Winter is almost here and the days are getting colder. Bundling up with coats and sweaters will keep you warm on the outside, while chowing down on fruits and vegetables will build you up from the inside! Start warming up by adding some tasty "ABC's" to your meals and snacks.

• A for Apples
• B for Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and Beets
• C for Carrots

These fruits and veggies build your immune system and help keep away nasty winter colds and flu. They are loaded with vitamins A, B and C, antioxidants and dietary fiber to help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. 

Now that you know why the ABC's are good for you, here are 3 delicious tips on how to eat them.

     1. Great snacks by themselves.

• Try raw broccoli, green or yellow beans, carrots or sliced apples dipped in hummus or salsa. Broccoli stems peeled and cut into sticks are crunchy and tasty.
  • Slice apples and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. They're SCRUMP-DELI-UMPTIOUS, good for lowering blood pressure and a lot healthier than potato chips.

2. Add flavor to existing recipes.

• The ABC's can be added to almost any recipe to brighten up an old favorite or create something new. They are delicious companions for anything you prepare.

  • Slip veggies into soups or stews for a richer taste. 
  • Liven up your stir-fry with crunch and color by adding green beans or beets and carrots cut in small sticks. Sliced apples add sweetness.

      3. Roast 'em if you got 'em.

• Roasting adds flavor without extra fat or grease.
  • Cut brussel sprouts in half or quarters and place on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle them with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turning once at 10 minutes. Yum!

Warm up this winter with the ABC's. Be creative and you're sure to discover flavorful combinations that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. ABC, easy as 123!

ABC Juice Drinks

Recipe

Beet, Carrot & Apple

A refreshing combo for afternoon pick-me-up or fast breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 3 beets, peeled & cut in 1" pieces
• 2 large carrots, peeled & cut in 1" pieces
• 1 apple (Granny Smith for tart; Gala or Honey Crisp for sweeter) cut in small chunks
• 6" of fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
• 1 ½  tbsp lemon juice

Preparation:

• Put beets, carrots, apple & ginger in blender until smooth.
• Stir in lemon juice. (Add a couple of ice cubes for colder drink)

Green Goddess

A healthy juice in a hurry.

Ingredients:

• 3 carrots, peeled & cut in small piece
• 1 apple, peeled & thinly sliced.
• 3-4 broccoli florets, chopped

Preparation:

• First, blend carrots & apple till smooth.
• Then add broccoli & blend again

"Souping Up" Soup

Tips

• Brighten up rice with small bits of carrots, broccoli or green beans. Add them raw for crunch or cook them in the rice for the last 5 minutes if you want softer veggies.
   

• Liven up soups & stews. Some veggies are harder than others & take longer to cook. When using them in stews & soups, add them at different times depending on what you like. 
   
• Add harder veggies like beets & carrots to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cook time or cook them ahead separately.
   
• Add softer veggies like Broccoli, green beans & apples to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cook time so they keep their texture.
   
• Keep carrot sticks in a glass of water in the fridge for a quick & crisp snack.
   
• Veggies love herbs. For carrots use dill; for green greens use tarragon. Broccoli blossoms taste great with a splash of lemon juice. Beets and red onions like a dash of vinegar

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