In The News and 7 Layer Salads Get a Makeover

The World According to Bella
Check out my latest story from WWN Too Close For Comfort
 

http://www.wwnrockport.com/2014/09/the-world-according-to-bella-too-close.html
and even Mrs. S got to be in the news for her recipe Minestrone Soup in the WWN

http://www.wwnrockport.com/2014/09/recipe-minestrone-soup-by-sue-ready.html
and Seasonal Plate (Pilot Independent)

Cornbread Shortcakes with Grilled Ham and Fresh Peach-Blueberry-Cantaloupe Salsa

 http://www.walkermn.com/health/homelife/the-seasonal-plate/article_972062d6-2fb8-11e4-8825-0019bb2963f4.html
Love, Bella

____________________________________________________

Compote is a bowl of glass, porcelain, or metal usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served.

I have found many uses for this compote dish such as a trifle dessert and a variety of 7 layer salads.  Mason jars work just as as well.

The past few years with people trying to eat healthier, 7 layer salads have gotten a bad rap due to the high caloric dressing on top. A recent article in Star Tribune gave the 7 layer salad a total makeover with an effort to lower the calorie content.  

Consider the following recipe ideas for your next gathering.  

7 Layer Fruit Salad 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced watermelon
• 2 cups cantaloupe
• 2 cups green grapes 
• 2 cups strawberries
• 2 cups peaches
• 2 cups blueberries 
• 2 cups honey dew melon

topping lime dressing-whisk together 

• 3/4 cup reduced-fat or no-fat mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated lime peel

Layered Veggie Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz. ) package of cheese tortellini,cooked and drained
• 2 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 (2.4 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 cup  diced green onions 
• 1 cup shredded low fat Colby Jack cheese or 2 cups cubed Mozzarella cheese 

topping Parmesan Cheese-whisk to combine

• 3/4 cup reduced fat or no-fat mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 3 TB. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 TB. lemon juice
• 2 TB low fat cream
• 1/2-1 tsp.dried thyme

Healthy 7 Layer Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 box of Jiffy cornbread
• 2 cups of chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 can of black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 can of corn drained
• 1 orange bell pepper diced
• 1 cup tomatoes diced
• 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 stalks chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

• Cook the Jiffy cornbread according to box directions. Set aside and let cool. Cut cornbread in cubes. Layer the bottom of a dish (a trifle bowl is preferable) with the ed cornbread cubes or crumbs.
• Add half of the romaine lettuce on top of the cornbread for the second layer.
• Next, add half of the black beans.
• On top of the beans, add half of the corn.
• After the corn, pile on half of the bell peppers.
• Following the bell peppers, sprinkle half of the tomatoes on top.
• Toss half of the cheddar cheese on top of the tomato layer.
• Drizzle half of the dressing onto the salad.
• Repeat steps 2 through 8.
• Finally, place the green onions on top of the salad and enjoy!

Avocado Dressing-use a blender to combine ingredients

• 1 avocado diced
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 TB. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. honey