Fruity & Nutty Romaine Salad

Ingredients:

Romaine LettuceDried CranberriesDried StrawberriesRaisinsCucumbers (sliced)Tomatoes (sliced)Almonds (sliced)Walnuts (pieces)Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

•Prepare basic romaine salad•Add sliced cucumbers & tomatoes•Sprinkle with dried strawberries, cranberries & raisins•Sprinkle with almonds & walnuts•Add a little balsamic vinaigrette dressing•Toss and enjoy

Raspberry Vinaigrette & Orange salad

Ingredients:1pkg. (10 oz.) salad greens (romaine & baby spinach for example)

1 can  (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained 1 cup julienne-cut jicama 3/4 cup  KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing 2 Tbsp. sesame seed, toasted

•Toss first 4 ingredients in large bowl. •Sprinkle with sesame seed

Sweet Cranberry and Pear Salad

Ingredients:

3 fresh pears (1 lb.), cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 cup  prepared GOOD SEASONS Italian Dressing Mix, divided 6 cups torn mixed salad greens 1/2 cup  chopped PLANTERS Walnuts, toasted 1/2 cup dried cranberries

•Toss pears with 1/4 cup dressing. Let stand 15 min. •Combine greens, nuts and cranberries in large bowl. •Add pear mixture and remaining dressing; toss lightly. Serve immediately.

Special ExtraTo best complement the flavors of this salad, prepare the salad dressing with apple cider vinegar and olive oil.SubstitutesSubstitute 1 pkg. (10 oz.) torn spinach leaves for the mixed salad greens. SubstituteSubstitute dried cherries for the cranberries.

Salad lovers salad

Ingredients:5 cups torn romaine lettuce 4 cups  torn spinach leaves 1 can (15 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed 1 cup  small broccoli florets 2 carrots, sliced 1   red pepper, cut into thin strips 1 tomato, cut into wedges 1/4 cup  slivered red onions 3/4 cup KRAFT Light House Italian Dressing

•Combine all ingredients except dressing•Drizzle dressing•Toss and enjoy

Sautéed mushrooms

Ingredients:

2 – 16oz pkgs of sliced fresh mushroomsButter flavored cooking spray or olive oil¼ cup worstershire sauce¼ cup soy sauce

•In medium-sized fry pan, over Medium Heat • Coat pan with olive oil or cooking spray•Add sliced mushrooms •Add Worstershire •Add Soy Sauce •Stir together over medium heat 3-5 minutes •Reduce heat to Low and cover, stirring occasionally •Let simmer 20 minutes or until ready to serve and enjoy

Lettuce wraps

Ingredients:

Boston butter LettuceSweet cornPinto beansBlack beansBrown/white rice

•Prepare veggies and beans separately•Prepare lettuce as individual leaves•Prepare brown rice•Open lettuce and add the individual ingredients (rice, beans & corn)•Wrap and enjoy

Roasted potatoes

Ingredients:

1 lb. small new red potatoes, quartered 1/8 cup  Zesty Italian Dressing 2 Tbsp. vinegar 1 Tbsp.  chopped fresh thyme

•PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Place potatoes in baking dish. •Mix dressing, vinegar and thyme in small bowl. •Pour the dressing mixture over potatoes; mix lightly. •Bake 40 to 50 min. or until fork tender. Remove from oven; cool completely. •Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving, if desired.

Fresh Lemon Mediterranean salad

Ingredients:

1 cup veggie macaroni spirals1 cup  fresh green beans, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces 1 bag (10 oz.) torn romaine lettuce 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1/3 cup  halved pitted black olives 1/2 cup KRAFT Light House Italian Dressing 1 tsp.  grated lemon zest

•Cook macaroni as directed on package, adding green beans to the cooking water during the last 2 minutes of the macaroni cooking time. •Drain macaroni mixture. Place in large serving bowl. •Add lettuce, tuna, tomatoes, and olives; mix lightly. •Mix dressing and lemon peel. Pour over lettuce mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

SubstitutesSubstitute frozen green beans for fresh green beans.

Stir fry brown rice & veggies

Ingredients:

1 box of instant brown rice (or bag brown rice)

Vegetables to stir fry (either fresh or frozen)

OnionGarlicCanola Oil Olive Oil Soy Sauce •Cook your rice according to package (or how u cook it (lol).•Heat pan/wok on Med. High heat add 1/4 cup of Canola Oil (more or less) Give a minute for oil to get hot.•Place raw onions in now, if you are adding to recipe, also garlic for taste. Pour the cooked rice into Wok and stir for 4 mins add Soy Sauce or salt to taste.•Pour rice back into container it was cooked in and set aside.•Now add 1/4 cup Olive Oil to hot Wok again. Then add the vegetables and whatever seasonings you like. •Stir until done

APPLE BLUEBERRY OATMEAL CEREAL

Ingredients:

2 sweet apples¾ cup rolled oats1 cup blueberries½ cup almonds1 cup apple juice

•Cook the oats as directed on box. •Chop or grind the almonds, chop the apples and combine.•Add the blueberries.•Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon and apple juice.

