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Air Fried Zucchini Blossom with Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese

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These delicate zucchini blossoms are filled with creamy and stringy cheeses, perfect appetizer that entices your eyes and palate.

– What are zucchini blossoms?

Zucchini blossoms are edible flowers from a zucchini plant and mainly can be found in farmers market or garden.  Therefore, every time I see in the local farmers market I will by a bunch of it.

– How do I prepare zucchini blossoms?

Because they are very delicate, you will need to handle it very gently from the moment you get them.

Yes, it is worth all the extra light and gently handling.

– Are you ready to try these awesome and pretty appetizers?

Ingredients:

  • 8-10 zucchini flowers
  • ½ cup part skim ricotta
  • 4 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 mozzarella sticks, cut into half and then cut lengthwise
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup panko
  • olive oil spray

Method:

Gently wipe the zucchini flowers, remove any dirt or soil.

In a bowl, combine the ricotta, salt, pepper, and the fresh parsley.

Place the ricotta mix into a sandwich bag and make a small cut at the edge of the bag to pipe the creamy ricotta into the blossom.

Insert one piece of Mozzarella cheese into the blossom in the middle fo the ricotta mix.

Gently press the petals of the flower at the tip to seal.

Do this with all the zucchini flowers.

In a small bowl beat the egg and add the panko into another shallow dish.

Dip the blossoms into the beaten egg and then into the panko, toss around to coat all the flower with panko.

Spray the bottom of an air fryer with olive oil spray and place the blossoms in, and again spray the top of the blossoms.

Air fry at 365oF for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway using a thong and be gently.

– If you like this recipe, please check on these…

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Applegate Turkey Burger

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If you are looking for a simple, easy and healthy turkey burger, these might do the trick…Applegate turkey burgers.

Before I continue, I need to give you a full disclosure… “I have been given Applegate Turkey Burgers as part of a product review. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

I have never made turkey burger but have used ground turkey for these recipes…and when eating ordering burger somehow it is always beef…therefore I did not have any turkey burger to compare with.

Moreover, I have not heard of Applegate until I was contacted by the company and they offer me to try their products. They have many other products that I would love to try, but was given the turkey burgers…

– Why trying Applegate Turkey Burgers?

They are organic and it contains two ingredients…yes you read it right, two ingredients…turkey and rosemary. How healthy can you get?

– How these turkey burgers taste?

For us, it was a bit dry…this might be my fault since I used an air-fryer. To be fair, it was delicious together with tomato, lettuce and some mayo.  You might want to add spices and herbs to bust the flavor.

– Would I but these turkey burgers?

Especially that we are trying to cut red meat.  These burgers are a great alternative for a quick and easy meal.

– Where can I find Applegate turkey burgers?

I saw it in the frozen section of many groceries stores around me, you might try to look at your local store.

– How should I cook these turkey burgers?

Because turkey meat is very lean, cooking on a pan with a little butter and/or oil will add moist to the patties.

– Are you ready to try Applegate Organic Turkey Burgers?

Sorry to disappoint you…there is no recipe for it…just cook the burgers you normally cook beef patties, grill, pan fry, air-fry…top with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and with your favorite condiments…in between buns or wrapped in lettuce leaves. Cheese? Of course, which ever kind of cheese you like.

In another words, just use the turkey burger as you would use the beef patties…

Looking for more simple and easy meal? Check these out…

Did you know that lean turkey can provide you with a lot of protein? Make sure to choose fat-free portions of the turkey as they are rich in niacin (heart health), selenium (thyroid health, help immunity),  tryptophan (amino acid for the production of serotonin as well as immune system) and many others minerals.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Air Fried Yuca

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These air fried yuca are like French fries…great as a side dish…crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

I grew up eating “mandioca frita”, which translates into fried yuca…of course at that time it was fried using hot oil like the traditional French fries…the texture of the yuca, which is boiled before frying is rich, creamy, slightly nutty and sweet…denser than French fries, but equally delicious.

– What is yuca?

