Salad Sabatoge

I mentioned in a previous blog that weight is a challenge for me and I am getting it under control. Most people assume that eating salad is a healthy option. It certainly can be! The problem is most people destroy their low fat healthy salad with lots of high fat/calorie dressing to make it more flavorful. In turn, totally eliminating the whole point of eating the salad in the first place!

So here you go...my tips to making a delicious, flavorful HEALTHY salad.

First things first, use good ingredients. Personally, I am not a fan of bagged salad. It costs more and just plain doesn't taste as good to me. I buy whole romaine heads of lettuce, chop, wash and bag and I will have enough lettuce for the week. Be sure to spin you lettuce, nobody likes a soggy salad

Next, don't be afraid to add plenty of flavorful veggies to your salad. I personally LOVE diced red onion on a salad. It adds lots of taste without lots of calories and NO fat

I also don't think a salad is complete without tomato. As much as I love a nice ripe garden tomato, it isn't always an option, so roma tomatoes or grape tomatoes can do the job just fine! I also love to add other options like avocado. Yes, the avocado has fat, but it is healthy fat that promotes a healthy brain and tastes amazing!

OK...here is where it gets a little tricky! At this point a lot of people would think it is time to dump a gallon of dressing on your veggie masterpiece. Not me! Add a little cheese. Note I said a little! I like to use really flavorful cheeses like feta, gorgonzola or blue cheese. I also add a few croutons for crunch. Again, I said a few...putting 50 on your salad or putting 5 on your salad and eating 45 out of the bag while you prepare is is going to sabatoge your healthy concoction!

Ooooh, one thing I almost forgot. Do you want to add a little sweet to your salad? Toss on a few craisins, not only are they a healthy treat, but they make a great addition with the cheese! So here it is, my fabulous, fresh salad that doesn't even need a drop of dressing!!!

Let me know what you like to add to your salad to make it a low fat healthy treat!

GOOSEBERRY PATCH: Cheese & Spinach Tortellini Soup

I have completed my first yummy recipe for the Gooseberry patch give away. Cheese and Spinach Tortellini Soup is not only healthy, but it is seriously DELISH! Here is the recipe:
2 T olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 T fresh thime, chopped
1/4 t red pepper flakes
6 c chicken broth
8 oz pkg refrigerated chees tortellini
9 oz pkg spinach
15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (my husband HATES beans, so we substituted canned diced tomatoes here and it was yummy)
1/2 c. grated Parmesan Cheese

The nice thing about this recipe is that most of this stuff is already in my refrigerator! So let's get started
Dice onion finely

Heat Oil in large soup pot over medium-hight heat
Add onion, garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes.
Cook until onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Add Chicken Broth

Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
Stir in the tortellini

reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4 minutes
Add spinach and beans (ok...here is where I made my little change. Instead of adding the cannellini beans, I added a can of petite diced tomatoes. The whole can, didn't even drain them) Also, be sure you use FRESH spinach in the recipe

Simmer until spinach is wilted and tortellini is tender, about one minute should be plenty.
Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with cheese

I served this with one of my fabulous (well I think they are fabulous) salads (be looking for my toss salad hints soon) and enjoy, this low fat, flavorful fall meal!

Be sure to let me know what you think of my very first Gooseberry patch recipe and don't forget, there are nine more to come....and a give away!

Gooseberry Patch Giveaway

You read the title correctly! I am having a give away!!! Here is the deal...in a partnership with the Real Farmwives of America and Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks the ladies of the RFOA are cooking up 180 recipes from 18 different Gooseberry Patch cookbooks.

So here is how it works....I will be cooking 10 different recipes from Gooseberry Patch's

You are know me...I am one seriously busy girl, so this cook book is right up my alley!!! Be sure to be looking for some yummy and healthy recipes in the next few days, and don't forget to comment. One lucky reader will win a copy of Speedy Suppers of their very own.

By for now....