Spring Fling Chowder

Spring Fling Chowder

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups fresh or frozen asparagus, chopped into small pieces
1 large potato, peeled and diced
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or use water) (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 cup peas, frozen or canned and drained
salt and pepper to taste
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Sauté onion, asparagus and potato until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Add chicken or vegetable broth and corn. Cover and simmer until potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add peas and simmer 2 to 3 more minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Top with cheese and serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Leave skin on potato for added fiber.
• Try using fresh or frozen broccoli instead of asparagus.
• Try using canned green beans or diced tomatoes instead of peas.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Vegetables

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 1 cup
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup fresh vegetables per person (choose one vegetable or a mix of several – see list below)
1⁄2 teaspoon vegetable oil (per cup of vegetables)
sprinkle of salt and pepper

Directions

1. Wash vegetables, peel if desired, and cut into similar sized pieces. Smaller pieces (about 1/2 inch thickness) brown more and cook more quickly. Long thin pieces (asparagus or beans) can be left whole.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Prepare a baking sheet that will hold the vegetables in a single layer. A metal baking sheet without sides allows more browning. A covering of foil will make cleanup easy.
4. Toss the vegetable pieces with just enough oil to make them shine.
5. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast until tender and slightly browned on the edges. Baking time will depend on the thickness of the pieces. Thin pieces (asparagus or beans) may take 5 minutes; pieces about 1/2 inch thick take about 15 minutes.
7. Stir or turn about halfway through the roasting to obtain more even browning.
8. Remove to a serving dish and sprinkle lightly with salt or seasoning of your choice.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try vegetables like: beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, peppers, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, squash and more.
• Try additional seasonings like: thyme, rosemary, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Asparagus

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 pounds fresh asparagus spears
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash asparagus spears and trim off tough ends. Leave whole or cut into shorter lengths
3. In a large bowl, toss spears with the oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place spears in a single layer on a large baking sheet.  Lining the baking sheet with foil or baking parchment will help with clean-up.
5. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes or until the asparagus pieces are lightly browned.  Thick spears will take a longer baking time.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

Ginger Almond Asparagus

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3⁄4 pound asparagus, washed and trimmed (2 1/2 cups sliced)
1 teaspoon oil
3 Tablespoons slivered almonds
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
1⁄8 teaspoon ginger powder

Directions

1. Slice the asparagus diagonally into pieces about ¾ inch long.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining Ingredients. Stir and sauté until asparagus is a brighter green, 3-5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until the asparagus is just fork-tender. Avoid overcooking. Shake the pan occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.