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

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.

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 12 slices or muffins
Serving Size 1 slice or 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 cup sliced carrots (about 1 can (14.5 ounces) or 2 to 3 fresh carrots)
2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups baking mix (biscuit or pancake mix)
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking pans. If making a loaf, lightly spray or oil and flour a 9x5 bread pan. If making muffins, lightly oil or spray a muffin tin.
2. Cook carrots until they are very soft.
3. Fresh - Steam or boil.
4. Frozen - Follow package Directions or microwave, steam or boil.
5. Canned - Rinse and drain.
6. Mash carrots well with a fork or potato masher, or use a blender or food processer to puree until smooth.
7. In large bowl, mix carrots with brown sugar, egg, and milk until well blended. Add remaining Ingredients and mix well.
8. Pour batter into prepared bread pans or fill 12 muffin cups about 2/3 full.
9. Bake bread for 50 minutes or muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, until a fork or knife inserted in center comes out clean.
10. Let cool slightly then remove from pans. Cool completely then store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

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

Buttermilk Scones

Buttermilk Scones

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 9 scones
Serving Size 1 scone

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup butter, melted
2⁄3 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well.
3. Add raisins and mix lightly.
4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and buttermilk. Add liquid Ingredients to flour mixture; mix gently.
5. Spoon dough into 9 equal mounds on a greased baking sheet. Bake until well browned, 18-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot or at room temperature. Best eaten the same day you bake them.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute vegetable oil for the butter to reduce saturated fat.
• Try other dried fruit. Sprinkle with cinnamon before baking.
• No buttermilk? Place 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in measuring cup and fill to the 1 cup line with milk. Stir and let set to thicken slightly

Rice Salad

Rice Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled
1⁄4 cup chopped celery
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
1⁄4 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons chopped almonds
1⁄2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

1. Combine rice, celery, apple, raisins, and almonds in a medium bowl and mix well.
2. Combine yogurt, orange juice, and sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the rice mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add any of your favorite fruits for variety.
• Make this a whole grain recipe by using brown rice instead of white rice

Orange Rice Salad

Orange Rice Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Chill Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
1⁄2 cup celery, diced
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit
1⁄4 cup chopped nuts
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon orange juice or vinegar
1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 green onions, washed and thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges with juice
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all Ingredients together in medium-sized bowl.
2. Chill for an hour to allow flavors to blend.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding 2/3 cup diced green peppers or other crunchy vegetables.

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 bunnies
Serving Size 1 bunny

Ingredients

2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach
4 pear halves, fresh or canned
1⁄2 cup cottage cheese
8 pieces sliced almonds
12 raisins

Directions

1. Place about 1/2 cup shredded lettuce on each plate.
2. Place one pear half on the lettuce, cut side faced down.
3. On the narrower end of each pear, make a rabbit face: Poke two pieces of sliced almonds into the pear to make ears. Arrange two raisins for eyes and one for the nose.
4. Place 2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese at the opposite end of each pear half to make a tail.

Notes

• Optional: Add a miniature carrot or two for the bunnies to snack on.
• Look in the bulk food section of the store to buy only the amount you need of raisins or sliced almonds. 

Cuban Baked Bananas

Cuban Baked Bananas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 bananas
Serving Size 1 banana

Ingredients

6 bananas, sliced lengthwise
6 Tablespoons brown sugar
4 Tablespoons margarine or butter
1⁄2 cup raisins, or other dried chopped fruit
1⁄3 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch pan.
2. Arrange the split bananas in the pan.
3. Top evenly with brown sugar, small pieces of margarine, raisins and pecans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup 

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup walnuts, chopped
2 apples, cored and diced
1 cup celery, diced
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are evenly toasted.
3. Combine apples, celery, nuts, and raisins.
4. Stir together yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour over apple mixture and toss lightly.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve this dish with a whole-wheat roll for a hearty meal.
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.

Tropical Carrot Salad

Tropical Carrot Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 cups shredded carrots (2 to 3 carrots)
1 cup unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
3⁄4 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup low-fat mayonnaise or low-fat plain yogurt
1⁄4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds

Directions

1. In a medium serving bowl, combine carrots, pineapple and raisins.
2. Stir in mayonnaise or yogurt and nuts or seeds. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Save leftover pineapple and juice in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Leftover pineapple can be used in smoothies, fruit salads and more. See FoodHero.org for recipes.

