Leader Enterprise - July 12, 2017 - Healthy Summertime Eating

Fresh Tomato Pie

I do hope you're having a great summer. It seems to fly by so quickly - maybe because we stay so busy? For many of us, one of the highlights of summer is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.  

Color, color, color is the rule to live by. Health gurus encourage Americans to eat at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The more reds, oranges, greens, blues, and yellows you see on the plate, the more health-promoting properties you are getting. 

Follow this palette of color to better health:

• Reds: Deep reds or bright pinks found in strawberries and cherries add a powerful antioxidant called lycopene to your daily diet. Lycopene also is found in tomatoes, red and pink grapefruit, watermelon, and guava and may reduce the risk of selected cancers, including prostate cancer.
• Greens: Spinach, kale, collards and broccoli have antioxidants that protect eyes and keep retinas strong. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and turnips may reduce the risk of cancerous tumors.
• Blues/Purples: The pigment in plums, eggplant, and blueberries help defend against harmful carcinogens. Blueberries, in particular, are rich in vitamin C and high in fiber and potassium.
• Oranges: Sweet potatoes, mangoes, carrots, and apricots contain beta carotene, an antioxidant that enhances the immune system. The orange group also is rich in vitamins C and E. Folate is a vitamin B that may help prevent some birth defects.
• Yellows: Bright yellows contain many of the same 'perks' as the orange group. Pineapple is rich with vitamin C, manganese, and the natural enzyme bromelain, which aids digestion. Corn, pears, and squash are high in fiber.

This tasty combo is one of my favorite ways to get my vitamins (wink). 

Peach-Blueberry Crisp

PEACH-BLUEBERRY CRISP

3 - 4 peaches, about 1-1/2#, peeled and sliced into wedges

2 c. blueberries, cleaned

1 hp. TB. cornstarch

2 TB. lemon juice

1/3 c. sugar

TOPPING:

2/3 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. old-fashioned oats

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 c. light brown sugar

5 TB. (unsalted) butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 350*. Lightly grease a 2.5 qt. baking dish. In a large bowl, combine peaches, blueberries, cornstarch, lemon juice and sugar; set aside. In small bowl, combine flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; stir in brown sugar, then butter, mixing by hand until blended and crumbly. Spread fruit mixture in prepared baking dish and sprinkle with oatmeal mixture. Bake 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping. Yield: 6 - 7 servings

FRESH TOMATO PIE 

4 medium peeled tomatoes

salt

1 pre-baked pie crust, cooled

chopped onions to taste, optional

1 tsp. dried basil 

(or 8 - 10 fresh leaves, chopped)

3/4 c. mayonnaise

2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/4 c. parmesan cheese

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 - 1 tsp. Frank's hot sauce, optional

fresh ground pepper 

Thinly slice tomatoes then salt them. Place in a strainer or on a cooling rack (I put mine over my sink) to draw out moisture. Preheat oven to 350*. 

In large bowl, combine mayo, mozzarella, parmesan, minced garlic and hot sauce. Stir until well combined. Use paper towels to blot tomatoes to remove the excess moisture. Layer the tomatoes, onions and basil in the pie crust. Spoon the cheese mixture over the top. Top with fresh ground pepper before baking. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. 

I recommend placing the pie on a rimmed baking sheet in case the pie spills over.

“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” 
― Roy T. Bennett,

Flashback Friday - Healthy & Delicious Recipes using Oatmeal

This baked dish has so many options....and it's healthy too.  Don't miss this one!

Simple Baked Oatmeal (Healthy)

Such a tasty way to begin your busy day.  Mix it up the night before...whir
in the morning...Ready, set, go!

Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie


You're sure to love all the options for this cold (or hot) way to start the day. 
Personalize each one for your family's tastes....YUM! 

Overnight No Cook Oatmeal Yogurt Cups


You'll be amazed over these awesome cookies...with
NO REFINED SUGAR OR WHITE FLOUR! YUMMM!!

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

Gooey Grapes & Weekend Potluck #205

  WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!

It's not only so good to have you here...it's great to BE here too!

AND...

When I share something worth sharing...again...

 This tasty snack is healthy, and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week...

but seriously, it won't last that long.  Mixed with cream cheese and sour cream, this dish will surely tickle your taste buds. 

 Gooey Grapes

 

Please be sure to go to the recipe page before pinning...

                       Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice by Mirlandra’s Kitchen

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Seafood Salad by South Your Mouth

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake by Oregon Transplant

And, a personal favorite ~

Hot Chocolate Floaters by Five Heart Home

Your hostesses ~

• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all THREE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
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Patriotic Pound Cake Trifle & Special Pound Cake Recipe

Here's another lovely dessert all dressed up ready to 'salute' America's upcoming birthday! 

The recipe for the pound cake is below...you may prefer using a store-purchased (angel food) cake. Either way, this is a very delicious treat.  Simple enough the kids can help you put it together. 

Just layer pieces of the cake with pudding, Cool Whip, berries and pretty sprinkles. 

I love it in the jars for individual servings too. 

PATRIOTIC POUND CAKE TRIFLE 

2 sm. pkgs. (4-serv. size) instant vanilla, white chocolate or cheesecake pudding (sugar free if desired) 

3-1/2 c. (2%) milk

1/2 c. sour cream, optional

1 loaf-sized pound cake, cut into bite-sized squares

1 lb. strawberries, sliced

2 pints, blueberries, washed 

Set aside a few berries for garnish

2 Tb. (fresh) lemon juice

2 Tb. sugar

1 (8 ozs) Cool Whip topping, thawed

trifle bowl or several small mason jars 

In large bowl, whisk together instant pudding mixes and milk until pudding is thick. Stir in sour cream (just makes it creamier, but is optional) 

Refrigerate for about 10 minutes. 

While you're waiting, place the berries in a large bowl; toss with lemon juice and sugar.  Allow to sit for about 10 minutes. 

When ready to assemble, spoon some pudding into each jar, or lightly cover the bottom of the trifle bowl. Top with a layer of cake pieces, (using about half the amount, in trifle bowl) then layer half the berries with their juice, then half the Cool Whip. Repeat layers once more, finishing off top with Cool Whip. Garnish with a few berries.  Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours until ready to enjoy.  Sprinkle with decorative jimmies just before serving. 

SPECIAL POUND CAKE 

2 sticks real butter (1 cup), room temperature

1 c. sugar

1 Tb. lemon juice (from half a lemon)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 large eggs

2 c. all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

Lightly grease a loaf pan (9″ long x 5″). Set aside. 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice, vanilla and eggs; blending on low at first, then at medium high until smooth and fluffy. Add flour and baking powder, blending just until incorporated. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 80-95 minutes (yes, that's right!) until top is golden or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Rest in pan for 10 minutes; run a knife around edges and flip out of pan onto cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing and enjoying. 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
Full Plate Thursday
Meal Plan Monday

​

Fruited Chicken Salad

I love chicken salad with fruit.  And I discovered there are many variations all over the net. 

This is a simple recipe 'basic' that you can make your own by adding more or less of what you want most. 

I love the crunch of the apples, celery and nuts, and the sweetness the grapes add.You could also add drained pineapple tidbits or mandarin oranges. 

(If making ahead, I suggest adding those ingredients just before serving). 

We gobbled this up right after I made it, along with some bacon flavored ritz crackers.  OH MY!

(Yes, that's a big beautiful FL strawberry...we sure are enjoying them while we're here on vacation)

FRUITED CHICKEN SALAD 

4 medium chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1/2 c. seedless grapes
1/2 c. celery, diced
1/2 apple, cored and diced
1/2 c. (toasted) pecans, chopped
1/2 c. golden raisins (or craisins)
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. honey dijon dressing, or more to taste, optional
(instead of honey dijon, you could add 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice)
fresh ground pepper, to taste

In large bowl, combine chicken and fruit. Add mayo and dijon; stir until blended, adding more mayo according to your preference.  Refrigerate any left overs. 



You might also like to try...

Grandma's Waldorf Salad

Crunchy Chicken Salad with Nuts

Bacon & Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

​

Overnight No-Cook Oatmeal Yogurt Cups

I am so honored and excited to have 3 recipes in a new cookbook. 

"THE GREEK YOGURT DIET", authored by Jo Brielyn & Dr. Sonali Ruder, also author of the blog The Foodie Physician. 

Yes, Sonali is a 'real, live' doctor!  This is a little bit of what she says about herself...

"I'm a board certified Emergency Medicine physician, culinary school graduate, recipe developer and bona fide foodie". She's also had recipes published in several magazines including Taste of Home, Better Homes & Gardens and Everyday with Rachel Ray. 

And to think I have this woman's email address and we have communicated a number of times! 

I KNOW SOMEONE FAMOUS FOR SURE!  =) 

So now she's published this awesome cookbook, full of information about the benefits of Greek yogurt and how it can help bring you to better health. 

On the back cover, it reads 

"The Greek Yogurt Diet is a healthful, scientifically proven high protein, low-carb approach that offers amazing results according to your lifestyle and your eating habits".

I love being able to make something up the night before to enjoy for breakfast in the morning. These were simple to put together..made up in just minutes...and I was very excited because they're so healthy too. 

I'm wild about oatmeal, even chilled, but if you don't like yours chilled, just pop this in the microwave for a minute or so to warm it up...enjoy!

I enjoyed the peach one best - I think it was because I added almond flavoring instead of just vanilla. 

This fabulous recipe was shared by Ann Fulton of Fountain Avenue Kitchen

OVERNIGHT NO-COOK OATMEAL YOGURT CUPS 

1/3 c. (1 oz) old-fashioned oats + 1 tsp. for topping

(I used a 7-grain oatmeal from my bulk food store)

1/3 c. (2-3/4 ozs) (plain/nonfat) Greek yogurt 

(or use flavored if you'd like)

1/3 c. (2-3/4 ozs) milk

(nonfat, 2% or almond, whatever you prefer)

1 tsp. chia seeds

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract or 1/4 tsp. almond extract

2 tsp. maple syrup or sweetener of choice

(I used agave nectar...and used more)

1/2 c. fruit, frozen or fresh *(see note below)

In a 12 - ozs. jelly or Mason jar, add oats, yogurt, milk, chia seeds, extract, and sweetener. Screw lid on tightly and shake well.

Stir in the fruit; mix to distribute throughout the jar.  Sprinkle an extra rounded teaspoon of oats over top and do not stir.

Replace lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In the morning, enjoy straight from the jar!

*Ann's notes: While I vary the fruit, my personal favorite is mostly blueberries with a few chopped strawberries thrown in. Mango, raspberries and peaches are also delicious.  I keep bags of frozen, organic fruit on hand and add while still frozen.  For the larger pieces of fruit, chop before adding.  The fruit can be cut fairly easily while still frozen. 

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My good blogging friend, Amee, of Amee's Savory Dish has a recipe in the book too. She has already shared my recipe for Blueberries & Creme Baked Oatmeal.  Gorgeous photo too! Check it out!! 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
You might also like 

Overnight Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

​

Mango Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie

AAAHHH - love me a fruit smoothie, especially when I can use frozen fruit and add Greek yogurt for protein.

This is a simple and easy recipe - doctor it up any way you choose.  You can add flaxseed meal, chia seeds or coconut oil....make it as healthy as you want. 

This one is just so versatile - I added frozen pineapple as well. 

I saw several variations online and made this my own. 

MANGO STRAWBERRY PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE 

1 c. fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries

1 c. fresh or frozen mango

1/2 c. fresh or frozen pineapple

1/2 c. plain, vanilla or tropical Greek yogurt

1 c. lowfat milk or orange juice 

5 - 6 ice cubes (if using fresh fruit) 

Place everything in the blender; blend on high until smooth & frothy. 

If too thick, just add more juice or lowfat milk. 

Yield: 2 servings 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
GBP Roundup - Fav Fruit Recipes
Meal Plan Monday

​

Healthy Tropical Fruit Smoothies

Always happy to try another smoothie recipe.  I love that they can be whipped up in no time, consumed on the go, and it's a healthy way to begin, or end, the day!

Thanks to Jessica at Oregon Transplant for sharing this with us at a recent Weekend Potluck.  I added a little flax seed meal and some grated carrot also. 

HEALTHY TROPICAL FRUIT SMOOTHIES 

1 cup pineapple, chunked (crushed would work too) 

1 orange, peeled in sections

2 frozen sliced bananas

1 c. orange juice

1 (8 oz) pineapple (or tropical) Greek yogurt 

1 Tb.  coconut oil

2 tsp. flax seed meal, optional

(It helps you stay full longer)

about 1/3 c. grated carrot, optional

Yield: 2 servings 

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth, about a minute. If you want a thinner consistency, you can add more orange juice, milk or water. Pour into 2 glasses, serve immediately.

Linked to Weekend Potluck
                Full Plate Thursday

You might also like this 
Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

or 

Low fat Pina Colada Smoothie {No Sugar Added}

​

Gooey Grapes & Weekend Potluck #94

WELCOME TO OUR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND POTLUCK!! 
(FYI - I will be taking a break from WP next week, as I imagine many of you will be too...but I believe Brandie...The Country Cook...will be carrying on, so be sure to head over there to link up)

AND.....

If you're looking for something a little 'lighter' for the holiday, 

this is just what you've been hoping to find. 

It can be made ahead a few days too. Everyone will love it!  
Cream cheese, sour cream, a little sugar/sweetener/grapes/nuts (optional)! 

Gooey Grapes (Healthy Option)

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

 

Beefy Tomato Macaroni Soup by Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Recipes that caught our attention ~

 

Turkey Crescent Bites by The Kitchen is My Playground

 

Winter Squash Rolls by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos

And, a personal favorite ~

 

Cowboy Cookies by Flavors by Four

Your hostesses ~

• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Meet Penny ~ Tabitha
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video. Please use a direct link within your post.

When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

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