Friday, August 21, 2009

Filet Mignon with Veggie Skewers

1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
16 cherry tomatoes
10 ounces white mushrooms, stemmed
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 pound filet mignon steak, 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, cut into 4 pieces

1. Preheat grill to high.
2. Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade in a small bowl. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini and onion to the remaining marinade; toss well to coat. Thread the vegetables onto eight 10-inch skewers. Drizzle the vegetables and steak with the reserved marinade.
3. Grill the steak 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium. Grill the vegetable kebabs, turning frequently, until tender and lightly charred, 8 to 12 minutes total. Remove the vegetables from the skewers and serve with the steak.


NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 291 calories; 17 g fat (4 g sat, 9 g mono); 70 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 27 g protein; 3 g fiber; 363 mg sodium; 529 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (45% daily value), Zinc (33% dv), Iron (25% dv).

TIP: Tip: When using wooden skewers, wrap the exposed parts with foil to keep them from burning. (Contrary to conventional wisdom, soaking skewers in water doesn't protect them.)

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Equipment: Eight 10-inch skewers (see Tip)

Almond-Crusted Chicken Fingers

Canola oil cooking spray
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 large egg whites
1 pound chicken tenders (see Ingredient Note)

1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.
2. Place almonds, flour, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a food processor; process until the almonds are finely chopped and the paprika is mixed throughout, about 1 minute. With the motor running, drizzle in oil; process until combined. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish.
3. Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish. Add chicken tenders and turn to coat. Transfer each tender to the almond mixture; turn to coat evenly. (Discard any remaining egg white and almond mixture.) Place the tenders on the prepared rack and coat with cooking spray; turn and spray the other side.
4. Bake the chicken fingers until golden brown, crispy and no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.