Healthy Jambalaya

3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 c. chicken broth (sodium free)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 green pepper seeded, chopped
1 c. white wine
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
1 c. uncooked rice
1/2 c. cooked shrimp
2 tomatoes, diced

Combine broth, onion, celery, pepper, wine, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring often. Remove from heat.
Place rice, chicken, shrimp, and tomato in a large casserole dish. Pour herb mixture into casserole, making sure that all the rice is covered.
Cover and bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn off oven, but leave casserole dish in for an additional 15 minutes.

Egg Whites Whipping Stages

Frothy
Large, uneven air bubbles

Begins to Hold Shape
Air bubbles are fine and compact (color is now white)

Soft Peak
Tips of peaks fall over as wire mixing whip is removed.

Almost Stiff
Sharp peaks from where the wire mixing whip is removed, but whites are actually soft.

Stiff, But Not Dry
Sharp, stiff peaks form when wire mixing whip is removed. Whites are uniform in color and glisten.

Stiff and Dry
Sharp, stiff peaks form when wire mixing whip is removed. Whites are speckled and dull in appearance.

Tip:
Make sure eggs are room temperature. Also, ensure that the mixing bowl is clean and dry.

Berry Bliss Cake

1 3.4 oz pkg. instant vanilla pudding
3/4 cup cold milk
1 1/2 thawed whipped topping, divided
2 cups mixed raspberries and sliced strawberries
1/4 cup blackberries
1 10.75 oz pkg. frozen pound cake, cut into 3 layers
1/4 cup orange juice

Beat pudding mix and milk with whisk for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup whipped toppings. Combine berries; reserve 1/2 cup.

Brush cake layers with orange juice; stack on a cake plate, filling each layer with half each of the remaining berries and pudding mixture. Top with remaining berries and whipped topping.

Refrigerate for 4 hours prior to serving.

Makes: 8 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours to refrigerate)

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Fruit and Almond Salad

1 5 oz pkg. salad greens
1 11 oz can mandarin oranges
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing

Combine first 5 ingredients in large salad bowl.

Drizzle with dressing prior to serving.

Makes: 4 Servings (1 1/2 cup each)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

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BBQ Chicken Wraps

1 large green pepper, cut into strips
1 large red pepper, cut into strips
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
4 10 in. whole wheat tortillas, warmed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook, stirring often, peppers and onions in large nonstick pan on medium high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add chicken; cook an additional 3-4 minutes is cooked through stirring often. Stir in BBQ sauce; cook an additional 3 minutes or until chicken is done.

Spoon chicken mixture into tortillas. Top with cheese. Roll up and cut in half.

Makes: 4 servings (2 halves each)

Prep Time: 15 (plus 10 minutes to cook)

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Simple Dessert Tray

So, it is your job to bring a desert. Do you take an unhealthy baked item or a healthy fruit alternative? This can be a difficult decision.

But there is a solution....

On a platter, arrange

Strawberries
Oreo Cookies

around a bowl of

Cool Whip.

That's it!

Perfect for church dinners or home parties when you are pressed for time.

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Cheese Dogs in a Blanket

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
4 beef franks
4 cheese slices

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Unroll crescent roll dough; separate into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise.
Cut franks lengthwise in half. Then cut in half crosswise.
Cut each slice of cheese into 4 strips.
Place 1 frank piece and 1 cheese strip at short side of each dough triangle; Roll up.
Place seam-sides down on baking sheet.
Bake 10-13 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 8 Servings (2 each)

Prep Time: 10 minutes (23-25 minutes including cook time)

Serving Suggestions:

Serve on platter with ketchup, mustard and veggies on the side.

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