Dinner on My Doorstep! Greek Beef & Kale Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

Posted on April 19, 2013 by frogifer

Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten has been in Greece. A trip back in 1996 to run the Athens Marathon and explore the area afterward brought back a rush of fond foodie memories so fresh I instinctively want to undo the top button of my jeans. Ahh, seared into my mind forever is the smell of succulent rosemary chicken roasting all day, the drama of feta cheese flambéed tableside, and the never-tiring taste of authentic Greek salads boasting the ripest, most aromatic tomatoes, peppers and olives plucked straight from the country’s sun-kissed groves and gardens.

Unfortunately, I’m not moving to the Greek countryside anytime soon and I just don’t have my act together enough to tend to my never-ending family obligations while taking care of a backyard garden. So, I decided to check out Greenling.com, a home delivery service in Texas that brings the freshest local and sustainably grown produce to my doorstep. With just a few clicks on the computer, I ordered the “Local Box” that features a signature selection of in-season fruits and veggies plucked from the fertile and chemical-free soil of area farmers. The selections change weekly, so it’s always a fun surprise (although you can always see box contents a week ahead of time to start menu planning or cancel).

This week’s local box was bountiful. I received arugula, spring lettuce mix, kale, fennel, oranges, grapefruit, baby carrots, and turnips along with a potted live thyme plant. I have absolutely no idea what to do with turnips (you could say I just fell off the truck). Thankfully, they sent along a sheet of recipe ideas to get me started.

I also ordered a few meal kits that have all the ingredients portioned, prepped and ready to go. What a lifesaver for those super-busy nights when we might be tempted to order a pizza. Last night I used the “Greek Stuffed Portabellas with Greens” kit to make a very easy, healthy and satisfying supper. Of course, if you know me, I don’t like to follow the rules when it comes to cooking and added my own creative touches (mainly beef) to this convenient meal kit. Here’s my version, you can order the kit or start from scratch; either way it’s a delicious meal that be easily kept vegetarian.

If you’d like to try Greenling.com and save 10% in the process, just follow this discount referral link.

Greek Beef & Kale Stuffed Portabella Mushroom Recipe

4 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
1/3 cup diced red onion
½ lb ground sirloin
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chopped kale
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 large portabella caps, stemmed and washed
Optional: bed of spring mix

Preheat oven to 400F degrees.

In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté red onions until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Remove onions and set aside.

In same skillet, cook ground sirloin over medium heat. Remove from heat and drain off any excess fat and liquid.

Add back in red onions. Add green onions and feta cheese to the meat; stir until combined.

Gently rub olive oil (approximately 1 teaspoon between the two) on the tops of portabella mushroom caps. Place on baking sheet, tops down.

Top mushroom caps with the beef mixture, pressing down slightly.

Bake at 400 F degrees for approximately 15 – 20 minutes, until mushrooms are softening and cheese is browning.

Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to skillet and add garlic, cook for one minute until fragrant.

Add chopped kale to skillet and cook over medium heat until wilted but still green, approximately 5 minutes. Stir frequently. To speed the process, add a tablespoon or two of water and cover skillet with a lid.

Remove mushrooms from oven and top with sautéed kale. Add parmesan cheese over this and return to oven for 5 minutes, until browned.

Beef for Breakfast – “Top of the Sirloin” Sweet Potato-Steak-Egg Bake!

Posted on January 23, 2013 by frogifer

I’m excited to say that this delicious recipe of mine, ‘Top O’ the Sirloin’ Morning Sweet Potato-Steak-Egg Bake, is featured as a guest post on Beef Loving Texans. I love this site, it’s packed with cooking tips and creative recipes straight from the kitchens of carnivores right here in the great steak, err, I mean state, of Texas. We’re friendly in here in Texas and like to share, so everyone’s welcome to click on over and surf around for a spell.

I’ll also be presenting this healthy breakfast recipe along other options for lunch and dinner, like the Mojo Beef Kabobs, at the Live Well 2013 event this Saturday. I’m really looking forward to it; It’s going to be a really fun way to share my love of healthy eating and grilling with a big group of folks interested in reaching their health and wellness goals.

Eat More Protein, Run Zooma, Feel and Look Good!

Posted on November 12, 2012 by frogifer

Protein is a power food for runners and athletes. It plays a vital role in muscle building and recovery that can make a huge difference in the way you perform, feel, and even look. Packed with vital nutrients, protein repairs muscle damage after a workout and also tops off your glycogen stores when you combine it with carbohydrates – this lessens your chance of “bonking” in a race. Protein has also been linked with reducing the effects of the “stress” hormone cortisol on your body, which means you may even feel more relaxed. And, studies have also shown that a higher-protein diet from lean sources, especially when consumed at breakfast, experience a longer-lasting satiety level that curbs later-day snacking and thus helps to maintain, or even reduce, weight.

