Algerian Stuffed Dates

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Ingredients:

• 24 medjool dates about 1 pound
• 2 drops green food coloring
• 2/3 cup marzipan almond paste
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Steps:

• Cut a lengthwise slit down the center but not through each date; remove seeds
• Sprinkle food coloring over marzipan if desired; gently knead 4 to 5 times or until color is incorporated into marzipan
• Divide marzipan mixture evenly among dates; stuff into slits
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar

Ants on a Log Lunch Box Surprise

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Ingredients:

• 8 celery ribs each cut into 3 pieces 3 to 4 inches each
• 8 ounces cheesecake cream cheese spread or 8 ounces cream cheese spread
• 1/2 cup raisins or 1/2 cup yogurt covered raisins

Steps:

• Fill celery with cream cheese spread and smooth with knife
• Add a row of raisins for the ants

Apple Ladybug Treats

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Ingredients:

• 2 sweet red apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1/4 cup raisins or craisins
• 1/4 cup Cheerios toasted oat cereal
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
• 8 thin pretzel sticks

Steps:

• Slice apples in half from top to bottom and scoop out the cores using a knife or a melon baller If you have an apple corer
• core them first
• then slice Brush or dip cut side of apples in lemon juice mixed with the water to keep from browningPlace each apple half flat side down on lettuce leavesif using
• then place on a small plate The lettuce leaves help keep little fingers off the peanut butter
• Dab peanut butteror almond butter on to the back of the lady bug
• then stick raisinsor craisins onto the dabs for spots If using cheerios
• place raisins inside of cheerios and stick on peanut butter dabs
• Use this method to make eyes too Stick one end of each pretzel stick into a raisin
• then press the other end into the apples to make antennae
• Kids will have fun playing with their food
• then eating it

Aunt Stella's Ice Box Cookies

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups fat or 3/4 cup butter or margarine 3/4 cup crisco
• 3 eggs beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups nuts chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• 4 cups flour

Steps:

• Beat fat and sugars until creamy; add eggs and vanilla and beat until well mixed
• Add remaining ingredients and mix well
• Divide dough into two long rolls and place in a narrow pan in the freezer to chill overnight
• Pre-heat oven to 375F
• Slice very thin and bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375F for 8-10 minutes
• Remove from pan to cool

Avocado and Feta Salsa

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Ingredients:

• 4 plum tomatoes chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onions
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 package crumbled feta cheese 4 oz
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 avocados chopped

Steps:

• Stir together first 9 ingredients Gently stir in avocado just before serving
• Serve with assorted tortilla chips

Boiled Peanuts in the Shell

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Ingredients:

• 2 lbs raw peanuts in the shell
• 3 japanese dried chilies
• 2 star anise
• 4 inches gingerroot roughly sliced
• 10 szechuan peppercorns
• 3 teaspoons salt to taste
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Steps:

• Put peanuts spices salt and roughly 1/4 cup soy sauce in a pot and cover with water Cover pot and bring to boil Let simmer for 30-40 minutes stirring every 7-10 minutes if you dont the peanuts floating on top wont cook through When done peanuts should be a little crunchy yet smushy in your mouth and taste done leave peanuts to soak in the brine while they cool When cool drain pot and discard spices; toss peanuts with a little more soy sauce and sesame oil 2 teaspoons each max and serve cold

Chestnut Mushroom Pate

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Ingredients:

• 60 g unsalted butter
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 500 g chestnut mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 100 g cream cheese
• 100 ml fromage frais
• 1 cup slivered almonds reserve a handful for garnish
• 1 cup walnuts chopped

Steps:

• Chop the chestnut mushrooms
• melt the butter and saut the onion and garlic for 5 minutes Add the mushrooms and thyme
• and saut for 8 minutes or until the mushrooms are cooked
• Reserving the juices in case you need to add a little moisture in step three
• drain the onion/garlic/mushroom mixture
• and blend it with the cream cheese and fromage frais
• Reserving some slivered almonds for garnish
• process the nuts in the food processor then add them to the onion/garlic/mushroom mixture OR
• if you prefer a finer
• smoother pat
• add the onion/garlic/mushroom to the food processor and process OR
• for a more varied texture
• process some of the onion/garlic/mushroom mixture with the nuts
• then fold both mixtures together until they are well-combined If the mixture becomes too dry which is unlikely
• add a little of the juice reserved in step two
• Chill the pat for 2 hours
• then scatter the reserved slivered almonds on top and serve the pat with crusty bread
• pita bread
• crackers or vegetable sticks This pat is best eaten within 2 days
• Chefs Note Chestnut mushrooms are a closed cup mushroom with a wonderfully rich flavour If you cannot find these
• use flat field mushrooms which are always great
• but may need a little more cooking

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Dream Bars

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Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 18 1/4 ounce box brownie mix
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• whipped cream chopped peanuts chocolate-peanut butter candies and caramel sauce to garnish

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350F
• Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray Line pan with foil
• allowing sides to overhang; spray foil
• In small bowl
• combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar
• Mix in melted butter
• Press crumb mixture into prepared pan
• Bake until golden
• about 5 to 7 minutes
• Cool on wire rack
• Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cakelike brownies adding 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil and 3 eggs
• Fold in chopped nuts
• Pour batter into crust-lined pan
• Return to 350F oven; bake until brownie is just set and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
• 30 to 35 minutes
• Cool completely in pan on a wire rack
• With electric mixer in medium bowl
• beat cream cheese until smooth
• Add peanut butter and confectioners sugar; beat until just blended it will look lumpy
• Add milk; beat lightly to loosen mixture
• In separate bowl
• whip 1 cup of the cream and gently fold into peanut butter mixture
• Spread mousse evenly over cooled brownie
• Refrigerate 1 hour
• Heat remaining 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just boiling
• Remove from heat; add corn syrup and chocolate chips
• Cover and let stand 5 minutes
• Stir until smooth
• Pour glaze over chilled mousse and spread to cover completely
• Return to refrigerator for at least 1 hour
• Run a small knife around inside of pan and lift out brownie
• Heat knife under hot running water and trim edges
• Slice brownie
• rinsing knife after each cut
• into 5 strips about 1-1/2 inches wide
• Cut each strip into 5 pieces about 1-1/2 inches square
• Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with whipped cream
• nuts
• candy and caramel sauce

Crowd Pleasing Light Oat Bread Bread Machine

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients in the order listed or according to the bread machine manufacturers
• Select the light setting

Crunchy Exploding Snack Beans/Spicy Chili Variation

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Ingredients:

• 15 ounces kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375
• Rinse beans in a colander and drain extremely well
• In a bowl mix beans with oil and seasonings
• Transfer beans to a rimmed baking pan lined with parchment paper and arrange in a single layer
• Roast for about an hour stirring gently every 10 to 15 minutes
• They will burst open explode as they dry
• The beans are done when they are crunchy Feel free to adapt to your favorite seasonings

Easy Crackers

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Ingredients:

• 3 cups white whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup oil extra virgin olive oil preferred
• 1 cup warm water

Steps:

• Whisk flour and salt together In a stand mixer with dough hook
• add warm water and oil Mix 5 minutes on medium Cut into 12 pieces and roll into balls with extra oil on your hands Let sit at room temperature for 60 minutes Preheat oven to 425F Roll out dough one ball at a time very
• very thin or use a pasta maker Cut into shapes I find its easiest to do this on the baking sheet and place on baking sheet Bake for 6-8 minutes or until brown and crispy Let cool before eating

Festive Candied Apple Chex

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Ingredients:

• 3 cups Corn Chex
• 3 cups Rice Chex
• 3 cups Wheat Chex
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup margarine or 1/4 cup butter melted not spread or tub product
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup cut-up dried apple pieces 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300
• Mix cereals and pecans in large bowl and set aside
• Heat next four ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat stirring frequently until melted and blended
• Pour over cereal mixture gently stirring until evenly coated
• Spread in ungreased large roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes
• Stir in dried apple pieces and bake for 15 additional minutes
• Spread on waxed paper or aluminum foil to cool
• Sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired
• Store in airtight container

Feta Marinated

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Ingredients:

• 12 ounces creamy feta cheese
• 2 garlic cloves sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon peppercorn
• 8 coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons drained capers
• 1 bay leaf
• olive oil to cover
• fresh thyme sprig
• hot toast
• chopped tomato

Steps:

