All Entries in the "Recipes" Category

Eating Healthy Without Being Wealthy - Cucumber Yogurt Salad Dressing

Similar to Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, but spicier, this dressing is a delicious and inexpensive healthy alternative to commercial dressings.  Low in both fat and calories, it’s great on salads, tomatoes, steamed vegetables, or baked potatoes.

 Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers - peeled and seeds removed (organic not necessary)
• 1 cup low fat organic yogurt
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• dash of cayenne or other hot pepper, or to taste

Grate the cucumber.  Squeeze out some of the liquid and set aside.  Mix the yogurt with the cucumber, and add the rest of the ingredients.  If the dressing seems too thick, you can add back some of the cucumber juice.

Variations - add 1 tsp of Dijon mustard.  Substitute dill or mint for the parsley.  Can also be used as a dip.

The Skinny on Cucumbers

Historians have found evidence of cucumbers in Western Asia over 3,000 years ago.  A natural diuretic and rich in fiber, cucumbers contain vitamins and minerals that contribute to the following health benefits:

• Lower blood pressure
• improved complexion
• can be used topically to hydrate skin and soothe skin irritations

Nutritional Profile

(provided by Wholefoods)

So, this summer, be cool as a cucumber, and enjoy all those fresh picked cukes and other vegetables!

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Frugal Healthy Muffins

There is nothing more satisfying than stopping at my favorite bakery in the morning for a coffee and muffin. The drive to the office transforms from a boring trek, to a ride of decadent indulgence. Every red light is another tasty nibble.

However, the cost in both dollars and unhealthy calories often leaves me feeling slightly guilty. And, as the inevitable sugar high wears off through the morning, I find myself wondering just how good that treat was.

In the last few months, I have gotten into the habit of making my own muffins. I do this over the weekend and freeze them. They’re much less expensive, and much better for me.

Here is one of my favorite muffin recipes. Does anyone have a favorite recipe they’d like to share with us?

This recipe is take from Jane Brody’s Good Food Book.

Applesauce Muffins

1 1/4 Cups unsweetened applesauce

1 large egg

2 Tablesoons oil

1/4 cup honey

1 cup whole wheat flour (regular or pastry)

1 cup white flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup of raisins, chopped dates, or other dried fruit

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a 12 muffin tin. I use an oil spray such as “Pam”.

1) In a large bowl,add the applesauce, egg, oil and honey. Mix well and set aside.

2) In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat and white flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the flour mixture to the large bowl, stirring just to moisten the dry ingredients.

3) Stir in the raisins, and divide the batter among the 12 greased muffin cups.

4) Bake 20 minutes.

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