Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

Dinner Tonight: Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese




It was a toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin, lightly topped with I Can't Believe....) and a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea for Breakfast. After Breakfast I headed outside to get a little yard work done as early as I could. It's going to be a hot one outside today, high in the mid 90's and high humidity, heat index at 100 degrees. Then went to Kroger for Mom, she needed a couple of items. Back home did a few things around the house. For Dinner tonight a Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese.
 




I came across a recipe in a food magazine that sounded good, but it had a ton of calories and carbs in it. So I made some adjustments to it to lower everything and came up with this recipe I'm preparing tonight, Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese. To make the dish I'll need; 1 cup uncooked Rozini Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini Pasta (Cook Rotini  according to package directions; drain), 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons Flour,  1/2 cup 2% Milk, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley, 8 ounces Velveeta 2% Cheese (cubed), 1 link (cut into 1" slices) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage.





To prepare the dish I got out my favorite cooking utensil, the Cast Iron Skillet, sprayed it with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray. To start In a sauce pan I cooked the Rotini according to package directions; drain. As the Rotini was boiling I mixed the Panko, Parsley, and Olive Oil together in a bowl.









Next in the Cast Iron Skillet, melted the Butter over medium heat. Stirred in the Flour until smooth;gradually whisk in Milk. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the Cheese; cook and stir until melted. Stir in Rotini and Sausage, until well mixed and covered. Finally, spread the Panko Mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

What a dish, a Comfort Food for sure! Everything just blends together to make one delicious Skillet of goodness! The Rotini Pasta covered with the Cheese and mixtures and as always the Butterball Turkey Sausage is a meal within itself! And the Panko topping gives nice texture and crunch. A 'Keeper Recipe". I also had a slice of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, lightly buttered with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Had a Peach Diet Snapple to drink. For dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mousse.









Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

INGREDIENTS
1 cups uncooked Rozini Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini Pasta (Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain), 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons Flour,  1/2 cup 2% Milk, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley, 8 ounces Velveeta 2% Cheese (cubed), 1 link (cut into 1" slices) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage.

Directions
1 - Cook Rotini according to package directions; drain.

2 - Mix Panko, Parsley, and Olive Oil together in a bowl.
3 - Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt Butter over medium heat.
4 - Stir in Flour until smooth; gradually whisk in Milk.
5 - Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
6 - Add Cheese; cook and stir until melted.
7 - Stir in Rotini and Sausage.
8 - Spread Panko Mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
9 - Enjoy

Seasoned Fried Haddock w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese and Fried Red Potatoes

Dinner Tonight: Seasoned Fried Haddock w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese and Fried Red Potatoes








Well we ended up with about 4" or more of new snow! And another possible 1" overnight. But warmer and nicer weather coming next week, hopefully! Ate Breakfast while watching Team U.S.A Men Hockey go up against their arch rival Russia. It went to an overtime shoot-out but the U.S.A. won it 3-2! U.S.A. U.S.A.! Really enjoy the Winter Olympics. For dinner tonight it's a Seasoned Fried Haddock w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese and Fried Red Potatoes.

I had Haddock Fillet in the freezer, bought on sale at Kroger a while back. I laid the fillet out in the fridge overnight to thaw. To prepare it I rinsed the fillet in cold water and patted dry with a paper towel. Then sliced the fillet into smaller pieces. I then seasoned it with just a bit of Sea Salt and put the pieces in a Hefty Zip Plastic Bag where I then added Zatarain’s Lemon Pepper Breading Mix. Shook until all the pieces were well coated. I then pan fried them in Canola Oil, frying them about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Haddock and Zatarain’s is a perfect combo, delicious every time!







For one side dish I made some Tofu Mac & Cheese! I used TOFU SHIRATAKI (Yam Noodle with Tofu) MACARONI SHAPE which is only 20 calories and 1 net carb per serving! To prepare it I used 1 serving of Velveeta 2% Cheese, a small handful of fresh shredded Dutch Gouda (for that creamy texture), 2 teaspoons Hungarian Paprika, and Sea Salt and Ground White Pepper (to taste). To start drain and rinse the Tofu thoroughly. Microwave for 1 min., to reduce the authentic aroma. Dry very well and jut use as you would regular cooked noodles. Add the ingredients and stir until well mixed. I then put them in a small sauce pan and heated it on medium, heated until the Cheese was melted and Tofu was heated through. Came out rich and creamy with a nice flavor. I should you use House Tofu Shirataki – Tofu Shirataki more often, no excuse not to except I forget about buying it. Kroger has a small variety of it sometimes but it's Jungle Jim's International Market that has it in all varieties and always in stock. Makes a fine side dish and a good alternative to Pasta.








