparation:

In large nonstick frypan or Dutch oven, heat oil. Add chicken breasts and brown on both sides; remove chicken. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook and stir over medium heat until onion is translucent. Return chicken to pan. Add squash.

Combine 1 cup (250 mL) water, teriyaki sauce and ginger; pour over chicken and squash. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside and squash is tender, spooning sauce over top occasionally. Remove chicken and vegetables to platter; keep warm.

Smoothly combine 3 tbsp (45 mL) water and flour; add to pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy!!!

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Just some health benefits about chicken and squash:

Chicken is an excellent source of protein
- Protein Protects Against Bone Loss in Older People
Chicken is a very good source of the cancer-protective B vitamin, niacin.
- Components of DNA require niacin, and a deficiency of niacin (as well as other B-complex vitamins) has been directly linked to genetic (DNA) damage. A four-ounce serving of chicken provides 72.0% of the daily value for niacin.

Fast and Easy Dinner Recipes

The Best Pecan Pie Recipe - No Corn Syrup Here!

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole - with Low Fat Option

Stuffing Recipe - Simple, Fast and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Idea!

Green Bean Casserole Dinner Recipe - Fast and Easy, Quick and Simple Dinner Recipe

Ingredients:

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Recipe Tips:You may want to consider the following before you get started:

Autumn Chicken and Butternut Squash Dinner - Thanksgiving-esque!

Ingredients:

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Directions:

Recipe Tips:

You may want to consider the following before you get started: