Weeknight Green Bean Supper

Fresh green beans, tomatoes, ground turkey, onions and other seasoning
make a quick and easy supper.

Here we have yet another green bean recipe inspired by the season.  Dr. Mariam first introduced this easy one pot dinner in our book "The Alpha Plan" which offers recipes for college-age kids and new cooks.

Although this recipe features ground turkey, you may also use ground beef or crumbled tofu.  Spices are mild so feel free to add more heat or seasoning as you desire.

Another bonus - this recipe tastes even better the next day.  Great left-overs.

Serves:  6
Prep and cook time:  about 30 minutes

1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
A package of ground turkey, 1 pound ground beef, or crumbled tofu
1 pound trimmed green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 can diced tomatoes
dash of salt and pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Saute the onions in the oil for about 3 minutes.  Add the ground protein and cook until no longer pink,  Add the green beans, tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.  Cook for 20-30 minutes.  Test the beans for doneness.

Sprinkle the parsley over before serving.  This dish is yummy served with pilaf or brown rice and a green salad.  We have also served the turkey version of this dish with a cauliflower/new potato mash.

Each serving offers about 320 calories, half your RDA for protein and selenium, and a third your daily requirement for iron, niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorous.  With just shy of 4 grams fiber, be sure to balance the main dish with a high fiber side dish or two.

- Kim Fielding

Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza (!)

This looks like it could be a dessert!

With four adult men in house for the holiday, finding uses for left-over turkey isn't usually our problem.  Turkey sandwiches with Swiss cheese on toasted sourdough is hubby's favorite.  And, reheating supper side-dishes the following night gives the cook a break.  This year, though, Son #1 was inspired to make something different.  He came up with this surprisingly delicious and super simple pizza.

serves:  2-3
prep and cook time:  25 minutes

1 package pre-made fresh pizza dough (Garlic and Herb is always good)
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Left-over turkey, shredded
Left-over stuffing, about 1 cup packed
Left-over cranberry sauce
Sliced mushrooms

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Spray a baking sheet with Pam and dust with flour.  Shake out the excess.

Press out the pizza dough into a rough rectangle or oval shape about 8x12 inches and place on the baking sheet.  Spread a thin layer of marina sauce over the dough.  Sprinkle about 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the sauce.  Layer on left-over turkey to cover the pizza.  Sprinkle the stuffing over the turkey.  (Not too much though).  Layer on some sliced mushrooms.  Drizzle cranberry sauce over all.  Finally, sprinkle another 1/2 cup or so of mozzarella to finish.

Bake for 18 minutes* or until cheese is melted and crust is crisp.  Remove from oven and slice into squares. 

The sweetness of the cranberry sauce counters the savory stuffing
and goes well with the mild cheese

* This pizza was baked in the mountains at 7000 feet.  Sometimes things take longer to cook up here so watch the timing if you are at a lower elevation.

- Kim Fielding