MERRY CHRISTMAS

          My gift to you, a savory dip that won't pack on the pounds this holiday season.  This recipe was a favorite with readers of my book, Eat All Day - Drink All Day.  It's super easy and make-ahead and yummy.

 HOT CHEESY BEAN DIP

1 can (15.5 oz.) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 c. salsa (hot, medium or mild - your choice)
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles
1/2 t. chili powder
1/2 t. cumin
i T. water
1/4 c. shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese

               Put it all in the blender except for the cheese and blend until smooth.  Refrigerate until ready to serve, then nuke for 1-1/2 minutes on high; stir and nuke another 30 seconds or until hot.  Stir in cheese and serve with fresh veggies or tortilla chips.

               Makes 1-1/2 cups at 24 calories per tablespoon.

COOL DOWN WITH LEMONADE

Summer heat got you down?  There's nothing like the tangy, sweet taste of lemonade.  Following is the lo-cal recipe for lemonade from my book, Eat All Day - Drink All Day, the Never-Hungry way to get slim and stay slim.

 http://tinyurl.com/d3ylmlw

                                                 DRINK ALL DAY LEMONADE


Fill a tall glass with water, add 2-3 T. fresh lemon juice (depending on your love for tartness) and 1 packet stevia powder.  Stir it up, add ice and enjoy all you want for about 2 calories per glass.
   

                                                  
Since, as you all know, I am unable to leave well enough alone, here are a few suggestions for additions to the basic recipe.  Choose your favorites, or combine 2 or 3.


ADD A BERRY OR TWO: Mash up some raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc. and stir in (mash 'em through a strainer if seeds get stuck in your teeth).


POMEGRANATE JUICE:  Stir in 2-3 ounces.  Full of polyphenols and good for you.


MANGO: Pop some fresh mango into a blender with your lemonade.  Yum


PINEAPPLE OR ORANGE JUICE:  Or both, your choice.


FRESH LIMEADE: Substitute limes for lemons.  All the above additions are equally delicious.


PARTY - PARTY!:  Finally, all of the above are super good (although not as healthy) with a shot of vodka.  Great for pool-side get-togethers, but take it easy, they might sneak up on you.

"I Lost It" again

Some of our readers have requested a repeat of the "I Lost It" article about Doris in the Tampa Tribune, so we are including a link here. 


Thanks to you all for your interest.http://www2.tbo.com/lifestyles/health-4-you/2011/sep/15/i-lost-it-i-decided-i-could-do-better-on-my-own-ar-257122/