Yuca is called “mandioca” in Brazil, a very popular root vegetable, super common in Brazil.  As a matter of fact, tapioca is made of yuca starch.

– How is yuca prepared?

Yuca can be prepared the same way as potatoes…boiled, fried, mashed…and toasted as it is “farofa”, a side dish for meats, feijoada (black bean stew), poultry (as stuffing).

– What is the difference between mashed yuca and mashed potatoes?

Both are root vegetables rich in carbohydrates…If you like mashed potatoes, you must try mashed yuca. Mashed yuca has a slightly “chewier” texture than mashed potato, it is super creamy, nutty with a hint of sweetness…

– Why yuca is wrapped in wax?

Apparently, the layer of wax is to protect the root in order to preserve it and extending its shelf-life… which it not seeing in Brazil due to its popularity. Nevertheless, just remove the was when peeling the yuca and you are good to go.

– Where can I buy yuca root?

You can find yuca in most of the Asian and Latin grocery stores, and occasionally in the frozen section, which the yuca comes peeled and cut.

– Ready to try this new root?

  • Actually, there is no need for recipe…just a few steps to follow…
  • Peel the yuca root by removing all the wax and the dark brown skin.
  • Cut into pieces of approximately 2 inches.
  • Boil in water with salt until the yuca can be pierced with a fork.
  • Drain well, remove the hard-fibrous stems in the center of the cooked pieces.
  • Place the cooked yuca in a bowl and toss olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Air-fry at 365oF for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, tossing in between cooking.
  • Serve hot/warm.

– Care for more Brazilian recipe?

Check these out…

Did you know that yuca is a staple food in many Countries? Moreover, it is the third largest source of carbohydrates food followed by rice and corn.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes

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These slightly crispy air-fried sweet potatoes are super easy to make and they are great as side dish or as a healthy snack in between meals.

Before I go on with the post, sorry for not “visiting” you lately…we were on vacation and just got back a couple of days ago…we visited part of Croatia in a small ship through the Adriatic Sea, it was a lot of fun, met great people and enjoyed fantastic food…sharing some pictures are at the end of the post in case you are interested…now back to the post…

– Why air-fried sweet potatoes are healthy?

Air-fried sweet potato fries are made with less fat than traditional fries, so they are a healthier version with less fat and calories for you when craving for conventional fried potatoes or sweet potatoes.

– Very easy, almost no work

You will need only a few ingredients and very small work for these air-fried sweet potatoes.

– Seasoning?

I like it almost plain…just a bit of salt after air-fried…the contrast of the sweet and savory is magical…but feel free to coat with your favorite herb or any dip you like. The possibilities are endless…

– Air-fried sweet potato tips?

Yes, for even cooking try to cut the sweet potato as uniform as possible, either thin or thick…and place them in one single layer or close to it…that’s it!

– Thin or thick cut?

It all depends, sometimes I like it thin for extra crispness and sometimes I like it thick, so the middle is soft and moist, contrasting with the crisp layer on the outside.

– Are you ready for the sweet potatoes fries in the air-fryer

Ingredients:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Any seasoning if using

Method:

Preheat air-fryer to 400oF.

As stated above, try to cut them as uniform as possible.

Toss with olive oil, salt and/or any herbs.

Cook in batches, without overcrowding the basket.

Cook for approximately 8 – 10 minutes if the fries are thin and around 14-16 minutes for thicker cuts.

Make sure to flip the basket half way.

Serve warm…with or without your favorite dipping sauce.

– If you enjoy this super simple recipe using an air-fryer you might want to check on these…

Did you know that sweet potatoes contain soluble fiber? Moreover, sweet potatoes also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese and potassium. Since sweet potatoes come with all variety of colors they are loaded of nutrients, especially the purple and orange.

