Bell Pepper Nachos

Bell Pepper Nachos

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

4 bell peppers
1 cup salsa
2 teaspoons seasoning (try a mixture-chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, pepper)
2 cups cooked meat (chopped or shredded), beans or tofu
1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
2. Wash bell peppers, remove seeds and cut into bite-sized pieces. Arrange pieces close together in a single layer on a large foil-lined baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, combine salsa, seasonings and meat, beans or tofu.  Spoon the mixture evenly over pepper pieces then top with cheese.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until peppers are heated through and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

• For added flavor, top with chopped cilantro, green onions or black olives!

Pumpkin Pudding

Pumpkin Pudding

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 7 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin or 2 cups cooked mashed squash (such as Hubbard)
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon cloves)
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 package (3.5 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, salt and pumpkin pie spice together.
2. Slowly stir in milk and mix well.
3. Add instant pudding mix and stir for 2 minutes until it thickens.
4. Refrigerate until serving time.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Pumpkin Fruit Dip

Pumpkin Fruit Dip

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 26 servings
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounce) pumpkin (about 1 ¾ cups cooked pumpkin)
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese or plain yogurt or low-fat cream cheese
3⁄4 cup sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon Nutmeg

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, ricotta cheese or yogurt, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
2. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve with apple slices, bananas or grapes. 
• For a smoother texture, use a hand mixer or food processor to mix ingredients.

Peach Cooler

Peach Cooler

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup 

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup non-fat dry milk
1 cup frozen peaches, chopped
1⁄2 cup cold water
1⁄2 cup orange juice (juice from 1 orange)

Directions

1. Put all ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 1 cup chopped or sliced peaches (about 1.5 to 2 medium fresh)
• Serve as a snack or dessert during the summer months.

Magical Fruit Salad

Magical Fruit Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size 1/3 cup

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or canned fruit (try a mixture - apples, bananas, oranges, grapes or pineapple)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon or vanilla pudding mix
1 3⁄4 cups cold nonfat or 1% milk (or mix nonfat dry milk with cold water)

Directions

1. For fresh fruit: Rinse fruit and cut into bite-size chunks. For canned fruit: Drain fruit and cut into bite-sized chunks, if needed.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and cold milk. Add the fruit and stir gently. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• This salad is best if eaten as soon as it is ready.

Fruit Cooler

Fruit Cooler

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups fruit
3 cups 100% fruit juice
1 Tablespoon sugar and/or lime juice (optional)

Directions

1. Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces, place in blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Using frozen fruit will make your fruit cooler thick and icy!

Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt Parfait

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 bananas
24 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 cups low-fat granola

Directions

1. Peel and chop bananas.
2. Take half of the fruit and split it between the bottom of six cups or bowls.
3. Take half of the yogurt and split it between each cup or bowl, placing it on top of the fruit.
4. Sprinkle each cup with 1/4 cup granola.
5. Repeat layers.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Drizzle with honey and top with chopped nuts.
• Try other fruits, such as strawberries, apples, oranges, etc. (Use 2 cups fruit for the recipe.)
• Use different flavors of yogurt, such as lemon or strawberry, or plain for less sugar.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Un-beet-able Berry Smoothie

Un-beet-able Berry Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup low-fat or nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1⁄2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1⁄2 cup canned sliced beets, drained

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a thicker smoothie, use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit.
• Use plain yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Add a banana.

Tropical Smoothie

Tropical Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup 

Ingredients

1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh, frozen or canned and drained)
1 banana
1 cup cold water

Directions

1. Put all ingredients in a blender. Put lid on tightly.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into cups or glasses. Serve chilled.
4. Refrigerate or freeze extra portions for a fast, healthy snack.

Notes

• For a thicker smoothie, use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit.

Super Sundae

Super Sundae

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
2⁄3 cup canned chopped peaches
2⁄3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 Tablespoons granola

Directions

1. Divide yogurt between 2 clear glasses or dishes.
2. Spoon half of the peaches and blueberries on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle each sundae with granola.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute any fruit you have on hand: try sliced bananas, canned mandarin oranges, or grapes cut in half.
• Try different flavors of yogurt like lemon or strawberry.

