Dinner Tonight

Herbed Beef Stew

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cups water
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dried basil, divided
1 teaspoon dried thyme, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
2 bay leaves
3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
3 cups quartered peeled small onions
2 cups sliced carrots
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold water

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 4 tablespoons flour, paprika and pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil over medium heat.

Add the water, tomato paste, bouillon, 1-1/2 teaspoons basil, 3/4 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until meat is almost tender. Add the potatoes, onions and carrots. Cover and simmer 30 minutes longer or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Discard bay leaves. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, salt, and the remaining flour, basil, thyme and garlic powder. Add cold water; stir until smooth. Stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Makes 6 servings.

Curried Beef-Stuffed Squash

3 medium acorn squash (about 1 pound each), halved and seeded
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup cooked rice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt

Invert squash in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until almost tender. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender; drain.

Dissolve bouillon in water; add to skillet. Stir in remaining ingredients; mix well. Turn squash cut side up in pan and fill with meat mixture. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of 1/4 in.; cover loosely with foil. Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.

Zippy Three-Bean Chili

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
8 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided

In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the mushrooms, peppers and garlic; cook and stir 3 minutes longer or until vegetables are almost tender. Stir in the water, tomatoes and taco seasoning.

Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add beans; simmer 30 minutes longer. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese. Makes 8 servings (2 quarts).

Hungarian Short Ribs

2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 medium onions, sliced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Cooked wide noodles

In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Brown ribs on all sides. Add onion; cook until tender. Combine all remaining ingredients except noodles; pour over ribs. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until the meat is tender, about 3 hours. Thicken gravy if desired. Serve over noodles. Makes 6-8 servings.

Herbed Pot Roast

1 boneless beef rump or chuck roast (3 to 3-1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed beef broth, undiluted
8 medium carrots, cut into thirds
8 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 large onion, quartered
1 cup water

In a Dutch oven, brown roast in oil over medium heat. Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over meat. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cover and bake at 325° for 2 hours, basting occasionally. Add carrots, potatoes, onion and water. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Thicken pan juices for gravy if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Green Chili Stew

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
1 cup water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, optional

In a large skillet, brown beef and onions in oil; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine the beans, tomatoes, chilies, water, bouillon, garlic, sugar, salt if desired and pepper; pour over beef. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender. Sprinkle with cheese if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Stroganoff Sandwiches

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
6 to 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
8 hamburger buns, split

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add bacon and garlic. Combine the flour, salt, paprika and nutmeg; gradually stir into beef mixture until blended.

Stir in soup and mushrooms (mixture will be thick). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in sour cream. Cook 3-4 minutes longer or until heated through, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Serve on buns. Makes 8 servings.

Mushroom Salisbury Steak

1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef consomme, undiluted
1 jar (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 to 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, optional
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
Hot mashed potatoes or cooked noodles

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch and consomme until smooth. Stir in mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and basil; set aside. In another large bowl, combine egg, bread crumbs, onion, seasoned salt and pepper if desired. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into six oval patties; place in a shallow 1-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish.

Cover and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes; drain. Turn patties, moving the ones in the center to the outside of dish. Pour consomme mixture over patties. Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with potatoes or noodles. Makes 6 servings.

Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 pork tenderloin (1 pound each)

In a small bowl, combine the first nine ingredients; rub over tenderloins. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 25-35 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Cover with foil; let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 8 servings.

Kicked Up Ribs

2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup water
1 cup spicy ketchup
3 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke, optional
2 teaspoons ground mustard
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 to 6 pounds pork baby back ribs

In a large saucepan, saute onions and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in the brown sugar, water, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Smoke if desired, mustard, chili powder, paprika and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10-12 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, onion salt, garlic salt and pepper; sprinkle over ribs. Grill ribs, covered, over indirect medium heat for 1-3/4 hours or until a meat thermometer reaches 160°.

Set aside 1 cup barbecue sauce for serving. Brush some of the remaining sauce over ribs; cook 20 minutes longer, turning ribs occasionally and basting with sauce. Serve with reserved sauce. Makes 5-6 servings.

Orange-Pecan Pork Roast

1 whole boneless pork loin roast (2-1/2 to 3 pounds)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Place roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. In a skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the marmalade, pecans and cinnamon; cook and stir until marmalade is melted.

Spoon over roast. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 1-3/4 hours or until meat thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 6-8 servings.

