An Easy Dinner Salad Recipe

Here is a very easy and simple dinner salad recipe that I threw together last evening with great success. I made the salads in individual serving bowls because my husband is on a weight loss program. This is the only way I can really count the calories for him and help to keep him on track. But, if I didn't have to do it this way, I would throw everything together in one big bowl. The recipe is easy to adjust with what you have on hand, so the sky is the limit. It would be a great side dish for a crowd because it can grow depending on the number that you need to feed. I love salads like this, I hope you will as well. Blessings...

Recipe:
4 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 sliced green onions
3 ripe strawberries, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1/2 orange, segments chopped
1/4 avocado, chopped
3-4 tablespoons poppy seed dressing

Divide ingredients into two bowls and top with dressing.

Recipe can be multiplied to fit your families need, this quantity served two with only meat served along side.

Tip: I purchased Ken's Steak House Lite Poppy Seed Dressing for the first time last week and we really liked it. So, if you don't have a favorite, you might try this brand.

Easter and an Invitation to New Friendships

Easter, for my husband and I, was going to be a quiet dinner after church, and a few phone calls with loved ones. But, a neighbor with a tender heart changed our plans on Saturday afternoon.

While I was at the market my husband called to ask if I would like to go to our neighbors home for Easter dinner. Well, this was a very unusual turn of events for us. It seems our neighbor came to the door to invite us to their family meal, which was going to be a potluck involving many people. Two of the people were the son and daughter-in-law of our neighbors, who are new attenders at the same church we attend, so this was going to be a great opportunity to get to know them better, as well. I said that I would love to go.

Then, of course, my next thought was, "what do I plan to take at this late date". Stacy didn't ask us to bring anything, but when my husband went to their home to give our acceptance he asked what we could bring and called me back. I was buying produce at that moment so the thought of a fruit salad sounded like a good idea. Fruit is always a good idea for a potluck.

We had such a wonderful time with this family. A very special blessing in it for us was the fact that many of our neighbors family members also live in the same subdivision, so we were meeting other neighbors.

Our hearts were really touched by this wonderful act of kindness. Inviting others into our home for meals has been a cornerstone of our marriage and home, especially as ministry, with very little reciprocation. We have found that people tend to be afraid to extend an invitation to anyone but very close friends and family. We people like to stay safe. But, how many opportunities for new relationships do we miss by staying safe? It was wonderful to be on the receiving end this time. Have a blessed day!

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

A few days ago my husband called me from work to ask about something I might be able to prepare for a potluck the next day. My first thought was, "Oh, dear" and then I told him I would quickly check through my recipes to see what I might be able to easily prepare and would then get back to him. I remembered a clipping I had in my recipe stash for a fruit dip that I was able to find. My goodness this was an old recipe. A coupon on the back of it was dated 2003! I am very glad I had kept it stuck away because it was wonderful and so easy to prepare. My husband said it got rave reviews, so you might want to give it a try. It would be perfect for Easter if you have a large gathering to prepare for, but it also saves very well in the refrigerator if there are leftovers. Blessings...

Recipe:

1 8-ounce package low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 7-ounce jar marshmallow cream
Fresh fruit ( I used strawberries)

1. Blend cream cheese and marshmallow cream together until well blended.
2. Cover and refrigerate until serving time
Yield: 1 3/4 cups

Tip: Since I had to prepare this recipe for my husbands lunch the following day, I had to wash the berries the evening before. When washing strawberries in advance of use, don't remove stems. The berries stay fresher and the stem end also serves as a "handle" for easy eating.

Rinse the berries lightly and dry on paper towels. I then placed them on my serving tray surrounding the plastic container of dip. I covered everything with plastic wrap and put away in the fridge. My husband took an old serving spoon, that if lost, was no big deal. Don't ever assume that folks know not to "double dip". If there is a spoon readily available there are no challenges. Being prepared is so important to the care of people and any needs that might come up.