Strawberry Swirl

Strawberry Swirl

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

Ingredients

1 cup frozen strawberries, thawed
1 cup (8 ounces) apple juice

Directions

1. Combine ingredients in blender and process until smooth.
2. Serve, or freeze for 1 to 2 hours to make a slushy.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• If you don’t have a blender, mash strawberries with a fork. Add juice and beat with an egg beater until fairly smooth.

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.

Razzleberry Shiver

Razzleberry Shiver

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

1 cup raspberries
2 bananas
1⁄2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
1⁄4 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon Sugar

Directions

1. Put all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture among four small bowls.
3. Freeze for about 2 hours. Enjoy as you would ice cream!
4. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• No blender?  Mash fruit well with a fork.
• Make popsicles!  Spoon mixture into small paper cups or popsicle forms.  Add a smooth wooden craft stick.  Freeze until very firm so the sticks don't pull out.

Pumpkin Smoothie in a Cup

Pumpkin Smoothie in a Cup

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2⁄3 cup low fat vanilla yogurt or 1 container (6 ounces)
4 Tablespoons canned pumpkin
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Directions

1. Stir all ingredients together in a bowl. Serve.
2. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Top with granola or nugget type cereal for extra crunch.
• Extra canned pumpkin can be frozen.

Peanut Power Smoothie

Peanut Power Smoothie

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup peanut butter
1 3⁄4 cups banana (or any other fresh or canned and drained fruit)
1⁄4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 1⁄2 cups cold water

Directions

1. Put all ingredients in blender. Blend on low until smooth, and serve.
2. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Serving Size 2 x 2 inch bar

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups rice cereal
2 cups quick oats
1 cup raisins, or other dried fruit

Directions

1. In a saucepan bring honey to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in peanut butter.
3. Add dry cereal, oats and raisins; mix well. Remove from heat
4. Lightly spray or oil an 8 inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Press into prepared 8-inch pan. When cool, cut into 16 bars.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

• Try this recipe with 4 cups of unsweetened cereal flakes instead of the rice cereal and oats.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.

Peach and Carrot Smoothie

Peach and Carrot Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 medium banana, peeled fresh or frozen
1 cup frozen carrots
1 can (15 ounce) peaches, undrained

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor including the juice or syrup from the canned peaches.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Juice or syrup can be replaced with ¾ cup water and sweetener of your choice.
• Canned carrots work too! Drain them before adding.
• Try using fresh carrots but cook them first.

Peach Yogurt Smoothie

Peach Yogurt Smoothie

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Serving Size 1 cup 

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat yogurt (try peach, vanilla or lemon)
1⁄3 cup non-fat dry milk
1⁄2 banana
3⁄4 cup orange juice
1⁄2 cup frozen peaches

Directions

1. Put all ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 1 cup chopped or sliced peaches (about 1.5 to 2 medium fresh)
• Serve as a snack or dessert during the summer months.

Peach Sundae

Peach Sundae

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
2 cups chopped or sliced peaches (frozen, canned and drained, or about 3-4 medium fresh)
3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups (24 ounces) low fat yogurt (try peach, vanilla or raspberry)

Directions

1. Melt margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally until peaches are hot. Remove from heat.
3. Spoon yogurt into five individual bowls. Top with warm peaches.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a little crunch, sprinkle with granola, graham cracker or gingersnap cookie crumbs.

Not Your Everyday Apples

Not Your Everyday Apples

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

3 medium apples
1⁄2 cup raisins
2 teaspoons soft butter or margarine
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wash the apples and chop into small pieces.
3. Mix apples with raisins, butter or margarine, sugar and cinnamon.
4. Place the mixture in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes.
5. Cool slightly and enjoy!
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try serving this recipe with vanilla yogurt!