Spaghetti Squash -- a healthy alternative

This is a great alternative to white flour pasta.  All you need to do is buy a spaghetti squash (in the fresh produce department of most grocery stores).  Rinse the squash, cut the squash in half, and remove seeds.  Place the half of squash in flat-bottomed microwavable dish with enough water to cover just the bottom of the dish.  Microwave the squash on high for about 8 minutes (10 minutes if it is a big squash).  Remove from microwave and use a fork to flake the squash into pasta like noodles.  Add a healthy sauce/cheese.  Enjoy!

Wild and Brown Rice Pilaf with Cranberries

This looks amazing!!  Jeanna Lashley submitted it and says it is great.  I think I will take her suggestion and have this as part of Thanksgiving dinner.


1/4 c dried cranberries (try to find some without sugar added)

3 T dry white wine or apple juice or orange juice

2 c low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 c apple cider

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c wild rice, rinsed

1 sm onion, finely chopped

1/2 c brown rice



Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cranberries with the wine or juice. Let stand 20 minutes. Drain the cranberries, reserving the liquid.



Combine 1 c of broth, the cider, 1/4 tsp of the salt and the wild rice in an ovenproof saucepan; bring the broth to a boil. Cover tightly and bake until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven; let stand, covered, 5 minutes.



Meanwile, heat the cranberry liquid in another saucepan, then add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining broth, the remaining salt, and the brown rice; bring the liquid to a boil. cover tightly and bake until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 40 minutes.



Toss both rices with the cranberries in a large bowl.

Always Perfect Brown Rice

I found this recipe online and it is wonderful!!!  I've never been very good with cooking brown rice.  This method worked incredibly.


This brown rice always comes out perfectly. The secret is baking the rice.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Use a pot and lid that can go from the stovetop straight into the oven.
Bring 1 part rice to 2 parts water to a boil on the stovetop. When it has come to a boil put it in the oven, with the lid on, for 45 minutes
This works for any kind of brown rice.
For a real comfort food experience, use sweet brown rice.

http://www.bodyalivebodyaware.com/pages_not_in_use/Recipes_.html

Whole Grain Waffles

• 2 C whole wheat flour
• 2 T Agave
• 1 T baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 3/4 C Non-fat milk (or rice milk)
• 1/2 apple sauce (no sugar or artificial sweetners) OR apple/carrot sauce (sold at Trader Joe's)
• 2 eggs

Mix and let sit for 5 minutes.  Pour 1/2 cup in a waffle maker and cook.  Serve with 100% maple syrup.