helpful hints about banana's and other things

Take your banana's apart when you get home seperated they do not ripen as fast Store your opened chunks of cheese in tin-foil keeps longer and prevents mold.Peppers with three bumps on bottom are sweeter,better for cooking than ones with four bumps.For cool different brownies try melting andes mints in a double boiler and pour over brownies for great minty taste.

baked mozzarella bites

(alternative snacks for after schoolfried cheesesticks)1/2 cup of panko(japanese breacrumbs)3(1 ounce)sticks of mozzarella string cheese 3 tablespoons of egg substitute cooking spray&1/4 cup of low-sodium marinara sauce         1. preheat oven 425    2.heat medium skillet over medium heat. add 1/2 cup of panko to pan,cook for two minutes or until toasted,stirring frequently.remove from heat and place panko in shallow dish.  3. cut mozzarella sticks in 1-inch pieces.working with one piece at a time,dip cheese in egg substitute;dredge in panko. place cheese on baking sheetcoated with cooking spray. bake at 325 for three minutes or until cheese is softened or throughly heated.  4. pour mainara sauce into microwave save bowl.micro on high 1 minute or until throughly heated,stirring after 30 seconds. serve with mozzarella pieces. yield: 4 serving(serving size) 3 mozzarella bites and one tablespoon of sauce.

COOL CUCUMBER SOUP

temperatures reaching 90 degrees in many areas of the country, it’s just too hot to cook. But it’s never too hot to eat right, so mercury rising is no excuse to roll through the drive-through. Ellie Krieger’s Cool Cucumber Soup is just the solution. It’s perfect for the height of summer because:

• You won’t need to turn on the oven or stove to make it.
• It’s done in 20 minutes.
• It’s a great way to use up the cucumbers growing like crazy in the garden.
• It clocks in at just 130 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, so makes a waistline-friendly light lunch or appetizer.
• Per Ellie, it’s a good source of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium.

What are you waiting for? Get out the blender and whip up this super-cool, creamy-yet-good-for you cold soup.


Cool Cucumber Soup
Serves 4

3 cups plain nonfat yogurt
1 English cucumber (about 1 pound), cut into chunks
1 scallion, white and green parts, coarsely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus sprigs for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced, or 3 sliced radishes
2 teaspoons olive oil

In a blender, combine the yogurt, cucumber, scallion and dill. Pulse until pureed. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Ladle into individual bowls. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons of diced tomato or radishes, drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and garnish with a dill sprig.

Per 1 cup serving:

Calories: 130
Total Fat: 2.5 grams
Saturated: Fat 0 grams
Protein: 11 grams
Total carbohydrate: 17 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Cholesterol

AFTERNOON SNACK TIME

LOOKING TO FIGHT OFF AFTERNOON OR EVENING SNACK BINGE??CUCUMBERS HAVE BEEN USED FOR CENTURIES AND OFTEN USED BY EUROPEAN TRAPPERS,TRADERS,AND EXPLORER'S FOR A QUICK MEAL TO THWART OFF STARVATION. SO THINK WHAT IT COULD DO FOR YOU AS A SNACK.  THANKS FOR READING    MAGGIE

HEALTHY PANCAKES APPLES AND WALNUTS

Apple Walnut Pancakes recipe – 143 calories
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup skim milk
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons cooking oil
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup apple, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter

Preparation:
1. In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.
2. Add the egg, oil and milk to the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Add chopped walnuts and apples and mix well.
4. Heat a griddle and melt a small amount of butter on the surface.
5. When the pan is heated, pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle.
6. Cook the pancake until small bubbles appear on the surface.
7. Flip the pancake and continue cooking until done.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 until you’ve used up the batter.
Servings: 1

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 143
Total fat: 7.2 g
Cholesterol: 34.6 mg
Sodium: 306.6 mg
Total carbs: 15.7 g
Fiber: 0.9 g
Protein: 4.2 g

ITS A FABULOUS DAY

TODAY IS JULY 14TH AND A BEAUTIFUL DAY,WEATHER IS ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC AND FOR PEOPLE HERE IN NEW ENGLAND ITS A NICE DAY TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS.               

