Crunchy Bean Salad

This is the way the salad recipe was given to me, but I put stars by the things I don't include when I make it.

3 celery stalks, diced
1 yellow pepper **
1 medium apple, diced
1 small red onion *
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained *
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Splenda (I used more like 2 tbsp)
1/2 tsp salt *
freshly ground pepper *
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped *

In large bowl combine celery, yellow pepper, onion, apple and beans. Toss with the vinegar, olive oil, Splenda, salt and pepper. Top with chopped cilantro.

** I used a red pepper and a green pepper- not a yellow.

Fluffy Peanut Butter Dip

This is a super easy, yummy dip!!

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 container (8 oz.) vanilla yogurt (I use strawberry/banana)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup thawed frozen whipped topping
• Cut apples or pears for dipping

Mix peanut butter, yogurt and cinnamon with whisk. Mix in whipped topping into peanut butter mixture until blended. Dip fruit and enjoy!!

Breakfast Smoothie

This is a great recipe to take on the go!!

2 (8oz.) containers vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 banana sliced

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Super yummy smoothie

I found this super yummy smoothie/slushie on the site Not So Average Kid. The author is an 11 yr old girl and she often posts great recipes. This has been my fave so far because it's so easy and so healthy!! I changed her recipe just a bit by changing the sugar to Splenda. This cut calories and obviously cuts sugar. :) My kiddos love this and they often have it for breakfast or for an afternoon snack.


-- 5 Strawberries
-- 4 ice cubes
-- 1/4 cup of water
-- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice (depending on how lemony you want your slushies)
-- sugar Splenda to your liking
-- banana (optional- I added this and it was great!!)

Put ice cubes in a blender and blend until crushed. Add the strawberries, water, lemon juice, Splenda, and banana if you chose. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!!!

Caribbean Chicken Salad

You can use whatever fruits look wonderful in the market in this easy salad recipe. Try peaches, plums or nectarines if the papayas and mangoes aren't available.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" strips
• 2 Tbsp. blackened seasoning blend
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 5 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 mango, peeled and sliced
• 1 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup fruity vinaigrette salad dressing

PREPARATION:

Place chicken in heavy duty zip lock plastic bag and sprinkle with seasoning blend. Seal bag and gently shake chicken to coat.

Heat oil in heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken in oil for 10-12 minutes until no longer pink in center, stirring constantly.

Summer Salad

Ingredients

1 -6 -8 ounce package of craisins ( dried cranberries)
1 - 3 ounce can of La Choy - Rice noodles ; not the chow mein noodles, these are very small and tender.
1 small package fresh strawberries sliced (no sugar)
1 large can mandarin oranges drained leave- whole
1 - 12- 16 ounce can of pineapple tib-bits in its own juice drained
1 head of lettuce ice berg washed and chopped in small to med size
1 bottle of sweet 'n sour dressing ( marzetti dressing)
optional pecans chopped

Directions

Place in bowl lettuce first then all fruit sprinkled all over lettuce then rice noodles and craisins and add sweet n sour dressing

Strawberry Pie dish

My friend Gretchen submitted this yummy dessert recipe! Thanks Gretch!

I have an easy dessert recipe to share! My mom made this for Easter dinner and it was really yummy.

With Strawberries starting to be in season.......

3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
2 T. corn Starch
1 pkg. of reg Strawberry jello (not the sugar free)
1 frozen deep dish pie shell
cool whip
_____________
Bake pie crust (pkg directions) LET COOL
Slice strawberries if they are large. You can keep small berries whole. Set aside

In a med sauce pan add sugar, water and corn starch. Cook on med until thick, then add pkg of jello. Mix well. Add strawberries, mix to coat. Then pour into baked pie crust. Refrigerate overnight or for a few hours until the pie firms up. Serve with Whip topping!!

EASY AS PIE!!!

Very fresh and light!
You actually don't have to feel guilty about this pie, you get at least two servings of fruit!!

Berry Smoothie

I thought I'd be the one to break up all off these yummy and EASY dinner recipes! This berry smoothie is healthy and quick and filling! Your kids will love it for an after school "treat" or after dinner "dessert."
It is also very filling and will tie those hungry little tummies over until the next meal! :)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 crushed ice
1 large scoop raspberry sherbet
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
6 large strawberries

Directions:

Make sure all the fruits are frozen. Combine all ingredients in blender until desired consistency.

**I have bought the cranberry Crystal Light (it's sugarless and has no calories) made it in a pitcher and used this for the juice.
I also buy the sugar free, lo-calorie sherbet. Costco is great for buying big bags of frozen berries. At my house, we can never have enough on hand. Or you can freeze the fresh berries as well.