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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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:

Cut 3 generous squares of aluminum foil
Place 1 cup of mushrooms on each foil square
Sprinkle salt over mushrooms (to taste)
Place 1 tsp. minced garlic over each portion [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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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, [...]