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.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/fruit-pizza

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 bars
Serving Size 1 bar

Ingredients

CRUST AND TOPPING
1⁄2 cup flour
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
1 cup quick oats
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine
2 Tablespoons applesauce
1 Tablespoon orange juice

FILLING
1 Tablespoon flour
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons orange juice
2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or lightly oil an 8”x 8” baking pan.
  2. Crust and topping: Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut butter into mixture until crumbly. Mix in oats. Set half aside for topping.
  3. To remaining mixture, stir in applesauce and orange juice. Press in bottom of baking pan.
  4. Filling: Combine flour, sugar, juice and raspberries. Mix well.
  5. Spread filling on crust. Sprinkle with topping.
  6. Bake 40-45 minutes. Cool. Cut into 12 bars.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/raspberry-oatm...

Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
2 1⁄2 cups chopped onion (2 1/2 medium onions)
4 cups sliced mushrooms (16 to 20 medium fresh button mushrooms)
3⁄4 cup water
1 teaspoon bouillon (1 cube) - vegetable, beef or chicken
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon corn starch
3 Tablespoons light sour cream
3 cups cooked whole grain noodles or brown rice

Directions

  1. Heat the margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and mushrooms. Sauté and stir until starting to brown.
  2. In a small bowl, mix water, bouillon, garlic powder and cornstarch. Add to skillet and cook until sauce is thickened.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream.
  4. Serve with cooked whole grain noodles or brown rice. Garnish with paprika and chopped parsley if desired.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry wheat kernels
1 1⁄4 cups carrots, peeled and diced
1 1⁄4 cups red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 2 small peppers)
1 cup celery, diced
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced
1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1⁄2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Place dry wheat kernels in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and continue to simmer for 1 hour, or until the wheat kernels are tender but still chewy. Drain the cooked wheat berries and rinse with cold water. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the carrots, celery, bell pepper, onions and parsley to the wheat berries in the mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the rice vinegar, water, vegetable oil, garlic powder and salt. Pour dressing over the salad and mix until salad is well coated.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/wheat-berry-sa...

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Prep time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Chill Time: 3 hours

Ingredients

1 cup dry bulgur wheat
1 cup hot water
1⁄2 cucumber, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped mint (or cilantro)
1 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

DRESSING
1⁄4 cup lemon juice (or vinegar or half of each)
2 Tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and soak in the hot water until the water is absorbed, (about 30 minutes). When it's ready, drain any excess water.
  2. Mix the dressing Ingredients together. Set aside.
  3. Chop the vegetables and add to the prepared bulgur. 
  4. Add dressing to salad and stir. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and serve chilled.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Top with plain yogurt.
  • Add other chopped veggies including red or green peppers, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), grated carrots, or summer squash.
  • Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.
  • Serve as a side dish or serve on lettuce leaves or make sandwiches with whole wheat or pocket (pita) bread.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/tabouli-bulgur...

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 whole spaghetti squash

Topping Ingredients as you choose

Directions

  1. Wash the skin and cut squash in half lengthwise, crosswise or in 1-inch rings. If squash is too tough to cut, microwave or bake for a few minutes until squash is warm to the touch and soft enough to cut.
  2. Remove seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon.
  3. Cook squash. The squash flesh should be easily pierced by a fork when done.
  4. Microwave (shortest cooking time). Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe dish with 1 to 2 tablespoons water. Cook on HIGH for about 12 minutes for a medium sized squash.  Time will vary depending on size of squash and power of the microwave.  Squash is done when the shell can be pierced with a fork and the .flesh separates into strands.
  5. Let sit for 10 minutes or until squash is cool enough to handle. Use a fork to gently scrape the inside of the squash to make spaghetti-like strands.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

OR

  1. Wash the skin and cut squash in half lengthwise, crosswise or in 1-inch rings. If squash is too tough to cut, microwave or bake for a few minutes until squash is warm to the touch and soft enough to cut.
  2. Remove seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon.
  3. Cook squash. The squash flesh should be easily pierced by a fork when done.
  4. Bake in the oven. Choose a baking temperature between 350 to 425 degrees. Line a baking dish with foil for easier clean up.
    1. -  For a “roasted” flavor, rub cut edges with a little vegetable oil (optional), place cut side down in the pan and bake uncovered.
    2. -  For a “steamed” texture, add ½ cup water to the pan and cover with foil.
  5. Check for doneness after about 40 minutes.  Larger squash and lower oven temperatures may take longer to cook. Squash is done when the shell can be pierced with a fork and the flesh separates into strands.
  6. Let sit for 10 minutes or until squash is cool enough to handle. Use a fork to gently scrape the inside of the squash to make spaghetti-like strands.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Season the squash with a little salt and pepper or try nutmeg, onion or garlic powder.
  • Top with your favorite pasta sauce. Try our Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce.
  • Try sautéed mushrooms, onions or other veggies.
  • Add a sprinkling of cheese.
  • Include beans, tofu, cooked chicken, or cooked meat to make a one dish meal
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/spaghetti-squa...

Pasta Ratatouille

Pasta Ratatouille

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta (try rotini, penne or bow tie noodles)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup chopped onion (1⁄2 medium onion)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, cubed
1 small eggplant, cubed
2 medium tomatoes, cubed
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup shredded cheese

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
  3. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. Cook about 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomatoes, salt, pepper and basil. Cook another 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Serve over pasta and top with cheese.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/pasta-ratatoui...

Mashed Turnips and Potatoes

Mashed Turnips and Potatoes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound turnips, peeled and diced
1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
1⁄4 cup light sour cream or buttermilk
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

  1. Boil turnips and potatoes in enough water to cover until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Drain vegetables and mash.
  3. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Serve hot.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/mashed-turnips...