PROTECT YOUR SELF FROM UV RAYS

WHEN ENJOYING YOURSELF ON THE BEACH PLEASE REAPPLY SUNSCREEN EVERY TWO HOURS. IT IS FRUSTRATING TO KEEP REAPPLYING BUT ANY SUNBURN YOU RECIEVE BEFORE 16 TO 18 YEARS OLD IS DAMAGING TO THE SKIN SOME 35 TO 40 YEARS LATER.I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I BEGAN TO GET RED SKIN TONES FROM EAR TO EAR ABOUT AGE  55 WHICH CONTINUED TO SPREAD AS THE YEARS WENT BY. CONSULTED A DOCTER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FROM A SEVERE SUNBURN IN CHILDHOOD AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE FOR THE SITUATION. SO PLEASE APPLY THAT SUNSCREEN.

helpful hints (by maggie)

Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower simply take a cut cucumber and gently rub on mirror. Your bathroom will have the scent of a spar.Looking for a green way to clean your faucets,sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean,not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back your shine,but it won"t harm your fingernails while you clean.                 THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING     MAGGIE

information on body mass

Is your waist circumferance more than 35 inches(for women) and 40 inches for(men)? "belly fat"( called visceral fat) is easier absorbed by the body than other b ody fat which increases your chances for cardiovascular disease dramatically.Is your body mass index, which defines the average relative weight for height in people older than 20 years old( check your BMI on any website) more than 25?If you are muscular,therefore more body mass,your BMI may be the average optional between 18.5 to 24.9 but that may not mean you are overweight.These two figures will give you an idea if you are overweight.If you are consider some eating habit changes(even the baby step ones are worth a try that along with a little physical activity to bring yourself to better health.    thanks for reading maggie

CUCUMBERS ARE A GEM

Cucumbers contain most of our daily vitamins just one contains vitamin B1,vitamin B2,vitaminB3,vitaminB6,Folic acid,Vitamin C,Calcium,Iron,Magnesium,Phosphorus,Potassium,and Zinc. Feeling tired in the afternoon grap a cucumber instead of a caffeinated soda to get a pick me up.             THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING    MAGGIE

TIRED LEGS NEED HELP

Your docter can explain to you how the blood flow in the legs is difficult as returning blood flow to the heart can lead to problems if you have slightly elavated blood pressure.I have experienced this and in so doing now have a vein in one leg where there are bursts of the blood causing varicose veins. I denid at first and said no to blood pressure medicine. So do your self a favor and check with a doctor.My legs ached all the time.   thanks for reading  MAGGIE

NORTH YARD GATE

>WWW.HEALTHYWITHMAGGIE.BLOGSPOT.COM

smores

1	pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1	cup graham cracker crumbs
1	cup butter or margarine, melted
3	cups milk chocolate chips (18 oz)
4 1/2	cups miniature marshmallows

 

1. 1 Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir together cookie mix and crumbs. Stir in melted butter until soft dough forms. Press into ungreased 13x9-inch pan.
2. 2 Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until set. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes or until chocolate begins to melt. Spread chocolate evenly over crust.
3. 3 Set oven control to broil. Sprinkle marshmallows over melted chocolate. Broil with top 5 to 6 inches from heat 20 to 30 seconds or until marshmallows are toasted. (Watch closely; marshmallows will brown quickly.) Cool 10 minutes. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Serve warm. Store any remaining bars

biotin and folic acid ( vitamins)

Did you ever try biotin and folic acid taken daily to help new hair growth?? I have and found that it works.I began using the products combined about 5yrs ago.Around the temple area i noticed new hair growth.I continue even now and find that as we age our hair can use a little help. So try if you wish and perhaps it will help you with thinning hair.       thanks for reading     maggie

stuffed bell peppers

Ingredients
Makes 8 servings, 2 stuffed pepper halves per serving
8 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers or a mixture of all (about 4 lbs)
2 tbsp canola or olive oil, divided
1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
16 oz fresh Italian turkey sausage, removed from casing or lean ground turkey (You can use pre-cooked turkey or slices of deli turkey cut into small pieces and use it in place of the turkey sausage, if desired.)
1 (16 oz) jar chunky salsa, mild or hot
2 cups fresh baby spinach, rinsed and chopped or 1 (10 oz) package chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove moisture
1 cup cooked quinoa (optional)
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese
2 large avocados, peeled and pit removed, sliced
1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise, slicing from the stem to the bottoms, leaving the stems intact. Remove the white pithy ribs near stem and down length of inside. Remove the ribs and seeds and discard. Place the peppers in a shallow 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Drizzle the peppers with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Cover the dish with foil, and bake the peppers 15 to 20 minutes, until they start to soften.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin; cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a slotted spoon or potato masher, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the salsa and the spinach, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked brown rice and quinoa (optional).

Carefully fill the pepper halves with the turkey mixture. Cover the dish with foil, and bake until the filling is hot and the peppers are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove foil, and sprinkle the cheese over the top of the peppers. Return to oven; bake, uncovered, until cheese has melted, about 7 to 10 minutes. Top the peppers with a heaping tablespoon of the yogurt. Place slices of the avocado on top of each pepper. Sprinkle with the basil. Serve immediately.

cooler and backpack

  Handy item great for kids and grownups carrys cloths,towels,and lunch or snacks in bottom part.Side compartment for water and cell phone and keys.

NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

Is your waist circumferance more than 35 inches for (WOMEN) and 40( MEN) "belly fat" ( called visceral fat) is easier absorbed by the body than other body fat which increases your chances of  cardiovascular disease dramatically.Is your body mass index,which defines the average weight and height more than 25?Check your BMI on line which will determine if you are overweight.If you are just making a few changes to your eating habits can make a difference.Such as smaller portions,eating healthier snacks, putting more veggies and fruit in your diet.      thanks for reading      MAGGIE

DREAMSCICLE DRINK

Creamy Orangesicles

Eat these right out of the freezer, or use them to make a creamy, dreamy smoothie! Just take out the sticks and put two pops in a blender with a half-cup of low-fat milk, and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Ingredients:

• 1 package orange-flavored gelatin (four-serving size)
• 3/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1 6-ounce container low-fat vanilla yogurt*
• 1/2 cup boiling water
*Substitute an 8-ounce container if desired

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Put the gelatin mix in medium-size bowl. Add boiling water. Stir until gelatin mix is completely dissolved.
3. Add milk and yogurt after mixture cools a little bit.
4. Stir until all ingredients are blended.
5. Spoon into freezer-pop molds or 5-ounce paper cups. If using paper cups, cover with foil and insert a wooden pop stick. Freeze for several hours until firm.
6. Enjoy!

Makes 6 serving
Nutritional Facts per Serving
97 Calories
18 g Carbohydrates
4 g Protein
4 g Fat
85 mg Calcium (8% DV)

OUR BRAINS NEED CARBOHYDRATES

THE BODY ONLY STORES ABOUT 4 HOURS OF CARBOHYDRATES THAT IS USED FOR ENERGY.CARBOHYDRATES ARE WHY BREAKFAST IS SO IMPORTANT IT KEEPS YOUR BRAIN CELLS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.OPTIONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER FOR BREAKFAST ARE NUTRITIONAL CEREALS,LOW IN SUGAR AND HIGH IN FIBER.PERHAPS A FEW PIECES OF WHOLE GRAIN TOAST OR YOU COULD HAVE A FRUIT.ALL OF THESE OPTIONS HELP KICK START YOUR DAY.             THANKS FOR READING MAGGIE

mist humidifer

relax,enjoy,cool off

EYE APPEALING FIRST

USING VARIOUS COLORFUL FOODS ON YOUR PLATE WILL SUPPLY YOUR BODY WITH NUMEROUS VITAMINS. REMEMBER YOU EAT FIRST WITH YOUR EYES. ( GRAPES-PURPLE)( ORANGES) GREEN BEANS-( GREEN) PEPPERS(GREEN-YELLOW-AND RED) AND SO ON.

BLUEBERRY PIE

1 of 6 Photos

Recipe Photos

Fresh Blueberry Pie I
Blueberry Pie
Posted: Nov. 10, 2006

Photographer:

foodaholic

ProfileProfile | RecipesRecipes | Photos

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: McRaeCity, StateGeorgia, CountryUSA

Living In: CityCity, StateState, Country Country

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Fresh Blueberry Pie I

                       

                   

Rate/Review | Read Reviews (38)
                                 

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Prep Time:
30 Min

Cook Time:
40 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 30 Min

Servings (Help)

USMetricCalculate
Original Recipe Yield1 - 9 inch double-crust pie

Ingredients

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
• 4 cups fresh blueberries
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon quick-cooking tapioca
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. Prepare pastry for two crust pies. Pick over and wash blueberries.
3. Combine sugar, flour, tapioca, spices, and salt; stir into blueberries. Add lemon juice and rind, and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Mix well, and turn into pastry lined 9 inch pie plate. Dot with small pieces of butter or margarine. Cover with top crust.
4. Place pie on lowest rack in preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 30 minutes longer. Serve warm or cold.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 238 | Total Fat: 8.5g | Cholesterol: 2mg

legs that need a helping hand

Things do not always work as well as we grow older including myself in this circumstance so here is something to help getting out of the car.

MARBLED CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

1 BAR OF (4 OUNCES) BITTERSWEET BAKING CHOCOLATE -1/2 CUP(1 STICK) BUTTER 2 TABLESPOONS OF COCOA POWDER -11/4 CUP SUGAR-1/4 TEASPOON SALT-3 EGGS-1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT-1CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR-1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER - TOPPING - 1 CUP SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE BAKING CHIPS - 1CUP WHITE CHOCOLATE BAKING CHIPS OVEN- TEMP 350F -9 IN PAN PUT TIN FOIL AND MAKE SURE IT HANGS OVER EDGE-PUT BITTERSWEET CHOVOLATE AND BUTTER IN MICROWAVE AND MELT THEN STIR TO BLEND=PLACE SUGAR AND SALT IN MEDIUM BOWL ADD THE 3 EGGS ONE AT A TIME AND STIR-STIR IN VANILLA-SIFT IN FLOUR AND BAKING POWDER-SPREAD BATTER IN PREPARED PAN BAKE 30 MINUTES-SPRINKLE CHOCOLATE CHIPS OVER BROWNIES AND RETURN TO OVER FOR 1 MINUTE -REMOVE AND LET SET FOR 1 MINUTE USING FOIL LIFT BROWNIES FROM PAN AND SPREAD CHOCOLATE CHIPS OVER BROWNIES FOR A MARBLE EFFECT ENJOY

Dental Hygiene ( important for your health)

Dental hygiene is very important for your overall good health. The importance of this fact begins when a child is small. It can be difficult at times to get little ones to brush but its so important.As they grow older regular visits to a good dentist is something that will promote good dental htygiene thruout there adult lives.As we grow into older adults is when you will reap the benefits.

SENIORS EXERCISE DVD

1 Month of small changes can give big results.

1. Always eat a fruit as your desert during the week.Save cookies,cakes,and pies f or the weekend. 2. Use the half plate rule- fill 1/2 of your plate with salad and veggies. 3. Drink one full glass of water before every meal or snack.4. Never eat in front of the t.v. or computer screen.5. Take the time to put snacks into snack bags as soon as you arrive home. Then you can grap a snack bag instead of the whole bag to satisfy your cravings.               I am sure you will be able to think of some other ways to help you lose a little weight. It only takes about a month to train yourself to follow a few simple rules.  GOOD LUCK !             

chicken recipe

package Betty Crocker® Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
2	tablespoons vegetable oil
3	tablespoons cold water
2	tablespoons Dijon mustard
1	cup cubed cooked chicken

Save $$$ on your favorite brands

1. 1 Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. 2 Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
3. 3 Stir together Seasoning mix, oil, water and mustard in large bowl. Stir in pasta-vegetable mixture. Stir in chicken. Toss with Parmesan Topping. Refrigerate any remaining salad.

Expert Tips

One cup of cooked frozen (thawed) imitation crabmeat chunks instead of chicken turns this into a seafood delight.
If you're an artichoke lover, stir in a 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and cut into fourths, with the chicken

hummingbird feeder

SPAGHETTI DINNER WITH MEATBALLS

simple recipe with just five ingredients makes an entire meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 lb. frozen fully cooked meatballs
• 2 handfuls spaghetti pasta, broken in half
• 2 cups cubed cantaloupe
• 2 cups green grapes

Preparation:

In 12" skillet, combine spaghetti sauce and water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Add meatballs and spaghetti. Stir well, making sure spaghetti is under the sauce. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. You may add more water if the mixture appears to be too dry. Cook until spaghetti is al dente.Meanwhile, combine cantaloupe and grapes in medium bowl and refrigerate while spaghetti is cooking. (The juice from the cantaloupe creates the dressing.) Serve spaghetti with salad. 4 servings

User Reviews

CARROT CAKE RECIPE

servings (serving size: 1 piece)

TOTAL: 1 HOURS, 53 MINUTES

COURSE:Cakes/Frostings, Desserts

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 10 1/10 ounces all-purpose flour (about 2 1/4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated carrot
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
• Cooking spray
• Frosting:
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ounce fromage blanc
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Preparation

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
• 2. To prepare cake, weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add 2 cups grated carrot, tossing to combine.
• 3. Place granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 6 tablespoons butter in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until combined. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Spread batter into a 13 x 9-inch metal baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake completely on a wire rack.
• 4. To prepare frosting, place softened cream cheese and next 4 ingredients (through 1/8 teaspoon salt) in a medium bowl. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at medium speed until combined (don't overbeat). Spread frosting evenly over top of cake. Sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans.

CARROT CAKE-REDUCED CALORIES

Carrot Cake
Some time back, carrot cake became the poster child for a healthy-sounding food that is actually a fat and calorie disaster. But we'd forgotten how much of a disaster it could be until we looked at an online recipe from a celebrity chef who shall go unnamed. There it was, in all its splendor, weighing in at 1,460 calories and 28 grams of saturated fat in one gargantuan three-layer slice.
Few are the recipes that have been made over quite this dramatically. We shaved about 1,000 calories and 89 grams of total fat. Yet, it's delicious: Creamy butter and smooth buttermilk create a perfectly moist, tender texture. Earthy brown sugar brings out the warm cinnamon spices. Real-deal cream cheese and butter maximize frosting flavor. Low-fat fromage blanc and a light sprinkle of toasted pecans make it a special, vastly lighter treat.
OLD WAY
1,460 calories per slice
99 grams total fat
28 grams saturated fat
24 tablespoons of oil for moisture
Frosted with one stick of butter and a pound of cream cheese
Pecan extravaganza
OUR WAY
284 calories per slice
9.7 grams total fat
4.9 grams saturated fat
6 tablespoons butter and a rich splash of buttermilk
Frosted with a hint of butter, cream cheese, and fromage blanc
A perfectly toasted sprinkle
View Recipe: Carrot Cake

|From the April

EXERCISE

EXERCISE IS FANTASTIC FOR YOUR BODY. THIS IS JUST ONE FORM OF HELPING OUR BODIES REMAIN AGILE.

prayers for those envolved in tornados

Give thanks to our lord for all that you have and the fact that you were not hurt by the terrible weather that others experienced.Please reach out and help those in need especially those that lost everything.Losing things that you have had all your life  such as pictures and momentos is so heartbreaking.                          THANKS SO MUCH MAGGIE

waffles with ham and eggs

Waffles with Ham and Egg

270 calories
11 g fat (3.5 g saturated)
890 mg sodium

Waffle and pancake plates are bad enough at most restaurants and diners, but throw in a side of eggs and breakfast meats and you're bound to start your day with the caloric equivalent of a triple cheeseburger. We've made our own version of Denny's superpopular (and supercaloric) Slam by building an open-faced sandwich with a toasted waffle. The ingredients may sound like a strange combination, but the flavors are nicely balanced, the portion size is perfect, and the nutritional profile is just what you want for the most important meal of the day.

You'll Need:
4 thick slices Canadian bacon or deli ham
4 eggs
4 frozen wholegrain waffles
2 Tbsp maple syrup
4 Tbsp shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Parsley (optional)

How to Make It:
* Heat a nonstick skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Coat with a bit of olive oil cooking spray and cook the Canadian bacon for a few minutes on each side, until well browned. Remove. Coat the same pan with a bit more spray and cook the eggs (2 at a time, if you must; avoid overcrowding the pan) sunny side up until the whites have set but the yolks are still runny.

* In the meantime, toast the waffles. Top each toasted waffle with a slice of meat, a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of Cheddar, and the warm fried eggs. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with parsley (if using).

chicken and sausage gumbo

ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cooking oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• 1/2 cup chopped green or red sweet pepper (1 small)
• 1/2 cup sliced celery (I stalk)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 14-ounce can beef broth
• 1 10-ounce package frozen cut okra* or cut green beans
• 1-1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 8 ounces cooked smoked sausage links, sliced
• 3 cups hot cooked long grain or brown rice

directions

1. For roux, in a 3-quart heavy saucepan combine flour and oil until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes more or until the roux is dark reddish brown.
2. Stir in onion, sweet pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in Cajun seasoning. Stir in broth and 3/4 cup water. Add okra. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in chicken and sausage; heat through. To serve, ladle gumbo into bowls with rice. If desired, top each serving with sliced green onion and pass bottled hot pepper sauce. Makes 6 main-dish servings.
3. *Note: If you can't find cut okra, buy whole. Thaw slightly and slice

 

travelers

Ttravlers need to be aware of speed limits and watch for people walking on the roadway.Accidents happen so quickly all it takes is for someone to take therre attention of the road for a second.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Back the 4th^TM

Nothing says "Fourth of July" like a parade through town square, fireworks or a ceremony to thank our veterans.
But in recent years, many U.S. towns have had to cancel or scale back their July 4th events, when funding ran short. We'd like to help!
From May 4th through June 14th, 2011, Liberty Mutual Insurance is hosting Bring Back the 4th™ an online contest allowing cities and towns across America to compete for one of ten $10,000 grants to support their official 4th of July celebrations.
Want to help your town win? Click on the above box to take a brief quiz on "Responsible Moments in U.S. History." The quiz features eight questions about Americans who helped shape our nation and inspire others, from historical icons to everyday people with big contributions.
Each completed quiz counts as one credit towards your town. The 10 U.S. towns with the highest level of quiz participation among their residents will be eligible to win grants, divided by small (4 grants), medium (3 grants) and large (3 grants) towns. Please click here to obtain the official contest rules.
Winners will be notified and announced during the week of June 20th. Good luck and don't forget to check out our Bring Back the 4th™ Town Toolkit, to help spread the word!

---

Can't find what you need on this page? Contact us at BBT4@LibertyMutual.com.

dreambaby swing close gate

Keeping baby safe is so much easier when using a gate in dangerous areas of your home.

creamy coleslaw low sodium

INGREDIENTS

1/2	cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4	cup fat-free mayonnaise or salad dressing
1	tablespoon sugar
2	teaspoons lemon juice
2	teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2	teaspoon celery seed
1/4	teaspoon pepper
1/2	medium head cabbage, finely shredded or chopped (4 cups)
1	small carrot, shredded (1/2 cup)
1	small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

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1. 1 Mix all ingredients except cabbage, carrot and onion in large glass or plastic bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss until evenly coated.
2. 2 Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors. Cover and refrigerate any remaining salad

smoothies

INGREDIENTS

1	container (6 oz) Yoplait® Original 99% Fat Free French vanilla yogurt
1 1/2	cups soymilk
1	cup unsweetened frozen or fresh raspberries
1	medium banana, sliced (1 cup)

1. 1 Place ingredients in blender or food processor. Cover; blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth.
2. 2 Pour into 2 glasses. Serve immediately

SAFE HOLIDAY

STAY ELERT TO THINGS AROUND YOU. IF YOU ARE DRIVING MAINTAIN SPEED LIMIT.BE AWARE OFWHAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE DOING. ATTENDING A PARADE ENJOY.BEST OF ALL MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY.

quick bake breakfast

2	packages (12 oz each) bulk pork sausage
1	medium bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1	medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
3	cups frozen hash brown potatoes
2	cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1	cup Original Bisquick® mix
2	cups milk
1/4	teaspoon pepper
4	eggs

1. 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Grease rectangular baking dish, 13x9x2 inches. Cook sausage, bell pepper and onion in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Stir together sausage mixture, potatoes and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese in baking dish.
2. 2 Stir Bisquick mix, milk, pepper and eggs until blended. Pour into baking dish.
3. 3 Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or just until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes.

Expert Tips

If you'd rather make a smaller recipe using a 9-inch pie plate, cut all ingredient amounts in half and bake 30 to 35 minutes.

strawberry shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

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• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Strawberries and whipping cream:

• 3 baskets of fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Whipping cream
• Vanilla

Method

Remove the stems from the strawberries. Slice into thin (1/4" to 1/8") slices. Put into a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of sugar (depending on how sweet the strawberries are to begin with) and mix into the strawberries. Set aside at room temperature to macerate (which means that the sugar will soften the strawberries and help release their juices).
After the strawberries have been sitting for 20 minutes or so, take a potato masher and mash them a little. Not too much, just enough to get more juice out of them.
Whip the cream, adding a drop or two of vanilla and a teaspoon of sugar.
To serve, break up one biscuit per person into big pieces into a bowl. Ladle strawberries over the biscuit. Add a dolop of whipped cream.

Biscuits from scratch

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 12 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Toss with a fork to combine. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or a fork until the largest pieces of butter are the size of peas. (Or pulse several times in a food processor.) Combine the cream and vanilla in a liquid measure. Make a well in the center of the flour and and pour the cream mixture into the well. Mix with a fork until the dough is evenly moistened and just combined; it should look shaggy and still feel a little dry. Gently knead by hand five or six times to create a loose ball.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and pat it into an 8-inch square, 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment or silpat, cover with plastic and chill for 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Heat the oven to 425ºF. Remove the dough from refrigerator. Cut the dough into 9 even squares and spread them about 2 inches apart from each other on the baking sheet. Bake until the biscuits are medium golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
Makes 9 biscuits. (Adapted from Fine Cooking Magazine, July 2003)

Bisquick biscuits:

• 2 1/3 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 3 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 Tbsp sugar

The strawberry shortcake biscuit recipe used to be on the side of the Bisquick box. For some unfathomable reason, the company has started to print the recipe on the inside of the box. Talk about not understanding your customers! If you can't find the recipe, here it is:
Heat oven to 425°F. Stir baking mix, melted butter, milk, and 3 Tbsp of sugar in a mixing bowl until soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls on to a greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 6 biscuits