Cheesy Fan Potatoes

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If you love potatoes and cheese, then this is the perfect recipe for your. Potatoes fill with rich cheese, butter and cream, perfect for lunch or snacks. Kids and adults will love it! Yields 8 portions.

INGREDIENTS
8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, skin on, scrubbed
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 cup grated aged cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
About 1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp. chopped chives, for garnish
Sour cream, for serving

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Combine butter, garlic, 1/2 cup cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Without cutting all the way through, make 1/4-inch slices into the potato.

4. Spoon butter mixture onto potatoes and transfer to baking dish. Cover and bake until potatoes are just tender, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Uncover and drizzle about 2 heaping tsp. whipping cream over top of each potato and then sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheddar. Bake until potatoes are fork tender and cheese melts, about 15 to 20 minutes more.

5. Garnish with chives and serve with sour cream.

[recipe as seen in: cbc.ca]

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Veggie Cups with Ranch Dip

Looking for the perfect-healthy snack? Then you must try this delicious Veggie Cups with Ranch Dip. Be creative and unique, cause eating healthy doesn't have to be boring! This recipe is perfect as a appetizer, celebrations, snacks and for the diet. Recipe serves for 8 people.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
1 to 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives
1 tbsp. finely chopped dill
2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
1 to 2 tsp. mustard powder
1 tbsp. liquid honey
1 to 2 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Veggie sticks, such as cucumber, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and/or skewered grape tomatoes, for serving

PREPARATION
For the Ranch Dip: Add yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, chives, dill, parsley, mustard powder, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper to a bowl. Whisk to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. (Makes about 2 cups.)

Divide dip into 8 mini cups. Add veggie sticks to each cup and serve.













[recipe as seen in: cbc.ca]

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Best-ever mashed potatoes

Get ready for a delicious recipe of mashed potatoes, this side dish goes well with any lunch or dinner. Perfect for Thanksgiving Day, Holidays and any other celebration. What you're waiting for? try the best-ever mashed potatoes! 

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS 
5 lb. russet or Yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 cup half and half cream
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped chives (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel and cut potatoes into large, even-sized pieces. Place in a large pot. Cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until very tender, 25 to 30 min. Drain well.

2. Pour cream into a large measuring cup or small saucepan. Whisk in Dijon, salt and pepper. Add butter. Heat in the microwave or on stovetop until hot, but not boiling.

Place drained potatoes back in pan over warm (but off) burner to evaporate excess moisture. Mash until very smooth. Stir warm cream mixture, then pour into potatoes. Fold or stir to evenly mix. Taste and season with more salt, if you like. Serve garnished with chives, if using.

NOTES FROM THE CHEF
Starchy potatoes such as russet, and creamy varieties such as Yukon Gold, yield the best texture.

















 Originally published in the Walmart Live Better Fall 2013 issue / Photo: John Cullen

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Broccoli Caesar Salad

Eating healthy is always good, but even better if it is a Caesar salad with grilled steak or chicken. This delicious Broccoli Caesar Salad is perfect for lunch, school lunch for kids, dinner, picnic or side dish. Serve salad warm or cold. Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 large head broccoli, cut into florets, blanched or steamed, drained well
3 tbsp. mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 slices pancetta or bacon, cooked and chopped
Parmesan cheese, for garnishing

Directions

1. Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and salt and pepper. Add broccoli and toss to combine. Finish pancetta and freshly grated Parmesan or use a vegetable peeler to garnish with shards of Parmesan cheese.

[recipe & photo credit belongs to: cbc.ca]

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Boulangére Potatoes

This French style scalloped potatoes are perfect for a side dish, easy to make, quick and they are delicious. Try this Boulangére Potatoes with lamb, beef or chicken and a healthy salad. Enjoy!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 30-60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
About 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. chopped parsley, for garnishing

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F.

2. Butter a large baking dish with 1 tbsp. butter.

3. Bring the stock to a boil as you slice the potatoes.

4. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes. Add potatoes to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss.

5. Add potatoes and a few pieces of butter to the prepared baking dish. Add enough stock to cover potatoes by about 2/3’s. Press down gently with your hands. Sprinkle sliced onions evenly on top. Drizzle with olive oil and dot with a few more pieces of butter.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue to bake potatoes until golden brown and fork tender, about 30 to 60 minutes.

[recipe &photo credit belongs to: www.cbc.ca]

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Chicken and Bacon Roll-Ups (Wraps)

Everyone loves wraps, is like eating a sandwich all wrap up! and this Chicken and Bacon Roll-Ups are healthy and delicious for your family or friends. This recipe is perfect for lunch, picnics and work / school lunch.

