Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size one half muffin with fruit

Ingredients

1 English Muffin (try whole grain)
2 Tablespoons reduced fat or fat-free cream cheese (see notes)
2 Tablespoons sliced strawberries
2 Tablespoons blueberries
2 Tablespoons crushed pineapple

Directions

1. Split open the English muffin and toast the halves until lightly browned.
2. Spread cream cheese on both halves.
3. Divide the fruit between the two muffin halves and arrange on top of cream cheese.
4. These are best when served soon.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any combination of fruit for topping the pizza.
• No cream cheese? Try peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
• Make your own whipped cream cheese for easy spreading. Use an electric hand mixer to gradually beat 4 tablespoons of milk into 8 ounces of cream cheese. To make it fruit flavored, add any chopped, soft fruit (fresh, canned, or frozen) while beating. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Fiesta Barley Salad

Fiesta Barley Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry barley
3 cups water
1⁄4 cup raisins, or other dried fruit
1 cup frozen peas, or other vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned and drained)
3 cups lettuce, washed and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced thin (can use any onions)
1 Tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or any others)
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Place barley and water in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Bring to boil, then turn to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes.
2. Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
3. Add remaining Ingredients. Mix well.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try substituting different fruits and vegetables

Dutch Red Cabbage with Apples

Dutch Red Cabbage with Apples

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1⁄2 head red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1⁄4 cup vinegar
1⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 apples, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and cook until clear, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add cabbage, vinegar, sugar and salt. Mix well and add apples.
3. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is soft, about 30 minutes.  Serve warm or cold.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add cold leftovers to a sandwich or wrap

Barley Summer Salad

Barley Summer Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry barley
3 cups water
1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup sweet snap peas, chopped
2 cups apples or another fresh fruit or veggie, chopped (about 1 1/3 medium apples [3” diameter])
1⁄2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 small pepper)
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced thin
1 Tablespoon vinegar
3 Tablespoons oil
1⁄4 cup lemon or lime juice

Directions

1. Place barley and water in a 2 or 3 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn to low. Cook covered for 45 minutes.
2. Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
3. Add remaining Ingredients. Toss well.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute different fruits and vegetables in season.
• Add nuts or seeds for added protein

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
2 cups sliced onions
2 pounds winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes (4 generous cups)
2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced, or 1 can (15 ounces) sliced pears, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 Tablespoons coarsely chopped, peeled fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook, stirring constantly until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add squash, pears, garlic, ginger and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
4. Add broth and water; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until squash is tender, 35-45 minutes.
6. Puree soup, in batches if necessary, in a blender. (If using a blender, follow manufacturer’s Directions for pureeing hot liquids.)
7. Return soup to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice.
8. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of yogurt.
9. 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
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 48 cookies
Serving Size 2 cookies

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup oil
1⁄2 cup applesauce or fruit puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (raw)
1 1⁄2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
1 cup raisins or golden raisins

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix sugars, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, stir dry Ingredients together.
4. Blend dry Ingredients into wet mixture. Stir in raisins and carrots.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet.
6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Store in airtight container.

Skillet Granola

Skillet Granola

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
3 Tablespoons honey
1⁄4 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups uncooked, old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup raisins

Directions

1. Warm oil and honey in a skillet for one minute over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add powdered milk and vanilla.
2. Stir in oats and sunflower seeds, and mix until coated with oil and honey mixture. Heat over medium heat. Stir until oatmeal is slightly brown.
3. Take off heat. Stir in raisins.
4. Cool mixture. Store in an airtight container (jar or plastic bag).

