Helen Fletcher - Food Blogger, recipes, & cooking advice -

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

By Helen S. Fletcher, on February 5th, 2013%

If you’ve never worked with spaghetti squash, you have really missed a great no fat, low calorie fun food. It is actually a squash, that when cooked, can be pulled with a fork and the squash is identical in looks to spaghetti. Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a perfect example.

I find it impossible to cut . . . → Read More: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Zucchini Fries

By Helen S. Fletcher, on August 21st, 2012%

The “secret” to these really crisp zucchini fries is panko, the Japanese bread crumbs. If you can’t find panko crumbs at the supermarket, it is well worth the trip to go to an Oriental or International Store where they will have them. The manner in which the zucchini is coated is also important to . . . → Read More: Zucchini Fries

Roasted Peaches with Amaretti Crisp

By Helen S. Fletcher, on August 7th, 2012%

The original recipe for this came from “Bon Appetit” and, of course, I had to dink with it a bit. This topping is versatile and it can be used over other fruit, ice cream or anywhere you want a bit of sweet crunch.

The cookies are readily available in Italian stores (think The Hill) and . . . → Read More: Roasted Peaches with Amaretti Crisp

Herb-a-licious

By Helen S. Fletcher, on June 19th, 2012%

When used in food preparation, herbs refers to any green or leafy part of a plant used for seasoning or flavoring a dish but not used as the main ingredient.

While herbs can be used fresh or dried, there has become a drum beat for using fresh herbs in everything. Little .67 ounce packages of herbs . . . → Read More: Herb-a-licious

Epicurean Potato Salad

By Helen S. Fletcher, on June 5th, 2012%

This potato salad is best made a day or two before for the flavors meld. When you drain the olives, be sure to save some of the juice as it is used in the dressing. This recipe uses American Mission Olives in a can. Substituting another black olive will change the flavor of the finished . . . → Read More: Epicurean Potato Salad

Quick Marinara Sauce

By Helen S. Fletcher, on May 22nd, 2012%

Quick is the key word here. If you put this on before you start the water boiling for your pasta, dinner will be ready in about 25 minutes start to finish. This sauce has a very light, fresh taste due to the use of three types of canned tomatoes. The tomato paste is important as . . . → Read More: Quick Marinara Sauce

Strawberry, Basil, Balsamic Granita

By Helen S. Fletcher, on May 8th, 2012%

Granita is an Italian ice and as such does not require an ice cream machine. It is really easy, low in calorie and fat and is ideal for anyone looking for a sweet treat with the emphasis on treat and not sweet. The twang in this dessert is from a bit of white balsamic vinegar . . . → Read More: Strawberry, Basil, Balsamic Granita

Spicy Asian Pasta

By Helen S. Fletcher, on April 24th, 2012%

It’s really hard to say anything about this pasta because my mouth is always so full when I make this. The depth of flavor is fantastic and the ease of preparation is amazing. This is perfect with a simple grilled salmon fillet or chicken breast. Just don’t overcook the vegetables.

1/2 pound fettuccine 2 tablespoons . . . → Read More: Spicy Asian Pasta

Southwest Roasted Vegetable Couscous

By Helen S. Fletcher, on March 12th, 2012%

When I had my retail shop this was a huge hit. It is super easy, super tasty and the vibrant colors make you want to dive right in. Serve it with a grilled or roasted chicken breast or salmon fillet for a complete meal. Toasting the couscous first insures it will not glump together when . . . → Read More: Southwest Roasted Vegetable Couscous

Black Bean Chili

By Helen S. Fletcher, on February 28th, 2012%

One of the easiest, fastest, meatless meals that is high in protein and fiber, low in fat and can’t be beat for taste. You can’t even tell the meat is gone. Cumin, one of the spices used, is the “chili” taste in this and many other southwestern meals.

1 medium onions, peeled and diced 1 . . . → Read More: Black Bean Chili

Warm Chocolate Lava Cakes with Bailey’s Sauce

By Helen S. Fletcher, on February 14th, 2012%

This really fantastic dessert comes to us from Cork, Ireland via the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in Orlando, Florida last October. Booth after booth after booth from all over the world featured food from their countries. This and the Belgium Waffle booth had the longest lines and were indeed standouts. For the Belgium waffles . . . → Read More: Warm Chocolate Lava Cakes with Bailey’s Sauce

Buffalo Chicken in Pita Pockets

By Helen S. Fletcher, on January 31st, 2012%

Super Bowl has become a national event where football and food meet. But whatever is served it needs to be “watcher friendly”. Nobody wants to take their eyes off the screen less they miss THE PLAY!!! Pita pockets fit this category to a tee as they keep the contents totally contained unlike a sandwich.