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound dried lentils, washed and picked over
8 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon each black pepper and ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
3 bay leaves
1 can (4 ounces) mild green chilies, drained and chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1⁄3 cup fresh lime juice or to taste (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in vegetable oil over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
  2. Add lentils, water, salt, pepper, cumin, thyme or oregano and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium low (250 degrees in an electric skillet). Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the green chilies, red bell pepper and carrots. Simmer 15 more minutes or until the lentils are very soft.
  4. Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves and stir in the lime juice. Serve hot.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try topping soup with a dollop of sour cream and chopped tomatoes.
  • This soup is also good if a potato, another carrot, and celery are added.
  • Eliminate the chilies and cumin if you do not want the Mexican flavors.
  • Freeze extra lime juice to use later
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/lentil-soup-li...

Lentil Confetti Salad

Lentil Confetti Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup dry lentils
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup reduced fat italian dressing
1⁄2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
1⁄4 cup green peppers, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 a small pepper)
3 Tablespoons chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped celery
6 sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash and drain lentils. Place in saucepan, add water and salt.
  2. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered about 20 minutes. Do not overcook. The lentils should be tender with skin intact. Drain immediately.
  3. Combine the lentils with cooked rice, pour dressing over mixture and refrigerate until cool.
  4. Add rest of Ingredients, except parsley, mix well.
  5. Garnish with parsley before serving (optional).
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/lentil-confett...

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
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/fiesta-barley-...

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
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/dutch-red-cabb...

Dry Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Dry Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounce) garbanzo beans
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
cooking spray

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Drain garbanzo beans in a strainer and rinse with cool water. Shake strainer to help remove water. Dry beans with paper towels to prevent "popping" in the oven.
  3. Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley and dill weed in a small bowl.
  4. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Pour garbanzo beans onto baking sheet and spread in a single layer.
  5. Lightly spray the tops of beans with cooking spray. Sprinkle seasoning mix over the beans. Shake pan to help distribute the seasoning and make sure beans are in a single layer.
  6. Place pan on the lowest rack in the oven.  Cook 30-40 minutes.  Gently shake and rotate pan every 10-15 minutes to make sure nothing burns.  Beans are done when crispy and brown. Let cool before serving.

Notes

  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/dry-roasted-ga...

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups

Ingredients

3 leeks (about 3 cups diced
3 potatoes (about 3 cups diced)
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
4 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
1⁄4 cup 1% milk
2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Remove root and green tops from leeks.  Slice in half lengthwise and rinse well under running water.  Slice crosswise into ¼ inch slices. 
  2. Scrub potatoes well; cut into small cubes.
  3. Melt butter or margarine in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Add garlic and chopped leeks. Cook until softened.
  5. Add potatoes and enough broth to cover.  Cover pan and simmer until potatoes are soft.  Mash with a potato masher or fork until potatoes are fairly smooth. 
  6. Add remaining broth, milk and pepper.  Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/creamy-potato-...

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
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/barley-summer-...

Barley Lentil Soup

Barley Lentil Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 clove garlic, minced, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 can (15 ounces) stewed, diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (see Notes)
3 cups water
1 cup dry lentils
2⁄3 cup barley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt
 and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Heat oil in large soup pan over medium-high heat. Cook garlic and onion until they are golden brown, about 1 or 2 minutes.
  2. Add the rest of the Ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat so the mixture is at a light simmer. Place a lid on the pan.
  3. Cook until the barley and lentils are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Serve hot in a soup bowl.
  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
  • Use any fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables you have on hand
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/barley-lentil-...

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
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/autumn-squash-...

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 16 1/2-inch slices
Serving Size 1/2 inch slice

Ingredients

non-stick cooking spray or oil
2 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup dried plum puree (see Notes)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
  3. Add the eggs and pumpkin. Stir until mixed together.
  4. In a large bowl, blend the dried plum puree, brown sugar and sugar.
  5. Lightly coat a 8 ½ x 4 ½ -inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil and set aside.
  6. Add dry Ingredients to the plum mixture. Stir only until the dry Ingredients become moistened. Be careful not to over mix.
  7. Pour batter into loaf pan and spread into the corners.
  8. Bake for about 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
  10. Remove from pan and let cool completely on a rack. Slice to serve.
  11. Wrap in plastic or foil to store for several days or freeze for up to a month.

Notes

  • To make the dried plum puree: combine 2/3 cup pitted dried plums (4 ounces) and 3 tablespoons water in a blender. Blend until the plums are finely chopped.
  • If you don't have dried plums on hand, try using applesauce or plum baby food
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/low-fat-pumpki...

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

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

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pearl barley (cooking Directions below)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1⁄4 cup sliced green onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
2 Tablespoons oil
salt
 and pepper to taste
fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Mix barley with remaining Ingredients, except garnish, in a large bowl.
  2. Cover and chill several hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
  3. Garnish with cilantro or parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
  • Freeze extra lime or lemon juice to use later. 
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
  • To cook pearl barley:
    • In medium saucepan with lid, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup pearl barley and return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Makes about 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Place any extra cooked barley in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze. Add cooked barley to soups, stews, casseroles and salads for a healthful whole grain boost
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/barley-bean-an...

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)
Serving Size 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten
1⁄2 cup applesauce
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons oil
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

TOPPING
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons chopped nuts

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil or spray an 8" x 8" baking pan.
  2. Combine the egg, applesauce, milk, vanilla and oil in a bowl. Add the apple.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add to the liquid Ingredients and mix well.
  4. Pour mixture into baking dish, and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts.
  6. Return to oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until top is browned and the sugar bubbles.
  7. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute other fruit for the apple. Try bananas, pears, blueberries or a mixture
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/apple-spice-ba...