And here I have some pictures of our cruise through Adriatic Sea where we visited many Croatian islands, small part of Slovenia and Venice…

Sorry for the long post…

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Air-Fried, Twice Cooked Potatoes

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Yes, you read it right…twice cooked potatoes, first boiled and then air-fried…the texture is amazing, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside…

Despite being cooked twice there is not a recipe to follow…just boiled the potatoes in water with a bit of salt, drain and then toss some olive oil and freshly chopped rosemary or whatever herbs you are up to…place them on the air-fryer and voila…

These potatoes are delicious, slightly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside making them perfect as a side dish. In this recipe I used the golden and red small potatoes.

– What is an air-fryer?

As the name suggests, it uses air, hot air to cook and yes, it mimics the deep oil fryer, well, almost…the air-fryer will not work when using wet batter, with that said, it is amazing with all kind of dry coat food.

– Why use an air-fryer?

Air fryer required non or very little oil. In my experience when cooking food that contain fat naturally such as chicken, there is no need to add any oil. As for vegetables, a spray of oil will do.

– Why you should try this recipe…

Well, this is almost a no-recipe post…no secret and super easy…

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes (as many or as little you want)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh rosemary (or any herbs you like such as oregano, thyme, or a combination)

Method:

Bring enough water to boil to cover the potatoes. Carefully add the potatoes and salt. Bring the water to boil again and lower the heat to simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierce by a fork.

Remove them from the heat and drain the water.  Let is cool and peel the skin off.

In the meantime, preheat the air-fryer to 375oF.

In a bowl add the potatoes, drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and the fresh chopped rosemary.  Toss gently.

Place the potatoes in the air-fryer basket and “fry” until golden brown. Gently shake the basket in between to accomplish even color.

Serve hot.

– Would you like more air-fryer recipes?  Check these out…

Did you know that potatoes are rich in vitamin C? The controversial about potatoes being unhealthy lays totally on the method of cooking. Potatoes are healthy food when cooked properly and contain other vitamins such as A and B, also minerals.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Air Fried Bean Curd Sheet with Vegetables

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This is a very simple and yet fulfilling Asian inspired dish using air fried bean curd sheet, a great alternative for substituting meat.

– Where can you find bean curd sheet?

Since we moved, every time I go visit my mom I have to stop by an Asian grocery store and stock up with lots of fresh vegetables, refrigerated and frozen food. It is true that we have Asian market in the area, but I always feel that it is not as abundant and fresh as in the areas where are more populated by Asians, supply and demand…

One of my favorite item is the fresh bean curd sheet, which is found in the refrigerator section…I discovered that it can perish fast and a great way to preserve is by using the air fryer. Once the bean curd sheets are “baked” in the air fryer and the moist removed it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for much longer time.

The bean curd sheet is so Asian, what I mean without any discrimination is that you need to acquire the taste for it…and I was so surprised that my husband really enjoys it…the texture is very different from the regular tofu, and I am not talking about soft, regular or firm…the bean curd sheet is somehow stretchy, slightly chewy and can absorb a lot of flavor.

I hope you get a chance to try it…you will find it very different and interesting.

– Let’s start cooking…

Ingredients:

1 package fresh bean curd sheet

1 inch fresh ginger cut into thin strips

2 cups water

¼ cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Red pepper flakes to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Pat dry the bean curd sheet and cut into 1 inch wide. Randomly separate the layers and place in the 325-350F preheated air fryer for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the bean curd sheets are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket every so often to prevent the sheets from sticking together.

Once the bean curd sheets are ready, remove from the air fryer and set aside. Place all the other ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to boil then add the air fried bean curd sheet. Bring to boil and turn the heat to simmer.

As the air fried bean curd sheets absorb the sauce it will shrink. Simmer for about 15 minutes, if needed add more water, salt and pepper.

Remove from the heat.

At this point, it can be served as it is or added to any stir-fry vegetable.

– More recipes with soybean curd?

Yes, if you enjoy this simple and easy vegetarian item, you might want to take a look at Tofu Fa recipe which is a dessert made with soft bean curd.