• Carefully cut feta into cubes
• Add garlic slices peppercorns coriander seeds capers bay leaf to your food processor and pulse Or use a mortar and pestle and crush
• Put feta in a jar with a top or use a bowl to add all ingredients together
• Layer ingredients starting with feta ingredients topping with Thyme sprigs on top
• Pour enough olive oil to cover cubes of cheese
• Let marinate in refrigerator for 2 weeks for optimal taste however; even overnight can be used with good results
• At end of marinating time just simply pick out the feta
• Serve with fresh toast points and some chopped fresh tomatoes and it will be ummm -- ummm -- good

Four Bean Mix Bruschetta

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Ingredients:

• 1 75 g can four-bean mix drained
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon chili
• 2 cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 roasted red pepper no seeds
• 2 tablespoons water

Steps:

• Combine ingredients in blender
• Blend and serve
• Serve on toast with some boccocini on top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or cut some vegies and serve as a dip

Frozen Chocolate Raspberry Bombs

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Ingredients:

• 3 cups firm ripe raspberries about 40 total
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream to make vegan
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 lb dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate covered cacao nibs or try using grated dark or bittersweet chocolate
• fleur de sel

Steps:

• Fill the berries
• Lay the raspberries out on paper towels and sort through them
• discarding any soft or damaged berries
• Whip the cream until soft peaks form
• then add the vanilla and confectioners sugar Whip until firm Using the tip of a paring knife
• fill each raspberry with vanilla creamThen set them out on a tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes
• until firm
• Coat the bombs
• Line a flat tray with waxed paper; set aside Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boileror in microwave Using toothpicks to hold the berries
• dip them in in the dark chocolate so they are completely coated Work quickly so the cream doesnt melt Allow the excess chocolate to drip off
• and then set the berries on the prepared tray Repeat dipping the berries until a thick coating of chocolate has formed Remove the toothpicks
• and while the chocolate is still soft
• sprinkle the berries lightly with the cacao nibsif you dont have
• use grated dark or bittersweet chocolate and fleur de sel so they stick to the berries Freeze the raspberries until firm and serve cold

Granola Bars

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray
• Combine oats wheat germ dried fruits coconut sunflower seeds almonds cinnamon and salt in a large bowl
• Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl until well mixed and any lumps removed
• Stir in maple syrup honey egg and vanilla until smooth
• Add liquid mixture into dry mixture until dry ingredients are moistened
• Press mixture firmly and evenly into pan
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and firm
• Cool completely before cutting into squares or bars
• Note other varieties of dried fruits and nuts may be substituted to suit your likes and dislikes

Guasanas mexican Fresh Chickpea/garbanzo Snack

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh chickpeas in pods
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

• Wash the chickpeas
• Add the salt to the water
• Heat a cast iron skillet or a griddle
• Pour the salted water onto the skillet
• Put the chickpeas
• still in their pods
• in the steaming water
• Let steam for a few minutes
• until the pods are bright green and a bit tender - test one to see if the chickpea is ready - you can even eat them raw
• so they really dont need to cook much
• Remove all the chickpeas in their pods from the skillet Shell and eat as a healthy snack

Healthy Egg Salad Sandwich

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Ingredients:

• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 2 chopped scallions white and green parts
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 pieces lettuce I prefer romaine
• 4 slices whole grain bread toasted
• salt and pepper

Steps:

• With the back of a fork mash egg yolk with mustard to make a thick paste
• Stir in chopped scallions and chopped egg white Mix in salt and pepper as desired
• Divide mixture on top of 2 slices of bread
• Top with lettuce leaves and cover with remaining slices of bread Makes 2 sandwiches

High Protein Yogurt amp; Berries

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or 1 cup balkan style yogurt
• 1 scoop whey protein
• 1/2 cup mixed berry
• 3/4 cup low-fat granola

Steps:

• Poor yogurt in desired bowl
• Stir in whey protein
• Place berries on top
• Sprinkle granola on top

Hot Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms

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Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms washed stemmed
• 1 large jalapeno minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded reserve 1/4 cup
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
• salt and pepper to season caps

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Mix jalapeno onion garlic and 1/4 cup parm into butter
• Place caps on a bake sheet and season to taste w salt/pepper
• Fill caps with butter mixture
• Sprinkle remaining 1/4 parm over all the caps
• Sprinkle 1/4 of bread crumbs over the parm coated caps
• Bake for 15 minutes or until mushrooms give up juices
• Broil to crisp up topping if not to satisfaction
• Serve and Enjoy