Mexican Lasagna

1-1/4 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups salsa
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 envelope taco seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 flour tortillas (10 inches)
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Sour cream, sliced ripe olives, guacamole and chopped tomatoes, optional

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in salsa, beans, enchilada sauce, chilies, taco seasoning and pepper; heat through.

Spread 1 cup sauce in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Layer with two tortillas, a third of the meat mixture and 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas and meat mixture.

Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese and top with tortilla chips. Bake 10-15 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, olives, guacamole and tomatoes if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Meat Loaf Pinwheel

3 eggs
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 pound thinly sliced deli ham
3/4 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

Tomato Pepper Sauce:
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 celery ribs, cut into 1-1/2 inch-julienne strips
1/2 medium green pepper, cut into 1-1/2-inch julienne strips
1 garlic clove, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. On a piece of heavy-duty foil, pat beef mixture into a 17-in. x 15-in. rectangle. Cover with ham and cheese slices to within 1/2 in. of edges.

Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Place seam side down in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160°.

In a large saucepan, saute the onion, celery, green pepper and garlic in oil for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, sugar, salt and thyme. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Drain meat loaf. Serve with sauce. Makes 15-20 servings.

Peppered Beef Tenderloin

3 tablespoons coarsely ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 whole beef tenderloin (3 to 4 pounds)

Combine the pepper, oil, lemon peel, salt and garlic; rub over tenderloin. Place on a greased rack in a foil-lined roasting pan.

Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 45-65 minutes or until beef reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 10-12 servings.

Classic Lasagna

2 medium onions, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (14.5-oz.) can basil, garlic, and oregano diced tomatoes
2 (6-oz.) cans tomato paste
1 (8-oz.) can basil, garlic, and oregano tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
8 cups boiling water
1 (16-oz.) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 (6-oz.) packages part-skim mozzarella cheese slices
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Sauté onion in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add beef, and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until beef crumbles and is no longer pink.

Drain beef mixture, and return to skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes, next 4 ingredients, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf; set meat sauce aside.

Place lasagna noodles in a 13- x- 9-inch pan. Carefully pour 8 cups boiling water and remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil over noodles. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir together ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper until blended.

Spoon half of the meat sauce mixture in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Shake excess water from noodles, and arrange 6 noodles over meat sauce; top with half of ricotta mixture and 1 package mozzarella cheese slices. Repeat layers once.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until bubbly. Let lasagna stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired. Makes 8 to 10 servings

Turkey Potpie

1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup frozen cut green beans, cooked and drained
Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
1 tablespoon milk

In a skillet, saute carrots, onion, celery, thyme and pepper in butter until vegetables are crisp-tender. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine turkey and flour; shake to coat. Add turkey, soup and green beans to the vegetable mixture; mix well. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust.

Add turkey mixture. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie; seal and flute edges. Cut slits in pastry. Brush with milk. Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 6 servings.

Double Crust Pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
6 to 7 tablespoons cold water

In a bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in the shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half so that one ball is slightly larger than the other. Roll out larger ball to fit a 9-in. or 10-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry even with edge.

Pour desired filling into crust. Roll out second ball. Position over filling; cut slits in pastry. Trim pastry to 1 in. beyond edge of pie plate. Trim pastry to 1 in. beyond edge of pie plate. Fold top crust over bottom crust. Flute edges. Bake according to recipe directions. Makes pastry for double-crust pie (9 or 10 inches).

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Spicy Orange Sauce

1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chile paste with garlic
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chopped green onions

Place shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch; toss well to coat. Set aside. Combine juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and chile paste, stirring with a whisk; set aside.

Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced ginger and garlic to pan; stir-fry for 15 seconds or until fragrant. Add shrimp mixture; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add juice mixture and onions; cook 2 minutes or until sauce thickens and shrimp are done, stirring frequently. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

Chicken and Bacon Roll-Ups

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
4 (2.8-ounce) whole wheat flatbreads (such as Flatout)
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped tomato (about 2 medium)
4 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast

Combine mayonnaise, minced tarragon, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise mixture over each flatbread. Top each with 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup chopped tomato, 1 bacon slice, crumbled, and 1/2 cup chicken. Roll up. Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 wrap)

Pork and Hominy Chili

2 teaspoons canola oil
8 ounces boneless center-cut pork chops, trimmed and cubed
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 cup no-salt-added tomato paste
1 (15.5-ounce) can golden hominy, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth
1/4 cup sour cream

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add pork to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until tender.

