Florentine Meatballs

SERVINGS: 4
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.

Ingredients:
1 box frozen spinach (10 ounces), defrosted in the microwave
1 1/3 pounds ground turkey breast (1 package)
1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups milk, divided
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (3 handfuls)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (2 palmfuls)
Coarse salt and black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 sack shredded provolone or blend of Italian cheeses (10 ounces), available on the dairy aisle at the grocery store
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (eyeball it)
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped, for garnish

Directions:
Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.

Wring the defrosted spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel. Place the turkey in a bowl and make a well in the middle of it. Add the spinach, all but 3 tablespoons of the onion, the garlic, egg, about 1/4 cup of the milk, the breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form into 12 large balls and drizzle with EVOO. Arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

While the meatballs are in the oven, heat a small saucepot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of EVOO and 2 tablespoons butter. Melt the butter, then add the remaining finely chopped onion. Cook for 2 minutes, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 cup stock. Bring the liquid up to a boil, then stir in the shredded provolone or blended Italian cheeses. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg and turn the heat to lowest setting.

Place three meatballs on dinner plates, top with sauce and garnish with parsley.

Yield: about 4 servings

Source: Rachael Ray

Pepperoni Stromboli

SERVINGS: 16
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.

Ingredients:
2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough, thawed
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup Crisco® Light Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, chopped

Directions:

Place each loaf of bread dough in a greased large bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Punch down. Roll each loaf into a 15-in. x 12-in. rectangle.

In a small bowl, combine eggs, oil and seasonings. Brush over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges; set remaining egg mixture aside. Arrange beef, pepperoni, cheeses and onion on dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up, jelly-roll style, beginning with a long side. Seal the edges well.

Place seam side down on greased baking sheets. Brush with remaining egg mixture. Bake at 3757° for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Yield: about 16 servings.

Source: www.tasteofhome.com

Cream-Filled Strawberries

"These plump berries filled with a creamy pudding mixture are so elegant-looking and luscious-tasting that they're perfect for parties or holiday gatherings."

SERVINGS: 18
CATEGORY: Appetizer
TIME: Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Ingredients:
18 large fresh strawberries
1 cup cold fat-free milk
1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

Remove stems from strawberries; cut a deep X in the top of each berry. Spread berries apart. In a bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping and almond extract. Pipe or spoon about 5 teaspoons into each berry. Chill until serving.

Yield: 18 strawberries.

Source: Taste of Home: The New Appetizer