8 Healthy Summer Snacks

The kids are home for summer and they are hungry! Here are eight healthy summer snacks that are great for kids--and adults.

Beets a l'Orange

Serve these delicious beets hot as a side dish, then refrigerate the leftovers and enjoy them cold. Either way, they're sure to please the beet lovers in the family. 

Makes 8 servings

2     1-pound cans small whole beets, undrained
1      cup orange juice
2      tablespoons cornstarch
1      tablespoon lemon juice
2      teaspoons vinegar
1      teaspoon grated fresh orange peel
⅛     teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt and pepper 

Everyone is like a Butterfly

Some wisdom for this beautiful Monday! 

Picnic Take Alongs

Summer Picnics are so much fun. Especially if they are in your own backyard! I have come up with some great take alongs for your next picnic.

Tuna Seashell Salad

This easy salad makes an ideal light summer dinner. Add slices of fresh tomatoes and perhaps some corn on the cob, and your dinner is complete.

Makes 4 servings

2     6 ½ -ounce cans tuna (packed in water), drained and flaked (8 ounces)
2     cups cooked whole wheat macaroni shells
1     cup thinly sliced celery
¼    cup finely chopped onion
2     tablespoons reduced-calorie mayonnaise
2     tablespoons lemon juice
1     tablespoon vinegar
1     tablespoon dried parsley flakes
½    teaspoon celery seed
½    teaspoon dill weed
¼    teaspoon salt
⅛    teaspoon pepper 

No One Can Fight After Dinner

Who could possibly fight after a good meal?

Father’s Day Cookout

These recipes are perfect for a backyard BBQ anytime in the summer!  And with Father's Day is this Sunday, this menu will sure to please Dad too.

Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

If you like, you can place some chopped tomato, green onion, or green chilies on top of the cheese before you fold the tortillas. Served with salsa, this makes a great appetizer or lunch dish.

Makes 4 servings

4     6-inch flour tortillas 

½    cup canned fat-free refried beans 

2     ounces shredded reduced-fat Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 

½    cup Salsa (optional)

Don't Be Afraid

Remember to always go for the great!

4 Tips for Healthy Eggs and Cheese

There are an endless number of recipes available for eggs and cheese. Both are versatile, tasty and inexpensive. There's only one problem: Both eggs and cheese are high in fat and cholesterol. Fortunately, here are a few easy solutions to the problem. 

Orange Fruit Cups

These bright and cheery fruit cups can easily be varied by filling them with different fruits. Let your imagination and taste buds guide you.

Makes 4 servings 

2     small oranges, cut in half crosswise 
½    cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (unsweetened) 
½    cup canned crushed pineapple (packed in juice), drained 
1     teaspoon confectioners' sugar 

It's Still a Whole Pizza!

Some humor to start the week off right!