Kiwi Pineapple Slaw

Kiwi Pineapple Slaw

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple in juice, undrained
3 cups cabbage, finely shredded (1/2 head)
1 1⁄2 cups kiwi, peeled and chopped (about 3 medium kiwi)
1⁄2 cup celery, chopped (about 1 stalk)
1⁄4 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup light mayonnaise

Directions

1. Drain pineapple, reserving 3 Tablespoons juice. Cut pinepple into bite-sized pieces, if needed.
2. Combine drained pineapple, cabbage, kiwi, celery, and raisins in a large bowl.
3. Stir reserved pineapple juice into mayonnaise until smooth. Add to cabbage mixture, tossing gently.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Glazed Carrots and Cranberries

Glazed Carrots and Cranberries

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar, divided
1⁄2 cup chicken broth
1 Tablespoon butter
1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add carrots, salt, 1 Tablespoon sugar, and broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until carrots are almost tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Uncover; increase heat to high. Stir occasionally until liquid is reduced to about 2 Tablespoons, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add butter and remaining sugar to skillet; stir carrots to coat. Add dried cranberries and cook, stirring frequently, until carrots are completely tender and glaze is light gold, about 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups cooked turkey or smoked turkey, diced
1⁄2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1⁄2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
3⁄4 cup celery, chopped (about 1.5 stalks)
1⁄4 cup diced red or yellow onion (1/4 medium onion)
1⁄4 cup diced carrot
1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
1 red apple, cored and chopped
1⁄3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon vinegar (cider, red or white)

Directions

1. Mix turkey, nuts, raisins, celery, onions, carrots, parsley and apple in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and vinegar; mix well.
3. Toss meat mixture with dressing and chill.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve cold with lettuce and tomato wedges, or use as sandwich filling.

Oriental Carrot Salad

Oriental Carrot Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

SALAD
2 cups shredded carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
1⁄4 cup fine chopped green or red bell pepper
1⁄4 cup raisins or craisins
1⁄4 cup unsalted cashews or sunflower seeds

ORIENTAL DRESSING
1⁄4 cup orange juice (juice from 1/2 orange)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1⁄8 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon honey or sugar

Directions

1. Combine carrots, peppers, raisins and sunflower seeds in a bowl.
2. Combine orange juice, vegetable oil, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder and honey or sugar in a jar. Cover and shake to blend.
3. Add the oriental salad dressing or your favorite salad dressing. Stir to blend.
4. Refrigerate for a few hours to blend flavors.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cups shredded carrots (about 4 carrots)
1⁄2 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 Tablespoons plain yogurt or orange juice

Directions

1. Combine carrots and raisins in a serving bowl.
2. Mix low fat mayonnaise or salad dressing with yogurt or orange juice.
3. Pour mixture over carrots and raisins and chill until serving time.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Broccoli and Everything Salad

Broccoli and Everything Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

3 cups raw broccoli, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup onion, chopped
1 cup cooked ham, chicken or turkey
1⁄4 cup light mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Vinegar

Directions

1. Wash and prepare vegetables.
2. In a large bowl mix together broccoli, carrot, celery, raisins, onion and meat.
3. Mix together mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar and vinegar in a separate bowl.
4. Add mayonnaise mixture to salad and mix well.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding apples or jicama.
• You can use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
• This salad can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator.

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 9 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

6 cups chopped broccoli
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup finely chopped red onion
1⁄4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1⁄4 cup bacon bits
1⁄2 cup light mayonnaise
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Combine chopped broccoli, raisins, chopped onion, sunflower seeds and bacon bits in a large bowl.
2. Combine mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in a small bowl.
3. Stir mayonnaise mixture into salad.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped fruit (try a mixture - apples, bananas, raisins, berries, peaches)
2 Tablespoons chopped nuts (try unsalted walnuts or almonds)

Directions

1. Combine cooked rice, milk and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds. Stir and heat for another 45-60 seconds, or until rice mixture is heated through.
2. Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with fruit and nuts. Serve warm.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use a combination of fresh, canned, frozen and dried fruit in this recipe.
• You can use any leftover cooked grain in this recipe. Try white or wild rice, quinoa, barley or oatmeal.