Kimchi By an Irishman

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Ingredients:

• 2 lbs napa cabbage
• 1/4 lb daikon radish
• 2 green onions
• 2 1/2 tablespoons salt I'm a Himalayan pink fan
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 6 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons ginger
• 1/2 cup korean red pepper powder adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce adjust to taste

Steps:

• Cut cabbage in one inch bands Separate leaves Place in large bowl Sprinkle with 2 T of salt save 1/2 T for final mix and mix salt in well making sure every leaf gets some Cover and let sit for 6 hours or so until cabbage is wilted Rinse well
• After wilting I like to sift through and break in half vertically some of the larger thicker pieces of cabbage from closer to the base of the leaves Not required but I think it makes for a better balanced final product
• Cut Daikon into matchstick pieces 1 to 2 inches long Chop green onions across in bands or lengthwise in strips as preferred Mince garlic and ginger I usually do this preparation while the cabbage is wilting
• Mix everything in bowl then pack semi-tight in jars and put on lids
• Store in cool dark place Check daily after 3 days continuing to check periodically until fermented to your taste Could take a week or so Refrigerate when down Keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks
• The preparation time listed is in reference to the actual hands-on labor It does not take into account the wilting time or of course the fermentation time

Low Fat Lemon Zucchini Bread

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup zucchini grated and tightly packed
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt drained
• cooking spray

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Coat a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray
• Add flour to a large bowl followed by the sugar baking powder baking soda salt and nutmeg; stir well with a wire whisk
• In another bowl combine the zucchini oil egg and egg white vanilla lemon zest and yogurt
• Add zucchini mixture to flour mix combining until just moist
• Pour into loaf pan and bake for 55 minutes to an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean

Macadamia Butter Crunch Popcorn

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Ingredients:

• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 3 cups whole macadamia nuts
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F
• Divide the popcorn and nuts between 2 ungreased 13 by 9-inch rectangular pans Make sure the popcorn and nuts are evenly mixed
• In a medium saucepan cook the brown sugar butter corn syrup and salt over medium heat stirring constantly until bubbly around the edges Continue cooking for 5 more minutes and then remove the pan from the heat Stir in the baking soda until foamy Pour the mixture over the popcorn and nuts stirring until the corn is well coated Bake uncovered for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes

Maple, Walnut amp; Flax Pancakes

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour or 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup flax seed meal
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups reduced-fat buttermilk can substitute 1/2 yogurt and 1/2 milk
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or more

Steps:

• Whisk flour flax seed meal walnuts baking powder baking soda and salt in medium bowl to blend Whisk buttermilk 1/4 cup maple syrup and egg in another medium bowl Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and whisk just until incorporated
• Brush large nonstick skillet lightly with vegetable oil and heat over medium heat Working in batches add batter to skillet by scant 1/4 cupfuls Cook until bubbles appear on surface of pancakes and undersides are golden brown about 2 minutes Turn pancakes over and cook until golden on bottom about 2 minutes Brush skillet lightly with vegetable oil as needed before adding each batch
• Transfer pancakes to plates Serve with additional maple syrup or jam

Nacho Potatoes

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Ingredients:

• 3 large russett baking potatoes
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 16 ounce can refried black beans
• 1 cup colby-monterey jack cheese shredded
• 1 2 1/4 ounce can sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup mild chunky salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
• Slice baking potatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds about 8 slices per potato
• Brush both sides of potato slices with oil can use non-stick cooking spray
• Bake for 20 minutes turning after 10 minutes Remove from oven
• While potatoes are baking heat black beans on top of stove or in microwave
• Top each potato with 1 tablespoon of the heated beans and then sprinkle with the cheese and olives
• Place potatoes back in the oven to melt the cheese about 5 minutes
• Serve with salsa and sour cream

Natural Cereal Bars

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1 cup brown rice syrup
• 3 cups Puffed Kashi
• 1/2 cup natures path organic smart all-bran cereal
• 1/3 cup quinoa
• 3/4 cup walnuts chopped
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds raw
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds raw
• 1/2 dried apricot
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

