Baby, it’s cold outside! There’s no better time for comfort food as we come off a great Christmas season and ringing in the New Year in grand style. Like everyone else, we want to attempt to keep our resolutions of a healthier lifestyle; but still want warm foods in this cooler weather. We have selected a couple of recipes that fit both categories—healthy and comforting!

Cabbage Goulash

15 Cups Chopped Cabbage (2-3 Small Heads)
1 Pound Bulk Turkey Sausage
1 Pound Ground Turkey Breast Meat
4 Cups Chopped Onion
2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes
1 Can Tomato Paste
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons Distilled White Vinegar
Garlic Powder, To Taste
Creole Seasoning, To Taste

In a very large pot, brown sausage and ground turkey. Add onions and continue until onions are sautéed. Add remaining ingredients except for cabbage and simmer. Add cabbage slowly, a little at a time. It is ready to serve when cabbage is tender.

2Pounds Ground Meat(Beef, Pork, or Turkey)
2 15oz Cans Diced Tomatoes
2 15oz Cans Whole Kernel Corn
2 15oz Cans Chili Beans
1 15oz Can Red Beans
1 15oz Can Black Beans
1 Can Tomatoes With Green Chilis
1 Large Onion, Chopped
1 Ounce Package Dry Taco Seasoning
1 Ounce Package Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
Salt & Pepper, To Taste

Brown green meat and onions; drain fat. Add contents of all cans, including liquids. Add packets of taco and ranch dressing mixes. Adjust seasoning, salt, pepper and other seasonings of choice. Simmer for 1 hour. Ladle in bowls and add optional toppings of shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped lettuce and fresh tomato. Can be served over cornbread if desired. Serves a crowd and unused portion freezes well.

Bonne appetite! Avoyelles Parish cookbooks, compiled by several organizations, are available for sale in our gift shop located at the ACT Office at 8592 Highway 1, Suite 3 in Mansura. We ship books for cost of book plus $5.00 for postage and handling. Call (800) 833-4195 or e-mail [email protected] for details.