If you are curious about how much protein to eat, when to eat it and what types of protein are best, check out my guest post on Zooma Women’s Race Series today. It’s all about the benefits of protein and includes a delicious recipe for Sirloin with Sugar Snap Pea & Pasta Salad. What a great make-ahead meal to enjoy after your long training runs in preparation for the upcoming Zooma Florida (1/19/13) or Zooma Texas (3/23/13)

Breaking news, 10-percent off code for those of you who want to Run Zooma Texas on March 23, 2012 — it’s good for both the 5k and the half marathon. Just click here to register and enter TXAMB3 in the promotion code box.

Elite Eats: Pro Triathlete Natasha van der Merwe Spices Up With Jamaican Beef Kabob Recipe

Posted on September 28, 2012 by frogifer

After a day that includes numerous hours logged on a run, bike or swim, it seems like a girl could eat whatever she wanted. While I have heard pro triathlete Natasha van der Merwe hint at these 5,000 calorie days, I know firsthand that she’s not scarfing down gut-busting pizza and McFlurrys during her typical training block – these treats are reserved for much-deserved, post-race rewards. The day-to-day menu of the “South African born but Texas trained” transplant is much more practical, drawing on foods “with a purpose” to either fuel her for the next workout or help her recover from the most recent.

As much as she can, Natasha likes to stick to “real” unprocessed foods and a gluten-free diet. During long training rides she’s made the switch from energy bars and gels for mid-ride fuel to homemade sweet potato cookies — or even sometimes just the whole baked sweet potato! Believe it or not, a challenge for Natasha is taking in enough quality calories to stay “topped off” for Ironman training, a commitment that often has her busy working out 2 or 3 times per day. Oh, and did I also mention that she fills her downtime with coaching and taking care of the day-to-day details of Tri Team Transport, a triathlon bike and gear transport business she owns with her husband.

Because of this hectic schedule, Natasha tells me that she relies on quick and easy meals that can be thrown on the grill. Lean steak, a sweet potato and some veggies has long been her go-to selection. A perfect choice for the athlete and I’m not the only one saying so! According to experts, a 3.5 ounce serving of lean beef supplies about 40 percent of the daily requirements for zinc, a mineral needed to keep the immune system strong. Also supplied in this modest-sized serving of beef are 2 milligrams of iron (athletes need extra to rebuild red blood cells broken down by taxing training sessions) and a boost of B vitamins which help convert carbs (like a nutrient-dense sweet potato)into usable fuel for exercise.

It sure looks like beef is working for Natasha; this year she’s had some solid breakthroughs in her sport including a 37 minute 10k (off the bike, mind you!), a sub 30 minute swim in the half-Ironman and top ten finishes in too many 70.3 distances to count. Plus, she also recently finished her first full Ironman 140.6 distance (something she said she’d “never” do) at Ironman Mont Tremblant and now has her mind set on Ironman Florida and Ironman Arizona. Probably her only “beef” about beef is being in a rut about how to prepare it day in and day out– and that’s where I come in!

Knowing Natasha’s livelihood relies on simple, satisfying and nutritionally-sound suppers, I went to my source for no-fail beef recipes — the Texas Beef Council. The perfect “spiced-up” dinner suggestion for my triathlete friend that contains both lean beef and sweet potatoes is (drumroll) Jamaican Beef Kabobs. You should try it for dinner tonight, if you know what’s good for you!

Jamaican Beef Kabobs Recipe

1 lb. beef sirloin steak (or other lean cuts such as eye of round, sirloin, tenderloin)
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. red pepper
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 medium pineapple
4 fresh jalapeno peppers

Directions

Mix onion powder, sugar, thyme, red pepper, allspice, salt and pepper together in small bowl. Rub mixture into steak.

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place the potatoes in sauce pan with water to cover. Simmer until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain.

Cut the steak and the pineapple into 1-inch cubes. Cut the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds.

Thread beef, sweet potatoes, pineapple and jalapenos onto skewers. Grill over medium coals until beef is done to your liking, about 10-15 minutes.

Suggestions: If you prefer a less “fiery” version, substitute green bell peppers for the jalapenos. If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 10 minutes and drain before using. This will keep them from burning on the grill. Use plastic gloves while handling jalapenos to avoid burning hands. You can substitute shoulder steak for the sirloin steak.

