PICNICS IN THE PARK AT LAST
Summer is arriving and it’s time to get outside. Go for a picnic with friends or neighbors. Skip the bottled drinks and packaged snacks and try some of these foods that can help get your health back on track. Plus, they won’t hurt your budget.
Snacks for munching: Crunch that gives you vitamin A, for good eyesight, Vitamin B, which helps the body convert food into energy, and Vitamin K that will help any wound heal faster, plus healthy fiber instead of empty fat calories.
Cut up carrots and celery. Bring along some peanut butter or hummus for dipping. All pack easily in plastic bags.
Munch on nuts like almonds, walnuts and pecans, which are especially good for the heart because of their Omega-3 content.
Prepare Wraps for more taste, fewer calories, and easier carrying
Thin Tortillas make it easier to eat, and are better for you
5 green tomatillos, medium size
4 Serrano peppers (add more for a spicier sauce)
1/2 Cup water
4 Tbsp. Cilantro
Salt
To Make:
Mix together all the ingredients and spread a thin layer on the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly. For easier nibbling, cut the rolls into 2 inches. Got children? Peanut butter and jelly wrap-ups are everyone’s favorite.
Feast and Enjoy! Happy, SAFE Summer!
RECIPE: Mexican Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces whole-wheat or regular fusilli about 3 cups or rotini or elbow macaroni
1 cup of grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in halves
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed
1/2 cup corn, fresh, frozen (thawed) or canned
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing: Blend ingredients together until smooth.
1/2 ripe avocado
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 small clove garlic, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin
PREPARATION:
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water & drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in tomatoes, beans, corn, cheddar, onion and cilantro. Add anything else you like. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
IN A HURRY? Try Creamy Italian or Ranch dressing.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving. Pack dressing and salad separately for a picnic.
TIPS: Satisfy your Thirst
MAKE YOUR OWN REFRESHING DRINKS.
Lemonade: Mix 3 cups water with 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled) with ¼ to 1/3 cup sugar. Pour into water bottle and chill.
Flavor Your Water: Sometimes plain water is boring. Adding flavor that you like is simple. Just mash a bit of fruit in a quart of water; any fruit except bananas. Use club soda instead of plain water for extra refreshment.
TRY
1/2 cucumber, 1/2 a lime and 1/4 cup mint leaves for a refreshing difference or just one of each
1/2 cup pineapple & 1/2 orange
1/2 cup strawberry or blackberries
Or mash in your favorite herb
Remember: If you are freezing your beverage, leave at least 3 inches of space between the cap and the liquid.
Relax and Refresh Yourself!