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
4 (2.8-ounce) whole wheat flat-breads
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped tomato (about 2 medium)
4 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast

Directions
1. Combine reduced-fat mayonnaise, minced tarragon, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise mixture over each flatbread. Top each with 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup chopped tomato, 1 bacon slice, crumbled, and 1/2 cup chicken. Roll up.

[recipe courtesy of: MyRecipes.com]

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Bacon-and-Escarole Grilled Cheese

Sandwiches are one of the best meals for lunch or dinner, best part? You can easy make a delicious sandwich from leftovers. For the Bacon-and-Escarole Grilled Cheese you only need six ingredients. Perfect for lunch, school, work or kids snacks.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients
12 slices bacon (12 ounces)
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
8 slices sourdough bread

6 ounces sharp cheddar, sliced 

1/2 small head escarole, trimmed and torn into bite-size pieces

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off and reserve all but 1 tablespoon fat. In a small bowl, combine mustard and honey and spread on bread. Divide cheese and bacon among bread to make 4 sandwiches.

2. Place skillet over medium; in batches, add sandwiches and cook until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted, 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through and adding more bacon fat as needed. Open sandwiches, add escarole, close, and serve immediately.

[recipe & photo courtesy of Martha Stewart]

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Salami and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Looking for a easy-yet delicious recipe for your work lunch, or kids snack time? Well i found the perfect (and super easy to make!) recipe that will help make you say "oh la la" in less than 30 minutes. Kids can help you make this recipe also!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
1 teaspoon grainy mustard
2 slices rye bread
2 ounces salami (about 6 slices), thinly sliced
1/2 small bunch arugula, trimmed and washed
1 tablespoon cream cheese

Directions

1. Spread mustard on one slice of bread; top with salami and arugula. Spread cream cheese on the other slice of bread; close sandwich. Serve, or refrigerate, wrapped tightly in wax paper or plastic, up to overnight. Cut in half.

[recipe & photo courtesy of: Martha Stewart]

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Ricotta and grilled tandoori chicken sandwich

This delicious sandwich is the perfect lunch everyone, specially kids. Is healthy, full of proteins and it taste wonderful! Quick and easy to make, in no time your lunch will look chef book recipe. Try it out! 

Makes: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
1 tbsp  (15 mL) tandoori curry paste
2/3 cup (160 mL) Ricotta
1 tsp  (5 mL) honey
1/2 zest and juice lime
salt
freshly ground pepper
4 small multi-grain buns
4 lettuce leaves

Directions
1. Coat chicken with tandoori curry paste and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat.
3. Mix Ricotta with honey and lime zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. Meanwhile, heat buns on the grill.
6. Spread buns generously with Ricotta mixture, and add tandoori chicken and lettuce to the bun.












[recipe as seen in: dairygoodness.ca]

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Easy Snack Wraps

Easy Snack Wraps are the best lunch (and easy!) you could possible do. This delicious Snack Wraps are healthy and quick to make. The wraps are perfect for kids lunch or work snack. 

Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
4 whole-wheat tortillas (can buy the package of 4)
1 package light cream cheese
1 head lettuce
1 package sliced deli-style turkey
3 tablespoons of shredded carrots
3 tablespoons minced tomato

Directions

1. Spread the light cream cheese evenly over the tortillas. Add the lettuce leaves and Turkey slices. Sprinkle the carrots and tomatoes over the Turkey slices. Now Roll the tortilla into wraps and cut diagonally (into bite sized pieces). You an secure the wraps with toothpicks so it doesn't open. Pack in your lunch bag or kids bag and ready to go! Delicious, healthy and quick lunch.

[photo credit: missionfoods.com]

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Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Don't know what to cook for Dinner or perhaps you wish to try something new? Well look no-more, this delicious Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is the easy-healthy-and quick recipe you have been searching for. Roasted chicken and potatoes with a mixture of garlic, brown sugar and lemon amps will spicy your dinner table.

Ingredients
2 pounds small red-skinned potatoes, quartered
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 lemon (1/2 juiced, 1/2 cut into wedges)
Pinch of red pepper flakes
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Directions

1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the cumin seeds, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Spread in a large baking dish and roast until the potatoes begin to brown, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

3. Remove the baking dish from the oven, push the potatoes to the sides and arrange the chicken breasts in the middle. Season the chicken with salt and drizzle with the garlic mixture. Return to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven; transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice. Add the cilantro to the baking dish and toss with the potatoes. Serve the chicken with the potatoes and lemon wedges. Drizzle with the pan juices.

