Easy 100 Calorie Flavored Popcorn

Ok, now I know it may not seem like you'd need a recipe for popcorn, but until recently I had no idea that you could make popcorn in your microwave without buying the prepackaged microwave popcorn.  I'm a little leery of the prepackaged stuff since that guy got lung disease from breathing the diacetyl that is released when it's popped.
So, I found this Lifehacker article about making your own microwave popcorn, and I had to try it. Basically, all you do is dump some popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag, fold over the top and staple it shut (don't worry, the staples won't hurt the microwave).  Then just pop it in the microwave for about the same time it takes to pop a prepackaged bag of popcorn, and voila - you're done!  It seems so dumb, but I was really amazed that it worked!  So, after some experimenting, I came up with a few yummy popcorn flavoring combos.

Easy Flavored Popcorn
33 grams popcorn kernels
wet stuff: spray butter, nonstick spray, hot sauce, vinegar, or olive oil spray
dry stuff: spices (popcorn salt, cracked pepper, cajun seasoning, ranch seasoning, dry basil, etc.)

Directions:
Put the popcorn kernels in a brown paper lunch bag, fold the top over twice, and staple.  Microwave the bag of popcorn on high for approximately 2 minutes (this will vary based on what microwave you have; listen for the popping to slow to 2-3 seconds between pops).  Take the bag out CAREFULLY - the staples will be hot! Cut the top of the bag off and add your choice of wet stuff.  It's generally a better idea to spray on the wet stuff instead of just dumping it on there; popcorn is delicate stuff and it will get soggy quick.  So, if you can put your vinegar or hot sauce in a spray bottle, that's perfect; if that's not practical for you, just drip it on carefully. It works better if you add a little, then shake the bag, then add a little, shake the bag, etc. Then add your dry stuff, close the bag up and shake to distribute the dry stuff.  Here are some of the combinations that I've tried that are tasty:

- spray butter and popcorn salt
- olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper (this will have more than 100 calories)
- hot sauce and dry basil
- vinegar and popcorn salt
- spray butter and ranch seasoning
- spray butter and cajun seasoning

"Beef" Stroganoff

One of my FAVORITE things to eat when I was growing up was my mom's Beef Stroganoff.  Something about the savory beef and the creamy sauce made it a very comforting and filling meal.  This time of year, when it's chilly out and the leaves have all fallen off the trees, I tend towards these kind of comforting foods from my childhood.  Of course, since I'm now a vegetarian, I had to come up with my own non-meat version of Beef Stroganoff.  This isn't healthy, or refined, but trust me, it tastes damn good! Hope you like it!

"Beef" Stroganoff

Makes 8 servings

1 container fresh sliced mushrooms (or 2-3 cans sliced mushrooms, drained)
1 can "cream of" soup (I like cream of onion, but you can use cream of mushroom)
1 16 oz. tub of sour cream (check to make sure it's not made with gelatin)
1 T. paprika
1 bag of meatless crumbles
1/4 c. vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (I like Cajun Power brand, since it's a tad spicy)
1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 T. olive oil
salt to taste
Egg noodles

Directions

While you're making the sauce, cook the noodles according to the directions on the package.  In a medium size skillet, cook the crumbles, garlic, and mushrooms in the oil over medium heat until the crumbles are browned and the mushrooms are cooked through.  Add the sour cream, soup, paprika, Worcestershire, and pepper.  ***About half of the time when I make this, I skip the condensed soup.  It just depends on whether I have any in the pantry.  It works just fine without it, although you will need to add more salt, a bit more sour cream, and perhaps some diced onion in with the crumbles.*** Mix thoroughly and cook over medium-low heat until heated through. If you're a normal human being, you probably won't need to add much salt.  If you're like me, and practically need a salt lick in your living room, then you may end up adding up to a teaspoon of salt.  The condensed soup is salty though, so don't salt until you've tasted, and then salt a little at a time until you're satisfied.  Spoon the sauce over the cooked noodles and serve with garlic bread. Yum!
(Nutrition facts don't include the noodles, since the info for those will vary on which brand you buy.)

"Chicken" and Dumplings

You know what I freakin' love? Chicken and dumplings.  Too bad I don't eat chicken anymore!  So, I needed a creamy, savory, satisfying substitute.  After much experimentation, I came up with this recipe for "chicken" and dumplings that's made with Quorn, which is a kind of fake chicken you can probably find at your grocery store in the freezer section.  If you can't find Quorn, you could probably substitute another brand of fake chicken patty; just choose something that isn't breaded.

"Chicken" and Dumplings

Ingredients:
2 T. butter
1 t. minced garlic
1/2 large onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into half-moons
3 celery stalks, sliced into 1/2" pieces
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 Quorn "naked" fake chicken breasts, torn into small pieces
1 cup frozen peas
2 t. faux chicken bouillon gel (see below)
6 cups 1% milk
3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. dried marjoram
1/2 t. ground black pepper
3 dried bay leaves
1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent rolls, sliced into 1/2 inch wide discs

Directions:
In a stock pot, cook garlic, onion, carrot, celery, potato, and Quorn over medium heat until potato is *almost* done. I like to tear up the Quorn instead of dicing it, because it gives it a more realistic texture:

Add peas and cook a few more minutes until the peas are thawed. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, flour, thyme, marjoram, and pepper.  Add the milk mixture to the stock pot and stir.  Add the faux chicken stock and stir until it dissolves.  I like to use Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base.  If you use something else, you may need to alter the measurements.  Just follow the measurement given on your bouillon for making a quart of stock.

Now add the bay leaves and bring to a boil.  Once the mixture is boiling, drop in the slices of crescent roll dough, cover, and reduce heat.  Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until your dumplings have fluffed up a bit.  You may need to taste test one or two...or four...to make sure they're done. Your dish will end up tasting much better if you make a mess while cooking it.  I swear. ;)

You probably will also want to give it a stir or two while the dumplings are cooking to make sure nothing sticks.  Once your dumplings are fluffy-ish, your "Chicken" and Dumplings are ready!  Just ladle into bowls, top with some more freshly ground black pepper, and serve.