10 Back to School Lunch Tips

 Back to school time! Which means time to pack those healthy lunches for the kids. To ease the monotony of daily planning and to help prevent falling into the possible rut of bologna sandwiches for lunch, I have included the following tips to help your kids get the healthy lunches they deserve.

Quick 'n' Chunky Tomato Sauce

Canned stewed tomatoes form the base for this tangy sauce. Throw in a little wine and a few spices, cook the pasta, and dinner is ready.

Makes 6 servings (⅔ cup each serving) 

2      14 ½-ounce cans salt-free (or regular) stewed tomatoes 
⅓     cup tomato paste 
¼     cup dry red wine 
1      teaspoon sugar 
1      teaspoon dried basil 
½     teaspoon dried oregano 
2      tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Never give up!

What are some of your big dreams? Happy Monday! 

Spice Up Your Life Indian

 Over the years, through all of my cooking, I keep coming back to one basic truth – the spices and extracts are what make the difference between an ordinary meal and an extraordinary meal.

 

Scones

A popular English treat, these pie-shaped rolls taste great with strawberry jam. Served warm with a cup of tea, they're such a friendly treat. 

Makes 8 scones

¾     cup all-purpose flour
¾     cup whole wheat flour
1½   teaspoons baking powder
¼     teaspoon salt
1      tablespoon sugar
2      tablespoons plus
2      teaspoons margarine
¼     cup blueberries
½     cup skim milk
2      teaspoons vinegar
2      egg whites
1      teaspoon grated fresh lemon peel

Back to School

Are your kids ready to go back to school?

Blueberry Treats

I love blueberries in the summer. Take advantage of summer blueberries at your local farmers market or favorite grocery store. Then try some of my favorite blueberry recipes!

Hot Fudge Sauce

A practically fat-free hot fudge sauce? Fantastic! Spoon over low-fat ice cream or use as a luscious fondue for dipping fresh fruit.

Makes 8 servings (2 tablespoons each serving) 

2      tablespoons cocoa (unsweetened) 
1      tablespoon plus 
1      teaspoon cornstarch 
3      tablespoons sugar 
1      cup evaporated skim milk 
1      teaspoon vanilla extract 

Life goes on

What have you learned about life?

Spice Up Your Life Italian

 Spice it right!

The following are some tips for Italian spices and extracts. Use these as a guideline and remember when trying a new spice to go easy. You can always add more!

Green Beans and Tomatoes

This colorful, tasty blend of vegetables and spices couldn't be easier. It goes with almost any entrée and also looks great on a buffet.

Makes 4 servings

1      10-ounce package frozen cut green beans
1      1-pound can salt-free (or regular) tomatoes, chopped, undrained
½     teaspoon dried oregano
⅛     teaspoon garlic powder
        Salt and pepper to taste 

Small Opportunities

Monday Wisdom: Take advantage of the small opportunities.

Cool Treats for Hot Summer Days

Ah, Treats! Who doesn’t love treats? With it getting hotter and hotter these treats will sure cool you off on those hot dog days of summer. I’ve reduced the amount of cholesterol and only use nonfat or low-fat milk, so you can indulge.