Broccoli, apple and cranberry salad

I love salads.  Any kind.....but the best ones I feel are those that are loaded with veggies. At two large bunches for $5.00 I couldn't resist buying a bunch of broccoli and a head of cauliflower.  Perfect as a side.....or more.  LOL I love this salad. YUMMY!

My perfect salad is one that has less lettuce and more of the very good veggies. This is definitely one of my favorites.

Using more yogurt than mayonnaise cuts some of the fat from this recipe but doesn't cut the flavor.  Delicious and filling served alone or along with a turkey sandwich might be my perfect lunch.  Sensible eating in moderation.

1 large bunch broccoli, cut and separated into florets
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup thinly diced red onion
2 apples diced...I used Honey crisp but they were expensive so buy a reasonable crisp apple 
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts(optional)

Salad Dressing:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
2 T lemon juice
1/2 tsp. sugar
pinch salt and pepper

1. In a large bowl combine broccoli, carrots, red onion, apples, pecans, and dried cranberries.  Set aside. 
2.  ****To make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.
3. Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Note: I tossed the salad with my hands to get the salad dressing to coat the veggies well.  Chill until ready to serve.

1/24/16 

5/4/16

One, two, three Coconut Cream Pie

What do I do when I feel a little better?  I bake and cook.

Today I made meatballs and a pie.

 I am Freezing the meatballs for another time and because I wanted something sweet but easy to make I made a coconut cream as easy as one two three pie. 

Both were a breeze for me to make and I like having my own homemade meatballs handy to grab for sauces and soups.

The pie was a second thought. The other day at the grocery store I decided to pick up a graham cracker pie shell. I had  nothing in mind to make but today it hit me that I had all the ingredients to make a quick pie and also that my milk was about to expire tomorrow.  I try really hard not to waste so that's how this easy as one two three coconut cream pie came to be.

Quite honestly I try most times to make my own custard or pudding from scratch.  It really is the best but sometimes you have to go for easy and quick and this was the solution.  Enjoy!  Make a pie!!! 

I + cup coconut (oven toasted)Use a little more if you like coconut

2 pkgs. vanilla instant pudding 

3 cups whole milk 

1 - 8 oz Cool whip topping thawed

1 large graham cracker pie shell

Refrigerate several hours 

Toast coconut in oven carefully watching it as not to burn. (I've done that before so that's why I warning you)  Set it aside to cool.

Whisk together vanilla pudding with milk, add cool whip and toasted coconut making sure to blend pudding and cool whip.   Fill crust and top with extra toasted coconut.

Yummy! My first slice!  There was NO NEED for a garish of cream.

Happy Baking from my kitchen to yours,

Italian Meatloaf! Tonight's easy meal :)

 Today I am trying to be very good in my food choices again.  I know I tend to repeat myself in that area. lol.  In a effort to take off a few pounds I am trying very hard to cut back on carbohydrates.  They are my weakness!!! I am going to cut back and but not eliminate them. Makes sense to me, hopefully you too!

I added some fresh strawberries to our salad for a summer flair.

Happy Cooking!

Italian Meatloaf!

1 lb. + beef, pork, veal or meatloaf mix** (this time I used more veal and pork and a little beef)
1/2 cup Progresso Garlic and herb breadcrumbs(love them)
*note other breadcrumbs can be substituted
1 tsp. salt
pinch pepper
1 large clove garlic minced
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup good quality Italian cheese grated
2 T olive or canola oil
1/4 cup marinara sauce for topping

 

The night before why not prepare mix and wrap to be prepared for your next day lunch or dinner.

Fork in center told me my meatloaf was cooked properly.  Juices were clear.

Mix using your hands above mixture adding water as you mix to incorporate ingredients. I suggested 1/4 cup but depending on your meat you may not need as much or maybe a bit more.  Judge by how easily the ball forms.  You do not want it to be dry .  Form into a ball or loaf size.  Place in a slightly greased (canola or olive oil) baking dish and bake 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or more.  Test center with fork to see if juices are clear. I did not cover my meatloaf and I used a convection oven so ovens vary.  My meatloaf was slightly over 1 lb.

About 15 minutes before serving meatloaf I topped the meatloaf with marinara sauce.  **Ketchup can be used as a substitute.

Serve with a tossed salad or seasonal vegetable.

8/5/13