Did you know that bean curd sheet is a film form from boiling soy milk? The film is similar to the film formed when boiling milk. The soy milk film is then accumulated and dried acquiring a yellowish color, unlike the soy milk. Bean curd sheet is also called bean curd skin or tofu skin.

Thanks for visiting Color Your Recipes, have a colorful week!



Air Fried Sweet Mini Peppers with Onion and Zucchini

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This is one of my favorite method to “roast” sweet mini peppers. It is super easy and fast…it’s lightly caramelized and perfect on bread, crackers or salad.

I love the colors of the sweet pepper, so summery and refreshing.  Many times we just eat them raw…crunchy and sweet, but sometimes I like to enhance the sweetness of the peppers by roasting…

I used to roast mini peppers in the oven…but since I got the air-fryer, this is my preferred way to “roast” almost anything…I love how even and caramelized the sweet peppers turned out in the air-fryer.  All the excess liquid, either from the washing or the pepper itself just drains out of the basket.

This recipe is very versatile, you can air-fry only the mini peppers or mix and match it with all kind of vegetables, I decided to go with zucchini and onion as I had them handy, but feel free to use whatever vegetable you have available such as carrots, eggplant, yellow squash…

Once the vegetables are air fried and seasoned you can keep them in the refrigerator for a few days and serve cold, which I love during warm weather.

Ingredients:

1 lb sweet pepper

1-2 zucchinis

1 medium size onion

Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar to taste

Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat air fryer to 400F.

Wash and slice in half the sweet peppers and remove the seed. Slice the zucchini and the onion.

In a large bowl place the sweet mini peppers and drizzle with olive oil.

Carefully place the sweet peppers in the air fryer basket and let is cook for approximately 15 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket in between. Remove from the basket and place in a large bowl.

Do the same with the onion and zucchini. Once the onion and zucchini are done place them together with the sweet peppers.

Add salt and pepper and drizzle balsamic vinegar to taste.  Toss gently.

Serve warm or cold.

I hope you enjoy this simple method of roasting mini sweet peppers…for more air-fryer recipes, please check HERE.

Did you know that peppers contain large amount of antioxidants such as lycopene, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin? These carotenoids are important, especially for the eyes.

Thank you for visiting Color Your Recipes…have a colorful week!



Air Fried Taiwanese Black Pepper Chicken

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These little chunks of chicken are so tasty and totally addictive…they all come with lots of flavors and are a favorite in Taiwanese cafes…

I love this chicken, and with the help of the air-fryer I am not worry about of the fat that come with it…the original recipe calls for deep fry, since I have been avoiding deep frying at home I would only get this chicken when eating out.  Well, no more of ordering this chicken now that I can use the air-fryer and get the same crispy chicken.  I like to use chicken thighs for this recipe since it has a bit more of fat therefore more flavor.

This chicken is very often found in Taiwanese cafes and are sort of appetizer/snack…finger food.  I usually serve as appetizer or accompanied by a big bowl of salad if I want to use as a main dish. So here is how I make…

Ingredients:

  • 1lb chicken thighs, no skin and bone
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon Chinese 5 spice powder
  • Pinch sugar
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cooking wine
  • ½ tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper (freshly ground) as much as you like
  • All-purpose flour for coating

Method:

Cut the chicken into small pieces of approximately 1 ½in.

In a medium bowl, place the chicken and add the salt, sugar, sesame oil, Chinese 5 spice, cooking wine, soy sauce and the black pepper.  Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

In a deep plate place the all-purpose flour and coat each piece of chicken.  Make sure that each piece of chicken is well coated with the flour.

In the meantime set the air-fryer to 350F. Once the temperature is reached, add the chicken to the basket and set it to cook for approximately 10 minutes.  Shake the basket in between the cooking time.

Remove the chicken from the air-fryer and serve hot.

I hope you enjoy this simple recipe for the very popular Taiwanese black pepper chicken adapted for air fryer.

Did you know that ½ cup of dry black-eyed peas are low in fat and provide more than 20% of the daily recommended amount of fiber?

Thank you for stopping by Color Your Recipes…have a colorful day!