• prepare 13x9 in pan w cooking spray
• heat almond butter and brown rice syrup in large pot on low until bubbles form add vanilla
• meanwhile mix together all dry ingredients in large bowl
• add dry ingredients to pot stirring well incorporating all ingredients
• add mixture to prepared pan pressing evenly
• place in fridge to set
• cut into approx 32 bars

Olive Fritte Fried Olives With Cheese and Herbs

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Ingredients:

• 6 ounces large ripe green olives drained and rinsed
• 7 1/2 ounces ricotta cheese room temperature
• 2 ounces goat cheese room temperature
• 1 garlic clove mashed into a paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon thyme chopped FINE
• 1/2 small lemon zest of
• 1 cup flour to dredge
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs to dredge
• vegetable oil or canola oil enough to fry

Steps:

• Into a small bowl add ricotta goat cheese lemon zest lemon thyme and garlic Mix well to combine
• Transfer the mixture into a pastry bag or zip lock bag if you do no have a pastry bag
• Using a small long fine tip pipe the cheese mixture into the olive cavity Continue until all olives are filled
• Place your oil into a large dutch oven frying machine or like and heat oil until it reaches 350 degrees
• While the oil is heating prepare your dredging station
• Place the flour egg and breadcrumbs into 3 SEPARATE small bowls
• Place the stuffed olives into the flour and coat well
• Using a large slotted spoon transfer olives to egg mixture
• Coat well and then transfer to the breadcrumbs and coat well
• Continue until all olives have been breaded
• When the oil is hot place a spoonful of breaded olives into the oil and cook until golden this will go VERY quickly less than 30 seconds so remain close
• When golden transfer olives to a plate lined with paper towels
• Continue until all olives are cooked

Pan-Fried Spinach Ravioli

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Ingredients:

• 16 ounces spinach
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 4 ounces chive onion cream cheese or 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• salt and pepper
• 1 -2 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 48 wonton wrappers from a 12-ounce package
• 1 1/2 cups store-bought tomato sauce mushrooms warmed for serving
• chopped parsley for sprinkling

Steps:

• In a large skillet bring 1 cup water to a simmer over medium heat
• Add the spinach and cook until wilted about 3 minutes; drain rinse until cool then squeeze dry
• Chop and transfer to a medium bowl
• Using the same skillet add 1 tablespoon olive oil the onion amp; crushed red pepper flakes if using and cook stirring over medium high heat until softened about 5 minutes
• Stir into the spinach along with the cream cheese parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Lay 12 wonton wrappers on a work surface; place 1 tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of each
• Working with 1 at a time moisten the edges with water and lay another wrapper on top; seal the edges pressing out any air
• Repeat with the remaining wrappers and spinach filling
• Using the same skillet bring 3/4 cup water 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of salt to a boil
• Add 12 ravioli cover and cook until tender about 3 minutes; transfer to a platter
• Repeat with the remaining ravioli 2 tablespoons olive oil more water and another pinch of salt
• Spoon the tomato sauce over the ravioli and sprinkle with parsley and parmesan

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

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Ingredients:

• 2 pieces white bread
• 2 tablespoons of jiff peanut butter
• 1/2 very ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon honey

Steps:

• First butter one side of each piece of bread Next put both pieces butter side down in a pan on medium heat Toast bread for about 2 minutes Remove bread from pan and immediately spread the peanut butter Mash the ripe banana and spread on bread Drizzle honey on bananas and put the other piece of bread on top Cut in half and serve immediately

Peppery Turnip Fries

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Ingredients:

• 4 medium turnips about 1 1/2 lbs
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 3 -4 tablespoons freshly ground parmesan cheese
• olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
• Lightly grease a large cookie sheet with olive oil
• Pare the turnips and cut them into 2 1/2 x 1/2 inch sticks
• Combine the spices Parmesan and turnips in a large plastic bag
• Seal and shake to coat
• Spread the sticks in a single layer on the prepared pan and brush with a little olive oil
• Bake for 30-35 minutes turning once until spears are tender and golden
• Serve with or without a sprinkling of lime

Simple Blueberry Sandwich

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Ingredients:

• fresh blueberries
• 1 slice soft bread white preferred
• softened butter or margarine
• honey
• cinnamon

Steps:

• If desired toast bread just a little to warm it taking care not to make it stiff
• Spread butter on bread followed by honey cinnamon if using and then blueberries
• Fold up like a taco and enjoy