Vegetable Soup & Triscuits

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. oil 1-1/2 cups  chopped onions 1-1/2 cups chopped carrots 1-1/2 cups  chopped celery 2 cups cubed unpeeled potatoes 5 cans  (14-1/2 oz. each) vegetable stock (about 2 quarts) 1 pkg. (15 oz.) marinara sauce Dash  of dried thyme leaves Dash of salt and ground black pepper triscuits

•Heat oil in large stock pot. Add onions, carrots and celery; cook 5 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. •Add remaining ingredients; stir. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally

sweet potato fries

Ingredients:

6 large sweet potatoes, cut into French fries 4 cups water 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic powder

•Cut sweet potatoes into French fry size pieces. Bring water to boiling and para-boil sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes, careful to not overcook. Remove from heat & carefully drain sweet potatoes.•In a large bowl, add potatoes, olive oil, salt, & garlic powder and toss lightly. Place potatoes on a large baking sheet or two small baking sheets in a single layer.•Bake on 450 degrees F until potatoes are soft on the inside & crispy on the outside, about 30-40 minutes.

Potato and Corn Soup

Ingredients:6 ears corn (cut off the cob) 6 medium-large red potatoes (chopped in 1/2 inch pieces)6 carrots (finely chopped) 1 medium or large onion (finely chopped)2 green peppers (finely chopped) 2 bay leaves3 teaspoons thyme 2 teaspoons marjoram3 teaspoons cumin 2 teaspoons sea salt2 teaspoons pepper 332oz. boxes of vegetable broth Water

•Put vegetables and spices in a large soup pot. •Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. •Add broth and maintain a light boil. •Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. •Remove from heat. •Blend 3/4 of the soup mixture in a blender in batches. •Put blended soup in a large bowl or container until the blending process is complete. •Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add water to thin and obtain the desired consistency. Heat through.

ORANGE, PINEAPPLE, BANANA SMOOTHIE1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice1 frozen, sliced banana1 cup frozen pineapple

Water (for consistency)Combine juice, banana and pineapple in blender. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach smooth consistency.

Cantaloupe smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 medium-size cantaloupe, seeded and cut from the rind. 1/2 cup orange juice Juice of 2 limes (taste before you add all the juice at once) 1 medium-size, banana, peeled and cut into chunks Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) our addition: 2 cups of ice cubes - makes it like a frozen ice drink.

•Mix all in a blender and serve. Serves 2

Fruit Smoothies

Frozen fruit (with no sugar)Juice (100% juice) – any kindBlend juice and fruit for a breakfast smoothie

Granola (breakfast)

4 cups rolled oats1cup crushed almonds1/2 cup whole grain flour1 tsp. cinnamon1/4 cup shredded coconut1 cup sunflower seeds1/2 cup wheat germ or other whole grain bran3/4 - 1 cup honey1 cup pumpkin seeds

Mix all together and spread out on a non-stick cookie sheet. Bake 20 min. in a 250 degree preheated oven.Stir and continue to bake another 20 min., stirring periodically to prevent burning. The granola should belightly browned. Remove from oven and serve warm or cool thoroughly and store in tightly sealedcontainer or plastic bags. Option: After the granola is cooled, add raisins or other organic dehydrated fruit.

Apple cranberry salad toss

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (10 oz.) torn mixed salad greens 2   apples, sliced 3/4 cup dried cranberries 3/4 cup  PLANTERS Walnut Halves, toasted 2 green onions, sliced 1/2 cup Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

•Toss greens with fruit, nuts and onions. •Add dressing just before serving; mix lightly.

Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients:Preheat oven to 350 degrees4 cups old fashioned oats (do not use instant or quick cooking)1 cup chopped apples½ cup chopped walnuts4 cups water1 teaspoon vanilla½ cup chopped dates – ¾ cup if you like dates

•Combine oats, walnuts and a pinch of salt in a bowl – mix well.•In a separate container combine water and vanilla.•Combine all ingredients (except the dates) and stir gently.•Pour into a lightly oiled 8” X 8” dish.•Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 60 minutes – keep an eye on this after 30 minutes; therecipe said 60 minutes, but it was done before that.•When done, take out of oven, stir in the dates, and serve

Spicy home fries: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms 1 small onion, diced1 small green bell pepper, diced1 small red bell pepper, diced4 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon onion salt 1 tablespoon oregano 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper

•In a container with a tight-fitting lid, put the thinly sliced potatoes and the spices. •Shake for 30 seconds, till the potatoes are well coated.•In a large frying pan, sauté the bell peppers, chopped onion, and mushrooms in olive oil until the onion is translucent and slightly browned. It should take less than 10 minutes. •Add the coated potato slices to the bell peppers, sautéed onions, and mushrooms in the frying pan. Toss well and do not stir. Let it simmer and brown for 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat. •Flip the potatoes over and let them sit for another 10 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown. Serve immediately. Tip: You can ignore the other vegetables if you just want spicy home fried potatoes.

