Holiday Recipe: Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Candies

Every year I make the same holiday delight- homemade Peanut Butter Candy. Simply delicious! These are always a crowd pleaser. Low fat? No way! It’s the holidays so enjoy, in moderation, of course.
1 stick margarine1 ½ cup peanut butter4 cups confectioner (powdered) sugar1 tsp vanilla extract12 oz chocolate chips¼ slab paraffin wax (found [...]

My New Favorite Breakfast - Steel Cut Oats

I was re-introduced to steel cut oats recently and I’m addicted.
They are time consuming to make - they take about 30 to 40 minutes on the stove top, but it’s worth it. (hint: prep in advance and microwave to reheat, they taste just as good!)
What are steel cut oats? I didn’t really know so [...]

Recipes: Stuffed chicken, Autumn vegetables and polenta

My mother and in-laws were over last night for dinner and I made this quick, easy and delicious meal which can be found in the October issue of Cooking Light. It was very different for me, especially the vegetables. The meal included stuffed chicken breasts, autumn vegetable medley and polenta. It was a hit [...]

Recipe: Chicken, Pasta and Chickpea Stew

I just flipped through the October edition of Cooking Light and there were many delicious sounding recipes. I cooked this one up last night - it only took 30 minutes! The best part - it tastes good, too.
1 cup thinly sliced celery3/4 cup diced carrot1/2 cup chopped onion2 garlic cloves, minced4 cups fat-free less [...]

You Might Be Programmed to Eat Chocolate…

Based on your metabolic profile. Read more here.
Note: Nestle paid for this study that took place in Europe (England and Switzerland)
Excerpted: “scientists are exploring whether it may be possible to detect metabolic problems and help people improve their metabolisms - and weight control - through diet.”
That’s a new one to me.
Interesting read should [...]

Recipe - Cheesy Lentils and Rice

This one is a favorite of mine and my husband’s. It’s so easy and flavorful. To keep it vegan, leave the butter and cheese out of the recipe - this dish will still have plenty of flavor. Add a green salad to make this a complete meal!
Source: The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, c. 1999, pg [...]

Mediterranean Garbanzo Stir Fry

Zucchini is in season, so buy plenty at the grocery store or farmers market for this delicious dish. The stir fry is a perfect low-fat side or main dish depending on your appetite. Perfect for summer and is ready in minutes. Let the rice cook while you prepare the vegetables.Note: I substituted artichoke [...]

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato and Basil Soup3 tbsp olive oil1 finely chopped onion2 lbs plum tomatoes, chopped1 garlic clove, chopped2 ½ pints (1.5 liters) vegetable stock3 tbsp tomato puree2 tbsp shredded fresh basilFreshly ground black pepper
Heat oil in large saucepan and add onions. Cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened, but not brown. Stir in tomatoes [...]

Recipe - Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup1c lentils1 qt water2 onions, sliced fineOil for frying onions1 small carrot, chopped fine1 tsp salt½ tsp pepper1 cup chopped chicory, escarole or spinach
Boil lentils in water with carrot 20 minutes. Fry onions in oil. Pour over lentils. Add chopped spinach or escarole, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
Easy, easy!! Enjoy!

6 Tips to Avoid the Barbecue Bulge This Summer

Follow these tips to help avoid the “barbecue bulge”. You’ll still enjoy your summer outings without packing on unwanted pounds.

Don’t count on the host. To take care of your dietary needs, that is. Offer to bring a healthy salad, low-calorie main dish, or fresh fruit for dessert.
Don’t eat. . . If you’re [...]