Simple Spicy and Sweet Oven Fries

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Ingredients:

• 3 large baking potatoes peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch strips and then again into 1/2 inch wide strips Russet Idaho
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
• 1 teaspoon shichimi-togarashi
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack on top
• Put potatoes on parchment lined baking sheetDrizzle with olive oil and toss to coat
• Roast for 25 minutes Flip over and roast for 15 - 20 minutes longer or until golden and tender
• Mix salt shichimi and sugar in small bowl and sprinkle over fries

Sticky Mushrooms on Toast

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Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons light olive oil
• 4 ounces unsalted butter
• 8 ounces chestnut mushrooms quartered
• 9 ounces mixed mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves
• 1 ounce rocket
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 3 tablespoons of amontillado sherry wine

Steps:

• Heat a wok with half of the oil and then add two thirds of the butter and allow to melt
• Next add the mushrooms starting with the largest Add the remaining oil as you need to
• Next stir in the garlic and allow to cook for about a minute
• Heat a griddle pan to smoking hot Then toast the sourdough until nicely lined on both sides
• Next add the sherry to the wok allow the alcohol to burn off and then add the soy sauce sesame oil and hoi sin Stir really well and then stir in the remaining butter followed by the coriander and parsley
• Finally remove from the heat and stir in the rocket
• To serve lay a piece of toast on the centre of each serving plate and pile on the mushrooms Eat immediately

Super Healthy Hummus

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Ingredients:

• 3 garlic cloves minced more if you like
• 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 19 ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Steps:

• Combine everything in blender or food processor and process until smooth
• The blender gives the best result
• If you need more liquid to make a nice consistency add a bit more yogurt
• Chill
• Serve with pitas or as a veggie dip

Sweet Corn Cakes by Bill Granger

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Ingredients:

• 525 g fresh corn kernels cut from 3 large corn cobs
• 1 small red onion chopped
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves cilantro
• 125 g plain all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• sea salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 120C/250F/Gas 1
• Place three-quarters of the sweetcorn kernels the onion eggs coriander flour baking powder salt and pepper in a food processor and process until combined
• Transfer to a large bowl add the remaining sweetcorn kernels and stir to combine
• Heat one tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium to high When the oil is hot drop two heaped tablespoons of mixture per sweetcorn cake into the pan and cook in batches of three for one minute on each side
• Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven while you are making the rest of the cakes

The quot; Who Needs Clif Bars?quot; Bar

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans
• 1 1/2 cups raisins or other sticky dried fruit apricots also work great
• 1 egg
• orange zest lots
• cinnamon

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350F
• Grind the pecans into a flour-like powder using a food processor Pour into a medium bowl and set aside
• Process the dried fruit in the same way
• in the food processor-- make sure the pieces are good and small This might take awhile If using dried apricots instead
• it might help to slice them in half before adding them to the food processor When finished
• add to the bowl with the pecan flour Add cinnamon and orange zest to taste
• Add the egg to the mix
• and work it into the pecans and raisins with your hands You want the mixture to be drier than cookie dough usually is-- just barely holding together The stickiness of the dried fruit will help the mixture stay in clumps
• Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray
• or use butter Shape your bars out of the mixture-- I usually aim for bars which are about 2 x 4 inches x 3/8-inch thick
• Bake for about 15 minutes
• though watch the edges of the bars-- they can get toasty When the center of each bar is somewhat firm to the touch
• remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool

Tita's Cucumbers With Olive Oil

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Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• olive oil
• salt

Steps:

• Peel and slice cucumber into 1/4-inch slices/rounds Tita used to cut the seeded centers out of the cucumber slices for me This is not necessary
• but I think its better You can also buy a seedless cucumber
• Arrange cucumber slices on a large plate
• Lightly pour or sprinkle olive oil over rounds
• Sprinkle with salt

Tuscan Kale Chips

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Ingredients:

• 12 large tuscan kale leaves rinsed dried cut lengthwise in half center ribs and stems removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250F Toss kale with oil in large bowl Sprinkle with salt and pepper Arrange leaves in single layer on 2 large baking sheets
• Bake until crisp about 30 minutes for flat leaves and up to 33 minutes for wrinkled leaves Transfer leaves to rack to cool