Simple Salad Dressing

For the written recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/simple-salad-dressing-recipe2/index.html

For the video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html

I'm always up for an easy salad dressing I can whip up with stuff I always have in the house. Check out the video to see other ways to use it (including as a marinade!).


Ingredients
•1 whole clove garlic, peeled
•1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
•1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
•1 teaspoon honey
•1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
•1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Smash the garlic clove with the back of a knife. Add garlic to the other ingredients in a jar or other airtight container. Cover, shake well and serve. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.


Nutrition analysis per serving:
Calories: 80

Total fat: 9g

Saturated fat: 1g

Carbohydrate: 1g

Protein: 0g

Sodium: 25mg


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Green Herb Hummus

For the written recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/green-herb-hummus-recipe2/index.html

Video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html

My sister in law makes a mean batch of hummus. I still haven't been able to quite duplicate yet (must be that Persian love she puts in it)! However this one looks great and maybe I can actually make it taste good! I'm sure all those fresh herbs are an awesome addition! Hummus is such a great, healthy alternative to other types of dips and can be a great way to help you get in extra veggies. Just have some with bell peppers, cucumbers (my favorite), carrots...or whatever veggies you'd like. Try some whole wheat pita chips with it too. Yummy!

Ingredients
•1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
•1 clove garlic
•2 tablespoons tahini
•1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
•6 fresh basil leaves
•1 medium scallion, chopped
•1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
•1 teaspoon honey
•1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
•1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
•Options for dipping: carrot sticks, sliced cucumber and whole-wheat pita chips
Directions
Place ingredients in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until smooth.

Serve with dippers.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars

For the written recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/oatmeal-peanut-butter-energy-bars-recipe2/index.html

Video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html


Ok I'll be honest, I'm not sure about this one. Everything sounds great until it comes to the dried apricots and figs. However... I'm up for trying anything. If they're good and Rylee likes them - then they're a great snack for her (and me)! But...we'll see. If you try it out, let me know how you like it!

Ingredients
•Cooking spray
•1/2 cup honey
•1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
•2 tablespoons maple syrup
•1 tablespoon canola oil
•1/4 cup light brown sugar
•1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 cups rolled oats
•2 cups crisp brown rice cereal
•1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
•1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
•1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
•1/2 cup chopped dried figs
•1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions
Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, cinnamon. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, peanuts, apricots, figs and salt.

Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently with a spatula until well combined. Transfer to baking dish, cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish. Allow to cool completely (will cool faster in the refrigerator). Cut into squares or bars.


Nutrition analysis per serving:
Calories: 240

Total fat: 10g

Saturated fat: 1.5g

Carbohydrate: 30g

Protein: 6g

Sodium: 70mg

Pizza Snacks

For the written recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pizza-snacks-recipe/index.html

For the Video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html


I'm constantly trying to find quick, easy meals that are still healthy for both Rylee and myself to eat. I saw on the Food Network's website a section all about helthy, quick meals. BINGO! I headed over right away and checked out a lot of their recipes. Here's one that looks perfect for lunches at home. Perfect size for Rylee it's easy to switch 'em up for a variety of tastes. Here's two different versions, but the possibilities are endless!


Version 1: Classic Pizza:

•2 whole wheat English muffins, sliced
•1/4 cup marinara sauce
•1/4 cup diced bell pepper
•1/4 cup sliced black olives
•4-5 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
•1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375F. Place English muffins on a baking sheet lines with aluminum foil. Top with marinara sauce, bell pepper, olives and basil. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted.

Nutrition information per pizza:
Calories: 130; Total fat: 4.5g Saturated fat: 2g; Carbohydrate: 16g; Protein: 7g; Sodium: 390mg


Version 2: BBQ Chicken
•2 whole wheat English muffins, sliced
•1/4 cup barbecue sauce
•1 medium scallion, finely chopped
•3 oz grilled chicken breast, diced
•1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375F. Place English muffins on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Top with barbecue sauce, scallion and chicken. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted.

Nutrition information per pizza:
Calories: 160; Total fat: 16g; Saturated fat: 2g; Carbohydrate: 16g; Protein: 13.5g; Sodium: 428mg