March 27, 2009


Since spring is in the air and Easter is around the corner, I thought I would show you these awesome gift ideas. First, the combination of Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Gourmet Petits Fours include eight scrumptious California grown strawberries dipped in dark and white chocolate and then hand striped in Spring pastel colors. The four bite size petits fours include lemon, strawberry, orange and chocolate. Second, the hand-dipped gourmet chocolate strawberries and Spring Peeps. Each strawberry and Peep is covered in gourmet chocolate and packed with eight delicious, juicy chocolate strawberries and four darling Peeps nestled in decadent chocolate coating. See http://www.bouquetoffruits.com for more information.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Desserts, Holiday
Tags : Alison Lewis, Chocolate, chocolate dipped strawberries, Chocolate Recipes, Christmas desserts, christmas gift ideas, Christmas Recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, Easter basket gifts, Easter dessert recipes, Easter gift ideas, Easter recipes, Easter reicpes, Eater candy ideas, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, Holiday Recipes, homemade gifts, http://www.bouquetoffruits.com, ingredients, Laura's Lean Beef, Low-fat Recipes, peeps, peeps for easter, Recipe Developer, recipes with peeps, Semisweet Chocolate, strawberries, strawberry recipes, weight watcher recipes, White Chocolate
One Response to “Easter Treats: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Petit Fours and Peeps”
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March 26, 2009

This recipe is perfect for this time of year when spring brunch celebrations are upon us. When we have family brunches, I am always asked to make this version of Blueberry French Toast. It’s my niece, Jamie’s, favorite, as well as my kids. This recipe is a breeze and can be done overnight. Just see the directions under “preparation” below. It can also be done with strawberries or even bananas in the middle of the cream cheese layer. I love to use Challah bread, but if you can’t find that, use a good French bread.
Look for me today on The NBC 13 show in Birmingham “Daytime Alabama” at 11:30 central time in Birmingham. I will post the link next week for those of you who are outside the viewing area.
Blueberry French Toast
Havarti can be substituted for the cream cheese in this recipe.
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Yield:
8 to 10 servings
1 (16-ounce) Challah or French bread loaf, cubed (I used Challah bread)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into thin slices
6 large eggs
4 cups skim milk
1/2 cup sugar
11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
11/2 cups fresh (or frozen) blueberries
1 (12-ounce) jar blueberry preserves
1. Arrange half of bread cubes in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan. Top evenly with cream cheese; top with remaining bread cubes.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl; pour over bread mixture, pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours, if desired. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon over the top.
3. Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 more minutes or until lightly browned and set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
4. Stir together blueberries and blueberry preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Serve blueberry sauce over French toast. Garnish, if desired.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Breakfast
Tags : Alison Lewis, Baked French toast recipe, baked french toast recipes blueberry recipes, Blueberry French Toast recipe, challah bread recipes, Christmas Recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, cream cheese recipes, daytime alabama recipes, Dessert, Desserts, easter breakfast recipes, Easter brunch ideas, easter brunch recipes, Easter recipes, Easy Breakfast Recipes, easy easter brunch recipes, easy French Toast, Food, Food Consultant, Food Professional, french bread recipes, French Toast recipe, french toast recipes, healthy breakfast recipes, healthy food, Healthy recipes, holiday breakfast recipes, holiday brunch recipes, holiday food, Holiday Recipes, http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/daytime/, Ingredients Inc., low-fat breakfast recipes, low-fat french toast recipes, Low-fat Recipes, mothers day, mothers day breakfast, mothers day brunch, mothers day foods, NBC 13 recipes, NBC 13 reicpes, Recipe Developer, Recipes, shower brunch recipes, Southern Living, spring brunch, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving recipes, weight watcher recipes
3 Responses to “Incredibly Easy Blueberry French Toast”
Kathy says:
This was easy and delicious. My family loved it and I ate mine for lunch the next day....just couldn't resist! I plan on making this at the lake, as we always seem to have a crowd there. I'm hoping I can make this ahead and freeze, adding the blueberry mixture after it is thawed and heated.
Becci says:
Oh my goodness...seriously good eating. I made this for my Mom's group today for breakfast and we all agreed that this was the best we have ever had. I am currently having the leftovers for lunch...so, so, good!!!
Alison Lewis says:
Thanks Kathy! It is one of my favorites. It's great for Mother's Day or spring brunches for sure! Alison
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March 23, 2009

