Spring Fling Cooler ™

What a better way to celebrate a new season with a refreshing smoothie. This recipe is from a nephew.


I've used reduced fat milk , but you can also make this vegan by using dairy free milk and vegan ice cream. You can even try this recipe with frozen yogurt too. 


You can adjust the amount the ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!


1/2 c each sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen), orange juice, milk 
1/2 - 1 c strawberry ice cream
1 banana sliced


Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend well for 15 - 30 seconds.


Serves 2

Simple Simon Salmon ™

 This is a very easy recipe that is perfect for Lent or anytime of the year. 


1.5 - 2  lb salmon fillet
1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 - 1 tsp each:  dried parsley, dried or fresh dill (to taste)
1 clove chopped garlic, crushed
juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 - 3  T approx.  butter (cut into pieces)
Nonstick cooking spray

Preheat broiler.

Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.


Place salmon fillet on cookie sheet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, parsley, dill, garlic, butter pieces and lemon zest evenly over fillet. Squeeze lemon evenly over salmon.


Place salmon in broiler and broil on high for 12- 15 min. or until flaky. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Cut fillet into 4 - 6 serving pieces.


Serves 4 - 6.  

Please Eat Your Vegetables Soup ™

Nothing is more satisfying on a late Winters day than a hearty bowl of soup. This is a very easy recipe for vegetable soup.


 I've used inexpensive stewing beef and low sodium beef broth. You can use leftovers as well.  You can even make this soup with chicken or even vegetarian if you wish.


8 c low sodium broth (I've used beef broth) 
2 c  meat (cut into chunks)
4 c mixed vegetables (canned or frozen)
1 c chopped celery
1 can diced tomatoes
1 c chopped onions
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
pinch of salt (optional)


In a large pot combine: broth, meat, veggies, celery, tomatoes, onions,. pepper and salt. Bring to a boil for 10-15 min. Reduce heat and let simmer for 1- 2 hours, stirring occasionally.


Serves 8.

Easy Chili ™

This basic and easy recipe is perfect for a cold day or anytime.


I've used ground round, but you can easily make this vegetarian if desired. 

I've used olive oil, but you can use nonstick cooking spray in a pinch if needed.

You can also adjust the degree of heat according to preference. 

1 lb. lean ground beef (ground round)
1 - 2 cans each: kidney beans drained,
diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1/4 tsp each: black pepper, chili powder
1/8 tsp each: salt, red pepper flakes (optional)
1 onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed, chopped
1 - 2 T. olive oil

Peel, rinse, chop onion.

Rinse, seed and chop pepper.

Preheat a medium sized pot over medium high heat.

Lower heat to medium and add oil.

Add onions, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic and meat. 

Brown for 8 to 10 min. Drain well in strainer. 

Return beef mixture to the pot.

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, bell peppers, red pepper flakes.

Cook for 15 min or until well heated, stirring occasionally. 

Serves 6 - 8.

Special Request Pork Chops ™

By request here is a very easy recipe for pork chops. I used lean boneless pork loin but this should work with any kind of pork chop.


4 boneless pork loin chops
1- 2 T oil (olive or canola)
1 T low sodium soy sauce
Juice of 1 orange
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp salt (optional)


Cut one orange in half. 


Heat skillet to medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add oil. Add pork chops. Salt and pepper chops on both sides. Pour soy sauce over chops. Squeeze orange juice over chops. Cook chops on one side for 8-10 min or until done.  Turn over and squeeze remaining orange over chops. Repeat cooking process for 8-10 min or until done. 


Let pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.


Serves 4.

Asian Inspiration Chicken ™

This is a great dish to start the new year off healthy. I've used boneless chicken breast, but you can use chicken thighs as well.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: ground black pepper, diced fresh ginger

1/8 tsp salt (optional)

2 tsp low sodium soy sauce

1 orange, juiced,  zested

1- 2 T olive oil (enough to coat bottom of pan)


In a shallow bowl combine: chicken breast, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, salt, pepper and ginger. Let marinate for several hours.


Heat skillet over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add oil. Add chicken, marinade  and cook for 10 min. Flip chicken over on other side and cook for 10 min or until done.


Serves 4. 

You Deserve A Coffee Break Today Cooler ™

Love coffee drinks? This is an easy recipe that was inspired and requested by a neighbor. This is perfect anytime of the year.  


I've used vanilla ice cream. You can adjust the amount of ice cream You can use dairy free milk, dairy free ice cream, if needed. You can even experiment with frozen yogurt, if desired. 


Enjoy!

1 cup (8 oz) black coffee (regular or decaf)

1/2 c skim milk

3-5 ice cubes

1- 2 scoops ice cream 

2-3 T chocolate syrup

Whipped cream (optional)

Brew coffee according to coffee maker instructions.

In a blender combine: coffee, milk, ice cubes, ice cream, 2 T of the chocolate syrup. Blend well for 20-30 seconds. 

Pour cooler into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with remaining syrup and straws.

Serves 2.