Food for Thought – March 12, 2013

March has certainly come in like a lion.  What did you think of the beautiful white snow?  That cold, breezy weather is just right for soup.

The following chili recipe is from Dawn Forsberg of St. Joseph, MO.  She says it is low in fat and full of flavor.

One-Pot Chili

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1 tsp olive oil

2 cups water

1 can (14-1/2 oz) reduced sodium beef broth

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, undrained

1 can (8 oz) no-salt-added tomato sauce

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried oregano

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

1) In large saucepan coated with cooking spray, cook turkey, onion and pepper in olive oil over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

2) Stir in water, beans, broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce and spices.  Bring to boil.  Add pasta; cook 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.  Serve with sour cream; sprinkle with cilantro.

Yield: 6 servings of 384 calories each

Note: Reheats in microwave perfectly.

With some hot rolls and the following coleslaw from Renee Endress of Galva, IL, this is a great meal for a cold day.

Makeover Creamy Coleslaw

2 pkgs (14 oz each) coleslaw mix

3/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise

1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/3 cup sugar

3/4 tsp seasoned salt

1/3 tsp celery seed

1/2 tsp ground mustard

1) Place coleslaw mix in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Pour over coleslaw mix and toss to coat.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Yield: 8 servings of 3/4 cup = 85 calories.

Refrigerate leftovers.

This last thought from Beverly Jo Anderson.

To A Redbird

I think that I shall never see

A lovelier sight, redbird, than thee.

Your crimson beauty mid the snow

Just fills my heart to overflow.

You glitter like a jewel most fair

As sunlight strikes you perching there

Your picture framed in filigree

By Jack Frost’s magical design –

A living painting that is mine.

For one brief moment, then you’re gone,

But your beauty lingers on and on.

Please send your recipes or recipe requests to: The Vista, 5413 Peavine Road, Crossville, TN 38571 or email to: [email protected].

Until next time,

Ellie