Christmas Eve Salad. Spoon needed :)

This recipe is a family tradition at home. Every Christmas Eve my mom makes this wonderful salad (that could very well be called soup for the way we like to serve it). It is absolutely healthy and refreshing to the stomach. After eating this salad, which is full of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, there won't be too much room left in your stomach for other maybe not-so-healthy holiday dishes :)  Place your salad bowl beside a beatiful Poinsettia and it will be eye-catching.

Christmas Eve Salad

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

2 beets

2 medium apples
  

1 jícama  (or 1 cup water chestnuts)

1 orange, sliced.

2 cups orange juice

2-3 Tbs lime juice

Turbinado sugar or agave nectar, to taste

¼-1/2  cup raisins

¼-1/2 cup prunes

¼-1/2 cup peanuts or pecans

 

 

1. Peel off both beets and cook them in water (just as you would cook or boil potatoes). Keep the water and let it cool. 
2. Dice the apples, beets and jícama or water chestnuts. Cut the orange slices in quarters.   
3. Mix in a bowl apples, oranges, beets and jicama.
4. Make the dressing (juice) using the beet water, orange juice, lime juice and sugar or agave nectar.
5. Pour the juice on the fruits and serve in a bowl. Be generous with the juice. It is worth it. Top with some raisins, peanuts, and prunes.
6. Now go get a spoon :)

 

Macaroni and "Cheese"

This is an easy weeknight dinner recipe.  The Melty Cheese was a hit when we first made it in the CHIP program in the Spring. The great thing is you can make this recipe for nachos too! or any other favorite recipe that calls for melted cheese.  Nacho Chili??    Enjoy!

Melty Cheese  

 

2 C. water, divided

¼ C. raw cashews

1 4-oz. jar pimientos

¼ C. nutritional yeast

1½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. onion powder

¼ tsp. garlic powder

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. sesame tahini

 

1. Place 1 C. water & cashews in blender and blend until creamy.

2. Add all other ingredients (except remaining water) and blend again until smooth.

3. Add last cup of water (hot water will shorten cooking time) and blend briefly. *

4. Heat in heavy saucepan, stirring constantly until sauce is hot and bubbly.

 

*Variation: add 1 more Tbsp. cornstarch. After it is blended, add salsa.