Food for Thought – March 19, 2013

Did you wear your green on St. Patrick’s Day?  ON that day everyone is Irish.  Can you believe it?  Tomorrow is the first day of spring.  The daffodils seem to know it.  They are out in full array.

How about some comfort food?

The following pudding recipe is from Nena Linares of Los Angeles, who says it’s great warm or cold.

Arroz Con Heche (Rice Pudding)

1-1/2 cups water

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice

1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

3 Tbsp raisins

1) In a small saucepan, combine water, rice and cinnamon.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed.

2) Stir in milk and raisins.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until thick and creamy, stirring frequently.  Discard cinnamon.  Serve warm or cold.

Yield: 4 servings

This next recipe is one I’m sure you’ll like.

Fruit Cup with Honey-Lime Syrup

1/3 cup white wine

2 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp honey

2 cups cubed cantaloupe

1 cup green grapes, halved

1 cup red grapes, halved

1) In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring wine, lime juice and honey to boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered until liquid is syrupy and reduced to about 1/4 cup.  Remove from heat; cool completely.

2) In a large bowl, combine fruit.  Drizzle with syrup and gently toss to coat.

Yield: 4 servings of 1 cup each (135 calories).

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1/2 starch

Guests coming?  Here’s a quicky pie from Keebler.

5-Minute Double Layer Chocolate Pie

1-1/4 cup cold milk

2 pkgs (4-serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding & pie filling

1 tub (8 oz) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

1 Keebler graham crust

1) In a large bowl, beat milk and pudding mix with whisk for 1 minute.  (Mixture will be thick).  Whisk in 1/2 of topping.  Carefully spread in crust.

2) Spread remaining topping over crust.

3) Garnish as desired.  Enjoy.

Yield: 8 servings

This last thought from Loise Pinkerton Fritz.

A Patch of Brightness

There is a patch of brightness

That lightens every day;

It shines when skies are bluest

And, too, when they are grey.

It warms my inner being

And dissipates the cold;

This little patch of brightness

Is God’s sunlight in my soul.

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