5 Fruit Secrets for Spring

Fruits are sweet, natural gifts from Mother Nature. Their versatility is endless, whether used as appetizers, entrées, desserts, or as in-between-meals snacks. Most fruits are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, supplying our bodies with necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Mexi-Corn

The sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end is optional, but I do hope you'll try it that way. Its unusual flavor really enhances the flavors of Mexican food.

Makes 4 servings 

2     teaspoons canola oil 

¼    cup finely chopped green bell pepper 

¼    cup finely chopped red bell pepper 

¼    cup finely chopped onion 
¼    cup water 

1     1-pound can salt-free (or regular) corn, drained 

Pepper to taste 

1     tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional) 

Happy Memorial Day

Hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day!

My Cookbook is Back—Lean & Luscious 3rd Edition

     Once upon a time, my cookbook Lean & Luscious sold over several thousand copies, and finally, after 20 years, it’s back! I’ve wanted to resurrect Lean & Luscious for a few years now (read The Cookbook Comeback), and after some minor bumps in the road, I can now say my dream has come to life.  This fall, Lean & Luscious 3^rd Edition will be available!

Best Cole Slaw

An old family standby for years, no backyard cookout is ever complete without it. Your guests will rave!

Makes 8 servings 

1     small cabbage, thinly shredded (4 cups) I even buy the pre-shredded cabbage & carrots! 

1     medium carrot, grated 

3     tablespoons sugar 

1     teaspoon celery seed 

1     teaspoon salt 

½    cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise 

3     tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt 

2     tablespoons vinegar 

Freshly ground black pepper 

Be a Leader

Some wise words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

3 Secrets to Make Sandwiches Healthier

In a society that is really in love with fast food, those of us who want healthy foods for ourselves and our families are sometimes at a loss when it comes to finding healthy burgers and sandwiches. Here are three simple ways to prepare sandwiches and burgers that are both easy and nutritious for picnics, backyard barbecues or when you are on the go.

Mango-Black Bean Salsa

 Mango makes everything refreshing and sweet. This is a take from my Pineapple-Black Bean Salad. This refreshing salsa can be served on tacos, with tortilla chips, or piled into a pita for a delicious sandwich.

Makes 4 servings

1         1-pound can black beans, rinsed and drained (This will yield approximately 10 ounces of beans.)
1        8-ounce can mango slices (packed in juice), drained (Reserve ¼ cup of the juice.)
½       cup finely chopped red bell pepper
½       cup thinly sliced green onion (green and white parts)
2        teaspoons vinegar
½       teaspoon ground cumin
¼       teaspoon salt   
          Pepper to taste
1        jalapeno pepper, finely chopped, seeds and inner membranes discarded (optional)
 

Forgiveness

In order to forgive you must move on.

A Mother’s Day Breakfast for a Queen

Mother’s Day is this weekend, and I have a great breakfast planned for all the moms out there. Mom deserves to eat Lean & Lusciously too! These recipes are great for breakfast in bed, or for a fantastic family breakfast that everyone can enjoy!

Broiled Grapefruit Delight

Indeed, this dish is a delight. Hot and bubbly, this makes a wonderful and welcome morning treat. 

Makes 4 servings

2        medium, pink grapefruits, cut in half crosswise
2        teaspoons margarine, melted
1        teaspoon rum extract
1        tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar

A Mother's Love

This is for all the Mothers. Have a Great Mother's Day Week!

Cinco de Mayo Meal

Cinco de Mayo is this Sunday, which means fun fiestas! Just because this one of my favorite food holidays, doesn’t mean I can’t eat Lean & Lusciously. I have many recipes that will give you the Mexican fix you are looking for, without the guilt.