For my other side dish I peeled and sliced up some small to medium sized Red Potatoes and pan fried them in a Cast Iron Skillet. After thin slicing them I rinsed them off and dried them with a paper towel. Then seasoned them with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn. Then pan fried them in Cat Iron Skillet in Canola Oil, turning them over several times with a spatula until they were starting to brown on both sides. Love Potatoes and love the pan fry method! A delicious dinner for a cold Winter's Day, and saved a lot on calories and carbs by having Fish and by using Tofu Macaroni. For dessert later a Weight Watchers Vanilla Swirl Ice Cream Cone.  

House Tofu Shirataki – TOFU SHIRATAKI (Yam Noodle with Tofu) MACARONI SHAPE 8oz.

 A Dieters Delight! With only 20 calories, 3g carbs per serving and no cholesterol, Tofu Shirataki is a pasta lovers’ dream! And as a great bonus-it’s gluten-free!
It is a healthy, uniquely textured noodle – that pleases people of all ages!

What's all this noodley hubbub about? It might seem like these pasta enthusiasts are just over-excited, but these are real people who are really crazy about Tofu Shirataki!
Tofu Shirataki is a stunning pasta alternative made by blending the flour of the Konnyaku - a member of the Asian yam family and tofu. It is a healthy, uniquely textured noodle that has noodle lovers raving.
Tofu Shirataki has been pegged as a pasta alternative because unlike pasta, it's gluten-free, low in calories and low in carbs! It’s also cholesterol-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan and kosher certified. Offered in a variety of shapes including, macaroni, spaghetti, fettuccine and angel-hair we have enough to satisfy all your noodle needs!
Can you ask for more? Our fans don’t think so. Read some additional reviews if you need more convincing, but the secret is in the Tofu Shirataki!


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 113g / 4.0oz
Servings per Container: 2
Per Serving
Calories 20
Fat Calories 5
Per Serving %DV
Total Fat – 0.5g 1%
Sat. Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g %
Cholesterol – 0mg 0%
Sodium – 15mg 1%
Total Carb. – 3g 1%
Fiber Less Than 2g 9%
Sugars 0g



http://www.house-foods.com/tofu_shirataki_usa/

Red Snapper Fish Sandwich w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese

Dinner Tonight: Red Snapper Fish Sandwich w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese

A comfort food classic, with a bit of a spin, for dinner tonight. It’s a Fish sandwich with Mac and Cheese! I love Mac & Cheese but I don’t like the calories and carbs that usually come with it. So to cut back on the calories and carbs I replaced the Pasta Macaroni with Tofu Shiratki (Yam Noodle with Tofu) Macaroni Shape Noodles.

I used a Red Snapper Fillet for my Fish. After rinsing the fillet off with water I patted the fillet dry with a paper towel. I then seasoned it with Sea Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Salt. Then rolled it in Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs. I pan fried it in Canola Oil about 3 minutes per side. Came out with a beautiful golden brown crust and moist and delicious! Served it on a Aunt Millie's Deli Style Whole Wheat Mini Sub Bun and topped with a slice of Borden Smoked Cheddar.

Now for the Mac & Cheese, this is where it gets good! I used TOFU SHIRATAKI (Yam Noodle with Tofu) MACARONI SHAPE which is only 20 calories and 3 carbs! I added a half a serving of Velveeta 2% Cheese, and a Tablespoon Kraft Shredded Parmesan Cheese. Seasoned with Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper. Mix it all together and microwave on high for 1 minute and 40 seconds. After the first minute stop it to stir and continue with 40 seconds, the time can vary according to your microwave. I’m starting to use Tofu more and more as a noodle substitute. Huge difference in calories and carbs between the two. A thank you to Hungry Girl for the idea. I left the recipe and the link to the Housefoods Tofu at the end of the post. For dessert later a bowl of Breyer's Carb Smart Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Bob Evan's Glazed Apples.






Cheesy Tofu Shirataki Mac

Ingredients:
1 Bag House Foods Tofu Shirataki Macaroni Shaped Noodle Substitute
1/2 Serving Velveeta 2% Cheese
1 Tablespoon Kraft Shredded Parmesan
Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Sprinkle of Oscar Mayer Real Turkey Bacon Bits (Optional)

Directions:
Use a strainer to rinse and drain noodles well. Pat dry. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave noodles for 1 minute.

*Drain excess liquid. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.

*Add Noodles back to bowl and add Velveeta and Cheese slice to Noodles breaking both into pieces as you add them. Microwave for 1 minute. Stop and stir, mixing well, and continue to microwave for an additional 40 seconds. Optional, sprinkle extra Shredded Parm Cheese and Turkey Bacon Bits on top before serving.