I had so much fun in Chicago over the past few days at the Chicago Housewares Show. I saw so many new kitchen gadget items that I can’t wait to share with you in my blog and store on this site. While in Chicago, I had the opportunity to meet Paula Deen, who was so friendly and sweet. I thought I would share one of my favorite candy recipes of hers that my kids love, and who wouldn’t?
Cookie Dough Truffles
Prep:
15 minutes
Yield:
5 dozen
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate morsels
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 1/2 pounds chocolate bark candy coating, melted
1. In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add milk. Add chocolate morsels and pecans, mixing well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours.
*Cook's Note: Since the dough is sticky, roll your fingers into flour. This will make it easier to roll.
Melt chocolate bark candy coating in a double boiler. Using 2 forks, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Place on waxed paper and chill to set. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Chocolate, Cookies, Desserts
Tags : al, Alison Lewis, alison lewis and food network, alison lewis and paula deen, chicago Houseware show, Chocolate Recipes, Chocolate truffle cookies, cookie dough recipes, cookie dough truffles, Cookie Recipes, easy chocolate recipes, Easy desserts, easy recipes, Food, Food Network, healthy family friendly recipes, Healthy recipes, holiday chocolate recipes, ingredients, Ingredients Inc., kids favorite recipes, kitchen gadgets, Paula Deen and the food network, paula deen recipes, Recipe Developer, Recipes, simple desserts, southern food, Southern Living, truffle recipes
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March 22, 2009

I used to not be a fan of ground turkey, but because all of the recipe development jobs I have received requesting recipes for ground turkey, I have grown to love it. Even my three children have grown to love ground turkey, especially this recipe with guacamole and turkey bacon (some of their favorite ingredients). This recipe is so easy and flavorful, and I hope you will try it too. I am still in Chicago at the International Housewares show, but I miss Alabama and love light comforting recipes such as this one.
Turkey Burgers
Prep:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook:
14 minutes
Yield:
Yield: 4 servings
11/4 lb. ground turkey
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
4 sourdough English muffins, toasted and cut in half
1/3 cup guacamole spread
4 tbsp. whole-grain mustard
4 slices bacon, cooked
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
Lettuce, purple onion (optional)
1. Preheat grill.
2. Combine turkey, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; shape into 4 patties. Grill over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes one each side or until desired degree of doneness.
3. Serve on toasted English muffins with guacamole spread, mustard, bacon and tomato. Top with lettuce and purple onion, if desired.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Main Dishes, Sandwiches
Tags : Alison Lewis, bacon recipes, burger recipes, Christmas Recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, Ground Turkey Recipes, guacamole recipes, healthy food, Healthy recipes, ingredients, Ingredients Inc., Recipe Developer, sandwich recipes, Southern Living, turkey bacon recipes, Turkey burger recipes, Turkey recipes, weight watcher recipes
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March 20, 2009

Welcome to the launch of the updated look of Ingredients, Inc. I started my blog on October 25, 2008, so 5 months later, here I am. I want to to thank all of my supportive loyal fans and subscribers, and I hope you as well as new friends will like this new look as much as I do. Take a moment to look at the “shop” button where I have listed a few of my favorite items. I will be attending the International Housewares show this weekend in Chicago to add new unique items to the store.
In the meantime, I thought I would feature a new favorite recipe I developed using marscarpone cheese. This recipe is so easy to prepare, and it’s as delectable as it looks. I have made these several times, and kids and adults are wowed. It’s the perfect springtime light dessert so let me know what you think. Best, Alison
Strawberry-Mascarpone Parfaits
Prep:
Prep: 25 minutes
Yield:
4 to 6 servings
1 (8-ounce) container Mascarpone cheese
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cubed angel food cake
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish: Fresh mint, sliced strawberries
1. Combine Mascarpone cheese, whipping cream and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer, beating until creamy. Add vanilla, stirring well.
2. Layer evenly cheese, cake and strawberries, finishing with Mascarpone cheese in a wide glass. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh mint and strawberries, if desired.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Desserts, Holiday
Tags : Alison Lewis, chicago international housewares show, Christmas Recipes, Comfort Foods, Desserts, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, healthy food, Holiday Recipes, Homemade Christmas gifts, ingredients, Ingredients Inc., light desserts, Low-Fat Desserts, mascarpone recipes, mothers day brunch, mothers day food, mothers day recipes, parfait recipes, raspberry recipes, Recipe Developer, Southern Living, spring desserts, strawberry desserts, strawberry light desserts, strawberry mascarpone desserts, strawberry parfaits, strawberry recipes, Thanksgiving Desserts, weight watcher recipes
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March 17, 2009

