7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

I just want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about Linda's webiste. For those who haven't been there yet - you really do need to check it out! It is an amazing place, and a real gift to those like me, who aren't the best cooks in the the world.

Here is the link to her site:http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/

I'm going to include a few examples of some of the dishes from there that I really love. Keep in mind, that these are directly from her site... including the nutrition facts. I want to encourage everyone to verify your own carb counts. I have verified nutrition facts for a recipe before, only to find that the carb counts were WAY OFF. It wasn't from Linda's site, but was from a place that I really would have thought would be right. So the moral of my story - don't just accept other folks' counts. Verify your own.

From Linda's website:

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes



"LOADED" CAULIFLOWER
1 cup cooked cauliflower
1 teaspoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ounce cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon ranch dressing or sour cream
1 strip bacon, crumbled
1 teaspoon chives
Butter and season the cauliflower. Place in an individual-serving baking dish, then top with the cheese. Microwave or broil until the cheese is melted. Top with ranch dressing, bacon and chives.
Makes 1 serving
Do not freeze
Per Serving: 290 Calories; 25g Fat; 12g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 3g Net Carbs
I wasn't trying to pretend that this was a baked potato, but I had the idea of topping cauliflower with all of the things that go on a baked potato. It was quite good.

I have never used the option of ranch dressing. I use sour cream, and it is really very delicious. Prior to Atkins, I thought that I hated cauliflower. It is truly one of my favorite things in the world to eat, and I like to prepare it many ways.

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Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes



TODD'S GREEN BEANS
1 pound fresh green beans *
6 ounces onion, sliced thick *
1 tablespoon oil
1-2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large skillet or wok, sauté the green beans in oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat about 4-5 minutes or until they start to brown. Add another tablespoon of butter, if needed, and add the onions. Sauté until the onions are nice and brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Makes 4-6 servings
Can be frozen
* You can also use a 16-ounce bag of frozen thin green beans that have been thawed completely and patted dry. I used frozen beans. I used a medium onion plus one small onion to get 6 ounces.
Per 1/4 Recipe: 126 Calories; 9g Fat; 2g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 6g Net Carbs
Per 1/6 Recipe: 84 Calories; 6g Fat; 1g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs
My friend Nancy's son-in-law Todd came up with this recipe and they're very good. This is a simple recipe yet it has a nice flavor that would go well with just about any main dish. You could make this better suited for induction by cutting the onion back to one small one or about 2 1/2 ounces. Click the photo to see a close-up.

I have never tried this with frozen green beans; I have always used fresh. I am going to try it with frozen the next time I make this. I also like to include mushrooms in mine. Yummy!

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Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes



PORTOBELLO PARMESAN
2 portobello mushroom caps
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch garlic powder
2 tablespoons spaghetti sauce
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1/2 cup
1 ounce freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Very gently scrape the gills off the underside of the mushroom caps with a spoon and cut off the stems to make them level with the underside of the mushrooms. Brush the mushrooms with a damp cloth to clean them. Place the caps stem side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400º 10 minutes. Turn the caps stem side down and bake another 5 minutes.
Place the mushrooms stem side up on the same baking sheet. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Spread each with 1 tablespoon of the spaghetti sauce. Divide the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses between the mushrooms. Bake at 400º about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve as a meatless main dish or as a side dish.
Makes 2 servings
Do not freeze
Per Serving: 198 Calories; 12g Fat; 15g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 6g Net Carbs
This is based on a recipe by Giada De Laurentiis. She grilled her mushrooms and baked this more like a casserole with a lot more sauce. Since the sauce has so many carbs, I cut it back to just 1 tablespoon per mushroom and it was plenty. It's the cheese that's important here and there's plenty of it.

I don't really care for tomato sauce or lowcarb spaghetti sauce, so I just use cheese. Love it!

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

This is the recipe I have Mitzi - I got mine from the Food Network website under Paula Deen's recipes. I also have one that uses turkey legs or turkey wings - the only difference is the meat from one recipe to the next. We're having ham for Mother's Day so I'm going to use the bone from that to use to cook my collard greens. It will be one of the dishes I cook for Day 1 of the challenge.

Sounds great!

