Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wednesday Wellness - Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:
  • ¾ c. onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp. basil
  • ½ tsp. oregano
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • 1½ c. zucchini, chopped finely
  • ½ c. yellow squash, chopped finely
  • 1 c. carrots, finely chopped
  • 42 oz. canned tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can (16 oz.) light red kidney beans, undrained
  • 2 cans (16 oz. cans) dark red kidney beans, drained
  • 8 oz. soy cheddar cheese
  • oven
  • knife
  • large stockpot
  • measuring spoons
Directions:
  1. In a large stockpot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Cook until soft (several minutes).
  2. Add chili powder, basil, oregano, and cumin to the stockpot and mix.
  3. Stir in zucchini, squash, and carrots and blend well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add tomatoes and kidney beans.
  5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until thick.
  6. Before serving, add 1 oz. of soy cheddar cheese to each serving of chili.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wednesday Wellness - Yogurt Dip with Pita Bread

What you need:
  • 4 whole-wheat pitas
  • 1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen spinach
  • ¼ of cucumber, sliced
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Food processor or blender
  • Knife
  • Baking sheet
What to do:
  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Have an adult help you with this step: Place yogurt, spinach, cucumber, salt, and pepper into food processor or blender. Process until smooth, about 1 minute.
  3. Place dip into a bowl and refrigerate until chips are done.
  4. Cut pitas into 8 wedges.
  5. Arrange pita wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.
  7. Bake for 5 minutes or until light golden brown and crispy.
  8. Use the pita wedges to scoop up the yogurt dip!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Friday Family Funtime - Grandparent's Day Conversation Cards - 15366

For Grandparent's Day, consider making your own conversation cards to spark a conversation with someone. Even if you don't have Grandparents, you can still use these cards to have an interesting conversation and learn something new about someone!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wednesday Wellness - Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:
  • ¼ c. margarine
  • 1 10-oz. package marshmallows (gelatin-free)
  • 6 c. puffed rice cereal
  • ½ c. peanut butter chips
  • ½ c. chocolate chips
  • ½ c. peanuts, chopped
  • knife (you'll need help from your adult assistant)
  • measuring cups
  • stove (you'll need help from your adult assistant)
Directions:
  1. Coat pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt margarine and marshmallows over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients.
  4. Stir until well coated.
  5. Press mixture into pan.
  6. Chill in refrigerator and cut into 2 x 1.5 inch bars.