Tasty Bites: Kicked-Up Fried Green Tomatoes

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

There’s really only one reason I plan tomatoes in the spring – as much as I love a juicy ripe red tomato, I love fried green tomatoes even more. They have a great “tomatoey” flavor and I like to keep the breading light but spicy to really make the flavor pop. The coating for these is so simple because I always have the two main ingredients on hand, and never have to run to the store – whole wheat bread crumbs and my favorite seasoning!

What? You don’t keep crumbs in your freezer? We don’t eat the “heels” of the bread, but instead save them in a separate bag in the freezer. When I have several collected, I put them on the counter to dry out overnight or dry them out in a low oven. When they are good and dry, pulse in the food processor until finely crumbled. They keep for a very long time stored in freezer bags in your freezer.

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Tasty Bites: Frozen Watermelon Slush

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

I’m not sure about where you live, but here in Iowa among the corn and soybeans it’s hot, hot, hot in the summertime. Our bodies acclimate quickly to the heat and humidity, but most of us still don’t stay well-enough hydrated. Even though water is the best way to rehydrate, sometimes you just to make hydration tasty. Add some healthy nutrients and hopefully you will drink more fluids, even if they take just a little bit of preparation.

This frozen slush is a good source of potassium and folate, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, manganese and fiber. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy!

Frozen Watermelon Slush

3 cups ripe seedless watermelon, cubed

1 cup frozen strawberries

2 scoops lemon sorbet

¼ cup pineapple juice, chilled

2 tablespoons  fresh lime juice

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into 4 glasses and serve.

Candy Steele is a registered nurse who has worked with cardiac patients for over thirty years. “Functional foods” have become her passion, and she enjoys sharing her love of cooking, a random life and a faithful Jesus with her friends at Steele (the Day). She is blessed with three grown children, a new daughter-in-law, and a kind and patient husband who only knows how to fix popcorn (but she’s OK with that).

Tasty Bites: Burrito In A Bowl

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

I love throwing random foods together and making a tasty meal out of it. I’m more of a cook than a baker, and some of my “Tasty Bites” recipes have been a little difficult to refine as I do a lot of guessing on the amounts of some ingredients. No bakery would ever hire me!

This meal is loaded with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken. Many of the ingredients in this recipe don’t have an amount listed – add them to your taste and liking. You will have leftovers of some of the ingredients for tomorrow’s lunch! And if you like, you can even wrap it in a burrito!

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Tasty Bites: Mango Banana Smoothie: Fuel and Refuel

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

After exercise, it’s important to refuel your body with healthy protein and energy. The smoothie is one of my favorites as it is refreshing, cold, and you can prepare the ingredients ahead, put the blender in the fridge and blend it up when you get home. This combination of fruit, milk and yogurt packs a healthy supply of Vitamin C and the banana provides replenishment of potassium lost during exercise.

Mango Banana Smoothie

1 ripe mango, cut in chunks

8 ounces non-fat vanilla yogurt

1 banana, cut in chunks

½ cup  Skim Milk

1 handful ice

Put all ingredients in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Candy Steele is a registered nurse who has worked with cardiac patients for over thirty years. “Functional foods” have become her passion, and she enjoys sharing her love of cooking, a random life and a faithful Jesus with her friends at Steele (the Day). She is blessed with three grown children, a new daughter-in-law, and a kind and patient husband who only knows how to fix popcorn (but she’s OK with that).

Tasty Bites: Spinach Blueberry Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

Nothing says “Spring” like a fresh salad. I love the flavors in this simple dish. The savory red onion and spinach, the salty cheese, and just the perfect sweetness of the fruit and honey make the perfect combination. Fruits and vegetables together fills you full of healthy antioxidants and phytochemicals – what I like to call “God’s pharmacy.”

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