Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Mexican Christmas Salad


Mexican Christmas Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)

This is a classic dish for the special dinner served on Christmas Eve after midnight mass

* 3 large cooked beets, chopped
* 2 oranges, thinly sliced
* 2 jicamas, peeled and chopped
* 4 slices fresh pineapple, cubed
* 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted peanuts, chopped
* lettuce leaves for plating
* 1 pomegranate


METHOD

Put beets, oranges, jicama, pineapple in a bowl. Chill without tossing for one hour.

Toss after one hour. Arrange lettuce leaves on six plates. Divide salad. Garnish with peanuts and pomegranate seeds.

Serves: 6

recipe from www.inmamaskitchen.com

Contributor: Raoul Garcia

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Healthified Holiday Recipes

"Healthified" Stuffing

You won't feel "stuffed" this Thanksgiving! A change from butter to a smaller amount of oil cuts 2/3 of the total fat, and using whole grain bread adds 3g of fiber per serving. Start a new tradition. From eatbetteramerica.

Prep Time:30 min
Start to Finish:1 hr 40 min
makes:12 servings (1/2 cup each)

15 slices white whole grain bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves, crushed, or 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried or 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray; set aside.
2. On large cookie sheet, place bread slices. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, turning each slice once, until firm and very light golden brown. Remove bread slices from cookie sheet; cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
3. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion and carrot; cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in broth, sage, salt, thyme and pepper; heat to boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in bread cubes until well mixed. Spoon mixture into casserole.
4. Cover; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until hot and top is light golden brown.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.


"Healthified" Sweet Potato Casserole

A recipe makeover of a favorite classic cut total fat by 82%, yet keeps the flavor! From eatbetteramerica.

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:55 min
makes:8 servings

Sweet Potatoes
1 can (40 oz) sweet potatoes in syrup, drained
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fat-free egg product
1/4 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Topping
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon no-trans-fat 68% vegetable oil spread, melted
1/3 cup chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 1 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mash sweet potatoes. Stir in granulated sugar, salt, egg product, milk and vanilla; spoon into casserole.
3. In small bowl, mix all topping ingredients except pecans until well blended. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over sweet potato mixture.
4. Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.


Fitness By Marilyn
http://www.fitnessbymarilyn.com
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price