I am pleased to announce that we are getting very close to launching our new Quick & Easy Author e-book project!  Read more about the project on the “Works in Progress” page, or post a comment on this blog entry to subscribe to the Quick & Easy Author updates list.  Subscribers will also get a special introductory discount once the program launches (tentatively set for mid to late September 2010).

This delicious recipe ALMOST tastes just like the real thing, but has less calories and is super easy to make at home.  Try your hand at this refreshing summer treat today!

Ingredients:

6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup skim milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar substitute (Splenda or Truvia are my faves)
1 tsp vanilla extract
9 large ice cubes

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender (ice on top) and blend on high (use liquefy or ice crush setting) until you reach your favorite consistency, then serve and enjoy!

Want something hearty, warm, delicious, and easy to make?  Try this great vegetarian chili recipe tonight and take the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp seasoning salt (Johnny’s, McCormick’s, or make your own!)
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 4 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients except cheese in a sauce pot and stir well
2. Heat until nice and warm (about 10 minutes on medium heat)
3. Pour into 4 bowls
4. Top each bowl with 1/4 cup shredded chedddar cheese
5. Eat and enjoy!

Hummus is a great partner to crackers, chips, pita, veggies, or bread, and it is so healthy and delicious!  Try this great black bean hummus tonight with multi grain crackers or sliced veggies:

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans; drain and reserve liquid
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini*
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 10 Greek olives

 *You can purchase tahini in most world market type stores or middle eastern stores, in the health food/organic section of some major grocers, or you acan make your own by soaking sesame seeds in water for one day, the crushing them to separate the bran from the kernels.  Put the crushed seeds into salted water.  The bran sinks and ther kernels float.  Skim the kernels off the top, toast them, then grind them up (like making peanut butter, but with sesame seeds). 

Directions:

1. Mince garlic in the bowl of a food processor
2. Add black beans, 2 tablespoons reserved liquid, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, tahini, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed
4. Add additional seasoning and liquid to taste
5. Garnish with paprika and Greek olives

Mango season is upon us, and the best news is that not only are mangos delicious, they are a true super food!  Mangos:

• Have a tremendous cancer fighting capability
• Help digest protein
• Are an in vitro anti-viral
• Are a good source of vitamin C and flavonoids

Mango has meat tenderizing enzymes in it, thereby making it great for chutney (only in its raw form).  So, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to make sure you always have mangoes around the house!!!

Need a quick and tasty side dish for your favorite grilled meal?  Try these simple and delicious mushroom packets!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• Salt (to taste)
• 3 pats butter

Directions:

1. Cut 3 generous squares of aluminum foil
2. Place 1 cup of mushrooms on each foil square
3. Sprinkle salt over mushrooms (to taste)
4. Place 1 tsp. minced garlic over each portion of mushrooms
5. Place 1 pat butter on top of each portion of mushrooms
6. Fold foil into packets around the mushrooms (make sure they are sealed well)
7. Grill packets (over medium/high heat) for 10 minutes, turning once
8. Serve alongside your main dish and enjoy! 

*Caution – be careful opening the packets as the butter creates steam that gets very hot!

I admit, at first I was a little intimidated by these tiny little creatures, but I made them last night and they were FABULOUS!  Just as simple as chicken, these made the perfect dinner, not to mention they are delicious and easy! 

Ingredients:

• 3 Rock Cornish Game Hens
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• 3 Shallots
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 3 Sprigs Rosemary
• 3 Pats Butter
• 1/2 cup butter

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Skin hens (optional)
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper over hens (to taste)
4. Place skinned hens breast side up in a baking dish
5. Place 1 pat butter inside each hen cavity
6. Place 1 sprig rosemary inside each hen cavity
7. Place 1 garlic clove (crushed) into each hen cavity
8. Place 1 minced shallot inside each hen cavity
9. Bake for 1 hour
10. Remove from oven and baste with 1/2 cup melted butter
11. Bake another 15-20 minutes (until internal temp reaches 180 degrees)
12. Serve with a veggie side dish and enjoy!

Looking for something fun to do in Portland, Oregon this summer?  Try one of these great activities:

PDX Bridge Festival (7/24 – 8/7):  www.pdxbridgefestival.org

2nd Annual Forest Grove “UnCorked” Event (21 & over only) (8/21):  4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Main Street between Pacific and 21st Avenue in Forest Grove, Oregon.  For more info call 503-359-1967

Chamber Music NW’s 40th Annual Summer Fesitival:  http://www.travelportland.com/event_calendar/?EventID=9229

Einstein:  The World Through His Eyes (through 9/26):  www.omsi.edu

Looking for coupons, deals, and discounts online?  Try these great websites:

www.deals.com

www.slickdeals.net

www.dealnews.com

www.deals.yahoo.com

www.marketplace.mastercard.com

Need a pick me up or a quick snack on the go?  Kids tired of the same old snacks?  Try this quick and easy snack mix idea they (and you) are sure to love:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup air popped popcorn (I use 94% fat free microwave bags)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup peanut butter or caramel chips
• 1 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds are your healthiest choices)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a large bowl or freezer bag, shake or stir to evenly mix, then serve and enjoy!

Tip:  Double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe and place in single serving (1 cup per serving) bags or containers for a weeks worth of prepared snacks!