Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

Posted By Barb Freda On November 17, 2011

This is just a rich beef almost soup. Serve it over some boiled potatoes in a bowl, because you will want to get every saucy drop of this paprika-rich broth. Browning the beef with the onions and spices before putting them into the slow-cooker adds a depth of flavor that makes this step worth it. Prep Time: About 20 minutesCook Time: 6 to 8 hours in Slow CookerServes: 8 2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 slice bacon, chopped2 pounds Laura’s Lean Beef … continued…

Barb Freda Cool Weather Cooking Healthy, Delicious Recipes
6 comments

Create a New Tradition

Posted By Barb Freda On November 15, 2011

Laura’s Lean Beef Instead of Turkey? Of course. Yes, of course, turkey is tradition. It is what the history books say was served up on that first Thanksgiving, after all, and according to historical records, including a letter written by William Bradford, who was there, it’s true. There was turkey. But apparently, there was also venison. And we like to think, if there had been some cattle around? There would have been beef, as well. So who are we to … continued…

Barb Freda Holiday Cooking Tips, Tools & Techniques
2 comments

5 Rules NOT to Break in the Kitchen

Posted By Barb Freda On November 10, 2011

You read the five rules I think you can break, right? Now here are five rules I really do NOT break in the kitchen. 1. Put food away after cooking. Yes, pretty quickly—meat spoils quickly, even on your kitchen counter in the dead of winter (more quickly, of course, outside in summer heat). Here’s my story: I was pretty cavalier about food safety until I made myself sick. I had some barbecue one night and must have delayed in putting … continued…

Barb Freda Tips, Tools & Techniques
5 comments

5 Rules to Break in the Kitchen

Posted By Barb Freda On November 9, 2011

I get questions periodically that surprise me. The answers to these questions are so much part of my cooking approach that I have forgotten that not everyone is as comfortable in the kitchen as I am. And lest you think I am saying I never make mistakes, jump back from THAT conclusion right away. I turn out some … well, if not inedible, certainly at times pallid-flavored dishes. But enough about my dark secrets. Here are five rules you can … continued…

Barb Freda Tips, Tools & Techniques
2 comments

You can be the newest blogger on the Laura’s Lean Beef team.

Posted By Laura's Lean Beef On November 7, 2011

Skinny Bytes, the Laura’s Lean Beef blog, brings you tips on cooking healthy meals, nutritional guidance and the latest news from the LLB homefront. In 2012, we want our blog to have even more great content. And, we are looking to you, our readers, to find our next bloggers.   The Laura’s team is looking for two new bloggers to join Jenny and Barb: one to cover all things fitness and the other to focus on topics related to moms. Do you … continued…

Behind the Scenes at LLB Contests & Giveaways
5 comments

Laura’s Lean Beef and Winter Vegetable Meat Pie

Posted By Barb Freda On November 7, 2011

I made this when I was absolutely craving vegetables, especially the winter squash that is in abundance right now. This recipe streamlines perfectly with my goal of using up leftovers—planned-overs, now—in inventive ways. Use any meat you’ve got: roast, pot roast, ground beef, even hamburgers—just chop or crumble them up to use here. Prep Time: About 20 minutesCook Time: 14 minutes for the pie crust (while doing prep work) and 25 minutes for quicheServes 6 1 9-inch, deep-dish pie crust … continued…

Barb Freda Cool Weather Cooking Healthy, Delicious Recipes
3 comments

Stuffed Meatloaf

Posted By Barb Freda On November 1, 2011

The stuffing in this meatloaf melds with the beef itself, making everything moist and savory. The lean beef doesn’t make enough pan drippings for gravy, but if you are lucky enough to have gravy from some other meal, it’s a great accompaniment to this dish. Prep time: about 15 minutesCook time: about 25 minutesServes: 4 1 pound Laura’s Lean Beef  92% Lean Ground Beef1/2 cup finely chopped onion1 clove garlic, minced1 egg2 slices bread, softened in 1/4 cup skim milk1 … continued…

Barb Freda Cool Weather Cooking Healthy, Delicious Recipes
post a comment

Non-Candy Treat Ideas for Halloween

Posted By Jenny Kramer On October 26, 2011

So Barb shared some great ideas for not letting Halloween get the best of our bodies, I especially love her dose of reality that Halloween is one day not a week!  If you are reading this blog then you probably care about sharing healthy living with other people and setting an example for kids so that could mean passing out a non-candy treat.  Don’t get me wrong, Halloween should be fun and having a little candy is fine but since … continued…

Entertaining Ideas Jenny Kramer, RD
1 comment

Have a Healthy Halloween

Posted By Barb Freda On October 26, 2011

Let’s admit one thing right up front: It’s Halloween. Candy is everywhere you turn. We all want it. That is to say, it’s not just the kids who want some of those treats. I want the treats, too. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep healthy eating part of your overall plan for the day. •    It’s just one day. Remember that. It is not Halloween WEEK. It is October 31. If you are buying candy ahead … continued…

Barb Freda Entertaining Ideas Holiday Cooking Tips, Tools & Techniques
post a comment

Fall Beef and Bean Soup

Posted By Barb Freda On October 25, 2011

Soups suit the weather. My inspiration for this soup, a meal in itself, is a minestrone soup my mother used to make us, but with autumn’s arrival and butternut squash and other winter vegetables filling the shelves of farmers’ markets and grocery stores, I couldn’t resist this version with squash and cabbage. Don’t be shy about using what you find in your own market. I was thinking Swiss chard would go every bit as well in this soup as the … continued…

Barb Freda Cool Weather Cooking Healthy, Delicious Recipes
4 comments