One thing to keep in mind - I noticed this comment in the feedback from people who have tried the recipe: "None of the recipes I've seen on this site stress the need to wash the greens throughly. It takes a while and is the worst part of making them but very necessary." Apparently, special attention needs to be paid when cleaning them. I've noticed the same thing with leeks.

I also read the comment: "I also add some coarsely chopped onion and red pepper flakes." I love flavor, so I would definitely add this.

I also like the idea in a comment someone made about cooking the greens and ham hocks by putting them in a crockpot on low the night before. I love crockpot cooking! So easy, and makes things sooooo tender.

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

OK, this is something that I had always heard people talk about, but I just never got around to trying it. I finally made it for the first time on Easter Sunday, and let me just say . I really think it is just outstanding, and it is one of the things that I will be making tomorrow so I can eat it a few times. I hear that it freezes very well, but honestly, it never sticks around long enough to worry about that. I've eaten on it for a few days while keeping it in the refrigerator.

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes



MOCKAFONI & CHEESE
16 ounce bag frozen cauliflower
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream or low carb milk
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced chives, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Cook the cauliflower until tender; drain well. In a 1 1/2 quart casserole; soften the cream cheese in the microwave about 30-40 seconds on HIGH. Whisk in the cream until smooth, then stir in 4 ounces cheddar cheese. Microwave on MEDIUM about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Stir well until creamy and smooth, microwaving a little longer if necessary. Stir in the green onions, chives, salt and pepper. Add the cauliflower and gently fold into the cheese sauce to coat well. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Top with the remaining 2 ounces cheese and bake at 350º for 35 minutes, until bubbly and brown on top.
Makes 4-6 servings
Can be frozen
Per 1/4 Recipe: 326 Calories; 27g Fat; 15g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 5g Net Carbs
Per 1/6 Recipe: 217 Calories; 18g Fat; 10g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 3g Net Carbs

[imagood1]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

OK, this is something that I had always heard people talk about, but I just never got around to trying it. I finally made it for the first time on Easter Sunday, and let me just say . I really think it is just outstanding, and it is one of the things that I will be making tomorrow so I can eat it a few times. I hear that it freezes very well, but honestly, it never sticks around long enough to worry about that. I've eaten on it for a few days while keeping it in the refrigerator.

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes

I couldn't survive without this recipe...LOL!! I told Mick about it soon after he started and he says they still have it every week. This and the stuffed green peppers - yum to both!!

[Georgiana]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Never had mockafoni & cheese. I think that will be my new way to eat cauliflower, for this challenge.

[imeanitthistime]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Am I too late? I'm in for 15.

[segue]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Cannot find another place to post my daily net veggie carbs.
Today I have eaten 14 net grams (pushed it up there with pumpkin).

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Am I too late? I'm in for 15.

No, it's not too late!

Here is the deal, though:

You must state what rung/phase you are on: Induction, OWL or Maintenance. You must be willing to chart your veggie NET carbs for the 5 days of the challenge, and report them daily. Also, you are to try a new veggie that you have never eaten before. For those of you who are already great at getting in your veggies, and don't think that there any veggies you haven't tried yet, try to come up with a new way to have a tried and true favorite... get creative!

If you are doing Induction, your challenge is to eat a minimum of 12 NET carbs of veggies each day during the challenge.
If you are in any phase of OWL, your challenge is to eat a minimum of 17 NET carbs of veggies each day during the challenge.
If you are on Maintenance, your challenge is to eat a minimum of 22 NET carbs of veggies each day during the challenge.

I see that your status shows you as in OWL Rung 1. If that is so, the minimum would be 17 net veggie carbs per day. If you are in Induction, the minimum would be 12 net veggie carbs per day.

Would you rather enter as Induction level, or OWL level? Just let me know, and I will sign you up!

[imeanitthistime]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

I'm in OWL. I will shoot for 17.

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Cannot find another place to post my daily net veggie carbs.
Today I have eaten 14 net grams (pushed it up there with pumpkin).

Segue, we are using this thread to report daily totals. So you've come to the right place.

