Dairy
Mango-Strawberry Smoothie
Smoothies are superb served with pizza meals. Try this or any of the other smoothies in this chapter the next time you make pizza. I’ve suggested these smoothies as part of some of the menus in Chapter Six, A Flash in the (Pizza) Pan.
Mango and Banana or Pear Smoothie
Some days, I need little more than this or the following refreshing smoothie for lunch. My younger son wanted readers to know that he came up with the mango and pear combination at the age of seven. It’s unbelievably good—thanks, Evan!
Pineapple-Orange Ambrosia
This recipe will perk up your taste buds during winter’s long fruit drought.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Making parfaits is easy, and they are such a healthful, elegant dessert or snack. Make sure to use lush, ripe fruit and a good, creamy low-fat yogurt. I prefer vanilla, but if you’d like, experiment with lemon- or orange-flavored yogurts. I also like to use two different fruits for the visual appeal, but if you’d like to stick with one, that works as well. Try your own fruit combinations in addition to the ones given here.
Tropical Fruit Medley
This sunny combination of fruits will ease the monotony of winter’s limited fresh fruit choices.
Hot Bean Dip
This spicy dip makes a filling snack for a crowd. Serve with stone-ground tortilla chips.
Dilled Yogurt-Tahini Dip or Dressing
Use this as a dip for vegetables or small crackers or as a dressing for salads or pita sandwiches.
Light Cheese Dip
Here’s a dip that could inspire your family to eat more raw vegetables. It’s great for informal gatherings and cold buffets, too. Serve this with an array of colorful vegetables, including broccoli florets, baby carrots, red bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Yogurt “Tartar Sauce” or Dip
This is especially good as a sauce for Shake-and-Bake Tofu (page 138). You can also use it as a sauce or spread with veggie burgers, or try it as a dip for crisp raw vegetables.
Roasted Eggplant and Yogurt Dip
Smoky roasted eggplant is tempered by yogurt in this Middle-Eastern-inspired dip. This is good for spreading on fresh bread as well as scooping up on pita.
Spinach and Yogurt Dip
Here’s a nourishing dip for whole-grain crackers or pita bread.
Dilled Spinach and Feta Frittata
The addition of feta cheese gives this frittata a rich, pungent flavor.
Green Vegetable Frittata Parmesan
Here’s a super way to use up leftover cooked green vegetables.
Spinach or Swiss Chard Frittata Parmesan
This is good with either of these greens, but try it in late summer or early fall when gardens are overflowing with Swiss chard.
Corn Frittata Parmesan
This is good at room temperature as well as warm. Try it out on kids; leftovers are good to pack in brown-bag lunches.
Zucchini and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The pleasant bite of goat cheese contrasts deliciously with the smooth sweetness of potatoes.
Spinach and Feta-Stuffed Potatoes
This recipe gives potatoes a Greek-flavored spin. It’s delicious with Warm or Cold Tomato and White Bean Soup (page 15).
Broccoli and Cheddar-Stuffed Potatoes
This is a great main dish for kids and teens who have a taste for broccoli. This one’s a family favorite, because we all like broccoli so much. For an easy meal, serve with tossed salad and corn on the cob.
Mushroom-Stuffed Potatoes
A small amount of light cream cheese gives these stuffed potatoes a rich flavor. Serve them with a big tossed salad with chickpeas or black-eyed peas, and some steamed green beans or asparagus.
Southeast Asian-Style Spicy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are generally comforting, but this version gives your taste buds a wake-up call. Serve with Sautéed Tempeh Cutlets (page 146) and a tossed salad.