New Friendships

A few years ago when my husband and I were doing a ministry to help new people connect in our then place of worship, we met a couple new to us. That summer another friend and I went out to Angela's home to pick vegetables one evening after dinner. When I say we went out, I mean we went "out" on an adventure to find Angela's home. She lives way out in the country from us city girls. She grows vegetables and herbs, her husband raises beef, they home school, and probably much more that I am not even aware of. I share this with you as a way of introduction to Angela's blog, http://www.reluctantfarmwife.com/. I would encourage a visit to this blog to read what a reluctant farm wife has to share about life and it's ups and downs. Angela is a godly woman with a story to tell, and I think she does it very well. She has been a very real encouragement to me many times.
Blessings...

Homemade Egg Substitute

One of the ingredients needed in my last recipe post was egg substitute, which can be very easily made with egg whites and instant nonfat dry milk powder. I have found that having dry milk powder in my pantry can be very helpful, especially in trying economic times. I also have to have it for my Chai recipe, which I make regularly for myself and to give as gifts.

Recipe: 
3 egg whites
2 tbsps. instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 tsp. water

Place the ingredients in a small bowl and whip with a fork until combined.

Yield: 1/2 cup or the equivalent of two whole eggs
81 calories
I have used egg substitute in many recipes with great success, and it really helps with calorie counting and weight loss.

Easy Turkey Spaghetti Pie

This recipe, with a bird of another feather in mind today, is very easy, fast, and I think, quite good when it comes to everyday fare. I made adjustments to the original recipe with my husbands weight loss plan in mind. I must confess, my dear hubby is a meat-and-potatoes guy, and this kind of recipe is not of his first choosing. But, I am in control of his calorie count and the kitchen, and he is losing weight!! So he smiles and eats with a grateful heart. Now that's a grateful attitude. Blessings...

Recipe:

1# ground turkey breast
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 tsp. toasted granulated onion or onion powder
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
6 ounces spaghetti
1/4 cup egg substitute or 1 whole egg
1 tbsp. whipped butter or reduced-fat margarine
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup 2% or part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1. In a large skillet, cook turkey and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and onion powder.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, basil and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, for 15 - 20 minutes. (cover skillet if mixture begins to look too dry.)
3. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. In a bowl, combine spaghetti, egg substitute or whole egg, butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley.
4. Lightly coat a 9" pie dish with a bit of whipped butter or margarine. Form a crust with the spaghetti mixture.
5. Stir 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the turkey mixture; spoon into crust. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
6. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Place back in the oven to melt cheese, about 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Serves 6 - 8
Per 6 servings: 265 calories using Smart Taste pasta, egg substitute and low-fat cheese
Per 8 servings: 199 calories      "       "        "       "       "        "          "      "          "

Tip: Smart Taste spaghetti has lower calories and higher fiber content than other brands.
Tip: Whipped butter is butter with air whipped into it for a lower calorie count, but real butter all the same. I use it often.
Tip: Recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated until needed. One hour before serving, preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake covered pie for 50 minutes. Uncover and check to make sure it's heated through before sprinkling with mozzarella. Bake an additional 15 minutes, if needed.

Visiting Ducks...a Recipe for What?

We have had a pair of Mallards visiting us lately, and I am not very happy about it.  I say this only in light of the mess that comes along with ducks. But, what does one do? We have two ponds and we put food out for the dove and quail at the pond in the backyard. Today Gus and Gertie, yes I named them, found the backyard. I know. It was only a matter of time before they would fly over the backyard, instead of right into the front yard, and they would find the cracked corn they so love. I shew them away only to have them return when I turn my back. They don't seem to understand that I love to see them when I go for my walks, but then they are a good safe distance from my yard.

So this pair of Mallards has been a recipe for creating more patience, and then even more patience. They just keep coming back for more of our kindness! My sincere hope is that when they are done nesting, they don't return with their family. We should start seeing ducklings along the ditch in early May, which, by the way, is when we will be going away for a week. Oh my, what might we be coming home to...?