Black bean & brown rice stuffed peppers

Ingredients:1 qt 100% Vegetable or Tomato Juice2 cups cooked black beans1 cup cooked brown rice2 med green onions (chopped)¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil2 tbsp lime juice1 clove garlic (finely chopped)2-3 large bell peppers (cut in half lengthwise and deseeded)

•Combine all ingredients except juice and bell peppers in bowl and mix well.• Place peppers in glass dish and stuff with mixture. •Pour juice over peppers and plenty of excess in the dish. •Cover and bake in oven on 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Black bean Soup

Ingredients:Canned black beansVegetable brothCrushed garlicLarge chopped onion1 jar of all natural salsaChopped jalapeñoChopped cilantro

•Combine all ingredients and enjoy.•For a large batch use about 5 cans of beans.•Amount of broth depends on how chunky you like your soup.

Quick Vegetable & bean Soup

Ingredients:1 can white beans 1 can tomato soup 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

•Place all ingredients in a small pot, or large if you are cooking in big portions. •Heat them over medium heat till the vegetables are tender. •Stir frequently so as to prevent the ingredients from burning or sticking to the pot.

Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:2 Tbsp. Olive oil1 medium onion chopped1 green pepper chopped4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli chopped in pieces1 tsp. saltPepper to taste½ tsp. allspice½ tsp. thyme4 cups veggie broth or other broth2 tbsp. soy sauce1 pkg. of silken tofu

Sauté onions, peppers and broccoli in oil until tender. •Add broth, soy sauce and spices. Heat through. •Then take a few cups of soup and the tofu and blend in blender until smooth. Make sure the tofu mixes in until creamy.

SIMPLE BLUEBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE1 cup vanilla soy milk1 cup frozen blueberries1 frozen, sliced bananaWater (for consistency)

•Combine milk, blueberries and banana in blender. •Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach proper consistency

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey1/2 cup natural peanut butter1/4 tsp. cinnamon1/4 tsp. vanilla2 cups puffed brown rice or any “fast friendly” cereal

•Combine all ingredients. •Scoop balls of mixture by a tablespoon and place in a food storage container

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:12 vine ripened tomatoes 1 pkg cherry or grape tomatoes1 large, ripe avocado 2 ½ c. carrot juice (Odwalla available in juice section)2 yellow onions (chopped) 4 cloves garlic (minced)5 stems fresh basil 2 T. honey1 bay leaf 1 tsp oregano1 T. red pepper flakes 2 T. olive oil

•Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. •Cut tomatoes and avocado in quarters and place all ingredients in blender and blend on low speed for one minute. •Continue to blend on high for an additional minute until creamy. •Pour into large soup pan or crock pot and cook on medium low for 2 to 3 hours.

Toasted Nut Snack

•Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Place raw walnuts, almonds, cashews or other desired nuts on a baking sheet. •Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly browned. •Cool completely and mix in a bowl with unsweetened raisins.

berry crumble

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen or fresh berries1 teaspoon cinnamon¼ teaspoon nutmeg1 tbsp whole wheat flour3 tbsp agave nectar

Crumble¼ cup rolled oats¼ cup granola1 tbsp wheat germ4 tbsp whole wheat flour2 tbsp agave nectar2 tbsp chopped nutsGrape seed or olive oil

•Preheat the oven to 350 and lightly spray a mini loaf pan or baking dish.•In a bowl, sprinkle the berries with flour, agave nectar and spices; combine and pour into baking dish.•Combine crumble ingredients( you will need to gradually add a little oil until mixture is crumbly.•Place on top of berry mixture•Bake for 25 minutes

Banana split

Ingredients:

1 banana1 tbsp nut butter(peanut, almond, etc)1 tbsp ground flax seeds or wheat germ1tbsp chopped pecans¼ granola (see recipe) or your favorite whole grain cereal½ cup berries(fresh or frozen and thawed)1 tbsp agave nectar (optional)

•Cut banana in half lengthwise•Spread nut butter on each banana half and put it back together like a sandwich.•Sprinkle the banana with ground flax, pecans and granola.•Top with berries and agave nectar

Special Extra:Eat as is or with a splash of soy or almond milk

snacks

Bananas with peanut butter or honey

Apple slices on a triscuit

Trail Mix

Fresh fruit – try something new! star fruit pomegranates persimmons kiwi fresh pineapple mango Fruit kabobs Frozen fruit (grapes, blueberries, strawberries and bananas

go exotic

Fresh veggies celery with peanut butter create your own signature salad Try baked sweet potatoes