Notes

• Try baking this dish instead. Once the first six Ingredients are combined transfer to a baking pan and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes or until golden brown, stirring half way through.
• Try adding any of these Ingredients: one teaspoon cinnamon, chopped nuts, dried fruit, wheat germ, or coconut.
• Serve with milk, yogurt, ice cream, and/or fresh or canned fruit.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Sautéed Leeks and Apples

Sautéed Leeks and Apples

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 medium leek, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 teaspoons oil
2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1 Tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vinegar
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Sauté leeks in oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add apples and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until apples begin to soften (about 3 minutes).
3. Remove from heat. Add honey, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all Ingredients. Serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 can (8 ounce) unsweetened pineapple chunks
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 cup 99% fat-free chicken broth (see Notes)
1⁄4 cup rice wine vinegar
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup celery, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, cut in eighths
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced diagonally 1/4" thick
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1⁄4 cup cold water

Directions

1. Drain pineapple and reserve juice.
2. Cut chicken into 1" cubes and place in a large skillet.
3. Add reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Cover and simmer over low heat (250 degrees for an electric skillet) for 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink when cut.
4. Add vegetables and pineapple; cook an additional 5 minutes.
5. Combine cornstarch with water and stir until smooth. Slowly pour into hot mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute more.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve over hot, cooked rice or pasta.
• 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.

Banana Pancakes

Banana Pancakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 18 pancakes
Serving Size 2 pancakes

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 Tablespoon sugar
3 Tablespoons oil
2 bananas, mashed
3⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions

1. Beat eggs in medium bowl. Add milk, sugar, oil and bananas and mix well. Add flours and baking powder. Mix gently.
2. Lightly spray a large skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray or lightly wipe with oil. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Spoon 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until tops are bubbly and pancakes are dry around the edges. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To see if skillet is hot enough, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If drops skitter around, heat is just right.
• Top with applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt.

Kale and Cranberry Stir-fry

Kale and Cranberry Stir-fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
1⁄4 cup chopped onion (1⁄4 medium onion)
1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups chopped kale (leaf portion, no stems)
Juice from 1/2 orange (about 1/4 cup)

Directions

1. Add oil and onion to large skillet. Stir and saute over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until onion is clear.
2. Add cranberries and garlic. Continue to saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add kale. Pour or squeeze orange juice over top of kale. Continute to stir fry for about 5 minutes until kale is wilting and hot.
4. Serve immediately.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 1 bunch fresh kale (about 8 cups, chopped

Oriental Citrus Chicken

Oriental Citrus Chicken

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 chicken breasts, boned, skinned, and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 slices fresh ginger root, peeled and minced, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (8 ounce) pineapple chunks, drained (save juice)
1 1⁄2 cups orange juice
1 cup chicken broth or water (see Notes)
2 Tablespoons vinegar
4 cups sliced vegetables, (such as celery, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms)
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 medium tomato, cut in wedges

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add chicken, ginger and garlic, and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Add pineapple juice, 1 cup of orange juice, chicken broth and vinegar. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add sliced vegetables. Cover and cook 3 minutes.
5. Mix remaining 1/2 cup orange juice, soy sauce, sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Add to skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
6. Add tomato wedges and pineapple chunks.
7. 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.
• Serve with brown rice for a more complete meal

Winter Fruit Crisp

Winter Fruit Crisp

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 squares (4 inches x 2 inches)
Serving Size 4 x 2 inch square

Ingredients

4 cups diced apples or pears
2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄3 cup margarine or butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a square pan (8 x 8 x 2 inches).
2. Arrange fruit in pan. Mix remaining Ingredients and sprinkle over fruit.
3. Bake until topping is golden brown and fruit is tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any fresh, frozen or drained canned fruit that you have on hand.
• Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cut apricots).
• Try vanilla yogurt as a topping and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 12 muffins
Serving Size 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄3 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom of 12 muffin cups with oil or baking spray.
2. Mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, blend vegetable oil, egg, milk and applesauce until smooth. Stir the liquid Ingredients into the flour mixture until just moistened. Lightly stir in the blueberries.
4. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake about 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops are golden brown.  A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out moist but without batter.