Stir in chili powder and next 4 ingredients (through red pepper). Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in tomato paste, hominy, tomatoes, and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream. Makes 4 servings

Eggplant Parmigiana

2 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 teaspoons salt
2 large onions, chopped
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon honey
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, divided
8 cups (32 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Place eggplant in a colander; sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onions, basil, bay leaves, oregano and thyme in oil until onions are tender.

Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, honey and lemon-pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add garlic; simmer 10 minutes longer. Discard bay leaves.

Rinse eggplant slices; pat dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine eggs and pepper; place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip eggplant into eggs, then coat with crumbs. Let stand for 5 minutes.

In a large skillet, cook half of the eggplant in 2 tablespoons butter for 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Repeat with remaining eggplant and butter.

In each of two greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dishes, layer half of each of the eggplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 35 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 10-12 servings.

Thai Beef Salad Wraps

1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
1 cup cubed peeled cucumber
1/2 cup grape or cherry tomato halves
1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 (10-inch) flour tortillas
12 Bibb lettuce leaves

Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Sprinkle the steak with salt and black pepper. Place steak on a grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Let rest 5 minutes.

Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices. Combine sliced steak, cucumber, and next 5 ingredients (through cilantro) in a large bowl. Combine sugar, soy sauce, juice, and red pepper. Drizzle over steak mixture; toss well to coat.

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Arrange 2 lettuce leaves on each tortilla. Spoon 2/3 cup steak mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Makes 6 servings

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

1 (3- to 4-pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cups buttermilk
Self-rising flour
Vegetable oil

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag, and add buttermilk. Cover or seal, and chill at least 2 hours. Remove chicken from buttermilk, discarding buttermilk. Dredge chicken in flour.

Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches in a deep skillet or Dutch oven; heat to 360°. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover chicken, and cook 9 minutes.

Turn chicken; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover and cook 5 to 9 minutes, turning chicken the last 3 minutes for even browning, if necessary. Drain on paper towels. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Red Wine and Blue Cheese

4 (4-ounce) filet mignon steaks, trimmed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
3/4 cup port or other sweet red wine
2 tablespoons jellied cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons beef broth
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle steaks with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; coat steaks with cooking spray. Add steaks to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove steaks from pan; keep warm.

Add port, cranberry sauce, broth, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and garlic to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Reduce heat, and cook until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup (about 4 minutes). Serve steaks with sauce; top with cheese.
Makes 4 servings

Monterey Jack Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa

Salsa:
1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 Anjou pear, cored and finely diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

Quesadillas:
Cooking spray
1/4 cup (2-inch-thick) slices green onions
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

To prepare salsa, combine first 7 ingredients. Cover and chill.

To prepare quesadillas, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 1/4 cup sliced onions to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until tender.

Remove onions from pan; reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cheese over each of 4 tortillas. Top each cheese-covered tortilla with one-fourth of onions, 1/2 cup turkey, 2 tablespoons cheese, and 1 tortilla.

Recoat pan with cooking spray. Add 1 quesadilla to pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and cheese melts. Repeat with remaining quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges. Serve with cranberry salsa and sour cream. Makes 8 servings

Spinach, Caramelized Onion, and Bacon Pizza

Dough:
1 cup bread flour, divided
1 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray

Topping:
4 bacon slices, chopped
1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach
2 cups (1/4-inch-thick) sliced onion
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

To prepare dough, lightly spoon the bread flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine 1/2 cup bread flour, warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast, stirring with a whisk. Let stand 15 minutes.

Lightly spoon 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup bread flour, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Make a well in center of mixture. Add yeast mixture to flour mixture; stir well. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85º), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 20 minutes.

To prepare topping, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings. Set bacon aside. Add spinach to drippings in pan; sauté 2 minutes or until wilted. Place spinach in a colander, pressing until barely moist. Add onion and 2 teaspoons sugar to pan; cook 12 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 3 tablespoons flour and pepper, stirring with a whisk; cook 30 seconds. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 5 minutes or until thick and bubbly, stirring constantly with a whisk.

Preheat oven to 475º. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Place dough on a (12-inch) pizza pan or baking sheet coated with cooking spray adn sprinkled with cornmeal. Crimp edges of dough with fingers to form a rim. Spread milk mixture evenly over dough; top with spinach and onion.

Bake at 475° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with bacon and cheese; bake an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown. Cut pizza into 8 wedges. Makes 4 servings