Coming up with five ingredient recipes can be really challenging as a Recipe Developer, especially when it comes to desserts. I love warm desserts such as cobblers and crisps. A crisp is a dessert of fruit that is topped with a crumbly pastry mixture, usually oats, brown sugar and butter. Using low-fat granola is a great way to cut down on the amount of ingredients. This recipe is very simple, low-fat, great for kids, and it works well in individual baking dishes, such as this clover for St. Patrick’s Day.
1. Saute pears over medium heat in a large saute pan coated with cooking spray 7 to 9 minutes or until slightly softened; stir in cinnamon.
2. Transfer to a lightly greased 11/2-quart baking dish. Stir in cranberries and honey, stirring well. Bake at 375F 20 to 25 minutes. Top with granola and cook 5 to 10 minutes more or until granola is lightly browned.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Desserts, Food gifts, Holiday, Recipes
Tags : Alison Lewis, cherry recipes, Cobbler Recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, Cranberry Recipes, crisp recipes, Dessert, Desserts, Dried Cherry Recipes, five ingredient desserts, five ingredient recipes, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, Granola recipes, healthy food, Healthy recipes, holiday food, Holiday Recipes, Homemade Christmas gifts, homemade gifts, http://www.idisgranola.com, Ingredients Inc., Low-Fat Desserts, Low-fat Recipes, pear recipes, Pear-Cherry Crisp Recipe, Recipe Developer, Recipes, Saint Patrick's Day food, Saint Patrick's Day recipes, Southern Living, St. patrick's day desserts, St. Patrick's Day food, St. Patrick's Day recipes, Thanksgiving Desserts, weight watcher desserts, weight watcher recipes
One Response to “Five Ingredient Low-Fat Pear-Cherry Crisp for St. Patrick’s Day”
Kin says:
How much honey do you typically use?
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March 13, 2009

Instead of using pizza crust, why not try pita bread? This recipe is great topped with Italian sausage, green peppers and mushrooms, but feel free to use your own favorite toppings. These pizzas can also be grilled easily. Grill over medium heat 7 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Not only are these pizzas delicious, but they are economical and child-friendly.
Mushroom Pita Pizzas
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
3/4 lb. spicy Italian sausage
1 cup marinara sauce
4 (6-inch) pita bread rounds
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup diced green bell pepper
11/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1. Brown sausage in a medium pan over medium heat 5 minutes or until meat crumbles; drain, if needed
2. Spread each pita round with 1/4 cup marinara sauce. Top evenly with sausage, mushrooms, green pepper and cheese.
3. Bake at 350F 15 minutes or until pita is browned and cheese is melted.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Appetizers, Food, Holiday, Main Dishes, Recipes
Tags : Alison Lewis, appetizer recipes, beef recipes, child-friendly recipes, Christmas Recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, easy recipes, economical recipes, Food, Food Consultant, Food Professional, frugal recipes, green pepper recipes, grilled pizza recipes, grilled Sausage Mushroom PIzza, grilling recipes, healthy children's recipes, healthy food, healthy kids recipes, healthy pizza recipes, Healthy recipes, holiday food, inexpensive recipes, ingredients, Ingredients Inc., light pizza recipes, Low budget dinner recipes, low-budget meals. low-budget recipes, low-fat pizza recipes, Low-fat Recipes, mushroom recipes, pita recipes, pizza pita recipe, pizza recipes, quick and easy pizza recipes, quick and easy recipes, Recipe Developer, Recipes, sausage and mushroom recipes, Sausage Mushroom PIta Pizza recipes, Sausage mushroom pizza, sausage recipes, Southern Living, twenty minute recipes, weight watcher recipes
No Responses to “Low Budget Dinner: Sausage Mushroom Pizza”
Donna Askenazi says:
Alison,
Wanted to know if you had any dinner recipes for Passover? I'm having a few families over during Passover for dinner one night and I'm trying to find something to make.
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March 12, 2009

