2 Recipes for the Holidays

Cold weather has finally arrived. People are bundling up and trying to stay warm this holiday season. We are happy to provide you with two recipes and directions that are sure to keep you warm and full this Christmas:

American Irish Stew

An American classic and guaranteed to keep you warm even in the coldest winters is the American Irish Stew. With beef, onion, carrots, and a collection of other delicious food, this will for sure be a healthy hit at your next Christmas party.

Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/4 pounds beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (stew beef with the fat trimmed may be substituted)

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

2 medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional)

3 cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth, or as needed

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 leek, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring, until meat is evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 75 minutes or until meat is tender.
5. Stir in potatoes and simmer another 30 minutes.
6. Add rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer uncovered until potatoes are tender. Do not overcook to avoid potatoes falling apart.
7. Serve hot and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition information

Serving size: 1 1/4 cups. Amount per serving: 370 calories, 8g total fat (2g saturated fat), 43g carbohydrates, 32g protein, 6g dietary fiber, 427mg sodium.

Apple Coffee Cake

Christmas is a great time to treat yourself to a dessert. One of our personal favorites is the Apple Coffee Cake. Full of apple, cinnamon, raisins and more this cake is sure to satisfy your friends and family’s sweet tooth this holiday season.

Makes 20 servings.

Ingredients:

5 cups tart apples, cored, peeled, chopped

1 cup sugar

1 cup dark raisins

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 egg, beaten

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly oil a 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples with sugar, raisins and pecans; mix well.
4. Let stand 30 minutes.
5. Stir in oil, vanilla and egg.
6. Sift together flour, soda and cinnamon. Stir into apple mixture about 1/3 at a time—just enough to moisten dry ingredients.
7. Turn batter into pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool cake slightly before serving.