Bridgette's Scrumptious Smoothie

Here is a great way to get those required fruits and veggies! SMOOTHIES! All you need is a blender and some fresh (preferably organic) fruits and veggies. (no ice, no dairy smoothie)

1 carrot, not peeled (if organic) and cut into coins or small strips

(OPTIONAL 5 baby carrots sliced substitute for 1 carrot)

1/4 cucumber, not peeled and sliced into medallions

1 small handful spinich

1/2 med. apple- your favorite variety, seeds taken out

1 banana, peeled and broken in half

3 med. strawberries

1 handful blueberries

1/2 C grape juice

Liquefy in blender until smooth consistency. Enjoy! ( makes 1-2 servings)

Sweet Balsamic Chicken and Veggies with Blood Oranges

(I made this up one night when I just wanted to try something new and had a sweet tooth, but wanted to eat healthy! Remember to use organic and natural foods as much as possible.)

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. You will need a 9x13" glass pan and foil.

6 Chicken thighs (bone in, skin optional)

3 Parsnips (peel if not organic), chunked

6 Carrots (peel if not organic), cut into sticks

1 Red Onion, quartered and halved

1 Blood Orange (Navel ok to substitute), sliced with peel on

1/2 C Balsamic Vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Place chicken thighs in pan to fit. Dump cut vegetables on top of meat and spread evenly in pan. Pour Balsamic Vinegar evenly over ingredients. Crush fresh salt and pepper over top to taste. Place sliced oranges uniformly on top of all ingredients. Cover in foil. Place on center rack of oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) or until chicken reaches 165 degrees minimum internally (using meat thermometer).

Serve with brown rice and favorite green salad. Makes 6 servings. Enjoy!

Butter Lettuce Fruit and Nut Salad

10 oz Butter Lettuce

1/4 C dried cranberries, blueberries, and/or pomegranate seeds

(choose one or mix together to make 1/4 C total!)

3 TB Sliced Almonds

1/4 C Feta Cheese

1/4 White Balsamic Vinegrette

Toss all ingredients together in a large glass or wooden bowl (no metal). Makes 4-6 servings. Enjoy!