Notes

• To avoid rancid whole wheat flour, store it in a container or bag that keeps the air sealed out. Keep in a cool dark area for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.  Buy amounts that you can use within those lengths of time.
• To use sweetened applesauce, remove about 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar from the measured amount

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

TOPPING
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup flour
1⁄2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄4 cup melted margarine or butter

FRUIT FILLING
3 cups chopped rhubarb
3 cups blueberries
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 cup cranberry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Mix the brown sugar, flour and oats in a bowl. Stir in the margarine. Set aside.
2. Spread the rhubarb and blueberries in an 8-inch baking dish.
3. In a 2-3 quart saucepan, mix cornstarch and sugar and stir in the juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Add the vanilla and pour mixture over the rhubarb and blueberries.
5. Crumble the oat mixture on top of the fruit.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
7. Serve warm or cold. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try strawberries instead of blueberries.
• Use apple or grape juice instead of cranberry juice

Fabulous Fig Bars

Fabulous Fig Bars

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)
Serving Size 1 bar (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Ingredients

16 ounces stemmed, chopped dried figs
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup orange juice (juice from 1/2 orange)
2 Tablespoons hot water
1⁄2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1⁄4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine figs, walnuts, sugar, orange juice and hot water in a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Mix together margarine and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and mix until smooth.
4. Mix flour and baking soda. Stir into egg mixture. Blend in oats to make soft dough.
5. Reserve 1 cup of dough for topping. With floured fingertips, press the remaining dough into a thin layer on the bottom of baking pan.
6. Spread fig mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble reserved dough over top, allowing fig mixture to show.
7. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in baking pan. Cut into 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Cherry Oat Crumble

Cherry Oat Crumble

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons sugar
1 1⁄2 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups tart cherries, pitted, fresh or frozen
3⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
6 Tablespoons whole wheat flour
6 Tablespoons old fashioned rolled oats
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Mix the sugar and cornstarch together in a large bowl. 
3. Add the cherries and stir to mix.  Add the vanilla and mix again. 
4. Pour the fruit into an 8 x 8 baking pan or 2 quart casserole.
5. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix together until the texture is coarse with some clumps.  Distribute the oat topping over the fruit.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until the juices are bubbling and the oat toping is golden brown.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hour

Apple Bars

Apple Bars

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 bars
Serving Size 1 bar

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pinch ground cloves (optional)
1⁄2 cup butter or margarine
3 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 2 medium apples [3” diameter])
2⁄3 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan.
2. Mix flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl. Add brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves.
3. Cut in butter or margarine with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly.
4. Spread half of the crumb mixture in the baking pan. Top with apple slices and raisins and sprinkle with sugar. Spread remaining crumb mixture evenly over apples.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Cool and cut into 12 bars.

Notes

• Substitute ripe pears for apples
• Serve warm topped with vanilla yogur

Butternut Apple Crisp

Butternut Apple Crisp

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound)
3 medium tart apples [3” diameter], peeled and sliced
1⁄4 cup corn syrup
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
3⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon corn starch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

TOPPING
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup quick-cooking oats
1⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed
6 Tablespoons cold butter or margarine

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Peel squash and cut in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Cut squash into thin slices.
3. In a large bowl, toss the squash, apples, corn syrup and lemon juice.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and salt; stir into squash mixture.
5. Lightly spray or oil 13” x 9” x 2” baking dish. Transfer squash mixture to baking dish. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Remove baking dish from oven and sprinkle topping over squash mixture. Return uncovered dish to oven.
8. Bake 25 minutes longer or until squash and apples are tender and topping is lightly browned. Serve warm.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups nonfat or 1% milk
4 teaspoons butter or margarine, melted
2 cups cane berries, fresh or frozen (raspberries, blackberries, marionberries)
1⁄4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until blended; Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, milk and melted butter.
4. Pour wet Ingredients into the dry Ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Add the berries and stir lightly to evenly distribute.  Pour mixture into 2 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours