Salads Made Perfect

During the summer I love a good salad and often make it my main dish or sometimes my complete meal. To do this I add my favorite meats.. chicken, pork, beef, seafood.? I

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Salads Made Perfect

Veggie Dip

2 cups plain low-fat yogurt 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped 2-3 Tbsp. milk 1 Tbsp. honey ½ onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes Assorted raw veggies for dipping In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients (except veggies).? Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.? Makes 3 cups.

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Veggie Dip

Visit to Carrabba’s Part 2 – Pesto

Pesto is so versatile.? It can be added to anything from pasta to pizza.? It’s great added as a topping for bruschette or just as a dip for fresh veggies and cheese. I have to admit that I’ve never made my own pesto.? I’ve always bought it in a jar or in a package that required adding a little oil and water.? BUT, after watching Chef Michael make fresh Pesto for Carrabba’s and after tasting this wonderful dish, I will be making my own fresh from now on.? Pesto can be refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for several weeks. One ingredient that Chef Michael stressed, not only in his Pesto but in all dishes, was the pepper.? He uses fresh ground White Pepper only which can be easily made at home by using a small coffee grinder.? Just remember that pepper will loose it’s flavor quickly, so grind only what you need for each meal.

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Visit to Carrabba’s Part 2 – Pesto

Cancer Fighting Foods

NEEDED TIPS FOR ALL OF US Garlic – Several large studies have found that those who eat more garlic are less likely to develop various kinds of cancer, especially in digestive organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon . Ingredients in the pungent bulbs may keep cancer-causing substances in your body from working, or they may keep cancer cells from multiplying. Experts don’t know how much you need to eat to prevent cancer, but a clove a day may be helpful. Berries – As a tasty treat, berries are hard to beat. But their juicy goodness also may make them one of the foods to fight cancer. Berries contain particularly powerful antioxidants , meaning they can halt a naturally occurring process in the body that creates free radicals that can damage your cells. Compounds in berries may also help keep cancers from growing or spreading. So, as part of your anti-cancer diet, pick up a handful of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or any other favorite berries today. Tomatoes – Some research has found that eating tomatoes may help protect men from prostate cancer . The juicy red orbs can help guard the DNA in your cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Tomatoes contain a particularly high concentration of an effective antioxidant called lycopene. Your body may absorb lycopene better from processed tomato foods such as sauce, which means that whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce could be a delicious way to help lower your risk of this disease. Veggies – Cruciferous vegetables — the group containing broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower — may be particularly helpful in protecting you from cancer. Researchers have found that components in these veggies can protect you from the free radicals that can damage your cells’ DNA. They may also shield you from cancer-causing chemicals, help slow the growth of tumors, and encourage cancer cells to die. They’re a tasty and healthy addition to your anti-cancer diet. Teas – Tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which may help prevent cancer in a variety of ways, including keeping …

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Cancer Fighting Foods

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a delight to serve year round.? They compliment any entrée, make flavorful main dishes and can add texture and color to a meal.? They also make great appetizers.? When preparing for grilling, be sure to inspect and wash thoroughly.? This is also a great time to add herbs directly to the coals allowing the flavorful smoke to surround the vegetables. ? Asparagus – Grill over direct heat for 4-5 minutes.? Finish cooking at outer edge of grill for another 2-3 minutes. ? Broccoli – Cut stalks in half

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Grilled Vegetables

Planning a Picnic

First select the location.? Parks are great but some museums have areas that allow picnics giving your group something to do afterwards.? No matter where you plan your picnic, ask your guests to bring a blanket and their favorite dish to share.? You provide the music, ice and desert.? This is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and good friends on a summer afternoon.? ? If you don’t want to do the potluck meal, make up a simple menu and ask each guest to choose what they would rather bring.? Good choices are easy to eat finger foods like sandwiches and roll ups, fried chicken , fruit, cheese, breads, chips, olives, raw veggies and some salads.? Keep it light, cool and easy to eat.? Remember anything with eggs or mayo needs to be kept cold and don’t leave it sitting out for more than an hour or two.? Also, make sure your guest know how many people are expected so they can bring enough of their dish to go around. ? There are a few “Must Haves” for outdoor picnics.? By making a list and making sure these are included, it cuts down on any stress that may arise from these items being left at home.? The items are: An extra blanket just in case someone forgets theirs Different types of music.? You want to try pleasing everyone but nice soothing music seems to fit everyone best. Lighting if you are planning on going on into the late evening or night hours. Plastic or paper dishes, cups and napkins Plastic silverware A real knife for cutting and serving Salt, pepper and sugar Ice Bug spray and citronella candles And don’t forget to bring plastic bags (for cleanup), dish cloths and paper towels. ? Whether you spend the after meal time touring a museum, playing ball at the park or just being lazy, remember the whole event is to have fun and enjoy the people you are with.? So keep it simple and as stress free as possible.

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Planning a Picnic

Seasonings and Marinades for Vegetables

We sometimes forget that veggies can use a little seasoning now and then.? The list below is made up of seasonings that compliment veggies ? garlic lemon dill vinegar nuts parsley mint rosemary basil allspice sweet peppers pepper flakes marjoram chervil chives nutmeg

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Seasonings and Marinades for Vegetables