Southwest Lime Salad

My friend Cynthia brought this over when John was in the hospital and I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I substitute all sorts of things and it always tastes good.

Cook 1 c dried brown rice in water
Cool then stir in 1/2 c salsa

Sprinkle 1 chicken tender per person with:
dried oregano
chili powder
dried cilantro
garlic powder
I like to really coat one side with the spices then cook in a pan until done.
Chop into pieces.

Salad
Mix of lettuces and spinach
4 chopped tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can other beans (kidney, chickpea, etc)
1 bunch cilantro chopped
1 red onion chopped
1 avocado chopped

Dressing
2 T rice vinegar
2 T flaxseed oil
2 limes juiced
1/4 c minced fresh cilantro
1 minced green onion spear
1 T canned green chilies
1/4 tsp Stevia
1 tsp salt

Toss salad with the chicken, rice mixture and drizzle dressing on. Serve in big bowls.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This makes a lot of muffins or little breads, which is good for my "a lot of kids" as well as sharing with teachers and friends. Freeze the extras in zip lock bags.

1 c sugar
3/4 c agave nectar
1 T Stevia
12 egg whites
large 20 oz can pumpkin
1 c applesauce, no sugar added
1 c water

Mix til smooth
Stir dry ingredients together and add to wet mixture.

3 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 c ground flax
5 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 c chocolate chips (optional)

Spray muffin tins/bread pans with nonstick spray.
Bake 400 for 20 minutes
Check center for doneness.

Fresh Orange Chocolate Frosting

2 T Butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 T Nonfat milk
Zest of one orange
Juice of one orange
1/4 c Cocoa powder
Many cups of Powdered sugar

I always make this up as I go, so I never know how much sugar. It depends on how much liquid goes in. I keep adding and whipping in the mixer until it is nice and fluffy.

Decadent Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350F
Spray cake pans and dust with flour

In mixer combine:
1 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Agave nectar
1 3/4 cup Whole wheat flour (I grind winter wheat)
3/4 cup Cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
1 1/2 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup egg whites
1 cup Nonfat milk
1/2 cup applesauce, no sugar added
2 tsp vanilla

Mix all together until well combined and then add:
1 cup boiling water

Pour into baking pans and bake for 30 minutes.
Let cool 10 minutes and remove from pans to cool on rack.
Try the fresh orange frosting to complete your dessert.

Strawberry & Cherry Salad

Toss sliced strawberries and pitted cherries.

Salmon Fillets Frozen

I usually use frozen Costco salmon fillets. I defrost them and BBQ them with nothing, or I'll cover with lots of black pepper or a no-salt seasoning like Mrs. Dash. They are delicious either way.

I use 1 fillet for two people.

Curried Cous Cous

A healthy take on a Barefoot Contessa recipe.

1 T curry paste dissolved into (If you don't have paste, use powder later in the recipe)
1 c boiling water
Add 1 c dry cous cous.
Cover for 5 minutes then fluff with fork.

In a little bowl combine the following then mix into the cous cous
1/2 c nonfat plain yogurt
1 tsp white wine vinegar (I used plain vinegar)
1 tsp curry powder if haven't used the paste
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Add to cous cous mixture and toss
1/2 cup shredded carrots (or diced)
1/2 cup dried currants (we had craisins on hand, try dried cherries too)
2 whole scallions thin sliced
1/4 cup red or white onion
1/4 cup sliced almonds (raw is best)
1/2 bunch minced fresh parsley