With . . . → Read More: Buffalo Chicken in Pita Pockets

Salmon Fillet with Sweet, Grainy Mustard Crust

By Helen S. Fletcher, on January 16th, 2012%

This is one of the quickest to prepare entrees you will ever have in your arsenal. A few ingredients and 20 minutes of time are all you need for a very rewarding entrée.

1/4 cup grainy mustard 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate (found in the frozen juice section) 1/3 cup . . . → Read More: Salmon Fillet with Sweet, Grainy Mustard Crust

Baking Tips

By Helen S. Fletcher, on November 30th, 2011%

BAKING TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS OR ANY DAYS

With the baking season quickly approaching, here are a few tips to help you succeed.

To Make Cake Flour –When cake flour is called for in a recipe and none is to be found in the pantry, remove 2 tablespoons of all purpose . . . → Read More: Baking Tips

Roasted Acorn Squash with Apples and Cranberries

By Helen S. Fletcher, on November 16th, 2011%

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching I love this easy side dish that combines three Thanksgiving favorites in one. Life is easier with less work! To make it even easier, it can be done ahead and simply reheated. Just roast the squash and make the filling. Refrigerate separately. About 15 to 20 minutes ahead, heat the squash . . . → Read More: Roasted Acorn Squash with Apples and Cranberries

Southwestern Seafood Dip and Chips

By Helen S. Fletcher, on September 19th, 2011%

This recipe came about as a result of my daughter-in-law’s love for the tart made with this filling. But the crust was a non-starter so I redesigned it for an easy and quick dip. Regular tortilla chips can be used but these cumin enhanced corn tortilla chips take just a few minutes and add a . . . → Read More: Southwestern Seafood Dip and Chips

Tomato Talk

By Helen S. Fletcher, on September 6th, 2011%

One of America’s favorite vegetables is really a fruit and didn’t become popular here until the 1900’s. It is actually a member of the nightshade family which includes potatoes and eggplant. To complicate things even more in 1893 the government gave tomatoes the classification of vegetable for trade purposes. But whatever you call it, the . . . → Read More: Tomato Talk

Paella Salad

By Helen S. Fletcher, on June 21st, 2011%

One of the national dishes of Spain is Paella. It consists of everything good, seafood, sausage, chicken, rice and peas among other things. It is a time consuming dish to prepare but without compare.

This salad version is perfect for our hot, humid summers. Serve it in a hollowed out tomato for a smash presentation.

. . . → Read More: Paella Salad

Turkey Sausage

By Helen S. Fletcher, on May 16th, 2011%

We are a country that loves sausage, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This version features turkey which reduces the fat content to practically nothing. However, turkey meat, especially all white meat can be dry. I would like to have half dark meat, half white turkey meat, but have found only white meat. So in . . . → Read More: Turkey Sausage

Black Bean Salad

By Helen S. Fletcher, on May 9th, 2011%

This is the perfect accompaniment to the taco mix recipe of a few weeks ago and it couldn’t be easier to put together. High in protein and low in fat, it will last a week in the refrigerator. In fact is should be made 1 day ahead for the flavors to meld. Truth to tell, . . . → Read More: Black Bean Salad

Chocolate Fondue

By Helen S. Fletcher, on April 25th, 2011%

What’s more fun than a pot of warm chocolate fondue surrounded by marshmallows, strawberries, pound cake, marachino cherries and anything else you fancy dipped in chocolate? It’s great to sit with friends and family (or by yourself if you’re not into sharing), spear your favorite dipper, plunge it into the molten chocolate and then maneuver . . . → Read More: Chocolate Fondue

Individual Ravioli Casserole

By Helen S. Fletcher, on April 11th, 2011%

I think everyone loves to have their own individual dinner and this fits the bill beautifully. To make it even better, it’s super easy and can be assembled in 10 to 15 minutes. Make a salad while it bakes and you have a great dinner in a flash. This meal consists of all . . . → Read More: Individual Ravioli Casserole

Granola

By Helen S. Fletcher, on April 4th, 2011%

What could be better first thing in the morning than oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, raisins, dates and sesame seed all bound together in a honey glaze. It’s ridiculously simple and, as an added bonus, it’s good for you!! Easy and good for you, what more could you want?

1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup sesame . . . → Read More: Granola

Chocolate Pudding Cake

By Helen S. Fletcher, on April 4th, 2011%

1 cup flour 1 cup sugar, divided 1/2 cup cocoa, divided 2 easpoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup boiling water

Preheat the oven to 350 degree. If using a glass or dark pan, reduce the . . . → Read More: Chocolate Pudding Cake

Crispy Fried Onion Rings with Chipotle Dip

By Helen S. Fletcher, on March 19th, 2011%

Please see the September 16, 2010 blog which includes how to photos.

See Helen on the set of KMOV-TV’s Great Day St. Louis!

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