Eating healthy may mean learning to like new vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It may mean serving  meats that are not deep fried or laden with sauces and gravies. Caring for others includes doing all we can to give them good nutrition and that can be a challenge.

What’s a gal to do when hubby wants only the vegetables he knew from childhood: green beans, peas and potatoes?  The  green beans were cooked in bacon grease and laden with bacon pieces. Peas and potatoes may have been swimming in a rich, creamy white sauce and butter. Take away the sauces and such and you are left with a plain dish that can get old quickly.

I enjoy the frozen or fresh vegetables best; however, time constraints and budget often pull me to the cabinet to grab a can of something. Today we will look at a couple of ways to dress up canned vegetables without adding a lot of calories and fats.

GREEN BEANS ITALIAN STYLE

drain and rinse two cans of green beans

stir in one can of chopped Italian tomatoes

heat and serve

Now that was easy, wasn’t it? Try other combinations and you’ll be surprised at how good a plain ole can of green beans will taste.

For a more festive meal; try replacing the traditional calorie-laden green bean casserole with FESTIVE VEGGIE CUPS.

Drain two cans of green beans, rinse, and heat in skillet with small amount of olive oil. Season to taste–experiment with basil, dill or other herbs.

Trim crusts from eight slices of whole grain bread, lightly butter. Carefully push center of bread slices down into a muffin tin. This will form a pocket with four corners sticking out. Toast slightly in oven.  Scoop a couple of spoons of warmed green beans and top with one or more of the following:  pimento and  slivered almonds, chopped onion, a sprinkle of grated cheese or Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream.

I found some quick and healthy recipes and  ideas in this cookbook  by Brenda Ponichtera for using familiar ingredients as well as adding some new items to our menu. The recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and especially valuable to those who say they don’t have time to cook healthy meals.  

Bottom line: be brave, experiment. Do all you can to make mealtime a special time with your family as you enjoy the bounty God has provided. Let me hear from you with your ideas. Enjoy!

Hugs,

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