Nutritional Table:

Per Serving: Calories 474; Total Fat 15 grams; Saturated Fat 3 grams; Protein 39 grams; Total Carbohydrate 45 grams; Sugar: 10 grams; Fiber 4 grams; Cholesterol 94 milligrams; Sodium 601 milligrams

[photo credit: Christopher Testani]
[recipe courtesy of: foodnetwork.com]

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Summer Recipe: Frozen Peanut Butter Bites

photo / foodnetwork

Summer is here! and let's enjoy this beautiful season with everyone in the family, and for that let me share a must-try recipe: Frozen Peanut Butter Bites. This recipe is perfect for kids, family, easy-to make and super quick! Enjoy~

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Inactive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes

Ingredients
1 (18-ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Directions

1. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the peanut butter and confectioners' sugar together until smooth and stiff. Beat in the vanilla extract. Shape the peanut butter mixture into 20 (1-inch) balls and place on a waxed paper-lined sheet tray. Place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour.

2. Add chopped chocolate to a small bowl set over gently simmering water. Stir to melt. Remove chocolate from heat. With 2 forks, carefully dip the chilled peanut butter balls 1/2 way into the chocolate, let excess drip off, and lay onto the waxed paper-lined sheet tray.

3. With a fork, swirl some decorative chocolate across the top of each bite. Place in the refrigerator for the chocolate to set and the peanut butter to solidify, about 30 minutes.

Cook's Note: If it's a hot and humid day outside dust your hands with confectioners' sugar before rolling the balls. This will make it less sticky.

[recipe credit belongs to: foodnetwork.com]

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American Macaroni Salad

There's nothing better than a delicious American Macaroni Salad, a light and healthy lunch or side dish. This crunchy recipe is full of fresh vegetables and nutrients, can be serve for Summer or any special event. 

Total Time: 30 minute
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained

1/3 cup diced celery

1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained

1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley

1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)

1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise

3/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons sour cream

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Table

Per Serving: Calories: 286; Total Fat: 16.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 3 grams; Protein: 5 grams; Total carbohydrates: 28 grams; Sugar: 3 grams; Fiber: 1 grams; Cholesterol: 10 milligrams; Sodium: 292 milligrams

[recipe credit belongs: FoodNetwork]

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Chicken and Rice Paprikas Casserole

photo / FoodNetwork

One of my favorites tricks in the oven, is how simple meals can turn into a delicious chef recipe and a great example is the Chicken and Rice Paprikas Casserole. A family-friendly dinner perfect for any night. This recipe is healthy and light, features brown rice, natural sweetness and rich in vitamins.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Ingredients
2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 large red bell peppers, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups frozen brown rice, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the chicken in a 3-quart glass or ceramic baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until just cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, bell peppers and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water. Stir in the sweet and hot paprika and cook for 1 minute; add the tomato paste and cook another minute, stirring. Add the chicken broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

3. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Spread the rice in the bottom of the casserole dish and top with the chicken and its accumulated juices. Pour the sauce over the whole mixture. Bake until the casserole is heated through and the top is browned lightly, 40 minutes. Top with the chopped parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

[recipe as seen on: food network]

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No-Bake Fresh Fruit Tart

photo / food network

Summer is here! and there's nothing better than a  10 minutes Rachael's ready to-go dessert. This easy and quick desserts features graham cracker pie crust, vanilla pudding and lots of berries.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 box vanilla or lemon flavor instant pudding mix

1 orange, zested

1/2 cup seedless raspberry or blackberry preserves

1 prepared graham cracker crust, found on baking aisle

1/2 pint raspberries

1/2 pint blackberries or blueberries, your preference

6 large strawberries, sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, optional

Directions

Make pudding according to package directions and let stand 5 minutes. Stir orange zest into the pudding. Spread a thin layer of preserves across the bottom of graham cracker crust. Top with pudding. Arrange fruit on pudding, then sprinkle pie with mint, if desired.

Nutrition Table

Per serving: Calories: 311;Total Fat: 8 grams; Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 59 grams; Sugar: 44 grams; Fiber: 3 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 351 milligrams

[recipe credit belongs to: food network]

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Arctic Char with Mushrooms

photo credit/ food network

Is Dinner ready yet? Have any ideas? Well you must try this delicious Hearty Mushrooms recipe. A delicate flavor Arctic Char with Mushrooms, can be serve with salad or any side dish. Better to have to a glass of wine or water. This recipe is easy and quick.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce skinless arctic char fillets (about 1 inch thick)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 bunches arugula, trimmed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fish and sear until golden on the bottom and cooked halfway through, about 3 minutes. Flip onto a baking sheet and bake until cooked through, 3 to 5 more minutes.

