31 · Wednesday, April 14, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Beef and Almond Stuffed Zucchini Boats Makes: 4 servings Active time: 45 minutes Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes Ingredients: · 1/4 cup bulgur wheat (uncooked) · 4 medium zucchini · 1/3 cup slivered almonds · 1 tablespoon olive oil · 1 small onion, diced · 2 large cloves garlic, minced · 1/2 pound lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) · 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin · 1 teaspoon ground coriander · 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon · 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes · 1 teaspoon salt · 3 tablespoons golden raisins · 1 14.5 oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, strained, juice reserved · 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish · 1/2 cup no-salt added tomato sauce Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190ºC). Cook the bulgur according to the directions on the package. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Allow them to cool then chop them coarsely. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until they are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small pieces, until it is nearly all browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) of the salt and cook for 1 minute more. Add the cooked bulgur, raisins and strained diced tomatoes and cook another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the almonds and 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the parsley. Combine the reserved tomato juice, tomato sauce and remaining 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) of salt in a 9x13 baking dish. Place the zucchini boats into the dish, cut side up, on top of the sauce and fill each zucchini boat generously with the beef mixture. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes more, until the zucchini is cooked through but still slightly firm. To serve, place 2 zucchini halves on a plate and drizzle with tomato sauce and garnish with parsley. Nutritional analysis per serving, 2 zucchini halves and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) tomato sauce Calories: 320 kcals, Fibre: 8 g, Total Fat: 14 g, Cholesterol: 35 mg, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Sodium: 660 mg Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g, Calcium: 112 mg, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Magnesium: 95 mg, Protein: 19 g, Potassium: 1014 mg, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Vitamin E: 3.9 mg Advertorial The Omega closes its doors forever The sun sets on an Oakville tradition of "Fine Dining, New York style" After 30 years in business, Oakville's Omega Steak and Seafood House is closing to make way for new commercial development at the prime corner of Kerr Street and Speers Road. Owners Paul Gouleos and Danny Efthimiadis extend heartfelt thanks to their loyal clientele, those many "friends of the Omega" whose patronage and enthusiastic support will be remembered always and with fond appreciation. Customers holding Omega Gifts Certificates are assured that they will be honoured and redeemed for their full cash value until Friday, April 30. Again, sincere thanks to you all. We will miss greeting you in our foyer. The Allure of Blue (NC)--When it comes to corn, you don't necessarily think of a field with cobs of blue, but this versatile crop, typically depicted in buttery yellows, is also available in other eye-popping hues like blue, red and white. One of the oldest types of North American maize, blue corn has been used in traditional Mexican dishes for several centuries, and fields of blue corn are abundant in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Blue corn has a coarser, grainier consistency than yellow or white corn, which results in a sweeter, nuttier flavour. Typically, blue corn is ground into various flours or meals and can be found on the grocery shelves in products like corn chips, muffins, pancakes and even breakfast cereals. Made from real blue corn, Tostitos Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, have no artificial colour, offering Canadians an exciting alternative to traditional snack foods and is sure to draw attention and eaters - at any social gathering where it's served. More information and easy recipes featuring Tostitos Blue Corn Tortilla Chips are available online at visit www.tostitos.ca. NEW MENU launching April 5TH, 2010 MARIO'S EVERYDAY VALUES PI ZZ A OR PA ST A FOR $10. 99 an-eat Includes our all-you-c meloaf. salad and garlic ho soup or Call: (905) 829-3233 Email: winstonpark@eastsidemarios.com Go to eastsidemarios.com for details. East Side Mario's Winston Park