What we need to get straight, is which day you are reporting for. I'm glad you brought this up. The challenge doesn't begin until Monday, May 10th. Now, I'm not sure what part of the world you are in... and since we are an international board, we will have people reporting in at many different times. So I need each person to report something like this:

Example:

I am reporting totals for Monday, and my total net veggie carbs are ____.

You'll do the same for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. While daily reporting is preferred, I do understand that sometimes life gets a little hectic, and all of you may not be able to get here each day. If that happens, just make sure you get here when you can, and report your totals. Just make sure it is clear which day you are reporting for, and make sure there are reports for all 5 days. The challenge runs through Friday, and I will allow entries for the five days to be entered through Saturday. That is when I will be finalizing totals, and handing out awards.

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

I'm in OWL. I will shoot for 17.

There you go! Excellent!!

Roster so far:

2big4mysize - 22 net veggie carb minimum
Ashleye233 - 12 net veggie carb minimum
barrnone - 17 net veggie carb minimum
blueberrylady - 17 net veggie carb minimum
cbzmomof6 - 12 net veggie carb minimum
DreamsComeTrue - 12 net veggie carb minimum
EverLosing - 17 net veggie carb minimum
Georgiana - 22 net veggie carb minimum
H2Obaby - 12 net veggie carb minimum
imagood1 - 17 net veggie carb minimum
imeanitthistime - 17 net veggie carb minimum
jimmie 48 - 22 net veggie carb minimum
JulieB - 17 net veggie carb minimum
KITTYKATZ - minimum of 12 net veggie carbs
mitzimarie - 17 net veggie carb minimum
OzLover - 17 net veggie carb minimum
Paula.in.NC - 17 net veggie carb minimum
segue - 12 net veggie carb minimum
sham - 12 net veggie carb minimum
Thinking Thin - 12g net veggie carb minimum
TXMonica - 12 net veggie carb minimum

[CalicoPrairie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Ok, I'm in. I'm in OWL rung 1, so it may be a challenge for me to meet my 17 net carbs each day, but I'll give it a go.

Hmm, wonder what kind of new veggies I can eat?

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Ok, I'm in. I'm in OWL rung 1, so it may be a challenge for me to meet my 17 net carbs each day, but I'll give it a go.

Sweet!!! I'm glad you've accepted the challenge.

Hmm, wonder what kind of new veggies I can eat?

Remember, you can either try a new veggie, or a try new way of having one that you've already had. I know you can do it!

Roster so far:

2big4mysize - 22 net veggie carb minimum
Ashleye233 - 12 net veggie carb minimum
barrnone - 17 net veggie carb minimum
blueberrylady - 17 net veggie carb minimum
CalicoPrairie - 17 net veggie carb minimum
cbzmomof6 - 12 net veggie carb minimum
DreamsComeTrue - 12 net veggie carb minimum
EverLosing - 17 net veggie carb minimum
Georgiana - 22 net veggie carb minimum
H2Obaby - 12 net veggie carb minimum
imagood1 - 17 net veggie carb minimum
imeanitthistime - 17 net veggie carb minimum
jimmie 48 - 22 net veggie carb minimum
JulieB - 17 net veggie carb minimum
KITTYKATZ - 12 net veggie carb minimum
mitzimarie - 17 net veggie carb minimum
OzLover - 17 net veggie carb minimum
Paula.in.NC - 17 net veggie carb minimum
segue - 12 net veggie carb minimum
sham - 12 net veggie carb minimum
Thinking Thin - 12g net veggie carb minimum
TXMonica - 12 net veggie carb minimum

[jimmie 48]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

thanks for the reminder, mitzigirl

i'm so ready! dh will be leaving for work trips during the week and although i really hate it when he's not around, i do get to eat more veggies i literally veg out when he's not here. lol
perfect timing!

[mitzimarie]

Re: 7th Semi Annual Veggie Challenge

Never had mockafoni & cheese. I think that will be my new way to eat cauliflower, for this challenge.

G, this stuff is definitely on the short list of my most favorite dishes EVER! I hope you like it.

thanks for the reminder, mitzigirl

You are welcome

dh will be leaving for work trips during the week and although i really hate it when he's not around, i do get to eat more veggies i literally veg out when he's not here. lol
perfect timing!

Nice!