Lemon Meringue Pie

An old favourite. This makes a 9" pie and has no butter. It's a lower fat alternative! I found this recipe in an edition of the Canadian 'Hello' magazine.

Ingredients:
For crust:
1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers - crushed
2 tbs water
1 tbs vegetable oil
Combine in small bowl

For filling:
1 can plus 2/3 cup low fat sweetened condensed milk
1 tbs lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 egg yolks
Beat all together untill well combined. Let sit for about 10 mins until thickened

For meringue:
3 egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
3 tbs water
Beat until stiff peaks form

Method:
Pre-heat oven to 350F
Lightly coat a 9" pie pan (removable bottom is best) with non stick cooking spray.
Press the crsut mixture into the bottom and sides of pan.
Pour the filling into the crust and bake for about 20mins or until set.
Spread the meringue mixture on top, increase oven temperature to 375F and bake for 10 mins or until meringue is lightly browned.

Chill and enjoy!

Stuffed Calamari

Calamari (squid) are one of the most succulent dishes typical of the Mediterranean. In most Mediterranean countries, such as Spain and Greece, squid is cut into rings, deep friend and served with a slice of lemon, but in Malta it is more popular to stuff them. The trick is buying the right size ( a 6" body would do) so that it is easy to stuff them. Make sure they are properly cleaned!

Ingredients:
4 medium sized cleaned squid (calamari)
3 finely chopped onions
Garlic finely chopped
1 small can tuna - or about 300gms
300gms fresh breadcrumbs
8 large tomatoes (chopped)
200 grams olives (finely chopped)
fresh mint/basil/parsley - chopped
white wine
olive oil
1 tbs capers


Method
Heat the oil in a large pan. Remove the head of the squid, cut in small pieces and fry. Add the onion and the garlic and fry lightly. Add the tomatoes and a glass of wine and cook gently for about 20 minutes. Take a couple of tablespoons of this sauce and add to a bowl containing the bread, the olives, the capers, the tuna and the herbs. Mix well. Fill the cleaned squid with this mixture and secure the open end with a toothpick.

Place the stuffed calamari in the pan containing the tomato sauce and simmer until cooked, for about 45 minutes. Add some water to the sauce if it starts getting too dry. The calamari are served whole or can be cut into thick rings after having slightly cooled down. The sauce is usually served on the side.

Meatloaf

This is one of my favourite recipes. Served warm with roast or mash potatoes it makes a great main meal. Served cold in a sandwich its great for someone on the go! I like using a combination of lean beef and pork - the result is more moist.The ketchup topping was something I came across here in the USA, I would usually just make a gravy!

Ingredients:
1 tbs olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 1/2lb lean  beef and 1/2lb  pork, ground
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbs Dijon mustard
6 bacon rashers

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Put some oil in a nonstick skillet, and cook celery and onion for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add garlic and cook 1 min more. Transfer vegetables to large bowl; cool slightly.

Add beef, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, parsley,salt, and  pepper to vegetable mix; mix with hands until well combined but not overmixed. In cup, mix mustard and remaining 1/4 cup ketchup.

Shape meat mixture into a loaf  shape and place on a baking tray, covered with foil and sprayed with non stick. Cover with the bacon rashers, then with half the ketchup mixture.

Bake for 30 mins, use up the rest of the ketchup mixture and bake for 25 to 30 minutes more or until meat thermometer inserted in center reaches 160 degrees F.

Let meatloaf stand 10 minutes before removing from pan to set juices for easier slicing. Transfer meatloaf to platter and cut into slices to serve.