"Forget Your Resolutions, Just Live Healthy" Dinner Party
Every since I changed my prayer from losing weight to living healthy, January 4 has been my "Living Healthy Anniversary". Each year. I like the Lord for helping me help myself and others, and I rededicate myself to doing the best I can...the best I can! Join me at the table and on a wonderful journey to good health.
Creamy Stroganoff Soup (103)
Broccoli Party Casserole (158)
Baked Chicken in Mushroom Sauce (189)
White Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cheesecake (258)
Chocolate Brandy Alexander (308)
Just to say "I Love You" Supper For Two
You can show your love in so many ways, and on so many occasions throughout the year, but Valentine's Day has always been a sweet time for husbands and wives to make a special declaration of love. Cliff has helped me make so many dreams come true, and he has given me support and friendship as well as his love. Pleasing Cliff's tastebuds is one of my favorite occupations, and never more of a pleasure than on a day that celebrates a love that lasts.
Honey Dijon Sweet Potato Salad (141)
Peas Lorraine (165)
Stuffed Beef Rounds (214)
Layered Cherry Almond Pie (254)
Berry Bash Slush (307)
"Welcome Spring" Family Sunday Brunch
Winters in Iowa can be long and cold, and sometimes I gaze out my window and wonder if I will ever see my garden in bloom again! But I've learned to have faith that new life is just beneath the surface, and I know my patience will be rewarded come spring. Here's a fun way to greet the arrival of the season that promises renewal for all living things!
Banana Split Gelatin Salad (112)
Bacon and Egg Pizza (286)
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (290)
Cranberry-Orange Bread (294)
Black Forest Cake Roll (265)
A Gathering of Generations Baby Shower
Sometimes blessings come more than one at a time, filling your life with so much joy you think you may just explode with happiness! This past year has been like that for me, with the arrival of not one, not two, but three little miracles in the Lund family! Join me in welcoming Aaron (James and Pam's son), Cheyanne (Tommy and Angie's daughter), and Spencer (Becky and John's son). What better time than spring to gather your loved ones close and revel in the spiritual gifts each generation offers the next.
Tropical Ambrosia Salad (117)
Springtime Potato Salad (140)
Baked Carrot Croquettes with Creamed Pea Sauce (162)
Rio Bravo Pork Tenders (217)
Heavenly Chocolate and Raspberry Dream Dessert (243)
Fiesta Dinner
If you're lucky enough to be vacationing in Mexico come May 5, you might be astonished by the enthusiastic celebrations everywhere you turn! But you don't need a plane ticket to make merry the month of May--just a little salsa, and a little imagination, and some Healthy Exchanges recipes that take their inspiration from our lively next-door neighbor to the south!
Mexican Onion Soup (91)
Chili Corn Salad (136)
South-of-the-Border Chicken Breast (191)
Apple Dessert Enchiladas (273)
Mexican Mocha Float (306)
A Union of Spirits Under the Stars
I love June for so many reasons: strawberries are ripe, flowers are in bloom, and there's usually some festive family event--a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation. Just as a bride and groom seek to join their lives and create something brand-new, something greater than the sum of it's parts, I've chosen dishes that are special served on their own, but presented together to provide a turly memorable meal.
Hawaiian Strawberry Salad (111)
Layered Summer Salad Pie (142)
Chicken Pot Pie Sauce with Noodles (194)
Island Shrimp and Rice (186)
Ice Cream Mince Pie (253)
Fun Times Finger Lickin' Kids' Night Cookout
School's out (hurray!), there's no homework (wow!), and you can stay up as late as you like (whee!). IF summer isn't a kids idea of heaven, I don't know what is! This menu is great for vacation birthdays, but you don't need a special occasion to invite the gang over to your house. The kid-pleasing recipes take very little time to prepare, so that Mom and Dad can enjoy the party, too.
Easy Refrigerator Shake Pickles (301)
Sweet 'n' Sour Vegetable Salad (134)
The Best Baked Beans (170)
Frankfurter and Sauerkraut Pizza (226)
Chocolate Brownie Cake with Raspberry Glaze and White Chocolate Topping (267)
Sizzling Summer Days Family Reunion Potluck
There's no summer tradition I enjoy more than inviting family members from far and near to share in a healthy potluck meal! Sitting under the trees, nibbling on foods beloved since childhood, everyone feels those special ties that bind us to those we love. Let's cherish the good times together!
Dilly Deviled Eggs (299)
Cabbage Mardi Gras Salad (130)
Tuna Macaroni Salad (143)
Crunchy Grande Baked Chicken (190)
Pear and Raspberry Crumb Pie (252)
"See You in September" Bake-To-School Picnic
Of course you want to make the summer last--everyone does! But before you know it, the kids will be bake in school, and it'll be time to buckle down again in the office. Here's a splendid end-of-summer menu to make the most of the sunny days and sarlit nights you've got left. And perhaps some dancing under the golden moon...?
Crispy Vegetable Slaw (133)
Ham-Broccoli-Pasta Salad (147)
Tuna-Potato Salad Casserole (181)
Barbecued Loose-Meat Sandwiches (208)
Perfect Apple Pie (255)
Harvest Time/Halftime "Reap What You Sow" Supper
As the leaves turn glorious colors and drift down from the trees, as the bounty of our fields graces our tables, why not welcome the harvest with a heartwarming family meal? There's something about the little chill in the air that boosts everyone's appetites, but with these tasty dishes, you can feast without fear.
Midwest Ham and Corn Chowder (106)
Green Pot Luck (135)
Baked Hash Browns au Gratin (166)
Pot Roast Meatloaf (200)
German Chocolate Crazy Cake (268)
"Thanks for Everything" Post-Turkey Day Dinner
I've never believed in saving my gratitude for life's gifts for just one day in late November. Expressing thanks for the joy in my life has been a daily practice--and a wonderful time to acknowledge a precious relationship with the Lord. If you haven't taken a few minutes lately to count your blessings, do it today--and invite your dearest friends to gather round your table.
The BEST Turkey Chowder (99)
Super Spinach Squares (160)
German Scalloped Potatoes (167)
Creamy Cajun Turkey Skillet (195)
Banana Peanut Butter Dream Pie (248)
Healthy and Heartfelt Holiday Buffet
So many people fear the holidays as a time of overeating and depressing weight gains. Wouldn't it be wonderful this year to view those weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year's as a season to celebrate a year of living healthy? With a few well-chosen Healthy Exchanges recipes, you can dine deliciously--and party till you drop!
Italian Tomato Corn Chowder (93)
Calico Ham Dip (296)
Confetti Meatloaf (199)
Salisbury Pasta Skillet (206)
Cranberry-Walnut Glazed Cheesecake (257)