This salad is so simple and so delicious! The combination of fresh spinach, basil, chopped pine nuts, turkey and Parmesan create an incredible healthy, fresh, main-dish salad. I served this salad for dinner, and it disappeared faster than I could blink. Serve it with your favorite vinaigrette or just a drizzle of red wine vinegar and olive oil. It has so many great flavors already, so it doesn’t need a lot of dressing. Welcome in spring with clean eating and this fresh salad.
Spinach-Turkey Salad
Prep:
15 minutes
Cook:
3 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach
11/2 cups chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 pound sliced deli turkey (I used cracked pepper turkey)
1/4 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
Vinegar and oil or vinaigrette
1. Combine spinach, basil and pine nuts in a large salad bowl. Add turkey and cheese. Drizzle with dressing, tossing gently.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Food, Holiday, Main Dishes, Recipes, Salads
Tags : Alison Lewis, Basil Recipes, basil salad, Christmas, Christmas Recipes, clean eating recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, fresh herb salads, healthy food, Healthy recipes, Holiday Recipes, ingredients, Ingredients Inc., light and healthy salad recipes, low-fat main dish recipes, Low-fat Recipes, low-fat salad recipes, low-fat salads, main-dish salad recipes, Parmesan recipes, pine nut recipes, pine nut salad, Recipe Developer, Recipes, Salad Recipes, Southern Living, Spinach Recipes, spinach salad recipes, spinach turkey salad, spring recipes, spring salads, Thanksgiving recipes, Turkey recipes, turkey salad recipes, weight watcher recipes, weight watcher salad recipes
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March 11, 2009

Since Saint Patrick’s Day is one week away, here’s a quick and easy dip that is sure to be a party pleaser. This low-fat, low-calorie delight is perfect for spring. It’s filled with fresh dill and fresh basil. Guests won’t believe that this dip is low-fat, and don’t tell them it took only 10 minutes to prepare.
Low-Fat Fresh Herb Dip
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
3 1/2 cups
1 (16-ounce) container light sour cream
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Fresh vegetables, crackers
1. Combine all ingredients in a container of a food processor; pulse until combine. Cover and chill. Serve with fresh vegetables or crackers.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Appetizers, Food, Food gifts, Holiday, Recipes
Tags : Alison Lewis, appetizer recipes, Basil Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, dill recipes, Dips, dips with vegetables reicpes, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, fresh herb dip, healthy appetizers, healthy beef recipes, healthy dips, healthy food, Healthy recipes, healthy saint patricks day recipes, herb appetizers, herb dips, herb recipes, Holiday Recipes, Homemade Christmas gifts, homemade gifts, Ingredients Inc., Leigh and Me, light appetizers, light dips, low-fat appetizers, low-fat dips, Low-fat Recipes, quick and easy appetizers, quick and easy dips, Recipe Developer, Recipes, Saint Patrick, Saint Patrick's day appetizers, saint patrick's day dips, Saint Patrick's Day food, Saint Patrick's Day Party food, Saint Patrick's Day recipes, simple dips, Southern Living, St. Patrick, St. Patrick's Day appetizers, St. Patrick's Day dips, St. Patrick's Day food, St. Patrick's Day recipes, Thanksgiving recipes
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March 10, 2009

This is one of my all-time favorite dips, and it’s low in fat and so high in flavor! I have made this numerous times for parties and showers, but I brought it up to the baseball field for my son’s 5:30 game, and everyone went nuts over it. I like to use rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes that are already chopped. These are less fat since they’re not packed in oil, and they can be found in the produce section of your local grocery store. This recipe is so quick, light, simple and delicious. What else can you ask for?
Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
1 1/2 cups
1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1. Combine all ingredients in a container of a food processor; process until combined. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Posted by Alison Lewis
Filed in: Appetizers, Food, Holiday, Recipes
Tags : Alison Lewis, appetizer recipes, Appetizers, Christmas, christmas gift ideas, Christmas Recipes, Christmas snacks, Comfort Foods, Cooking Light, Dips, Food, Food Consultant, Food gifts, Food Professional, healthy beef recipes, healthy food, Healthy recipes, Homemade Christmas gifts, ingredients, Ingredients Inc., low-fat dips, low-fat party appetizers, low-fat party dips, Low-fat Recipes, low-fat shower recipes, party appetizers, party dips, Recipe Developer, Recipes, shower appetizers, Southern Living, sun-dried tomatoes, Thanksgiving recipes, weight watcher appetizers, weight watcher dips, weight watcher recipes
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