Monday, September 12, 2011

Copycat recipe~Jason's Deli Portabello Wrapini

I LOVE Jason's Deli, love love love it.  They have delicious whole foods with organic and whole ingredients and are lower on sodium than most other restaurants and kids meals I can approve of. Sadly they are a far drive for me so I don't get to go often.   This is something I had there once and fell in love with so I have created my own version to have at home when I can't get there. 

You will need:
Flat Outs whole grain wraps
Bell peppers
Portabello Mushroom
Mozzarella cheese shreds
Red onions
Cucumber
Lettuce
Tomato
Guacamole
Lite Ranch dressing

Chop, dice and/or slice the veggies to your desired size.  I slice mine thin for easier consumption.

Saute the portabello mushrooms in a light spray of olive oil to tenderize them or broil them under the oven broiler for a few minutes.  Heat a nonstick skillet on low and put in one wrap to warm on one side so it is easily flexible and a little toasty but not darkening.  Flip the wrap over and then quickly lay in 3-6 portabello slices depending on their size, then spread the veggies over the mushrooms, sprinkle on cheese, add lettuce, light drizzle of Ranch and a smear of guac (I do the guac to the side of the mushrooms just for easier spreading)  then wrap and flip.  You have to be careful not to over stuff or the wrap won't wrap and you have a mess on your hands...errr.... skillet.  Once toasted remove, plate and cut in half.  Enjoy! 

This is a delicious light meal that is easy on the waistline and the heart.  Low in fat and sodium and high in whole grains and fiber while being SUPER high in taste!! 

Skillet Fried Meatloaf~Not your mother's Meatloaf (well it is my moms)

Growing up we had a different kind of meatloaf.  My mother made this most delicious version of fried or skillet meatloaf that just the thought of can make my mouth water. It's not an ooey gooey blob of I'm-not-sure-this-is-cooked meat like substance.  This one is melt in your mouth deliciousness.  I have no idea the origin of it, I've never thought to ask.  Probably something she came up with to use what was in the cabinets and on hand.  A lot of good family recipes were born that way.  I make it now for my own family and it is a huge favorite so I thought I would share it with you.  As always is the case with me I've fiddled with it until I've made it my own somewhat.  Here is my version.  I can easily feed 6 with leftovers for my husband to take to work the next day.  I usually make small patties.  The measurements are guesstimates to an extent.  I am one of those toss and shake it in til I think that looks good :)

Skillet Fried Meatloaf

1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup of bread crumbs
3 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp worstishire sauce
1 tbsp Mrs Dash garlic and herb or onion and herb

Mix together and form into patties of desired size and then fry in a skillet as you would hamburgers til medium well. 

Add to the top of the patties 1-2 cans of italian flavor diced tomatoes (depending on your love of tomatoes and how much sauce you want on your meatloaf, I use 2 cans) and half an onion that has been sliced into rings or strips  stir slightly to get the tomatoes one and over the patties and simmer on medium low until onions are tender (flip and stir as neccesary to keep them from burning, if tomatoes seem to be drying out add a little water.  You want the tomatoes to be the consistency of marinara when done) 

This is an easy and delicious meal.  While the meat is frying I put on carrots (simmered in a little butter and agave syrup) and some Mac N Cheese and mashed potatoes.  Wonderful comfort food for cold winter nights and so melt in your mouth tender!