Veggie chips – try something new terra chips - sweet potato

Breakfast Oatmeal with raisins

Baked stuffed apples

Ingredients:6 medium apples (pick your favorite)3 tbsp grape seed or olive oil4 tbsp agave nectar¼ teaspoon nutmeg¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon½ cup chopped walnuts(Substitute: almonds, pecans, etc.)¼ cup oatmeal¼ cup whole grain cereal¼ cup wheat germ or ground flax seed (optional)

Lemon wedges (optional)

•Preheat oven to 425 degrees•Cut the apples in half lengthwise, remove cores and hollow out apples with an ice-cream scoop. (don’t hollow too much...lol)•Trim a thin slice off the back of each apple so that they sit flat on the baking dish. (you can use parchment paper on the bottom of the dish)•Rub the tops of the apples with lemon to prevent browning•Combine oil, agave nectar, plus all the dry ingredients and spices in a bowl. The mixture will be crumbly.•Pack Mixture into apples; place in shallow baking dish; bake for 17-20 minute until apples are tender nut not too soft.

Sautéed cabbage

Take a medium pot or frying pan, cover bottom with olive oil.

Chop 2 small onions,

Chop 2 to 3 stripes of green, yellow, red, and orange peppers.

Chop 2 or 3 pieces of garlic.

If you like a little spice – add a few sprinkles of red pepper flacks.

Sauté in pan, then add small head of cabbage cleaned and chopped. Cook until cabbage is tender.

Okra & tomato

Take a medium frying pan, drizzle olive oil on bottom add 1 whole chopped onions until tender.

Add 1 bag of frozen chopped okra, cook until okra is almost done, then add 1 can of stewed tomatoes.

Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Refreshing Yams

Cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into cube pieces.

Boil in a medium pot until tender, then drain all the water off.

Add a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon

One small bottle of minute maid orange juice, let the juice cook out, but not completely dry.

Ole El Paso Fiesta Rice

Uncle Ben Brown Rice

1 can Hormel Vegetarian Chili

1 Onion finely chopped

1 can Sliced black olives

1 Jar Natural organic salsa

1 Bag Natural whole grain chips

Cook the rice and chili as directed on the product. Place the rice in the bowl, pour the chili on top. Sprinkle finely diced onion, olive slices and in the center one tablespoon of salsa. Coarsely chop whole grain chips and circle the top of the bowl and serve. Oh boy....makes you feel like you are south of the border........Ole!

Spinach & fruit salad

1 Salad BowlFresh bag of baby spinachSmall apple cut in small pieces2 Fresh tangerines peeled and cut slices into halfRaisinsDried cranberries Yellow salad tomatoes cut in halfSunflower seedsMcCormick salad toppingsNewman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing

Place spinach in a salad bowl. Then add your tangerines, tomatoes and apple pieces. Top with dried cranberries and raisins. Sprinkle your sunflower seeds and salad toppings. Add dress and enjoy! A salad that will definitely have you coming back for more!

Use the amount of ingredients as you desire, depending on the size of salad you are preparing.

REMEMBER: Use your salad dressing sparingly!!!!

Home Style Vegetable StewPotatoesCarrotsCeleryOnion1 pack frozen corn1 pack frozen cut okra1 pack frozen cut green beansSwanson Vegetable stock1 large can of tomato sauce1 can stewed tomatoOlive OilOne large pot, add two cartons of Swanson vegetable stock. Cube potatoes and carrots as many as desire and add to the stock. Finely cut a few stalks of celery and 1 medium onion and add to the pot. Allow potatoes and carrots to get tender, then add tomato sauce, stewed tomato and all the other frozen vegetables. Allow to cook for about 30 min, add a dash or two of olive oil (olive oil adds a little fat to the pot to give it the stew consistency). Continue to cook on medium until all of your vegetable are done and you have a good rich broth. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. What a way to warm the body and bones on a cool winters night

Portabella Pasta

2 large portabella mushrooms2 zucchini squash1 small onion1 jar of chucky vegetable spaghetti sauce (make sure the sauce is all natural with no sugar)2 packs of whole corn pasta

Cook pasta like any other pasta, but keep a watchful eye on it, because it gets tender before normal pasta. Drain pasta and add olive oil and garlic powder for taste and to prevent from sticking. Sauté your portabella mushrooms in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, remove and let stand. Add diced zucchini and onions in the sauce pan and allow to get tender. Dice your sautéed mushroom and add to the sauce pan, add the spaghetti sauce, season and let simmer and pour over noodles. If you want to take your dinner to another level add a great salad of choice and fruit smoothie for dessert.

Mama Mia!