Steamed Butternut Squash W/Red Chile Sauce

The beautiful orange color of the squash reflects its rich concentration of health-promoting beta carotene. Combine the nutritional value of the squash with the great taste of the red chili sauce for a great addition to your Healthiest Way of Eating.

Prep and Cook Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1 TBS + 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 TBS chopped cilantro

Directions:

1.    Slice onion and chop garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to enhance their health benefits.

2.    Bring 2 inches of water in a steamer to a boil.

3.    Cut squash into cubes and steam in a steamer with a tight fitting lid until al denté, about 5-6 minutes.

4.    Heat 1 TBS broth in a medium-size skillet. Healthy Sauté onion in broth for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add garlic and spices and mix well. After about 1 minute, add rest of broth and begin to simmer gently.

5.    When squash is al denté, add it to simmering sauce and cook together for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with cilantro.

Orange, Pineapple & Papaya Salad

This is a beautiful and refreshing fruit dish that takes only as much time as it takes to cut the fruit. And you can enjoy it as a salad or a dessert. Enjoy!

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 oranges, segments cut out from membrane
• 1 large papaya, cut into pieces
• 2 TBS sliced almonds

Directions:

1.    Cut fruit and mix together.

2.    Sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Hummus With Crudites

This Middle Eastern dish makes a great spread or dip and takes the edge of your hunger before your meal. This is a great way to help you not overeat if you are trying to lose weight. Enjoy!

Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups or 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans (BPA free)
• 2 TBS + 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 TBS tahini
• 1 TBS fresh lemon juice
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.    Blend garbanzo beans, 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice in blender. Add the 3 TBS olive oil a little at a time through the feed hole as the mixture is blending.

2.    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Grapefruit Arugula Salad

The grapefruit and arugula are a great combination for a unique and easy-to-prepare salad that can accompany almost any meal. Enjoy!

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pink grapefruit
• 1 large bunch arugula (about 4 cups)
• 1 bunch watercress (about 2 cups)
• 2 TBS coarsely chopped walnuts
• Dressing
• 2 TBS lemon juice
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp prepared Dijon mustard
• 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

1.    Peel grapefruit and cut out each section between the membrane.

2.    Prepare arugula by tearing into pieces, washing and drying. Cut off tops of watercress and wash and spin dry along with the arugula. A salad spinner is the best way of doing this.

3.    Mix together dressing ingredients, toss with salad greens and grapefruit sections and top with chopped walnuts. Serves 4