Nutritional Information (per serving): 287 Calories; 5g Total Fat; 2g Saturated Fat; 50mg Cholesterol; 3mg Iron; 660mg Sodium; 5mg Zinc; 28g Protein; 32g Carbohydrates; 5g Dietary Fiber

Best Beef Cut? Try Asian Flair Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Posted on August 9, 2012 by frogifer

Move over tenderloin, my new favorite cut of beef is the ‘Flat Iron,’ also known as the ‘Top Blade.’ Thanks to the Texas Beef Council for making the suggestion! Cut from the shoulder of a cow, this juicy, well-marbled steak is rectangular in shape and uniformly thick, making it an ideal hunk of beef to toss on the grill. Sometimes, you’ll get one that looks as if it has almost been sliced and separated down the center. This is because a tough piece of connective tissue that runs through the middle is removed by the butcher before it is packaged up. A pesky but a small flaw I can certainly overlook, especially considering the flatiron is one of the tenderest cuts of beef around (second to only tenderloin), meets governmental standards for “lean protein” and is relatively economical compared to some of the premium grilling steaks found at the meat counter.

Every week the family has been enjoying this steak in some easy-to-prepare form or fashion. While you can serve with brown rice and veggies, we enjoyed the sliced steak served with “pajeon,” a delicious scallion pancake that my neighbor brought over. The recipe on this traditional Korean side dish is coming soon! Paleo Diet friends, just toss sliced some of this meat sliced finely on a bed of greens and you’ll be more than satisfied.

Asian Flair Flat Iron Steak Recipe

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1.5lb (approximate) flat iron steak
Garnish: toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Whisk the ingredients in a bowl. Place steak and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for 3 to 6 hours. Grill flatiron steak on high heat for 4 minutes on each side for medium rare steaks. Medium-rare will read 125 F degrees on the meat thermometer and feature a pink center. If you like your steak a bit more done, aim for medium at 130 F degrees. Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds and green onion slivers on top to garnish.

Flat Iron Nutritional Information

It’s What’s for Dinner! Beef Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle

Posted on April 26, 2012 by frogifer

I’m giving beef a great big hug this week – in fact, I’m loving it so much we’re eating it nearly every night for dinner this week. As far as food risks go, I’d pick a nicely cooked steak over raw fish sushi or unpasteurized milk any day, thank you very much.

Gee, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before (and my friends at Txbeef.org back me up), but a 3-ounce serving of lean beef offers so many nutritional benefits, it’s packed with protein, high in iron, and loaded with all sorts of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids – take a look-see at these Fast Beef Facts for more information. So how can you go wrong?

Admit it, you can’t! So, check out this awesome appetizer recipe that was on the menu at a “Girls Gone Grilling” cooking class I attended a couple years ago at the Texas Beef Council. I’ve personally made it and gobbled up these tasty tidbits as fast as a chicken on a June bug – err, a bovine on a blade of grass . . . . anyway, you’ll love it – so try it as an appetizer for your next get-together or serve several as a light and delightful dinner!

Beef Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle and Parmesan Crisps

2 boneless beef top loin (strip) steaks (about 1-1/4 pounds)
Beef Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
12 slices thin white sandwich bread, crusts removed
1-1/2 teaspoons coarse grind black pepper
salt
4 ounces garlic-herb cheese spread, slightly softened
prepared balsamic syrup
24 small arugula leaves

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine Parmesan cheese and flour in small bowl; toss to mix well. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle Parmesan mixture evenly into 8-inch circle on baking sheet. Bake in center of 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes or until melted and light brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet, then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Break into 24 irregular-shaped pieces. Set aside.

Cut each bread slice diagonally in half. Place in single layer on baking sheet. Bake in 350°F oven about 6 minutes or until lightly toasted but not brown. Set aside.

Press pepper evenly onto beef steaks. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook top loin steaks 12 to 15 minutes (tenderloin steaks 10 to 13 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt.

Meanwhile, spread 1 teaspoon cheese onto each bread piece; top with 2 to 3 steak slices. Drizzle balsamic syrup over beef; top with Parmesan crisp and arugula leaf.

Makes 24 individual appetizers.

Note: Balsamic syrup is available in the dressing aisle next to the vinegars in large supermarkets and specialty stores. Or, it can be prepared by combining 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons molasses in medium saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook about 10 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup. Balsamic syrup may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition information per serving, using top loin steaks: 74 calories; 3 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 1 g monounsaturated fat); 17 mg cholesterol; 101 mg sodium; 4 g carbohydrate; 0.2 g fiber; 7 g protein; 1.7 mg niacin; 0.1 mg vitamin B6; 0.3 mcg vitamin B12; 0.6 mg iron; 7.3 mcg selenium; 1.1 mg zinc.