2. Meanwhile, wipe out the skillet, return to medium-high heat and add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Add the mushrooms and cook, without stirring, until browned on one side, about 1 minute. Stir and cook until browned all over, about 3 more minutes. Add the shallots and cook until soft, stirring, about 2 minutes. Whisk in 2 tablespoons vinegar and the mustard and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the chives and parsley.

3. Drizzle the arugula with oil and vinegar in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss. Divide among plates and serve with the fish. Spoon the mushrooms and pan juices on top.

Nutrition Info
Calories 376; Fat 19 g (Saturated 3 g); Cholesterol 80 mg; Sodium 399 mg; Carbohydrate 14 g; Fiber 1 g; Protein 38 g




[recipe credit belongs to: food network]

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Sweet Corn Pudding

photo credit / food network

Craving for a cheesy-side dish? Well I have the perfect recipe for you, a delicious Sweet Corn Pudding! This hearty recipes is perfect for breakfast or lunch. 

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

- 6 ears sweet corn

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- 2 eggs, beaten

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease casserole dish.

2. Shuck the corn and cut all kernels off with a knife into a bowl, making sure to keep all of the runoff juice from the corn. Reserve.

3. Mix together the milk, heavy cream, cheese, cayenne pepper and eggs. Add in the reserved corn, cheese, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over reserved corn.

4. Pour into casserole dish and bake for 35 minutes or until set.

[recipe credit belongs to: food network]

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Broccoli Salad

photo credit / food network

Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring! This broccoli salad is one of my favourite healthy recipes. The best part? It's easy, economic and anyone can make it. This salad mix broccoli, bacon, tomatoes and raisins. Broccoli Salad can be eating with water or natural juice.

Ingredients

- 1 head broccoli

- 2 slices of cooked bacon (optional)

- 1/2 cup chopped red onion

- 1/2 cup raisins

- 1/2 cup of cranberries

- 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks

- 1 cup light-mayonnaise

- 1 table spoon of lemon juice

- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the bacon, onion, raisins, cranberries, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.

Note: This is an original recipe from Paula Deen, the ingredients have been change to light and fat-free for a healthier menu. Credit belongs to the author and Food Network.

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Sweet Potato Oven Fries with Avocado Dip

photo / allthatsplatters.blogspot.ca

One of the most popular appetizers in restaurants is the Oven potatoes with Avocado Dip on the side. Now you can make this super easy recipe as an appetizer or side dish. You can change the potatoes to regular ones, but Sweet Potatoes gives a delicious flavor that goes perfect with the Avocado Dip.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 4-inch long and 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick fries

- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

- Coarse ground rock salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- Avocado Dip, recipe follows

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.

2. Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss with olive oil until the sweet potatoes are coated. Add the paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper; toss to distribute evenly.

3. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer on the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes on the lower rack until the sweet potatoes soften. Transfer the pan to the upper rack of the oven and bake 10 minutes longer, until fries are crispy. Serve with Avocado Dip.

Avocado Dip

- 1 avocado

- 1/3 cup mayonnaise

- 1/3 cup cream cheese

- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped.

- 2 scallions, white and light green part only, chopped

- 1 lime, juiced

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Place the avocado, mayonnaise, cream cheese, jalapeno, scallions, and lime juice into a blender or small food processor. Blend for 1 minute or until you have a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve as a dip for the Sweet Potato Oven Fries.

[recipe as seen on: footnetwork]

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BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Photography by Antonis Achilleos

I love baking and using the oven, but this super easy and delicious recipe is a must-try.  The BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, the BLT is made up of five ingredients: bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and bread. This recipe can be serve as lunch or dinner.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 22 minutes

Total time: 42 minutes

Ingredients

- 12 ounces corkscrew-shaped pasta

- 1/2 cup milk

- 12 ounces lean bacon

- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 1/4 cup sour cream

- 4 tablespoons chopped chives or scallion greens

- 5 heads Bibb lettuce, quartered, or 5 cups chopped romaine hearts

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water as the label directs. Drain and toss with the milk in a large bowl; set aside.

2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 3 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the tomatoes, thyme and garlic to the pan and toss until warmed through; season with salt and pepper. Crumble the bacon into bite-size pieces; set aside 1/4 cup for garnish. Toss the remaining bacon and the tomato mixture with the pasta.

3. Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and 3 tablespoons chives with the pasta until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add the lettuce; toss again to coat. Garnish with the reserved bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon chives. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition info:

Per serving: Calories 960; Fat 56 g (Sat. 20 g; Mono. 30 g; Poly. 18 g); Cholesterol 125 mg; Sodium 2,114 mg; Carbohydrate 73 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 44 g

[recipe as seen on: foodnetwork.com]

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