Sweet-and-Spicy Vegetable Pasta

Serves 4.

10 to 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
1/4 C apple juice OR chicken broth
1 C chopped onion
4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 C grated carrots
1 1/2 C broccoli florets
1 T minced fresh chives
1/2 C plain nonfat yogurt
2 T grated Parmesan
1/3 C part-skim ricotta
1/2 C nonfat sour cream
1/3 C stone-ground mustard
1 t honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain well.

While pasta is cooking, lightly oil large nonstick skillet and set over medium-high heat. When skillet is hot, add juice or broth, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper, carrots, broccoli and chives. Cook, stirring, until just tender, about 5 minutes.

While vegetables are cooking, combine yogurt, cheeses, sour cream, mustard and honey in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with vegetables and pasta. Serve immediately.

Good Fat Dressing

Makes 1 1/4 Cups

This zingy dressing makes enough for several salads. Try it in bean-and-vegetable combos or drizzle it over mixed green salads. Use a glass canning jar marked in 1-oz increments both to measure ingredients (2 T equals 1 oz) and to store leftovers.

1/2 C balsamic vinegar
1/4 C olive oil
1/4 C canola oil
2 T coarse-grained mustard
1 T pure maple syrup OR 1/2 t sugar
2 t dried basil
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In glass jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients and shake to blend. Store in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and shake well before using.

Shrimp and White-Bean Salad

Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Serves 4

4 ounces bacon
1 pound medium shrimp
Salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon grainy mustard
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
8 ounces salad greens
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1. Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces; peel and de-vein shrimp. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden. Add shrimp, and season with salt and pepper; cook until opaque, 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together marjoram, oil, vinegar, and mustard; season with salt and pepper.

3. Add cannellini beans and salad greens to shrimp; toss with vinaigrette, as desired.

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