MAKES 1 SERVING

House Tofu Shirataki -  TOFU SHIRATAKI (Yam Noodle with Tofu) MACARONI SHAPE 8oz.

Tofu Shirataki is a great pasta alternative made from blending the root of the Konnyaku - a member of the yam family and tofu.
It is a healthy, uniquely textured noodle - that pleases people of all ages!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 113g / 4.0oz
Servings per Container: 2
Per Serving
Calories 20
Fat Calories 5
Per Serving %DV
Total Fat - 0.5g 1%
Sat. Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g %
Cholesterol - 0mg 0%
Sodium - 15mg 1%
Total Carb. - 3g 1%
Fiber Less Than 2g 9%
Sugars 0g

http://www.house-foods.com/tofu/tofu_shirataki.aspx

Baked Tilapia Sandwich w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese

Dinner Tonight: Baked Tilapia Sandwich w/ Tofu Mac & Cheese



A comfort food classic, with a bit of a spin, for dinner tonight. It's a Fish sandwich with Mac and Cheese! I love Mac & Cheese but I don't like the calories and carbs that usually come with it. So to cut back on the calories and carbs I replaced the Pasta Macaroni with Tofu Shiratki (Yam Noodle with Tofu) Macaroni Shape Noodles.

 First the Fish,If you want a flat-out delicious Fish recipe look no further! I prepared this with Tilapia but it would go great with Mahi Mahi, Sea Bass, or about any other Fish. This makes one of the most delicious Fish Sandwiches you'll ever have. I had seen this recipe originally on the Neely’s on the Food Network and I've been using it ever since! So I laid out two Tilapia Fillets and I was set. I preheated the oven to 450 degrees F. Then placed a heavy-duty baking pan sprayed with nonstick spray in the oven to heat.

First you dredge the fillets in a Melted Butter (I used I Can't Believe It's Not Butter), Dijon Mustard, and Chopped Dill. Then you combine Panko Bread Crumbs, Cayenne and Sea Salt and Pepper and dredge the fillets through this making sure the fillets are completely coated. Place on the hot sheet trays in the oven and bake until cooked through and lightly golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Assemble the sandwich by adding Tartar Sauce or any other of your favorite toppings. I left my version of the recipe at the bottom of the post.

Now for the Mac & Cheese, this is where it gets good! I used TOFU SHIRATAKI (Yam Noodle with Tofu) MACARONI SHAPE which is only 20 calories and 3 carbs! I added a half a serving of Velveeta 2% Cheese, 1 slice Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon Kraft Shredded Parmesan Cheese. Seasoned with Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper. Mix it all together and microwave on high for 1 minute and 40 seconds. After the first minute stop it to stir and continue with 40 seconds, the time can vary according to your microwave. I'm starting to use Tofu more and more as a noodle substitute. Huge difference in calories and carbs between the two. A thank you to Hungry Girl for the idea. I left the recipe and the link to the Housefoods Tofu at the end of the post. For dessert later something a Yoplait Chocolate Banana Smoothie. on the post below.



Cheesy Tofu Shirataki Mac

Ingredients:
1 bag House Foods Tofu Shirataki Macaroni Shaped Noodle Substitute
1/2 Serving Velveeta 2% Cheese
1 slice Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese
Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Sprinkle of Oscar Mayer Real bacon Bits (Optional)

Directions:
Use a strainer to rinse and drain noodles well. Pat dry. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave noodles for 1 minute.

*Drain excess liquid. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.

*Add Noodles back to bowl and add Velveeta and Cheese slice to Noodles breaking both into pieces as you add them. Microwave for 1 minute. Stop and stir, mixing well, and continue microwaving for an additional 40 seconds.

MAKES 1 SERVING

http://www.house-foods.com/tofu/tofu_shirataki.aspx



Tilapia Sandwich

Ingredients

Nonstick spray (Pam w/ Olive Oil)
2 tablespoons melted butter (I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Two 6-ounce tilapia fillets
Two Healthy Life Whole Grain Buns or Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread
Iceberg lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes (Optional)
Heinz Premium Tarter Sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a heavy-duty baking pan sprayed with nonstick spray in the oven to heat.

Mix together the melted butter, Dijon and dill in a pie plate. In another pie plate, combine the panko, cayenne and some salt and pepper. Dredge the fish through the melted butter mixture and then through the panko. Place on the hot sheet trays in the oven and bake until cooked through and lightly golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

Assemble the sandwich by adding Tartar Sauce and any other of your favorite toppings to the fillet. Serve on a Healthy Life Whole Grain Bun or Bread.

* Recipe was based on a recipe from The Neely’s on the Food Network *